Chapter Text
Cherry stared through the glass of the oven door once again. The saying about a watched pot didn't mention anything about baking. The red fox bit her lip. This was her third attempt at replicating her mother's pumpkin pie recipe. The first two ended in disaster. The apartment still smelled of smoke and burnt crust. Cherry sighed.
“You gotta work this time,” the vixen murmured to the baking pie. There was no response from the goldening crust or pumpkin mixture inside.
“How's it looking, honey?” Her mother, Clarissa, asked through the daughter's cell phone.
Cherry sighed again. She straightened up. “Looking better, momma,” the vixen answered, “at least no smoke…yet.”
The older vixen laughed. “I don't see what the big deal is. Haven't you met Beatrice's parents?”
“Of course, but never for dinner,” Chery replied. She grimaced. “I haven't really sat down with them since I moved in.”
“Brandy, that was months ago,” Clarissa gently admonished, “Now, I know I raised you better.”
The daughter rolled her eyes, but didn't comment. It was only several months ago that Cherry learned her mother was still alive. She wasn't used to being parented again. Comically, the fox started to see how she treated the twins in a different light. No wonder Peppa hated it when the vixen tried to do the same.
“How's Pep?” Cherry asked, trying to change the subject.
“Well,” Clarissa drawled, “She's…still getting used to Fox Burrow.”
The daughter nodded in understanding. Moving from the big city of Zootopia to the quiet farming community of Fox Burrow was a culture shock. Cherry spent her youth there, yet when she returned after a ten year absence, she felt it. All the fox could do was offer her support from afar and trust her family to do their best.
“Any more fights?” Cherry asked.
“Just a misunderstanding or two,” the mother answered cryptically.
The daughter's brow rose. She glanced at her phone on the kitchen counter next to the stove. “Anything I need to know about?”
“Not at all, honey,” Clarissa reassured, “You know how teenagers can be.”
Cherry looked away and back down at the oven. Her teenage years weren't normal, same with Peppa. The only other teens the fox interacted with were girls Helping Paws was able to get off the streets. She doubted they were the norm too. Still, the vixen wouldn't voice this sentiment.
“Yeah,” Cherry replied vapidly. She bent down and looked at the pie again. “Crust is more golden and less black this time.”
“Pull it out and let it cool,” the mother instructed.
Cherry grabbed the oven mitts close by and opened the oven. A wave of heat washed over her. She cringed, but soldiered on and pulled out the pie. The top was perfectly smooth, no bubbles or blemishes. The crust around the sides was golden brown, with the top most edge a little dark. This was undoubtedly the best one she made so far. The vixen let out a relieved sigh and smiled.
“Looking good, momma. Thanks!”
“Anytime, Brandy,” Clarissa happily replied, “Give it a few more times, and you'll be as good as a choir in church!”
Cherry quirked a smile and cocked her head. She didn't remember that one growing up. “Well, thanks again. I gotta start cleaning up now.”
“Good luck, honey! Love you!”
“Love you too,” Cherry replied softly. She used a knuckle to end the call.
The vixen looked around the kitchen. It was a disaster. Flour dotted the cabinets, counter and floor, more than likely when the fox tried to combine the ingredients together. She forgot the wet parts, and a cloud of dust shot up. A mixing bowl filled with her first try at the filling sat right next to the sink. Cherry had forgotten the sugar and cinnamon, making a mush worthy for kits but not pie. Finally, there was the vulpine herself. She was covered from ears to tail in all her failures. What was supposed to be a nice surprise turned into a monumental task. It was only thanks to Clarissa walking her daughter step by step that there was even a finished product.
Cherry groaned and hung her head. “I don't have time for this. Bea's gonna be home any minute.” Her ears pinned at the sound of the door knob turning. She turned, wide eyed and tail puffed out, in time to see her girlfriend enter the apartment. The vixen threw up her paws. “Don't worry, honey. I'll clean up!”
Sergeant Beatrice Howlington's amber eyes glanced around the mess of the kitchen. She was in uniform, a normally panty dropping sight for the fox. Instead, it made the gray she-wolf even more imposing. When the lupine's intense gaze landed on the vixen, Cherry flinched. Beatrice smiled.
“Looks like you lost the food fight,” the she-wolf teased.
“Sorry,” Cherry apologized with a grimace, “It wasn't supposed to be this bad.”
“Did you get anything in the pie?” Beatrice continued, stepping into the kitchen. She stopped in front of Cherry with a wry smirk and leaned in close. “Or are we expected to eat you for dessert?”
“As tempting an offer,” the vixen snarked, “I don't believe your parents would approve.”
Beatrice snorted. Her smirk grew to a broad smile. “I guess you're right.” The she-wolf motioned with her head to the fox. “You wanna get cleaned up?”
“Not yet,” Cherry sighed. She placed her paws on her hips. “I need to clean this up before we leave.”
“I'll clean,” the lupine insisted, “and you get showered.” The she-wolf placed a paw on the fox's shoulder. She smiled apologetically. “Sorry I haven't hugged you yet. Don't want to get my uniform dirty.”
Cherry shook her head. “I get it, Honey Bee. No feelings hurt.” The vixen glanced over her shoulder at the mess. “I feel bad you cleaning this up on your own.”
“I'll just get it started,” Beatrice assured, “You can finish it later.”
“Thanks, you're the best!” The fox paused. A sly smirk formed on her as she closed the distance between them further. “You know…there's two places that aren't covered in food.”
“Oh yeah?” Beatrice chortled, “Where?” Cherry pursed her lips. The wolf grinned. “How silly of me.” The lupine cupped the fox's muzzle. Cherry's tail flicked in anticipation. Beatrice leaned in and placed a delicate kiss on the vixen. With a satisfied hum, it deepened.
All of Cherry's stress and guilt from her failures melted away. The only thing that mattered was the fox and the wolf. The vixen's heart raced as it usually did, though there was a change. Beatrice always smelled of winter, but since their return from Fox Burrow, Cherry could see the wild plums white flowers falling around them. The sensation of warm fires and hot summer days. Of nights filled with chirping bugs and snow crunching underneath. Neither Fox Burrow or Tundra Town were Cherry's home. Wherever Beatrice stood, that was the vixen's place to be.
The she-wolf broke the kiss. Either seconds or years passed, and whichever didn't matter to Cherry. The fox smiled softly with her own satisfied hum. “You sure you don't want to join me?” She asked, already knowing the answer.
Beatrice chuckled. “Not this time. I'll make it up to you.”
Cherry sighed, but agreed. She would need time to scrub. They were going to be late for dinner, though the difference between minutes and hours was too large to brush away. Instead, and quite reluctantly, the fox headed to the bathroom. She was stopped by the lupine.
“Hey, Cher,” Beatrice started, “You said there were two places to kiss.”
Cherry shot a salacious smirk over her shoulder. “Oh, Honey Bee, that’s for later.” The she-wolf blinked owlishly. The vixen winked, then continued on her way.
That shower was just what Cherry needed. The water loosened her tense muscles, and eventually the fox got all the food out of her fur. It took a bit more scrubbing, but eventually the vixen was clean. Cherry slipped on a simple blue maxi dress, while her girlfriend changed out of her uniform for a pair of jeans and dark blue Z.P.D. t-shirt. Once satisfied, the couple left their apartment.
Cherry carefully held her pumpkin pie between both paws. Beatrice stayed at her side, the larger female slowing her stride to match the fox. While the vixen assumed she was safe inside the Howlington compound, the she-wolf rarely let her walk the halls alone. The couple never talked in detail about what Beatrice went through growing up, but Cherry knew the signs of physical abuse. Flinching at sudden movements, cowering away from certain mammals, and constant vigilance even when the individual was in a safe space.
That used to be the she-wolf. Now, Beatrice rarely showed any of those, especially after the fox moved in. In fact, and if Cherry didn't know any better, she'd believe the lupine was trying to start fights at times. Thankfully, it remained civil. As they walked through the hallway to the elevators, two male wolves passed by. Beatrice placed a protective paw on the fox's shoulder. The other wolves gave Cherry a hard glare. She replied by sticking out her tongue. The vixen would not be pushed around.
“What's their problem,” the fox quietly grumbled.
“Probably mad the cousin they used to bully lives on their floor,” Beatrice idly remarked, “That or I’ll be higher than them soon.”
Cherry huffed and shook her head. “You wolves and your pack ranking thing. Why can’t you be civilized and simply have generational grudges?”
The she-wolf snorted. “What makes you think we don’t?”
The vixen glanced up at Beatrice. Her girlfriend gave a wink. Cherry rolled her eyes. “Sure, honey. I’ll believe the Howlington pack has mortal enemies when I see them.” Beatrice chuckled, but didn’t reply.
The couple called an elevator and headed down to a lower level. Cherry never explored the Howlington compound. Jackson and Arnold lived on the same floor, so there wasn't a need to leave it. Also, the fox wasn’t so certain she would receive the same open arms the lieutenant and the teacher offered. It was odd to Cherry that they hadn’t visited Beatrice’s parents for dinner. They seemed nice and supportive, so why had there been such a long delay? It was impossible for the fox to tell. Eventually, the elevator stopped. It dinged, then the doors slowly opened.
The fox and wolf entered a darkened hallway. Cherry couldn’t tell if it was because they were underground, or if the bulbs were purposely dimmed. She could feel a dampness in the air. The vixen was surprised when she couldn’t smell many other mammals on the floor. While her nose wasn’t as good as Beatrice, she should’ve had some hints others lived down here. Only two scents smelled fresh, and they led straight to their destination. This door was like the others, gray and unassuming. The only difference was light peeking out through the bottom of it. Cherry shifted nervously on her paws as Beatrice knocked twice.
The door swung open. The smell of baked chicken wafted out. An older she-wolf with coal black fur and amber eyes answered. She wore a faded yellow sweater with a pair of jeans. She had a serious expression when she answered, though it softened to a small smile at the sight of the couple.
“Hey, you two,” Bridget Howlington greeted. She motioned with her head behind her and opened the door further. “Food's nearly done.”
“Hi, mom,” Beatrice greeted. The gray she-wolf opened her arms and gave her mother a quick embrace. “Dad here?”
“Yes, he is!” Brian Howlington shouted happily from the apartment. “Now, come on in before the heat escapes!”
Beatrice chuckled and headed further in. Cherry hesitated at the doorway. Bridget followed her daughter with her eyes, but turned to the fox with a confused frown.
“Something wrong?” The black she-wolf asked.
“Aren't I supposed to be invited in?” Cherry questioned hesitantly.
An amused smile appeared on Bridget. “Someone's learning wolf ways,” the she-wolf teased. She shook her head. “While you're correct in that normally you would need to be invited in, you're special.”
The vixen bit her wry remark of knowing she was special. “How so?” Cherry asked instead.
“Because you're family,” Bridget answered lightly. A peel of laughter echoed into the hallway from the apartment. The mother glanced back with a wistful smile. “Anyone who can make my daughter smile will always be welcome here.” Bridget glanced back at the vixen with a raised brow. “No matter the relationship status.”
Cherry smiled shyly. “Thank you,” she replied softly.
“I see you have dessert taken care of,” Bridget started. She reached out her paws for the pie. “I'll put it in the kitchen, or my mate will be two slices in before dinner.”
Cherry gave the pie over. She stepped behind Bridget into the apartment. A short hallway opened up to a small living room. There was an entertainment center and three seater couch, though that was it for visible furniture. Two doors were closed on the right, while one and an open doorway was on the left. The smell of chicken poured from the opening, while the vixen spotted the edge of a wooden table in there as well. A dull gray carpet lined the floors as far as the eye could see. It contrasted with the rest of the space.
There was so much color surrounding the fox. The walls were all painted different solid colors, even the smallest sliver between doorways. Countless family photos and replicas of famous art pieces hung in every open space. Cherry felt as though she was walking through a kaleidoscope. It was overwhelming.
Beatrice and her father, Brian, were hugging in the middle of the living room. Like his wife, he wore a thick sweater, though his was purple. They pulled away as Bridget and Cherry entered. Daughter and father shared the same gray fur and amber eyes, though Bea's ears and paws were black. Another difference was their smiles. The male's was big and bright, while the younger wolf was more controlled. Still, tails wagged happily and ears stood tall. When the fox drew closer, Brian's nostrils flared. He glanced at Cherry, then at the dessert his wife carried.
“Is that-”
“Nope,” Bridget deadpanned, continuing through the open doorway.
Brian chuckled as he released his daughter, watching his wife with a sidelong glance. “She never lets me have any fun,” the male jokingly pouted.
“I heard that!”
Brian winced with a sly grin. “Whoops!” He glanced down at the vixen. “So glad to see you again, Miss Cherry.” The wolf gave a flourishing bow as he reached a paw out to her. “I hope our humble abode is to your liking?”
Cherry couldn’t help but laugh. She accepted the male's paw. “Oh, I think it's impressive!” The fox looked around in wide eyed astonishment. “Though, I'll admit, a lot of color.”
“My mate, bless her, is an Art History teacher at ZCC.” Brian straightened up and gestured around the apartment. “This is the result of that.”
“You love it!” Bridget shouted from the kitchen.
“I do!” Brian exclaimed with a broad grin. He leaned in closer to the fox. “I really do.”
“Paper thin walls still,” Beatrice grumbled.
“More insulation,” her father added. “Keeps the chills away.”
“If no chill, then why the sweaters?” Cherry asked, eyeing the male's own.
“Old habits,” Brian explained. He gestured to the couch. “Dinner isn't ready yet, so please, take a seat.”
The vixen nodded with a polite smile. The wolf released her, and she headed over to the couch to wait. Cherry saw Beatrice quietly speak to her father, though she couldn't hear what. Brian flashed a reassuring smile and patted his daughter's shoulder. Beatrice grimaced, but nodded solemnly. The wolves separated, with the she-wolf heading over to the fox.
“Everything alright, honey?” Cherry asked softly.
“Yeah,” Beatrice breathed, plopping down next to the vixen. She grasped the vulpine's paw. “It's just…” The wolf sighed and shook her head. “...nothing.”
Cherry wouldn't press, trusting her Honey Bee would open up when ready. Instead, the fox nuzzled into the she-wolf's side. She didn't stop until Beatrice chuckled and wrapped an arm around her. The vixen hummed in approval. “That's better.”
“Could've just asked.”
“Where's the fun in that?” Cherry teased. She settled herself against the lupine, rising and falling with each relaxed breath. It soothed the vixen, making it harder to keep her eyes open. “Keep me awake, Bee.”
“My parents wouldn't approve of our usual methods,” Beatrice breathed, “We can be loud and…messy.”
A thrilled shiver ran down the fox's spine. She playfully smacked the wolf's stomach. “Did you make a sex joke in your parents' apartment?” Cherry glanced up at her girlfriend with pride. “I really am rubbing off on you.
“And rubbing me,” the lupine mumbled, a slight blush shining through her fur.
Cherry giggled, rising to her knees. She wrapped Beatrice's head in a hug, squeezing tight. The telltale thump of the wolf's wagging tail answered the vulpine. “I love you so much.”
“Love you too,” Beatrice replied, muffled. She tapped the fox's arm. “Now, can you…”
“Nope!”
“Nope?”
“Everything alright?” Brian asked, reappearing in the doorway. The male leaned against it with a sly grin. “I heard laughter, and that can't be the case since I wasn't here.”
“I'm smothering your daughter with love,” Cherry exclaimed happily.
“Need some help?”
“Of course!”
“Nope!” Beatrice exclaimed, scooping up the fox as she stood.
“Don't you want a hug from dear old dad?” her father teased, stretching his arms out wide.
“Just be a good wolf and accept it,” Cherry whispered huskily into the she-wolf's ear. “I promise to make it worth your while.”
“Conflicting feelings,” Beatrice grunted. She spun out of the male's first attempt. The officer easily kept her father at bay, all while supporting the vixen.
Cherry laughed happily, holding on for dear life. If this was how visits to the she-wolf's parents normally went, then the vixen wanted to visit every week!
Dinner went off without a hitch. Bridget was a gracious host, easily balancing serving and her mate’s pupish behaviour. Roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and fresh biscuits were on the menu. Cherry wasn't surprised to find the food under seasoned. From her experience with Beatrice, it was a hallmark of wolf cooking. So far, the vixen introduced cayenne pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. She swore to the Creator above that one day her Honey Bee would season with more than salt and pepper!
Once plates were finished, the fox's pumpkin pie was served with coffee. Much to Cherry's relief, it tasted almost like her mother's. The wolves showered her with praise and compliments, which the vixen accepted modestly. She caught Beatrice glancing at her tail as it happily flicked. The knowing smirk on her girlfriend caused Cherry's ears to redden. She picked up her coffee to cover her embarrassment.
“Hey, Cherry,” Brian called out, the male rubbing his full stomach. The vixen hummed in response. “Why didn't you make cherry?”
The fox blinked. “What do you mean?”
“Well, your name's Cherry. So, I figured you'd make cherry pie.” The gray male shrugged. “Cherry's cherry pie has a nice ring.”
Cherry froze. Beatrice snorted. The fox tried shooting a warning glare at her girlfriend, but the wry smirk on the she-wolf's muzzle told her she was too late.
“I've had Cherry's cherry pie,” Beatrice stated coyly.
Brian perked up. “Really?”
“Oh yes.”
“Was it good?”
“Best thing I ever ate.”
“Nice and flaky?”
“No flaking, but very moist. Melt on your tongue soft too.”
“I'll have to try it sometime.”
Beatrice shook her head, a smug grin on her muzzle. “It's only for me.”
Brian frowned. “Why's that-”
“Oh, for Luna's sake, Brian,” Bridget interrupted, exasperated, “Our daughter is talking about an intimate area!”
The male balked. “‘Intimate area.’ What do you…” Brian's eyes grew wide as a horrified expression appeared on his face. He frantically waved both paws. “Wait, wait, wait! That's not what I meant!”
Cherry must have fallen into some alternate reality. Her normally shy wolf girlfriend was making sex jokes at her father's expense while the fox sat stock still. Even her tongue locked up, unable to do more than lay uncomfortably in her mouth. All the vixen could do was stare blankly ahead.
“Look what you two did!” Bridget scolded, “Poor Cherry is catatonic!”
Cherry snapped out of it with a shake of her head. “Oh, no I'm-”
“Cherry's not used to such talking,” Beatrice chimed in. She gave the vulpine a sidelong glance as her smugness deepened. “She's actually very shy when it comes to sex.”
The vixen stared daggers at her girlfriend, annoyed by the audacity of the she-wolf. Apparently, Beatrice needed to be reminded who was in charge. A saccharine smile gradually spread on Cherry's muzzle. The first sign of apprehension flashed in the daughter's eyes.
“I'm actually quite comfortable with the topic,” Cherry corrected sweetly. She turned her gaze back to the older wolves, batting her eyelashes. “At Helping Paws, I need to discuss a plethora of different sexual topics. Not only covering instances of abuse, but also safe and consensual sex practices.”
“Oh,” Brian mumbled, panic slowly receding, “That's good-”
“Including the appropriate techniques for cunnilingus,” the fox continued, aiming to halt the conversation entirely. Cherry glanced at Beatrice with a mischievous smirk. The she-wolf's ears tilted back as her eyes grew wide. “Your daughter is the best student I've ever had. So good at taking directions.”
“Well, that's…nice?” Bridget replied, confused.
Cherry tapped the side of her muzzle, gaze locked on her girlfriend. “Remember, Honey Bee. I still need a kiss.”
Beatrice quietly whined.
After awkward goodbyes, and a promise from Brian to be on his best behavior next time, Cherry and Beatrice departed. The vixen left the pumpkin pie with the older wolves as a pseudo apology for her involvement in the conversation. The couple headed back to their apartment. It was late, and the hallways were deserted. A minor relief for the fox.
A thought occurred to Cherry as they approached their apartment door. She stopped, which caused Beatrice to follow suit. The vixen glanced up at the she-wolf with a concerned frown. “What did you talk to your dad about?”
Beatrice grimaced. “You remembered?” The fox nodded. The wolf sighed. She reached into her pocket for the keys. “It's…complicated.”
“Try me.”
The lupine snorted. She continued to the apartment door, unlocking it and holding it open for the vulpine. “I did earlier, and you schooled me,” Beatrice snarked, “I may be slow to learn, but not after that.”
Cherry raised her muzzle haughtily and sniffed loudly. “A lesson well learned.” She held out as long as possible, but eventually a wry smile broke through. The fox giggled, running a paw across the wolf's stomach as she passed. “Good Bee.”
The vixen was immediately reminded of the mess that was their kitchen. While Beatrice had done her best, there was still flour on cabinets and plenty of dishes to do. All Cherry wanted to do was crawl into bed with her wolf. That would have to wait.
“Wanna tell me about it while I clean?” Cherry asked, deflated.
“Tomorrow,” Beatrice murmured. The fox felt the lupine saddle up behind her, followed by the loud slam of the apartment door. “For now, let's go to bed.”
The fox shook her head against the wolf, relishing the feeling of safety her girlfriend always gave her. “Tell me first, then bed.” The she-wolf sighed again. Cherry grimaced. “If it's a secret-”
“My dad's being stubborn,” Beatrice grumbled.
“How so?”
“Cause he refuses to give up the Omega title.”
Cherry balked. “What? That can just be given up?”
“In the past, no,” Beatrice quietly explained, gently guiding the vixen towards the bedroom. “But my grand…Julius, wants to get rid of it. After all these years, he finally wants to do what other packs already did.”
The fox's brow furrowed in thought as they continued their short journey. “But shouldn't that be a good thing? Shouldn't your dad want to give it up?”
“Any other wolf would,” Beatrice groused, “but…something’s stopping my dad.”
Cherry stopped and glanced up at the she-wolf. She found the lupine looking down at her. “Did you ask him?” Beatrice nodded. “What did he say?”
“That it would all work out.”
“That's not an answer.”
Beatrice shook her head. “It's not. Mom's not helpful either. She told Jacks to ask dad, but he can't get an answer out of him either.”
Cherry turned towards the she-wolf. She hugged her girlfriend, nuzzling her chest. “It'll work out, honey. I know you'll get through to him.”
Beatrice pulled the vixen in closer, running her digits along the back of her head. “With you, Cher, anything's possible.”
Cherry smiled, humming happily. “I love you too, you big goober.”