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Winston Bennett, the refined English butler of the Ellsworth Mansion stood near the front entrance of the estate in his finest attire, looking at the grandfather clock. The wolf had been told to expect some very important guests that Friday afternoon, and he was never one to keep expected guests waiting outside for very long. The grandfather clock struck five and the wolf knew it would not be much longer. Three minutes passed after the clock had struck the top of the hour, when the doorbell rang, Winston turned the French handle and opened the door. There in the entryway stood three foxes, two adults, one male, one female, and a young male fox.

"Good afternoon," said Winston. "You must be the Moratti family."

"We are," said the male fox. "I'm Manny, and this is my wife Angie and our son Felix.

"Hello," said Angie.

"Hi," said Felix.

"Very nice to meet you," said Winston. "May I take your coats?"

The wolf took all three of their coats and hung them up. The Moratti family looked around at the front of the mansion. They were amazed at the sheer size of the place as well as the opulent layout of everything. Winston returned from putting away their coats and motioned them to follow him.

"Please come this way," said the wolf. "Mr. Ellsworth is expecting you."

The three foxes walked passed the hall, passed the oil painting, the Chinese vases sitting atop Victorian stands and became even more impressed with every step they took. At the end of the hall they were lead into a living room where Randy and his partner Alan were sitting. The two otters got up and went over to greet the Moratti family.

"You must be Felix's parents," said Randy. "I'm Randy and this is my partner, Alan."

"Nice to meet you, Randy, Alan," said Manny. "I'm Manny and this is Angie and as you probably guessed, this is our son Felix."

"Our pleasure to meet you," said Randy. "I was quite impressed when Ethan told me that your two older boys got full-ride scholarships to Juilliard. That's no easy task."

"Thanks, Randy," said Manny. "Yeah, I was happy to hear that I wasn't going to have to rob a bank or run a counterfeiting operation to pay their tuition. Not exactly cheap to attend there, you know."

Randy and Alan laughed. "Oh, I'm aware of that, Manny," said Randy. "How about we all sit down and get to know each other, okay?"

"Where's Robbie, Sandy and Ethan?" said Felix.

"They're in the practice area of the basement," said Randy. "Manny, Angie, would you mind if I had Winston take Felix down there so they could do some practicing?"

"That's fine," said Angie, Felix's mother. "Felix, you go with Winston, and be on your best behavior, understood."

"I will, Mom," said the young fox. Felix followed the wolf butler out of the living room and down to the basement to get together with his friends.

"That's quite a nice looking boy you have, Manny," said Alan.

"Thank you, Alan," said Manny. "He's been really excited about coming over and practicing with his friends. It's been hard for him, finding other kids his age to play music with. He said most of them that do play aren't that good or don't really take it seriously. I knew Ethan must be pretty serious when Felix told me he's been playing guitar since he was four. That's incredible."

"He's a pretty gifted musician," said Randy. "Sandy and Robbie are getting pretty good too. I've been teaching Sandy bass guitar and Alan has been teaching Robbie drums."

"How long have they been learning?" said Angie.

"Just over three months," said Randy. "But they're very fast learners and they practice quite a bit. You know, Robbie's dad, Richard told me that he's had to almost drag Robbie out of the basement so he'll stop practicing and go to sleep at night. The boy's clearly dedicated to his instrument."

"Sounds like me when I was learning guitar," said Manny. "My old man would always say he was going to break that thing over my head, I practiced so much."

"Were you learning jazz guitar back then?" said Alan.

"I was," said Manny. "Everybody back then in high school thought I was weird; you know, listening to cool jazz and the like instead of rock or rap, but that's just what I was into."

"I liked jazz too," said Randy. "But I never had the patience to learn jazz guitar, so I just stuck with good old power chords and the pentatonic scale for my style."

"Nothing wrong with that," said Manny, laughing. "Works out pretty well for tons of guitarists."

"Felix told me that Ethan said you and Alan met as musicians in the same band, right?" said Angie.

"He was the drummer in my solo band," said Randy. "I was married to Ethan's mother at the time, but I knew deep down that my real attraction was to other males. I tried to fight the urge, but it was futile. I never cheated on my wife though. I remained faithful to hear until the day I asked for a divorce, explaining to her how I really felt."

"How'd she take it?" asked Angie.

"She was upset at first, but she quickly came to accept it. There was never any shouting, screaming or any kind of drama like that. We remain good friends to this day and I've never once said a negative word about Ethan's mother. She's a good lady and a good mother."

"Glad you guys could make things work out okay, despite the divorce," said Manny. "I also heard that Felix's friends, Robbie and Sandy are a couple."

"They are," said Alan. "They came out a few months ago to their parents and everyone was completely supportive of them. I was proud of them for having the courage to do that."

"The reason I bring it up," said Manny. "Is that Felix came out to us right when the school year started. Of course we were fine with it, but he's been trying to find a boyfriend and is just kind of shy when it comes to that sort of thing."

"He might be in luck," said Randy.

"Oh?" How so?" said Manny.

"Ethan's told me he's attracted to guys," said Randy. "He never hid it from me. Why would he? I'm gay myself!"

Manny, Angie and Alan all laughed at Randy's observation. "Anyway, perhaps there's a possibility that Ethan and Felix might really like each other."

"Oh, that would be just splendid," said Angie. "I know Felix says your son is a very nice boy, and I certainly don't want my son to be involved with anyone who's going to break his heart."

Randy shook his head. "Ethan is a sweet kid and would never hurt anyone like that. Maybe the wisest course of action is to just sit back and see where things take them."

Felix was blown away by the basement area's practice space. The young fox always thought that if he were to join a band, it would almost certainly be some tiny garage or musty basement that he would be forced to practice in. Ethan's basement was light years better than that. There were guitars, basses, drums and amplifiers of all kinds in the finished basement that resembled more of a recording studio than the bottom level of a house.

"This place is sweet, Ethan," said Felix. "You must be the luckiest kid in school."

Ethan, with a Gibson Flying V hanging from his shoulder, shrugged. "Maybe I am, but I'm always happy to have my friends over here to share in everything."

"Thanks," said the cheerful fox. "Hey, what song have you guys been practicing most recently?"

"You know 'Natural Thing' by UFO?" said Sandy.

"Yeah," said Felix. "UFO's an awesome rock band. You mind if I join in on vocals?"

"We'd love it," said Ethan. "I mean, that is why we invited you, isn't it?"

Felix laughed, wagging his bushy tail. "Good point," said the fox as he walked over to the microphone that had been set up for him. "Okay, can we see what level this needs to be at?"

"Go ahead," said Ethan, his paw on the mixing board.

"Check one, check two, check, check, check," said Felix. "You got it?"

"That should do it," said Ethan. "You ready to count off the song, Robbie?"

"Sure thing," said the raccoon, dressed in sleeveless shirt, shorts and a bright red bandana wrapped around his head. "One, two, one two, three, four . . ."

Ethan opened up with the power chord intro on guitar. Rather than being in a stationary position, Felix picked up the microphone in his paws and sang into it. For the first time, Sandy, Robbie and Ethan got to hear the singing style of their vulpine friend.

"Since you came from Memphis You can look but please don't touch Didn't like rock and rollers Seemed a bit much too much

Cause it's the natural thing feelin' the star Natural blood starts to flow Yeah, the natural thing, get up a star Then she'll never let you go

Hey girl, now does it feel all right Think I'm gettin' through Don't you think the band's real tight Wait til we start to move May sound funny but you gave it to me And now I got to live without it."

The boys ended the song and were impressed that their first take with Felix was almost perfect, but more than that, they were completely stunned at the fox's voice. Felix had a soulful voice, with a depth and passion that betrayed him as being much older than his thirteen years. Sandy, Robbie and Ethan looked at each other in disbelief.

"Holy fucking shit," said Robbie, still looking in awe of the fox's vocal abilities. "Felix, that was incredible."

"Thanks," said Felix. "Glad you liked it."

"Liked it?" said Sandy. "I think I speak for everyone when I say it was far better than anything we could have hoped for."

"I appreciate that," said Felix. "And if I remember correctly, I think that song has some keyboards in it. Mind if I play them the next time we practice that song?"

"Be my guest," said Ethan. "Could I ask you a favor, Felix?"

"Could you go upstairs for a few minutes? I'm not trying to kick you out or anything, but I need to talk to Sandy and Robbie for a few minutes in private."

Felix looked at the other two boys and shrugged his shoulder. "Yeah, okay," he said, walking up the steps.

"We'll come get you when we're finished," said Ethan, yelling up at the ascending fox.

The otter waited until Felix had closed the basement door before he turned to speak to Sandy and Robbie. "Guys," he said. "I think we'd be crazy not to offer Felix a spot in the band. I mean, could you believe that voice of his? I don't know anybody our age who can sing like that. It's unreal."

"I second that," said Sandy. "He's definitely a 'natural thing' when it comes to his voice. Plus, he can play keyboards and guitar too. Never know when that will come in handy in the future."

Ethan laughed at Sandy's little joke. "What about you, Robbie?" said the otter. "What do you say?"

Robbie put his drum sticks down and got off the throne. "I never thought I'd say this about a fox, but I really like Felix. He's a nice guy, got an amazing voice, and I'd love to have him in the band."

"Then it's settled," said Ethan. "Let's go get him."

Ethan no more that put a foot on the first basement stare when he felt Robbie tapping on his shoulder. "Yeah?"

"I just thought that before you go offer him a spot in the band you might want to talk about the other thing," said Robbie.

"Other thing?" said Ethan, looking puzzled. "Oh, you mean the more personal one. Well, I'm not sure if I should do that or not. I mean, is is too soon to ask?"

"No," said Sandy. "And I was going to tell you this the other day, but I wanted to see how Felix worked out in the band before I said anything."

"What?" said Ethan. "Don't leave me in suspense."

"Felix told me personally that he really likes you, and he wants to be more than just friends," said Sandy.

The otter was flabbergasted. "You're putting me on. He really said that?"

"Sure did," said Robbie. "I was with Sandy when he told him that. He said he thought you were pretty cute, too."

"Me?" said Ethan. "Really?"

"Yes," said Sandy. "So, how about we go get him and tell him the good news?"

"Both segments of the good news," said Robbie.

Ethan nodded. "Yeah. I'll have him come back down here, okay?"

The otter went upstairs and was quickly back down them with Felix following his path. Felix looked at his four friends, wondering what they were going to tell him.

"Felix," said Ethan. "I've talked it over with Sandy and Robbie, and we are all of the opinion that your vocal ability is unbelievable. You nailed that song spot on the first time, and just as important to us, you've got a great personality and we think you'd make a great addition to the band. So, with that said, do you wanna be part of our little group?"

Felix's ears stood up, his tail wagging excitedly. "You serious?"

"We are absolutely serious," said Ethan. "What do you say?"

"I'd love too!" said the excited fox. "Thanks, guys. I promise I won't let you down."

"I'm sure you won't," said Ethan. "And Felix?"

"Yeah?" said the fox.

"I was wanting to ask you something a bit more personal," said Ethan. "Um, I hope I'm not gonna make you feel uncomfortable or anything, but in addition to joining the band, I was wondering . . ." He stopped, looking back at Sandy and Robbie. The squirrel and raccoon urged him to go on. "Would . . .would you want to go out with me?"

"Really?" said Felix. "You're interested in me?"

"Yeah," said Ethan. "I was just kind of nervous about saying anything because I didn't want to scare you off."

"I guess those two told you what I said, didn't they?" said Felix.

"They did," said Ethan. "So, do you want to go out with me?"

Ethan waited, seeing a wide smile on the fox's face. Felix came forward, throwing his arms around the otter. "Yes, I'll go out with you, Ethan."

Ethan put his own arms around the fox, hugging him tightly. A look of pure joy hung on his face. "Aw, thanks, Felix," he said. "You've just made me a very happy otter."

"And you've made me a very happy fox," said Felix. "Hey, betcha my parents are still here. You wanna go tell them and your Dad and Alan the good news?"

"I'd love that," said Ethan. "Let's all go tell them, okay Sandy, Robbie?"

The four boys ventured up the steps to let the adults know the good news.

Manny, Angie, Randy and Alan were all still in the living room, talking and laughing together like they'd been friends for twenty years. The Moratti couple had wanted to come over to make sure there son was in a safe environment, and they could not have been more pleased.

"Have your band come over sometime so you guys can record in the studio," said Randy.

"Oh, I'm not sure they'll want to pay that kind of money to use your studio, Randy. They're kind of cheapskates."

"Who said I was gonna charge you?" said the otter, taking a drink from his glass that Winston had brought him. "Our boys are friends. It wouldn't be right."

"But I wouldn't feel comfortable doing something like . . ." Manny stopped talking, having seen his son and the other three boys run into the living room. "Hey, son. You been having fun playing in the band?"

"Sure have, Dad," said Felix. "And guess what? The guys told me that I'm a member of the band now."

"Say, that's wonderful," said Manny. "I'm glad you've found other guys you can play with now."

"That's not all," said Felix, grasping Ethan's paw. "Ethan asked me to go out with him too."

"Well," said Randy. "That didn't take long, did it, Manny?"

Manny laughed. "No, but I'm happy for you both you and Ethan, son."

All of the adults came forward and hugged the new couple. Ethan was relieved that he'd finally asked Felix out. Until Sandy and Robbie had said something, he wasn't even sure that Felix was gay, but after his friends revealed to him what the fox said, he knew he had to try and ask. He was certainly glad to hear Felix say yes to his proposal; both of them.

"Well," said Manny. "We'd better get going, don't you think so, Angie?"

"Probably," said the vixen. "You have that gig that's in two hours."

"You behave yourself for Mr. Ellsworth and Mr. . . ."

"Ellsworth," said Alan. "And no, I didn't change my last name when Randy and I got together. It's just some amazing coincidence that we share the same last name."

"Well, if that isn't fate," said Manny. "You behave yourself for both Mr. Ellsworth and Mr. Ellsworth, understood?"

"I will," said Felix, giving his father and then his mother a hug. "Love you guys."

Alan and Randy walked Manny and Angie to the front door, wishing them a safe trip and good gig that night. The four boys wasted no time in going back downstairs to get started on practicing again, though it was Felix that had a suggestion for all of them once they were there.

"Hey, guys?" said Felix. "I was wondering about something, and I hope I don't make anyone feel weird asking this."

"What?" said Ethan.

"You guys . . . you wanna do stuff together besides play music?"

"What," said Sandy. "You mean like play video games or ride bikes around?"

"I think I know what he means," said Robbie.

Felix grinned at the raccoon. "You know, Ethan and I are a couple, you and Sandy are a couple, so maybe we could . . . do it as a group?"

Sandy and Robbie looked at each other, both of them smiling and nodding their heads. "Sure," said Sandy. "We've already had Ethan join us when we first came over here. Why not have a fourth?"

"The more the merrier," said Robbie. "Though I don't think we need to be coming out and telling our parents that we're having orgies too."

Robbie made the other three boys laugh. So Robbie, Sandy and Ethan had a new band mate, and a new play mate too.