Monday afternoon.

A heavy storm came up. Judy was sitting on her office, nervously playing with one of her ears as she watched the rain fall against her window. She had her paper work done about an hour ago, but wasn't in the mood to face the Chief. Nick was working in his own office and they hadn't seen each other since the incident in the morning. Judy was chewing on her lower lip, trying to focus. Her thoughts were shattered around her mind, they made her heartbeat increase. She felt nervous and tense, though she had no idea why.

One part of her mind was focused on the case, trying to solve it. She started out with no clues at all, but managed to find a witness - who could also be a suspect - and was able to connect this case to another case that occured multiple years ago. She gathered precious information, but had no idea where to go with it. Every mammal that could know the slightest bit about this case was missing, except Silver, and he wasn't talking. It made her grit her teeth in annoyance.

Another part of her mind circled around tonight. Would it be safe to let Nick go alone? Around day time you'd probably catch Silver alone, but at night time it was obvious that other bucks would be around and from Silver's narration they weren't fond of foxes either, so what was Nick gonna do against 30 vicious bunnies? He was a fox, it would ruin his reputation to harm any kind of prey, even in self-defense. Judy sighed and leaned back against her chair, her eyes surveying the heavy storm outside. She used to be mad at him for following her around, because it felt like her privacy was invaded, but now she understood his concern. It seemed like the most reasonable thing to follow him as well, just in case he'd need a helping paw. She chewed her lower lip a little harder, hoping that Nick wouldn't be upset about it.

The final part of her mind was dancing around Nick himself. How he always managed to ease her, talk sense into her, he had such a soft and caring side. He was so close, yet so far away. Even when Nick was standing right beside her, she felt like she couldn't reach him. He was pacing back and forth with her and it made her crazy. One moment he was all flirty, suggestive, caring and compassionate - the next moment he was distant, cold and avoiding her. It made no sense to Judy. Besides, it was time they had to talk about their living conditions, Judy wasn't able to stay at Nick's place forever. Somehow she felt really blissful around him, but on the other side she slowly felt like a burden. She didn't want to exploit his kindness, so it was time to sleep at home again. She hadn't been getting any more threats anyway, so she should be safe. Although she knew that sleeping without Nick would be complicated for the upcoming nights.

She took a deep breath and decided to go for a small walk, since her paper work was already done and the storm had passed. She needed to clear her head. She exited her office and tip-toed down the large corridor of the ZPD, hoping to pass Clawhauser without having him notice her. She bit her lower lip, concentrating on not getting caught. Though, she flinched harshly when Clawhauser called out her name. She rolled her eyes with a deep sigh and turned around to face the chubby cheetah.

"I am not in the mood." she admitted, her facial expression rather bored, which caused the cheetah to arch an eyebrow.

"What's wrong?"

"Just a lot going on in my life at the moment, I guess."

"Need an ear to borrow?" Clawhauser asked, offering her a friendly smile.

"I'll decline, but thanks for the kind offer. I appreciate it." Judy replied, forcing herself to smile back in the friendliest way possible.

"Ok, if you need me, you know where to find me."

"Right, sure."

With that Judy turned around again and exited the huge doors of the ZPD, inhaling a deep breath of fresh air. The sky was cloudy and mainly grey, but it was still quite warm outside. She walked a few metres down the road, her paws jammed into her pockets, her eyes stubbornly facing the floor as she walked with droopy ears. She was so whimsical and not able to concentrate or focus lately. Nick stayed on her mind relentlessly and she was afraid that it would put their friendship in danger if she didn't get a hold of herself soon, besides Nick probably wasn't returning her feelings anyway. She sauntered down the road with puckered lips, trying to find a way to fill that void within her heart, but she couldn't think of anything - except distance. Perhaps if she distanced herself from Nick, he would finally realize how much she means to him. Possible, right? Judy released a mournful sigh and shook her head, she was pretty positive that Nick was just messing with her whenever he flirted, he was such a tease. Her situation was quite deplorable and all her small attempts on trying to attain his love were futile, so how low was she supposed to stoop to catch his attention? She finally looked up for the first time and her emerald orbs examined the road infront of her, the look on her face now determined and almost disgruntled. Of course it hurt like hell to be in love with your best friend and partner on the force and of course it hurt like hell being put into the friendzone - but it was still bearable, Judy had overcome worse scenarios. Her feelings for Nick have established quickly and now there was no more denying it, but she was positive she could keep them on the low, if she moved back into her own apartment and focused on work rather than focusing on him. There was one thing she now knew for sure, though - falling in love with best friend ain't a piece of cake, but there's literally nothing you can do about it, except wait and hope that the distress won't last forever.

She stopped infront of a random building, rubbing her chin thoughtfully. One thing that afflicted her was also the failure of Diesel not being the criminal she thought he was. From everything she'd been told about him, it made him look like the culprit. He had disappeared shortly after the slaying and everyone that once knew him described him as an obnoxious, sadistic pervert. Though, if he had nothing to do with the incident at all, why would he leave town and never come back, even after the case turned cold?

Judy sighed and decided it'd be best to go back, she didn't want the Chief to start wondering where she went, she knew he'd drill her with questions and she wasn't in the mood to talk. Besides, leaving your working place during duty, it's not very exemplary.

Arriving at the ZPD she let out an annoyed sigh as she watched Chief Bogo standing infront of the huge doors, his muscular arms crossed tightly over his chest, his look rather disgruntled.

"Here we go." Judy snorted with an eyeroll as she approached him. He looked less than pleased that Judy left without telling anyone anything. Judy was guessing that Clawhauser revealed her, since he wasn't good at hiding secrets.

"Chief." Judy breathed, finally standing infront of him. Her ears were drooped mildly, her expression and posture rather submissive. Bogo cocked an eyebrow as he stared down at his smallest officer, exhaling loudly.

"You were taking a walk?" he asked, his voice rather concerned. Judy locked eyes with him and nodded, her ears drooping further.

"I guess."

"And why if I might ask, Hopps?" the Chief asked her, his tone dangerously edgy.

"Needed to gather my thoughts, I am having a bad day." Judy admitted, her eyes facing the floor.

"Need a shoulder to cry on?" Bogo asked, a small smile appearing on his dark lips, which surprised Judy. She looked at him, her ears perking up, one eyebrow raised in suspicion.

"Pardon?"

"Do you need a shoulder to cry on, Hopps?"

"I guess we all need that at some point of our lives."

"Then go and cry on Wilde's shoulder, just don't leave the precinct without telling anyone." the Chief instructed, his false smile fading. Judy grunted with an eyeroll and nodded reluctantly.

"Of course, Sir."

"Hand in your paper work in and go home. Don't need depressed officers on duty. Figure out what's troubling you and come back when you're emotionally stable." Bogo said solemnly. After a moment of hesistance, he got a firm nod in return.

"Thank you, Sir. I appreciate it."

With a bitter grunt and a short nod, the Chief went back inside without another word.

Judy just watched his retreating figure for a moment, before she decided to visit Nick in his office and tell him that she got the rest of the day off.

She approached his office, careful not to startle him. She heard him typing on his keyboard, but also heard him talk. She peeked around the corner and surveyed him for a moment. He looked so damn fine wearing his dark blue uniform.

He was sitting infront of his PC, typing some sort of report. He had his phone clamped in between his ear and his shoulder, talking to someone. His expression looked rather unamused and it made Judy's ears twitch in curiosity.

"That sounds nice, but I am not interested at the moment, can we pick another date for that?" he asked, his tone rather earnest.

"No, no, that's not what I mean. You can come to my place and all, just not tonight. Can we agree that I'll text you when I'm free?"

Judy narrowed her dark eyebrows, her grasp around the door knob tightening. It made her lungs tighten and her gut twist to imagine who he could be talking to.

"Alright. Yeah. See you, Liz." Nick finally said, hanging up with a loud sigh. He threw his phone on the desk lazily and leaned back against his chair, folding his arms behind his head. His expression was rather pensive now.

Judy felt her heart drop to the ground, but she had to keep her shit together. She had come to a conclusion on her little walk, so this shouldn't be too much of a distraction. She took a deep breath and stepped into his office, closing the door behind her.

As Judy came into view, Nick was startled and started feeling really uncomfortable as he imagined that she could've been listening to his call. It was Lizzy, asking to come over to watch a movie together, she had something important to discuss. Nick was obligated to send her away, since he was having Judy over and he didn't want them to meet again and obviously Judy was his priority, so he declined Lizzy's request politely. He wasn't really planning on texting her or whatever.

Judy puckered her lips coyly, locking eyes with him. She had her paws behind her back, as if she were hiding something from him. Her ears were droopy and her expression almost bashful. She felt atrocious for eavesdropping his conversations, but on the other paw she felt relieved to know the truth. Nick tilted his head slightly as he examined his partner with his eyes. He arched an eyebrow and put on an uneasy smile.

"You seen a ghost or somethin'?" he asked.

"Nah, just came to tell you that I am not feeling all too well and the Chief was kind enough to grant me the rest of the day off. Just wanted to drop by to enlighten you." she said, her tone rather bored, which confused Nick.

"Not all too well? What happened? Did this rabbit say something disturbing earlier? Tell me the truth." Nick demanded, his eyebrows narrowing mildly. Judy sighed and crossed her arms.

"No, Slick. It's not that, there's just a lot of stuff crossing my mind lately and this case got me hooked. Still don't think it's a good idea to talk to Silver later, though."

"You wanna talk about it?"

"Don't ignore my highly intelligent remark." Judy snorted with a sassy grin creeping up her lips. Nick snickered delightfully.

"What are you afraid of? He's a rabbit. They're harmless, all bark and no bite. Besides, who could be more strenuous to handle than you, young lady?" Nick said jocularly, wearing his usual priggish grin.

"Such a charmer, but seriously though, aren't you afraid he might lay a trap for you?"

"Fluff, there's an old proverb. 'The bear who sees the trap, cannot be caught.' Remember that before you shit your pants tonight, impatiently anticipating me to come home all beat up, bleeding nose, broken jaw-"

"Niiiick..." Judy breathed, frowning.

"Ok, ok, I'll take care, mom." Nick joked through a low chuckle, but his careless attitude faded as he watched Judy's tense body language.

"I will sleep at home tonight." she said timidly, turning her head away. Nick arched an eyebrow as he immediately came to strenched sitting position, surveying her closely, his jaw mildly dropped. "I think it's safe again. I wanted to thank you so much for letting me stay, but like you joked before, I don't want to move in and become a burden. You can happily invite Lizzy over tonight, I won't be there."

Nick's eyes widened as he frowned in confusion.

"You eavesdropped my conversation?"

"I am sorry." Judy apologized coyly, flashing him a submissive smile.

"What gave you the idea of being a burden? I enjoy having you around." Nick admitted with a loving smile, which was soon returned by his partner. His kind words immediately made her inwardly melt.

"That's sweet, Nick, but I don't find that responsible. I have very cautious neighbors in case something happens, so I think it's safe. Besides, I don't wanna accustom sleeping next to you, rabbits are creatures of habit and I don't wanna struggle sleeping on my own, you know?" she explained timidly.

"I see. Well, I cannot force you, but I want you to know that my door's always open for you and I always have a vacant space in my bed. You are everything but a burden, I can assure you that. What kind of bachelor wouldn't enjoy having an eager and ambitious female around? It's the best thing that can happen, actually." Nick teased with a wide grin, hoping he could allure Judy into reconsidering her choice. He didn't want to sleep on his own anymore either, old habits die hard. He was mildly confused that her choice left him so bewildered and almost mournful.

"I'm sure, but I am not your housemaid, fox butt." she remarked with a playful eyeroll.

"Oh, but I think that costume would suit you very well. A slender rabbit dressed as a housemaid - very intriguing, indeed. I guess I could live with that, would be hard to control my preying instincts, though." Nick replied, licking his lips as he gazed at her with dazed eyes. Judy arched an eyebrow and leaned heavily against his office door, she knew he was hustling, but damn - he got her all hot & bothered within seconds. She chewed her lower lip nervously, her ears pinking.

"Then you need to book a performer." she stammered with a coy smile. Nick kept staring at her for a moment, not moving an inch, before he chuckled loudly.

"Too easy to catch you off guard. Rabbits are so sensitive and so predictable, too cute." Nick remarked with a self-confident grin. Judy's posture softened slowly, though her facial expression was hardening. She crossed her arms over her chest, glaring at her partner.

"You are so pig-headed."

"Try'na offend me, Fluff? I don't do racism." Nick said jocularly, checking out his claws in false boredom, a sneaky grin plastered to his lips.

"Ugh." Judy grunted, squeezing her eyes forcefully shut. She took a few deep breaths before opening them again, locking eyes with her slightly puzzled partner. He was still sitting in his chair, his elbows resting on his knees as he looked at her with questioning eyes. "Told you I'm having a bad day, otherwise I'd kill you with kindness, fox."

Nick blinked a few times, before he guffawed blissfully. "Dream on."

"Anyhow, I am going home, taking a bath, watching Cartoons, just relax and prepare for sleeping alone, heh. Can you please tell me the exact time you leave the precinct to go talk to Silver?" she asked, her big purple eyes shooting him a pleading look. Nick tilted his head slightly as he observed her. He couldn't help but to crack a smile at her adorable face.

"If it makes you feel better."

"It does." she replied, her lips curling into a sweet smile.

"Need a lift home?"

"No, I'll enjoy a good walk. Thank you. I am anticipating your call, fox." she cooed before she exited his office room.

Nick just sighed with a goofy grin, which faded insanely quickly as soon as Judy wasn't in sight anymore. He felt somewhat ... upset. She had grown onto him, he loved her presence, he loved her sweet scent that lingered in his bed room, he loved her croaking giggles that erupted through his rooms, he just loved it. It was too soon for him to say that he actually loved her, but he sure felt attracted, there was no negating. He wasn't sure how to figure his feelings out, he didn't want to elaborate them and perhaps he didn't even want to have these feelings at all. Foxes were very possessive animals, they mark, bite and knot their mates, something Judy would most likely not be used to. Besides, he wasn't quite the romantic type, he liked to keep things casual, so they never see that they get to you. He couldn't picture an actual relationship with the grey bunny, it made him feel woozy and tingly, but also very guilty and rotten. Though, knowing she wouldn't be sleeping at his place tonight left him a little peeved and piqued. He was worried about her safety and about her wellbeing, it didn't sound too convincing as she told him the reasons for 'moving out' again. Maybe she wanted to stay, but didn't mean to come off as annoying or clingy. He exhaled a long sigh before he focused back on his paper work.

As Judy arrived home, she opened the green door to her apartment, but hesitated to step in. She stood in the doorframe for a moment, letting the image of her messy little room sink in. She sighed deeply and finally entered it, closing the door behind her. It didn't feel like 'home', it didn't even leave any kind of bliss arriving here. After staying at Nick's place for so long without having the chance to get changed whenever she felt like it, it was now time for a long bath. She entered her small bathroom and got rid of her clothes, waiting for the tiny bath tub to fill with water. It was very slowly getting dark outside, so Judy felt a pang of pressure as she jumped into the tub, shuddering as the hot water saturated her fur. She wanted to follow Nick to the rabbit ground, it wasn't safe for him to go there all alone at night, not after Judy got to know Silver a little better. He surely had a soft side, but he had an even bigger dogged side. Judy sighed as she leaned back, purging her fur with a violet sponge. She just hoped Nick would call on time, he had his head in the clouds sometimes.

As Judy was done bathing, she got out of the bath tub and grabbed a towel, twining it around her shoulders tightly, as she started freezing. Her lower lip was wobbling as she tried to dry her fur with some towels until it was damp. Afterwards she brushed her teeth and raked her fur with a comb. She stared at her reflection in the mirror for a moment, until a satisfied grin crept up her lips. She felt presentable and hopped into her main room again, looking for something to wear tonight. Since she wasn't on duty it was against the law to wear her uniform, but she needed something with pockets to be able to carry at least her tranquilizer gun with her. She decided to wear some anthrazit jeans with a black top and a thin anthrazit cardigan, since the night was a little chilly. She placed herself on her small bed and turned her TV on, desperately trying to get the time to pass. She switched through the different channels, not really looking for something specific to watch. She stopped at a documentary about foxes and their natural behavior. Her eyes widened slightly as she turned the volume up.

The film showed a male fox baring his teeth to another male fox, a vixen standing behind the first male fox. Judy tilted her head, did that mean foxes were possessive or even jealous? Before she could elaborate that thought, the two male foxes started fighting. The snarls, growls and barks that they released sounded malicious. Judy winced as she spotted blood flowing and decided to turn her TV off again. She was a little afraid that documentaries like that, which basically just documented their primitive ways, could change her view on Nick. For her, he wasn't a fox. He was Nick, an individual with sharp teeth and trenchant claws, but also a super attractive grin and a flawless face, a heart made of gold and a personality sweet as sugar. She hated that films like that were shown on local TV, just to make mammals hate and fear foxes even more. It was irresponsible and wrong. Her eyebrows narrowed and her nose started twitching vigorously as she thought about it, but her train of thoughts got interrupted as her phone buzzed. She jumped up to check it. She released a relieved sigh as she saw that it was Nick.

'Signing out. On my way to Silvio. Call you when I'm done.'

Judy rolled her eyes at his unenthusiastic text. Besides, it was Silver, not Silvio. Judy facepalmed for a moment, before she rushed out of her apartment. Since bunnies were incredibly fast it shouldn't be a problem to arrive there soon, but she wasn't as fast as a police car. She gathered all her energy and sped off.

Nick arrived at the park and stopped the engine, surveying his surroundings carefully. No one could be seen at the park, it was entirely dark. Nick gulped as he got out of the car, tip-toeing his way towards the large field. He was on alert, his ears twitching from side to side. He was holding a flashlight in his paws, but didn't dare to turn it on, since he didn't mean to scare the bunnies. He wasn't aware that it was this dark here, though.

When he finally heard a noise, the fur on his neck stood on end. In a reflex he turned his flashlight on and was horrified to see at least 15 bucks standing infront of him, all wearing a dark scowl.

"Get him." one of the bucks called out and before Nick could even yelp, he was thrown on the ground and his paws got cuffed with his very own handcuffs he was carrying around. He growled viciously as he struggled to get free, Judy did warn him, but he hadn't listened. Not even in his wildest dreams he could've imagined bunnies to be this pernicious and hostile. His heart was beating at a rapid rate and he had difficulties to control his breathing.

"You guys! I am not looking for any trouble, just let me talk to Silver." Nick pleaded in an edgy tone, but his requests got drowned in sardonic laughter.

"So you can deface the rest of his body?"

"What? I did not deface or scar him. I'm an officer."

"Nice try. You foxes think you're so sly and crafty, no? Well, let me tell you something." one of the bunnies cooed as he glared directly at Nick, making the fox gulp. "We knew you'd come back one day and we were prepared."

"Come back? No, no, no, this is a misunderstanding!"

"Crucify him!" the bunny called out and the other rabbits started singing some really dark song.

"Crucify? I am not Jesus! You guys are bat shit crazy!" Nick yelped frantically, trying to break free. Instead, they tied down his legs and fastened a string around his snout. They picked him up and started carrying him towards the end of the field, cheering and celebrating.

Of course Nick was aware that this wouldn't be easy, but he surely didn't assume they'd actually try to kill him.

If only he had listened to Judy.

Whoopsie ... sometimes things don't go as planned. T_T

Reviews? xoxo Next chapter will be up as soon as possible and it'll be stupendous! c: