This picture and the following story mean quite a bit to me, something I think about often as well as many things like it.

As for the picture, I know there's a lot to work on and plenty of mistakes but I'm still a very new artist and don't practice as much as I should. I hope you enjoy it and this short story

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The Wonderful Day

A fox stirred in his sleep. It was early morning and was not quite time for him to get up when a noise from the living room woke him, looking at the clock with a growl, he still had an hours time to sleep before he would start his day. He gave a yawn and a small stretch before climbing out of bed and padding over to the door before poking his head out to inspect the noise.

"Good morning hun," the fox's beloved mate greeted him as he turned from what he was doing. He came over and took the fox into his arms, hugging him close with a gentle lick kiss on his white furred muzzle. "How did you sleep?" he asked.

"I slept alright," he said with another yawn. "What are you doing out here?" he questioned as he looked over the mess on the floor.

His mate smiled sheepishly as he realized what roused the fox from his sleep. "Sorry about that, I'm just trying to get things ready for Christmas," he said. "It's snowing outside," he added with a nuzzle.

The fox's big bushy tail began to wag as his ears perked at the news as his mate released him to go to the window and see. "It's so beautiful outside," the fox exclaimed softly as his tail wagged a little faster.

"I'm looking at something much more appealing to the eyes," his mate said as he watched his arctic fox fondly.

A blushed formed over the fox's face as he felt the strong arms of his lover wrap around his waist, the words ringing in his head as he nuzzled back against the soft chest fur of the male he loved.

"No more than you, babe," the fox replied as he turned before pressing his lips against his mates muzzle.

They stood there for a moment, muzzles locked together in a kiss as the fireplace made itself known with a crack of burning wood, snapping them from their loving embrace.

"So what shall we do, Xander?" His mate questioned.

"Well first this fox needs to eat," he replied with a soft giggle.

"Food is almost ready, sweetie," the canine replied as the seemingly unoticed scent of food finally reached the fox's nose.

"That smells sooo yummy, hun" Xander said as he began to make his way toward the kitchen.

"Well I made it especially with you in mind. Orange flavored waffles, bacon and cheesy eggs, with sausage and hashbrowns," Xander's mate explained as he followed his fox into the kitchen.

"Any orange sli-" Xander began before he turn to his mate holding a small plate of orange slices to answer his unfinished question. "You're the best, hun" he smiled lovingly before taking the plate and giving an affectionate lick kiss, sitting down at the table as the food was dished out.

"As I said, made with you in mind, foxy," the loving male repeated as he sat down next to the fox.

They both began to eat, the food electric over their tongues as they sat together in their cabin. It was only a single story cabin but was spacious and plenty of room for the two to relax and enjoy the time they shared, never a dull or regretful moment. After they had finished eating and cleaning their plates, they both got some more things ready for the impending holiday they both loved and looked forward to each year after Thanksgiving. Chatting about who would be coming and what the events would be as they lay together in front of the fireplace, teasing each other with pokes and tickles. Around mid afternoon Xander was blindfolded and lead outside into their truck, questioning his mate but not getting an answer as to what he had planned or where they were going. The drive was long but seemed short to the fox as he dozed in and out of sleep, his loving mate glancing fondly at him a few times as they drove, being sure to keep the windows up so the sneaky fox couldn't smell where they were just yet. After what seemed hours they came to a stop, Xander listening as the truck was turned off and his mate getting out of the vehicle before getting something out of the back and coming to his door.

"Right this way, hun," he was told as his door was opened and he stepped out.

As he got out the scent of a forest rushed to Xander's nose along with the crunch of snow baneath his paws. "Where are we?" the fox asked, sniffing around a little and listening for any sounds that could answer his question

"Ah ah, don't you go cheating, you'll know soon enough," his mate replied in a playfully teasing voice.

They walked for some time before coming to a stop, Xander trying to resist the urge to peak at what was going on as he heard little ruffling sounds. Finally the blind fold was lifted and he was able to see where they we at. It was a clearing in the forest, snow blanketed the ground and gave off a glow as the now night sky presented the moons glowing light around them. He looked around and saw a blanket laying over the snow, his mate proped up on one elbow and inviting him to join him, and a bottle of what he thought to be hot coco sitting on the blanket next to him. Xander slowly walked over and crawled onto the blanket before settling against the strong and warm chest of his lover, laying his head and nuzzling into his chest fur as his heart beat and warmth radiated through his ears and down his white furred body.

"I've been waiting for a night like this," his beloved mate told him as he stroked the fox's cheek softly.

"Like what?" Xander question.

"Just wait, foxy," was his reply.

Minutes passed as they snuggled together, Xander sighing softly and contently, his eyes closed and resting before he was tapped gently. He looked up at his mate who was pointing toward the sky, when he looked his eyes went wide in awe at what he was seeing. The Aurora Borealis was shining brightly accross the sky, the glowing snow emphasizing it's beauty as it reflected the beautiful colors.

"How did you know this was going to happen?" The fox questioned in awe, unable to take his eyes away from the sky.

"I kept reaserching it for a time when we could see it. I know how much you wanted to see this for the first time so I set things up so I could take you he-" his sentance was cut short as Xander pressed his lips against his muzzle in a passionate kiss. They embraced each other tight as the kiss continued for what seemed an hour before they finally broke apart.

"Thank you so much, baby" Xander said, looking into his lovers eyes.

"You're more than welcome, Xander. I wanted to experience this with you, I love you with all my heart," came his lovers reply.

"I love you too-"

Just then Xander shot up as his alarm went off to signal him it was time to start getting ready for work. He flopped back down in bed with a groan, feeling around his empty bed in hopes it wasn't just a dream. He yawned as he finally got up with a heavy sigh and turned off his alarm before beginning his almost daily routine.

"Maybe some day," he said with a sigh, ears drooping as he walked out the door and locking it behind him.