When we last left Zach, he pledged he’d find someone so he wouldn’t be left out and alone, right? Well, at the time of writing, Zach has not been successful in his quest for love. Using an app on his phone to arrange meet-ups with women and men, he prepares to date each one, yet not a single one of them sparks Zach’s interest. Most of them don’t really meet his expectations as he had hoped.
One example includes a coffee date at Pawbucks where Zach had met a blonde-haired doe in green sweatpants and jacket. On their date, Zach’s attempts at trying to strike up conversations and interests had not been successful, due to the doe being silent and not very talkative, which makes Zach think she doesn’t find him interesting.
Another date Zach went on paired him with a male panda in glasses and a purple scarf. The panda’s persnickety nature toward the fox makes him think the panda will only change him and not love him for who he is, causing Zach to turn down any potential in a romantic future with him.
Zach’s luck has shown to be futile in finding a potential other. With a vast majority of them being unfit in his eyes, romance doesn’t seem to be in Zach’s future. However, he keeps his head up high and continues pursuing. He even goes so far as to try speed-dating. But at each of the events, not one person strikes interest with the fox; most of them rejecting him. He slouches over the table and lies his head against it. “Who am I kidding?” he says to himself. “I’m never going to find anyone… Maybe I’m better off being a cheap one-nighter…” A ping from his phone catches his attention. When he goes to look at it, his eyes open wider.
At night, Zach enters the restaurant. Having accepted a date request from his app, he approaches the desk and asks for the name of the one in waiting. The hostess orders him to follow her and lead him to the table occupied by a vixen with brown hair flowing on all sides of her head and long eyelashes. She wears a long, red dress which sparkles in the light. “Uh, hello,” Zach starts. “Are you Fiona Fox?”
“Why, yes, I am,” says the vixen. “You must be Zach, right?” Zach nods to answer. “You’re quite handsome. More-so than your profile picture.”
“Uh, gee, thanks,” Zach says, blushing with a smile as he takes a seat across from her. “And you look quite lovely tonight.”
“I appreciate the comment. You look good, too.”
“Thank you… I apologize if it’s not spiffy or fancy.”
“No, it’s okay. I understand; you should be comfortable when you’re on a date.”
“Yes. And, I don’t really own fancy clothes…” The waiter comes and the two give their drink orders before sending him away.
“Oh? What do you do for a living? Be honest.”
“I… maintain the quality of equipment and software at a tv studio.”
“So, you’re some sort of engineer?”
“I… don’t think of it that way, but I guess you can say that.”
“Hey, nothing wrong with that. Have to start somewhere, right? It’s also not bad line of work. I worked as an assistant for a couple years before entering the big leagues.”
“Oh really? What do you do?”
“I’m a broker for a financial firm.”
“Must be boring work.”
“Gets that way from time-to-time, but the money’s good. After work, however, I usually hit the bar and hang out.” The waiter comes back to deliver their drinks: grape wine for Fiona and some fruit sangria for Zach. He then takes down their entrée orders before disappearing again. Fiona continues her conversation with Zach. “What about you? You do anything outside the studio that’s fun?”
“It depends… I usually hang out with my friends, but they’ve been very ‘busy’ lately…”
“Busy how?”
“They’ve been… focused on their partners… I’ve been feeling neglected by them, if you know what I mean.”
“Yeah, I understand. Love is weird with a lot of people. What do you guys usually do?”
“Hang out at places like the mall, arcade, karaoke, restaurants, and such… We’re not really too fancy or picky.”
“Understandable. Do you do anything when you’re not with them?”
“When I’m not with them?” Zach repeats. “I… usually browse around on the internet or draw.”
“You’re an artist? You have sketches?” Zach nods to her. “May I see them?”
“Uh, sure… Most of my drawings are on the computer, but I’ve done traditional.” Zach takes out his sketchbook and presents his works to her. Sketches of various fictional characters and some landscapes give fascination to the other fox.
“Why, these are good.”
“Thank you.” Zach puts away his sketchbook.
“Have you ever thought of pursuing something in the arts?”
“Somewhat. I’ve had this fascination with superheroes…”
“Like make comics?”
“Well, not quite… I’ve been thinking of pursuing an acting career in acting as a superhero.”
“You’re one hell of a dreamer. Have you had any luck?”
“No… I’ve been searching, however. I’m also on the lookout at my studio if they plan to make a superhero show. It’s been my passion to inspire others.”
Fiona’s smile grows bigger. “You certainly ‘inspire’ me, that’s for sure.”
“R-really? Thank you…” They are interrupted when their food lands on their table by the waiter. They waste no time in digging in while still engaged in their conversation. They continue to talk about their backgrounds and their interests as they enjoy the cuisine. The night continues on with their company all the way to coffee and dessert.
Fiona could barely contain her smile. “Zach, I enjoyed our evening together.”
Zach reflects her expression. “I enjoyed tonight with you, as well. You are a nice fox to be with.”
“I’m glad you think that. So, when’s our next date?”
Zach freezes. His smile disappears. “W-what…?”
“What’s wrong? Are you not happy with how our first date turned out?”
“No, no… I’m just shocked… I didn’t think a girl like you would be interested in a guy like me…”
“Isn’t that a good thing?”
“I… yes…? I’m sorry, I’m just a bit surprised is all… I’ve never had anyone interested in me enough to stick around with me.”
“Oh? Well, I guess I’m your first, then.” Her smile remains on her face. “So, when do you want to meet again?”
“I… don’t really have much going on tomorrow night. We can chill together if you’d like.”
“I would definitely love that.”
***
The two foxes continue to see each other; after work hours and on off-days. Their relationship develops in a span of a month. Fast forward to now, and Zach and Fiona hang out together in the mall. They both stop and rest on one of the benches in the center and take a breather, having covered every wing. They talk for a bit when they are approached by two warthogs. The couple freezes in place when they notice their friend.
“Zach?” spurts Emma.
Zach smiles and gives a wave. “Hey, Emma. How’s it going?”
“It’s funny to run into you here with someone else.”
“Is this one of your friends, Zach?” asks Fiona.
“Yep,” he answers. “This is Emma, and that’s Alec. Emma and Alec, I want you to meet Fiona. We met about a month ago and we’re dating. We like each other so much.”
“Well, cool,” Alec comments.
Emma puts her hooves together beside her head and smiles. “Aw, Zachy… How nice! I’m happy for you.”
“Thanks, Emma.”
“We should schedule a quadruple date with the others.”
“Hold on. Don’t you think this is all too fast for us? It’s been just a month with me and Fiona.”
“I don’t mind at all, ‘Zachy,’” says Fiona. This causes him to turn and face her. “It would be nice to sit down with other people. Besides, I’m interested in meeting your other friends.”
“You’re okay with that?”
“Didn’t I just say that a few seconds ago?”
“Well, if you’re fine with it, then…” He turns back to his friend. “What do you want to do?”
“You guys want to do some sushi at the Koi Pond tonight?”
“Oh, I love sushi!” utters Fiona. “That sounds great!” Zach also tells her he’s onboard with it as well.
“Cool! I’ll text the others and let them know. How’s five o’clock?”
“Sounds good to us.”
“Awesome! Can’t wait to see you both there!” She walks away with Alec beside her, traveling away from the fox pair.
***
Inside the sushi restaurant, Emma and Alec wait at the table with Ralph, Josh, Winnie, and Kenny. The six animals stand about and engage in conversation as they are seated.
“Hey, gang!” shouts Zach, approaching the group with Fiona by his side. The six turn their attention to them as they sit down. “Sorry we’re late. Got held up by some traffic.” Both the rabbit and chicken become speechless upon seeing the other fox, as do the two bears. “Oh, this is Fiona, by the way. We started dating a month ago, and now we’re together. Fiona, these are the rest of my friends; Ralph the Rabbit and Winnie the Chicken. Also, that’s Josh the Bear, my coworker, and his cousin, Kenny Koala.”
“Hi,” the vixen goes. “Nice to meet you all. Zach has told me a little about each of you guys.”
“Why, Zach,” Ralph begins. “She’s lovely. Didn’t know you started dating someone.”
“I’m surprised,” adds Winnie. “She’s good looking…”
“So?” Zach asks. “Are you saying I’m not able to get a smoking-hot woman?”
“Didn’t think it would happen to you.”
“Well, obviously, it has.”
“How did you two meet?” questions Kenny.
“Oh, we met through a dating app,” Fiona tells him. “Had a little date, and now we’re going out together. Hope that’s okay with you guys.”
“Wow, really?” utters Josh.
Emma smiles. “How romantic.”
“Uh, Zach,” Winnie spurts. “Can I talk to you privately for a moment?” Zach follows her away from the table and in the hallway to the restrooms. “All right, Fox Boy, how much are you paying this chick?”
Zach narrows one eye. “Huh? What are you talking about?”
“There’s no way a girl like her could fall for a boy like you. You have to be paying her to act like she loves you, or promising her something in return. What kind of deal did you make?”
“Why would you think that?”
“Don’t play dumb with me. She’s obviously out of your league.”
“Winnie, that isn’t the case… I mean, it’s extraordinary, yes, but there’s nothing fishy going on, if that’s what you’re thinking.”
“Oh, so you ‘magically’ fell in love with this girl?” Zach stays silent and gives a nod. “Zach, there’s no shame in it; you were upset about feeling left out, which is why you started dating.”
“What? How do you-”
“I saw your profile on that dating website you use…”
“What? You’re looking at my profile…? Are you spying on me?”
“No… I… was browsing online and I… ‘stumbled’ upon it… Either way, I know what this is about.”
“So, good for you…”
“You know, you should’ve just told us about it…”
“I know… But you guys look so happy with your own dates… I just wanted to be part of that too… Not only did I want to be included in the ‘date group,’ I also wanted to find someone myself… I haven’t been with anyone in a long time, really…”
“And you’re sure Fiona is the one? What if she’s just looking to take advantage of you?”
“Fiona’s very kind, sweet, and understanding. I have no doubt she’s my true love. I like her a lot, and I hope it blossoms into something more.”
“Well, as long as you’re happy with her… Shall we return to the table?”
“Yeah, sure.” The fox follows her back to their friends and sit back in their seats. “Sorry about that.”
“Is everything okay?” asks Fiona.
“We’re fine,” Winnie tells her. “Just needed to tell Zach something privately, was all. Nothing bad about you, of course; you’re gorgeous.”
Fiona lets out a chuckle. “How generous of you.”
“Oh, Zach,” Josh starts, changing the subject. “I was talking to some of the other techs, and I heard the studio’s looking to start a new television series.”
“Oh?” Zach utters.
“Yeah, and I think you’ll love it; it’s going to be a superhero-themed show.”
The fox’s eyes open wider. “Get out of here!”
The bear smiles. “No joke, I’m serious; they’re looking for people to be on the show. I know you’ve been interested in this kind of stuff for a while, and looking for something better than fixing things, of course.”
“This is definitely right up your alley,” Emma states. “You should try out.”
“Gee, I’m not sure,” says Zach. “I’ve been planning to take the tech exam, really.”
“Tech exam?” Alec repeats. “What the hell’s that?”
“Nothing special, really,” Josh tells him. “Just a written test for a promotion, they say. It’s really just a title change, and better pay.”
“Why work in a position a step up from what you’re doing now?” Ralph asks the fox. “I thought you weren’t happy as a tech.”
“Well, I’m not,” Zach explains. “I was going to take it for a better pay.”
“Zach,” Winnie starts. “You shouldn’t stay in a position you’re not happy in! If anything, you should try out for the new show!”
“I don’t know… I…”
“Just go for it, Zachy,” spurts Ralph. “Happiness comes first.” Emma agrees with him and eggs Zach on as well. Zach then turns to his new companion to ask her for input.
“It’s up to you,” Fiona adds in. “As long as you are comfortable and happy doing it, I say you should give it a shot. You should definitely push for your dreams.”
Zach turns his head and contemplates for a few seconds. He then takes a deep breath in, and out. “All right… I’ll give it a shot.” He then faces Josh. “Do you have details on the new show?”
“I can ask around to see what anyone else knows,” the bear says. “I’m sure there’s a flyer or something about it. But be warned, Willy may try out for the role, too.”
“Willy?” utters Fiona. “As in, Willy Wool from ‘Wool & Wiles?’”
“Yep,” Josh tells her. “He’s hard to work with.”
“I thought he was already a star,” comments Emma.
“Willy’s always hungry for attention and fame. Even if he’s a major star already, he’ll do anything for the popularity.”
“Sounds like a self-centered asshole,” implies Kenny. “Sorry for my language, but...”
“Oh, he is,” Josh confirms. “He also despises predators… Causing trouble for me and a lot of other predator-type coworkers, mostly to Zach.” He turns to Zach. “Zach, just be careful about him, okay?”
“I’m not worried about him at all,” the fox says. “I’m only worried about me, and that’s that.”
“That is exactly the kind of thinking you should have.”
“As long as I avoid him, nothing can go wrong.”
