Chapter 2: in private

Nick wasted almost no time going back to the shop that evening. He was on autopilot. He had tried for the last 8 hours, but he couldn't seem to talk himself out of it. Listening to Judy speak her mind like that...he wanted it to continue. How much further would she go if she knew he wouldn't have a comeback? The muzzle that had so intrigued him wasn't cheap, but he bought it anyway. Nick had to admit that the muzzle was for himself so that the clerk could measure him to select the right size. He'd probably regret buying it, and he was sure the return policy wasn't flexible at a place like this. As he gathered up his purchase, the wolf clerk spoke to him.

"That bunny, from last night… I know it's none of my business, but she's your partner, right?"

"You're right… It's none of your business." Nick wasn't in the mood to entertain gossip.

"Ah, sorry, man." He looked genuinely embarrassed. Nick felt sorry for him. They still lived in a city where such relationships were taboo; he probably just wanted offer his support. That's how he made money after all.

"...just out of curiosity, why do you ask?" The wolf smiled back.

"I was gonna say that rabbits make hella great partners, amiright? I'm surprised we don't have more rabbits on the pred-prey scene."

"Oh really? And why's that?"

"Well, they're easily shocked. Everything seems exciting and just a bit dangerous to them. Keeps it fresh. Plus, way back when, they used to mate year round, so most females still consider themselves to be in a state of low-arousal constantly. I had a bunny partner once. Man, she went from 0 to 60 in no time. A welcome surprise, though, I tell ya." He was sure that the wolf only stopped because Nick's mouth was hanging open.

Nick left the shop and was on the train home when he realized he had his hand in his bag. The muzzle almost felt like it was melting in his paw. He didn't know why he felt embarrassed by it though and pulled his hand out. It's not like a single mammal on the train noticed or cared. He closed his eyes and lingered on what the clerk at the shop had told him. He knew bunnies were easy to shock; everybody knows that, but he hadn't considered it much in the context of sex or relationships. Is that why she let things get as far as they did on the train? Had she been too shocked to pull away until he was practically dry-humping her? Then again, if bunnies are slightly aroused most of the time, could that account for her racing heart? She was breathing like she'd been running. And she hadn't been angry or scared, which were two completely understandable reactions to the way he'd been acting. She just looked surprised. Even in the car earlier, she didn't seem embarrassed.

Once home, he set out the muzzle on his dresser. It was well made, and had a nice heft to it for what it was. He took a deep breath and put it on. He had a moment where he felt a little claustrophobic, a memory of being muzzled as a kid. But he reminded himself that he was the one doing this. No one was doing it to him. He was alone, in private. Also, the smell was kinda nice. He paused, and then pulled the straps tight. The tension caught him a bit off guard. He looked up and could see himself in the mirror. His eyes were big, his mouth was crammed into that tiny leather sleeve. Who could he hurt like this? He looked scared and helpless. He took a few breaths.

His chest felt like a muscle that had been flexed for too long. His nose wasn't covered in any way, but he was finding it hard to breathe. It took him a moment to realize that he'd also have trouble walking. His erection surprised him. He wanted to laugh, but he couldn't. He had to really work to make any noise besides a hum. Even smiling was actually impossible. He felt his face begin to redden. He took a few steps back and looked at himself. He looked thoroughly debauched: flushed face, heavy eyes, muzzle, obvious hard-on. He was a mess. What would Judy think if she saw him like this? He put his hands behind his back. He looked even more defenseless now. His feelings laid completely bare; he couldn't hide anything. He couldn't disguise his desire; one glance and anyone would know what he was thinking about. Even Judy wasn't that dense. What would she do if she had complete control over the situation? Over him? His cock twitched at the thought. Traitor.

Over the next week, Nick wore the muzzle a few more times, but always in the comfort and privacy of his apartment. It didn't take long for him to get used to it, even look forward to it. The muzzle was a reminder that he was an animal, an animal that had given in to primitive urges. Maybe this was punishment? Forcing himself to see his desires outwardly? He didn't feel punished though, but he did he feel honest. And just a bit excited. The muzzle was soft, but the lines were clean-cut. It looked good, especially when it was all he was wearing, and his erection was no lie. He liked it. He felt himself slowly reaching the low-boil of perversion. It was the fox hole all over again.

After talking to Bogo, Judy and Nick were on the track to mending their partnership at the ZPD. They'd even had a pancake run with a few other officers. It wasn't like old times, but it was better. That week had given Nick plenty of time to reacquaint himself with Judy's scent. It took awhile, but he could now detect it again. It was constant, but easily masked by the smell of other mammals larger than her. The few precious times that they were alone for a few minutes, all he could smell was her. He'd missed it. Her scent never failed to arouse him; memories of Thanksgiving would come flooding back, uninvited and embarrassing as they were. Her gentle sway when she walked, the generous width of her hips, the soft fluff on the underside of her tail, he recalled all these things when he muzzled himself after getting off duty. He wanted to take his muzzle sessions further. He wanted to be selfish and masterbate, imagining what Judy would do if she clearly understood his feelings. Maybe she would make him pay for what he'd done...And while the possibilities in Nick's mind knew no end, he couldn't do it. He didn't deserve to feel good by revisiting things that weren't offered to him. So he'd lie there, alone, muzzled and suffering. He was setting himself up again, laying the groundwork for his feelings to boil over. Hadn't he learned his lesson the first time?