(Throwback from when Pepperjack was a puppy.) 

Sitting up in Owen's bed, Fox glanced around the room. He'd decided to skip following them to class this time, saying that he wasn't feeling quite up to it the night before. Of course, that had been a partial lie. He loved following Owen, and didn't even mind going with Amos, but he did want a break from the extra people. He was getting used to them after a week, at least... but everything in moderation. Especially humans. 

After a quick stretch and a few extra nuzzles against Owen's pillow, Fox slipped out of bed and headed for the bathroom. Both of them had liked it when he'd taken a shower a while ago, so he decided to try it again. 

Of course, this time he was a bit more nervous since he was by himself, but it wasn't a bath, so the chance of drowning was much lower. 

The memory of when he'd been in Noah's home and slid beneath the water sent a shiver down his spine. Henry had definitely saved his life. He thought about calling the man, and definitely Noah, but the time didn't seem right. He also didn't have his own phone, so he'd have to wait until either Amos or Owen came back. 

Something to think about later, then. 

He leaned over and started turning the knobs to set the temperature, taking a while since his impatience didn't help as he spun the things back and forth. When he finally figured out how to get it hot, he turned it as high as he could bare, then stepped in and flopped down onto his belly. 

This was a good idea. I'm a happy cooking noodle again. 

He stayed that way for a few minutes before rolling over, his legs bent up to fit himself in the tub better. Not being one to keep track of time, he didn't bother actually starting to wash his body until the water began to get cool. Of course, he wanted to rush through it at that point, but he remembered how Owen had kept nudging him with his nose as he sniffed his hair that night they had all, kind of, shared the shower. 

I hope he will like my scent again tonight. 

The thought made him grin and slow his cleaning, being sure to get the good smell everywhere he could reach. Once he was done, he rinsed off, then dried himself as best he could before tugging on a pair of cartoon fox-patterned pajama pants that Amos had bought for him. They hung loose on his hips, but the drawstring held them up well enough. 

The kitchen had his attention next, his stomach eager for whatever might be in the refrigerator. He found the leftover container from last night's dinner and quickly made its contents disappear, then turned toward the sink. 

Oh. It's full. 

Both Amos and Owen had been very busy studying for exams and work recently, so it was no surprise that the chore had been left. 

"I can do this," he said slowly, making sure to pronounce each word correctly in order to practice. 

He had watched Noah load a dishwasher enough times to figure out that he had to rinse the dishes first, then put them inside. Everything was pretty similar to his, too, so the slots for each item were easy to find. 

When he finally got everything in it, with a bit extra creativity, he shut the door, then stared at all of the buttons with a frown. 

"I don't want... to burn house don." 

He carefully read through what each button said, but so many of them seemed like they could be correct. Saving him from problem solving, Fox straightened as a knock sounded from the front door. 

Thinking that it was Owen or Amos, he ran over, but stopped right before turning the deadbolt lock. 

You promised you would look through the window hole first. 

Leaning forward, he did just that, then let out a little excited squeak before unlocking and swinging the door open. He was in Henry's arms before the door handle had even smacked against the stopper on the wall. 

"Woah! Never thought you'd be this happy to see me," the man teased as he returned the hug, then repositioned one arm so that he could hold Fox better. 

I missed you so much! I don't even know why because you are a vegetarian and stubborn and—"Missed you, too, you doofus." 

"Maybe I should go back and wait in the car?" 

Noah!

Fox tried to scramble over Henry's shoulder immediately, but just ended up throwing the guy off balance, making them both fall. Thankfully, Noah was there with one arm going around Henry as the other wrapped around Fox, saving them both from an uncomfortable meeting with the concrete. 

A glint of  something shiny caught Fox's eye as Noah helped Henry straighten back up, then moved to take Fox into his own arms for a hug. 

He has a ring on his fourth finger. 

Noah's face tinted pink as Henry chuckled and stepped closer, holding them both in a hug together. 

"In a way that you should be able to understand... I claimed my territory," Henry said with a smirk that only made Noah's face burn brighter. 

Hey! We were in a fair competi—Owen!

Fox's human form disappeared as he bolted toward Owen, who was walking toward them after having just parked his car. 

You're home early! 

He circled the guy so quickly that he had to stop walking until Fox realized that he was overdoing it. After a lot of restraint, he plopped to his belly. I'm calm! He dropped his chin to the ground and twitched his ear three times. 

I'm a good boy. I don't overreact. 

His body was wiggling as it begged to get back up and greet Owen again, but he managed to just-barely contain himself. 

Owen looked up at the two men and smiled as he nodded toward the open door. 

"Come on in, and thanks for stopping by," he said before he finally leaned down and picked Fox up after grabbing the pants he'd lost after he'd shifted. 

Attention, attention, attention. Mine! 

You seem pretty happy with him. He's kind of cute, too.

Fox pinned his ears and let out a warning growl that had both Henry and Noah snickering. The sounds drew Owen's attention as he let his bag slide from his shoulder to one of the chairs at the dinner table, then set the pants on top of it. 

"I'm guessing that you guys have a bond, too?" he asked, seeming a tiny bit... something. 

I would share a bond with you if I could. I'd do it right away. 

Fox leaned his head against Owen's shoulder and stared up at him reverently. 

Noah stepped forward as Henry looked around the room. 

"Yeah, we do. We brought over some of his things," he said before reaching over to pat Fox's head. 

Fox fidgeted slightly as Owen's grip on him tightened. Noah seemed oblivious, but retracted his hand after a moment before looking back at Henry. 

"We have to get going now though, work calls. Thank you for looking after him all this time, and if you need anything, don't hesitate to call one of us," Noah said before Henry hooked a finger through the belt-loop of his slacks and started tugging him toward the door with a wink. 

"It's always good to be a bit early."

Fox wanted to react, but at the same time, he didn't. Definitely not while he was in Owen's arms. It was so rare that the guy even ever picked up him for more than a few seconds, so he was savoring the attention. 

Wait a minute. You said that you had work after class. 

Owen walked into the kitchen and was clearly about to check the fridge, but as he was walking past the sink, his eyebrows rose and he turned toward it, clearly confused since neither of them had done the dishes yet. 

I did that. That was me. I put them in the thing! 

When Owen looked down at him, Fox perked up, wiggling with excitement, his little paws on the man's chest so that he could see him better. 

"You loaded the dishwasher?" he asked, clearly surprised. 

Fox nodded a few too many times as Owen reached over with his free hand and opened the device. He checked both racks, and to Fox's utter satisfaction, only rearranged a few small things. 

"I'm impressed," he said honestly as he leaned down and got out a little nugget of soap from under the sink, then slipped it into its holder. 

Oh, right. Soap. That cleans things. Like dishes, and clothes, and foxes. 

He tilted his head as his eyes narrowed on the dishwasher. 

Wait, that uses hot water. I wonder how well that would cook me. 

Fox figured that Owen would shut the machine and start it now, but instead, he straightened and stared down at him with a deadpan expression. 

What did I do? 

Shaking his head, Owen sighed and squeezed his eyes shut for a moment before opening them. 

"That would be the first thing I hear from our new connection, wouldn't it?" 

Fox shifted back to his human form abruptly, but Owen easily held his weight with a hand under his backside, his legs wrapping partially around the man's waist. Their noses nearly brushed as their eyes met once he was sure he wouldn't be dropped. 

Why does it suddenly feel warm in here when I'm naked? 

I can make you feel much hotter if you'd like...

While slightly confused, Amos had flirted with him enough for Fox to realize what Owen was hinting at. He was definitely getting hotter. 

"Oh shit. You heard my thought, didn't you?" Owen said as he looked away and reached up with his free hand, rubbing the back of his neck for a moment before setting Fox down. 

"I'm not used to having someone able to hear my thoughts besides Amos, occasionally," he said as he quickly turned toward the fridge and got out a few things to make a sandwich. 

Fox watched him for a moment, then realized that he was standing there naked. 

Pants. I should wear pants. 

Looking around, he quickly located his pajama pants and ran over to grab them. 

You don't need to wear them. 

Blinking, Fox looked over his shoulder to see Owen staring at him like he was his lunch. 

"You don't need to wear them right now. I don't mind," Owen said, figuring that his thought was heard. 

It was a bit odd to hear just about everything he seemed to be thinking when his other bonds tended to come and go, but he definitely wasn't complaining. 

Hey Fox, I'm a couple blocks away. Going to be home for lunch. 

"Ah. Amos is coming for lunch, too," Fox said with a smile, letting Owen know in case Amos hadn't connected with him. 

He really didn't mind the man much anymore. He was actually quite nice, even with his joking and pestering. 

Owen finished making his sandwich at that moment, but paused before picking up the plate and turning toward him. 

"Put your pants back on." 

What? Why? 

Owen's eyes grew dark at his thought, his own fox looking through them. It did not look happy with his response. 

Not wanting to cause any problems, Fox quickly tugged on one pant leg, then the other before pulling them up to his waist. He was about to tie them so that they wouldn't fall, but before he could grab the two drawstrings Owen's fingers had them. 

Right as he was finishing tying them the sound of a key in the lock drew Fox's attention toward the door. It was just beginning to open when he yelped and jumped backward, surprised by the sudden pinch he felt near his left shoulder-blade. 

Amos stepped inside with a worried frown on his face and didn't hesitate to run over to him after kicking off his boots. Owen had already returned to the kitchen to retrieve the plate he'd left on the counter, then silently dropped down into a chair at the dinner table. 

Fox wanted to question why he'd nipped him, but Amos was already leaning over to lick at the tiny bit of blood that had managed to escape the injury. 

Unlike with Owen, Amos' attention sent a shiver down his spine. 

"Owe, you need to reign in your little fuzzy friend a bit more. You're going to scare him away," Amos said, his tone only seeming to be half joking. 

Owen sighed out a stressed growl and took a bite of his sandwich, then got up and grabbed his car keys and wallet. 

"Forgot I needed to go in early today," he said almost too quietly to be heard. 

Not a moment later the door was slamming shut to the sound of Amos' low whistle. 

I... am confused. 

Feeling Amos' arm on his shoulder, Fox looked up at the man as he leaned down. The faint scent of mint gum was a welcome change from the normal cigarette smell that was usually on the man's breath. 

"I've never seen him lose control like that."

Oh? 

Straightening, Amos walked over to the remaining nearly-full sandwich and lifted half toward Fox, then picked up the bitten piece and raised it to his smirking lips. 

"It makes me want to pin him down on the carpet until he finally submits to me." 

Fox had been just about to bite into his offered half of the sandwich, but paused at the man's words, then slowly closed his empty mouth. The reaction got a chuckle from Amos as he swallowed his bite of food. 

"Don't worry, I'll only pin you down when you ask me to," Amos added with a wink that sent a second shiver down Fox's spine.