{{I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving, where applicable, and my thanks to Franknfurter69 for some dialogue and past plot points.—tmw.}}
“Stop trying to make jokes,” said Peter, looking glum. "It’s not as if I’m not happy for Jean, but why a werewolf?”
“I could ask you a similar question,” Eugene responding. “Why did you have your eye on the were-rabbit nurse as if you were smitten?”
"It's not the possibility of being with that were-rabbit specifically, but the fact that I'm getting nowhere with the lionesses, because all any of them see when they see me is the possibility of being the next lion princess, which would eventually lead them to being the next lion queen whenever my father decides to step down and I assume his throne," explained Peter Talbot, while lying in his hospital bed talking to his cousin Eugene.
"Maybe you should try your luck elsewhere then," suggested Eugene. "There's always plenty of hot females in heat at The Were Club."
"I can rut anytime. I'm talking about finding someone I love to spend the rest of my life with," pointed out Peter.
"Hey, we all want that," agreed Eugene, "but there's no rule that says you can't have any fun while you're looking." Then the Talbot cousin decided to change the subject. "Thought you'd be interested in knowing that we caught the guy who shot you and stole your 66 Mustang. King Uncle does good work. That was one sweet ride."
"Was?"
"Afraid the car got totaled during the high speed chase the guy led us on trying to escape."
"Cars can be replaced. Life cannot," said Leon Talbot, entering his son's hospital room.
"Dad," said Peter with a smile, as Eugene bowed.
"Your majesty."
"How many times do I have to tell you. When we're alone, it's Uncle Leon," the elder Talbot pointed out.
"Sorry. Force of habit. About the only times I get to see you lately are at formal pride meetings," replied Eugene.
"Not my fault. Your duties take you elsewhere, but you always know where I live," said Leon. "The others are outside in the waiting room, but I pulled rank and wanted to visit first. How are you feeling son?"
"Better than last night, but not by much at the moment," replied Peter, laying on the hospital bed in his werelion fursona to help with the healing process.
"No matter who or what you are, gut shots are one of the worst wounds to get over," explained Eugene.
"It also doesn't help that I haven't had any real food since lunch yesterday, which is the only reason I went to the diner to begin with," added Peter. Then he added, "Father, we need to talk."
"Should I leave?" asked Eugene.
"That depends upon what my son has to say," replied the lion king of Moon Lake.
"Have you ever dreamed?" son asked father.
"Sometimes. Why?" Leon asked in return.
"Do you recall an ethereal man being within them?"
"You mean like within the prophecy dreams of the future some weres claim to experience?"
"Yes," replied Peter.
"Only once," answered Leon, "when I was on the verge of officially being crowned and was having second thoughts about accepting my father's role, let alone just what kind of lion king I would be. He pointed out all the good I could accomplish in the position, let alone what might happen to the lion prides of Moon Lake if I didn't follow in my father's paw tracks."
"After last night, personally I think he is a dragon spirit of mist and shadow, but what matters most is that this... man visited me TWICE last night," began Peter, recalling his encounters with the mysterious stranger. "The first time was in the ambulance on the way to the hospital. He said that since I've had no luck finding the right woman, that I might be gay, even if I haven't admitted it to myself yet."
"Hence, from all reports, your constant muttering about not being gay," assumed Leon.
"Right. He visited me in a second dream after I was placed in this room and apologized for upsetting me, but said that if he hadn't gotten my fighting spirit and anger up and roaring, that I would have died somewhere between the diner's parking lot and the operating room," added Peter, a revelation which made his father turn pale as Leon Talbot felt his knees uncontrollably weaken.
"SIRE!" said Eugene, grabbing him before his weight made the Lion King's legs buckle.
"My thanks Eugene," said Leon, standing upright again. "So I assume that our brief visit was in-between the two dreams?"
"Yes. So between all that I had been through by that point and whatever drugs were within my system, let us say I was not at my best when you came to check on me, but I do intend to apologize to everyone as soon as I see them. Which reminds me, I have a favor to ask," added Peter.
"If it is within my power..." began Leon.
"I have been told that during my ambulance ride, my anger caused injury to one of the paramedics. Could you please find him and ask him to visit me at his earliest convenience? I would most sincerely like to apologize to him too."
"It shall be done. But now I must apologize to you," began Leon.
"Oh?" said Peter, wondering what his father could have to be sorry for.
"Your mother, wise woman that she is, has pointed out to me some crucial facts in your current situation," began Leon. "Being my son makes it harder to find a mate than it would for a normal lion. It was never my intention to put any undue pressure upon you, so I apologize for that. I was also going to say while there have been times when I have spoiled your sister, that all I've ever wanted for both of you has been to be happy. So in your case, if that means finding love with someone who is not a lioness, or even a woman..."
"I'm not gay..." Peter said quietly.
"I know. Your ruttings with Liv Robinson have rivaled Jean's with Nate at times in regards to noise levels. Truthfully, between you four, I'm surprised the house is still standing," said Leon with a bemused smile.
"Liv isn't the one either," admitted Peter, "but the man in my dreams said my future mate is out there. Somewhere," he added, thinking about what the mysterious stranger said about the paramedic's were-rabbit sister and the age of hybrids dawning.
"I hate to interrupt, but do either of you need me for anything else right now?" asked Eugene.
"No. I don't think so," answered Leon, as Peter shook his furry head negatively. "Why?"
"I have to be at the court house by 10 when they arraign the suspect who shot Peter and took his car," replied the Talbot cousin, while looking at his watch to see it was approaching 9.
"If it is permissible, that is one court session I would like to attend as well," said Leon, as he started issuing a low but very angry growl.