Judy checked the time on her phone as her frustration mounted. 'He's 20 minutes late! What part of meet me at Savana Central Mall, Food Court S2 at 10am did he not understand?'. Judy frowned and looked around the food court, she could see foxes, otters, bevers, racoons, armadillos, sheep, mongooses and other bunnies but no Jacob. Taking a long sip of her iced carrot tea Judy looked back to her phone to see if he had replied to her texts, nothing. 'I wonder how Nick and the kit's are doing..'.

Nick watched as the three bunnies ran around the furniture store looking at all the beds. 'Maybe I shouldn't have given them that candy' Nick mused with a true smile on his face as Jack jumped up and down on a mattress. 'I really should stop them…' Nick looked over to Fru and Nicholas who were looking at bunk beds. 'But I would just hate to spoil their fun, who knows how long it will last today.'

"Hay! Stop bouncing and get off that bed!" yelled an old Wolf in a mall security uniform. Jack stopped bouncing and turned to look at the wolf as he walking down the aisle towards them. "I said get off that bed! Where are you parents?" he asked the small kit angrily. Jack didn't say anything he just got off the bed and went to stand beside Nick. "Hay!, I asked you a question rabbit! WHERE are your parents?" Jack lowered his eyebrows at him and looked to Nick, the wolf only then noticing him for the first time. "I don't have time to deal with you fox so just leave my mall before you steal something." Ignoring the layered look of indifference on Nick's face he turned back to Jack. "Now I asked you one last time, where are your parents? Rabbit." Nick cleared his throat as he stepped between the wolf and Jack.

"I'm the legal guardian of the kit, you will address any further questions to me and me alone." Nick stated in a firm but respectful voice while keeping eye contact and with his smile still on his face, having dealt with mammals like this all his life.

"I'm not falling for your lies fox. I doubt any mother, even a breeder species, would let their kit's follow a fox around," he knew all foxes were all just good for nothing liers and he flattened his ears in suspicion. "You probably kidnapped him to do god knows what! Good thing I was here to stop you now, his mother won't have to make more just to replace him." The wolf mocked as he extended his arm to grab Jack but was stop by Nick's firm paw around his wrists.

"I will ask that you refrain from touching my kit sir, now please leave us to our shopping or I'll report you." Nick sneered at him, his smile was still on his face but the old wolf could see the rage in his eyes. The security guard pulled his paw from Nick's grasp, a growl coming from his lips as he stared down at the fox with his teeth on full display. "I would be careful there buddy, I would hate to arrest you for public snarling." Nick smirk up at him.

"Who do you think you are?, Nick Wilde?" The wolf scoffed pulling out his radio and placing his other paw on his taser.

"Yes. How do you not know that?" Nick scoffed crossing his arms.

"All you foxes look alike to me", he growled back, "Frank I'm going to need help at Beds R Us, I've got a lost kit and a lowlife thief", the old wolf barked his orders into the radio.

Nick swiped the radio from him,"You better get your head of department and mall GM down here as well if we're doing this! Over!" He yelled into the walkie talkie. Nick's genuine smile returned as an affirmative came over the radio. 'I wonder how Carrots is doing?'

Judy hung up her phone 'Straight to voicemail again? What is he doing?' Judy suddenly heard the seat opposite her being occupied. Looking up she came face to face with Jacob looking like had just run here from his home in a suit that looked like he slept in the night before and the smell of booze was not strong but it was still there. His face fur was a mess so much so that the black stripes that was usually so neat were just splooges and he had what looked like a coffee stain on his right ear. Jacob still looked out of breath and about to saying something but Judy cut him off, the shock of seeing him and in such a state, had worn off and she was still mad at him.

"Where in the cabbage patch have you been? Your over half an hour late! 'I can explain that.' You haven't answered any of my text or calls 'my phone died' and you reek of booze 'hay I don't reek' not to mention you look like a complete mess 'and yet you mention it', you better have a good reason for wasting my time Jacob or Karma help you!" Judy finished her rant and leant back in her chair with her arms crossed glaring at him, her nose twitched in irrigation.

"So I get to speak now?" Judy's eyes narrowed, Jacob swallowed before continuing "anyway, I look like this because I have been stressing out over my case and I needed something to calm down, I mean let's face it you have me dead to rights with all the evidence against me. I know I'm going away, just not sure for how long and one thought keeps going through my head keeping me up at night. How much time am I going to miss out on? I may miss out on seeing my little princess grow up." Judy watched as tears started to form in his eyes. "And the boys, what kind of relationship will I be able to have with them now? I'm losing my family and it scaring me."

For a fleeting moment she almost felt sorry for him, "Well Jacob you should've of thought of that before you did drugs in our house or when you were having sex with those prostitutes in our bedroom. But I didn't come here to talk about that. Yet." Judy was not impressed though she could not see any deception in his eyes.

"Yes your right", cleaning his eyes with a napkin "I passed out drunk at my desk last night without putting my phone on charge and slept in. Ok, you happy? I'm a mess and I know I can only blame myself." Jacob had his face in his paws so didn't see the bored look on Judy's face.

"Jacob I'm willing to let the kits see you on a few conditions" Jacob looked up from his paws, "One, you go to the restroom to clean yourself up a bit you don't have to be perfect but get the coffee stain off your ear at least. Two, you can't have a repeat of what happened at the courthouse, I don't think Fru could take that again."

"Yes I saw that, trust me I never want to be in that situation again." Jacob interrupted as he tucked in his shirt.

"Thirdly you need to except that Nick will be playing a big part of their lives going forward and if you want to stay in the kit's life you have to get along with him." Judy stared into his eyes, "Do you agree to those terms?"

"Can you at least limit the amount of time I have around him? It will make things go smoother." Jacob paused in his fur tidying.

"What is your problem with Nick?" Judy groaned at him pinching the bridge of her nose.

"I'm just not comfortable around foxes can't we leave it at that ok? We can't all be Judy Hopps fearless hero bunny." Jacob grumbled as he stood up. "I agree to your terms, I just ask that you keep the time Nick and I spend together short for everyone's benefit. Now I'm going to go clean up in the bathrooms, I assume you got that all on tape." Jacob droned as he walked off.

Judy brought her phone out from under the table once Jacob was out of site, stopped the recording program and opened her favourites list. Tapping on an old photo of Nick with his tongue hanging out on the pillow fast asleep from their first sleepover, she let out an exasperated sigh.

"Frank do not inform the mall GM I will handle it! Over!" The old wolf yelled into the radio after he took it back, the tips of his fang still visible as he glared at Nick.

"Sorry Alpha but Mr. Goldenfleece was in the room when the call came through, he's already on his way down. Over." This information made a deep growl emanate from the old wolf.

"So you're the head security. This will be very entertaining." Nick turned to talk to Jack to find Nicholes and Fru standing with him. "Good you're all here. Now, don't tell your mother about this, ok?" Nick winked at the treeo as they all nodded. "Now I never got your name Mr…" Nick asked turning back to the wolf.

"I'm what stops this mall from falling into chaos." affirmed the security guard placing his paws on hips and scaling down at the group.

"Wow you think highly of yourself, but that's not a name, Sir." Nick retorted putting his paws in his pockets.

"Mall security Chef Moon", he replied glaring at him and clenching his fists.

"Your joking, right?" Nick held in a laugh, Moon growled showing more teeth, "Oh please tell me your full name is Moon Moon." A big smile full of teeth growing on Nick's face.

"And what if it is?" Moon grumbled lifting his head high as he crossed his arms looking as pompous as possible, the whole effect made the three kits burst into laughter and Nick had to hold in a chuckle. "Shut it! I wouldn't expect breeders or a pelt like you to understand wolf traditions!" Moon yelled losing it and pointing a claw right into Nick's face.

"Moon! What are you doing?" bleated angrily a thin sheep about the height of Nick as he stormed into the store, rage written all over his face and coming to a stop right in front of the wolf and staring him down. The site of a thin 4ft (including fluff) sheep in a white collared shirt, green knitted vest and brown slacks intimidating a 5ft wolf was both funny and perfect for Jack's Muzzlebook.

"Just trying to help these lost kit's Mr. Goldenfleece but this fox is interfering." Moon stood at attention looking between the sheep and fox trying to stop his tail from tucking between his legs.

The angry sheep looked Nick up and down before looking back at the wolf, huffing right in his face then turned and walked right up to Nick breaking into a huge smile.

"Nick!" The sheep spread his arms embracing the fox.

"Shaun! I didn't know you worked here?" Nick gave Moon the biggest shit eating grin full of teeth he could make once he recognized his old friend.

"Yeah been the GM here for six years now," Shaun let him out of the hug so he could get a better look at him, "you got old," he commented.

"Ha! You're one to talk you greying fluff ball," the two of them having a laugh at each other, "Six years uh? So about that money you owe me." Nick grinned at his friend as he put his arm around his neck, Moon let out a low growl.

"Oh yeah, I may need a little more time" giving Nick a smirk, then turning to Moon "Nick you remember my girlfriend Scarlet right? This is her brother, now my Brother-in-law, Moon Moon the 3rd."

"Oh congratulations on getting married, and that's another favor you owe me I believe. But it also explains how he has kept his job then." Stifling a laugh Nick crossed his arms while he looked Moon up and down in disapproval, while the kits giggled together behind him.

"Urrrggg what he do know?" Shaun groaned as he looked up at the ceiling and slumping. Moon now had a very worried look on his face, he really didn't want to get into trouble again.

"Oh that can wait, let me introduce you to the Hopps kits," turning his back on Moon putting his arm around his old buddy, "We've got Savage, NJ and the Pirate Princess. Gang this short fluff ball is Lucky, he was an old card buddy back in the day."

"Shaun Goldenfleece, lovely to meet you all. I hope brother Moon wasn't to hostile he has been going too anger management classes but I'm not sure they're working." Shaun winked as he shook each kits paw then turning to glare at his brother-in-law.

"If you ask me he needs to have a joint," Nick muttered turning his attention back to the wolf.

"I tried that first but he's a hard NO on "drugs"." Shaun shook his head in disappointment.

"Shaun I would appreciate it if you didn't share personal matters with other mammals," Moon grumbled at the sheep.

" 'SHAKE, THAT, ASS FOR ME!' " "Oh, got to take this one moment." Nick walked away from the group to answer his phone knowing Shaun would gladly watch over the kits, Moon watched glaringly as he walked off.

"Carrots! How'd the meet and greet go?" Nick answered the phone cheerfully.

"As well as I could hoped, what are you doing at the moment?" Judy asked him, happier now just from hearing his voice.

"Oh just ran into an old friend, he's actually the general manager of the mall and he owes me money so I may get a good deal out of this," Nick stated with a smile.

"Nick you know you can't take a bribe, how many times do we have to go over this?" Judy groaned putting her face in her paw.

"It's not a bribe he owes me some favours and I need a new kid's bedroom, everyone wins. I don't see the problem?" He teased looking back at the kits to see Fru whispering to Shaun and the boys climbing on a large bunk bed with lots of ladders and a slide. "I wonder if that would fit in the room or even the apartment", he mussed.

"Whatever Slick, finish up what you're doing and come meet us at the food court." Judy rubbed her eyes, lightly smiling despite herself.

"Love yooou," Nick cood into the phone.

"Niicck?!" Judy gasped trying to hold in her blush.

"What? I do and you know you love me too," he jested in a smooth voice.

"Do I love you? Yes, yes I do," Judy was failing to hide her blush now, the rushing blood made her cheeks and ears deep red as her heart fluttered wildly.

"Ok, see you soon lover," he beamed starting to walk back over to the others.

"Nick before you go, I have to tell you Jacob doesn't feel comfortable around foxes and has asked to make yourself scarce, just to make it easier for everyone," she explained looking to see if he was out of the restroom yet.

"That was a given but that's fine, it will give me a chance to catch up with my friend," Nick declared.

"I do love you Nick, it was just the only thing he asked," she said with a little panic in her voice.

"I understand fluff, I'll see you soon okay, I have some friends I would like you to meet," he replied smiling to himself.

"See you soon foxy," she jested with a grinned.

"Hey that's our word!", Nick complained good heartedly his smile getting bigger.

"You call me cute, I call you foxy!"Judy laughed as she hung up.

"So is he on his way with the kits?" Jacob asked as he sat down.

The only sign of Judy's fright was a small noise twitch, she had forgotten how quiet Jacob could be. She had gotten used to hearing Nick's claws warning her of his arrival, she knew Nick did it on purpose having run so many stealth missions with him. Judy wondered how many times Jacob had snuck out and slept behind her back.

"Yes Nick and the kits should be here soon," Judy frowned at him, her good mood disappearing almost as fast as her blushing ears. She stared into his eyes trying to build up the courage to ask a question that had been burning in her sense all this started. "What I don't get Jacob is why you didn't just tell me you wanted a mistress, I did allow for three in the wedding agreement all they had to do was get my approval and pass a STD test."

"Judy before I say anything I want all your recording devices on the table and off. This is a conversation to stay between us, agree?" Jacob asked her sincerely.

Judy hesitated, searching Jacob's eyes before pulling out her phone and digital voice recorder, placing them on the table after showing they weren't recording. "Happy?" Judy asked.

"Where's the carrot?" he questioned raising an eyebrow. Judy rolled her eyes before bringing out the carrot and placing it on the table.

Taking a quick breath first he told her the answer to her question, "Judy I had a relationship with you and that was work enough as it is. I don't want a second one, I just wanted more sex."

"Jacob you're making me reconsider our agreement to see the kits," Judy threatened lowering her ears, she couldn't believe what she was hearing.

"I'm sorry babe but it's true, I wanted something and you wouldn't provide it." He proclaimed with a shrug and leaning back in his seat.

"I can take a guess but I shouldn't say it in public." Judy growled through gritted teeth.

"And you would probably be right. But you made it perfectly clear you did not want to try it. At least I respected you wishes on that," he pointed out like it was a good thing.

"It was hard trying to find someone to let you do that didn't you?" Judy smirked at him with hatred in her eyes.

"You have no idea!" Jacob rubbed the back of his neck, "Hey can we not talk about this here?" As he looked around with worried smile.

"What's wrong Jacob, getting embarrassed?" Judy teased still smirking at him.

Jacob pawed his face "It's like looking at a female rabbit version of Him," he mumbled frowning at her.

"I'll take that as a compliment," Judy chortled then grabbed her drink, suddenly thirsty, and finish it. Looking over his shoulder she spotted Nick walking towards them.

He was talking to a sheep in a green vest with her kits walking in front and a old black wolf in a mall security uniform following them all. Everyone was laughing except the wolf, he was glaring at the back of Nick's head like he was trying to make it explode.

"Looks like you're saved by the bell Jacob. Now remember, be on your best behaviour." Judy whispered to Jacob warningly.

"DADDY!" Fru squealed as she ran over, Jacob got out of his chair and prepared for Fru's flying hug.

"Princess!" he exclaimed with a big smile. Fru jumped into his arms nuzzling into his chest, her brothers made their way over ahead of the group and joined in on the hug.

"Hello boys," Jacob said looking down at his sons.

"Hey dad," Nicholas and Jack said in unison looking back up at him.

"So been having fun at Nick's my little one?" Jacob chimed looking back to Fru.

"Yeah but it's going to get even better now that I'm getting my own bed. Sharing a bed with these two has been the worst part." Fru giggled as she bounced in Jacob's arms making him laugh.

"The feelings mutual Fru." Jack mumbled making Nicholas punch him.

"Shut it," Nicholas hissed at him.

"Whatever," he grumbled. Turning away Jack walked back over to Nick who was giving Judy a hug and about to introduce her to his friend.

With his arm around Judy Nick jested to his old friend, "Carrots meet Lucky, used to make a killing off him, couldn't win a game of poker to save his life," he whispered to her. Nick turned to Shaun, "Hey remember that time I saved your ass from that pimp? I still can't believe I won with a pair of twos!" Nick chuckled at the memory.

"The look on that grizzlies face was hilarious!" Shaun laughed leaning on Nick, "Ha, Ha sorry," he calmed down once he got a look at Judy's face. "Shaun Goldenfleece General Manager of Savanna Central Mall," Shaking Judy's paw and talking in a more professional voice, "This is my brother-in-law and Chief of security Moon Moon the 3rd."

"Ma'am," Moon could see when he had lost so to try and save as much of his ass as possible, Moon was on his best behaviour, well at least try to be. Judy could see just a little bit of hate in his eyes as he looked at her.

"Please forgive my brother he.. has... problems," Shaun fumbled through scratching his chin.

"As long as no one's hurt or upset," Judy glared at the wolf making him shrink back just a little. "And Mr. Moon makes an effort to change, I can get over it," she stated crossing her arms at him.

"Either way I am sorry for his behaviour, the kits told me what happened and it's not in line with our standards. I have already arranged for the kits new bedrooms to be delivered and installed," the old sheep declared with a smile.

"Nick!?" Judy barked turning to him and punching him in the arm.

"Don't look at me! The three of them set it up when I was on the phone to you. I had nothing to do with it this time," Putting his paws up in defence Nick looked proud with himself that he was telling the truth 100%.

"I don't believe you," Judy grumbled, Nick looked shocked, "you taught them too well, you may of not had a direct hand in this but you did teach them a lot." Nick just shrugged in response, he had nothing, she was right.

"It's no trouble at all Miss. Hopps and knowing Nick he would of gotten a good deal one way or another." Shaun joked as he patted Nick on the back.

~meanwhile~

"I missed you daddy," Fru shyly muttered to her dad.

"I know princess I've missed you too," he have her a squeeze, "You know Fru, if you wanted you could stay with me, after everything's settled of course."

"Like a sleepover?" Fru asked excitedly.

"I was thinking something more long term but we can talk about it later," he smiled. Looking over to his son he asked, "how's school going Nicolas?"

"Same classes different day," Nicholas shrugged looking bored.

"You should always try you best at school Nicholas," he lectured him.

"I do dad, I'm top of all my classes and mom has been talking to the principal about putting me in advanced classes next year." He boasted placing a paw on on his hip.

"That's my boy, you'll be a lawyer yet," Jacob stated with a little smile.

"Yeah," he muttered looking over at the others, Nicholas didn't have the heart to tell his dad that he only wanted to got to law school so he could become Mayor of Zootopia.

"So you two hungry? Wait where is Jack?" Jacob looked over to Judy to see Jack standing next to Nick. Clenching his jaw Jacob took a deep breath to calm down, "Jack you hungry!?" he called to him.

Jack turned to look at his dad, he was hungry but he just wanted to hang with Nick and his friend. They were probably going to go play cards and if this sheep was as bad as Nick says he is then he might be able to get some extra pocket money. But one look at mom told him that she could see what he was planning and that it was not going to happen.

"Sigh" "I could go for a veggie burger from Hungry Bucks," Jack shrugged before turning back to Nick for a goodbye fist bump.

"Go have fun with your dad Savage we'll hang out later kay," Nick bumped the small paw as Judy put her arm around Jack's shoulders.

"Come on Jack let's get some food," Judy nudged him towards the table giving Nick one last longing look before walking over. Nick could not stop his eyes from falling to her tail as she walk away.

"Let's go back to my office I have a nice bottle of scotch that we can catch up over." Shaun interjected putting his arm around Nick breaking his stare, "Maybe with your help we can get old Moon Moon here to loosen up," the two laughing at the wolf's growl at the comment.

Judy could feel Nick's eyes on her as they made their way down her back to her tail. She could always tell when he was looking at her, must have been some left over part of their savage ancestry. Oh how it sent thrills that tingled down her spine to in between her legs, it felt so good to enjoy a feeling she had suppressed for so long. She could feel the desire that he had for her, the want and need in his stare gave her a small moral boost for the lunch that awaited her.

Sorry for the large gap between chapters been busy with life.

Complaining about updates seems to motivate my editor.

~Edited by Carna~