“IVELEARNTTOSTARTHANGINGAROUNDOTHERSONNEWYEARSEVETOLOOSENTHEBLOWOFPOTENTIALLYBEINGALONE!”

“...He’s afraid of being alone on New Years.” Pika translated.

“Ai’s with you every year. So’s Serenity. What’s better than that?”

He paused, then facepalmed.

“God, have I always been an idiot?”

Bob sighed. “You’re a cool big stepbrother, but you’re also a lovable idiot…”

Ouch!

Pika was GUSHING over Wheeler’s fox form.

“BABYBABYBABYBABYFOXXXXXXXXX!”

“You’re embarrassing me, Pika.” Fuwa’s ears flopped down in exasperation.

Wheeler’s ears drooped. “Pika, stooooooooooooop…”

“-sorry, you’re just so-” “Cute, yeah. But now I have fox urges.” “Like what? Playing tricks?” Pika teased.

“This is serious.” Wheeler insisted.

“Explain.”

Wheeler picked up Fuwa in his mouth, regret etched on his face. 

*GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR*

Fuwa yelped as he was shook, a small tear forming in his right ear.

“NO!” Pika stole him back. “Did it hurt?”

“Emotionally.” Fuwa was pale.

“I told you.” Wheeler whimpered. “Bad fox, bad fox.”