yay! i can't wait i loved the story!!!

Love Love Love this story!!! Was sooooo happy to see Part II posted, and I had a funny feeling that Michael would soon get the itch again! The kits are so so sweet, and I love each and every little personality. Each is perfect in description and I cannot wait to see the interaction with them and soon-to-be expecting Michael. Great job to the both of you & update soon!! ((:

~*Chapter 2 *~


"They won't..." Michael bit his lip. "You don't think they'll be able to hear us, right?"

"We'll just have to trust them to behave love, and lock our doors."

"It's not a matter of them behaving," Michael insisted. "It's a matter of scarring them with our racket. What if they think I'm being hurt?"

Richard murred quietly. "That is a quandary..." he replied.

"Oh! What if we get that Becky girl down the street to watch them?" He stroked a finger through the tuft of fur sticking out from his mate's shirt. "Then we can rent a hotel room..."

Richard chuckled gently "You're so devious... I love it." he purred. "But for now, it's dinner time, time for them to fill their little bellies.

Michael grinned. "And then it'll be time for you to fill mine," he said and kissed Richard before getting out of the bed. "I'll just call Becky and see if she's available. You get the kids to the table."

"Alright" he purred lightly, before padding up to the cubs' room. "Come on little ones, dinner is ready."

They all came scampering from the room in hungry pack fashion, nearly running each other over in the process. Each one scrambled up into their seats with tails wagging behind them. "What's for dinner, Daddy?" asked Michelle, even though her little nose was already hard at work sniffing the air.

"I made a pot roast with vegetables." he replied. Rebecca made a 'yuck' face, while Joseph began to drool.

Ricky bounced in his seat excitedly. "Meat, oh boy!" he yipped. "Can I have three pieces? Please, please, please?"

"We'll see, you little scamp." Richard Sr. chuckled. "We have to make sure everyone gets a fair share."

His stomach gave a loud growl. "But I'm huuuungry," he whined.
Michael laughed as he came into the kitchen. "Tell you what, if you're still hungry after the first serving, you can have mine."
"Thanks, mamma!" he yipped happily.

Richard chuckled lightly before cutting into the meat, looking out to all his children and his radiant wife. "My perfect family..." he cooed aloud, before looking to the children. "So, how do you all feel about becoming big brothers and sisters?" he asked, trying to gauge their reactions.

Ricky watched his father carve the roast with hunger shimmering in his eyes. "I think it'll be cool. We can teach 'em how to do stuff!"
"But what if they try to play with our toys?" Michelle asked. "I know we're suppose'ta share, but they babies will drool on my dollies..."

Richard smiled warmly. "If they do, bring them to me or mommy, and we'll clean them up like new." he replied, wagging his tail. "... It could be fun watching them grow inside mommy..." Rebecca purred quietly with a warm smile. Adrien giggled sweetly. "An' feel them kick and wiggle." Joseph looked into his mother's eyes. "Will they not like me cause I'm different?" he asked quietly, glancing at his arm.

Michael looked back at his son with slightly widened eyes. "Of course not, dear. Why would you think that?" He gasped, his "mama bear" mode kicking in. "Do kids at school not like you because of your arm? Are they teasing you? Are they mean to you?" Hazel eyes flew over to his mate. "Richard, we have to call his teacher! The other children are excluding Joseph!"

"No momma." Joseph replied. "They just don't like that I can't play as much as everyone else. I don't mind, Rebecca keeps me company." Rebecca nodded and passed them a picture they had drawn during recess of their parents holding hands.

Red ears folded down a little as he looked at the picture. It was very sweet, but he worried about his youngest. "I'm sorry, Joseph... Momma wishes he could make everything better for you..."

"The doctor said that I just need to keep exercising it, right?" Joseph murred gently. Rebecca looked down, as if ashamed she wasn't doing a good enough job in her mother's eyes.

Of course he noticed this, so Michael reached over to pet back Rebecca's hair. "Your brother and sisters do a wonderful job of supporting you. I'm proud of them for not treating you differently. And yes, the doctor did say that, you're right. Momma just wishes... I could have done more. I don't ever want you, any of you, to miss out on anything in life. That's all."

Joseph smiled sweetly and Rebecca formed a small smile. "I don't think I'm missing out on anything." Joseph said. Richard Sr. interjected. "Come now, let's stop with all the sad talk and enjoy some of this delicious pot roast. The meat was served, grace was said, and the family ate and talked as a proper family should.

After dinner, Michael took on the task of giving the kits their bath and getting them ready for bed, while he put Richard in charge of their overnight bags and calling the hotel. Becky arrived right on time, just as the kits were eating their pudding cups and watching their nightly allotted half hour of television. "We really appreciate you coming on such short notice," Michael said as Richard helped him into his coat. "It's not problem Mr. Michael," she said, waving her hand. "And don't worry, I know the drill. Pudding cups in the trash, teeth brushed, bedtime story, and then lights out."
Michael smiled at her. "That's why you're the best." He then looked to his children. "Mommy will be here when you come home from school tomorrow," he told them. "I love you, babies."

"We love you too mommy!" they chirped in unison, before hugging their babysitter's legs. Richard smiled lightly as he held Michael close. "I got us a nice honeymoon suite..." he purred quietly in his mate's ear, before looking to Becky with a smile. "We should be back sometime around midnight, okay? There will be a little more for your troubles."

Becky blinked and looked between the two of them. "Mr. Richard... Mr. Michael said you'd all be away the whole night. I don't mind. My first class isn't until 10:00 anyway. You two should stay out. Have a good time, all right?"

"Alright. There's money for pizza on the counter. Have a good night." he replied with a purr, before taking Michael out to the car. "Mmm, are you ready for a spectacular evening?"

Michael grinned as he got into the passenger seat, slipping on his seat belt. "You know I am. We've haven't had real sex in a while. No condoms... No pills... It's going to be great."

Richard nodded and smiled. "And I have the Chardonnay at the ready." he replied, motioning to the bucket full of ice in between the front seats.

The red fox laughed. "Are they really going to let you bring that in?" he asked.

"I called ahead and got the okay." Richard cooed. His paw reached and stroked Michael's thigh. "I cannot wait to feel you again, and see you swelling with new life..."

Michael blushed, casting his gaze out the window. He was still embarrassed, in a very flattered sort of way, to hear his mate say things like that. "I don't think very many men could say such a thing to me," he said quietly.

"That's because they don't know such a unique creature like you. You're a miracle... MY miracle." Richard cooed sweetly. "I love you, and would do anything for you."
"Sometimes, I'm still a little afraid," Michael admitted slowly. "Of the attention it draws... from certain types of... of people..." he said, the memory still haunting him on nights when he sleep was restless enough.

Richard nuzzled Michael sweetly. "It haunts me too, love, but we can't be afraid for the rest of our lives. We just have to be on our guard when you're in a motherly way..." he replied solemnly, starting their vehicle.

"They put him down... right Richard?"

"He was shot when we found you, my love..." Richard replied quietly, taking Michael's paw and squeezing it reassuringly.

Michael used his free paw to touch his head. "Oh, right... I was so overwhelmed when you found me. Sometimes I can't remember all of it... Sorry."

"It's okay..." Richard smiled, as he pulled into the hotel parking lot. "Here we are. The Silver Shell, one of the finest hotels in the area." he purred sweetly. "I am so excited, I feel like a kit on prom night.

"Well, you won't catch me in a glitter dress," Michael chuckled, getting out on his own side. He followed Richard inside, waited as they got checked in, and then scampered towards the elevator.

Richard followed after, wagging his tail excitedly. "So how have our babies been doing?" he asked as they rode the elevator up to their suite.

"Rebecca is always so quiet," Michael replied. "I'm a little afraid she doesn't know how to make friends. Joseph insists that he's fine, but I really think his arm bothers him more than he lets on. Ricky's confidence comes and goes. Normally he's very proud of himself and gets along great with others, but the second he feels like he's done something wrong, it all crumbles. Adrien can be a little bossy. I think we need to talk with her about that. Michelle is such a sweetheart. She has so many friends. None of them are boys, but that's normal at their age."

Richard smiled. "I agree that we need to do something about the problems that arise, but don't you agree that our children have such great personalities?" he purred, wrapping his tail around Michael's waist. "I can't wait to see what they'll grow up to be like as teenagers, then adults."

Michael purred as well, stepping closer to his mate. "Of course, but let's not jump too far ahead. I don't want to miss out on them growing up."

"I know, but it's so exciting, you know? Knowing that each one of our children have things that set them apart, even at this young age..." Richard licked Michael's cheek sweetly. "I remember in high school, you were so quiet and meek. I found it so cute."

Michael blushed. "Must be where Rebecca gets it from."

"What about me? How did you first see me?" Richard giggled, tracing little circles on Michael's chest.

"You were so confident," Michael hummed. "President of the debate team, a player on the basketball team... You could get anyone's attention with just one word. None of us really knew what we would go to college for, but you'd already decided. You knew you were going to be a lawyer. It showed..."

"Do you think that our family is perfect?" he sighed wistfully, as the elevator began to slow.

Michael hummed. "For what it is, yes," he answered with a gentle smile.

"We're here. Do you have any room left since dinner?" Richard asked, rubbing Michael's belly gently.

"Of course," Michael replied with a soft giggle. "And not just because I gave Ricky half my plate. I always have room for you, my love."

"I have another surprise waiting for us in the room..." he purred sweetly as he led his lover to their suite. Waiting inside was a silver platter with a beautiful arrangement of cheeses, crackers, and fresh fruit. "I thought we'd work up to our lovemaking," he purred as he walked Michael to the bed.

"Ohhh, look at you," Michael purred, playfully pushing his husband's chest. "How did you even come up with something like that?"

"I have a friend who is high up in this hotel chain. I called in a little favor, just for us." Richard cooed as he picked up the platter. "Here darling, say aah..." he chuckled as he started to feed Michael a cracker with a small slice of cheddar on it.

The other male couldn't help a chuckle. "Cheese and crackers? Our kits eat this for snack time at school, Richard." He then pointed. "I want those strawberries."

Richard nodded and ate the cracker himself, before offering his mate a plump, fresh strawberry.

Michael licked his lips and then licked the strawberry slowly, just grazing it with his teeth to draw the juices out. "Mmmmn..."

Richard smiled and wagged his tail gently. "Mmm, that's my sweetheart..." he purred lightly. "I'm already getting turned on..."

He bit into the red fruit, letting some of the juice drip down his chin a little, while the rest he just swallowed slowly.

Richard cooed happily as he watched his love eating, slowly and sensually. He tried to hold back his arousal so that they could enjoy this time before they got down and dirty.

Michael giggled as he licked his lips. "You look like a cork ready to pop, Richard."

"I feel like one..." Richard replied. "But this is about you too... I want to make you feel sexy before we dive right in."

"You're sweet." Michael took another bite of the strawberry and then pulled back, gazing at his mate with sultry eyes. He gripped the hem of his shirt, pulled it up and off, and threw it to the floor. The red fox leaned back on his hands, head tilted down slightly to intensify that gaze. It had taken a year of hard work, but Michael had finally earned back his former figure. Of course there was the slight female feature here and there, like wider hips, a small curve in his belly, slightly fuller thighs... all permanent now from having his kits. His long, bushy tail brushed over the front of his own body, tickling the sloping contours of his chest. "Do I look sexy?"

"Mmm, very much so..." Richard groaned happily, his own tail wagging. "You look so motherly, it's very becoming." he purred, as his hands ran over the slight swell of Michael's feminine hips.

The red fox bit his lip, blushing. "I still remember our first time together, when you told me your secret. You'll think it's silly, but... I almost feel like we actually were made for each other. Fate knew I would need someone to love and understand my... my gift. Who better than someone who found such a thing to be attractive?"

Richard smiled warmly as he took his paws off Michael's fecund hips. The white fox's arms then wrapped around Michael's thin frame, before hugging the red fox tightly. "Mmm, I love you so much. I couldn't imagine life without you."

"I know mine would be far more empty without you..." Michael replied, hugging Richard back and nuzzling his face into a white-furred neck. "Oh Richard... I love you. I love you..."

Richard's muzzle nuzzled Michael's ear gently. "Mmm, I love you so much too..." he purred sweetly. His hand wandered to the mature, feminine bulge in Michael's belly, stroking it gently.

Michael whined softly, wriggling against his mate. "You find me attractive, right, Richard?"

"Honey, I'm about to blow, you're so sexy..." the white fox cooed gently. His arms traveled all over Michael's body, rubbing and tickling in all the right places.

"Good, because I can't wait anymore." Michael knew Richard was the alpha. Michael knew Richard always took the offense when anything was suggested otherwise. Michael knew Richard might get angry if he tried, but... Dear god, he just couldn't stand it. In a flurry of hormones and lust, it was Michael who pinned Richard to the bed, panting and wrestling with the belt on his mate's slacks. "I need you. Now..."

Richard chuckled lightly. "So long as I'm the one giving," he replied with a raised eyebrow, pulling off his shirt.

"I want you to take me, Richard," he groaned. "Take me and do whatever you want with me. Do you know how long it's been?" Michael yipped a small victory when the belt finally came free and was flung across the room. "I don't mean months or years. I mean how long it has been. I need you. I want to feel you. You! Not your tongue, not your fingers, not a rubber, not a toy. You. You. You. All raw and hot and fast... Oh Richard!"

Richard murred lustfully, abandoning all rational thought and pinning his mate, flipping Michael onto his hands and knees, before thrusting in hard and deep. "Mmmmmph, it has been so long... This feels so great! So hot and tight!"

"Aaahn!" Michael gripped the sheets in his fists. Honestly, as much as he wanted it, he still wasn't expecting it so quickly. Of course that didn't mean he didn't love it. "Ohhhn... R-Richard!"

"Michael... I love you so much... You make me whole..." he murred gently, though still pounding in as rough as possible without causing any damage to his mate.

"Aahn! Aaaah!" Michael locked his elbows and allowed his knees to take the lunge with every thrust. He wanted to respond, but the only thing making its way out of Michael's mouth were pleasured moans and cries. "Richard! Riiiiiichard!" Hazel eyes attempted a look back over his shoulder, clouded with lust. "Y-Yes!"

Richard took Michael's head in his hand and kissed deeply and passionately, before shoving his knot inside, tying them together. "Mmmmm, I'm going to cum soon..." he purred lightly, his hands sliding down to hug the maternal pooch that had grown on Michael.

The bed was creaking with the movement of their combined bodies. Even the headboard started to smack against the wall. "Oh! Ohhhh... Nnh!" Michael gasped into the thick, heated air, feeling sweat gather at the small of his back and drip down the rest of his body. "Nnngh! R-ichard! Oh! Oooh!"

Richard threw his head back and gave a loud, long howl as his seed gushed into Michael's fertile body, flooding his womb. "Michael...! Oh God, Michael..." he groaned, before slumping onto his mate's back.

The sensation was what sent Michael over the edge. His voice pitched as he cried out his own release. It came fast and it passed quickly. The red fox was then left on shaking hands and kneed, panting, yet smiling. "Wow. Oh wow..."

"That... That felt wonderful, love..." Richard cooed gently, before pulling Michael onto his side as he flopped to the side as well.

A small yelp was heard, surprised at being pulled down. He laughed softly and tried to catch his breath. "I hope it took, too..."

"I do too. Although I wouldn't be terribly upset if it didn't. Cause then we could do this all over again..."

That drew a louder laugh from the smaller fox. "I won't argue with you there."

Richard sighed lightly as he stroked the belly he held happily. "I look forward to being able to do it in our own home..."

"Maybe we can do it while the children are at school. We'll run home during lunch hour," Michael suggested, blushing as Richard pet him so.

"So is that a habit you want to start?" he chuckled lightly.

Michael shrugged. "Maybe not a habit, but something special we do now and then, yeah."

"How does once a week sound? Nice and bareback..." Richard chuckled, nipping Michael's ear.

"As long as I can manage it," Michael replied and gave his stomach a pat, indicating his upcoming size.

Richard giggled some more, "I'm looking forward to it..."

The couple stayed true to their plan, coming home once a week to the empty house and enjoying each other's personal company, rolling in the sheets and yipping feverishly. Days came and went, turning into weeks, and soon enough Michael could tell he was pregnant again. Morning sickness was a curse that didn't pass any quicker than it had last time around. It was all worth while though when he discovered the firm curve in his belly, giving it a definite shape that pushed against his t-shirts. True to his word, though, Michael didn't let the pregnancy interfere with his first litter. Which is why today, like every day, he was waiting for them at the door as they got off the bus. "Hello my darlings!"

His babies yipped happily as they all rushed off the bus to greet their mother. "Hey momma! How are the babies?" Ricky Jr. asked.

Michael laughed and pet his son's head. "The babies are fine, Ricky," he answered. "Are you all glad it's Friday?" he asked, ushering them inside.

Joseph smiled and nodded as Rebecca and Michelle were already at Michael's legs. Adrien stuck with her little brother, helping him inside. Joseph's arm had been getting stronger, but he still had troubles with it.

Again he laughed at his children and took them to the kitchen. "Well, you all have been so good lately that I decided you get special Friday snacks this week." He pulled a freshly baked batch of peanut butter cookies from the over, still warm and soft, with gooey carob chips in them. Each kit got two along with a glass of cold milk. "Mmm, they sure smell good," he said with a grin.

Each and every kit was excited about today's snack. Their mommy always made the best cookies. Before Michael could think twice, the cookies and milk was all gone, leaving five sated kits rubbing their tummies and licking their lips.

Michael giggled behind his paw. "Guess I'll have to make some more later," he said. "You kids go play now. Joseph, I want to put your arm brace on you. Will you wait on the couch for me?"

He nodded and wagged his tail as he went to the den, as his brother and sisters ran off to play.

Michael preferred to keep the brace at home for fear of making his youngest appear any more different. It was designed to pull the muscles straight, while still allowing Joseph to bend his arm when he needed to. Michael fetched the brace from the hall closet and came into the den to find his son waiting diligently. "You're such a good boy," he cooed and took the kit into his lap. He was wearing an old shirt from college, one of his favorites. It was green and a bit on the small side, causing the lower curve of his belly to stick out from under the material. "Okie dokie, arm straight... There ya go!" Michael praised and slipped the brace on, pulling the velcro straps into place.

"Momma? Can I feel the babies?" Joseph cooed lightly, blushing slightly.

"Hm?" Hazel eyes blinked curiously down at the little kit. "Well, they aren't moving or anything. There isn't much to feel yet." Michael saw the disappointment on Joseph's face then, so he smiled gently. "But if you want to feel them, then you can certainly try," he said, leaning back against the couch cushions.

Joseph's little paw stroked over the small bulge in Michael's belly. "It feels kinda neat..." he purred lightly, wagging his tail.

"Yeah?" Michael asked quietly. "Is it any different than what you thought it would be?"

"Yeah, a little. I thought it would be a little more squishy." Joseph replied.

Michael giggled. "Squishy, huh? Well, it will get like that later," he explained. "Right now I'm too small. There isn't a lot of extra skin and fat to make me soft yet. I'll get there, though."

Joseph giggled lightly, before hugging his mother. "I love you." he purred, before jumping off and running to go play.

"Love you," Michael called after the kit. Now alone, Michael had the chance to think. His fingers lightly stroked his belly. While he really wasn't that big, Michael couldn't help thinking how the shaped had appeared earlier this time than it had during his first pregnancy. Was that normal for a second litter? Perhaps he was actually having more. The very thought made his ears stand straight up in alarm. More kits meant more belly room would be needed. How big was he going to get then? "Maybe I need to bring someone in again..." Michael pondered aloud.

Richard came in shortly after the pondering had occurred and smiled as he leaned in to kiss the red fox gently. "Hey baby. How was your day?"

*drools* I loved the first one can't wait for more! :D

LuvTheBump and I got back together, and now we're using Google Docs! No more wait for proofreading! To show how efficient the new system is, I'm posting two chapters tonight!

~*Chapter 4 *~
"Cause he won't be able to move around very good," Ricky said, scampering over with the others to give Richard a hug.

"We're all gonna be super helpers!" Michelle declared proudly.

"That's what daddy wants to hear. Let's go see mommy, okay?" he replied as he stood up and chuckled. He then turned around and started marching in place. "Follow the leader," he chuckled.

"Follow the leader! Follow the leader!" the all yipped and lined up behind him. Michael was lying on the couch when they came downstairs. He'd been on his side, paw on his stomach, and looking a little depressed. When he saw them, though, it put a small smile on his face. "You call look like a parade," he said, referring to all the kits in their dress up.

"Yeah, a parade for you!" Adrian yipped as she twirled her baton, still marching in place in her cute leotard.

Michael smiled. "You look great," he said, but didn't really make a move to sit up. "How about we order pizza for dinner, hm?"

The kits squealed happily and swarmed their mother, showering him with hugs and kisses. "That's the easy way to be popular around here." Richard chuckled.

Still Michael just smiled. He made the effort to pet a few of them on the head, but that was it. The pizza wasn't to please his family. Michael just didn't feel like cooking. At the moment he didn't feel like doing much of anything. He had felt it creeping in for the past few days, and he'd been hoping it would pass, but now Michael was finding himself emotionally drained. "How does cheese and sausage sound to everyone?"

"Sounds yummy, momma," Joseph purred, wagging his tail.

"I'll go ahead and call it in," Richard replied, kissing Michael on the cheek before padding in the kitchen.

"Come sit with Momma, Joseph," said Michael, scooting back a bit to make room for the kit.

He got up and smiled as he sat in Michael's lap. The other kits sat in front of the couch, staring at their mother as well.

Hazel eyes blinked back at the little ones on the floor. "Wh-What are all of you staring at?" he asked confusedly.

"You, momma," Ricky Jr, replied.

"You're really pretty," Rebecca cooed lightly.

"Momma doesn't feel very pretty..." Michael sighed.

"What's the matter, momma?"

The red fox shook his head. "I'm just... sad, sweetie."

Their little ears tucked. "Please don't be sad, momma," Michelle cooed quietly, rubbing Michael's cheek.

"I can't... Momma can't help..." Michael couldn't finish. Seeing those sad little faces made him choke, and before he knew it, Michael was crying right there in front of them.

They all gathered around and cried with Michael. Richard rushed in, worried after hearing all the crying. He smiled gently, before hugging his family closely.

"I can't!" Michael yelped and broke away, going upstairs to his room where they heard the door slam shut.

Michelle sniffled and wiped her nose on her sleeve. "Daddy, what's wrong with Mommy?"

"Well kids, this happens sometimes with mommies. These things called hormones, and sometimes they make us all do crazy things. When mommies get pregnant, their moods will change without reason. One minute, mommy will be happy and the next he will be sad, for no reason. Mommy is okay, we just need to give him a little space. Come, let's watch a little television while we wait on the pizza."

They all nodded and clambered up onto the couch with their father, all pointing when their favorite cartoon came on, indicating that Richard should stay on that channel. Meanwhile, Michael remained held up in their room. He was face down on the bed, sobbing into a pillow. He was like that all through dinner and even after Richard had put the kits to bed. By the time his mate came around, Michael was weeping weakly with red and puffy eyes and tears soaked cheeks. "I feel like I'm drowning, Richard..."

Richard held Michael tightly. "Is there anything I can do to help, Michael? You gave the kids quite a scare, and quite frankly, I hate seeing you like this. I don't like it when you're sad." His paw gently scritched between Michael's ears, trying to help elevate the red fox's mood.

"It feels so much worse than that," Michael said. "It's like... there was this huge wave that was building for days, and suddenly it just hit me. Oh god... I feel so lost. Like I can't breathe..."

Richard held Michael closely, not wanting to ever let go. "I'm here for you. Our children are too. We're all here to give you love, unconditional and ever flowing," he replied with a small, understanding smile. "Let's spoon. I promise nothing bad will happen, tonight or any other night."

Michael didn't say anything in return. He didn't even nod or shake his head. He just curled up on his side, turned his face into the pillow, and started to sob all over again.

Richard curled up behind him and purred lightly as he gently hugged his love. "I'll always be here for you," Richard cooed, gently rubbing over Michael's body.

Michael nodded, but only slightly, not feeling compelled to move much. "I... I know, Richard. I know..." he said and tried to sniffle back his tears.

Richard cooed gently into Michael's ear. "You don't have to say anything. You don't have to move. I'll do everything for you," he purred, nuzzling cheek to cheek with the distressed red fox. "Tomorrow is Saturday. We can sleep in, then I can make you a nice, light breakfast."

He released a shuddering breath. "I... I think I'd like that..."

Richard gently purred as he took his mate's head in his own and leaned in to kiss. "Mmm... How come you're so sweet?" he purred lightly.

Michael continued to cry, hiccuping softly. "I'm n-not..."

"Yes you are, darling. You taste like sugar dissolved in honey." Richard purred sweetly.

The red fox rolled onto his other side now, so he could nuzzle into his mate's chest. "You're t-too guh-good to m-me..."

"You deserve only the best, you know. You're a wonderful mother, an awesome lover, and God's gift to me, as I am yours."

The absolute tiniest of smiles pulled at Michael's lips. "An aw-awesome lov-ver, huh?"

Richard nodded and nuzzled muzzles briefly. "I wouldn't trust anyone else with my body. In fact... I think I want to switch our roles at least once, so we can learn how it feels for each other."

Michael tensed. "Richard, y-you don't have to d-do that..."

"It doesn't have to be tonight, it doesn't have to be next week, it doesn't even have to be until long after the pregnancy. But it is something I want to do for you. If I can be man enough to provide for this ever growing family, I can be man enough to push my insecurities aside for the sake of my partner."

Michael just hummed quietly. "I'm tired, Richard..."

"Then let's go to sleep." Richard replied. "Tomorrow is a lazy day."

Michael closed his hazel eyes and easily drifted off to sleep. After so much crying, his body was ready to wind down. He seemed a bit happier the next morning, managing to give his mate a smile, albeit a small one. Michael rubbed his eyes and rolled over, stretching and yawning widely.

Richard's eyes eventually fluttered open, before he stretched and yawned. "Mmmm, good morning, love..." he purred sweetly to the sleepy red fox.

"Good morning, honey," Michael replied with that wistful little smile. "I think I'm feeling better."

"That's great to hear..." Richard yawned, before getting up and scratching at his sides. "What are you in the mood for this morning?" he asked, looking back.

"Mmm... An omlet," Michael replied. "With lots of cheese, peppers, and tomatoes in it."

"Hee hee, alright, baby doll." Richard chuckled gleefully as he descended the staircase.

Ricky was the first to stick his head out his bedroom door, little nose going crazy as he sniffed the air. "Breakfast!" he announced excitedly, always one ready for food, and bounded down the stairs. The kit ran to the kitchen, skidding across the tile from the momentum alone. "What'cha makin, dad?"

"I'm making omelets. What all would you like in yours, sport?" Richard asked, with a smile.

"Onions!" he said, throwing his paws up. "And those little sausage bits!"

"Sounds nummy pal. I'll have it ready soon. Get your brother and sisters up, and get their orders."

"Kay!" Ricky scampered off and returned a few minutes later with a piece of paper covered in crayon writing. "Okay, are you ready, Dad? I'm gonna tell you. Ready?"

"Calm down, Ricky, I'm at the refrigerator, I'm ready." Richard chuckled, several bowls waiting on the table for ingredients.

"Rebecca just wants cheese in hers. I told her she's supposed to have other stuff to, but she said no. Just cheese. Adrien wants sausage like me e'sept she wants lotsa tomatoes insteada onions. Michelle wants strawberries and banas in hers, and she wants pancake syrup on top it." Ricky stopped to wrinkle his nose at that order, but continued. "And Joseph wants the white cheese with the green colored peppers."

"Alright, okay, I got it all ready, and I think Michelle's order is 'icky' too, but we let them eat what we want. And a cheese omelet is pretty good too." Richard chuckled, getting the ingredients separated. "Want to help me prepare breakfast?"

"Mom says I'm not supposed to touch hot stuff," Ricky said warily, one of his ears going back.

"What if I asked you to hand me things, think you could do that champ?" Richard asked with a smile.

The ear sprang forward. "Yeah!"

He chuckled. "I'm also going to surprise Michelle by making her omelet a pancake instead."

Ricky blinked curiously. "Can you put strawberries and banas in pancake, Dad?"

"I'm going to make her a big pancake and make it like an omelet, so it's a surprise."

The kit nodded. He pulled a chair over near his father and stood on its seat so he could reach the things he needed. Richard smiled and called out the ingredients one at a time as he cooked the eggs. Ricky handed things along as they were needed. Soon enough the table was set with seven plates and six omelets and one pancake. All the delicious smells had pulled the rest of the family from their rooms, little noses twitching curiously even as they rubbed their sleepy eyes.

"Everything looks delicious, honey," Michael purred and kissed Richard's cheek.

"All for my family. Please, sit down and enjoy," Richard replied, wagging his tail happily.

Michael and the kids all sat down. The food was met with smiles and happy hums. "You've gotten so good at cooking, Richard. I remember, when we first moved in together and I made all our meals."

"Well, when you had these little angels growing in your tummy, I had to learn quick, and I learned from the best..." Richard cooed, kissing Michael's cheek tenderly.

"Flattery will get you nowhere," Michael said, smirking, "but you can keep trying."

Richard winked to Michael, before sitting with his family and enjoying a hearty breakfast. "It's Saturday kids. Is there anything you guys wanna do? "

"Can we go to the park?" Michelle asked.

Ricky bounced in his seat. "And we can feed the ducks!"

"Hee hee, okay, calm down you guys. We can even play tag, and Frisbee, and Red Rover..." he listed, trailing off as he thought back to their grade school days on the playground. Michael had always been his best friend since the early days, and was now his wife and loving mother of his children. "Could life get any better?" he asked himself.

"Mom looks kinda sick," Michelle said, watching as Michael paused, hand poised over his mouth.

"Uh oh. Keep eating kids, I'll take care of mommy," he replied, picking Michael up and helping him to the bathroom.

Michael staggered to the bathroom with the help of his mate where he thrust his head into the toilet and lost what little breakfast he'd eaten so far. "Uuuhg..."

"Are you okay babe?" he asked, rubbing Michael's back gently. The red fox always fret when his family was sick, hurt, or upset."

"Just... ugh... some lingering morning sickness," Michael replied.

"Think you'll be up to doing a little sunbathing while I play with the kids?" Richard murred gently, rubbing the leftover vomit with some toilet paper.

Michael nodded. "Maybe not sunbathing. I think sunbathing is usually done in the nude."

"Well, I guess I used the wrong term there. How about sun napping?" Richard chuckled.

The red fox smiled. "Sounds good, yeah."

"Alright. I'll pack us a picnic lunch. You go ahead and grab a book or two to relax with, and those cute shades I like so much."

"I want to try finishing breakfast first," Michael said, getting to his feet again.

"Okay, but if you feel your stomach lurch again, take some antacid and some deep breaths, okay?" Richard replied as he helped Michael to his fee.

Michael nodded and went back to the kitchen table. The kits were all still eating, no messes, which was great. "When you kids are done, make sure you brush your teeth and dress appropriately for going to the park. Nothing white. Too many grass stains."

Ricky giggled lightly as he hopped down from the table, before grabbing his dishes and taking them to the sink. "Okay momma, I promise." Michelle finished next, then Adrien and Joseph finished simultaneously, and finally Rebecca.

Michael was slow to eat his own omelet, careful to not make himself sick. He cleaned up all the dishes before going upstairs to get dressed. He got as far as his boxers and shorts before having to stop. Michael sat on the bed, suddenly feeling drained, and put his head in his hands.

Richard came up as soon as he was done packing their lunch, and noticed that Michael was weakened. "Michael, sweetie? Are you okay?"

"Hm?" Hazel eyes glanced up briefly before going back into his hand. "Yeah, I just... got hit with a wave again."

"Are you going to be okay? I don't want to leave you here alone, but I don't want to tell the kids we can't go..."

Michael shook his head. "I'll shake it off. I just need a minute or two."

"Okay, I'll get the kids into the van," Richard replied with a smile and a kiss.

Michael just nodded slightly. It took him awhile. He could hear the kids clamber out the door excitedly. He could hear the doors on the van open and close. He could hear the engine turn over. That was when he finally got up and finished getting dressed, just throwing on a tank top he found in the second drawer.

Richard stared out the window. "Mommy will be here any moment," he said, mostly for his own reassurance. His smile returned when he saw Michael coming out.

The red fox smiled weakly in return, but really it was just to save face. Michael didn't want the kids to know he was feeling down again. "Ready?" he asked, slipping into the passenger seat.

Richard nodded and slowly pulled out, before driving to the city park. "I hope you get to feeling better love..." he cooed quietly to the red fox beside him.

"Me too," Michael replied. "I hate feeling like this..."

They got to the park and Richard led Michael to the nearest bench, before taking the cubs to the open field to play around with them. Hazel eyes watched his husband running with the kits, all of them laughing. Michael wished he could be a part of it. Why was he feeling this way? It almost physically hurt to feel this sad. Instead he just leaned back on the bench, keeping an eye on the blanket and basket. Maybe he just needed a bit more time. The Frisbee they were tossing about landed next to Michael on the bench. Ricky Jr waved to his mother to throw it back.

Michael looked at the Frisbee, back at his family, and then again at the Frisbee. It was then that he figured actually getting up and playing would help lift his mood. So he stood, Frisbee in hand, and the gave it a good throw, running after it to join them. Joseph chuckled as he caught the Frisbee, his tail wagging as he saw his mommy coming out to play. Michael smiled. He would catch the Frisbee when it was thrown to him, and he'd even pick the kits up so they could catch the high fliers. Before he knew it, the red fox was laughing, soon in better spirits.

"Hee hee, this is fun, mommy!" the normally quiet Rebecca giggled.

Michelle ran after the toy, jumping in an attempt to catch it, only to whine when it got stuck in the branches of a tree. "I'll get it!" Ricky declared, running up to face the tree head on. The little male fox scrambled his way up the trunk, earning a concerned gasp from his mother.

"Ricky, get down!"

Richard Sr. pulled Ricky from the tree. "I'll get it, son. Don't worry us like that."

"Aw, dad, I was doin’ okay by myself," Ricky insisted with folded ears.

"Trust me, sport, there's a reason I'm going up there to get it," he replied, climbing up the tree.

Ricky's green eyes watched his dad climb the tree. It really wasn't nearly as far for the adult fox, seeing him reach the branches only after a shimmy or two up the trunk. "Richard, be careful!" the red fox called.

"I... I will be..." he murred lightly, clinging to the branch. As he reached out for the Frisbee, he lost his balance and fell with a thud onto his back.

"Richard!" cried Michael. He ran to his mate at once, immediately terrified that his injuries from the car accident those few years ago would now be even worse. "Richard! Richard!"

~*Chapter 6 *~

Michael woke up the next morning feeling like he hadn’t slept a wink. He sat up and looked around the room through bleary eyes, finding Richard sprawled out next to him. The time on the clock was flashing 10:33, but it was Sunday after all, so sleeping in was expected. Not even the kits were making a sound. The red fox scratched at his big mess of red hair and groaned to himself. It wasn’t going to be a good day.

Richard snored quietly, kicking gently in his sleep. Joseph was the first one awake, and had quietly wandered into his parents’ bedroom. He came up on Michael and gently poked him. “Mommy? Can I spend some time with you today?” he purred cutely.

Normally, Michael would have found the dream running to be funny, but today it was just sort of annoying. The gentle poke took him by surprise, making him jump and yelp softly. Hazel eyes looked down at the runt of his first litter. Michael then put all his effort into not frowning. “What… right now?” he asked with a sort of tired sigh.

Joseph looked down. “If now is a bad time, I could always play with you later...” he murmured, trying his hardest not to sound disappointed, but not doing a great job of it. “Do you want anything?” he asked, looking up to his mother’s hazel eyes, his own shining gently in the early morning light.

It was those eyes that got him. Michael sighed again, this time because he knew how unfairly sour he was being to the child. “No… No, come here darling,” he said and scooped the little one up off the floor. Michael drew Joseph into his lap, the small belly of his keeping them a few inches apart. “So, what’s up?”

“How about we read a story or color?” little Joseph asked, wagging his tail gently. “I can even go get the book all by myself,” he yipped happily, hugging Michael tightly.

“I think I’d like to read,” Michael answered with a small, gentle smile. “How about one of the classics? Beauty and the Beast? Peter Pan? Treasure Island? What sounds good to you, Joseph?” he asked and pet back the kit’s bed ruffled hair.

“Mmmm, oh! I know!” he giggled, before jumping off the bed. He ran out of the room and giggled as he dashed back in, holding up their well worn copy of Treasure Island. “This one, Mommy,” he purred, sitting back in Michael’s lap. “I can read it with you,” he purred excitedly. “I’ll be the hero!”

Again Michael smiled and nodded. He took up the book and allowed Joseph to get settled in before opening to the first page. “Chapter one: The Old Sea-Dog at the ‘Admiral Benbow’… Squire Trelawney, Dr. Livesey, and the rest of these gentlemen having asked me to write down the whole particulars about Treasure Island, from the beginning to the end, keeping nothing back but the bearings of the island, and that only because there is still treasure not yet lifted, I take up my pen in the year of grace 17__ and go back to the time when my father kept the Admiral Benbow inn and the brown old seaman with the sabre cut first took up his lodging under our roof.

I remember him as if it were yesterday, as he came plodding to the inn door, his sea-chest following behind him in a hand-barrow - a tall, strong, heavy, nut-brown man, his tarry pigtail falling over the shoulder of his soiled blue coat, his hands ragged and scarred, with black, broken nails, and the sabre cut across one cheek, a dirty, livid white. I remember him looking round the cover and whistling to himself as he did so, and then breaking out in that old sea-song that he sang so often afterwards: …”

“Fifteen men on a dead man’s chest, yo-ho-ho, and a bottle of rum!” Joseph barked cutely. He then looked up to Michael and asked, “Mama, what is rum, exactly?”

It made Michael laugh to hear his son sing in his little pirate voice. “Rum is something grown ups drink, darling. You’ll get to try it when you’re older.” Hazel eyes turned back to his spot on the page. “…in the high, old tottering voice that seemed to have been tuned and broken at the capstan bars. Then he rapped on the door with a bit of stick like a handspike that he carried, and when my father appeared, called roughly for a glass of rum. This, when it was brought to him, he drank slowly, like a connoisseur, lingering on the taste and still looking about him at the cliffs and up at our signboard.

‘This is a handy cove,’ says he at length; ‘and a pleasant sittyated grog-shop. Much company, mate?’

My father told him no, very little company, the more was the pity.”

Joseph hung on every word, his fluffy little tail wagging happily as he listened to his mother reading for him. He cooed and purred sweetly, eventually leaning back onto Michael’s chest. “Hey Mama?” he purred gently. “Do you think the babies in your tummy can hear this story too?”

The question caught Michael off guard, actually leaving him without something to say. His eyes blinked a few times before his shook his head unsurely. “Wh-What? No… No, darling, they can’t hear anything right now. They aren’t big enough.” Michael cleared his throat and tried to find his place on the page again. “‘Well, then,’ said he, ‘this is the berth for me. Here you, matey,’ he cried to the man who trundled the barrow; ‘bring up alongside and help up my chest. I'll stay here a bit,’ he continued. ‘I'm a plain man; rum and bacon and eggs is what I want, and that head up there for to watch ships off. What you mought call me? You mought call me captain. Oh, I see what you're at – there’; and he threw down three or four gold pieces on the threshold. ‘You can tell me when I've worked through that,’ says he, looking as fierce as a commander.”

Joseph seemed thrown off by his mother’s reaction. He then turned so that his side was facing Michael’s chest and gently ran a paw over Michael’s belly as he continued to listen to Michael read. His ears would twitch now and then as his little paw rubbed about in small circles.

Michael stammered in his reading and one red ear folded back. “Joseph, please don’t do that…” he murmured. “Just sit still.”

Joseph meeped lightly and nodded, turning again so that his back rest on Michael’s tummy. “I’m sorry, Mommy. I’ll behave,” he cooed lightly. Richard stirred gently, he would be waking up soon.

“And indeed bad as his clothes were and coarsely as he spoke, he had none of the appearance of a… a man who sailed before the mast, but seemed like a mate or sk-k-kipper accustomed to be obeyed or to s-strike.” Just having Joseph cease the petting didn’t help. Now it was on Michael’s mind and getting worse. Just having the kit lean against him, putting soft pressure on his curved stomach, making him think about it… was almost too much. “The man who came with the b-b-barrow told us the mail had set him down the morning before at… at the Royal George, that he had inquired what inns there were along the coast, and hear… hearing… h-hearing…”

“Momma? Are you alright?” he asked, looking up with his soft, blue eyes, full of worry and concern for the sake of his mother’s happiness.

Michael was shaking slightly. “I… I… I d-don’t know…” he stammered with tears quickly building up in his eyes. “I don’t know… I don’t know… I’m so unhappy. I don’t know…”

Joseph turned around, hugging Michael tightly. “Why are you so unhappy, Mama? Is it the babies? Do you not want them anymore?” he murred quietly, having no idea what he was saying and how Michael was taking it.

“Of course I want them!” Michael sobbed, terrified at the notion that he would be rid of them like that. “I want them… I do… I want them…” The book had fallen off the side of the bed now since his paws were against his face. “Of course I want them. I’m not a monster. I-I’m a good person. I’m a good mother. I’m a good mother. I am!” he sobbed desperately. “I’m a good mother that wants more babies. I… I should, right? I’m supposed to. I have to. That’s what a good mother does. That’s what a good wife does. Have… more… babies. Have more babies…”

Joseph began to cry with Michael, spooking Richard out of bed. He got up and scratched the back of his head confusedly. “Michael? What’s the matter?” he asked, as he got back onto the bed and crawled up to Michael, taking him and little Joseph in a sweet embrace. “Calm down honey and tell me what’s wrong...”

Michael sucked in a sharp breath. “I’m a good mother!” he insisted again, though his voice shook terribly. “I’m a good mother. So why do I feel like crap?!”

Richard held Michael tightly. “You are a good mother. You’ve got five little kits who are proof of that. My dear...” he started, before looking to Joseph. “Son, could you give Mother and me a little alone time? We need to speak about grown up matters.” Joseph nodded, giving Michael a kiss before hopping down and padding back to his room to play in quiet. “Michael, do you think maybe you rushed into this second pregnancy by accident? Was it really because you were ready for children, or was it for me?” he asked, looking into Michael’s hazel eyes with a steely determination, but with a loving warmth that his mate really needed at this critical junction.

“I don’t know…” Michael moaned again. “Even if I did, you’re my Alpha. I can’t say no to you, Richard. A beta never says no to an alpha. If you want more children, what choice do I have? But you…” Michael pressed a paw to his head again. “You aren’t the one putting me in this fog. This terrible, heavy, suffocating fog. My head and feet feel like they weight a ton. I feel like I’m waking up in thick black mud every day… I can’t move and I can’t breathe. It seeps inside me and… and I can’t feel anything…”

Richard bit his thumb gently. “Just because I’m your Alpha doesn’t mean that you have to do everything I say. I don’t own you, my dear. When I say jump, you shouldn't have to reply with ‘How high?’ I married you because I love you, and marriage is an equal partnership. I hate seeing you like this and I want to pull you out of the quagmire that is constantly pulling us apart. My heart is wide open for you and my hand is always reaching out...”

“I’m so tired and so sad, Richard…” the red fox whispered. “I’m tired of being sad, and I’m sad because I’m tired. I don’t know how to get out, Richard. I just don’t…”

Richard kissed Michael gently on the nose. “I’ll find a way for you to recover, my love. I won’t just leave you alone in the darkness. You know that I love you too much to make you suffer so,” he purred to him, taking Michael’s head in his arms, leaning it over his shoulder, and petting his long red hair tenderly.

They were words that would normally lift Michael’s mood. He’d take hope in Richard’s promises. He’d smile and nod, thanking his mate for such unyielding support. Only the horrible feelings were too heavy and continued to drag him down. So Michael just slumped into Richard, all his weight falling against the albino, sobbing… sobbing… sobbing…

Richard’s heart ached. “Michael, are you hungry?” he asked, hoping to find something, anything to try and help Michael to feel happy, anything at all, even though he already knew that at the moment it was all in vain.

Michael shook his head and choked on a shuddering breath, heaving another cry without words, only heart-breaking sounds.

Richard gave Michael another hug. “I’m going to cook breakfast for the kits... If you need me, call me, okay?” he murred gently, waiting for Michael’s reaction before leaving.

A broken nod was all Michael could muster. When Richard released him, the red fox just crumpled into the sheets, his tears soaking the pillow almost instantly.

Downstairs in the kitchen, the kits were sitting around the table, each of them with a bowl and spoon. Their favorite lucky charms had been poured, mostly into their bowls, but also across the table and onto the floor. Ricky had taken it upon himself to pour the milk for everyone. As oldest, even if only by an hour or so, he was in charge and responsible for the rest. Joseph has shared the news of their mother’s emotional breakdown, so they decided to feed themselves. To give their parents a break. Ricky missed, though, making a small puddle on the table. “Darn it…” he grumbled.

Richard chuckled gently as he leaned over the mess, wiping it up with a paper towel. “I’m proud of you son, but you should have come to me first. Momma needs a little more alone time, but seeing as you’ve already fed yourselves, I’ll just clean up and get back to him. You have my permission to watch television or play video games, you can even play outside so long as you stay in the back yard and the weather is nice. Daddy will be spending the day with Mommy, but you come to me when you’re ready for lunch and let me cook it. Okay?” he asked, already sweeping up the spilt cereal.

“Hey, Dad?” Ricky started. “Is it true that the new babies are making mom sick?” he asked. “Joseph said Mom was crying and shaking a lot. Does he have to go to the doctor?”

“He might, but not the shot kind of doctor. Not even like the arm doctor that Joseph has to visit monthly. He’ll need a doctor for his brain, since this is probably the root of the problem. Something inside Mommy’s head is keeping him from being happy.” Richard sighed. His children didn’t need to know something like this at such a young age. But all he could do was be a good father to his babies.

“We just want Mommy to be happy again,” Rebecca said, her spoon poised over her bowl. “Daddy, can you give mommy Mrs. Flopsalot? Maybe that will help. Mrs. Flopsalot always makes me feel better.”

Michelle nodded. “And my pink blankey,” she said in that ever sweet and timid voice.

“My fuzzy ball, too,” said Adrien with a nod.

Ricky raised his paw. “Give Mom my squishy purple dinosaur. He’s awesome.”

“And, um… my light up star,” Joseph added.

Richard wiped a tear from his eye. “That’s so sweet, each and every one of you, but... It’s best to let daddy handle this one okay? Please, just be good little children today and stay out of trouble alright? I will give you all a reward if I don’t have to come down here and discipline you. Pinky swears,” he replied, holding his pinky out.

“Pinky swears!” they all chimed and raised the tiniest of their fingers as well.

Richard smiled and left them be, before fixing two microwave breakfast sandwiches, one for him and the other for his love, in case he was hungry and didn’t want to admit it. He climbed up the stairs and smiled as he gently knocked on the door. “Michael... I’m back...” he cooed gently as he came in slowly.

Michael was still curled up on his side, fists clenching the sheets and face buried in his pillow. Moans and whimpers could be heard as tears continued to fall slowly over his cheeks. His red and white tail was even curled around himself, creating further isolation.

“I brought you something to eat baby. Can I see your precious face?” he asked as he placed Michael’s food on his bedside table, before sitting next to him on the bed.

“I’m ugly from crying,” Michael’s voice mumbled from the pillow.

“I don’t care. Your face is always precious to me,” he purred, petting Michael between the ears.

Very hesitantly, Michael turned so he was facing his mate. All the short hairs on his muzzle were curling after getting so soaked by his tears. Normally clear hazel eyes were red, bloodshot, and puffy. His black nose was swollen slightly from wiping it over and over with his sleeve. Overall, he didn’t feel like, and probably wasn’t, the prettiest sight to see right now.

But Richard didn’t care. He still had on the same loving smile that he always had whenever he was around Michael. He leaned in and kissed Michael deeply, trying to help Michael feel so much better. “I love you, baby. With all of my heart and soul...”

Michael tried to kiss back, but his lips fell limp and just quivered against Richard’s. “I… l-love you, too…” he whimpered and tried to wipe his eyes dry with a wet paw.

Richard smiled. “Feel like eating something for me?” he cooed, holding up his breakfast sandwich for Michael.

Michael looked at the breakfast sandwich, knowing well what is was supposed to be, but the thing didn’t really even register as food to him. “I’m… still not hungry…” he replied hesitantly.

Richard looked to him and murred gently. “Are you sure? You haven’t eaten since dinner last night, and that was fifteen hours ago.”

He put a paw to his stomach. “I don’t feel hungry,” Michael insisted.

“I’ll let it go if you promise to eat dinner tonight...” Richard replied, stroking Michael’s cheek gently.

“I doubt I’ll be hungry then, either,” the red fox mumbled tiredly.

Richard looked into Michael’s eyes. “Honey, you’re pregnant. You can’t go without eating for a whole day. You need to get nutrients into your body.”

Michael sighed heavily. “What about those nutrient boost shakes out in the garage?”

“Do you really want some of those?” Richard asked, looking into Michael’s bloodshot eyes.

He nodded his head lazily. “It’s b-better than having to… try chewing and swallowing something… s-solid, I gu-guess…”

Richard nodded and pet Michael gently between his ears. “Wait here a few moments. I’ll get you a few of those shakes, okay?” he replied with a small, warm smile.

Michael sniffled sadly and rubbed at his eyes. “A-And a curly straw? A b-blue one?”

Richard gave a small laugh and nodded. “Anything your heart desires, my sweetheart,” he cooed, before kissing Michael on the nose. “I’ll be right back okay?”

The red fox nodded and tried to run his eyes again. His paws were wet too, though, so it was a bit of a fruitless effort.

Richard came back with a small bag filled with the energy shakes and smiled as he held up a blue Krazy Straw, just as his mate had requested.

A very tiny smile appeared on Michael’s lips as he took the straw and stuck it into the first drink. “Thanks, Richard…” he murmured around the straw.

Richard nodded as he took to eating the sandwiches he had brought up for them both, not wanting to let them go to waste. “Feeling a little better?” he asked as he finished the first one.

Michael made a small murring noise. “It’s not so much better as it is… less bad…” he admitted.

Richard nodded and turned on the TV, setting the DVR to play the recorded Iron Chef for the couple. “I’ll take it,” he chuckled lightly as he snuggled in with Michael. “Today is about you and making you feel better.”

“You make it sound so easy,” Michael sighed. He slurped up the rest of his shake before switching the straw into another one. Then the small fox settled in with his mate. “Like a day in bed is going to fix everything.”

“Would you rather sit outside today?” he asked. “I’m going to do whatever I can to help, and these lazy days will help, I’m sure of it.”

“Richard…” his voice was quiet, “I feel like you want a quick fix for this, but there isn’t one. You know that, right? I know you want me to be better, but it really isn’t that easy. This isn’t just weepiness. I’m suffering from something.”

Richard nodded. “I know, and I’m sorry. I’m not trying to push a quick fix for this, because I know that there isn’t one. I just want to help guide you to happiness. Tomorrow, I’ll find some more options to help you, love. I just want to stay by your side through these troubled times.”

Another sigh, heavy and empty. “I know I’m being a pain, but I really appreciate you staying with me. The company is nice. Really…”

Richard chuckled gently. “I love you, sweetie. I’d do anything for you.”

“Well yeah, but don’t you mind? I mean, it must be a chore for you. You could be out playing with kids right now. Drinking a beer. Tossing a ball with Ricky. Lots of things.”

Richard shook his head gently. “There are lots of other things I could do, but when it’s all said and done, you are the one I chose to be with for the rest of our lives. We have plenty of time left on this earth, and I want you to know that I am faithful to you, and only you. I am more than willing to give of myself for you, because you always do that for me.”

Michael just hummed in reply. The straw was stuck into the third shake and he sucked on that idly while watching television. Even one of his favorite shows wasn’t cheering him up. Eventually, the red fox fell asleep, head resting on his mate’s chest with the straw poking against his upper lip.

Richard moved the straw and smiled as he cradled Michael tenderly. He picked the red fox up and smiled even more as he carried Michael downstairs to sit in the garden with Michael in his lap. He looked to the kits as he passed through. “Shhh... Mommy’s sleeping,” he whispered to them.

Michelle tiptoed her way over and sniffed gently at her mother. She could smell something a little off about the male and decided it was why Michael was so sad. Then she laid a dandelion on his chest and scampered off. She whispered to Adrian across the lawn and the larger kit took her turn to run up to her parents. Adrian wrinkled her own muzzle seeing how wrinkled Michael’s clothes were and his tangled up hair. Usually her mother was more well kept, groomed prettily, and clean. “Can Uncle Tommy fix mom?” she asked.

“Maybe, honey. We will see...” he replied quietly as he helped put Michael back in order. He noticed how Michelle had sniffed her mother gently, and wondered what she smelled that was so odd. He leaned in to sniff of Michael himself, wondering what the big deal was.

It was a musty, heavy sort of smell. Raging hormones and a lack of endorphins he so desperately needed. It wasn’t the kind of scent that could be affiliated with anything. Not like old food or wet towels. Just a kind of sour, dusty, deep and hollow.

Richard raised an eyebrow. He could tell something was up himself. If only he were a doctor and not a lawyer, but alas, that wasn’t the case. He could only hope that Michael could hold out until Thomas arrived with his wife and children. Surely he would know what to do, and having a woman’s presence, especially one in the family way, might help clear up the funk surrounding the delicate red fox.

Michael would wake up later only to eat a sandwich for lunch with the rest of his family and then start crying again. He was getting worse and more difficult to cope with. Some of the more sensitive kits like Michelle and Joseph were starting to feel the depression too, so vulnerable to the emotions going on around them. They didn’t cry, but they certainly moped about the rest of the night, unwilling to play or eat. Richard was left to put the children to bed alone. No doubt he was exhausted by the time he made it back to his own room. It was a familiar sight, Michael curled up on the bed and weeping. He was like that all night, slipping in and out of sleep, crying quietly.