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The first thing he sees when he opens his eyes is Nine, his ears perked as he watches him. Vince smiles. What a wonderful sight to wake up to. He pulls Nine closer and lightly peppers his face with kisses. “Happy anniversary, Peaches.”
Nine’s tails begin to wag. “Happy anniversary.” He mumbles, nuzzling Vince’s neck. “Sleep okay?” Vince asks, running his fingers through Nine’s soft, fiery orange fur.
“Mm.” Nine replies, a soft purr building in his throat as Vince pets him. “Five more minutes?” Vince asks, chuckling softly. “Yeah.” Nine replies, shifting closer and letting out a contented sigh.
…
“Why do I have to clean up after him?” Vince groans, crossing his arms. “Because that fox won't stop leaving fur all over our clean floors.” Deep says, his nose wrinkling as he pushes the broom into Vince’s hands.
“And don't forget, Dr. Don't.” Mr. Dr. Eggman says, looking up from his book. “It's your turn to look after the prisoner. Keep him entertained. Maybe then he'll quit with that infernal howling during the night.” He says.
Deep scoffs. “Stupid fox.” He mutters, stalking off. “Why can't you do it? I thought it was your turn.” Vince says, glaring at Mr. Dr. Eggman. “You spend far too much time on those silly video games. Some work will do wonders for you.” The man responds, turning a page.
With a scowl, Vince stomps his foot. “You’re not my dad.” He says. “You can’t tell me what to do.” He says. “Do as you're told!” Mr. Dr. Eggman snaps, throwing his book down. “If you know what’s best for you, you’ll keep your mouth shut and do what is asked of you.”
…
Nine purrs softly as Vince pets him, his paws kneading at Vince’s chest. Having Nine this close was something Vince never imagined he’d ever enjoy.
They had started off as enemies, and there once was a time when he practically hated the fox in his arms. But now, so many years later, he couldn't even imagine hating his wonderful husband, who had endless patience during his rough days when his PTSD got the better of him.
Vince was one of the lucky few to see Nine’s vulnerability, which he usually kept hidden behind sassy comebacks and a snarky attitude. He loved both sides of Nine, whether it be his sass and short temper, or his silly and playful behavior when people weren’t around to see.
Hell, he even loved it when Nine spazzed out whenever he ran the vacuum, knocking decorations off tables as he ran about, tails bushy. He loved Nine unconditionally, a promise they had made in their vows.
…
“You smell,” Vince says, using the broom to push a plate of table scraps through the bars of Nine’s cell. “Well, excuse me for not taking a bath before being kidnapped.” Nine responds, rolling his eyes. “You’ve got an ugly haircut, anyway.” The fox adds.
Vince rolls his eyes. “Of course, you wouldn’t understand my style. You’re just a weird little hairball.” He sneers. “That’s the nicest thing you’ve said to me so far.” Nine says dryly, inspecting his food.
Looking around, Vince groans as he sees the dirty orange fur scattered around the floor. He glares at Nine, who’s now nibbling on an old piece of bread. He scoffs and shakes his head, focusing on the fur. “Stupid fox.”
…
The love he felt was so vastly different from the iciness and bitterness from before. Nine munches on sliced fruit, his fangs leaving indents in the fruit's soft flesh.
“I love you.” Vince says with a smile, letting out a happy sigh. God, I must sound so stupid. He thinks to himself. Whatever. don’t give a shit. Nothing can stop me from loving him.
“I love you, too.” Nine says, smiling shyly at Vince. He loved that smile. Nine hands him a sliced apple, which he happily accepts. He bites the slice in half and leans back in his seat, looking around the kitchen.
The house is silent apart from the occasional crunch of Nine biting into fruit, and the sound of birds chirping through an open window. The more he looks at the empty and quiet house, the more he feels that something is missing. Vince can’t quite put his finger on it, but he knows that something is missing from their lives.
…
“I know you've probably made up your mind about this, but…I want kits.” Nine says, intertwining their fingers. Their engagement rings click together softly, and Vince can’t help but imagine what their future would look like.
He thinks Nine’s words over for a moment, and chuckles softly. “Well…I’m not so sure about multiple kits, but I suppose one day we could settle for one.” He responds, nodding his head. Nine’s face lights up. “Really?” He exclaims, his tails bobbing up and down excitedly.
Vince shrugs. “Sure. I’d want to wait a few years, but…I wouldn’t mind having a kit with you, Peaches.”
…
“Nine?” Vince says, looking over at his husband. “Yeah?” Nine responds through a mouthful of fruit. “What’s up?” He asks. Vince fidgets with the half slice of apple in his hands, feeling both nervous and excited. “I…think I’m ready for us to have a baby.” He says.
Upon hearing this, Nine’s fur puffs up. “Really? A-are you sure? Are you really sure?” He asks, setting the fruit aside to grab Vince’s hand. “Yeah, I am.” Vince says, this time with more confidence.
For the first time, Vince feels confident in himself and his ability to raise a child. Nine always said that he’d be a great dad, and for the first time, Vince began to believe him.
“Vince!” Nine exclaims excitedly, his tails wagging as he propels himself into Vince’s arms. “This is the best anniversary surprise ever.” He says, hugging Vince tightly.
When Nine pulls back, Vince can already see his mind going to work, mapping out plans and ideas. “I’ll start drawing plans for the incubation tube.” Nine says, a determined look in his eye.
Vince laughs and pulls Nine close once more. “Let's just enjoy our anniversary. We can talk more about a baby later.” He says, pressing a kiss against Nine’s forehead.
“I guess so.” Nine agrees, settling down. He’s quiet for a moment before smiling up at Vince, brushing his blonde hair away from his face. “I bet our kid will have your hair.” He remarks, his eyes warm.
Vince can already imagine it–a human-mobian kit, with fox ears and tails, and a wild mane of blonde hair, much like his own.
Small, round cheeks, large hazel or blue eyes, soft peach fuzz, tiny paws with little finger beans and claws, which would undoubtedly shred all the furniture.
“We’re gonna have one cute kid, Peaches.” Vince says, scratching Nine behind the ear. “And I know exactly where they’ll get it from.” Nine adds, pecking his cheek. “You’re going to be a great dad. I can already tell.” He says.