Raspberry Marmalade (Patreon)

Interesting question! >:3

Fuzzbutts!Bruce does not have the same hangups about his sexuality that his Pandoraverse counterpart did. Despite growing up under his father Silas, a bigoted homophobic asshole, Bruce does not internalize his father's views out of pure spite and rebellion. Even from a young age, Bruce knew his father was wrong about many things, so why should he trust his opinions on the so-called "queers"....?

Pretty much the second Bruce turned 18, he moved away to the big city to get away from his father and brother. Attending a massive zooniversity (and majoring in biology) opened Bruce's eyes to the great rainbow of queer identities, and Bruce knew he must treat these people with the exact same respect he afforded everyone....which is to say, eh, the bare minimum.

Bruce himself grew up feeling largely disinterested in people of all genders. Rather than exploring this and choosing a label for himself, he decides to bury himself in his studies, dodging most attempts by his peers to get him to hang out. The only one that succeeds in piercing Bruce's asocial armor is the annoyingly adorkable Priscilla, his first college roommate, who becomes his lifelong best friend.

However, once Priscilla completes her bachelor's, she moves out, leaving Bruce in need of a new roommate while he works on his Master's degree. Enter Jupe.

Jupiter (Jupe for short) was a law student at the time. A slick, silver-tongued American red fox, Jupe sports both a flashy unique color morph and a fondness for emotionally unavailable men. Intrigued by Bruce's closed-off mannerisms and brusque nature, Jupe sets a personal challenge to crack Bruce open like an egg. Partly out of boredom, he begins a teasing, antagonistic quasi-friendship with Bruce, with the two often trading barbs over breakfast. Bruce's feelings of irritation slowly turn to fond annoyance, unaware that the insults and academic rivalry they share is turning into a slow, strange courtship. This is not uncommon for carnivores, especially ones of the same sex, who may show off their strength and flash their fangs at each other as a convoluted way of flirting.

One night, over pizza and beer, Jupe shares an unusually personal story about his first boyfriend. Bruce shares that for as obnoxious as Jupe is, he does envy his confidence. Jupe knows exactly who he is, while Bruce is a mystery even to himself. Straight, gay, bi, pan.....who knows? Jupe is quiet for a moment, then asks if Bruce would like to find out.

One fumbling hook-up becomes two, then many, with Jupe eventually deciding he wants to date this bristly awkward gremlin in an official capacity. He loudly declares himself Bruce's boyfriend ("aw, baby's first boyfriend!!"), and while Bruce is flustered and huffy about suddenly having some sassy gay fox this close, he can admit.....it's nice. Really nice.

Unfortunately, a few months into their relationship, Jupe gets a job offer in another city. Bruce, still new to this whole "feelings" thing, does not want to seem clingy, so he encourages Jupe to leave- follow his dreams, meet new people. Jupe wants to ask Bruce to come with him, but secretly is afraid of Bruce saying no. They both awkwardly concede that a long-distance relationship wouldn't work out, and decide it's best to end things. The two part on a bittersweet note, with Jupe seizing a squawking Bruce in a hug at the airport, and insisting they'll always be friends.

Though he pretends otherwise, Bruce still thinks about Jupe, from time to time.

notes:

-Bruce is demisexual, a shade under the asexual umbrella. He doesn't feel attraction to people unless he forms a bond with them first- and even then, it's rare. He doesn't pursue relationships and can count every crush he's ever had on one paw. Curiously though, he's got a secret fondness for romance novels.

-Jupe is a loose, looooooose expy of Huck. His smarmy, sarcastic exterior hides a sensitive, sweet center. Hobbies include dancing, clubbing, drinking, and cooking (he made that marmalade).