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As the next two days came to pass William knew, with every fibre in his body, that he couldn't hold back his feelings for Jerry any longer. Tonight was their date night and perhaps the start of something more, a relationship.

For a moment, he got lost in his thoughts as he fantasized about all the possible outcomes of tonight's plans. His mind was quickly flooded with all sorts of naughty obscene thoughts. A buzzing sound from his cell phone snapped him out of it. William looked down and whined as he saw a text from his boss.

Late for work! Damn it William... He thought to himself and quickly put on his coat, locking the apartment door behind him. He'd decided to leave Jerry in bed for a little while, after all, he was the one that was going to be cooking the meal later that day.

The Husky didn't exactly have the best job in the world. It was certainly nothing to brag about, but he liked it. Fresh air, right beside a park, and loads of opportunities to sneak a hotdog or burger here and there.

He worked in a food truck, throughout the near-entirety of the week. He'd get called in for random shifts at crazy times which meant he was coming and going at all times. Sometimes early in the morning sometimes late in the evening. He didn't mind, he still had lots of free time to spend with Jerry.

The Husky daydreamed as he walked to work. He was sure Jerry would take things further tonight. Damn, it was going to be a very long day.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

An alarm clock blared out in their bedroom, waking the Zebra up quickly. He had to get up early to get everything ready for date night. He had a hard time waking up the mornings, which got him into a lot of trouble with the professors of his early morning classes. This time, he had a very good reason to sluff off his fatigue and seize the day. The food, the seating, it all had to be perfect. Even though he was forgiven he wanted to seal the deal with William.

He stopped in his tracks when his phone started to ring. Thinking it was William, he answered it after the first ring.. To his disappointment, it wasn't, it was the Zebra's father. Jerry's father was an interesting man. He was born and raised in Ethopia, and even though he had been living in America for most of his son's life, he still hadn't assimilated to the American culture. Jerry didn't mind, he still loved his father, even if he could get a bit traditional at times.

A few minutes went by and he put down the phone. He'd told his dad that he had moved in with a roommate and to stop by any time he wanted, but this was before his situation turned into what it currently was. Besides, he didn't actually expect him to follow up on it. Jerry would make it work, he always did when it came to his father.

He gave a little whine and looked towards the counter, seeing their romantic meal he was about to cook.

"Well.. I suppose date night can be another time.." He said reluctantly, getting something else out that his father would want to eat.

The initial plan he had laid out was to have something simple, spaghetti and meatballs. A little cliché, but that's what he intended. He was hoping to have a special moment. One in which they both went to eat the same piece of spaghetti, ala Lady and the Tramp. Oh well, he could dream.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Two hours later

William sighed happily as he crossed the threshold into his house. It had been a long day at the food truck. The only thing that got him through the day was knowing that Jerry was at home, cooking the two of them a romantic dinner. At first, William was a little disappointed that the pair of them weren't going out to some fancy restaurant. He came around shortly after leaving home. He saw that this was definitely the more romantic option.

He adjusted his zebra-striped collar, the one Jerry asked him to wear tonight, and walked into the kitchen. Jerry was slaving away in the kitchen, and fully dressed, much to the Husky's disappointment. The smells were different, more exotic, much like the Zebra's own, making the Husky curious as to what the other male was cooking. William walked forward quietly and knocked on the door of the kitchen island's cupboards.

"Hey," Jerry looked over his shoulder at the Husky, "I thought you weren't supposed to be off until 6:30."

"The dinner rush wasn't as crazy as it usually was today," William walked into the kitchen and stood closer to the Zebra, "Boss said I could go home early if I wanted."

"Oh yeah?" Jerry turned down the heat on the stove, "Hey, I need to tell you something."

William smiled and played with the fur on the back of his head.

"Can I get a kiss first?" William asked, "The one you gave me before work wasn't enough to last me until after our little dinner."

William and Jerry had started becoming far more affectionate with each other. Last night, after a romantic movie and a make out session, they spent the night in the same bed. Nothing happened, but both of them wordlessly knew that the events of that night signified that they weren't mere roommates anymore. Jerry gave the stove a quick once over and turned to face the Husky.

"Okay," Jerry began, "Very qui- mmph!"

William practically pounced on the Zebra and planted a lustful kiss on Jerry's lips. The bigger male murred and quickly took dominance over the kiss, turning the lip lock into an all out make out session. Although Jerry wanted to keep the kiss going, especially when William's paws started roaming around his belt, he broke it off.

"This is important William," Jerry held the Dog loosely, "Like, very important."

The Husky kissed Jerry's cheek.

"Ok," William rubbed Jerry's hand softly, "I'm listening."

Jerry nodded and took a deep breath.

"I know tonight was supposed to be date night," Jerry sighed, "But my dad's in town, and he kind of invited himself over to dinner tonight. So instead of steaks and wine, we're having Wat and Kool Aide."

"Oh," William replied, pausing as he tried to figure out what Wat was, "What's Wat?"

"Well," Jerry chuckled, "That depends on the context of the sentence. In that case...,"

"You know what I meant smartass," William laughed and smiled, "We can do date night another night right?"

The Zebra nodded and rubbed the back of his head.

"Of course, but William, I need to explain something about my dad," Jerry sighed, "He's not like me."

"What do you mean?" William asked, "Like not a Zebra?"

Jerry chuckled and shook his head.

"He's not from here," Jerry began, "He's from Ethiopia, technically I am too, even though I don't remember it."

"That's cool," William replied, "What's the issue?"

"Well," Jerry bit his lip, "Because of where he's from, if he finds certain things out about me or you, he may, uh, react poorly."

"Okay?" William sat on the counter and crossed his arms, "And that means what exactly?"

"He can't find out what you and I have been doing," Jerry replied, "He probably shouldn't even know that you're gay."

The pair shared an uncomfortable silence for a few moments. Jerry rubbed the back of his neck, fully aware of how awkward and tense the atmosphere was. William opened his mouth to speak, but stopped, hesitated, and shook his head. He was going to speak anyways.

"Are you ashamed of me?" William asked, putting his paws up as Jerry scoffed and turned to face the Husky.

"Jesus Christ no," Jerry nickered impatiently, "Sure, I'm not ready to tell people I'm involved with a guy, but that doesn't mean I'm ashamed of you."

"They why does it matter if your dad finds out I'm gay?" William asked, "I can understand not wanting to tell him about us. That's perfectly understandable and I am very ready to accept that and keep it between the two of us until you are ready."

William got up from the counter and started pacing. The fur on the back of his neck stood on end, and his nostrils flared with each rapid breath he took.

"Don't expect me to change who I am though," William continued, "If he finds out I'm gay, whatever, this is America, not Ethiopia. It's not going to change me, even if he thinks poorly of me."

Jerry rubbed his forehead. This conversation was spiraling downward very fast.

"Look," Jerry replied, "Where he's from, being gay is seen as a choice, and a very bad choice to make. I just want to protect you. He's not going to hide his opinion, and he's probably not going to treat you very nicely if he finds out."

"I'm a big boy Jerry," William sighed and calmed down, "I came out of the closet in high school.I know the mean things people can say and do. Part of coming out of the closet is, well, learning how to deal with the fact that people aren't as okay with yourself as you are."

Jerry hung his head. He felt bad for angering the Husky. Jerry supposed it was justified, he did practically tell a guy who he had feelings for to act straight. The Zebra let out a sigh. He hadn't put much thought into coming out as bisexual, because, truthfully, he hadn't had a reason to until now. It wasn't a process he was looking forward to. William's face softened and he walked forward to kiss Jerry on the cheek.

"I'm sorry I snapped," The Husky began, "Look, I'm going to go take a shower, and then I'm going to help you with dinner. Is that okay?"

Jerry nodded and kissed William back. The Husky cracked a smile and turned away from the Zebra. Jerry's eyes went wide as he noticed the collar William was wearing.

"William," Jerry began, pausing as the Husky stopped and turned to face him, "I'm not telling you to do this, but it might be a good idea to change your collar. My dad may see that and get the wrong idea."

William nodded.

"You're right," The Husky turned and continued walking to his bedroom, "I'll change it. See you in a few baby."

Jerry smiled and turned back to the stove. He whinnied in panic as he noticed his soup boiling over. He groaned and turned it down, hopefully William would be done soon. The Zebra didn't let the Husky know, but he really needed his help.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

After William's shower he changed into his go to butch outfit, a dark-blue, baggy indie band tee-shirt and a pair of regular fit jeans. He put on a plain black collar, the one he reserved for formal occasions and family gatherings. It wasn't his favorite look, but he made it work. He helped Jerry with the food, even though he didn't know what the hell they were cooking.

It was a thick brown stew, stuffed with all sorts of veggies, and savory spices. The Husky was in charge of preparing the small pieces of freshly baked flatbread that, somehow, served as the utensils for the dish. He finished up, and put the food on the table. Throughout the process of preparing the meal, Jerry reminded the Husky, many times, of what was expected of him tonight.

"I get it Jerry," William huffed as he finished setting the table, "No sarcasm, no gay stuff, and no puns. How many times are you going to tell me?"

"Until I think you've got it," Jerry began, "I can't have any screw ups William. If my dad feels stupid, or if he finds out you're gay, he's going to lash out."

"What if he finds out you're gay?" William smirked, "What happens then?"

"I'm not gay," Jerry glared at the Husky and crossed his arms, "And he won't."

There was a sharp knock on the door. Jerry sighed and moved in to kiss William on the cheek.

"Just sit down," Jerry rubbed William's side, "Maybe he won't stay too late, and we can still salvage the night."

William smiled and sat down at his seat at the table, looking up cutely at the Zebra as he did so.

"There's nothing to salvage," William smiled, "Don't worry about it hon."

Jerry returned the smile and walked over to the door. There was another sharp knock.

"Coming," Jerry sighed and looked back at the Dog, "Showtime."

"Dad!" Jerry opened the door with a huge smile, "It's such a pleasure to see you."

Jerry's father was the same height of his son, but lacked Jerry's impressive physique. He was wearing a blue silk shirt, half unbuttoned, and jeans. The older male looked nothing like his son, except for his deep brown eyes.

"Jehur," The older Zebra opened his arms, "It's been too long my son."

Jerry stepped aside and let his father into the apartment. The older male took off his black work shoes and stepped forward, looking around the place with wide eyes.

"This is wonderful," The Male began, "How did you get into a place like this?"

"Well," Jerry replied as he directed his father's attention to the table, "I have a roommate. Dad, this is my roommate, William, uh, what's your last name?"

The Husky stood up from his seat and extended his left paw.

"I'm William Rennell," The Dog smiled, "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Jerry's father looked down at the Husky's paw, barely managing to hide what appeared to be disgust. He shook it and nodded politely.

"I'm Paul," The Zebra replied, "I'm going to wash up for dinner, where is your bathroom?"

"Down there," Jerry pointed, "Last door on your left."

Paul nodded and walked briskly down the hall. Jerry sighed and took his seat across from the Husky.

"What was that about?" William crossed his arms, "Did I do something wrong?"

"Yeah," Jerry rubbed the back of his neck, "Use your right paw from now on. Just, it's a cultural thing ok."

"But I'm left handed," William scoffed, "Look I'm all for respecting other cultures, but that needs to be a two way street."

"I'm sorry," Jerry replied, "I know it's not fair. Just put up with it. Please, for me."

William nodded and cracked a slight smile.

"Ok," William began, "Why are you so, I don't know, American? You've been here for the same amount of time right?"

"I know they say that there's no stupid questions, but come on William," The Zebra whinnied mirthfully, "We grew up in different places with very different cultures. That's why."

"Ok," William smiled up at Jerry's father as he walked back into the dining room, "I'm sorry sir, Jerry told me what I had done wrong."

Paul nodded and sat down at his seat across from his son's.

"It's alright William," Paul held out his hands, "Shall we say Grace?"

William did his best to hide his discomfort as he bowed his head and looked down at the table. His family had never pressed religion on to him, and truthfully, he saw no need for it in his life. Jerry picked up on William's feelings and gently rubbed his foot against the Dog's calf.

"God," Paul began, his eyes closed and head bowed, "We thank you for bringing us together, for giving us a roof over our heads, and, most importantly of all, finally allowing my wife and the mother of my son to join us in this great country. Amen."

As Paul looked up and began pulling the bread onto his plate, Jerry's eyes went wide.

"Mom's coming over here?" Jerry gasped, "You mean it."

Paul chuckled and dipped his bread into the stew. He closed his eyes and murred at the rich taste.

"Yes, that's why I wanted to come over," Paul chuckled, "She's moving in with me in my apartment in the city."

"Why didn't you say something before?" Jerry asked, "How long did you know about this?"

"Just a week ago," Jerry's father began, "We finally were able to get her over here. She's so happy. She can't wait to see you again."

"It was great seeing her out here for the championships," Jerry took a hefty bite out of his bread, "Even though we got stomped."

William hid a blush at the memory. That was the night he had snuck into Jerry's locker room and watched the basketball team after the game. Now that he and the Zebra were somewhat of an item, he was sure that Jerry would get a kick out of the story. After all, the Husky only had eyes for that naked, studly zebra.

"Is your friend ok?" Paul loaded up another piece of bread, "He hasn't even touched his food."

"Oh," The Husky chuckled awkwardly as he came up with a suitable excuse, "I'm a big meat eater, I'm always a little wary of veggies and the like."

That was a complete and utter lie. William had no problem eating his veggies. As a matter of fact, the Husky actually preferred them to a lot of meat heavy dishes. That was something his parents never quite figured out.

"Give it a try," Paul chuckled, "It's very savory. I know plenty of predators like yourself who eat this dish."

William humored the older Zebra, and murred at the taste of the food. If the Husky didn't know any better, he would have sworn that this stew was crammed with well-seasoned beef. He could see why lions and the like back in Paul's country would eat this right up.

"Hey," Paul nudged his son, "I was going to suggest that your friend didn't like exotic tastes."

"That's not true," Jerry chuckled, "You brought home a pretty exotic girl the other night."

"Tell us William," Paul laughed and turned to the Husky, "I love living vicariously through you younger folk."

Jerry nodded at William, wordlessly egging him on. The Husky knew what the Zebra was doing. He must have thought that William wasn't doing a good enough job of convincing Paul that he was straight. William adjusted his collar and cleared his throat.

"Yeah," William began, "Sorry bro, I thought you were asleep."

"I was asleep," Jerry laughed, "You two were super loud."

Paul chuckled.

"When you say exotic," Paul began, "What do you mean? What species was she?"

At this point, William wasn't sure if he should lie about his alleged hookup's species. He knew that Jerry was referring to the Rhino, whatever his name was, who he had brought home a few nights ago. He honestly had no idea what female Rhinos looked like.

"Well," Paul chuckled, "Don't be shy. We won't judge."

"She was a Rhino," William dipped another piece of bread into the stew, "So, exotic in that sense."

Paul paused for a moment, and then laughed loudly.

"You like the big girls huh?" Paul slapped the table, "Be careful Paul, or you might just have a Hippo girl on your hands. You KNOW how they can be."

Jerry sighed.

"Dad come on," Jerry began, "He's not going to get that joke. Give him a break."

William clenched his fist under the table.

"That Rhino may have been big, but the biggest and best part of the whole deal," William smirked, "Was his cock."

The smile left Paul's face. His son looked at William with equal parts rage and shock. Paul stood up from the table, violently shoved his chair in, and backed away, glaring at William the whole time.

"Jehur," Paul kept staring at the Husky, "Outside. Now."

Williams smug grin turned to a frown and then he lowered his ears, now fully aware of what he had said. He hadn't just jeopardised himself and how Jerry's father thought of him. He had also changed the relationship between Jerry and his father. He'd lied to his dad about the one night stand story, and was caught. If Jerry was lucky, that's what his Dad was the most angry about..

The last thing that he wanted to do was make his boyfriend uncomfortable in any way but that's what came out of it.

He couldn't hear the two completely, just little segments of the conversation. One part hit a nerve, making him whimper quietly as he retreated to the safety of his bedroom, quickly locking the odor behind him. That one thing was, "Move out, my son will not live with one of those queers!"

The sad Husky began to quietly sob in the confines of his room, where he wouldn't be judged or criticized. He may have ruined the night, and any chances of him getting along with Paul, but he still wanted Jerry. Hopefully the Zebra would still want to be with him after this.

He had to talk to him, let him know that it just slipped out, that he didn't intend for any of this to happen. He already felt so awful and now, the pair had been talking for at least twenty minutes. It made him cringe to think of what they were saying about him. All William could think of at this moment was the reaction his mother had when he came out of the closet. Truthfully, the kids at school were the easiest to deal with. All of the shouting from outside of the apartment brought William right back to his mother's kitchen.

Jerry's dad only knew that Jerry let William bring a guy home, he didn't know that his son actually loved the other male. That was William's biggest fear; he didn't know that he was gay but now he might just find out.

It all went quiet for a couple of minutes and then the door opened slowly, closing just as slow with the lock being turned. Only one set of footsteps was heard coming down the hallway, so he knew that it was Jerry. Looking below the door he could see his shadow stood there, but he didn't knock. A little sigh was all the Husky heard before the shadow disappeared, and Jerry laid down on the couch, falling asleep there for the night.

Sobbing a little more, William let his head hit the pillows as he thought about everything that had happened tonight before slowly, gradually, drifting off into sleep; that usual comfort not coming so easy.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The next morning, the faint smell of bacon and eggs wafted through the air, filling it with that pleasant odour, nothing more. The Zebra, still laid on the couch was roused from sleep by his twitching nostrils, and rumbling tummy. He hadn't had a nice breakfast in a while, and as he lifted up off of the couch there was William, busy at the stove.

Jerry rubbed his tired eyes and walked over to him, letting out a big yawn. He didn't really get much sleep last night.

"Morning... " He managed to grumble, a little mad but more ashamed, more for himself and his reputation that William.

William just nodded once, flashing the male a soft smile, setting out two plates at the table.

"I made breakfast..." He said with a smile, trying his best to change the atmosphere.

"Mm-hm, I see that." Jerry snorted, going over to the refrigerator to take out a beer.

William took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a moment, thinking about how he could make the Zebra feel better. A million different conversations rushed through his head at that point but none ended happy.

After setting the food down on the plates and carrying them over to where Jerry set two places to eat he looked up at him, using his puppy eyes to try and sway his emotions while setting the plates down on the table.

"Jerry, please..." Wiliam began. "At least let's talk it through some, I know what I did was out of turn and I had no right but I'm really sorry!"

Those soft eyes, mixed in with his sincere tone really struck a heartstring on Jerry. He looked up from his plate and just took a moment to regain his composure, staring the Husky in the eyes.

"He.. Doesn't know that I'm gay, William... Just you." He said calmly, in a more reassuring tone than before.

"I don't know if you heard but, he asked... Told, me to move out and I said no." Jerry snorted.

What would happen to him now? Sure, his dad still had no idea of his true feelings or even his real sexuality but it didn't matter. William was happy knowing that he had Jerry to rely on, that he loved him much more than he first thought. What he said put any reassurances to rest and proved that he was the one for him.

"So," The Husky began, "What does that mean?"

"Well," Jerry took a deep breath, "He's not going to be coming around again. Neither of my parents will."

"But your mom...," William whined, "Oh my god hon, I'm so sorry. If I had known that would happen, I never would have ran my mouth like that."

Jerry nodded.

"I'm sure my Mom will bring my father back around," The Zebra replied, "It just might take a little bit. I don't want you to blame yourself. I suppose that's what I get for trying to make you something you aren't."

"Yeah," William looked down at his feet and blushed, "Not all gays are good at acting."

"I don't think I'd want you to be good at acting," Jerry chuckled and started to dig into his food, "I like the real you."

William blushed and took his seat across from the Zebra.

"Speaking of," Jerry took a bite of egg and gestured with his fork towards the Husky, "Where's that collar of yours?"

"I figured I'd save it for the second go at date night," William chuckled, "I was thinking of going out for dinner."

Jerry nodded.

"Seeing as I'm the man in the relationship," The Zebra smirked, "Do I have to pay?"

William stuck out his tongue.

"I don't know about you being the man," William giggled, "But I'd really appreciate it if you took us out."

"Ok," Jerry began, "How does Cork's sound?"

William's ears and tail perked up.

"You want to take me out to Cork's?" William gasped, "Isn't that super expensive?"

"Isn't that the point?" Jerry chuckled, "It's settled. Do you work today?"

William groaned and put his head in his paws.

"Fuck, yes," William began, "I totally forgot. I'm off at 5."

"We'll have dinner at 6:30 then," Jerry chuckled, "I want you dressed up all nice for me."

William blushed and looked down at his plate.

"I will," The Husky smiled, "I should get going. I'll see you a little after 5, ok?"

Jerry nodded and blew his boyfriend a kiss.

"See you soon," Jerry began, "Have a good day."

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

William came home from work and found Jerry sitting at their dining room table, his head in his hands. The Husky whined and knocked on the doorframe.

"Jerry?" William began, "Are you ok?"

The Zebra looked up at William and sighed.

"I won't be able to go to dinner tonight," Jerry rubbed his arm, "More family stuff came up."

The Husky nodded.

"That's ok hon," William walked over and put his paws on his boyfriend's shoulders, "Family comes first."

William looked down at the Zebra and started to rub his shoulders.

"Do you want to talk about it?" William asked, "It isn't your Dad is it?"

Jerry shook his head.

"It's my Mom," The Zebra bit back tears, "She needs me to pick her up from the airport tonight."

The Zebra looked up at the Husky, tears brimming in his deep, brown eyes.

"What if she finds out?" Jerry continued, 'What if she doesn't love me if I'm gay?"

William sighed.

"She's your mother," William began, "There's probably nothing in the world you could do to stop her from loving you."

The Husky bent down and kissed Jerry on the top of the head.

"When do you need to go?" William asked, "Do you have a little time?"

Jerry shook his head.

"No," Jerry began, "I wanted to wait for you. I didn't want you to come home and find me gone."

William smiled and blushed. Even when Jerry was feeling down, he still made sure to take care of the Husky.

"Ok," William began, "Tell you what, you take care of your mother, and by the time you get back I'll have a super yummy dinner made for you. Does that sound good to you?"

Jerry cracked a smile and nodded.

"Now come on," William smirked and kissed Jerry on the lips, "Get a move on."

Jerry chuckled and got up from the table.

"I'll be home in a couple of hours," Jerry threw on a light jacket, "Thank you William, for everything."

The Husky smiled, wagged his tail, and waved as his boyfriend left the kitchen. Even after Jerry had left, the Husky's tail didn't stop wagging. He turned his attention to the kitchen and smiled. Tonight was finally going to be the perfect date night that he had been dreaming about.