FFoZ S1E16

Foxes and Friends.

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AN: Welcome back, to one of two big line tickets I've got planned for all you guys. That's right, it's the 'Fox family baby shower', originally planned to be a short fluffy chapter or two but then turned into the largest fic so far for one simple reason.

I realised that we all deserved to see Nick and Mr Fox quote-unquote working together. But on what exactly?

Hehehe, you'll have to read on to find out but, I must admit, this was one of my favourite stories to both plan out and write. I've also commissioned an excellent bit of art by Ziegelzeig which is on display over on the Ao3 version.

Now, looking at my update schedule, there are 3 fics and 8 chapters left for me to publish before we get to the grand finale for season 1, which will probably be a full length story all by itself. After a bit of a hiatus, I've got back into writing it and… -oooh, it's gonna be something. Now, with 7 weeks before I go on a holiday, I'll probably squeeze in a mid week update somewhere or other, we'll have to see.

Anyhow, enough rambling by me. On with the show. Thanks for following so far and stay pawsome.

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"I still think I should have gotten them a baby monitor."

"Relax, Carrots, it'll be fine."

Judy smiled, rolling her eyes a little. "That's easy for you to say, Slick. Have you ever dealt with little cubs and kits?"

The fox sitting next to her smiled. "Maybe not in the traditional sense, but recently I've been getting more acquainted."

A little chuckle escaped from the bunny's mouth. Regardless, she carried on driving, speaking as she did so. "I don't think Operation Pacifier Clip counts, Nick."

"Oh don't be so hasty," he warned, giving her a cunning look. "The things little children tell you when they think you're one of them…" He left it unsaid, giving an exaggerated shiver instead.

"Ha-Ha… -But still, I could give a little bit more to help Mr and Mrs Fox out, couldn't I?"

Nick chuckled.

"-What?"

"Carrots," he said, bringing out his fingers and beginning to list off of them. "You've already got a box of spare clothes in the back almost as big as you are, another box full of baby books, another boxful of toys, and an assorted collection of weapons-grade-cute stuffed bunnies…"

"-You can't call bunnies cute," she reminded him, turning and raising a finger as she did so. He reacted, as usual, in faux outrage.

"Fluff, to think I'd ever forget that golden rule. What kind of fox do you take me for?"

She turned and smirked at him. "The one who just called bunnies cute."

"Ah," he interrupted, shaking his head. "Au-contraire, Fluff, I was merely referring to some stuffed toys, made in the likeness of bunnies, as cute."

Judy was still for a bit, before relaxing. "Okay, you've got me there. But it isn't a whole box of stuffed bunnies."

"Indeed, I'm pretty sure I saw a very dapper stuffed fox in there too. Whose fur happened to be the same shade of red as the inside of your ears are right now."

Judy stewed in her embarrassment for a little bit, before taking decisive action. "You know you love me?"

"Do I?" he asked, smiling. "Yes, absolutely and with all my heart. One-hundred percent."

Judy was embarrassed again, but it was the kind that she liked. The kind that Nick gave her as they hung out, looked after each other, dated… She may have started this to see how it went, but after giving it her all she was really beginning to enjoy it. She glanced away from the road to look at Nick, the fox smirking back.

"Good," she said, smiling. It wasn't long now until they got to the Fox household, ready for Felicity's baby shower. On hearing about her pregnancy, Judy was happy, and all too willing to help out. Being a bunny on top of that meant that she could send a simple word out and a whole host of donated things would arrive on her door, ready to be passed on to the new mother. Still… "I could have gotten her that baby monitor."

There was a clearing of a throat next to her, as Nick brought out a letter. "Dear all. I'd like to thank you so much for showing such care and interest in my wife's current state. Indeed, it reminds my so very much of the heady days of her first pregnancy, in which the very lexicon of our lives and purpose was thrown into great confusion and disarray. For we, at that stage, were transitioning from young and independent mammals, into those bound by the need to care, love and raise a new mammal in this world of ours. We were, at short notice, bound to become parents, with all that came with that.

A long time and many events have passed since then and plenty has changed. Much, like the mystery and anticipation that lies before the bringing of a new individual into our world, hasn't. The best part of fifteen years is a long period in which to delay the birth of a new child, and consequently why a second celebration, or baby shower as it is oft known, is considered in order.

While we'll be very grateful for all well-wishes and gifts given with the aim of our benefit, there are a few things to note. Most of our gear from Ash's days of incredible youth are still in working order. The crib, high chair, a variety of furniture and stroller were all kept in storage, and managed to weather incidents such as the great barn roof leak of twenty-thirteen. Such items as toys and clothes, or rather those we hadn't been able to sell on by that point in time, were sadly lost. Consequently, we likely won't need any major hard purchases of furniture or 'essential gadgets'. For example, milk bottles and any related heating and sterilizing paraphernalia."

"Okay," Judy admitted. "So they may still have a monitor."

Nick nodded. "What would be most welcome (or rather, what my wife has judged most helpful) would be new books, toys, clothes (with a requirement for unisex provision) and any other gift that you feel we wouldn't initially seek out ourselves, but which is judged to increase the ease and satisfaction of the role of parent, or baby.

… Yadda, yadda, yadda… Sincerely, Mr Fox."

"Which I've got," she said, confidently. She nodded her head. "So, I'm all sorted on that front. And you?"

Nick paused, before his eyes widened. "I've just realized I've left the presents…"

"-What?" Judy panicked. "Right, I'll…"

"-Here," he continued, leaning down to pick up some goods.

Judy glanced over at him and sighed with relief. "I'd normally punch you," she teased.

"That's fox abuse."

"It's a good thing I'm driving then."

"Absolutely. Do you know how many accidents are caused by fox abuse and driving?"

Smirking at him, Judy shook her head as she turned onto the right driveway. Up ahead, the thick oak tree that the Fox family lived in rose up at the crest of the hill. On one side, where the ground rose up to the second floor, the doors had been opened and a small marquee set up, giving some more space for the many visitors and well-wishers who were attending. Their vehicles were parked lower down and Judy pulled up their cruiser, on loan from the precinct, as she and Nick got out. Both carried two of her boxes, while he carried his goods as well, politely declining Judy's offer to deal with it.

Turning, they set off, quickly making their way up as they followed the paths and steps laid out. As they went though, Judy heard some groaning and, looking down, saw another mammal on the way up. It was a small mole, struggling by himself as he tried to navigate the oversized steps. He had a tattered old chocolate box that he was using as a makeshift intermediate step between each of the stone steps, but having to stop, turn, and retrieve it with each one made it an onerous task. She gasped slightly, putting down her boxes and turning to him. "Do you need a paw?"

"I have two fine ones, thank you," he said in a raspy, nasal voice, turning back down to pull up both his present and his step-box.

"I mean, do you want some help being carried to the house?"

"I have my dignity," he muttered, turning up to try and face her, only to stare past her. "And this is very undignified. Yes please."

She leant in and picked him up with one paw, his present and book with another. Together, they set off, leaving her presents where they were; she could pick them up again later. First, she could catch up with Nick and drop the mole off. With him carrying his load, that was fairly easy, and all three of them entered the living room together. Mr Fox was there, waiting for them.

"Officer Nicholas Wilde and Judy Hopps of the ZPD," he introduced. "Splendid to see you, you'll be glad to know that your arrival has helped ensure all plans for this night are lining up like clockwork. I'm sure all members of my family will be happy to know of your presence."

"Yup," Nick said, smiling. "We two mammals, bunny and fox. Bringing gifts, packaged in box."

"And most generous they seem," he said, nodding in approval while rubbing his paws together. "We have a designated pile over yonder," he said, gesturing over to a corner of the room where a large pile of gifts was already growing. Judy watched as a female badger placed down a small one on it before wandering over to the little nook nearby, where Felicity Fox was sitting down, wearing her yellow dress with red apple decorations, a baby bump clearly visible. "Direct proceeding to the main mammal of interest afterwards is optional, though generally recommended," he said with a smirk.

The pair nodded as Nick began walking over, the presents in store. Judy began following too, only to be cut off by a rather whiny complaint. "I have my dignity, you know?"

"Oh gosh," Judy gasped, as she placed the mole back down on the floor. He held his present and his step-book with him, and brushed himself off. "I'm so sorry."

"I am my own mammal," he carried on. "With dreams and aspirations…"

"Phil, it's a pleasure to meet you too," Mr Fox spoke, breaking the small mammal's line of conversation.

"Nice to meet you too," he said, as the pair began talking. Seeing that it was all okay, Judy motioned to the door. "I just need to get my presents," she said, spotting Mr Fox nodding before she departed. Back out onto the path, she began making her way back down, skipping along as she went. Her presents weren't that far away, and she could quickly retrieve them and…

She had to double take as she spotted a familiar bunny walking up the path, a set of boxes in his paws. Were it not for his distinctive stripes, she'd have been certain that it was a case of mistaken identity. But no, it was him, and she was suddenly curious as to why he was here. "Jack?"

"Judy?" he asked, as she skipped down to meet him. Their eyes met, and he relaxed, "Now, I'm pretty certain that there's some long and complex backstory to you being here," he said, smiling as he hammed himself up. "The place for some long flashback scene, or montage, designed to pull on the emotions or reveal some hidden facet. Judy Hopps, give me your best!"

"Nick's a friend of the family."

He twitched a little, but carried on smiling. "Judy Hopps," he said, buckling himself up. "You once again prove yourself a master of deadpan humor, with a sprinkling of Occam's razor to boot."

"Yup," Judy said, paws on her hips and smiling. "Just like the old days, keep it short and sweet."

"'Brevity is the soul of wit' as they say."

She smiled. "If you think that's good, you should have seen it when I pulled the 'good at multiplying' joke on Nick. But yeah, we got to know the Fox family. Does Skye know them too?"

"Yeah," he agreed, nodding. "She mentioned it and I decided I wanted to help with it."

Judy paused, blinking for a few seconds, before bringing out her carrot pen. "Okay. I'd like to know who you are, and where the real Jack Savage is?"

"I may have gone through some offscreen character development," he replied, before pausing, his ears raising up and pivoting. Judy's did too and, looking over to the noise source, she gasped.

"Skye!? How's the leg?"

Striding over in her crutches, the swift fox vixen sighed. "Seen better days," she said, before pausing, her head cocking slightly in confusion. "Do you know the family?"

"Nick and I do," she said. "What about you?"

"I know Felicity via my sister, and do repairs for Foxy," she said, as she looked up to the house. She paused a little, thinking. "Is Nick up there?"

"Yes," Judy began, her nose twitching a little. "Listen, I know you and him don't exactly get along…"

"-I've been hearing a lot of things about him," she pondered. "I… I think he deserves a second chance." There was a pause, then a slight guffaw. "I'd never think I'd say this, but I'm kinda glad he's here."

"And I'm happy you two are here too," Judy said, before she paused, looking at the swift fox's crutches. "Oooh… It's a bit of a way up, do you want any help?"

"I'm…" Skye began, her voice reserved at first before trailing off. She checked herself, closing her eyes and taking a breath in, before nodding. "Yes please."

"Right then," Judy nodded, as they set off. Her boxes and stuff could wait until next time. After all, it wasn't raining or anything. So, she walked by Skye on her bad side, helping to lift her up whenever a troublesome step came up. However, she was more interested in talking to Jack.

"I mean," she said, "good for you that you're trying to put some effort into some other stuff, but what's changed?"

Carrying Skye's and his gifts, Jack looked over and shrugged. "Just the most tired and overused cliché ever."

Pausing, it took longer than she'd like to admit for Judy to get it. "Oh, the damsel in distress," she said, looking up to Skye. "You decided to look after her after all?"

"Well, I decided to give her a little gift. Then I found out that she was in a bad situation. I started helping her, and… -Well, something changed..." He trailed off as he said it.

"What was that?"

"I dunno. I just feel like I want to try and put some effort into non-acting stuff. Skye mentioned the baby shower, I had no reason to go, but I thought I would try some more."

"Well," Judy said, a big smile growing on her face. "Congratulations."

"He's not the one having a baby, you know," Skye joked as they approached the house. Once more, Judy entered in, Mr Fox waiting to greet them.

"Ah, Miss Autumn plus one. A fine bonus to this meetup. We'd like to welcome you all to the celebrations, gifts go to your left, the centerpiece of attention is to your right, we hope you have a pleasant baby shower."

"Good to meet you too, Foxy," Skye said. "This is Jack Savage, my Boyfriend."

The jackrabbit nodded, walking forwards. "Hi."

"And a warm hello to you too," Mr Fox replied, shaking his paw. "You're in theatre, correct?"

A smile grew on his muzzle. "It is my home. My domain. My kingdom."

"I meanwhile am a jack of all trades doing various odd jobs, while also writing as a columnist for a newspaper," he said.

"Opinion?"

"General observation with an artistic flare."

"So, recounting the well-known facts with a greater concentration of flourishes," Jack parried, a little spark in his eyes.

A little spark matched by the ones in Mr Fox's. "If by that you mean adding the characteristic most commonly known by the younger generations as, quote-unquote, 'pizazz' to various topics at choice in order to hook readers into otherwise disinteresting conversations, then you may be correct."

"So the building up narratives, with ever more complex linguistic compositions, from baseline plots and ideas. It seems that our artistic endeavors are more similar than we once presumed, though I feel that in the realms of embellishment I may still come out on top."

"Certainly, the expansion of small snippets and heresy into long-winded and deep narrative performances that are highly obfuscated in their verbatim, a practice whose zenith I am the singular individual in this abode to nearest contact. Indeed, this reminds me of the time that my grandfather, a codgety old fellow whose fur was more often than not falling out with mange, talked about building a sled for a race. Interesting thing about sledding back in the days of the climate wall commissioning…"

Judy politely backed off, leaving the two males in their element. She could go and get those boxes at last, though she was broken off by a familiar voice.

"I know you wanted to get more, Carrots, but those two?"

She smiled as Nick walked up to her. "Skye happens to know Mrs Fox; says it's through her sister."

He nodded, before pausing. "I see the leg thing is true."

"Yes," Judy sighed, "but it seems Jack has found his motivation. He's looking after her."

Nick nodded in agreement, before pausing as he saw someone outside. "That's why I couldn't find Ash," he said, pointing down to one of the barns. "Hang on, I'm just going to catch up."

Judy nodded, seeing him go, before making her own way down. Presents, after all. "Hopefully no more distractions," she said, as she skipped down to where they were. As she approached though, she saw some new mammals turn up. "Well, maybe I can work with that distraction."

She waited and smiled as Kris and his father approached, both carrying their own wrapped presents under their arm. "Miss Hopps," the latter said, smiling and nodding.

"Dr Silverfox," she greeted, smiling. She turned to shake paws with Kris too. "Kris."

"Miss Hopps."

"Please, call me Judy," she said, before turning to her boxes.

"Want some help?" the young fox asked, Judy nodding in response. He passed his present to his father, took one of her boxes, and all three of them began making their way back up. They chatted a little as they made the journey, mainly the usual small talk, as well as the bunny asking the young fox about how he was doing in their new home. Kris was happy to talk back, and they were all in a good mood as they approached the tree. Nick and Ash were waiting outside, and they waved as the group meet up.

"Carrots, if I keep on sending you out will you keep returning with more mammals?"

She ignored him, passing her box to Nick before taking the one Kris was carrying. "Come on," she said. "Let's put these down. The three adults nodded, heading inside, while the two teenagers stood awkwardly outside.

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Ash paused, getting his fingers out and flexing them. A lot of things had been going on, giving him little time to practice what he'd been learning. Still, a bit of a warm-up with Nick, and he felt good. Out came his fingers, as he signed to his cousin. "How are you?"

"I'm good, Ash. And you?"

He shrugged. "I'm okay."

A slight look of concern grew across the silver fox's muzzle. "Are you feeling okay?"

…

"Yes, I just said so." Ash replied, his eyes narrowing a little as his tail gave an irritated sweep.

Kris paused for a second or two. "Just concerned."

The older cousin's head cocked a little in confusion. "Why? I'm okay."

"Well, you're not good…"

"But okay is good. It means nothing is bad."

"You just didn't say good."

"Things have been fairly neutral recently."

"Even with the kit?"

"Oh, I've been very excited for that."

"Is that sarcasm or not sarcasm?"

"Why would it be sarcasm?" Ash spoke, Kris flinching back a little. The silver fox thought for a little, before carrying on.

"I just thought that if you were so excited, things would be good."

"Is there a problem with everything just being okay?" Ash asked, crossing his arms in front of his chest.

"I guess not," Kris replied. "It's just your use of semantics was a bit contradictory."

Ash opened his mouth to speak, only to stop himself and shake his head. "Right," he grunted. "Though I'd argue that it's the limitations of sign language – no tone…"

"I guess," Kris said, with a smile. They both relaxed, Ash slowly walking over to a small nook in the outside of the tree to sit down at, Kris joining him. "How are the preparations going?"

"They're mostly done," Ash replied, as he smiled proudly. "I helped decorate the nursery and stuff, and my new room."

Kris nodded. "I also helped," he said. "My Dad and I made some presents."

Pausing, the red fox nodded, smiling. "They'll be great," he said. "I'm fine with that."

…

"You know, your stuff is probably better," Kris spoke, as he turned and put a paw on Ash's shoulder.

There was a flicker of an ear, but his cousin spoke cordially back. "You don't need to say stuff like that to make me feel better, I'm fine with it."

"I…" he began, before pausing. His ears tipped back and down, and he looked forward, out across the fields and trees and towards the towers of downtown. "We did different things, Ash," he said. "My father and I both prepared little things which mean a lot to us… But what you did was a lot of work that might make things a lot easier for others. Or makes them a little happier every day." He turned back to his cousin and looked down, grabbing his paw in his own. "Maybe in the odd moment, our things will be better. But I think in a lot of ways what you did will be better too."

…

"You know I didn't need that pep talk," Ash said, as he looked over to Kris. He held back for a bit, before a smile grew on his muzzle. "But thanks a lot I guess… -what did you get, by the way?"

"It's a secret for now, but our gifts are things that mean a lot to us," he said. He smiled as he said it, relaxing back and remembering. His eyes closed, and a sad look of longing grew on his face, something noticed by Ash.

"You okay?"

He nodded. "I'm okay," he replied.

"Good," Ash agreed, as he stood up. "Anyway, before we do this baby thing, I think we have some unfinished business."

"Well, I'm happy to finish it," Kris replied, as he stood up. The pair looked at each other and stepped in, making their way to the staircase. The inside of the house wasn't that big, however, and they had to jostle around the growing crowd. Passing a queue that was forming for the downstairs bathroom, they reached the stairs and began making their way up.

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Meanwhile, Nick, Judy and Dr William Silverfox were adding their gifts to the pile. Grabbing Kris' one, Nick slipped it onto the top of Judy's pile, while Kris' father tenderly placed his, a wrapped-up book by the looks of it, down in a corner.

"It's something very special, I guess," Nick said, looking on.

The silver fox nodded, sighing as he did so. "Yes," he said, smiling sadly. "Honestly, I was almost a little worried about parting with it. But I'm certain it'll bring a lot of joy to dear Felicity."

"Yeah," Nick said, as he turned away, scratching the back of his head. He looked around, noticing that Judy had gone off to talk with the lady badger from earlier. Mr Fox was also close by, and would have likely overheard and then slipped into their conversation were it not for the male badger currently talking to him.

So, it was just Nick and Kris' father.

He liked him.

He really did.

He was so very like someone no longer in his life…

…

"Say, what's it like?" he asked, quietly.

"What's what like?"

Nick shrugged. "Being a Dad, I guess."

Dr Silverfox turned to Nick and smiled, bringing a chair over. He still looked gaunt and weak, a constant reminder of his illness, but he settled down and spoke with a youthful optimism. "Well, I guess it depends on who you are and who your child is," he pondered. "But with Kristofferson, it's the most amazing, rewarding thing. It's more than that, even. It's a bit hard to explain, but it's almost like he's a part of me…"

"Hmmm?"

"Ever had someone who you thought was your soul mate?"

A smirk grew on his muzzle. "You could say that."

"Well," he said. "You know how it isn't about you anymore, it's about us. It's like that with me and him. My son isn't just my son, he's my closest friend, my greatest confidant… He's someone I care for more than myself." There was a long pause, and a sigh. "When I was ill, I was more scared about leaving him an orphan than my own death. When I was recovering, I just wanted to recover faster so that he could have his father back. When I finally got here, I was so happy to see him fitting in, thriving… I wake up every morning and I wonder how he's feeling, if he's happy here, how he's fitting in." He trailed off, and Nick looked over to see him wearing the biggest smile he'd ever seen. "He makes me happier, and prouder, than any other mammal alive… I guess that's what it's like, being a father."

Nick nodded, looking away as he felt a melancholy spread through him. He'd been totally expecting it, but still it came. Dumb fox…

"You okay?"

Nick sighed, feeling a little apprehensive… -First time in a while, actually. Still, he closed his eyes and breathed in, he could do this. "I'm guessing my father was like you."

William's ears drooped down, and he silently pushed a paw out. Nick was tempted to draw his back, but he let the other fox place his over it. It felt good. "I'm…" he began to say, before stopping himself.

"It may be unoriginal, but you can say that you're sorry," Nick snarked. That felt a little better.

"I am… -How old were you?"

"Seven."

"Kris was barely three…"

Nick flinched. He knew Kris had lost his mother, but at that age… He felt his heart shiver. "I know what it's like to lose a father," he said sadly. "Not a mother though… -Does he have any memories of her?"

"One," William replied, sadly. "But it's a long and precious one… It's actually the inspiration for his gift to Felicity."

"That's nice," Nick agreed, looking over to the pregnant vixen, still talking with friends. He'd forgotten that this was her sister who they were talking about.

"My gift is very much related to her too," he said, trailing off a little. "As I said, something very dear, and very precious."

"I'm sure she'll love it," Nick said, smiling. "How's Kris talking the news, by the way?"

"Good. He's very excited." There was a pause, and a chuckle. "I'm hoping he gets very involved. He never got the luxury of getting a sibling…" he said, trailing off. "We were trying for one, when…"

Nick's ears lowered down. "I'm sorry."

"Thank you," he replied quietly, nodding. "But hopefully he'll get to make lots of good memories with Ash's new sibling, almost like it was his own…" There was a pause and a chuckle. "I suppose that's one good thing to come out of my illness."

"That's an interesting take, but I can roll with it," Nick replied, smirking.

"Yeah. But, honestly, I should have moved to Zootopia a long time ago. Bringing Kris over to meet his family."

"Are you sure? I thought he liked where he grew up."

"He did," William replied, shrugging. "And I guess it made sense to stay until my parents, being as old as they were and needing some care themselves, passed away, and then he had his friends… -But at the same time, he had this connection to his mother that he wasn't getting." He spoke sadly, looking over at Felicity. "Maybe we should have sorted out holidays and such. But having him staying here, I hoped he'd get to know his mother more, even if it was by proxy." He paused, and smiled. "I'm glad that Felicity was there to be a mother for him when I was ill, and I hope she can continue to be that."

Nick smiled and leant over, wrapping his arm around Dr Silverfox's back. "Well, I'm sure she will, just like I'm sure that you're a fantastic dad."

Slipping back, Nick watched the warm smile grow on the other fox's face. He nodded, and patted Nick on the shoulder. "From someone like you, who did so much for this city and my family, that's a great honor. And Nicholas, if you ever want anyone to talk to, just call me. I think I can extend the same favors to you that Felicity did to my son."

Deep down, it may have been what he'd wanted, but it still came as a paralyzing shock to Nick. He stood there, feet rooted to the ground, as a warm feeling seemed to creep through him, tingling as it reached his extremities. Biting his bottom lip a little with his front teeth, his paws trembling, his breath getting deeper, Nick, for one of the few moments in his adult life, was left speechless. "T-T-Thank you," he managed, as a goofy smile grew on his muzzle.

Dr Silverfox just smiled and nodded. "It'd be an honor, almost like raising my own boy."

Taking a big breath in to steady himself, Nick let it out. "Wooo… Yeah, thanks…" he said, a smile on his muzzle. "Though, to be fair, I already have a mother, and I don't think a dress would suit you."

There was a brief pause, before both foxes broke down into hysterics.

"I'll… I must… I must say, that's something that… that Kris doesn't do."

"Hey," Nick replied, giving a wink. "It's called a hustle, sweetheart."

.

Their laughter filled the room, though most mammals let them get on with their own business. Judy, who'd just finished talking with a badger lady, watched the two grab some food and wander outside. She was beginning to get a bit hungry herself, maybe she'd get something. She began making her way over, having to slip through a small crowd who'd been waiting for the toilet and had just told that they could use the en-suite upstairs, before reaching the table. Scanning around, she grabbed some carrot sticks and humus and began munching.

"Oh!" came an annoyed grunt. "Judy Hopps is a friend of Foxy's. Right then…"

Looking to her side, she noticed a thickly built badger approach, grabbing some finger food himself. "A pleasure to meet you," she said.

He paused, before pushing forwards to shake her paw. "Badger, of Badger, Beaver and Beaver, attorneys at law," he said.

Judy paused as they let go, a feeling of worry seeping into her. After all, he'd held back when seeing him. He was a predator… "Is anything wrong?" she asked, hoping that it was just a misunderstanding.

He snorted, her ears crashing against the back of her head as she did so. "I'll be frank. As someone who deals with a mammal like Foxy, him being friends with a mammal of such… shall we say propensity for action, as yourself, naturally causes me great concern."

"Oh," she said. That wasn't so bad. "Why?"

He snorted. "I have to legally represent Mr Fox and deal with his business, given that he won't follow my advice and get out of it. Now, while not in the realms of criminal or even borderline activity, we're talking about a mammal who, employment wise, is in a very unstable position."

"I…" she began, blinking. "I'm not sure what the problem is?"

"On the newspaper side, one libel case or one bad mix-up can knock out his sole stable source of income, and on the other side… His pest control activities and smallholdings are very loose sources. I would NOT want to base any livelihood on them, from purely practical terms. Any one of them could make it all fall through. He was very lucky that the nighthowler case ended when it did… -so I guess we can thank you for that one."

One of Judy's ears went up, the other going down. "Hang on, is he in debt? And I'm still not sure why I'm a problem."

"I wouldn't say you're a problem in and of yourself," he explained. "It's just that mammals who've done things like yourself might attract detractors, who might target loved ones instead of you…" He paused, and his eyes narrowed. "And of course, while I have no qualms about you going on various escapades, I wouldn't trust Foxy not to follow you on them and get himself in trouble."

"Right," she said, thinking she was getting it. "You think that I'd pull him into trouble."

"It raises the possibility of him getting in trouble himself, which is already stupidly high as this is Foxy we're talking about. I do have a lot of experience with him. And, while not in debt, his reserves are low. With this new baby, a nasty hit could send everyone up cuss creek without a paddle." He paused, sighing.

"Well, I guess his friends could all help him out," Judy said, looking around at the crowds.

"Well, yes. I suppose. I could offer him a very good remortgaging on this place… What with its unique rustic take on the lighthouse aesthetic. But even with me pushing the limit, I'm pretty certain I'd end up with the place at the end."

Judy sighed. "Well, I'll try and keep him out of trouble."

Mr Badger nodded, moving to speak only to be cut off by Nick as he walked up next to them, grabbing some food for himself. "She's the biggest trier I know, but even that's asking the impossible," he teased.

"Well I'd still recommend it," Mr Badger advised with a frown. "Though I don't rate your chances highly, given who you're dealing with." There was a pause, and he relaxed somewhat. "Regardless, nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too," she said, Nick nodding along too.

He nodded and stepped away from the table only to jolt, frowning as a weak voice piped up. "Have you seen my box?"

Badger frowned. "No," he said, looking down. "Phil. While you may be legally blind, please look where you're going."

"I'm sorry," the small mole croaked. "I'm just pacing. I need the bathroom, and the queue is long."

"You know," Judy offered. "The en-suite upstairs is open. I can take you there."

He raised his little black muzzle up as he tried to look Judy in the face, and he spoke up, pointing straight forwards to Badger. "I want my independence and dignity. Don't hit me with your culture of low expectations," he said, before walking off.

Judy looked nervously at him, and then up at the badger.

"He'll be fine," he said, before walking off, Nick wandering off in a different direction.

"Right," Judy replied. She wasn't quite as sure, but she'd still trust him. Grabbing the last of her food and seeing that there was still a small group of mammals around Felicity, she went outside. It was less crowded there and, as she looked around, she saw some familiar faces almost hidden behind the curve of the tree. She thought she might as well give them a visit, and some help when required. "Need a paw, Skye?"

Sat down against the tree, Skye looked up at her and slowly shook her head. "Not now, thanks."

Judy nodded but walked over anyways, easing herself down next to the vixen and Jack. Both had their own plates of food and were fairly isolated from the rest of the group, so Judy thought she could give them a bit of company. Sitting on the floor next to the striped buck, who was lying down with his back propped against the tree, she started munching on her food. She was halfway through a corn cob when Jack spoke out.

"How's the job going?"

"Good," she replied, looking over to him. "I mean, we're still mopping up after the big raid a while back. Not much I can talk about there."

Jack smiled a little, before looking up to Skye. "So, no chances for prying and conversation," he said, smiling a little before glancing up at Skye. "Ah… a nice excuse to be lazy."

She chuckled a little. "Maybe you don't need one," she said, smiling. "We all need some time to ourselves, here and there, don't we?" Easing over, she lay down a paw and began scratching Jack's head, the buck squirming up into her, a happy look on his face.

Judy couldn't help but notice it and smile. It seemed they really had found something that worked out, and she had to admit that it looked pretty good. Looking at Jack, she imagined Nick with the same content look on his muzzle, her paw being the one treating him. She couldn't help but squirm a little at the image, the thought sending her warm and gooey inside.

And then a paw landed between her ears, began scratching, and she jolted in surprise before submitting under a wave of pleasure.

"I could tell you were envious," Nick said, smiling as he sat down next to her. Her knees buckling a little, she lowered herself to the floor too, and then all four of them were then sitting together. Nick and Skye on the outside, their bunnies on the inside.

"I was actually thinking of giving you the treatment," Judy sighed contently as she relaxed under his touch, looking up at Nick next to her. His mouth puckered a little, before his whole face went all sly and cool.

"Do you still want to do that?" he teased, the tone sending a ripple of excitement down to the tip of her tail.

She'd have said no just a few seconds before, but now… Looking at him… She felt like she was being drawn in, something she was all too eager to let happen. "Maybe I do," she said, as she leant up, her fingers flowing through the fur on his cheek.

"Sly bunny…"

"Dumb fox."

There was a clearing of a throat from their side, and both turned to see Skye giving them a slightly nervous look. "This is someone else's baby shower, remember?" she said cautiously. They were off to the side of the tree and, glancing around, she couldn't see anyone who'd seen them.

"Really?" Nick asked, incredulously. He glanced around, before shrugging. "I thought we were here to knight Sir Judy Hopps of Bunnyburrow."

That set his bunny off, and Skye looked on, a faint grin growing on her muzzle. Shaking her head, she let it grow out wide. "You know what I mean," she said. "We don't want to embarrass ourselves or anything."

"I know that," Nick replied, as he took his paw off of Judy's head and pulled it up one of her ears. As it went, his claws played and toyed with then sensitive skin, sending Judy flinching and moaning a little. He finished with a flourish, whisking his paw up and off her ear tip, the bunny's face contorting from pleasure and left leg kicking out on reflex.

"Aaaahhh!" she moaned.

"Enjoying it, Carrots?"

He smiled warmly at her, only to feel a shiver of cold plunge into his heart as she suddenly curled up, glancing around. Her ears were flushed red and a paw covered up her mouth; it was like an encore to her reaction on first seeing the mystic springs oasis.

"Carrots?" Nick asked, a slight panic in his voice. His ears drooped down, and he felt a pit forming in his stomach. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to…"

"Don't worry…"

"-embarrass you….."

"Don't worry..." Judy said firmly, grabbing his paw. They looked into each other's eyes, and both smiled. "I'd have probably made the same goof up," she said, before looking over at Skye. "It seems you're the one with the gist of everything."

The vixen also looked a bit flushed, but it was calming down, and she looked at Nick curiously before shrugging. "I guess," she said, before looking down at Jack. She'd been gently petting him throughout. "What do you make of all this?"

He blinked a few times before glancing up at her, a sudden smile growing on his face and a spark lighting in his eyes. "Man, I don't even have an opinion."

Skye shrugged. "Oh, okay then. I guess you just don't embarrass easily."

Jack was left slack jawed, then disappointed, then confused as Skye looked over to Nick. She gazed at him for a second or two, her head cocking slightly, before she took a deep breath in. "You know… Back before, you used to be the most unapologetic mammal I knew," she said. "Yet, just then…"

A serious expression grew on his face and he nodded. "Let's just say that Judy here set me on the right path," he said, looking down at her. "So much so she's had to help me from going too far the other way."

"Jack told me about that one," she said, looking down at him. "And the more I hear, the more it does seem that you have changed…"

Nick nodded and then smirked. "Couldn't have done it without some help from a special bunny."

"Well, two special bunnies," Judy pointed out, jabbing Jack in the side a little.

"He does seem like a cool dude," the striped buck added.

Skye looked at all of them and took a deep breath in, before looking at Nick. "I think we can both agree that I didn't like the old you," she said.

"No you did not," Nick agreed, before looking at her solemnly. "And I promise, he's gone. No mischief of untrustworthiness coming from this fox. Not today, not tomorrow, not ever. Ranger scouts honour."

"Promise?" she asked.

"Promise," he said, as she smiled a little.

"Given all I've heard, I think that I should give the new you a chance. I think I'd like to meet him."

Nick looked back at her, silent for a second or two, before he nodded. "You know what, I quite like the sound of that."

"Yeah!" Judy added happily, jumping up and looking between the pair. "We could all go out together or something."

Skye nodded. "You know, Jack and I have some friends who really want to meet you two. Maybe we could organise a get together?"

"I guess I can try and chip in too," Jack added, sitting up. "Do a fair share."

Judy nodded, before smirking and looking at Skye. "I think I need time to work out what you've done to the old Jack too."

"Judy," he pointed out, going a bit aloof. "I'll have you know that Skye was merely the catalyst for this change, and most of the work is at my own paw."

"Yup," Nick agreed. "That's why it's only change lite."

"And that was a conscious decision in order to stop going all overboard like you did," the striped bunny carried on.

"Touche," Nick agreed.

Judy was about to add something when her ears stuck up, hearing something off in the distance. It was the sound of a fork on a glass.

"Guys," Jack said, cutting her off. "I think we need to go inside." He paused and turned to Skye. "Need a paw?"

She nodded and he helped her up, while Nick and Judy got up by themselves. Together, they joined the crowd in the main lounge, filtering to the front. Before them, sitting on her chair, was Felicity, her husband and son by her side. Mr Fox had the glass and fork in his paw and, checking everyone was there, he cleared his throat.

"Baby shower," he announced, pondering slightly. "A slightly unusual concept, if taken literally, or a potential yet to be invented device that might become a future staple of such events. Giving a baby shower at a baby shower, it has the potential to be a fun novelty if anything, up there with current classics such as model cakes comprised of disposable mammalian waste absorbing undergarments. In any case, the term, when researched, is based on the concept of showering the expectant mother to be with gifts and well wishes. That, or it's an extension of the 'bridal shower', itself named for the custom of slipping gifts inside a parasol which is then opened above the lucky lady." He paused, looking over to his wife and smiling, before slipping his paw behind the chair she was in and pulling out a little fabric sunshade. "As such, may we?"

Felicity, looking on a bit surprised at it, smiled. "They say that opening this inside is bad luck," she pointed out.

"Which is why I purchased you a parasol, fabric covered and therefor not waterproof, in doing so not meeting the dictionary definition of an umbrella." He gave her a wink, let out two short whistles and then clicked his tongue twice.

"You really are 'quote-unquote' fantastic, Mr Fox," she said, looking at him in the way only a lover would, before she pulled up the parasol and opened it. Both glitter and cards showered on her, and she seemed to glow as it came down. Mr Fox turned and gave a bow to the clapping audience.

"Whatever the source of the custom's name, it is a celebration of new life," he said, looking around the room. "A new arrival on our planet, just like all of us bar one once was. Of course, for that one, it'll be an upcoming and exciting day, and once that everyone is looking forward to."

He looked at his wife, whose paw was on her bump, soon joined by his. Mr Fox looked on proudly, only to pause, a concerned look on his face. "You know," he said, "I think the kit would enjoy having his big brother here too."

Ash's eyes widened. He'd been standing to the side, as if he expected not to be a part of this, but when called he walked over, cautiously putting his paw on his mother's bump. The unsure look on his face morphed into a very sure look as he did so and, looking up, his eyes met those of his father.

Standing up again, Mr Fox turned to the crowd. "I don't know who this new mammal is going to be, but I'm looking forward to meeting him…"

"-Or her," Ash pointed out.

"Or her. But I will tell you this. We'll be starting to learn soon enough, and it'll be a fantastic day when we can." He turned, and put a paw on Ash's shoulder, taking the younger fox by surprise. "I already had the privilege of meeting one fantastic Kit this way, who I can't be more proud of. Indeed, I have it on good authority that you've finished your comic with your cousin, isn't that right?"

"Y-Yeah," Ash stammered out, and as a round of claps and cheers rang out he looked like he was stunned with joy. In the crowd, Nick couldn't help but give him a wink and a thumbs up.

"Anything to say," Mrs Fox said, smiling as she leant forwards, holding one of his paws.

The kit nodded intently. "Y-y-yeah… I… I…" He paused, took a deep breath in to compose himself, and then scanned around, his eyes resting on a mammal standing next to the present pile. "Kris did half the work too."

It was the silver fox's turn to take the applause, which he did graciously. Mr Fox, looking on, clapped hard before pausing slightly, an odd look on his muzzle. Clearing his throat, he carried on talking. "In any case, our family, my wife especially, is about to reembark on a hard but rewarding path. It's great to see so many of you here, with an ample supply of gifts. Now, will they snap away any colic and gives us restful nights? The likely answer is no. But I'm certain that we can take solace and happiness in what you've provided us with." He paused, looking around, before his eyes focused on William Silverfox. He'd been standing at the other side of the room to his son. "We happen to have with us today the uncle of this new child, who I believe has a very special gift for us. You have it on you, correct?"

"Well, it's in the pile," he began.

"Fair enough," Mr Fox said quickly. "And being such a fine gift, how about we save it until last? A final high note, upon which to end these festivities."

"That sounds good," he replied.

Mr Fox nodded, before scanning around, spotting Nick. "How about the ZPD's own Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps to begin with."

Looking to Judy and winking, they made their way to the pile and picked up their presents, taking them over. Mrs Fox looked on and smiled at them, gasping at the size of the bunny's contribution.

"Are all bunnies like this?" she asked.

"Not all of them," Nick joked, before looking over his shoulder. "What did you bring, Jack?"

"A thing," he said, shrugging as he went and picked up his present, a wrapped box. Mrs Fox looked at him curiously.

"I think you're a stranger."

"I think the correct term is 'a friend of a friend'," he pointed out, dropping his singular box down. "I just wanted to help."

"Well, the kindness of strangers is well documented," she mused, before reaching over and opening Judy's box. She gasped as she took in all the clothes and books, while the sight of all the stuffed toys made her shiver up, her ears trembling. "All these," she whispered, "for my little Kit."

"My family was happy to help out," Judy said proudly, before being taken into a hug by Mrs Fox.

"Your family has my many thanks," she whispered, before letting her go. "I'm… I'm sorry, I'm a bit emotional now," she said, patting her stomach. "She's…"

"-Or he's," Ash pointed out.

"Working me all up inside," Mrs Fox carried on, before leaning over and filtering through all the stuffed bunnies. "But when he or she is sleeping, he'll have all these friends to keep him warm, and…" She suddenly cut herself off, before pulling out a stuffed fox in a green shirt and tie, her gaze moving over to a smirking Nick.

"If it was my husband and I who did this, I'd know who's to blame," Felicity said, a bit of sass in her voice. "And not just because I know I wasn't."

"Would you believe me if I said I had no part in this," Nick defended.

"I think not," she said, smiling as she shook her head.

"What about if I said it, Felicity?" Judy said, the older vixen taking the news with a hint of surprise.

"Well, I think I would then," she said, smiling. "Thanks a lot, for all of this."

"You're welcome," Judy said, as Nick stepped up.

Felicity took his present and opened it, her eyes widening as she unwrapped a set of small chew toys. A salmon, a dory, a clownfish and a swordfish. There were also two clip attachments and some rubber bell things.

"May I?" Nick asked.

"You may."

He cleared his throat, before giving his own speech. "What does every little fox kit want? An escape to his little wild side, something fun and interactive to chew on, something to take away the pain of teething. A something designed for him. A something called 'the super chew set deluxe'. Okay, these are some freezer friendly chew toys that can hold the cold for hours, providing maximum teething relief while still being squeaky." He squeezed one, a loud squeak coming out, to prove his point. "Now, you say you can't stop a baby putting muck in his mouth, well I say you can." He screwed one of the plastic bell things on and over one of the toys, covering it. He showed how it could be rolled back, letting the kit chew the toy, but would snap back to position after. "Bam. There it is, instant anti germ action. Now, it comes with various clips to attach it to clothing, a three-year guarantee, and is recommended by the Zootopia dental association over pacifiers for aiding in proper palate and tooth growth for little preds. Now, I think this is a perfect little gift for our new foxy. Do you think it's the perfect little gift for our new little foxy?"

"With a sales pitch like that I could hardly say no, could I," she said, holding them up and stroking one. "It's certainly got all the bells and whistles. Thanks so much."

"You're welcome," Nick said, before backing off. He looked on curiously as Jack presented his gift. Carefully, Mrs Fox unwrapped it, before pausing at what she saw.

"It's a box."

Jack held himself up tall. "I think you'll find it's an official 'baby box', designed with foxes in mind."

Mrs Fox looked at him curiously, before taking the lid off, gasping at what she saw inside. "It's… it's… it's fantastic," she whispered. There were all sorts of supplies in there, including a basic mix of clothing, some medical stuff, a few books, toys, a blanket and some changing supplies. She held up the soft blanket first, decorated with a forest scene full of autumnal trees, evergreens, pinecones, flowers and birds, the odd river running through. It was fluffy and warm, and the vixen couldn't help but massage it with her pads. "This is wonderful," she whispered, before putting it down. Most of the other things had the same forest motif. There were clothes, some with a cartoon fox mascot on it in forest ranger gear, or little fox kits out and playing. She was smitten with all of them.

She moved over to the changing supplies, pausing as she held the plain cloth diapers, reading the description with an unconvinced look on her muzzle. "A two-part system for saving money and preventing leaks. Both the cloth diapers and the waterproof covers, usable with disposables too, use pull cords on the legs, waist and tail holes to ensure a safe and secure fit…" She put it down and shrugged, placing the white cloths to the side. "Well, always good to have an emergency reserve, I guess…" she mused, before pausing as she saw the covers. Each one was unique, and had the same mix of cartoon foxes or forest scenes, and even a few with an archery theme. The same smitten look the blanket and clothes had given her washed over her face and she smiled, turning down to her bump. "Though you'll look adorable in these," she said. "And I'm pretty sure they'll offer very good blowout protection. We can't have you messing all these pretty things, can we?"

Judy nodded, before nudging up to Jack. "Old family technique?"

He looked at her, confused. "I don't know," he said with a shrug. "I just got a thing to cover all the bases."

Whatever Judy was about to say was cut off by a squee from Felicity, the vixen reaching into the box and sniffing slightly. "It's the one from the…" she began, before cutting herself off. "I think I've just found my baby's favorite toy," she said, as she pulled out a large plush. It was made out of the same material that the blanket was, but it had been made into an adorable toy hyena, dressed in a black jacket over a red and black striped shirt. "He even has the three little snaggle teeth."

"Aaaah," Nick cooed. "You found one of those," he said, turning to Jack.

…

"Jack?"

The bunny, looking like his brain had crashed, looked up to Nick. "I just left the 'stuffed species' selection button on 'random'…" he said, before looking over to see an equally confused Skye. She shrugged her shoulders back, and Jack looked over to see Mrs Fox rubbing the toy against the sides of her head, marking it vigorously. "There, there… You'll keep all my kits safe, won't you Mr…" She paused, trying to remember the name.

"Haida the hyena," Ash spoke up, smiling as he leant over and fiddled with its tail.

Jack bit his lower lip hard and looked behind him. Skye's head being tilted close to ninety degrees was to be expected; the slight tilt on Kris's head was an added bonus. Regardless, his train wreck of confusion was broken off as Felicity called his name.

"Jack, wasn't it?"

"Uh, yes… About the plush…"

"It's gorgeous," she said, sniffing a little. She cradled it into one arm, while waving him over, bringing him into a hug.

"This is nice," he noted.

"Thanks," she said, looking at him and giving him a kiss on the forehead. "This was ever so generous, especially from a stranger. You're Skye's boyfriend, aren't you?"

"Yes."

"Well," she said, smiling. "She picked a very thoughtful and kind bunny."

He let go, and the three of them walked back to Skye. Nick and Judy were happy, Jack was beginning to tremble with glee, while the swift fox was giving them a look akin to the one Nick gave when Mr. Big befriended Judy. "Um. That doll…" she began.

Jack cut her off, looking like a kit on a sugar rush. "That was amazing… What have I been missing, Skye? What have I been missing all those times I didn't go the extra mile… Oh god, there's so many other things outside of acting…"

"Calm down there, Jack," Judy warned.

"-This is what you feel, isn't it?" he asked, turning to her.

"Guys, about that plushie…" Skye began, nervously.

Nick turned to the vixen, confused. "What about it? I've seen ones like it before."

"-All those times when you talked about wanting to be a cop, making the world a better place…"

Skye looked on, confused, while her boyfriend kept on gushing to Nick's girlfriend.

"-Jack, I need your help," she said, cutting him off.

"Of course!" he agreed, snapping to attention. "Where, what, how…?"

Nick backed off a bit, giving Judy a sly look. This would be fun to watch. He was broken off though by a tap on his shoulder, and he turned around to see an opossum standing there.

"Nick Wilde?" he asked.

"The one and only."

He nodded. "Foxy wants a quick word about you about something important. Mind coming with me?"

Nick nodded, before letting himself get led off. He walked down the stairs into the kitchen, before going through a room at the back of the house and into the earth. He knew the place had some extensive basements, but he was curious as to where he'd be going.

"In there, sit down," the opossum said, as Nick was led into a pitch-black room. His night vision managed to make out a chair though, and he sat himself down.

…

"Um… Hello?"

There was a flash of light as a desk lamp was turned on, Nick blinking from the glare, and, as his vision recovered, he realized that he was inside Mr Fox's office. Mr Fox, sitting in his own chair, a desk tray with a microphone of all things on top of it, was right in front of him.

"Let me just…" he began, tapping the microphone, the reverbing sound coming out of some speakers somewhere. "Testing, testing…"

Nick looked nervously from side to side. "What the…"

"Ahem," Mr Fox announced, looking towards Nick, his paws going palm against palm and the fingers meshing with each other. "Before we begin, let me start with a simple hook in order to get across the seriousness of this situation, and ensure that you'll be craving everything I say after. Nicholas Wilde, this baby shower is spiraling towards complete disaster, and only you can help me save it."

.

.

AN: Major kudos to my proofer Dancou Maryuu for coming up with the name 'Foxes and Friends', after I could only come up with the working title 'The Baby Shower Job'.