As the Sun slowly rises in the east, Zootopia's nocturnal population head back towards their homes after a wild night of partying and thrill seeking. The streets are gradually being filled with animals all kinds alike scurrying off to work for the day.

A still dazed Judy Hopps stumbled out of bed towards her refrigerator to see if there was anything that interested her on this fine morning. The door opened, displaying shelves full of food.

"Carrots, more Carrots."

She let out a long yawn and stretched her arms high above her head. Judy seemed uninterested in her favorite food for some reason today.

Her eyes scanned through every compartment and shelf before resting on the highest one. That was when she spotted the box of glazed donuts that Nick gave to her. He flashed in the back of her mind, taunting Judy with his smirk he ever so loved. It was all starting to come back now.

"Oh no, I forgot to set my alarm!"

Judy started to pillage through the sheets and pillows to find her phone until her hand finally brushed against the object she was looking for. The time was 8:04; Nick would be here to pick Judy up in a matter of minutes. She was no stranger to being rushed to get something done.

"How could I forget?" she thought.

Judy messily fixed her bed and jumped into the shower, almost burning herself with the hot water in the process. She spent the next few minutes trying to decide what outfit to wear after drying off. It was more of a casual day so Judy stuck with the same clothes from when she came to Zootopia.

"Why am I making such a big deal out of this," she thought. "I'm just going out with Nick to the Rainforest District to have some fun. It's not like it's a date or anything, right?" She tried to imagine Nick in that way, but just couldn't see it from all the times he teased her. Besides, that kind of thing was unheard of in Zootopia. Was that really how he felt?

Without a second to spare, Judy bursted out of the door and into the hallway of the apartment complex towards the front of the building. Just as she was about to step outside Judy couldn't help but think she was forgetting something important. She didn't have any breakfast and it was too late to go fix something up now. Nick was waiting for her outside the door with his same dumb look on his face and she couldn't keep him waiting any longer.

Judy found herself in front of a limousine with a familiar fox standing with the door held open for her. He was wearing his usual green hawaiian shirt and brown pants. The bags underneath his eyes were completely gone, and his fur was freshly combed and pampered.

"Morning, Carrots!" Nick said cheerfully. Judy was unable to say anything back due to being distracted by the strange sight. Her brows furrowed and made a puzzled look.

"Oh this?" he said pointing his thumb inside the back of the limo with a smirk on his face. "I rented it from our very big friend; he even gave me a discount!"

"Wow, Nick. I didn't expect you to do something like this," Judy said. Nick saw her still staring at the limo; he could feel the same nervousness resurfacing in him like before. Did he mess up his chance by trying too hard?

"Is everything ok, Carrots?" Nick said squeamishly.

"Y-yeah, I'm fine! You really outdid yourself, that's all. Let's get going, don't want to be late for our day off now do we!" Judy said. To Nick it sounded forced and half hearted; he was beginning to regret the choice of bringing the limo.

Judy stepped into the back and sat down on the seat. Nick soon followed and shut the door behind him as a few other animals passing by gave him a strange look. It must have seemed weird to them seeing a fox and bunny doing anything together, let alone take a ride in a limo. Nick didn't care, all his careful planning was finally going to be for something.

"Good morning, officer Hopps," a familiar voice said coming from the front of the limo.

"Manchas, is that you?" Judy asked. The black panther peered through the small slit in the center separating the driver from the rest of the cabin and gave a smile. "It is you! It's great to see you again; how's it been?"

"Thanks to you and Nick everything's great! I owe you two big time for saving my skin back there. Who knows what would have happened if you hadn't come to save the day. I went and personally asked Mr. Big if I could be your driver for today to do everything I can to show my appreciation to you guys in return."

Nick could tell Judy was in a good mood from the way her eyes gleamed. All her hard work had finally paid off and she was living her dream job. He couldn't say that being an officer was his first choice, but Judy helped him realize it's what he had wanted all along. His mother was so overcome with joy when he broke the news that she started to tear up right away. Nick made a metal note to take Judy to see her sometime soon.

At first the notion seemed strange; a fox who had feeling for a bunny was unheard of anywhere. Now that he thought about it, Judy and him weren't as different as he first imagined. Sure they might be predator and prey, but on the inside they were the same. Maybe it would work out and wasn't as stupid as Nick first wrote it off. He still didn't know how Judy felt on the matter, but could definitely feel an unbreakable friendship.


For the rest of the drive to Rainforest District Nick and Judy make small talk about nonchalant things. Judy gets into a discussion with Nick begging him to tell her more about his childhood.

"Please, Nick," Judy asked with puppy dog eyes. He was about to give in but swiftly changed the subject in an attempt to avoid the question.

"How about we talk about you instead?" Nick said.

He already knew a lot of the things about Judy, including her birthday. He didn't ask Judy herself but instead took a peek at the records that Clawhauser so graciously lent him on his break. What he was really wanted to know about Judy was her interests. He couldn't understand why he felt strange around her. It was the same feeling he experienced in his youth which inspired him to become a scout. Judy had gotten to Nick; even though he said he wouldn't let anyone else ever again. His old self would still be running around in the streets if it wasn't for her help in bringing him back.

"Well, what is it you want to know?" Judy asked.

"Hmmm, that's a good question," Nick said rubbing his chin. "I already know you are from Bunnyburrow, your favorite drink and favorite movie," he said pausing trying to look out the window to find an answer. "How about someone you like?"

"What, someone I like?" Judy said flustered." Nick could see the red forming on her face. "Why would you be asking about that?" The thought of Nick actually caring for her in that way flown back into Judy's head.

"Oh no particular reason, just throwing stuff around," Nick said while not taking his eyes of her the entire time. "But from the reaction you just gave I can tell there is someone you like."

"Nick this is not the time to be discussing something so trivial! Besides, I haven't found anyone like that yet and work wouldn't allow it," said Judy.

"So you are looking for someone then!" Nick exclaimed.

"Drop it Nick," Judy said sternly. Nick playfully nudged Judy with his shoulder who retorted back. When he didn't stop he received the full force of the small bunny straight into his abdomen; for her size she sure packed a bunch. Nick felt the air leaving his body and took a few seconds to recover from the blow.

"Fine, but I'll find out soon enough," Nick said smiling through the pain.

Judy rolled her eyes and Nick sulked down into the seat in defeat. She turned towards the window and watched the scenery flow by. Gazelle's new hit single played in the background as the two sat without conversation. The closer they got to their destination the more Nick could feel his heart pumping. A few more minutes and they would arrive at Rainforest District, and at the end of the day he would reveal his secret to Judy.

Author's Note's

Sorry for the long wait guy; I'm all finished with exams and ready to head into Summer! Thank you all for the positive reviews and follows. I'm glad so many of you enjoy the story so far! Special thanks to those who helped and gave advice for the story. I'll see all of you next chapter!