Hello and welcome to the second of my Zootopian stories. I hope that those who read these new stories find my take on the world of Zootopia to be both entertaining and enlightening and I welcome any insight or criticism regarding the layout of these stories.

If this is the first time you have read one of my Zootopian stories I recommend that you go to my first story ("Zootopia: Shake-Up") to read the introductory explanation for the rules I established in this world. This will address many fan disputes about the viability of a world of anthropomorphic predator and prey mammals. Additionally, the first chapter of Shake-Up explains how I resolve a few of the many issues from the movie that fans have complained about or cited as leading to economic, environment, or social disaster. Finally, some of the attitudes that are expressed in that story may help you understand the feelings that are shown among the characters in the current story.

The events in this tale take place nearly a year after "Shake-Up" and deal with many of the sentiments and behaviors that began to surface as a result of the events in that earlier story. By this point, Judy has been an officer for about two years, Nick has been in it about a year, and while much of their relationship is still the same, a number of unaddressed thoughts and feelings are surfacing and subtly affecting their interaction. Both of the main characters remain partners and friends but, as stories generally demand, changes are in store.

I think this time I will skip some of my written analysis and invite you the reader to draw your own conclusions. Share them if you are so inclined.

Now then, let us dive into the story.

In the light of early morning a Zootopian Police Department cruiser wound its way through Savanna Central only a few blocks from Precinct One. In the driver's seat was a grey, European rabbit in a blue, form-fitting shirt with a Kevlar stab-vest, sporting a happy grin as she surveyed her surroundings with her sharp eyes and long ears.

Next to her in the passenger seat sat a red fox wearing a well-fitted ZPD uniform and a flashy pair of aviator sunglasses. He surveyed their surroundings with a seemingly casual, but very knowing and piercing gaze. This fox, the rabbit's partner, was a native of these streets. He knew many of the animals that walked them and he was a whiz at picking up on anything suspicious. He had a more reserved smile on his muzzle.

Judy Hopps stole a moment from her vigilant observations and glanced over at Nick Wilde, who was keeping his eyes peeled and out the window looking for anything that may require their intervention. She swallowed and then asked.

"Hey Nick, you had a date scheduled for tonight didn't you?"

"Yeah, why? Were you hoping to carry on our little contest before I had to go?" he responded without turning.

"I guess I could let you off the hook for now. You look like you could use a bit of my mercy." She teased with a smirk.

Judy liked keeping in shape, physically and mentally, and though Nick was more inclined to take it easy when not on duty, his partner would challenge him to contests that he ended up participating in. Judy was a clever bunny in many ways, but in that way especially. Sometimes these contests were to solve intellectual puzzles like math and word problems, sometimes it became a contest to see who could do the most pushups or situps, and sometimes other things. They were often neck-and-neck, so it pushed them both without discouraging growth or improvement in either of them. Judy would win once or twice, then Nick would win once or twice, and so on. She had even started taking some online classes with him through the University of Zootopia. Nick had started those classes while at the Academy and only a couple of months previously had completed the required coursework for being made a full-fledged police officer and ending his probationary status. He kind of liked what he learned and was now trying to get enough credits to have a Bachelor's; she wanted to do the same.

All of these shared activities kept their friendship exciting. However this was not what she wanted to discuss.

"Actually I just got a date for tonight too and I was curious if maybe you wanted to make it a double-date?"

Nick raised an eyebrow and looked her way a moment before turning his eyes towards the front window. "Seems a bit sudden to be asking for a full double-date Carrots. Are you nervous? Who set you up on this date?"

"I did."

Nick did a double take.

"Really? You seemed pretty dead-set against going out with anyone for a while after that date with... what's his name... I want to say Garth..."

"Garreth Sprouts." She grimaced. "Yeah that was a mistake, but this guy I have a much better feel for. Anyway, I was thinking of going to Pangea. Something nice without being too fancy or ostentatious. What do you think?"

"What do I think about the choice of venue or what do I think about a double-date?"

"Both."

"Restaurant choice is good, and a double date shouldn't be a problem. I'm picking the venue for my own rendezvous and I think company with a good friend on her own date would be acceptable. But are you sure you want me there with my own companion? I wouldn't want to cramp your style." He gave a wry grin.

"No I'd really like having you there."

"Is this guy a predator? Does he need to be made welcome?"

"No, why?"

"I thought if he were a predator, then I make a good talking point about being your partner and a predator too. 'Figured if he's prey maybe you want me there as a last resort for scaring him off."

Judy looked at him askance. The thought that Nick would come across as threatening never even entered her mind when she first thought of it, and she did not agree with the idea now.

"I am a little trepidatious after what happened with Garreth, but I'm not asking you there as a silent threat. I just want to have someone I know and feel comfortable with around as well. My date's a nice guy, and I'm sure you won't come across as off-putting for him; he interfaces with lots of animals at City Hall."

Nick shook his head and grinned. "One of these days I need to set you up with some guy who has nothing to do with civic duty."

"Not interested. I wonder if any of the meters for these cars are past due... anyway, if this is too much to be asking I..."

"Carrots, it's fine. I'm your friend, and I'll help you with this if that's what you need. However now I feel compelled by your reticence to set you up with someone from another circle. Hey, did I hear a meter expire?"

Judy on reflex looked over the dash and surveyed the meters with her eyes and ears, only to find that every meter was still green. She looked at Nick sideways with a wry grin and an upturned eyebrow. Nick tilted his head towards her with a 'you know you love me' expression. Judy turned back to her driving.

"Okay, so I was thinking about 18:30." She continued.

"You know you don't have to use military time with me, I can guess what 6:30 is in this context."

"What's wrong with a 24-hour clock? It prevents confusion about morning or evening hours."

Nick sighed. "Well, we're going to dinner and it's not on the Nocturnal District schedule, so I'm thinking that would be an eve..."

Suddenly the radio sprung to life with a loud hiss of static, followed by what sounded like a garbled form of Benjamin Clawhauser's voice.

Central units... Central units... robbery reported at...

As the report continued coming in, Judy nodded to Nick, who in turn, popped the siren. Judy put pedal to the metal and their cruiser went screeching around the bend and up the street in the direction of the incident as Clawhauser's report continued feeding through.

*** Pangea, 18:28 ***

Judy had arrived, as per her usual, fashionably early. She had scoped out a table and now sat waiting for her other three dinner attendees to arrive, though off-paw she could only recognize two if they were to come in. She had been scanning the room for nearly fifteen minutes and had ordered a water that she sipped almost compulsively. She heard a chair next to her slide out and some animal making to sit down. Judy turned her head as she began admonishing the interloper.

"Um, sorry these seats are saved for... Nick!"

Somehow he had gotten in the restaurant and to the table undetected. He slid into the chair and scooted into the table.

"Hey Carrots. Don't mind if I sit here do you?"

"How did you get here? I've been waiting nearly fifteen minutes and watching the door the whole time. I never saw you."

"Yeah I saw you from outside the entrance as I was coming in, but that hippo couple walked in front of me and blocked the view before you looked my way. So I figured I'd keep using them as camouflage and sneak up on you."

Judy gave him a wan smile and took a moment to appraise him as he sat down.

"Well, I must say you clean up nice." She remarked. The dark green button-down that he wore with khaki slacks set off his fur in a way that made him look quite dashing. She was not one to look at Nick in this sort of way, but she could not deny that he came off very attractive. His hooded eyes certainly gave him a mystique that added to the appeal. She shook herself when she grew concerned she had been staring and admiring him too long.

The libido could do weird things among friends.

"When a fox has to impress he can make a good show. Lookin' good yourself Carrots." Judy had opted for a somewhat modest, black skirt with a white short-sleeved blouse. Her attire made her look just as ready to go outside and enjoy the summer evening as have dinner. Nick spent a long moment admiring her and had to admit she cut a very fine figure. Her amethyst irises and grey fur, with the white blouse and black skirt hugging her closely and accentuating her slender body shape... he wouldn't have chanced saying 'sexy' to her face, but he could be honest enough with himself to admit he was thinking it.

"If this is how you come to dinner maybe I should ask you out myself one of these days." He teased.

She countered with a smirk and a quip of her own. "After seeing you eat those Grasshopper Grubbers from a street vendor at lunch, I was thinking of letting you skip out of the 'double' part of this date. You have to work on your eating habits slick."

Nick grinned but realized he may have touched on a forbidden topic. Friends going out in the company of multiple friends was fine. Two friends - and partners to boot - going out alone together was treading some dangerous ground. He decided to change the subject.

"So, what suave, handsome ball of fuzz is coming to dinner with you? We never got a chance to finish that conversation in the cruiser."

"Just because I have soft fur doesn't mean I go for guys who have fluff too... and my date's name is Dan, he's a pika."

"Ah, going for the extra soft and fuzzy I see."

She gave him the stink eye with a smirk before elaborating.

"I met him at the function we got invited to last week at City Hall. He works with the Planning Department and he's really quite nice. We talked about his work and I told him about the sections in Savanna Central on the border with Little Rodentia that I felt needed upkeep and attention. He seemed interested."

"Uh... Carrots. You are aware there was an open bar at that function, right? As in, we could drink decent alcohol for free?"

"You know I never developed a tolerance for drinking. And anyway, what's wrong with a conversation about something you find interesting?"

"Nothing, I just think when you talk to City Hall animals who are off their working hours, that's the time to ask questions that wouldn't necessarily be appropriate at a press conference."

"Oh, is that what you were doing to that young mink from Public Affairs? Digging for dirt?"

"Just casual conversation about something other than what she does at work. She started with some gossip about the Comptroller and one of the City Council members that I wasn't really paying much attention to, then spent the rest of our chat talking about her after-work hours at the Mystic Springs Oasis."

"She's a naturalist?"

"Said she really loves the vibe there after a full day of jostling with too many 'tight-wads' as she put it. That it was nice to just let her ears droop and not have to keep things hidden... I guess that means more than just feelings and government secrets."

Judy winced. "Ugh, I still cannot get why any animal would willfully walk around naked in full view of a bunch of strangers."

"Well they're only strangers the first time you go. After that I would think they know you better than most of the other animals you see day to day. At work or on the street."

"Ugh..." she shuddered. "Call me a prude if you want, you have before, but I just do not get that lifestyle."

"It's not a bad one after you've given it a go."

"After you've... Nick, did you go?"

"After the function? No, it was late... I had my wild years before I was a cop."

"With the naturalists?"

"Say what you will about their lifestyle choices, they are some of the warmest and friendliest animals you will ever meet in Zootopia. That guy Yax, I knew him back when he was only half so shaggy and only half so spaced out. He's pretty cool once you get passed the flies and learn how to keep some of his attention and interpret a bit of what he says."

"So you went into that place... naked?"

"Carrots why this aversion to being naked? We're born naked, we bathe naked, for a minute or two after bathing and before putting on our uniforms in the morning we're naked... unless bunnies have some other kinds of birthing and cleaning rituals that I'm unaware of... What's so bad about dressing down to your own natural coat when you're around those that don't feel uncomfortable with it?"

"I don't know, I... when I was growing up I always felt so proud of how animals evolved to be civilized that I always thought things from the pre-civilized time were out of touch, taboo and something to be glad we got rid of... nudity for one, predation for another."

Nick bristled. He did not like it when this topic came up, it brought up a lot of bad memories from childhood and the fallout around Zootopia during the Missing Mammals Case. Still, one could not argue with history. In the pre-civilized era, Judy would have had every reason to fear him: he would have been the predator, and she his prey. He gave a conciliatory nod and she continued.

"Nudity has always been something from a bygone era to me. In Bunnyburrow only the youngest rabbit kittens I knew could get away with being naked. The moment a bunny gets weaned, it wears clothes."
Nick smirked. "So you never had any... phases of shedding, or primal curiosities?"

"NO!... No, and when I learned about clothing statutes it became one the things I made sure to enforce around the burrow."

He cocked an eyebrow. "You patrolled your own home for anyone who was violating the dress code?"

"I was a kit, and I was committed to my ideas... maybe I was a little overboard in my execution of the rules, but I had my passion and my drive and it's what makes me what I am."

"A prude?" He smirked when Judy grimaced. "Relax Carrots, I poke fun because I love ya', gymnophobia and all."

She smiled after hearing him say that.

"Nice save Wilde, and good word use there. It takes a rare kind of friend to say 'love' and 'gymnophobia' in the same breath. Though for your information I'm not gymnophobic, just modest. Now, to change the subject, who is your date? Is it that mink girl who enjoys letting it all out after work?"

Nick chuckled. "And the bunny girl, not-so-subtly, keeps the nudity topic afloat. No, an old friend of my mom set me up on a date with her niece. Name is Heather, she works in a health spa downtown."

"Anything that would make her easy for me to spot? Actually did you even meet her before accepting or is this a blind date?" Judy felt a bit thirsty and decided to have a sip from her glass.

"I didn't meet her before accepting, but I went by the spa to meet her yesterday. Nice girl, kinda has the grungy, alternative lifestyle thing going, and I think she's closer to your age than mine. Oh, and she's a Tibetan fox, so don't be surprised if her face looks a little... square."

The chuckle came mid sip before Judy could do anything to staunch it. She covered her lips as water began to spill.

"(cough)... Nick," she chuckled and coughed again. "Not (cough), not when I'm drinking. I could have shot it through my nose."

Despite the discomfort she continued giggling but then her smile fell away and her expression turned pensive.

"Something on your mind?" Nick asked when he noticed her change in expression.

The smile returned again and Judy put her head against her paw as she looked at him.

"How is this for a double date? A fox and a rabbit are dating a Tibetan fox and pika. Two sets of nature's once-enemies having a friendly meal together." She chuckled again.

Nick grinned, but it was a rather forced grin. He knew Judy meant no harm by what she said, and the irony from her perspective was not lost on him... but the implicit assumption about predators in Judy's statements irked him a bit. When other animals said these things Nick took little notice or at least wasn't bothered by it so much; with Judy... Nick didn't like to admit it to himself, but even after nearly two years, he couldn't claim to have completely forgotten Judy's actions at the press conference about the Missing Mammals Case. Despite her apology, and despite hugging it out, this was still a tender area for him. Though he saw a great deal of hard-earned maturity in her, these little gaffes reminded him that she still had some growing up to do, and her perspective of him was not quite what he would have liked. He knew she cared for him and trusted him, but care and trust did not equate to her respecting him.

"By the way, hell of a bust today, huh?" She commented.

"Yeah, that impala could really move." Nick affirmed.

"You had some good reflexes, giving me a boost to jump on his shoulders and then tripping him up... plus cuffing him and reading him his rights while I kept my weight on him; you did really well."

Nick nodded and looked down. "Thanks, you too."

Her compliments were not unwelcome, and he did not feel that she was patronizing his skills as far as subduing a suspect, but she omitted the fact that all the credit for the arrest had gone to her. Hardly any of the other officers had acknowledged Nick's contributions or given him praise for his work. They all talked about Judy's dive-tackle and ignored the fact that him giving her a boost got her in a position to make that tackle. Chief Bogo himself had only acknowledged Judy when he saw them both bringing the perp back to the station. While Nick knew a certain level of humility was necessary as an officer, particularly a rookie like himself, it still irked him that he was not acknowledged for his part in all of this.

"Hello Nick," came a dulcet voice, and Nick's ears perked up. Turning away from Judy he was greeted by a grey and red Tibetan fox with multiple studs in her ears and an adorable smile. She wore a light, loose-fitting dress that had a style almost like a sari. It made her look exotic and quite lovely.

For some reason she couldn't explain, Judy felt herself stiffen ever so slightly to see such a lovely companion coming to dinner with Nick.

Nick hastily stood up and was greeted with a gleeful hug from his date.

"Glad to see you," she continued. "And great choice for dinner, I love this place."

"You should thank Judy, this place was her idea." Nick said, gesturing to his partner at the table.

Upon seeing Judy, Heather's eyes brightened and her grin grew wider still.

"Judy Hopps! Oh wow, it's great to meet you. I asked Nick to tell me about you yesterday and he hardly said anything, only that I should wait to meet you myself. I'm so glad I get to meet you so soon after asking." She extended her paw and Judy took the offered paw in her own.

"It's great meeting you too Heather, though I actually only learned about you just two minutes ago."

"Uh, Heather," Nick interjected, pulling out his chair. "Why don't you sit here next to Judy."

"Sure," Heather seated herself. "Now we'll get a chance to learn all about one another."

"All I heard from Nick before you arrived is that you work in a health spa downtown."

"Yes, I lead meditation sessions and assist with yoga for beginning practitioners. We just had a new girl come on that I'm responsible for. She's a hippo and still working on her self confidence, but so dedicated to trying, and so cute in how she... oh, sorry Judy I didn't mean to be insensitive."

For a moment Judy had stiffened slightly, but the genuine nature of Heather's behavior brought her down and got her to relax. Besides, she was talking about a hippo, not a bunny. It was not Judy's place to feel offended.

"No sweat Heather. Nick uses that word on me all the time." She gave Nick a pointed, though teasing, glare.

"Even so I'm sorry. I'm usually more careful with that word; the head yoga instructor is a cotton tail after all." Heather continued.

Before the conversation could continue, the chair nearest Judy that was not occupied by Heather was pulled out and all three table occupants turned to see a small, fluffy pika in a suit.

"Dan, you made it," Judy smiled and looked at her watch. "Right on time too."

"Hmm, by that measure I'm late. Sorry about that Judy."

"No trouble," she patted his shoulder. "Oh, these are my friends, or one friend and one with whom I hope to be fast friends." Heather giggled, relieved to know that Judy meant to carry no further tension regarding the use of the bunny-sensitive term from earlier.

"Hi, I'm Nick." Nick said as he extended his paw. There was the most minute jerk in Dan"s posture to see a paw with claws coming his way, but he immediately extended his own paw to grasp Nick's.

"Dan," he replied. "So you're the infamous Officer Wilde who works with Judy. She mentioned you at the party last week but I never caught sight of you."

"Oh, sorry I was... unavoidably detained."

Dan gave a mild chuckle as he seated himself. "I know about that." From across the table, Heather extend her paw slowly, almost languidly, forward.

"I'm Heather."

Dan took her paw tenderly and gave a nod with a gracious smile. "Dan," he intoned. "Most charmed."

Nick took his seat across from Judy and between Heather and Dan. Everyone settled in and made introductions and within a few minutes one of the wait staff sauntered over to bring menus and ask if any of them wanted drinks. The meal went well after that. The two predators ordered some Beet-Beetle salads and shared a small helping of mashed salmon with crackers. The herbivores went for some light salads and stir-fried vegetables. Judy was used to eating fresh vegetables from so many years on a farm; now as a denizen of Zootopia she liked to go for sautéed vegetables whenever possible. Both the exotic flavors and the fact that she was not always sure about the hygiene of the food convinced her that cities were not the place to put trust in the word 'fresh'. Dan seemed fairly picky himself, so it suited her purposes.

Heather preferred to eat lightly, and while Nick was craving heartier food and larger portions, he decided to indulge her way of eating if only to see what he thought of it.

Conversation was easy going, with Heather often waxing poetically about the interconnectedness of all things. Judy kind of liked it, and Dan and Nick understood the practical aspects of that interconnection; it was how Dan had to approach his work with all the different animals in the city, and how Nick had to approach his work back when he pulled cons. When Judy got talking about a few more immediate and practical issues Dan perked right up and Nick followed along well, though Heather seemed mentally distant from the politics and organizational aspects that peppered Judy's conversation. Still she followed along politely and asked questions now and then.

After the bill came, Nick and Dan both fought for it, until Judy took it and paid it all herself. Nick and Dan agreed to buy her a piece of carrot cake and everyone sat together for another hour to enjoy the conversation. After a while, Nick and Heather decided to head out for some alone time, while Judy and Dan opted to stay at the restaurant and talk some more. Judy would have preferred a walk, but Dan seemed disinterested, so she decided not to abandon him or cause a holdup for Nick and Heather.

"They seem nice," Dan said after Nick and Heather walked out and bid him and Judy a good night. "And you said you hadn't met Heather until just now?"

"No," Judy replied, "Nick got set up with her through his mom and her aunt."

"Probably an attempt at match-making. I've seen a lot of my predator colleagues go through that. They spend all of their time at work trying to advance in their jobs and get things done and have almost no social life, so their parents take care of arranging life-partners."

"I'm sure it was just a date. Neither of them really strike me as the settling down type. Too dynamic and not really that domestic."

"I'll bet anything their respective parental-overseers were thinking of eventual marriage when they set this up."

The thought of Nick and Heather being married had an interesting though unrealistic charming quality in Judy's mind. Nick was a fairly grounded fox, if sometimes a bit cynical. Heather by contrast was very airy, light-hearted, free-spirited and free-thinking. Maybe such a match would be good for them. Nick would keep them on earth, Heather would take them places. The thought of them being married though... Judy had a hard time picturing it, though she found it an interesting idea.

"Well, I feel like going for a walk," she said at last. "Where would like to go? The park or some other part of town?"

"A walk?" Dan asked as if it were an almost unnatural thing to be doing.

"Yeah. I've never really been down by the southern piers except for work. Do you want to go there and just walk around feeling the sea breeze?"

"I tend to avoid the coast - the salt gets into my clothes and up my nose and it irritates me for days on end."

"Oh," Judy felt somewhat deflated. Nick could sometimes be a bit of buzzkill for her ideas, but he usually liked to let her have the adventure and then see the problem for herself. A little salt spray hardly seemed a reasonable deterrent to trying something new. Still, she was on a date and she felt it was only proper that she should try to think of Dan's preferences as well as her own.

"Well, maybe we could head to the Rainforest," she offered. "I heard there will be Perseid meteors visible, and the canopy is a great place to see them."

"You mean on the gondola's."

"Yeah, how'bout it?"

At this moment Judy was ready to hop up, open the door, and leave skipping. Dan pulled an uncomfortable face.

"The humidity up there seems dreadful. And up in the canopy, that's where the trees respire. It's so thick I think one could actually swim in the air up there."

"That's part of the fun." Judy insisted.

"How about somewhere indoors. It's dark out and I'd rather not be out at this time of night. Wouldn't want to run afoul of some hoodlums and have my wallet nicked."

"Well," this brought Judy up short. She understood why Dan was leaning more towards an indoor activity. Rabbits and other small animals like herself usually preferred being indoors where they were usually safer from larger animals in Zootopia. Indoors, even if the larger animals could fit, their motions were calmer, more relaxed, and easier to avoid. Her parents had visited her in the city a few times and almost always preferred staying indoors where they were less likely to get stepped on or encounter some wild motion that required quick dodging.

Judy of course had a very different mindset and wanted to be out and wandering free, but Dan was not comfortable with that, so she needed to find something that would keep them both comfortable.

"Did you have anywhere in mind?"

"My place isn't far. I have some fine wine and a great entertainment system for anything we might want: movies, music, you name it."

"Okay," Judy said as she picked up her bag and coat.

The walk to Dan's place was quite short, but this had not really been among the places Judy thought she might end up. Still, she made use of their time together to talk more about civic matters. Dan seemed a little more inclined to get a bit close and tender, but Judy was not really feeling amorous, and Dan seemed to catch the vibe soon enough and settled on just conversation. The two of them continued their discussions for a couple of hours over some good wine and with some pleasing jazz music in the background; Dan did have a nice entertainment system after all. After a few hours of this Judy decided to go home. Dan insisted he not let her go home at such an hour when she could be going through dangerous territory with seedy animals out, but when she flashed the word cop, he acceded to her decision.

Later, after a taxi ride through the seeder streets, Judy got into her apartment and felt a little saddened that things with Dan did not really work out as well as she had hoped. When he had been showing interest she found herself totally lacking interest. When she had first set up this date she actually had felt interest in a more physical relationship given how easily they could talk about her other interests. That lack of spirit to go for a walk and see something new, and his total aversion of the other Zootopian environments... kind of a mood-killer.

After nearly three hours out with Heather, Nick had been considerably worn down and was craving a soft surface to lie down on and not be bothered. It was past 22:00 hours...

Did I just think in military time? Damn, Carrots you're in my head again. Nick thought to himself. Judy's way of seeing things often rubbed off on him.

His evening after leaving Judy at the restaurant had been a rather active one. He had gone through the park and to a yoga studio. He had been on his hands more in the last few hours than he had been since training at the Academy. It had worked some muscles he was not used to working and had left him rather worn out and tired. Right now he just wanted to plop on a couch and veg for a while until strength returned to his limbs. Being as out of it as he was, he had not realized that he had been walking with Heather to her own apartment.

"So this is me," Heather said as they got to an ornately decorated door of a rather nondescript apartment building. "How do you feel after all of that?" she asked as she turned back to him.

Of all the things Nick could have said, he settled with "Stiff," and winced as he said it. "The four-walk in the park was fine, but I don't think I stretched enough after that yoga class."

She put her paw against his arm to feel for the tension in his muscles; it was palpable. "Well then, maybe you'd like to come in for a bit and relax. I have somethings that could help."

Before Nick could say anything, she had opened her door and inclined her head to its interior to indicate that she was hoping he would come in. Seeing such a welcoming invitation, Nick felt happy to accept.

"Sure."

He came in and found a small, but cozy place. There was lingering smell that was a mixture of exotic spices, herbs... and possibly residual scents of something not-unlike marijuana. Nick was in no interest to pursue that thought, so he just came in and allowed his hostess to close the door behind him.

"Sit here, I'll be right back." She said and motioned to one of the several cushions she had on the floor. The place was surprisingly open since it lacked a couch, table, or even chairs. Heather clearly preferred cross-legged sitting in her own home. Nick plopped on a small cushion and let his tail extend behind. He was not long in waiting for his hostess to come back into the room with a small plate and a few little sticks. Nick instantly recognized the paraphernalia as incense sticks and a burner. After the smells at the yoga studio she had taken him to he was not entirely sure he wanted to be around additional smells that would get into his coat. Before he could speak, Heather had struck a match and lit two of the sticks. She then sat on her own cushion and faced him.

"Just breathe. The incense awakens the body, the mind is allowed to feel what it will. Close your eyes and breathe."

She demonstrated, and Nick decided that it was best to simply obey. The scent tingled in his nose and seemed to make the pumping of blood in his face feel stronger. His breathing felt easier and he started to feel a slight euphoria from all the air. After a few minutes, he heard her speak.

"How do you feel?"

"I'm feeling body awake and mind sleepy. Like I just had some really strong coffee but without feeling like my heart's trying to jump out my throat. Is that normal?"

"Animals feel all manner of things when they breathe the scent. For me I feel my legs twitching and my tail feels restless, but my mind feels easy. Here put your paws on my brow."

Before Nick could say anything she had taken his paws in her hand and placed them on her brow. Nick started to trace her brow with his hands. Despite his instinct for vigilance, he actually chose to keep his eyes closed and just feel his other senses.

"Feel the energy shared between us. There's a tingling whenever and wherever we touch."

As if to make her point, Heather reached put and placed her paws on Nick's forearms. His arms began to feel heavy, though he could just make out a faint sensation that was rather stirring.

Heather withdrew and took his paws from her brow.

"Nick, open your eyes, I want to talk with you."

He obeyed, though he found his movement sluggish - he felt it must look similar to Heather's movements. Maybe the constant high from exercise and meditation was the cause of this.

"What do you think of this time we've spent together?"

That caught him by surprise. He was used to working with animals that kept their tensions at the surface, but their thoughts only manifested in physical posturing and tone of voice, never as an explicit statement or question. He was so disarmed by her honest approach he had no time to dissemble.

"I enjoy it, though I'm not sure I'm entirely into this way you have of doing things. The earthy-spirity... no offense meant, it's just not something I'm used to."

"I understand," she nodded. "Truthfully, I don't think you and I are a match in the way your mom and my aunt probably intended."

With a rueful smile Nick nodded. "Probably not."

"Still, I really enjoy spending time with you. I thought you would be sardonic and selfish, and I do get a lingering sense that you could be that easily, but it isn't at the fore of who you are."

"Uh... thanks."

"What I mean is. You're more than what I anticipated. And I'm glad to have been proven wrong."

"Well... then I guess: glad I could disappoint."

She giggled and leaned forward to introduce his lips to her own. Her kissing was much like her other motions: intentional, languid, relaxed. It lasted only a few seconds and then she drew away as easily as she came in.

"Uh Heather I... I thought you said you didn't think we were... a match."

"That doesn't mean I don't think we can have some fun... unless I'm making you uncomfortable."

Nick was not sure what he felt. The masculine, animalistic side of himself was very excited to be in the apartment of an attractive young vixen who was clearly showing him a very forward and willing sexual energy. The rational side, the part that had kept him alive for much of the last twenty years, was flashing all kinds of warnings to not let that animalistic instinct get the best of him and remain vigilant. His training as a cop favored that latter position as well.

"I'm not uncomfortable, I just... if you and I are both thinking that we're not a match then what exactly..."

"Wait here, I'll be right back. Try to keep your eyes closed and breathe in the air until I come back." She got up from her seat, went to the bathroom and closed the door. Nick was itching to know what was going on, but he indulged her wishes and closed his eyes while he breathed in the incense. This was an interesting, if odd, experience and he actually felt like exploring it further.

A minute or so later the door opened and Nick thought he smelled moisture in the air. The sound of dripping water coming from the bathroom convinced him he was right.

He sensed Heather approach him and then heard her speak.

"I feel like a bath, how about you?"

That got Nick's brain to wake up even further. The fact that she had excused herself hinted that she might come back to make an invitation like this, but Nick still felt surprised to hear it. "Well I do feel a little tender after all the stretching, but a bath might... be..."

Nick opened his eyes and was looking at Heather, stark naked. Her body was sinewy and quite attractive, so much so that Nick's voice trailed off as he took more time to look her up and down. She smiled a calm, enticing smile and extended a paw to him. He felt a bit dizzy, but took her paw and stood. He then followed her, at her languid, seductive pace into the bathroom, fighting to keep his eyes up and away from her tail as it did a seductive sashay.

"Uh Heather I... I just don't want you to think..."

"That I could seduce you into thinking we could be more... compatible?" She finished. He kind of bobbed his head side to side to suggest that that was sort of what he was thinking. As he did this he got a full view of the bathroom and saw multiple candles and a few flower petals in the tub. He made an audible gulp that made her giggle.

"I'm not overlooking the incompatibility, and I don't want to try to make either of us feel things we don't feel naturally. But I enjoy being with you... and I like sex. If you don't feel like it then we don't have to, but if you're okay with this just being what it is, why not indulge a little?"

Heather walked up and got right underneath his nose where she could unbutton his shirt. She drew a husky breath and sighed as it came off and she saw his lean, muscled chest. He took the liberty of removing his own pants. Only for a moment before slipping into the warm water of the tub did Nick consider that he had to go to work early the next morning; Saturday though it was. All thought, however was soon lost to him as his beautiful companion pulled him into the tub and began scrubbing him sensuously.

To anyone disappointed about the lack of descriptive sex, I said in my first story that I would never describe explicit acts of mating, and I am going to stick with that promise. So I will leave you with essentially an old Hollywood-style love scene where the camera pans away and you are left to imagine what things must be like for the players.

Judy's night was a little less exciting, but when thinking of a Leslie Knoppe-esque character I pictured she would have a few evenings like this.

I hope you have enjoyed this first chapter. Please read and review, and I will keep more coming.