Zootopia: Thicker Than Blood

by aemx

Begins with an expanded peek at Nick Wilde's Academy training, graduation, and first day as a cop with Judy Hopps, then follows the life of Nick and Judy and their budding friendship that becomes more than either imagined. There will be some crimes, life on the beat, slice of life/fluff, and a big undercover caper that will test both of their skills as individuals and partners.

11. Chapter 11

Chapter 11: Game of Hearts

Judy finished cuffing their perp, a weasel in a dark red shirt with a pink flower lapel, named Dribs, and began to read him his Miranda Rights. He was caught stealing several cartons of Sunflower Soda from a local Molebil gas station in Savanna Central.

"Dribs, you have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to…" she trailed off as the bunny escorted him and put the weasel into the back of their police cruiser after she finished informing him of his rights.

The high-strung weasel was mildly fidgeting and raving nonsense, "Don't you believe me, Officer? UFO's are controlling the prices of Sunflower Soda! We have to do something about it! If we don't, we could all be…"

Dribs never got to finish his whacky statement before Judy finished locking him inside the backseat while slamming the cruiser door shut, placed her paws on her hips, and rolled her eyes in a mix of astonishment and amusement.

"Can you believe what he's saying, Nick?" she asked her partner who was finishing with checking the crime scene behind her.

"I believe it. Have you seen the prices of these six-packs, Carrots? Outrageous!" he replied with his usual smug grin while holding up the stolen sodas.

Sighing, her ears twitched to the sounds of light squishing noises. Judy turned around and crossed her arms while mildly glaring at Nick.

"Nick, will you stop squeezing the evidence. Seriously, what is it with you and touching everything soft or fluffy?"

The fox gave her his usual mock 'look at me I'm offended' face and continued to squeeze the large goofy yellow smiley muzzle stress ball in his other paw.

"But it's so fun. It's also good for stress relief, I'll have you know. Besides, I appreciate the little things in life, Officer Fluff," he declared while shooting her a particular look as he stressed the words 'little things' and 'Officer Fluff', and kept squeezing the squishy ball, much to his delight and his partner's ire.

Judy sighed again, though secretly happy with Nick's playfulness, as she shook her head, walked up to him, holding out her transparent evidence bag, and jiggled it. "And now it's time for you to appreciate a little thing called work. Put it back in the bag, Slick," she ordered.

Nick pretended to make a sad face and complied, tossing the stress ball into the bag. "No fun at all."

Smiling at her partner, she zipped the bag up, helped him pack the stolen sodas, and jumped into the driver's seat of Z-240. It felt good to be back on the beat after Chief Bogo let them have a few more days off to recover from the ordeal of the undercover case with Felisky. For their first day back, catching a small time thief like Dribs was a nice transition to get back into the swing of normal police work.

Judy had spent the majority of that off duty time with Nick and it immensely helped to lift her spirits back up. However, to her mild embarrassment, she had fallen asleep at his apartment a couple times again, but each time Nick had carried her to his bed, and taken the couch for himself without a single complaint.

Heading back to the station, she glanced over at Nick, who already donned his aviators and was thumbing through some cheap tabloid they found on Dribs, in total amusement. Judy found herself eyeing his smiling muzzle a little too long before returning her eyes to the road. After a few moments, Nick broke the silence.

"Wow. They sure print anything these days. Listen to this… savage Wolpertinger terrorizing the Tri-Burrows at night. Dozens of reported sightings. WIll pay ten thousand bucks for pictures or video proof." He flipped the article over and held it up so Judy could see the artist rendition of the crazy bunny creature. "This is what you'd look like if you had fangs, antlers, and bird wings, Carrots."

"Come on, Nick…" she playfully shoved the tabloid away, but still stole a glance out of curiosity. "And… that's kinda creepy." She raised an eyebrow while making a weirded out look on her face.

"Oh! I know what we can do… let's go stop by a costume party store, dress you up, and have a photo shoot in a park. Easiest ten thousand we could ever hustle," he teased her with a wink. "I think you could make it work and look convincing. Might still be too cute though."

"Absolutely not!" Judy pointed a finger at her partner.

"Fine. I'll just get Finn to do it," the fox countered as he turned another page and waited for her reaction.

"Nick!" Judy said with a hint of amusement in her voice and glared at him.

"Eyes on the road, boss." he chided her with a smile while she quickly diverted her focus back to driving as the cruiser began to drift in the lane. Nick noticed she didn't directly reprimand him for indirectly calling her cute this time.

"Irritating fox," she growled with drooped ears.

"Mean bunny," Nick playfully shot back, waving the small tabloid at her, before returning to look for more ridiculous articles.

They arrived at the station, booked Dribs, turned over the evidence, the stolen merchandise, his belongings, and finished their case reports. By the end of their shift, her partner had even managed to surprise visit Chief Bogo in his office and irritate him by asking what happened with the one hundred-eighty million dollar pot from the poker tournament and if he was allowed to even keep a tiny sliver of those winnings. Nick was promptly chased out of the office followed by deafening shouts and curses from the cape buffalo that filled the hallway, gathering the attention of several other officers. Judy couldn't help but laugh and glare at Nick for his audacity.

Outside of the ZPD entryway, the bunny hugged her fox partner goodbye and they parted ways. Nick headed south towards his apartment, while Judy went north to her's. A part of her wanted to spend more time with Nick, another part told her to not overstay her welcome and give her best friend his time and space as well.

On her way into the Grand Pangolin Arms apartment building, she greeted Mrs. Dharma, the armadillo landlady, and entered her tiny apartment. While Judy still liked her little space in the city, it was nothing compared to being at Nick's home. She actually found herself already missing it. After changing into a pink striped shirt with pink leggings, and eating a semi-bland microwave dinner, her phone rang with a familiar ringtone. It was her parents calling.

The bunny picked up her phone and clicked on the MuzzleTime option. Bonnie Hopps' smiling face appeared on the screen.

"Hey, there's my girl! We haven't heard from you in a few days, sweetheart." Bonnie greeted with a sweet motherly tone.

"Hi Mom." Judy answered. "I'm sorry I haven't called, it's just been a crazy couple of days and…" Judy rubbed the back of her neck and changed the subject. "How are you and Dad doing?"

"Hey there, Jude the Dude!" Stu's smiling face suddenly popped in from the left side when he heard Judy over the speakers. "We're doing great hun. You keeping safe out there?"

"Yes, Dad." Judy smiled back.

Before Bonnie could reply, an older and crabby sounding voice interrupted her from offscreen. Her mom turned the phone to reveal Otto Hopps, Judy's grandfather, who also lived with Bonnie and Stu at the Hopps Family burrow. He was sitting in a large red reclining chair next to a table full of empty dinner plates, holding his cane, surrounded by a few of Judy's younger siblings, who busied themselves with their phones, playing with bunny dolls, or drawing doodles.

"Bon, is that Trudy? Ask her if she's been eaten yet?" he said while waving a finger in the air and then adjusting his large spectacles.

Bonnie rolled her eyes at her father-in-law before answering, "Oh, for goodness sake! No one's gotten eaten, Pop-Pop. And it's Judy, not Trudy."

"Well, tell her she needs to watch out for predators in the big city. Like foxes. They are red because they were made by the devil!" Otto exclaimed.

"Oh dear…" Bonnie sighed as she turned the phone away from her father-in-law and focused back on her daughter.

It took a lot of effort for Judy not to frown or say something. She loved her Grandpa. She didn't even mind that he occasionally mixed up her name, it was to be expected when he was one hundred and one years old and had over one thousand grandkits, but listening to that offensive statement about foxes really bothered and hurt her now. Judy could only imagine what Nick would think if he were to overhear this conversation.

"Anyway, like your father said, we're doing great, sweetheart," Bonnie was finally able to answer. However, she paused for a moment, while inspecting Judy's image on the phone a little more closely. "Judy, did you do something with your fur?"

The younger bunny's fur was still lighter than normal with traces of the cream color still tinting her gray fur and ear tips.

Judy's eyes snapped wider, ears shot up, as she nervously patted herself, "Oh, this!? It's nothing… just…"

"Are you okay? Are you sick? Do you need me to come out there?" Bonnie asked as her levels of concern spiked and she suddenly yelled to the side. "Stu! Pack the car!"

"No! I'm good, Mom… I'm good," Judy pleaded with a reassuring voice. "We just had a very… well, an undercover case recently. I'm actually not allowed to talk about it… but you don't have to worry."

Her mom calmed down and smiled with pride at her daughter, "Yeah? You out there making the world a better place once more?"

"Yup. We're really making a difference," Judy quietly replied.

Bonnie tilted her head at the mention of the word 'we're' before speaking again. "Was Nicholas there with you? Is he okay?"

Judy ran a paw behind her head and brushed her ears down before replying, "Yes, he was. And he's okay too, Mom. I couldn't have done it without him."

Her mom noticed how her daughter shifted and spoke those words softly. "I'm happy you have a good friend like him with you there, sweetheart."

"Me too," Judy whispered. She paused for a moment before adding, "Chief Bogo even praised us this time."

"Good for you both, Bun-Bun. I mean, not that I didn't think you'd make it so far, it's just… you're doing something I never thought a bunny could do." Bonnie said with a beaming smile. "Guess all you needed was a chance to prove yourself. We're so proud of you."

"Yeah," Judy replied with joy.

"You keep making chances for yourself and tell Nicholas hello from us, okay?"

"I will, Mom. He really loves those extra blueberries you keep packing for him," the bunny smiled.

Bonnie smiled back before Stu's muzzle suddenly appeared once more in front of her, "Stay safe out there, Jude. I love ya honey. Very much."

"I love you guys too," Judy replied with a tender tone, bringing the phone closer.

"Goodnight Bun-Bun," Bonnie farewelled before hitting the end call button.

Judy placed her phone facedown on her desk and leaned back in her desk chair. The picture frames on her bedside wall rattled, as a familiar voice projected through the paper thin walls. It was her oryx neighbor, Pronk.

"Hey Bunny, we're glad you're okay. You were gone for awhile."

"Maybe being undercover was code for spending time with her boyfriend."

"You don't know that. She is a real cop you know."

"Oh shut up!"

"You shut up!"

Judy slapped both paws over her eyes and ran them down her flushed face, "Nick is my partner and best friend, guys!"

"Yeah? Well, you sure spend a lot of time with him," Bucky said.

"She did go to meet his Mom too," Pronk added.

The bunny had no response for Bucky or Pronk regarding those truths.

Later that night, Judy was lying on her bed, over the covers, in the dark, still dressed in her casual clothes. Heavy eyelids were signaling it was time to fall asleep now. Her meandering mind had been thinking about the earlier conversation with her mom and then her neighbors' commentary.

After staring at the dark ceiling for a few moments, she reached over to pick up one of her rabbit plushies, the one with the blue shirt and junior ZPD officer badge. Judy hugged it tightly before rolling onto her side, curling up with the doll, and falling asleep with a small smile.

---

A few days passed and Judy's fur finally returned to normal. The bunny skipped along the sidewalk, in her pink plaid shirt and jeans, with a bag of takeout food. She wanted to surprise Nick with some dinner from one of their favorite street vendors after an extra long shift today. And she had some news to share with him. Once at the door, she used her key to open it, and made her usual grand entrance with a big hop inside.

"Nick, I brought food!" Judy held up the takeout bag like it was a prize.

It was awfully quiet. She noticed the office door was half open and the sliding patio door was completely ajar. Judy went to close the apartment door with her foot but the push was too light. The door didn't fully close and stayed partially open with a small slit. With raised eyebrows, she put the bag on the breakfast bar counter and peeked outside, nose twitching. There was her partner, fast asleep, wearing his sunglasses, both paws resting on his stomach, reclining on a new folding chair, with the setting sun basking his red fur with a soft glow. The longer shift and mountains of paperwork must have really drained him today.

Tapping her chin, she debated whether or not to wake him. After careful consideration and hoping he wasn't going to get angry at her, she tip-toed up to him, gently poking his shoulder, and whispered near his ear, "Nick. Nick… wake up. It's me. I brought some dinner for you. Nick!"

The fox's ears twitched around before he stirred. With half open eyes, he spotted Judy, and immediately started, arms swooshing around, legs in the air, and nearly toppled over.

"Guh!" he huffed while trying to catch his balance and looking over at his petite best friend, "Carrots, I swear, do you take joy in scaring me on a regular basis?"

"I'm so sorry, Nick! I just wanted to come over and bring you dinner. I can leave if you want…" she was quick to apologize.

"What? No, no, no… it's okay. I just didn't think I'd doze off after I came out here to lounge for a few," he stood with a big stretch.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. Positive, Fluff. What did you bring me?" he asked clasping his paws together.

"Your favorite spicy cricket burrito from the vendor cart down the block!" she exclaimed.

"I could go for one of those," he teased her with a nonchalant reply trying to play off how happy that actually made him.

Smiling, Judy went inside, while Nick followed her, and she began to fish out all of the food. As Nick was watching her, he suddenly noticed his office door was open, and his secret little project, along with a few other articles of clothing, were hanging in almost direct view.

Glancing back over at Judy, she was preoccupied enough, that he began to quietly slink over so that he could shut the door before she noticed. Just as he got to it, the fox heard her call out after him, and he jumped.

"Nick? What are you doing?"

"I… um… just wanted to close the door. I like the way it makes the living room look," he tried to play it off and shut it behind him.

Judy crossed her arms, "You know Nick, almost everytime I come over here, you keep coming out of the office or keep it closed. Are you working on something?"

Crap… he thought to himself before opening his mouth.

"No," he lied.

Now Judy narrowed her eyes, thumped her foot, and smiled, "C'mon Slick. I've learned your little tells when you're hiding something from me."

Pretending to look baffled, he walked closer while placing his paws on his hips, "Is that so? What tells might those be?"

The bunny put her hands behind her back and see-sawed on her toes. "Oh… you know… your ears kinda flatten back ever so slightly and your tail makes this teensy tiny swish. Which is really surprising considering how well I've seen you keep a straight face and posture when you hustle."

Nick simply stood there with big eyes and a raised brow. It reminded Judy of when she threatened him with tax evasion. It took all of her willpower not to laugh.

"Well, then... guess I've been caught red handed." He playfully wiggled his dark red paws before attempting a half-truth with a better straight face. "I was working on a little something for Finn."

Judy tilted her head and blurted out, "You're not really doing the Wolpertinger thing, are you!?"

"What? No! I was joking about that you know."

"Well… can I see what it is?" Judy walked up to him with a big goofy grin. She never had the chance to see Nick make anything from scratch yet. "Some new kind of costume?"

The deflection failed and seemed to only pique her curiosity. He was beginning to wonder where all of this extra energy and playfulness was coming from. And she didn't seem to care if it was for a possible scheme or not.

Nick straightened up and put his paws behind his back. "Sorry, Carrots. Strictly Confidential!"

She advanced closer to him and attempted to sway him with her large violet eyes by fluttering her lashes, "Please, Nick!"

"No," he said with a tone of finality and a pointed finger. "And for the record, if I could do that with my eyes, I would rule this city."

"Then it's a good thing you can't!" she replied with half-lidded eyes.

Judy bit her lip. Nick picked up on her own tell, especially when he watched her eyes dart to the door and back. She attempted to make a leap for it but he was able to block her in time and catch her petite torso in mid-air.

"Carrots! Seriously, c'mon. I said no, you rabbit!"

"Nick, stop being such a skunk butt!"

"Oh, I'm being the skunk butt, huh?"

"Stop it!"

Before either one of them knew it, they stumbled around, Nick lost his balance, and they fell onto the floor with a dual yelp. The fox and bunny, now entangled in a mass of red and gray, were literally rolling around on the floor, with Nick trying to keep Judy pinned away from the office door, as she was fidgeting and squirming in his grasp.

"How… are you this… freakishly strong, Carrots?" he uttered while trying to keep a failing grip on his partner.

"Maybe... you need to… go to the gym more... lazy fox!" she blurted out while trying to get away.

"Hey!... I go... to the gym plenty... wriggly bunny!" he retorted.

"Nick!" she grunted back.

After several more moments of comical grappling, they suddenly froze in place with Nick right on top of Judy, as her ears shot straight, when they heard a soft set of footsteps rush to the barely cracked open front door, and a gasping elderly vixen hurriedly came inside with a worried expression, holding a large taser at the ready.

"Nicholas, are you alright!? The door was open and I heard sounds of… a… struggle…?"

"Mom!?" Nick said in complete shock looking up to see Mrs. Wilde standing above them.

All three mammals froze in place as if time stopped and everyone's brains were slowly processing the situation at hand.

Once her initial shock was over, Mrs. Wilde was the first to react, letting herself have a hearty laugh, turning the taser off, placing her hands on her hips, and smirking in true Wilde fashion. There was her son with ruffled fur, messy tie, a button or two loosened on his shirt, propped up on his arms, over his bunny partner with her back on the floor. Judy's shirt had even managed to hike up her midriff a little bit and lose a few buttons as well.

"I'm sorry for interrupting you two… I'll just show myself out," she smiled with a wink and began to head for the open door.

The two partners reacted in unison. Nick and Judy locked eyes in complete embarrassment and surprise, their noses mere inches from each other. His jaw fell wider, her nose twitched in rapid succession. The room felt like a sudden inferno and their beating hearts thumped in their chests. Nick immediately pushed himself off and Judy slid away. Both of them stood and waved their paws in the air frantically, speaking together.

"No, no, no! It's not what you think…" they both stammered out simultaneously.

"Oh? What should I think then?" Mrs. Wilde teased them.

They both looked at one another with dread in their eyes like a pair of teenagers. Nick was scratching the back of his neck and patting his shirt down, while Judy nervously wrung her paws.

Nick was the first to speak up while gesturing awkwardly with his paws, "Well, uh… Carrots, was… just showing me… um, a new takedown technique… right?"

Judy's mouth was open, she quickly nodded, and followed his lead, "Yup. They were… giving us some new training courses at work today… how to deal with mammals that get physical… with resisting arrest, I mean!"

"That's right!" Nick ended while pointing a thumb between the two of them. "We're just doing it again off-duty." Realizing what he just said, he slapped a paw to his face. "Practicing! It makes perfect!"

The latter didn't sound any better so Nick just stopped before he dug his hole any deeper.

Mrs. Wilde looked like she didn't believe a single thing they said as she crossed her arms with a raised brow and an impish smile. "Sure. Sure. I can come back another time."

"Wait, Mom!"

"No, Mrs. Wilde! It's okay. Really. Nick and I were actually about to eat dinner. I'm sure Nick wouldn't mind if you stay over. Right?" Judy looked to Nick with a smile.

"Of course not," he replied with both arms out.

"In that case, let's start over," the vixen pointed out as she leaned down to Judy and greeted her with a warm hug. "It's been awhile since I've seen you dear."

"I missed you too, Mrs. Wilde." the bunny hugged back.

"So, Mom, what brings you by today?" Nick asked.

"Remember I texted you yesterday that I will be in the area running errands and I might come by if you're not busy?" she raised an eyebrow at her son.

"Oh, right… right… guess I forgot when I fell asleep after I got home," he said with a sheepish half grin.

His mom rolled her eyes and walked over to give him a proper hug before saying more, "What are you two eating tonight?"

"Well, Carrots did bring me a spicy cricket burrito. Wanna split it?" Nick asked as he rounded the breakfast bar and held up the food.

"Sure, sweetheart, if it'll still be enough for you?" she asked politely.

"Won't be a problem, Mom. Oh, and nice taser by the way. Looks like one of those deluxe models. I'm glad you didn't zap me with it."

"Sometimes I carry it around when I like to go for walks in the evening. Just to be safe." she replied. "And I would never taze you on accident, Nicholas."

"That's reassuring," he smirked.

A nervous smile escaped Judy as she eyed the taser while Mrs. Wilde put it away in her purse. It reminded Judy of the one her dad tried to give her when she first left for the city. Looking over at Nick, he seemed to be pretty indifferent at the sight of it. She wondered if someone had ever actually threatened him with a fox taser before. Shaking off the frown that formed on her muzzle from that thought, Judy came back into the kitchen to help Nick set the plates.

Glancing back at the office door, Nick was thankful that the small awkward incident was forgotten and his little secret was still safe for now. He was going to need to be a lot more careful before the big day finally arrives. After setting out the utensils, he slyly excused himself to the bathroom, flushed the toilet to cover his ruse, snuck around the back way into the office, and hid his prize, before retracing his steps back into the living room to join Judy and his mom at the breakfast bar.

The two foxes and the bunny sat on the motorized stools, with Judy in the middle, happily enjoying their meals.

Mrs. Wilde decided to make some conversation after swallowing her next bite. "I read about another crazy high speed chase that happened near the Palm Hotel & Casino a few nights ago. It went all the way through Savanna Central and into the Rainforest District. Were you two involved in that?"

Nick and Judy shared a side glance. They both didn't enjoy having to lie or keep certain aspects of their work away from their families for fear of constantly worrying them. She answered before Nick could say something, "No. We were actually working a different case that night."

"Oh, thank goodness. Those chases can be so dangerous. I'm glad you two weren't apart of that," she smiled while leaning over to them both.

"Yeah, just a boring ol' stakeout Mom. No excitement whatsoever. Never even saw our suspect. I almost fell asleep twice in our cruiser," Nick lied through his teeth as he chimed in.

"Then I hope Judy pinched you awake," Mrs. Wilde chided him.

"Mom…" Nick replied with an annoyed scowl.

His partner giggled. "Don't worry Mrs. Wilde, Nick actually works really hard when he wants to. But… only about forty percent of the time. Or if you bribe him with sweets."

"I'll have you know it's at least a cool sixty," Nick added. "And how little you think of me, Officer Fluff."

They all shared a laugh.

"I believe it." The elder vixen then leaned closer to the bunny. "Judy, I need a favor from you."

"Yes, Mrs. Wilde?"

"Please get Nick to take some nice photos of something or someone." She particularly stressed the someone part. "I brought those picture frames over a while ago and they're still empty," Mrs. Wilde teased as she thumbed over her shoulder to the large bookshelf.

Judy leaned back so she could see the frames in question, "Oh! I was wondering about those."

Now both women turned to stink eye Nick, who stopped mid chew from a fresh bite, to raise his eyebrows at the two pairs of green and violet eyes, playfully glaring at him.

"What?" he asked with a mouthful while shrugging with his arms. "I didn't get around to it yet."

Bouncing in her seat, Judy took her phone out excitedly. "How about we take one now? With the three of us?"

"See Nicholas. I like how Judy thinks," his mother winked over.

Nick just sighed and slid off the stool ready to comply.

After snapping several shots, the vixen and bunny were looking through them to find the keeper. Once they found their favorite, Judy remembered a few photos she wanted to share.

"Oh, Mrs. Wilde… did you know Nick had to do parking duty one day for getting in trouble at the station? I have a really great photo of him in a meter maid outfit!" Judy informed her.

"Oh really?" His mother shot Nick an amused smirk. "Let me see it."

Poor Nick had begun cleaning some dishes when he heard that and immediately swung around flinging dish soap everywhere. "What? Carrots! Don't you dare show her that picture. Carrots!"

But it was too late. Mrs. Wilde made a stop right there gesture with her paw out to halt his advance. "Nicholas, calm down and stop splashing the soap like you're drowning in a waterhole."

Judy brought up the photo. His mother died of laughter.

The fox threw his arms up in the air and grumbled to himself about 'no good bunny partners' while going back to scrubbing a plate.

"I heard that," Judy sing-songed to him.

"I know you did," he growled back and continued cleaning.

Later, Judy and Mrs. Wilde helped put everything else away, and they all sat on the couch for a little while enjoying some drinks and dessert. After an hour of relaxing conversation, it was time for Mrs. Wilde to go before it became too late.

They were at the door, sharing farewell hugs with Mrs. Wilde, before she turned to leave.

"You sure you don't want us to walk you home, Mom?" Nick asked.

"Oh, don't worry. No one ever messes with little old me, Nicholas. I'll be fine. Thank you for dinner. You two have a wonderful night!" his mom waved goodbye as she walked down the hall.

"Bye!" Judy waved alongside Nick, before turning to him. "I guess I better head back too."

"Okay, Carrots," he smiled.

"Oh! I almost forgot. Brian called today as I was picking up dinner and asked if we wanted to meet him and his girlfriend for a double date this Saturday! He said they found a great place for us to check out." Judy exclaimed.

Nick had to do a double take at how casually she said the word 'date'. He looked at his partner who was just standing there expectantly, looking at him with a small smile on her muzzle, ever slightly jittering from excitement. Perhaps he was reading too much into it.

"Saturday, you say? Well, I already promised to help Finn with a new business deal for most of the day." He paused to emphasize the next statement with a pointed finger. "And before you say anything, I'm not hustling or doing anything borderline illegal."

Judy raised a disappointed eyebrow at him, "Nick, stop it. I was only kidding before and I know you wouldn't do anything like that anymore." She paused to ponder a moment then clasped her hands together. "How about if you meet us after you're done? You could even bring Finnick with you! I can ask Brian if that's okay. It'll be so much fun!"

She looked at him hoping he would say yes.

He looked at her, thinking, how could he say no to that face.

"Fine, Officer Fluff. We can do that. No guarantees though if Finn will go for it," Nick agreed as he put his paws on his hips. "So, where are we going?"

Before answering, Judy dashed forward to fiercely hug him, then whipped out her phone and pulled up the Zoogle Maps link Brian had texted her. "This place right here. It's supposed to be a really fun new night time bar and gaming restaurant called Deer & Bustards!"

She held up her phone for Nick. He looked down at the screen. His eyes immediately widened when he saw the GPS location and the surrounding streets and addresses.

"Nick? Are you okay?" she asked with some concern.

"Oh, um… yeah. I just didn't expect it to be in… Tundratown. Sounded like a Downtown or Sahara Square kind of place to me," he feigned while scratching the back of his neck.

"You're not worried about Mr. Big, are you? I thought he forgave you?"

"No, no. It's not that. Look, it's nothing to worry about, Carrots. I'm sure it'll be a lot of fun," he forced a smile for her.

"Great! I'll let Brian know and update you on the details later?" she said excitedly as she slipped the phone away.

"Sounds good," he leaned on his elbow against the doorframe.

"Then I'll see you tomorrow morning in the bullpen! And sorry again for that rude awakening earlier and… what happened after… I… uh..." Judy looked a little flushed and slightly embarrassed, her eyes darted a few times between the floor and up at Nick's gaze, while twiddling her paws.

There was a brief moment of silence between the fox and bunny.

"Don't worry about that," he spoke quietly and smiled, doing his best not to remember their little tussle around the floor, but epically failing to do so.

"Okay. Goodnight, Slick," she waved going down the hall, looking over his way one last time, before disappearing down the stairs.

Nick waved back, watching her ears disappear below the stair railing, and sighed. Pawing over his heart for a few moments, the fox went back inside his apartment, slowly closing the door behind him.

As Judy descended the six flights of stairs, she paused, one paw on the railing, the other caressed one of her drooped ears. She looked back up, her thoughts briefly echoing Nick's about their scuffle. With a small nose twitch, she continued her trek downstairs.

---

The rest of the week flew by and Saturday arrived. Nick was leaning his elbow out of the rolled down window, aviators on, letting the warm breeze tickle his fur, and enjoying the view of the setting sun. He was already dressed for the evening's outing, wearing his solid navy collared shirt with the sleeves rolled up, the violet tie, and dark pants. Finnick wore his usual black collared shirt with a red stripe and gray shorts. They were driving up Palm View Street, heading towards the Canyonlands, before hitting Tundra Gate that would take them underneath the climate wall and into Tundratown. A small bump in the road caused Finnick's van to backfire loudly, bringing Nick out of his quiet meditation.

"You know Finn, you really should get that checked out one day," Nick suggested while leaning back against the passenger seat.

"Nah. My old girl's never let me down yet. Besides, I ain't got that kinda cash," came the gravelly response.

"Well, maybe you will if this business plan pans out," the red fox said. "I have to admit though, buddy, I never pegged you for the going legit type."

"Can't keep hustling forever. Getting too old for this crap," came the unexpected honest reply.

"Hah. I can just see it now…" Nick raised his paws in the air. "The Frosty Fox Ice Cream Truck! Think of the taglines I could come up for you? Like… where the owner is just as frosty as the ice cream he's serving… or how about… service with an attitude!" He finished with a chuckle. "You're gonna let me write your jingle too, right?"

"Shut up, Wilde!"

Nick always found it fun to heckle Finnick. Looking down between the seats, he noticed a shiny pair of tiny tweezers, picked them up, and squeezed it a few times.

"What's this for?" he asked.

"Nothin."

"C'mon, tough stuff, you can tell me," Nick prodded.

"Eyebrows," came the annoyed reply. "Not like you'd notice."

The red fox smirked, "Actually, I have noticed how well manicured your…"

"You finish that sentence, I'll toss your tail out!"

"So, then… you gonna join us tonight, Finn?" Nick asked changing the subject and putting the tweezers back where he found them.

"What makes you think I wanna hang out all night with a bunch of cops?" he snarled.

"Don't be like that. You'll disappoint Judy. Besides, it's just us. And a timberwolf pal of mine from the Academy with his girlfriend," Nick insisted.

Finnick furrowed his brow. "Thought you hated timberwolves? Always callin'em dumb-dumbs. Or worse."

That question managed to make Nick frown as he looked back out the window with his chin on his paw, reflecting on the past week. He was often opinionated on several subjects or certain types of mammals but right now it made him feel a little foolish and immature.

"You're right. I did. This timberwolf saved my life. And Judy's. If it wasn't for him, you and I wouldn't be having this delightful conversation right now."

"Ain't that somethin," Finnick said as he turned into the tunnel that lead through the borough border.

Before Nick could say something more, his phone beeped. From the custom soundbyte, he knew it was a text from Judy. He smiled while checking the message and turned to the tiny fennec fox, while holding up the phone.

"Looks like they're already there. See Finn? Carrots is still wondering if you're coming. Are you really gonna make me tell her you aren't going?"

The taller red fox wiggled the contact photo on the screen. It was still the old picture that he printed at the Academy where Judy had glomped him while he was taking a selfie after solving the Nighthowler case. Before Finnick could reply, Nick decided to sweeten the offer.

"How about if I buy your drinks for the night? How's that sound, big guy?" Nick asked with a smirk.

Finnick simply growled. "Fine. I'll come hang out with you chumps. You better be loaded tonight cuz I'm gonna drink like there's no tomorrow," he replied with a toothy grin.

"That's my boy!" Nick smiled while updating Judy with a reply.

Finnick grumbled while keeping his eyes on the road.

The rest of the trip continued in relative silence as they drove up Palm View and turned onto Hailstone Street. Delicate snowfall fell all around them in the winter wonderland biome. Lots of mammals were strolling the streets, shopping the fish markets, riding ice blocks on the waterways, or playing in the soft snowy powder.

They arrived at their destination. The signage was a huge circular orange and blue logo with the Deer & Bustards name along with the initials in the center. The venue was large, packed in between several other businesses in the commercial plaza, with roaring music and flashing lights decorating the sleek exterior.

Judy was waiting outside by the entrance and waved when she saw them get out of the van. She was wearing her aquamarine blouse and a pair of dark jeans with a small dark jacket to keep herself warm. Nick and Judy both shared a distant glance, each checking out what the other was wearing tonight.

"Hi guys! You made it!" the bunny said brimming with excitement. She was happy to see Finnick came after all.

Once they reached her, she gave them both a big hug. Nick played it cool while Finnick appeared to be awkwardly uncomfortable by the gesture.

Judy turned to Nick bouncing on her toes, "Brian is already inside with Valerie getting us a table and drinks. Nick, you won't believe Valerie when you see her!"

"Why's that, Fluff?" he asked with a raised eyebrow as he held open the large double doors into the bustling interior for Judy and Finnick.

"You'll see!" she smiled. "And thank you."

Once inside, the two foxes followed the bunny past the reception, through the lively crowds, and into the main circular bar in the center of the establishment. Nick saw Brian leaning against the counter, dressed in a fitted dark red v-neck shirt and jeans, a beer already in paw, happily chatting away with another mammal hidden from their line of sight behind a group of polar bears. Once they got closer, his eyes widened when his buddy's girlfriend came into view. She wasn't another timberwolf. She was a red vixen.

Brian noticed the approaching group from the corner of his eye, nudged his girlfriend, and waved enthusiastically. The vixen leaned up against him and smiled at the three of them. She was rather petite for a red fox, almost a head shorter than Nick, well groomed fur that was several tints lighter, bright and energetic yellow-green eyes sitting behind a stylish pair of gold tone oval glasses, tastefully pierced ears, and a sassy smile. Her choice of attire for the evening was a nice black chunky-styled turtleneck sweater with rolled up sleeves and a lightly patterned gray skirt.

"Hey you guys!" Brian greeted as he shook Nick's paw and then Finnick's. He gestured to his girlfriend while introducing her. "This is my girlfriend, Valerie Sinopa."

"Hi there! It's so great to meet some more of Brian's friends!" she said while shaking paws next. Valerie had a soft yet melodious voice but it projected quite clearly, cutting through the noisy atmosphere with ease.

Nick took her paw in a gentlemammally fashion, "Nick Wilde. Pleasure is all mine."

Finnick casually shook their paws but kept the pleasantries to a minimum. "Finnick," was all he offered as an introduction.

"Nice to meet you Finnick. I'm Brian by the way," the timberwolf said while leaning down to be more level with the fennec fox.

The only response Brian received was Finnick just eyeing him indifferently with crossed arms.

"Don't mind him, Nose. He's shy," Nick interjected with a smirk. This earned Nick a growl and a glare from Finnick that he ignored before continuing. "And you never told me you had such a classy lady in your life."

Brian and Valerie shared a smile before she answered, "I see someone is a charmer. Brian did warn me about you, Nick." She finished with a friendly wink.

"Is that right? Whatever he shared is positively not true, Val." Nick replied with paws behind his back.

"Nick's right. It's positively worse!" Judy chimed in, standing next to Nick and put a paw on his arm.

"Always have my back, don't you Carrots?" he said now moving his paws to his hips and looking down her way.

His partner smirked back at him.

Valerie smiled at Judy, laughing at the banter and the nicknames, before speaking up once again while tugging on Brian's arm, "Let's get away from the bar. I saved us a nice high top table where we can relax and mingle. Brian already ordered your drinks. They'll be here soon."

"After you," Nick politely gestured.

The group of five mammals headed over to the aforementioned table and took their seats. Brian sat with Valerie on one side, while Judy, Nick, and Finnick shared the opposite seats. Nick and Judy took the opportunity to take in their surroundings. Energetic rock music and dazzling colorful lights filled the air around them. The spacious venue had a large circular bar and mini-kitchen in the center, with tables and small booths that fanned out into several types of entertainment such as arcade machines, pool tables, a few mini bowling lanes, some card tables, gambling machines, air hockey tables, prize machines, and all manners of carnival like sports challenges.

A deer server arrived and dropped off their refreshments. Brian ordered himself another dark ale named Gerenuiness, a Frost Bite Mocktail with blueberries for Valerie, a blonde ale for Nick called Coorsac Light, an IPA named Fox Bite 120 for Finnick, and even a miniature kiwi and mint Tomcat Collins for Judy.

Everyone grabbed their respective drinks and cheered. Nick and Finnick nodded towards Brian for a superb choice in beers after taking their first chug.

"Excellent choice here, Nose. You really do know your way around the drinks," Nick complimented.

"Thanks, Red." Brian smiled. "If I hadn't made it through the Academy, I was probably going to go to Mixology school."

"Well, here's to you, having become a great cop," Nick chuckled and they clinked their mugs together.

"Ditto, buddy!" Brian replied and took a big swig.

The bunny eagerly took her drink, nose twitching, before slowly giving it a sip. Judy never really drank much before. She felt the fruity gin and club soda mixture go right down through her. Reeling back slightly from the initial taste, Judy tasted the kiwi and mint kick in, leaving a flavorful aftertaste on her lips and she felt her insides warm from the alcohol. She noticed Nick giving her a funny stare once he caught scent that she was actually drinking a real alcoholic beverage.

"What?" she asked him.

"You drink? Since when?" he teased her.

"I just figured it would be fun to try," she raised her chin in defense.

"Oh, I see… this coming from the little bunny who didn't let her brothers have too much fun during their bachelor party, if I remember correctly," Nick smirked while leaning an arm on the table top.

Now Valerie cut in before Judy could reply. "Don't worry, Nick. Judy told us she doesn't normally drink. We made sure it wasn't strong... that being said, let the girl have a little fun!"

"Thank you, Valerie." The bunny took another sip. "It's so good, Brian!" Judy said to the timberwolf before turning back to her partner. "And I let them have their fun Nick! I wanted to try something new tonight!"

"Try everything, huh? Okay. You're the boss," he replied before taking another chug of his beer.

Finnick was just rolling his eyes, gulping his free beer, but still listening in to the conversation.

The vixen leaned in on her folded arms towards the fox and bunny pair. "So, Brian tells me you two are the first bunny and fox police officers! And you're partners. I think that's so awesome!"

"Well, we are the only two mammals on the force smaller than a compact car. So, I had no choice but to be stuck with her," Nick snarked.

"Oh really? I think I'm the unfortunate one who's stuck with you, Slick." Judy shot back.

"I do recall a cute little bunny asking me to be her partner after she cracked her first big case," he reminded her.

"We. We cracked that case together. And don't call me cute!" Judy corrected him with a tap on the arm.

"But was I a cop at the time? No, no I was not," Nick defiantly put his chin on top of his resting arm.

A dual chorus of snickering came from Brian and Valerie, breaking their back and forth commentary. Finnick looked like he wanted to shoot himself and tapped his already empty mug on the table to get Nick's attention.

"Oh, right, right… next round's on me! And Finn is taking the lead," Nick declared while signaling for the server.

"I'm so sorry, we got carried away," Judy apologized to Valerie. "Tell me how you and Brian met!"

Before Brian attempted to answer, Valerie beat him to the punch, giving him a loving scratch under his chin.

"Well, I used to work part-time at my family's candy shop in Savanna Central, while I was finishing up law school a few years ago. So one day, this timberwolf walks in and asks me for recommendations on candy his Grandma might like for her birthday. I thought that was so sweet of him… pun intended. So, he introduced himself and we began to chit chat while I showed him some various treats. After we found the perfect gift for his Grandma, he also bought a huge bag of assorted candy for himself, all the while asking me which ones were my favorites, then he stayed and chatted with me for almost an hour before leaving..."

Now it was Brian's turn to share, "Yeah… I thought Valerie was so nice. I kept making excuses to keep going back to the store so I could see her. I was trying to work up the courage to…"

"Ask me out," the vixen finished for him. "Brian was so shy… eventually he started to come by with flowers or nice cards with handwritten poems every visit. So, I finally got tired of waiting and I took the initiative and demanded him to take me out on a date, dammit! You should've seen the look on his face. I wish I had taken a picture!"

By this point, Judy had her paws clasped in front of her chest, ears down, with a big smile on her muzzle, "Aw… that's so romantic!"

Judy thought it was great to see two different mammals in love, regardless of what society thought, and looking genuinely happy. She knew that Bucky and Pronk were be a couple too, though they never openly flaunted it.

Poor Finnick continued to chug and tapped for his third refill. This was going to be a long night.

Nick was just casually smiling, listening to the story, and glancing over at his old classmate. From the moment he saw Brian was in an interspecies relationship with a vixen, he now understood why his fellow timberwolf officer had no qualms thinking that he and Judy could have been dating from that photo he hung up above his bunk back at the academy. And why he had been so genuinely friendly, not caring at all, that Nick was a fox.

"You mentioned law school. You're a lawyer?" Nick asked making conversation.

"Yes, finally," Valerie declared proudly. "It took years for the Zootopia College of Law to accept my application. After graduating in the top of my class, I decided to work for a small pro bono firm. After experiencing how often my family ran into legal issues, with most lawyers refusing to represent a fox family, innocent or otherwise, I decided I wanted to help any mammals that really needed legal aid or representation."

"Wow. That's an amazing accomplishment, Valerie!" Judy said, feeling so happy to hear about another mammal wanting to help make a difference in the world. "I bet all of those mammals you help really appreciate it."

"I agree with Carrots," Nick added with a genuine smile while he and Judy shared a glance.

"Thank you both," she blushed.

Being ignored, Finnick slapped Nick's shoulder with his empty mug to get his attention.

"Okay, okay. Pace yourself, you bottomless pit," Nick said while getting up from his seat and turning to the others. "I told him, his drinks were on me tonight, I'll be right back."

Nick sauntered away to the bar to order an extra large pitcher for Finnick to keep him occupied.

Brian chuckled and then asked Finnick a question. "So Finnick, you and Nick know each other a long time?"

"Too long," he replied gruffly.

"Yeah?" he said hoping for more information.

Judy decided to see if she could help break the ice further, "You know Finnick, Nick never told me how you two met. Would you tell us? Please!"

The fennec box looked over at the gray bunny who was looking expectantly at him with those large violet eyes, her feet dangling on the high top seat, with a small smile while she continued to sip her drink. He rolled his eyes, crossed his arms, and sighed.

"We met working at Chez Cheez," he plainly stated.

"Wait… isn't that in…?" Judy began to speak.

"Little Rodentia," the fennec finished for her.

The three larger mammals blinked in a mix of disbelief and amusement.

Valerie took a turn next, "I thought only rodents could work there. What did you two do?"

"I worked the drive-thru and Wilde cleaned the cheese filters."

The bunny doubled over laughing, imagining a younger Nick scrubbing a bunch of tiny cheese filters, working hard for an honest buck. She suddenly jumped when the fox in question's voice boomed behind her.

"What did I miss?" Nick was back with Finnick's pitcher.

"Oh, nothing…" Judy sing-songed. "Just Finnick sharing what an excellent cheese filter cleaner you once were."

Nick frowned at Finnick who just returned a wicked grin. He turned back to Judy, "I'll have you know, I was the best employee that place ever had. I figured out how to make those machines run twice as fast." The taller fox paused and pointed a finger at Finnick. "At least I didn't constantly scare the customers like Finn did."

"Yeah? Well, I didn't break the damn machines and get us fired," Finnick growled. "You lucky I pegged you for having the brains to hustle or I woulda kicked your red tail all over that rat hole."

"C'mon Finn, you hated that job. Chez was paying us peanuts for what we had to do. And I don't remember you complaining once we came up with our first big payoff afterwards which went towards getting your van," Nick pointed out.

"I'll drink to that," Finnick refilled his mug and began to work on his fourth beer for the night.

"Nick, you told me you were hustling since twelve?" Judy asked him with a raised eyebrow.

"I did. That was my first and last attempt at having a real job after high school. Only lasted a few weeks. Once I met Finn, and we got fired, well… the rest is history," he smirked.

"And now you're a such an upstanding mammal of the law and a hero, Officer Wilde." Judy teased.

"Should I start wearing a cape? I think it'll go well with my aviators."

This earned Nick another punch to the shoulder and an eyeroll.

Brian and Valerie chuckled. "I love listening to you two," she said with her chin resting on her paws.

With another sigh, Finnick refilled his mug. He was now on his fifth beer.

The group of mammals decided to order some dinner. After stuffing themselves full of delicious comfort food, they began to swap stories. Nick and Judy told Valerie how they met and about their big caper, then the three officers shared some of their more humorous arrests, while Valerie talked about a few of her courtroom cases. Poor Finnick just kept drinking, turning every sappy comment or laugh into his own personal drinking game, and gulped away. Judy even managed to finish her own drink and decided to order a second, catching a surprise look from Nick.

Valerie perked up with a new suggestion. "Let's go have some fun! We can play a few arcade games. Want to start with that racing one over there?" The vixen pointed to an eight screened arcade booth called Super Mammal Kart. It was equipped with steering wheels, stick shifts, and pedals for all of the players.

"Sure, that sounds great!" Judy bounced lively in her seat, unaware of the small buzz she had going. "C'mon Nick! You too Finnick!"

Judy grabbed Nick's arm and yanked him away. Brian and Valerie followed, holding paws in amusement, while Finnick surprisingly complied after emptying his mug. The five mammals took their seats, picked their cars, and the race was on. Despite having the most drinks so far, Finnick managed to come in first place, followed by Brian, then Judy, Valerie, and Nick bringing up the rear in dead last.

"You guys drive like chumps," he growled before sliding out of his seat, going back to refill his drink, and then taking off to check out the card and pool tables.

Judy, of course, couldn't pass up an opportunity to tease Nick, "I guess you might need more lessons from Flash, hmm?"

The fox crossed his arms. "I didn't see you come in first place either, Fluff. And I'm sure there's something here I will beat you at."

"Oh, it is so on, Nick!"

Valerie overheard the challenge, hooked her arm around Brian, winked at her boyfriend, then spoke up. "You two go ahead and have a little fun together. Brian and I will go get some more drinks and catch up with you shortly."

"Yup. Have fun!" he smiled, taking the hint, and the pair disappeared.

Left to themselves, Judy eyed Nick, crossed her arms too and gestured with her paw, "Okay, Slick. You pick the next one."

Nick looked around and spotted a fighting game called Super Fur Fighter II.

"Oh… that one!" he confidently pointed.

Judy looked over and smirked, "Are you suuuuuure?"

Her tone made the fox pause in hesitation for a moment, while he stared at her with a raised eyebrow. Why did he suddenly have a feeling he was about to be hustled. No, he wasn't going to back down.

"Positive," he scowled with paws on his hips.

"Remember, you picked it!" Judy jovially exclaimed while she continued to antagonize him. She let an evil little grin slip on her muzzle. She couldn't wait to play. Her partner looked completely unsuspecting of his fate. The drinks were putting the bunny into a really aggressive teasing mood tonight.

Nick moved over a stepping stool for Judy to stand on and she hopped up. After putting their tokens in, they were ready to choose their fighters at the character select screen. Judy already knew who she was going to use and quickly selected a small dark bunny in a blue qipao named Bun Li. Like Judy, Nick also chose a similar mammal, a red fox named T. Fawkes, dressed in a blue denim vest and pants.

"You would pick the bunny character," he attempted some friendly smack talk.

"Just like you picked a fox. Don't worry, Nick… it won't hurt… much," she wolfishly grinned at her partner.

"You can't throw me off my game, Carrots, I've been playing this since before I met you."

The first round started and they went at it. Judy wore a serious expression while Nick had his usual smug grin, which much to his chagrin, soon turned to surprise, followed by frustration, and ended with humiliation as his character now lay on the floor, beaten to a pulp. He just stared in silent shock.

"What's the matter, Slick? Cat got your foxy tongue?" the bunny taunted.

Judy was having too much fun with Nick's distress, while Nick was eyeing her wondering where this side of the bunny was coming from. He then suspected the alcohol, despite the fact that her drinks were watered down. What a lightweight he chuckled to himself.

"That was just luck," he complained.

She looked at him with lidded eyes. "Round two?"

Furious button mashing commenced and while Nick fared a little bit better this go around, he was soundly defeated once again.

The fox put his paws once again on his hips and stared at her. "How?"

"And to think, you called me a sore loser before!" Judy egged him on with a smile. "And if you must know, we play this game all the time back home. I am the current champion amongst my siblings."

"Is that right? Well, then little miss champion… best two out of three?"

"Bring it!" she whispered.

Brian and Valerie were back at the table with new drinks, leaning against the edge, watching their fox and bunny friends challenging each other at the fighting game.

"I definitely see it, Brian. I honestly wouldn't have guessed they're just friends till you told me," she said while planting herself close to his side.

"Right?" he exclaimed. "I mean, I thought so too when I first saw that picture almost a year ago, but I was wrong."

"Nick is in love with her," the vixen stated matter of factly.

"Oh?" Brian questioned with a smile.

"Please. I know you see it. The way he looks at Judy every time he thinks she isn't looking. It's the same way you look at me," she said while giving the timberwolf a small peck on the cheek. "If I didn't see it for myself, I know about half a dozen vixens I could introduce to Nick, who would literally throw themselves at his feet to date a fox like him. Most of them would swoon just from his voice alone."

They watched as Nick apparently lost another round, arms up in disbelief. Judy nudged over and hip-checked him, doing her best to revel in her victory.

"Well, I think it goes both ways. Judy just doesn't fully realize it yet," Brian informed.

"And what makes you so sure, babe?"

Brian simply smiled, glanced over at his girlfriend, and double tapped the side of his nose.

"Oh… cheating are we? Now, I have to keep wondering if that's how you knew I was interested in you!" Valerie jabbed a playful finger into Brian's side.

"My little secret," the gray timberwolf teased before giving her a quick nuzzle.

"How about we go over there and give them a little nudge, hmm?" she suggested with brighten eyes.

"Valerie… you know how I feel about that. You gotta let it happen on it's own. No outside influences," he spoke rather seriously. "Maybe Judy just isn't ready yet? I mean, I know how much she truly cares about Nick. You should have seen her on the case I was assigned to help them with. There was no stopping her. I think once she figures it out… Nick will have to watch out!"

"The case you keep bringing up and can't tell me any details about?" his girlfriend laughed. After a few moments of silence she whispered another thought. "It would be tougher for them than for us."

"How so?"

"You and I are at least similar enough species and we're both predators. Look at all the stares and harassment we get all the time, even tonight… and my parents are still warming up to the idea of us being together." Valerie paused for a moment. "Those two would have it really rough. A pred-prey couple? I can barely count on two paws how many of those I've actually seen. I represented this one lion and antelope couple once, because their employer found out they were dating, and fired them. That was one ugly case."

"I remember when you told me about that one," the timberwolf sighed.

"And here we might have a fox and a bunny. You know our ancestors were basically mortal enemies, right?"

"That was centuries ago. It's not like they could choose what they were born as. I don't think that should stop them if they actually feel that way towards each other. To say that romance isn't possible between them because they're different species is just prejudice," Brian mused.

"I agree… my big romantic optimist," Valerie cooed while scratching his chin again and glanced back to Nick and Judy. "They do look so cute together too."

Nick was watching the words 'Bun Li Wins' once again flickering across the screen, with the small little fighter sprite mocking him with a double victory bounce while flashing a peace sign.

"Unbelievable," he muttered to himself. He turned to Judy and pointed at her. "You know what, Carrots? I'm gonna come back here and practice every week till I dethrone your rabbit majesty and become the new Fur Fighter King of the Burrow."

Judy just smiled at him, completely unintimidated, with her paws on her hips. "I'll let you pick another game again, Nick."

"Fine," he replied and began to saunter around looking for the next activity to challenge Judy. She hopped in step behind as he lead the way, swaying blissfully to the rock music playing throughout the venue.

The fox and bunny duo tried several more games. Nick finally found at least two games he claimed victory in, a shooting gallery and an arcade roll and score machine. He certainly took the opportunity to tease her for being a bad shot, despite being a country rabbit and being on the force a year longer than he was, and for still throwing like a bunny. Judy let him savor his small victories. After a few more games, Judy took back the lead, and they continued moving through the machines looking for more fun.

"You sure know your way around these games, Nick. Is this something you like to do?" Judy genuinely asked as she skipped with joy behind him.

"Well, remember the bridge you found me lounging under by the docks almost a year ago?"

"Yeah?"

Nick stopped walking so he could face Judy. "The old warehouse behind it, where I used to sleep, belonged to my Great-Grandfather and Grandfather, James and Piberius Wilde."

Judy blinked a few times and interrupted Nick, "Wait… your grandfather's name was actually Piberius!?"

The fox had to laugh while scratching the back of his neck, "Yeah… I dunno how that happened, much less how my Dad convinced my Mom to use it for my middle name. Anyway, that warehouse used to be an indoor amusement park called Wild Times."

Giggling, Judy was already intrigued and amused. She spoke with air quotes, "Really? Wild Times, huh?"

"Yup. My Great-Grandfather created it so that predators could have a place to sort of… let loose and give in to their instincts in a harmless fun way, since back then predator and prey relationships were intensely hostile."

The bunny pondered this new information for a moment. "I can't even imagine what that could have been like? Though, it seems like all of the Wilde men are business savvy entrepreneurs." Judy complimented. She learned two new things about Nick tonight. It always made her feel happy.

"I'm not so sure my rug and pawpsicle hustles held up to their accomplishments," Nick smirked.

Judy tilted her head at Nick. "I think you becoming a Police Officer is a great accomplishment." She smiled proudly at her partner. "So, there were games like this inside the park?"

Nick smiled back before continuing, "Yeah, pretty similar. It had games like Cheetah Run, Joy Ride, bumper cars, a carousel, boardwalk games like Fetch the Stick and Log Roll, even had a large indoor 'Roar-a-Coaster' ride. They really believed in the whole scream therapy schtick."

Placing a paw on his arm, Judy chuckled, before asking, "So, what happened to it?"

"Well, my Grandfather inherited it and kept it afloat for as long as he could, but overtime it lost its popularity once pred-prey relationships continued to improve. He always did say that it was a good reason to actually close the place down. Since the building was located in an area where all of the businesses eventually shut down, the city just left it there to rot. So, once I was kicked out of that basement, I just went there and made it home."

Being reminded that the old amusement park was once Nick's home for who knows how long, made Judy's ears naturally droop and she grimaced. She instinctively hugged him.

"Hey, c'mon now…" he gave her a light squeeze before his ears perked up at the sight of a game he wanted to play. "Oh, Carrots… let's go play that game over there!"

"Which?" she asked as her ears returned skyward.

Nick was already moving quickly and she hopped to catch up to him. He stopped in front of a large machine with several rows of holes and a giant squishy hammer.

"Whack-a-Mole?" Judy asked incredulously. "That seems really wrong…"

"But so fun!" Nick proudly said as he put in money, grabbed the hammer, and offered it to Judy. "Ladies first."

She scoffed. "Okay. But I'm not gonna go easy on you!"

The fox just put his paws behind his back and devilishly smirked. Judy played a decent first attempt. Nick took his turn and more than doubled her score. They decided on a best two out of three again. Nick won again. Then it became a best four out of seven. Judy did manage to score one win but Nick felt pretty satisfied with his overall victory.

"You're really good at this game, Nick. You played it before, haven't you?" she gave him a mock glare.

"Uh… you could say that. Wild Times had a similar game machine… just… with a different mammal..." he replied, his voice getting quieter as he spoke.

"Oh? What mammal?"

"Yeah…" he didn't want to answer.

"Nick?"

"Itwaswithbunnies..." Nick mumbled out the words quickly.

Judy pretended to have missed what he said and put a paw up to her ear. "What? I didn't catch that."

Nick knew she heard him and sighed. "It. Was. With. Bunnies."

Now Judy mockingly raised an eyebrow at Nick and crossed her arms. "You used to play Whack-A-Bunny?"

"Actually, it was called Bop-A-Bunny." Nick realized what he said and facepalmed himself before muttering under his breath. "Why did I say that?"

Mouth meet foot, for the second time this week, his inner monologue chastised him. Judy's monologue insisted on giving him a hard time.

"I guess you played it a lot, huh?" she relentlessly pressed on.

"In my defense, lounging around the warehouse was really boring some days," he pointed out.

"So, you passed the time by bopping bunnies?" Judy gestured with an upward paw.

"First off, phrasing," Nick said as he tugged on his collar and pointed with his other paw. "Second, I was just trying to beat the high score that some predator left long ago, okay? He must have had a thing for bunnies because it was impossibly high. I never could beat it before the last of the generators ran out of juice."

Judy momentarily paused, wondering what she might have implied before shaking it off. "Well, it sounds like you put a lot of effort into it! Did you have a thing for bunnies too?"

"That's not what I meant!" he said while waving a paw in the air.

"Then what did you mean?" Judy continued to tease him while looking serious. Her foot began to thump.

"I… um..." Nick attempted to speak before just deciding to zip his trap shut.

The pair now stood in a silent standoff, both mammals having crossed their arms, and staring at one another for several long moments.

Looking at Nick's uneasy face, Judy felt a little bad for giving him such a hard time when she knew he didn't mean anything by what he shared. For him to really show that it got to him, that she might be angry at something he did or said, really meant a lot to her. She dropped her little facade and moved closer to him.

"Nick, I'm not actually mad at you, silly fox. Come on, you took this round. What do you want to do next?" she smiled.

She heard him slowly exhale through his nose and his shoulders slumped in relief.

"Shall we go join the others?" he asked. "I could use another drink."

"Sure. Let's go."

As they headed back over to their table, Judy noticed a set of fancy looking photo booths off to the side. Hopping in excitement, she immediately grabbed Nick's tie, much to his sudden surprise, and tugged him in that direction.

"What the…? Carrots!" was all he managed to say as he was yanked away.

"Nick, look! There's a photo booth! We're gonna take some pictures," she pointed with one paw while still guiding him by the tie with the other.

"Okay, boss." The fox complied.

Judy pulled the large curtain away and hopped inside the smaller booth. Nick ducked inside and closed the curtain behind him. The fox and bunny pair now found themselves awfully close, leaning against each other inside the booth. Scanning the options, Judy put in some cash, and hovered her paw over the buttons.

"Let's get the deluxe one! Three extra large sets of four photos each," she said making her selection.

The fox nodded. "What kind of goofy faces do you want to make?"

"I want a couple of normal ones, but let's just be spontaneous!" she clasped her paws.

"You got it," he smiled.

The timer began to count down and Judy brushed her ears back with her paws and leaned backwards into Nick's torso with a cheeky smile. He gave his best smug grin and at the last second raised two fingers, giving Judy some fake rabbit ears, just as the flash went off.

"Nick!" she elbowed him.

"Hey, you said be spontaneous!" he shot back.

"I'll give you rabbit ears!" she turned to wave her paws around his ears as another photo was snapped while he tried to playfully fend her off.

"Nice try, Fluff," he mocked her.

"No fair. You're too tall! Wait. I know how to fix this!" She looked ready to pounce at him.

"I'm not tall, you're just... no, no, no…"

The next photo taken was Judy suddenly tickling Nick through his shirt and him doubling over, trying to protect his midsection from the onslaught of her tiny paws. Taking advantage, she climbed over him and put up a victory V-shape with her arms, giving Nick an even bigger set of fake rabbit ears as the final photo of the first set finished.

"Okay, okay. You win, Carrots," he chuckled while trying to regain his composure.

Judy slid off, and decided to keep standing, so that she could wrap her arm around Nick's neck and planted her cheek snugly up against his. She found herself enjoying how soft his thicker reddish fur felt against her.

"Smile for me, Slick. I want this next one for my apartment wall," she said looking his way.

Nick glanced over, doing his best to keep cool with the nuzzle-like contact, and did as he was told, giving the camera one of those rare sincere smiles of his as the flash went off again.

The next set of photos became goofier as they made mock scared faces, pretended to be zombies, made ZPD letters out of their combined pairs of paws, a victory fist bump pose, pretended to look at something far away as Judy grabbed his tie again and pointed, one where Nick managed to place a leaning arm across the top of Judy's head, another where Nick lifted her up unexpectedly by the waist, causing Judy to make a goofy surprised yelp, and finally a photo of both of them looking super serious while giving the old junior ranger scout salute.

Judy fidgeted excitedly in the seat, impatiently waiting for the photos to develop. She quickly yanked each one out just as it finished printing and studied the large print outs, thrilled with the results. The bunny loved them all, but her favorite was definitely the one where Nick genuinely smiled for her. Judy put some more money in, so she could get another super-sized copy of that particular photo.

Nick was leaning over her shoulder, examining all of the photos as well. "Your favorite one, huh?"

"It is," she smiled meeting his gaze for a long moment. "Let's go show Brian and Valerie!"

Her partner nodded, and climbed out of the booth first, helping her hop out, and they headed back to the table.

Finnick was back at the table too, working on who knows which number of beer at this point in the night, while Brian and Valerie tried to make some friendly small talk with him.

Valerie noticed the fox and bunny coming back, with Judy clutching several photos against her chest.

"Oh! Pictures? Can I see them, Judy?" she asked excitedly, holding her paws out.

"Of course!" Judy replied as she handed them over.

The two women huddled over the photos, while Brian leaned over so he could see too. Nick shared a glance with Finnick, who rolled his eyes, and waved his half empty mug at the red fox.

Getting the hint, now it was Nick's turn to roll his eyes, gesturing one moment, before turning to the group. "I'll be right back. Nature calls and I gotta get Sir-Drinks-A-Lot here another pitcher."

The fennec fox gave him an evil glare as Nick winked and sauntered off. Finnick watched the other three mammals continue to gush over the photos before becoming bored. Scanning the crowd for something more interesting to look at, while he finished his beer, he did a double take when he thought he saw an old familiar face mingling in the back. Squinting his eyes, he suddenly did recognize the mammal in question and his eyes turned into saucers.

Hoping he wasn't seen yet, he nearly knocked his beer over as he slid off his seat and hurried over to Judy, "Bunny cop!" he tried to get her attention while repeatedly tapping on her arm.

"Oh, Finnick, did you want to see the photos too?" Judy asked as she turned to face him.

"We gotta grab Nick and bounce," he ordered with a very serious expression on his muzzle.

"What? Why?" the bunny asked in complete confusion.

Brian and Valerie looked lost as well, wondering what was going on.

"Ain't got time to explain. If she sees us…"

He never got to finish that sentence.

"Finnick? Finnick, is that you!?" a very sultry female voice with an accent carried over to their general direction.

The fennec fox simply looked away at the floor, dropping f-bombs and other colorful words under his breath. Judy's hearing picked up all the swearing and it made her blush a bit.

Brian, Valerie, and Judy now turned to the source of the voice as an elegantly dressed arctic vixen glided up to them and cut in between the group, forcing Judy, Brian, and Valerie to step back. Her crystal blue eyes were focused solely on Finnick, whose big ears were flat and he looked ready to bite someone's face off.

Her expensively groomed delicate fur was as white as pure snow. She was taller than Valerie, with a short snout, long dark eyelashes, adorned with a fancy gold bracelet and necklace, a large expensive handbag in her left paw, and wearing a very revealing stylish blue dress that matched her eyes and hugged every curve too tightly.

"It is you! I'd recognize that shirt anywhere. You haven't changed at all," she greeted him while ignoring the others.

Finnick simply looked up at her with a hostile expression and crossed his arms. "Mira." was his curt reply.

Judy stood there blinking, wondering who this vixen was. She was very pretty. Talking so excitedly to Finnick, she pondered if this was a special lady friend of his.

"Hi." the bunny tried to get her attention and introduce herself.

Mira continued to ignore the rest of the group while talking to Finnick. "I never would have expected to see you in a place like this, Finnick"

"Same to you," he said, keeping his answers short and distant.

"You know I'm always on the lookout for more clients." The arctic fox suddenly had a realization, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Is HE here with you?"

"Hello. Excuse me? My name is Judy and we're with..." Judy tried once more to politely greet the vixen.

"Oh… hello little bunny!" she interrupted with a quick wave. "Mira Devoss. Charmed to meet you. Here's my card if you are ever in need of relaxation or massage services. We cater to mammals of all sizes and species. Half off on your first visit. Just mention my name." She leaned down closer to Judy with a seductive tone, "We have some rather popular special offerings a doe such as yourself would particularly enjoy. Now, if you'll excuse me…"

In the blink of an eye, Mira produced a business card, shoved it into Judy's paws, and patted her on the head, before returning her full attention back to the fennec fox.

With a perplexed expression, Judy glanced down at the card. It listed the vixen as the Head Manager and Owner of a spa called the Nastas Comfort Hot Springs located right here in Tundratown. Blinking in thought, she remembered how Nick had mentioned he knew someone that ran a hot springs spa here in the area, when he had given her that wonderful massage so many weeks ago. Could this be that friend?

Having also noticed Brian and Valerie, who were standing right behind Judy, Mira raised an eyebrow at Finnick. "Friends of yours?"

"Yeah, they with me," he continued to glare.

"Interesting company you keep now," came the quiet but snobby sounding observation. "You didn't answer my question, Finnick."

The bunny did not fail to hear that comment and the tone that delivered it.

"I ain't got nothin to say, Mira," Finnick spat.

"Don't be like that, Finnick. You're holding out on me. He is here, isn't he?" she crossed her arms.

"Miss Devoss, may I ask who you are looking for? Perhaps we can…" Judy began to ask.

Turning her head down, Mira gave Judy an annoyed look, before interrupting her with an equally peeved tone, "Sweetheart, I'm trying to ask Finnick a very important question. Please, don't interrupt again."

Judy blinked and she gestured in mild disbelief at Mira's words, finding herself at a momentary loss of words.

Valerie wasn't having anymore of it, stepping up next to Judy, and using her well practiced courtroom voice to overpower the rude mammal, "Actually, it's YOU who came over and interrupted OUR conversation. Apologize to my friend for your rudeness."

Now the arctic and red vixens entered a staring contest. Each one sizing the other up. Mira looked positively annoyed while Valerie looked ready to verbally pounce at any given chance.

Brian stepped up to put a paw on Valerie's shoulder and was about to say something when another voice joined in. At the sound of Nick's voice, Finnick looked down at the floor in a hard grimace.

"Hey, what's going on? I thought I heard Val shouting? By the way, Carrots, I saw this game over there that we should..." Nick said emerging from behind some larger mammals with Finnick's new pitcher in paw.

Now it was Nick's turn to be surprised. Judy had turned to see her partner return, only to watch him suddenly freeze in place and look pale as if he'd just seen a ghost.

Mira looked over, completely forgetting about Valerie, and practically bounced with renewed energy. "Nick? Oh my god, Nick! I was absolutely sure you'd be here when I saw Finnick."

The arctic vixen pounced forward and wrapped her arms around Nick, giving him an unexpected nuzzling and a quick kiss on the front of his snout. It almost made Nick drop the entire pitcher as he was still too stiff and shocked to react proper. Judy's eyes had gone wide, her ears drooped, and her mouth fell. A strange mix of emotions took hold in her heart, watching this scene unfold in front of her, her violet eyes looking right at Nick.

Having locked eyes with Judy, Nick shook himself out of his stupor, and immediately pushed Mira away. His expression turning rather painfully sour and hurt. He shot a vicious scowl at the arctic vixen.

Unintimidated, Mira took a step forward, "I shouldn't be surprised you'd react that way, Nick." She paused to look him right in the eyes. "But, I've really missed you. Won't you come share a drink with me? We can catch up and…"

The bunny, with arms crossed inside her jacket, watched the situation escalate as Mira tried to seductively inch forward with her honeyed voice and butterfly eyes, while placing a paw back on her partner's shirt, but Nick immediately caught it with his free paw, growling at her. "Paws off, Mira. And I have nothing to say to you. Please leave me and my friends alone. Right now."

"So, that's how it is, huh honey? I find you and I'm willing to start over, and this is what I get?" Mira replied with an offended tone.

By this point, Nick reached over to put the pitcher on the table and crossed his arms, ears flat, glaring even harder at Mira.

"That's right. And I'm sure that somewhere in your spa, there's a client waiting for his or her happy ending… so why don't you get back to your business and go service them?"

Finnick now doubled over laughing in the background, while Judy, Brian, and Valerie raised their ears, and their eyes widened. Judy hadn't heard Nick be this vicious to another mammal since the second day they met when he verbally attacked her for asking if he knew Emmitt Otterton after she had stopped him on his way to his daily hustle.

"And I recall you being quite fond of that service when you visited me often after hours," Mira sing-songed to him, waiting to get a rise out of her former lover.

Nick jabbed a finger towards her. "That's not why I came to see you and you know it!"

Having pushed the mild shock away, Judy came closer and positioned herself between Nick and Mira, looking ready to put a stop to the argument with a nasty glare at the vixen. Nick stopped to gently put his paw on Judy's shoulder, signaling her to stand down. Observing how close Judy stood to Nick, her poised protective body language, and Nick's soft gesture, these subtle actions did not go unnoticed to Mira. The arctic vixen laughed at the possible absurdity.

"Oh honey, please don't delude yourself," Mira paused to glance down at Judy and then back to Nick. Her accented voice snarled with acid. "And I see you developed a taste for rabbit since I last saw you. You always did like fluffy things. At least she's cute, I'll give you that. Do her small paws make you feel big, Nick? Hmm?"

The scathing comments made Judy step back momentarily, but now it was Nick's turn to switch positions, as he traded places with his partner, defensively shielding her, and stepped towards Mira with a growl.

"You're not worth the breath or the words, Mira… and you leave Judy out of this. We're done here. Let's go, Carrots."

Mira raised an eyebrow in mocking fashion. "That's your best comeback? You really did get soft. Run away, Nick. Run away just like you did two years ago when you couldn't handle it…"

"I couldn't handle it? All this time, and you still think you did nothing wrong, huh? Well, color me surprised," Nick shot back while putting his paws on Judy's shoulders and trying to lead her away.

Before Mira could reply, Valerie decided to step in once more, having squirmed from Brian's grip and directly challenged the arctic wench. "Okay, I've had enough. Take your high and mighty tail out of here, before I decide to do it for you."

Mira snorted in Valerie's direction. Looking annoyed, that this red vixen, was butting into her business once more. "And who might you be that you think this involves you?"

Valerie leaned closer, "A friend willing to let her own boyfriend throw her in jail for the night just so I can kick your lily tailed ass."

Finnick, who was still laughing in the background, yet completely enthralled in the sudden drama finally chimed in again, looking to Valerie. "I gotta bat you can borrow."

Nick warned him in with a stern tone, "Finn…"

"Just sayin," he replied with a grin.

Now it was Judy's turn to find her voice and de-escalate the situation before it got out of hand. She hopped away from Nick and stood between the two agitated vixens.

"Mira Devoss. You are harassing three off-duty officers of the ZPD. I suggest you kindly turn around and go about your business before I cite you for public disturbance and harassment," the bunny issued a warning in full police mode.

Everyone's eyes fell on Judy. Mira had to do a double take. She remembered hearing about the first rabbit police officer and recently the first fox officer, but she hadn't cared enough to read the details herself. Now her eyes darted to the rest of the group. Two other cops? She knew the fox officer couldn't be the vixen in front of her or Finnick. That left the gray timberwolf and… her icy blue eyes fell upon Nick and she burst into a shrill laugh that made Judy's ears ache in annoyance.

"Nick is a police officer?" She pointed at the red fox. "Now I've heard it all. He couldn't amount to anything more than a worthless small time hustler. Only thing he was ever good with, were his paws, and that mouth."

This was all Judy needed to hear to unleash her bubbling inner fury. She calmly looked at Mira before speaking again.

"Fine. I gave you a fair warning, Ma'am. Not only can I cite you for code 415, I can submit your business for review to the Zootopia Massage Therapy Council under suspected violation of Health and Safety Codes 647b. Unfortunately for you, if you are caught engaging in unethical and unlawful business practices, you will be fined, along with the possibility of your business being shut down, and face six months jail time."

If Finnick didn't need any more reason to laugh louder, there it was. Mira became completely speechless. Nick grew the biggest grin ever, feeling proud of his bunny partner, Brian just quietly smiled, while Valerie appeared totally amused, trying really hard to restrain herself from giving Judy a big hug.

The arctic vixen crossed her arms, and leaned over to Judy with a challenging glare. "You have no proof, little rabbit officer."

Not saying a word, Judy reached into her jacket and produced a familiar large orange carrot looking device. Brian and Nick shared a surprised glance.

The bunny tapped the rewind and play functions.

"That's right. And I'm sure that somewhere in your spa, there's a client waiting for his or her happy ending… so why don't you get back to your business and go service them?"

"And I recall you being quite fond of that service when you visited me often after hours."

Judy put her paws on her hips. "Actually, I do. So, unless you want me to submit this recording to the ZTMC, a statement from myself about your implied proposition to me earlier, along with several witness testimonies, you will quietly turn around and go back to minding your own business elsewhere." Judy shifted her posture and paused for a moment. "It's called a hustle, sweetheart." The bunny's demeanor changed to a hard glare and she pointed with her pen in the opposite direction. "Now, apologize to Nick and take a hike."

Valerie also wanted to get one last word in. "And I'm a lawyer, lily tail. I can back up everything she said and then some. Now please do as Judy said."

Mira's pretty little face scrunched up and she forcibly uttered her words. "I… I'm sorry… Nick."

"Good enough." Valerie waved her paw at Mira in a tiny mocking motion. "Buh-bye!"

At this point, Mira was quietly seething. It almost seemed like she turned a faint shade of pink under that snowy fur from the rising anger and humiliation. She shot a final nasty glare at Nick, who just put his paws behind his back, wiggled his eyebrows, and gave her his best award winning snug smirk. He gestured with his thumb towards Judy and mouthed the words, "That's my partner."

Collecting herself, with her chin up high, Mira Devoss, pivoted on her foot, and promptly high stepped away from the group, her tail tucked between her legs, disappearing into the crowd and out of their sight.

Finally catching his breath, Finnick appeared very lively now, looking between Judy and Valerie.

"I gotta start hangin with you guys after all. Bunny cop really does know how to bring it. And Val got some bite in her. Keepin it real."

"Thank you, Finnick?" Judy said somewhat amused.

Nick walked up to Judy, placing a paw on her shoulder again. The gentle touch made her look up to meet her partner's eyes.

"Carrots, you brought your pen with you tonight?"

Judy smiled for him and wiggled the pen in her paw. "I decided I always want to be more prepared from now on, especially after what we've been through recently. And a clever fox once me that the pen is mightier than the badge."

"Shrewd bunny," he smiled back.

Before anyone else could speak, a well dressed elderly deer, in an employee uniform, appeared to confront them. His gaze particularly lingered on the three foxes.

"Pardon me, Ladies and Gentlemammals, but I was informed of a possible escalating situation. If you are creating a scene or harassing any of my customers, I will have to ask you to leave or I shall call the police."

Judy noticed how he regarded Nick, Finnick, and Valerie with his stare and tone of voice. She was ready to protest his subtle bigot behavior when Nick spoke first. He stepped up to work his crowd pleasing magic.

"Actually, Mister..." he looked at the nametag, "Mr. von Antlen, I'm Officer Nicholas Wilde, the situation has been handled and there won't be any further issues. I apologize for any inconvenience caused, Sir."

The red fox reached for his wallet, and flipped it open with a flick of the wrist, to reveal his badge pinned to the inside fold.

The manager leaned over to inspect it. "Ah. Yes, Officer Wilde, my mistake."

"Thank you, Sir. Just want to let you know, you have an excellent establishment here," Nick complemented to continue softening up the mammal.

"Please continue to enjoy your evening and I thank you for your patronage, Officer." von Antlen nodded and walked away.

"Will do, Sir. Bye now!" Nick waved.

"Whew. What a evening this became," Valerie said as she finally gave Judy that big hug from behind that caught the bunny off guard. "You really handled her, Judy."

Lifting her paws up to the large arm around her, Judy shyly chuckled, "I just couldn't stand the way she talked to Nick and…"

"I know. She deserved it." Valerie squeezed once more before letting go.

Brian came up and placed a paw on Nick's shoulder, "Hey buddy, I'm really sorry this happened, I wish I had picked a different place and…"

"Not your fault, Nose. I never thought I'd see her in a place like this. She really hates games and loud venues. And fun. Business must be slow," Nick smirked.

The timberwolf chuckled, "I still feel bad. How about you pick the next spot and I'll cover it. Our treat."

"You don't have to do that, Nose. But if you insist… then, deal." Nick replied holding out his arm and the two shook paws.

"Yeah. I'm really sorry, your evening was spoiled you two," Valerie added with a remorseful look in her eyes.

"It's okay Valerie, I had so much fun meeting you tonight! We have to do this again," Judy piped up.

"Definitely! Guess, it's time to head out, huh?" The vixen checked the time on her phone. "Brian and I can catch the next bus if we hurry."

"Nah. I'll drive you. There's room in my van," Finnick announced.

Judy and Nick exchanged a surprised glance at Finnick's unexpected offer. Nick just shrugged with raised eyebrows. The bunny collected their photos, tossed the business card onto the table, and hopped back to Nick's side, ready to go home.

"Really? We'll pay for the gas at least," Valerie said.

"Fine. Just keep the sappy crap to yourselves," Finnick declared as he pulled out his keys.

The group exited together. Brian and Valerie were quite amused by the artwork on the side of the van once they saw their mode of transportation, that they decided to take a few photos for fun with the timberwolf and vixen couple mimicking the art while posing next to it. Then Valerie got the idea to ask a random mammal to take a picture of the entire group huddled together. Finnick was not amused to be coerced into the photo. After piling in, the old van turned out of the venue parking lot with a loud backfire.

"What the hell was that?" Valerie asked from the back.

Nick leaned over to Finnick. "Seriously, Finn… I know a good mechanic who…"

"Shut up Wilde, or you're walking home."

---

After dropping off Brian and Valerie, and saying their goodbyes, they arrived in front of Nick's apartment building. Finnick pulled up on the curb next to the complex entrance.

"Thanks for the lift again, Finn. I love ya, big guy," Nick winked as he jumped out of the passenger side seat.

"Whatever."

To Nick's surprise, Judy jumped out behind him. "I'll just get off here too, Finnick. Thank you for coming with us tonight and driving us home." She smiled while clutching the photos.

Finnick barely nodded with a side glance, "Ciao."

The van pulled away, but not without another backfire, nearly making Nick startle from the proximity and earning a giggle from Judy.

"I swear, Carrots, one day that thing is gonna explode and you'll be hearing about our untimely demise when Finn and I leave a nice crater in the street," Nick pointed at the distant vehicle.

"I hope not," she chuckled and then tapped his arm. "Can I come up for a bit, Nick?"

"You even have to ask? Of course, you can, Fluff." he raised an eyebrow at her silly question.

Judy smiled and followed Nick inside, up the stairs, and into his apartment. Once inside, she excused herself to the restroom. Coming back to the living room, she found a glass of water waiting for her on the coffee table, and noticed the patio door was open. After taking a few gulps, she stepped outside to find Nick leaning against the railing in distant thought, looking at the northern city skyline.

The bunny joined her partner, standing next to him, taking in the view too. Moments of silence passed before Judy decided to speak up.

"Are you okay, Nick?"

There was a pause before he replied quietly. "Yeah. I'm fine, Carrots. I just never expected… no, I hoped I'd never run into her again after what happened between us. She's the other reason, besides Mr. Big, that I always avoided going to Tundratown. When Finn and I were hustling… it was get in, make the pawpsicles, and get out."

Her ears drooped, wondering what might have happened between Nick and Mira in the past. The question on her mind, escaped from her mouth, before she thought if she should even ask. "You two were pretty serious?"

"You could say that. We were together for a few years," he replied still looking out past the railing. "And I didn't run away from anything. She was just twisting words to make herself look good."

"I'd never believe her words over yours," she replied.

"I know. I just… wanted to tell you that," he whispered.

Judy looked down at her paws before asking another question. "Do you think you still might... ?"

Nick didn't let her finish that sentence and looked her directly in the eyes. "No. Not at all." His tone was calm, truthful, and final. Proof enough that he meant what he said.

Placing her paw on his arm, Judy offered a smile, and dropped the subject. The bunny internally kicked herself for wondering why she even asked Nick such a question, yet she felt a surge of relief from his answer but wasn't sure why.

He smiled back, moving his arm away from Judy's paw, reaching around her petite shoulders, and pulled her gently to his side. "Besides, that's in the past. I have everything I could ever want right here."

The bunny closed her eyes, leaning her head into his chest. After a few moments of bliss, Judy looked up at her best friend. "Nick?"

"Hm?"

Not feeling tired at all, Judy decided to do something fun. "You want to look over those photos again? We can pick which ones to put in the frames."

"Sure, Fluff," he smiled and let go.

They found themselves on the couch, after Nick grabbed a pair of scissors, and brought four empty frames over. The fifth one was already framed with the photo they took of themselves with Nick's mom a few nights ago.

"This one for sure," Judy decided for him as she held up the extra super large photo she bought from the booth with both of them smiling closely together.

"Ah. Now I know why you bought two," Nick winked.

The bunny smiled with half lidded eyes, took the scissors from him, cut the photo out, and placed it inside the frame. She held it out proudly for him to see.

He took the frame from her paws, walked over to his living room shelf, and found the perfect spot for it. Returning to the couch, they both admired the new addition to the living room.

"Now let's pick some more," Judy said.

"Eleven photos but only three frames left, Carrots." He informed. "I think the rabbit ears one is a winner."

Nick held up the first photo that was snapped where he gave Judy fake ears.

"I don't think so! Only, if it's the one where I gave YOU rabbit ears, Slick!" she pointed a finger at him.

"Yeah, no."

"Fine. Roshambo for it? Winner chooses the photo, loser frames the other picture," Judy challenged.

The fox nodded and on the count of three they displayed their choices. Nick, knew that scissors was often the safest and best overall choice to begin with but he should have known better when thinking of traditional strategy against Judy. The bunny played a rock. He sighed, as she whooped in victory, and put the embarrassing photo into the next frame.

"Well, you still have to put the other one up in your apartment, just so you know," Nick said trying to claim some false sense of victory.

The next hour was spent playfully arguing over which of the last nine photos were going to be the final winners. It the end, they settled upon the ZPD paws photo, and for the last frame, Nick suggested the group photo they took at the end of the evening might be a good choice. Judy happily agreed and texted the photo to him. Nick went to his office, printed it, cut the photo out, and found it a proper place. Now the apartment felt more like a real home, hosting special memories for them to reminisce upon.

Still not tired, Judy leaned back into the couch, looking over to Nick. "I know it's late but do you want to watch a movie or something, Nick?"

Nick wasn't tired either, he pretended to consider the proposition, tapping a finger on his chin, "Sure, Carrots. I have a new subscription to FurFlix, so we can choose something online and watch it on the TV. No more renting DVDs!"

"Oh? That's great!"

The fox sat down and got his laptop out, while the bunny moved closer to view their options. After a short lively debate, they settled on a comedy show instead. Neither of them was in a mood for any sort of drama or action flicks tonight. Nick prepared some midnight snacks, and casted the show to the big screen TV.

As the show was beginning, Judy leaned in close and whispered, "Despite what happened at the end, tonight was really fun Nick. We should do that again."

"I agree, Fluff."

Judy played with her paws in her lap before adding another thought, "Brian and Valerie make such a cute couple, don't they?"

"They do. I'm happy they found each other," he said quietly.

They shared a smile for several moments before turning their attention back to the TV as the comedian, a yak, came on stage, greeted the crowd, and began his routine.

"Me too," she whispered while peering back up at Nick.

Halfway through the show, the fox and bunny pair found themselves sitting closer together, sharing joyous laughter, while enjoying the late night snacks. By the end of the show, Judy drifted away into a peaceful sleep from the comforting warmth of Nick's torso. A big smile remained on her little muzzle.

---

Author's Note: Hi Readers! Sorry for the longer time in posting this behemoth. (It's actually longer than chapter 10: 17k words, what!?) I let it organically grow from my initial outline notes and this was the end result, lol. I also tried to address some feedback with frequency of scenes and them being too short along with better transitions. I hope that comes across here.

So, now we got to see a glimpse of one of the major irrational hang ups that's been keeping Nick from straight up telling Judy how he already feels about her, though the exact details of what happened with Mira aren't revealed just yet!

I know it probably seems frustrating with Judy's very slow uptake so far in this story, but fear not, Brian's observations to Valerie offer some insight and she is heading there! We will begin to see a lot more of her POV since she is the missing half of the WildeHopps equation. The tipping point is coming and it'll be that much sweeter from the wait. Soon. ;)

And for anyone, curious about what some of the photos from the photo booth look like, Judy's favorite one is a mix of the first and final selfies taken from an early movie teaser: search "Nick and Judy selfie" on youtube.

As always, I appreciate all the comments, reviews, and criticisms. :)