A/N: Hello everyone!

Thank you for your patience! I actually had a lot of fun writing the chapter, even though I have zero romantic experience. I really hope I kept them in character and that you guys love this chapter as much I as I do. Also, I'm working on a Cover Art for Primal Instincts, so hopefully that will be done soon as well! It's coming along really well, even though I haven't drawn in months, so I'm excited! :D

WARNING!: There is a scene in this chapter that is very disturbing. If blood, psychotic tendencies, and murder bother you excessively or offend, please read this chapter with caution or not at all and PM for details.

With that, enjoy!

Disclaimer: Nothing is mine and mine is nothing.

Adonis Bogo observed the behavior of the capybara through the two-way window of the interrogation room. The giant rodent merely kept his gaze on the metal desk before him. He didn't look like a mammal anxious to get back to his family. "Kurt Swampson" wasn't even his real name. It belonged to another capybara that lived in a retirement home in Swampville. They didn't know who this mammal was and were currently waiting for his prints to pull up some good news.

It had been a long day for the Chief of Police, and it had been unexpected; as was always the case. He had just gotten back from debriefing his officers that had been at the Sahara District, and he had mixed feelings about the meeting. After they had given him their report, he had then relayed Wilde's request of keeping this to themselves for the time being. They had agreed to it, but he was skeptical. He knew he didn't have to worry about Grizzoli and McHorn; he was aware of the unspoken pact the officers at the museum made to protect the fox's identity, and was pleased with their tact. Snarlov seemed to have gained a newfound respect for the small predator, so he didn't have to worry about him either. It was his new officer, Jennifer Howler, that gave him doubts. He had seen the looks she had given some of the officers in the precinct, including the fox, and it bothered him. He'd have to keep a close eye on her.

A grey wolf coming up next to the chief broke him out of his musings. "Any change?" Gary Wolford asked, even though he had been gone for no more than five minutes.

"None. He hasn't even asked for a lawyer." The chief gave.

Wolford snorted. "No point, really. His prints are all over the gun, he had with Nighthowler on him, and he attacked an officer. He's done."

The chief knew that, but there was just something odd about it all. Wilde was a high profile officer, a hit on him made sense. But on the tiny fennec fox? And with Nighthowler? There was something more going on here, and he didn't like the implications of it.

"I'll go speak with him." The grey wolf said, but was stopped by the chief.

"No, I'll go." He glanced at the reticent mammal once more. "Something tells me that he won't be open towards a pred." Bogo wanted to get this over with as soon as possible. He had a call with Mayor Wolfgang to make.

Wolford shrugged at that and nodded.

Without another word, Bogo left the viewing room and joined the capybara, taking a seat across from him. Nothing was said for a moment before the suspect rose his head to look at the chief. His was an expression of a mammal who was resigned to his fate. Just as Wolfred had said, the capybara knew he was going to jail, no matter what he said or did. They both knew it. Wordlessly, the cape buffalo placed a photo on the desk and slide it towards the capybara. It was the photo of his family from the wallet Wilde had provided. He watched the myriad of emotions that flashed across his face; shock, regret, hate, revenge, remorse, shame…

"Talk."

The capybara took a shaky breath. "Don't you want to know my name?"

"No point." Bogo said flatly. "Now, talk. How did you get a hold of so much Nighthowler? Why were you targeting Finnick Deserttail?"

Silence was the answer the chief got. He let it go on for a bit, and right when it seemed he wasn't going to get an answer at all, the capybara spoke.

"It was the third anniversary of their deaths when I had gotten the call." He began softly as he took the photo gently into his paws, immediately gaining Bogo's interest. "She called herself Twily the ewe. I don't know her, but when she promised revenge against those who killed my family…I couldn't resist."

"And who killed your family?" Bogo asked softly, a hint of compassion barely in his tone. Internally, however, he had an inkling of where this was going and he did not like it one bit.

Mud brown eyes looked up to meet the muted red-brown eyes of the chief, and the expression of pure hatred on the capybara's face confirmed it for the cape buffalo. The capybara spoke one word with so much venom, it might as well have been a swear.

"Preds."

~o.8.o~

As soon as the midday sun touched his fur, Nick whipped out his signature shades and perched them on his snout, lazy smirk firmly in place. Walking out of Savannah Reginal Hospital, he was followed by Finnick and Judy. "Have I ever mentioned how much I hate hospitals?"

"Only a couple hundred times in the last thirty minutes." Judy answered with an eye roll. The fox was her best friend and she'd never ask for another partner, but he could be so annoying when he put his mind to it.

"Later, coppas." Finnick said as he put on his own set of shades. "I got paces to be."

"Want a kiss for good luck?" Nick smirked. He could feel the glare the tiny fox was giving him through those sunglasses.

"Do it, and I'll bite your face off." Finnick threatened before walking away from the pair without another word, leaving a very amused red fox at the age-old threat.

Judy shook her head in amusement. "If I didn't know any better, I'd think the two of you hated each other."

"So, I'm feeling a bit peckish." Nick began, ignoring her comment, much to Judy's minor annoyance. "Sushi?" The fox asked as he looked down at his best friend from behind his shades. Despite time having passed, he was still tingling from that kiss.

"Sure. Panda Hana?" Judy inquired. It was the only sushi restaurant in the Savannah District. It also was perfect for her plan that was slowly forming in her mind.

"Sounds good to me." The fox said as he started to walk towards the parking lot, only to stop a moment later. "Hey, Fluff? Is the cruiser here?"

"Yep!" The bunny chirped as she brought the keys out and jingled them in front of the fox as she walked passed him. "Snarlov drove it to the hospital for us." With the bunny leading the way, the pair arrived at their cruiser. In no time at all, they were on the road and on their way towards Panda Hana.

"Take-out or dine-in?" Judy asked. 'Please say dine-in.'

"A change of scenery would be nice, so dine-in." The fox said and Judy silently let out a breath. To be honest, she wasn't sure how he was going to react to the conversation she planned on having with him at the restaurant. She had some clues that he might feel the same, but she figured he'd be more "willing" to at least listen to her if they were somewhere public, yet relatively private. That's where the private booths at Panda Hana came in.

The private booths were small, stand-alone rooms located in the back of the establishment. The walls around the rooms were made of a type of plastic that gave off the impression of bamboo walls, but with the added benefit of muffling sounds. They were ideal for private conversations and business dinners, of both the legal and illegal kind. It was perfect for her plan.

Nick rubbed his stomach as it growled. "Nighthowler is killer on my metabolism. I feel like I haven't eaten in days."

Judy giggled at that, and the next ten minutes were spent in a teasing atmosphere. Once they arrived at the sushi restaurant, the pair was laughing as they entered Panda Hana. So caught up in their laughter, they didn't notice when the panda hostess froze at the entrance of the fox, before giving herself a shake. Confusion was evident on her face as she greeted the two mammals.

"Welcome to Panda Hana." The hostess bowed slightly. "My name is Lin Po. How may I assist you?"

Before Nick could open his maw, Judy stepped forward. "We'd like a private booth, please."

Surprised, Nick glanced curiously at his partner, as did the panda. Lin was hesitant to give the pair a private booth, especially when the fox seemed so dangerous despite not understanding why. However, the determined, and most importantly, fear-free expression of the bunny convinced her it was okay. With a bow, she led the two to the requested accommodations.

Sliding the door open, the pair took their seats as Lin set down their utensils and brought out a notepad. "Do you need time to look at the menus?"

"Nah. I'll have the spicy tuna roll, a spider roll, and five pieces of salmon nigiri." Nick ordered. "Carrots?"

"I'll have a veggie roll and the seaweed salad, please." Judy smiled.

"And to drink?" Lin asked as she scribbled the order down.

"Two glasses of water would be fine. It's too early for saké." The bunny ordered for the both of them. Nick pouted.

"You're no fun, Carrots." Her reply was to stick her tongue out at him.

Uncomfortable with their antics, Lin left to place their orders and slid the door close after her. Her unease did not go unnoticed by the two cops, but both chose not to comment on it.

"So, Carrots." Nick began as he unfolded the napkin on the table and settled in his lap; it gave his paws something to do as his nerves got the better of him. "Any reason why you wanted a private booth?"

"There is." Judy confirmed as she, too, unfolded her napkin and placed it in her lap. "I want to wait until our food gets here so we're not interrupted."

"Sounds fair." The fox acquiesced. He had a pretty good idea of what his bunny friend wanted to talk, and while it was something he wanted as well, he hadn't expected for it to be so soon. 'Is she ready? Is our friendship strong enough?' These types of questions swirled around in Nick's mind as the pair waited in silence for their food to arrive. It wasn't much longer when Lin knocked on the door, their orders in paw.

"Spicy tuna roll, spider roll, and salmon nigari for the fox, and a veggie roll with seaweed salad for the bunny." The panda called out as she placed their orders on the table. "There are your drinks. Anything else I can get for you?"

"No, that'll be all." Nick said with a smirk, mask in place. With a bow, Lin closed the door once more.

"So, food." Nick said as he focused on the plate before him. Grabbing his chopsticks, he shoved a piece into his mouth. He was no longer hungry—there were too many butterflies in his stomach at the moment, but it gave him something to do. He was nervous, excited, and intrigued. A part of him wanted to take over; he was sure it was the savage part of him. Another part, however, liked Judy taking charge. It was a bit…sexy. Embarrassed by his thoughts, Nick shoved another piece into his mouth and chewed furiously. His face felt so hot, he was sure it would burst into flames at any moment now. 'Death by blush. Real smooth, Wilde.'

Giggling at his behavior, Judy started on her meal as well, and it wasn't long before the two finished. Placing her chopsticks down as she scratched absently at her cheek, Judy looked up and focused entirely on her fox. She noticed the perplexed expression on his face and tilted her head to side. "What is it?"

Reaching out a paw, Nick stroked the soft facial fur of her left cheek. "How'd you get those?"

It took a moment for the initial shock to wear off as he withdrew his paw, and for Judy to grasp what he was asking about. When she did, she brought a paw up to her cheek once more to cover the scars. "How did you notice them? They're barely visible."

"The lighting hit it just right when you shifted your fur a second ago." The fox explained. His gaze was focused and he felt something shift within him at the thought of someone putting those scars on her. "What happened?"

Judy bit her lip in contemplation, her ears folding down. She really didn't want to tell Nick the story behind her scars, worried about his reaction. However, he had told her a secret today. It was only fair that she told him this. Nick saw her hesitance and braced himself.

"I got these from defending my friends against a bully when I was a kit. His name was Gideon Grey, and he was the meanest kid around. He gave me these after I kicked him in the face." She chuckled softly at this, but stopped short when she heard a soft growl, ears alert. Looking up, she saw Nick's angered expression and the slits of his pupils. Reaching out, she grabbed a hold of the paw he had placed on the table to calm him down. "Hey, it's fine, Nick. He actually apologized to me when I moved back to the farm for a bit. Everything is good between us."

The growling stopped and the fox closed his eyes as he took a deep breath, slowly letting it out. When he opened them again, his eyes were normal once more. "Sorry."

Judy smiled at her fox in understanding, deciding not to tell him that he and Gideon were of the same species. 'It's not necessary.' She justified to herself. 'And it doesn't change how I feel.' Looking down at their joined paws, she intertwined their furred digits. "Nick…there's something I need to tell you. I've just realized it recently, but I think I've felt like this for a while now." She lifted their linked paws to her face and rubbed her cheek against them, ears once more against her back. Flicking her gaze up, sincere amethyst met mesmerizing emeralds. "I love you, Nick. More than a friend, more than a partner. I've felt this way for a while now, but today made me realize that I can't live without you. The thought of losing you…" She closed her eyes and took a breath to steady herself. Opening her eyes to meet his shocked gaze once more, she repeated herself. "I love you, Nick."

The smile Nick gave her was dazzling, his tail wagging lazily behind him. He had had an idea of her feelings; there really was no other way to interpret that kiss at the hospital. To have it confirmed, and to have his feelings returned—it was the best feeling in the world. He felt like he was flying. He felt whole.

"I love you, too, Judy." He used her given name, causing the bunny to blush. He hardly ever used it, so it gave his confession more weight and made her heart leap with joy. "I knew it the moment I woke up all those months ago. I knew in that moment that you were—it. There's no one else for me." He decided against informing her about how deep his feelings went. This was all new for the both of them. He figured he could drop the mate bomb on her when she was more comfortable with them being a couple. The thought made him smile.

Glassy violet eyes stared up in shock at the fox. For him to see her in that manner for such a long time, it filled her with so much emotion. "Nick…"

"It's going to be difficult, Carrots." Nick cut her off gently, his expression serious as he gave her paw a squeeze. "Interspecies relationships aren't that popular, and the couples that do flaunt it get a lot of backlash. If you thought the prejudice you got for being a bunny cop was harsh, it's a mole hill compared to how we'll be treated when others find out. As much as I want you…are you prepared for the consequences?"

"You obviously don't know me if you need to ask that question." Judy quipped, causing a slow smile that was full of pure unadulterated joy to form across Nick's face. The couple chuckled softly together, before quieting down. They stayed quiet for a bit, enjoying the feeling of requited love.

"Nick?" Judy asked softly.

"Hm? He was stroking the fur of her paw with his thumb as he gazed at her curiously.

"Are we…in a relationship now?" She sounded so hopeful that Nick chuckled softly.

"You have to take me out on a date first, Carrots. I do have standards." He jested, causing the bunny to giggle. "In all seriousness; yes, if you want to. I know I said you were it for me, but we can take things slow."

"I'd like that—to be in a relationship, that is." She said softly as she averted her gaze shyly. It was a new feeling for her, one she didn't mind having around her fox. "Can we keep it to ourselves for a bit, though? I don't care what other mammals think; I just want to enjoy my time with you peacefully for a bit before the world decides to stick its nose where it's not wanted."

"I understand." Nick assured her. "A little private time doesn't sound too bad. I was serious about that date, though. How about tomorrow night, seven o'clock? We've done things together before, and mammals are used to seeing us around. To them, we'd look like two friends hanging out. Only we would know differently." He winked at her at that, causing another giggle from the bunny.

"Okay, sounds good. What will we be doing?" She was sure the blush on her face was permanent at this point.

"Nothing too fancy, just a dinner. I am working off of a cop's salary, after all." Nick drawled dryly, causing Judy to roll her eyes.

"So romantic."

"I am to please."

An awkward moment descended on them. They were both still getting used to the new dynamic between them now, and were not sure how to react to each other. Sure, they knew what they wanted, but not what the other was okay with at this point. Nick broke it by standing up, reluctantly releasing her paw as he did so.

"We should probably start heading out." He said as he took out his wallet. "It's, what, two o'clock now?" Judy nodded in confirmation. "That gives me enough time to get started on my report—I want to enjoy tomorrow—and lets you finish your errands. I know you had a lot to do today."

"Look at you, being all responsible." Judy teased as she took out her own wallet. "I'll pay for my half."

"If you insist."

"Such a gentleman." The sarcasm practically dripped from her voice.

"Always."

Shaking her head with a smile on her face, the two slid open the door to the private booth and stepped out. To an outside observer who didn't know the two too well, nothing seemed to change between them. They just seemed like friends who had just enjoyed a particularly good meal together. To one with more background knowledge, however, the newfound closeness between the pair would have raised more than just a brow.

The ride back to Judy's apartment was silent, but not awkwardly so as it was back at the restaurant. The quietness that surrounded the new couple was one of contentment, tinged with a small dose of tension. What type of tension, the bunny wasn't sure, but she was sure it was coming from the fox. It both unnerved and excited her, and by the time they arrived to her complex, she felt nervous once more.

"I'll walk you to your door." Nick said as he got out of the cruiser before she could say anything. Taking a deep breath, Judy got out of the car and followed the fox into the building silently. For some reason, she felt extremely shy as she walked next to her fox, and couldn't bring herself to look at him as they made their way to her door. Stopping in front of said door, Judy fidgeted for a moment before taking a deep breath for courage, and turning towards the fox.

"Thank—" She stopped short, violet eyes wide. Nick was leaning against her door frame, body angled towards her. He was closer than expected, no more than a foot away from her figure, but that wasn't what took away her words and blanked her mind. It was his expression. It was an expression she had seen before, but only once—back when they had been running from Bellewether and her goons, right after she had gotten hurt and had told Nick to leave her. He had been so serious when he had told her he wouldn't leave her, so determined. Back then, she had ignored the jolt those words and expression gave her heart, assuming it had been the adrenaline. She knew differently now.

The same serious expression was present on the fox's face, but with a hint something that made her heart race and filled her with a warmth she'd never experienced before. It was as if she were the sole focus of his universe, and it made her feel exposed under his scrutiny, but in a devastatingly pleasant way. Her nose twitched when he began to lean in, and her breath caught when he pressed their foreheads together. Thoughts of being seen did not exist in her mind. All her attention was zeroed in on her fox; the feel of his warmth on her face, and the scent of him as it overwhelmed her.

'Mine…' The word whispered in her mind, though it was more of an impression of an emotion given a word than an actual thought itself.

After a moment, Nick pulled back a few inches, causing Judy to open eyes she hadn't realized she had closed. When she met emerald orbs, the slit nature of his pupils sent a jolt through her before he pressed his lips against hers.

It was a simple kiss; a chaste kiss. To Judy, it was the kiss. Having been focused solely on attaining her dream job her whole life, she gave no serious thought to other pursuits, romance included. Sure, there had been one or two interested bucks over the years, but those had never lasted more than a few dates. With those bunnies, it had never felt like…like home. It had never felt like this. She let out a shuddering breath as Nick gently ended the kiss.

"Sorry." He muttered as he brought a paw to caress her cheek, his control back in place after the stolen treat. "I couldn't help myself; I've been wanting to do that for a while now."

Judy didn't reply. She merely reached out her own paw and grabbed the back of Nick's neck, pulling him into another kiss more force behind it. The suddenness of it caused the fox's ears to pop up and his eyes to waiver again, only for them to close and his ears flatten down once more as he was swept away by the emotions of the kiss.

A moment that seemed to last forever passed, and the pair eventually ended the kiss, slightly out of breath. Somehow during the kiss, Judy's paws repositioned themselves to Nick's chest, gripping the fabric of his shirt. His free paw had joined the other, both framing her round face gently. Placing a sweet kiss to her forehead, Nick nuzzled her cheek with his own before letting her go and taking a step back.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Carrots." He whispered, eyes soft and smile sincere. Unable to speak, she nodded, attempting to ignore the heat of her blush as the fox winked at her and walked away.

Fumbling with her keys, Judy let herself into the apartment and leaned against it once she closed it. It was a moment before she could voice her thoughts of what just happened in an excited whisper.

"Sweet cheese and crackers!"

~o.8.o~

In a dark room that was underground, the smell of rotting flesh was evident as a pair of bloodied hooves slammed angrily at the desk a hooded figure sat at. It was staring at a computer screen, an email displayed on it. The light illuminated the figure partially, as the hooded robe it wore did its job of concealing it fairly well. What the light did reveal, however, was disturbing.

The once white wooly fur of the sheep was matted, stained a dark reddish brown in some places. Along the neck and exposed arms were grotesque sutures, signs of a botched job—likely self-done. Every time the figure moved, the fur didn't stay where it was supposed to. Instead, it moved as a large garment on a petite mammal would. The mouth was the most disturbing feature that was illuminated. It was twisted in a permanent scream of pain. The teeth and jaw bones were missing, giving no support to the open orifice as the tissue flapped with every move of the figure. Within the gaping hole, another mouth with a set of buck teeth was evident, though it was smeared in red, the color of its fur indistinguishable. This second mouth was grinding in fury as they reread the message.

A1 compromised. Target 2 still alive.

"Damnit." A clearly feminine voice sounded from the hooded figure, before a psychotic smile bloomed across what could be seen of their face. "Well, I guess I just have to up my game then. That's what you would have done, right Dawn? Hee hee. We'll get them, and soon prey shall rule Zootopia, just like you planned. Hee hee, ha ha ha!"

The figure continued to laugh as they spoke to no one, the computer the only witness to their madness.

And that's it! Let me know what you think guys, I love reading your reviews! Hopefully the next chapter is out soon, along with the Cover Art for Primal Instincts.

Until next time!

Ja ne!

~Star