-My fox-

Life can be odd sometimes when it comes to emotions. They are so volatile and unpredictable. A simple word can make or break someone's day. A kind gesture can lift someone up while a minor inconvenience can ruin a mood.

Nick had thought that after seeing Debbie stumbled back into his world that it would take a certain bunny and only that bunny to fight off the storm clouds in his days.

As it turned out he was half right, it did take a bunny to make him crack a smile, turned out though she was a brown-furred, blue-eyed trouble maker.

Nick missed Judy terribly, but having Trisha back helped a lot more than the fox thought was possible.

When they clambered into Nick's truck the bunny made herself at home, buckling up only to immediately slump in her seat and put her large feet on the dash as she produced her cellphone. The doe took a second to type out a quick message before putting her cellphone in her pocket once more.

She adjusted herself and unclipped her blue Wewa radio from her waist and set it down next to her. The two had decided to leave Nick's main radio at the cabin as it was dangerously low on battery. The one Trisha was carrying still had a half charge so it was probably the best option to bring it along in order to keep in touch with Nick's bunny back at Wewa.

"Soooo," Trisha began in a prying manner, causing Nick's to fall back on top of his head.

It was bound to come up sooner or later….

While Nick had been glad to see Trisha he also knew that she probably had one thing on her mind and wanted to talk about it right away.

"I saw the moonshine on the counter," Trisha continued sweetly as she tilted her head and batted her eyelashes. "You know that's my favorite right?"

...ok so maybe it will come up later.

Nick let out a laugh as he put his truck into drive.

"I am surprised you didn't crack the lid already," Nick chuckled.

The innocent look on Trisha's face faltered which made Nick's eyelids droop.

"You totally cracked it o-"

"You are short a few cherries," Trisha admitted before smirking at her fox friend. .

The whole drive to Lynn's was like that.

For the first time in what felt like forever, the topics didn't revolve around the parks department, the VIMs, or…. Her…

Instead, the fox and bunny duo chatted about Judy, Delta, their friends around Fairfax, and what Chris was probably up to back in Zootopia.

"I plan on emailing him as soon as we get back from Wewa," Trisha said eagerly. "I felt so bad not being there to see him off."

"I heard the train down in Fairfax central was delayed because so many folks showed up to say farewell," Nick said with a smirk.

"Sounds about right," Trisha chuckled. "When you are as old as he is you probably make a ton of friends."

"Most of them are probably on display in museums," Nick added which caused Trisha to let out a fit of laughter.

When they came upon Lynn's they were met with an odd sight.

"What in the world?" Nick began to ask as he slowed down.

"Oh crud, I forgot it was that time of year again," Trisha grumbled.

The normally quiet parking lot was packed with motorcycles of all shapes and sizes. It seemed that every spot was taken up by some kind of two-wheel contraption.

Nick managed to find a spot at the very end of the dirt parking lot. He hopped out and took a moment to scan the full lot.

Trisha skipped out of the truck and stretched before coming around the rear, she too glanced around the lot and let out a sigh.

"We may have to go with a plan B," The bunny explained as she trotted through the lot towards the log structure before them.

The parking lot was merely a taste of what was happening inside Lynn's. The normally quaint diner was packed with mammals of all different species, laughing, shouting, and generally having a good time.

Each of them was wearing a black jacket with a flaming canine skull on the back.

Nick became a little wary as they entered the diner and instinctively walked closer to Trisha, making sure she was ok.

While the sight was somewhat intimidating Trisha looked more annoyed than anything.

When they arrived at the hostess stand they waited a second or two before Taco appeared. The white and black spotted doe seemed to be in her element as she scurried around all the large bikers who were busy enjoying their meals.

"Trisha oh my gosh!" Taco squealed as she propelled herself through the air and into Trisha's open arms.

Nick noticed that Taco was in her normal server shirt and pants, only now she also seemed to be adorned in her own biker vest with a flaming smiley face on the back.

"Hey cutie," Trisha chuckled as she stroked Taco's ears. "I see your gang is back in town."

"Yes!" Taco exclaimed before scurrying over to Nick, her arms open wide.

Nick couldn't help but smirk as he leaned down to give the affectionate bunny a gentle hug before standing back up.

"You are in a gang Taco?" Nick asked with a chuckle.

"Yes!" The doe said happily as she wiggled in place.

Nick glanced over at Trisha for an explanation. The bunny simply smirked and leaned up towards Nick.

"Lynn used to ride with them. When she finally settled down here they made a tradition of visiting her. Taco is an honorary member."

"Ah," Nick said with a nod before blinking. "Wait...Lynn was in the gang?"

"One of the founders actually," Trisha said proudly. "You know Taco isn't the only honorary bunny in their little club."

"Well I am sure you look great in the jacket," Nick said with a sly smirk.

"I wasn't talking about me," Trisha said as she folded her arms and grinned up at Nick.

"Wait?! Judy?" Nick blurted out.

"Her gang name is Firefly!" Taco exclaimed. "Mine is Doom Bringer."

"Well Doom Bringer," Trisha said as her lips curled. "I am guessing your gang has filled up the house?"

Taco looked around and her brow furrowed. She proceeded to stand up on the hostess stand and scan the restaurant.

"Doom Bringer, what have I said about climbing on the furniture?" Came Lynn's sweet voice as the old wolf slipped through the crowd. When she spotted Nick and Trisha her expression softened. "Rangers, good to see you."

"How is it going, Cap?" Trisha asked with a wink. "You are looking a little busy."

Lynn gave the two off duty rangers a weak smile, "Yeah...I have a table or two but poor Al is backed up. You know how my gang can eat."

"Oh I am well aware," Trisha grumbled.

Lynn looked at Nick, "Pay her no mind, she still hasn't forgiven them for using the syrup up last time they visited."

"What was I suppose to put on my pancakes Lynn?!" Trisha barked as she waved her arms about.

"I suggested jam," Lynn said as her eyes drooped.

"Jam?! Jam?!" Trisha shouted before looking up at Nick. "You hearing this? You can't put jam on pancakes."

"Maybe order something besides breakfast food?" Nick asked.

It was almost impressive how quickly the rowdy restaurant got quiet. One could hear a pin drop as all eyes went to Nick.

Nick lowered his ears and closed his eyes.

"Oh my gosh again?!" Trisha broke the silence as she unclipped the radio from her waistband and clicked down on the mic. "Judy! Your dumb fox did it again!"

Since Lynn's was too busy Trisha suggested something in Fairfax's main street area. She also suggested that whenever they visit Lynn's again that Nick was not allowed to speak.

The fox had to admit it was rather amusing how worked up mammal's out here could get worked up over breakfast. It was just one of three meals so it wasn't exactly the most impor-

"What was that?" Trisha asked as she gave Nick a piercing stare, raising her walkie talkie from Wewa. Judy had only just gotten off the frequency after berating Nick.

"I didn't even say anything!" Nick shouted with a laugh as he drove them towards Fairfax.

By the time they made it into town, it was nearly lunchtime. Trisha kept grumbling on and on about the bikers back at Lynn's but her mood seemed to change when Nick suggested the Boxcar sandwich shop.

"They have the best cookies," Trisha cooed excitedly.

"I mean I was suggesting it for the sandwiches."

"Cookies," Trisha said excitedly.

They found a spot right in front of the sandwich shop and made their way inside. After placing their order, Trisha buying a half dozen cookies, they waited outside in the fresh air.

The Boxcar sandwich shop had several tables set up on the raised wooden sidewalk in front of its storefront. Several other patrons were enjoying their meals as they sat outside.

Trisha skipped over to a vacant table and plopped down, opening the small paper box her cookies had come in and immediately started to nibble at the sweet treat.

"Thought that was for dessert," Nick said with a chuckle as he sat across from his friend.

"Life is too short not to enjoy cookies," Trisha said, some crumbs falling from her mouth.

Nick rolled his eyes and got comfortable in his seat, looking out at the street and watching as a few cars rolled on by.

He then glanced at Trisha and extended a paw. The bunny gave Nick a confused look and closed her box of cookies and slid it closer to her.

The fox let out a laugh and shook his head, "I meant the radio."

"Oh, that makes more sense," Trisha said as she unclipped the radio from her waist.

"Wait were you not going to share those for real?" Nick asked, feigning insult as he scooped the radio from the small bunny paw before him.

Trisha kept the lid of the cookie box closed and glared at Nick.

Nick took a second to stop laughing before he keyed up the mic on the small blue walkie talkie that connected him to his bunny at Wewa.

"So Firefly sounds like there is another story about you I need to hear," Nick said with a smug smirk as he glanced at Trisha who simply rolled her eyes as she munched on her cookie.

"What can I say?" Judy began sweetly. "I am one tough cold-hearted bunny. Nerves of steel type."

"One of the many reasons I fell for you actually," Nick chuckled as Trisha made a gagging noise on the other side of the table.

"Play your cards right and maybe we can go for a ride sometimes," Judy teased.

Nick chuckled before a serious look came over his muzzle, "Wait can you really ride?"

Trisha suddenly leaped forward and scooped the walkie from Nick's paw, "We all know she can really ride Nick."

There was a pause over the frequency before Judy responded with fits of laughter, "Oh my gosh...I am so glad no one was in the cabin right now."

Nick rolled his eyes and reached over, plucking the radio from Trisha's paws before she could do any more damage.

"So where did the nickname come from-?" Nick managed to key up before trailing off as a gust of wind flowed over their table. He closed his eyes slowly and let out a deep sigh. "Judy, I am going to have to call you back."

"Ok Nick," Judy transmitted back, the doe sounding a little worried.

Nick opened his eyes and looked across the table at the confused looking Trisha who was tilting her head in concern.

"Promise you will play nice," Nick said as a certain someone's scent filled his nostrils.

Trisha's brow furrowed and a look of intense concentration came over the bunny as she looked at someone just over Nick's shoulder. "Please…"

Trisha glanced back at Nick and gave him a slight nod, signaling she understood. She then mouthed a single word that oddly enough gave Nick strength, "Pinecone."

"Well well well," Debbie said from behind Nick as she placed a paw on the fox's shoulder.

Trisha sat back in her seat, putting on a smile but Nick could see how tense the doe really was.

Her ears are never that erect… Easy does it Trish.

Nick slowly looked up at Debbie who grinned down at her ex.

"You going to introduce me to your mate?" Debbie asked with a smirk.

"Mate?" Trisha asked with a slight look of annoyance.

"Judy?" Debbie asked as she glanced over at Trisha, putting on a friendly smile that didn't fool the rangers in the slightest.

Both Nick and Trisha looked at one another before Trisha let out a laugh, "Oh no no no."

The bunny waved her paws about and shook her head.

"Oh well, it's just you two smell the same so I thought-" Debbie began.

"Borrowed Nick's fur shampoo by accident," Trisha said coldly as she looked up at Debbie, daggers in her eyes.

"Borrowed his fur shampoo?" Debbie asked with a raised brow. "And what were you doing in his shower?"

"Showering," Trisha said sweetly as she smirked up at the vixen.

"I meant why were you in HIS shower?"

"Like I said, showering," Trisha said with a mischievous smile.

Nick looked right at Trisha and tried to hide his laughter but eventually, the chuckles started to come out. Mainly because he knew how Debbie had a habit of wanting an answer and didn't like being toyed with.

"Hmmm," Debbie said as she raised a brow and ran her tongue over one of her canines. "So do you have a name little shower bunny?"

"Ranger Trisha Rose," Trisha said as she crossed her legs. "And you must be Debbie."

"Awww, have you been talking about me Slick?" Debbie said as she reached over and reached for one of Nick's ears. She was obviously intending to give him a flick but her paw never reached the fox's head.

A cookie flew through the air and hit Debbie on the paw. It didn't exactly hurt but it was surprising none the less.

"What in the-" Debbie said in surprise as she looked over at Trisha.

Nick was equally shocked as he stared at the bunny he slowly closed the cookie box lid, giving Nick a confident smile before glancing up at Debbie.

"He has actually," Trisha said slowly as she folded her arms and looked right into Debbie's eyes.

While some mammals may have been a little nervous staring down a larger predator, Trisha seemed to have a fire in her eyes that made both Debbie and Nick somewhat nervous.

"I have heard a lot about you, Debbie," Trisha continued in a tone Nick had never heard come out of the doe.

Trisha was angry, and from the looks of it, she had no intention of hiding it.

"How you have been playing this little game of trying to get a rise out of him, how you have been using the others in the tour group as a kind of shield," Trisha began to list off Debbie's offenses.

The vixen in front of her tilted her head and simply grinned.

"Why Ranger Rose, what are you implying?" Debbie said sweetly.

"I am implying that you better watch your tail," Trisha said as she gritted her teeth but still managed to maintain her confident smile

"Awww Nicky, you have a little attack bunny?" Debbie asked with a chuckle. "She's so cute."

"You're right about one thing," Trisha said with a grin. "I am pretty darn cute."

Debbie leaned down towards Nick, opening her mouth. Obviously about to whisper something but she was cut off as Trisha continued.

"Thing is while everyone else has to remain professional and cordial no one really expects that from me," Trisha continued with a playfully evil smirk. "So I would recommend you stay away from my fox before I have to waste another cookie."

"Thought he was Judy's mate," Debbie pointed out as she stood back up, oddly not wanting to tick off the small bunny before her.

"Oh, he is," Trisha said as she looked over at Nick. "But that doesn't change what I said."

Nick glanced down at the table before him and then back at Trisha, a grateful smile on his muzzle as the doe gave him a wink.

"Oh, there you two are," Came a sweet voice behind Trisha as a skunk in a Boxcar sandwich shop apron poked her head out the shops front door. "I have two sandwiches and some chips?"

"Thanks, D," Trisha said as she smiled back up at the sweet skunk.

"No problem," The lovely mammal said as she placed two trays on the table. "Anything else for my rangers?"

"No, thank you," Nick said as he looked at his sandwich and licked his lips. For the first time in forever, he wasn't nervous around Debbie. With Trisha there, he felt like all he had to do was make sure the brown bunny didn't leap out of her chair and attack, which he was secretly hoping she would try.

After dropping off the sandwiches the skunk hurried back inside. Leaving the rangers and their unwelcome guest alone.

"Well its been so nice meeting you," Trisha said as her normally bubbly attitude came out. She looked up at Debbie and smiled sweetly. "Now why don't you leave me and Nick to enjoy our meals before you learn about my skills with a pinecone."

Debbie looked a little confused at the last part which was probably for the best. She looked down at Nick and smirked, "Well I guess I will see you tomorrow then?"

"We will both be there," Trisha explained rather coldly.

"Looking forward to it," Debbie said before excusing herself and heading into the sandwich shop.

They waited a few seconds before speaking.

Trisha was the first to break the silence "You can breath now."

Nick let out a laugh and smiled at Trisha, "Your fox?"

"That's right Wilde," Trisha said as she picked up half of her sandwich and inspected it for a second. "Don't you forget it. I own all you fools."

Nick didn't know exactly what to say. He wanted to thank Trisha, to tell her what it meant having her on his side, how he owed her big time.

"Nick?"

"Yeah?"

"I am about to eat so don't you dare start getting mushy about what just happened," Trisha said with a smug smirk. "Otherwise I might get sick."

Nick simply rolled his eyes and nodded, "Thanks, Trish."

"Now let's eat so you can call Judy and tell her how awesome I am," Trisha began. "And while you do that I will call a certain painted goofball and ask him how he lost track of a certain pain in my side."

"Thought I was the pain in your side," Nick teased.

"You are one of many," Trisha grinned before taking a bite of her sandwich.

Hey all,

Sorry for the delay on this chapter. Hit a writing wall but think I managed to smash it to bits.

I did have fun with this short little chapter though. I know a lot of folks have been excited for Trisha and Debbie to finally meet. Don't worry, the fun is just beginning. They do have a bit of a hike to Wewa after all, who knows what could happen along the way. :P

More writing is on the way! Till then stay safe out there.

Pinecone!

-Blue