A/N

Who woulda thunk it? My drivel has over 200 followers now. The other writers in the kiddy pool said they might even consider letting me in. I responded by trying to splash water from my puddle at them. Well, to sum it up I lost the splash war but my puddles bigger now, so I'll count that as a win.

Disclaimer: Disney says that they might be willing to sell Zootopia to me if I come in person to meet with them. I think its a trap.

Chapter 23 – Surprises Part 2: Shopping

Nick let Judy lead him to the station and onto the train he pointed out to her. She hadn't said anything in the past couple minutes since her outburst in the station lobby.

She sat him down in a seat near the back of the car where they weren't likely to be bothered but instead of sitting next to him had pointedly sat in his lap and pulled his tail around her before she placed her nose in his ruff and closed her eyes.

Nick just gave the top of her head a kiss, murmuring a "I love you" that he was sure she heard judging by the small nuzzle she gave him, and started stroking her ears which were laying down her back. He kept the steady smooth caresses going and pulled out the academy book to keep studying as the train moved on.

It wasn't until they were nearly to the Peak Street station in Zootopia's city center that Judy moved interrupting his petting.

"Nick," she started, hesitantly.

He leaned down and gave her a short nuzzle and responded with a, "Yes, love?" He knew that they'd need to talk about the outburst at some point. But until she was ready, he was more than willing to just be there for her and show her how much she meant to him. Nick was pretty sure that any psychiatrist would have told them that the way they had ended up together, even ignoring the whole different species issue, was not a great way to build a solid relationship. They'd been practically thrown together due to circumstances, and it was probably going to lead to a few bumps along the way. But he was determined to make this work. He couldn't, didn't even want to try to imagine what his life would be like without her as his mate and it was barely a day since they'd officially been married.

Judy glance up at him shyly and with a little trepidation like one expecting to get scolded for something they knew they'd done, before speaking, "I'm sorry. That was a, a little overboard back there."

Nick chuckled and rubbed his darker nose against her pink one. "It's okay, Carrots. I'll admit, it was a little terrifying, but it's okay. I already told you I'm your fox. I don't mind you being a bit possessive of me." He rubbed her nose again, "To be fair, I'm not sure how I'd react to hearing about any of your old crushes. I'm a bit afraid I'd be tempted to go find them and make sure they'd never come within a hundred miles of you."

"Um," Judy murmured, "I don't want you running away from me to go beat up some bunnies, so I think I won't talk about them for now, ok?"

He just gave her another mark right on the bridge of her nose. They'd marked each other so much in the last day that it was ridiculous even by honeymoon standards, but at this point he didn't see how scent marking her again could hurt, it wasn't like anybody within 20 feet of them could miss it anyway.

Judy spoke up again, "Nick, this whole marriage scares me a bit." That got his full attention, but before he could speak she continued, "It's not that I don't want to be married to you, because I really, really do. But it's just so new, and my emotions are all over the place. I didn't think much of it when they told me about the mating bond being so abnormal, but when you mentioned your friend," Nick could feel her grip on him strengthen even just speaking about it, "I was… I don't know what I was feeling. I was angry that someone might try to grab the attention of my mate, I was angrier that someone had dared kiss or taken a kiss from my mate, I was terrified that I might lose my mate, and a hundred other emotions mixed in." she was shaking now so Nick wrapped her up in his arms and tail so that she was trapped in his embrace and let himself rumble softly. It wasn't like his previous rumbles that were mostly filled with desire but softer, more like a rough purr, though any feline would scoff at the comparison. Judy seemed to find it comforting though, and started to settle down.

"Judy, I can't go back and change the past but I'm your fox, I want to be your fox, I'd do anything to stay your fox."

She sniffed in his arms and asked, "You promise."

"Three times I promise."

She looked up at him, "Why three times?"

He placed his nose back against hers, "Three times I swear, I am yours and you are mine" He gave her a light kiss on the mouth. "Three times because that's the traditional mating vow a male fox gives when his mate marks him, and I don't think I did it under the bridge."

Judy, kissed him back and buried her face back in his ruff. He thought he heard a few sniffles but just resumed petting her and rumbling a comforting purr.

They were interrupted a minute later by the ding and announcement of the train arriving at the station.

As they disembarked, Judy wiped her eyes and took his paw in hers, intertwined their fingers. She led them out of the train, then let Nick lead the way.

"Judy, if you don't want to we don't have to go see my friend." He said as she walked beside him.

"No," she shook her head, "we should go. I need to figure out how to deal with this, and I'm not going to be the reason you can't meet with your friends."

"Promise you won't attack her?" he asked jokingly and playfully swatted her back with his tail.

She squeezed his paw, "Only if she doesn't try anything with my fox."

"Then I'll just have to keep your right by my side, Fluff. That way you can scare of the hordes of females that want to catch this handsome sexy fox." Nick smirked, "I'll probably just keep you by my side always anyway."

Judy bumped his hip, "Now you're just being dramatic."

Nick looked at Judy happily. The sudden emotional storm from earlier seemed to have passed and his smiling exuberant bunny was coming back. "What no comeback? I was expecting you to try and deflate my huge ego a bit."

She smiled at him. Yep, his bunny was back. Nick could feel his tail start to wag behind him, but managed to keep it to a slow swooshing back and forth rather than acting like a fan at her smile.

"What? You don't think I'd find the best mammal in all of Zootopia and make him mine?" she said, still holding his paw as she turned to walk, well more skip than walk, backwards right in front of him. "I'll tell you all about him, he's got gorgeous russet and cream fur, he's handsome and sexy in a very roguish way and has the most wonderful scent I've ever smelled. But best of all, behind all the jokes and smirks he's the kindest, most dependable mammal I've ever met."

Nick had stopped and was simply staring at her.

Damnit, how can she do that to me? He had to blink a few times to clear his vision and resist the urge to snatch her off the ground and kiss her hard right in the middle of the busy downtown street. They were already attracting the attention of nearly every mammal that went by, if not from their paw holding then by the heavy scent markings.

Judy's smile turned into a smirk with a bit of steel showing through and she sidled up to him and in a lower voice said, "And if anyone tries to take him away from me I'll show them exactly how I managed to knock out a rhino at the academy."

She returned to his side seeming very satisfied with herself, "Now, Mr. handsome and sexy," she bumped him with her hip again, "No funny business till tonight, we don't want a repeat of earlier now do we?" Nick groaned a bit at that, the back of his head was still a bit sore, "And we have some shopping to do! So lead on!" she pointed forward enthusiastically.

Nick didn't trust his voice not to betray all the emotions he was feeling so he just smiled and shook his head before continuing on, paw in paw with his happy bunny.

…

"Wait, this entire building is a mall?!" Judy asked looking up at the huge structure.

"Yep," was all Nick said, enjoying the look of awe on Judy's face. They weren't just outside a mall, they were outside the mall.

She looked at him like he was pulling her leg. Nick did have to admit it was impressive. There were a number of different malls scattered throughout the city in the different climate zones but not even Savanna Central could compete with the grandeur and scale of Zootopia's city center. And this huge structure didn't even qualify as one of the true downtown skyscrapers.

"Well its more than just a standard mall," he said to the still disbelieving Judy as he took her inside, "It's got just about everything and anything you could want, regardless of species or climate. I find it a bit crowded personally but knowing how much of a workacholic you are I doubted you'd gotten the chance to come here before, and since we were headed this way anyway," he shrugged "Well, I thought you'd enjoy seeing it and getting to do some real shopping. Plus, I may know a few people around here that can get us good deals. Ready to have a bit of fun?"

Judy gave him a kiss and pulled him forward.

…

They spent a happy hour acting almost like tourists. Nick bought Judy an ice cream she shared with him and took her to some of the attractions inside the massive mall before doing some needed shopping. Judy had to pick up all the normal sundry items she'd left back in Bunnyburrow and a few sets of clothes. Luckily in the crowded hustle and bustle of the mall, which was a mixing ground for the city, even a fox and a bunny together didn't get to many odd stares. And with the mix of scents from the crowd only those close to them or with a better sense of smell noticed the fresh and heavy scent markings.

They did cause quite a number of mammals to gape when Judy dragged him into a store that exclusively sold bunny products. Nick couldn't help but snicker at the scale of the 'family planning section' which earned him a light elbow by a less than amused Judy, but he had to ask her what 'chew sticks' were. She was giving him what seemed like a college level lecture on bunny dentistry and proper tooth care as they made their way to the cash register.

Nick was afraid for a moment that there would be a problem as he noticed the manager in the corner of the store; he was watching them with a can of 'fox away' pepper spray inexpertly hidden in his paw. The young doe at the cash register that looked like some cross between a goth and a punk rocker, didn't give them even a second glace as she tallied up their items and chewed her bubble gum. Her attitude screamed that nothing in the world, not even a fox smelling like a bunny in a bunny products shop, was interesting enough to waste her time on.

Just as they were leaving the shop. Nick made an excuse about leaving one of the items back at the register, and asking Judy to wait rushed back over. He decided that he needed to be quick, since not only did leaving Judy's side in such a crowded place cause a lump of worry to form in his gut, but he saw the manager start heading in his direction.

The doe at the register just gave him a bored look and popped her bubble gum, " *pop*, *chew*, Can I help you, sir? *pop*, *chew* " she asked, as if he was interrupting her bubble blowing practice.

Nick quickly and quietly asked, so that Judy wouldn't hear, "So if I want to get her," he gave a subtle gesture, pointing at Judy, "something nice what would you suggest?"

" *pop*, *chew*, You tried carrots?" she said still bored. Oh, great a smart ass, Nick couldn't help but think. Normally, he'd find it fun to throw some smart ass comments back, but the manager was still headed his way and not looking friendly.

Nick slid the doe a twenty and asked, "Look, what could I get her that would be romantic?"

The doe quirked a heavily pierced eyebrow at that, took a very obvious sniff of the air as if just now bothering to notice Judy's scent mark, before speaking, still in a completely bored tone, " *pop*, *chew*, tulips. *pop*, *chew* " Nick noticed the twenty had disappeared, and quickly made his escape with a muttered 'thanks' as the manager rounded the last isle headed in his direction.

He felt far better back at Judy's side as they left the mall store but Judy seemed to have lost some of her cheer again.

"What's up, Fluff?"

"Do I need to go back there and pummel that doe, before tying your tail to me and whacking you every time you glance at a female?" she asked.

Oh

Nick did a quick mental review of how that must have looked to Judy. "damn" he muttered. Judy just looked at him waiting, considering her earlier outburst she was showing an incredible amount of restraint, she only looked like she wanted to break something in half, like maybe a heavy log or an I-beam or the doe at the cash register.

Nick sighed, and pulled her over to an open bench for shorter mammals and sitting down pulled her into his side. The closeness seemed to calm her and she grabbed onto his tail running her paws through it. "Sorry about that Judy, I didn't think that through. I guess you didn't buy my excuse?" She just gave him a 'are you serious' look, so he continued, "I for some odd reason don't have any rabbit acquaintances or business partners, I needed some advice on a surprise for you, so I asked her."

Judy let out a held breath in a sigh, "I'm still overreacting, aren't I? I'm sorry. It's just that even with all those piercings she was prettier than me. And having prettier females around you seems to make my temper flare." She was already snuggled into his side so he started rumbling softly. He'd noticed that she seemed to enjoy his near purr and that it calmed her. The last of the tension seemed to leave her.

"You're far prettier than her Judy. Your cuter than any vixen, and yet you still have a far more lean and strong body than other rabbits. It's the most gorgeous figure I've ever seen. You don't have to ever worry about another mammal being prettier than you because they can't be."

She closed her eyes, saying, "Please keep saying things like that." before humming a bit.

Nick smiled down at her, loving how she felt against him, "Can't fluff, or I'd be liable to do something that would get us arrested for public indecency."

She let out a small laugh at that before asking, "Sooo, you wanted to get me a surprise?"

"Well it, won't be a surprise if I tell you. Sooo, you'll just have to wait and see." he kissed the top of her head. "There's another store in here I'd like to visit before we head out, you ready?" he asked.

She nodded, so he got up, re-slung his backpack over his shoulder and grabbed their shopping bag before leading her to one of the higher floors of the mall.

It was one of the quieter sections, with higher class clothing and jewelry stores, where he entering a shop named Sheppard and Son's.

A bell above the door tinkled as they entered the shops darker front room.

"One moment," said a voice from the back room.

Nick was watching Judy again, with a smile. She was looking around the shop with that look of wonder back on her face. One wall had cubby holes from floor to ceiling and along its entire length filled with bolts of cloth of every type, color, and pattern imaginable. There was even a rolling wooden ladder like you'd see in an old library. The other wall held a few mannequins with suits and dresses for show and a large three sided mirror stand.

An old black wolf with silver speckling his fur came through the door. He wore a cloth tape measure around his neck and had a very thick set of glasses on the bridge of his nose. Nick could see him take a small sniff of the air, which lead to a confused look before he readjusted his glasses and peered down at them.

A few more adjustments, and he let out a laugh, "Oh Nicholas! Should have known that you'd smell different now that you have a mate, hum, didn't think my nose was still good enough to pick up a scent marking like that." Judy's ears seemed to color a bit at the comment, but the old wolf gestured them over. "Well come on, come on. Are you finally taking me up on my offer to get you some real clothes, Nicholas?"

Nick brought Judy over to the wolf and shook his paw before introducing them, "Mr. Sheppard, this is Judy Wilde, my mate. Judy, this is Tyler Sheppard, one of, if not the best tailor in all of Zootopia."

"Now see here, don't you go trying to butter me up Nicholas." He turned and reaching down, shook Judy's paw, "Pleasure to meet you Mrs. Wilde, pardon me for saying so but you'll have a wild time keeping this one out of trouble. I don't care how unusual your marriage is, it's about time someone settled this one down."

Judy was certainly blushing now, and after some mumbled pleasantries asked, "So how do you and Nick know each other?"

"Worked with his father, Mrs. Wilde, Yes ma'am, tried to teach this one," he nodded at Nick, "But he was always too restless to sit and learn the art of tailoring properly." Nick stuck out his tongue at the old wolf, and Judy promptly pinched his ear and hissed at him to behave.

Mr. Sheppard laughed at Nick's wince and apology, before continuing, "She'll do, Nicholas. You need an alpha to keep you in line. Now what will you be getting today? Oh, of course. Trevor! Get out here!" he yelled toward the back room.

Before Nick could intervene Trevor Sheppard, a younger version of Mr. Sheppard came hustling out of the back room.

Mr. Sheppard started issuing orders, "Grab the stool for the mirror. We'll need to get their measurements, and start looking at designs, it's been a little while since we've made wedding outfits for mammals their sizes. We'll need…"

It took Nick a few moments to get the old wolf's attention and explain that they didn't need wedding outfits, but needed some clothes appropriate for their new jobs.

After adjusting his glasses a few more times examining Nick's new badge, he handed it back. "Well, I never thought I'd see the day. John Wilde's rebellious kit working on the side of the law, the next thing you know you'll be working for the law!" he laughed and slapped his knee.

Judy was about to speak up but Trevor beat her too it.

"Um, dad." He said, "I'm pretty sure that article in the paper today about the ZPD regulation's case to allow a bunny and fox back onto the force was about them."

The old wolf stopped laughing and looked back at them, adjusting his glasses again. "Well now, doesn't that just beat all?" A slow smile was crossing over his muzzle, "Didn't you use to dress up for Halloween as a police officer and go around saying that was what you wanted to be when you grew up?"

Nick's ears dropped and he shot a mortified glance at Judy, who was now giving him the same look she would probably give a 'cute' baby or kit. It made him feel like he was having his dignity emasculated.

"Mr. Shepard! Judy doesn't want to hear about any of that-" He tried to say quickly but was cut off by Judy's,

"Oh, yes I do!"

"-And, anyway we're here to get some clothes." He finished lamely, and coughed into his paw in embarrassment."

Both Mr. Shepard and the younger Shepard laughed at his embarrassment only making it worse.

"Wow, I never thought I'd see the day when Nick Wilde could get flustered by a girl," Trevor said, still chuckling at him, "You weren't even this embarrassed way back in second grade when I dared you to kiss-"

Crap! Crap! Not that story! Nick was thinking, and nearly shouted in desperation, "Trevor! We really do have a busy day! We-" he was cut off as he was pulled down by his ear.

"What ever might have happened back in his younger days. Let me make one thing clear to everybody." Judy said the steel back in her voice, and she marked him right in front of the wolves, "He's mine!" and she kissed him with such ferocity that it nearly knocked him off his feet.

It took a few moments for Nick to collect himself. Judy was looking pleased with herself, Trevor was snickering at his completely flustered state, and Mr. Shepard was nodding his head, his glasses nearly falling off muttering, "She'll do, She'll do just fine. That boy always did need a strong female to put him in line."

"Um, clothes, here for clothes" Nick said still a bit dazed by the kiss.

Mr. Shepard straightened his glasses which had almost fallen off, and started tapping the side of his nose, "Humm, clothes yes, you two need something respectable to wear. I'll make you two a deal, I'll give you two our family price for everything you get, but…" He trailed off

Nick did not like where this was heading. Mr. Shepard had a knack for maneuvering others into getting exactly what he wanted. "But what? What's the catch?"

Mr. Shepard's lips pulled back in a smile only a predator could manage. "The catch is you have to get your wedding outfits from us. And also your Dress Blues once you make it onto the force."

"We're already married! Why do we need wedding outfits?!" Nick asked exasperatedly. He couldn't help but sneak a glance at Judy and imagine her in a dress. Foxes didn't really have weddings but they did have marriage celebrations with family. The thought of her in a dress made his heart skip a few beats, but the thought of the price even at a discount made his stomach turn. The Sheppard's were one of the best tailor shops in Zootopia for a reason. They were able to charge a price equal to their quality of work from the quite exclusive and wealthy clientele they grown over the years.

"I'll give you the wedding outfits at materials cost," Mr. Sheppard said showing far too many teeth for his smile to be considered publicly polite. "Or, I can charge you my standard price for new customers on everything."

That made Nick's stomach drop, but Mr. Sheppard wasn't done with him yet, "And don't you think her parents and your mother will want some sort of ceremony? From what the papers said yesterday I don't think you could have had much of one at the hospital."

Nick threw up his hands, "Fine! You win. gods! Just don't go talking to my mom alright? She hasn't even met Judy yet!"

"Agreed." The old wolf said and reached out to grab and shake one of his flailing paws. "Always said you needed to wear something better than those trashy shirts you got for that hustle. I warned you when you asked that they wouldn't sell. The materials comfortable enough, but the pattern and stitching! Mediocre at best."

He turned to Judy taking the cloth measuring tape from around his neck, "Now, young lady, if you'd be so kind as to step over here," He pointed to the stool that Trevor had placed in front of the mirrors.

As Mr. Sheppard started in on Judy, Nick knew he had a bit of time before the old wolf would be done, so he cornered Trevor.

His friend from his early school days was still snickering at him, "I thought you said you'd never get married?"

"Well, she didn't give me much of a choice." Nick huffed.

"You didn't seem to be resisting when she marked and kissed you! I don't think I've ever seen your tail wag like that!" He snickered again.

"Ya, well, she's a hell of a girl." Nick mused, "Now, before your dad is done with her we've got some stuff to take care of."

Trevor's attituded turned serious, "I know that look, what are you planning now Nick?"

"First, don't mention other girls around her. We've, ah, had an interesting start to our relationship and let's just say that some old instincts for both of us are running a bit out of control." Trever just raised both eyebrows at that, "Now, I'll be taking her by to visit Honey's place in a bit,-"

Trevor rolled his eyes, "Of course, she'd want to talk to you after everything with the Nighthowler conspiracy, Sheep!"

Nick nodded, "Yep, but I'm thinking that Honey might also be able to help us get our new P.I. company set up too, you want to talk to her to and see if she can help you two with some of the more special aspects of the clothes?"

Trevor, in the same manner as his dad did, started tapping the side of his nose and mumbling, "Hum, yes, got to remember your private investors, going to have to cut it wider, hum, have to trim it a bit to make sure it looks right… hum." He seemed to realize he was rambling and looked back at Nick, "Don't worry we've done this kind of job before and I'll make sure to call Honey to see if there's anything special we need to do. You two will have to stop by tomorrow so we can start checking the fit. Anything else?"

Nick pulled his backpack around, "How much is this all going to cost? I want to pay for it now so Judy doesn't have a chance to argue about me covering the bill."

Trevor looked back over at his dad, who was eagerly talking with and measuring Judy. And smiled a bit, "Dad's going to enjoy this job. Tell you what, just because it's for you and her, call it a package deal. Ten thousand flat."

Nick grumbled a bit as he pulled out the cash and handed it over. It was going to put a serious dent in his savings but in a hustle, looking the part was half the battle, that he thought was probably a universal truth. And he knew that even at that price, the Shepard's were still giving him one hell of a discount. There'd be no way for him to afford clothes like these without it.

Trevor counted the money and nodded, "You two won't be disappointed. Anything else? I can get started measuring you right now."

"Actually, there was one more thing. Who's the best jeweler around that won't skin me alive in a deal?" He nodded to Judy, "I'd like to run over while you keep her occupied so I can get her something special made."

Trevor started grinning, "Still can't believe you're married. You know my dad would tell you, trying to pull one over on your wife, never works, right?"

Nick just smirked, "Won't know unless I try, now will I? So, any suggestions?"

Trevor shook his head, "Shouldn't have even tried stopping you, go try Martin's, 4 shops down from here, can't miss it. He's young and new, just opened up a few months ago, but surprisingly good. Dad used him for mom's anniversary present, and they both seemed very pleased with his work. Tell him we sent you"

Nick nodded, and with one last glace at Judy, he whispered, "Keep her busy till I'm back."

…

Nick had no trouble finding the shop. It stood out among all the others with their traditional names like Shepard & Son's, being called Ore and Rocks.

Nick entered the shop and saw a ginormous buffalo, someone to match the chief's size behind the back counter wearing something that looked like an ophthalmologist headset with lenses and magnifying glasses all over it as he concentrated on whatever he was working on. The Buffalo ears twitching at the sound of the door opening and sniffing the air, yelled, "Rabbit sized Jewelry is at the end of the counter! Give me a minute and I'll be right over." without ever breaking his concentration at his task. Nick went over to the counter eying the small display of ready jewelry. He paid particular attention to the rabbit sizing guide thinking back to Judy's paw and mentally comparing it to the guide. He was quite sure he could pick out the right size, he might not have hearing like Judy's but his eyes were his sharpest sense.

He heard a grunt and the creak as if a heavy weight was lifted from a chair. There was another grunt, a more surprised one this time, and a muttered, "the hell? Smells like a rabbit?"

The buffalo came over to where he was though and shook his paw pleasantly enough, "Martin's the name, how can I help you? Fox sized stuff is over there." He gestured down the counter.

"Wilde, Nick Wilde." He responded, "The Shepard's suggested I talk to you about getting a wedding ring for my wife," He paused for a moment to judge his reaction, "who is a bunny."

The bull grunted again and shook his head, "That explains it; was warned when I moved to the city that things were a bit different." He narrowed his eyes, "Wilde, hum, you're that fox that was in the papers?"

"That would be me," Nick said, face still a calm mask waiting for his reaction.

"Then it wasn't all a hoax?" the bull asked, still eyeing him.

"Not a hoax, happily married to a bunny" he said.

The bull just eyed him for a few moments, before snorting, "Well, not my place to judge. A rabbit wedding ring then. What style are you looking for?" he gestured at the display, "This is mostly for display to show what I can do, I usually make items custom ordered."

Nick relaxed a bit, but now was faced with the problem that he really didn't have any idea about what to get Judy. He'd picked up the basics in hustling of telling fakes from the real thing, but he had no clue about different styles and fashions. He'd never been very concerned with it or worn any jewelry himself.

"Uh, what would you suggest?" he asked instead. "I'm trying to get this as a bit of a surprise for her, and only have a few minutes while she's busy getting measured.

The bull's grunt this time clearly showed his exasperation at Nick's inexperience, and he started bombarding him with questions.

"What is she like? Does she wear a lot of jewelry? Would she want something flashy or something subtle? What are her most defining features?

Nick tried his best to answer all of them as fast as they came; caring, no, probably not flashy, her eyes, …

The bull's questions continued on for a few minutes before stopping and giving Nick his business card.

"You'd better get back before she figures out what you're doing, give me a text at this number," he tapped the card in Nick's paw, "and I'll send you some options and pictures. I can't give you a price until you pick out a particular ring, but if you put a down payment on an order with me I'll give you a discount for using me rather than another jeweler." He gestured to the rings and the price tags, I don't make a habit of up-charging the display prices, this is the range you'll be looking at minus 10%."

"15% and I'll put down a deposit." Nick said.

The Bull eyed him again, before reaching out a hoof to shake, "Fine" he grumbled, "Only because the Shepard's referred you. But don't try to haggle any more than that. I guarantee the quality of my work for the life time of the recipient. The price I give you before the discount is the price its worth."

Nick sighed again and pulled out more of his cash. He handed over the amount for one of the middle-priced rabbit rings in the case. He hoped he'd have some cash left to deposit in the bank by the time they made it there.

…

Nick slipped back into the shop right as Mr. Shepard seemed to be finishing up with Judy, and the knot of worry that had started and been growing stronger and stronger the longer he'd been away from her, vanished. He was pretty sure that if she hadn't been with mammals he trusted that knot of worry would have been far, far worse. He found the implications of it slightly disturbing.

Judy hopped down from the stool and Mr. Sheppard gestured for him to take her place. Nick muttered a 'thanks' to Trevor as he passed him heading for the stool.

The measurements took far longer than Nick had anticipated, but it had been a while since he'd seen the Shepard's so the time passed fast enough as they chatted back and forth. The only problem was that the damned feeling of unease returned as they worked. He was really hoping that Judy wasn't getting bored waiting for him. He couldn't see her in the angles of the mirrors as they were placed to show him different views of himself, and when he'd started to turn to look for her to reassure himself, he'd received a tongue lashing from Mr. Shepard about standing straight and not moving his posture. That he knew better than to move as it would mess up the measurements he was taking.

The feeling was only getting worse and worse, and by the time Mr. Sheppard said he was done he was starting to fidget.

The moment he was given permission he whipped his head around to find Judy leaning up against the propped open door. He rushed over to her as the knot of tension started to unwind. It finally disappeared when he took her paw in his.

Nicks ears flattened in embarrassment as he realized both of the Sheppard's were grinning at his near sprint to Judy. Trevor was even snickering again.

Mr. Shepard came over to shake his paw again.

"We'll see you tomorrow for initial fittings, but make sure you stop by more often than once every year or so in the future, you hear?" he reached to Nick's shoulder and pulled a piece of grass he hadn't realized was stuck under the collar of his shirt and then flicked the spot missing a button on the front. "And I expect you to take better care of the clothes I'm making for you, they're not for rolling around in the hay, understand?"

Nick muttered some affirmations, as he dragged his giggling bunny out the door, trying to hide the fact his ears were heating up.

A/N

gonekrazy3000, despite overwhelming numbers of typos and mistakes, fought on. Against all odds, despite lack of sleep and running out of coffee (shudder) he prevail and typos are no more.

To all the reviewers (now on both FanFiction and Ao3)

Thanks for all the feedback and support. You all and the new high level of followers to the story got me another starbucks drink. Hell ya! Thanks!