I've done it, I've finally finished the last chapter to this Christmas story. I think this is probably the longest chapter I've ever published. It took so long to write. I got stuck on so many scenes, changed scenes and the ending so many times it's ridiculous. Sorry for taking so long, I hope you all enjoy.
A/N:
With their new work schedule decided on, and Nick checking up on them regularly now, Judy and Ben were managing to be more productive as Ben soon felt reinvigorated. So much so that Judy began returning to some of her normal duties. Where she heard from others what Nick had told them what she'd been doing the past couple of months. Which she asked about at their next 'meeting'.
"So, I've been hearing some interesting news since returning to my regular duties." Judy starts, as she takes a seat at the table.
"Oh? And what is that?" Nick replied, bringing their plates over.
"I heard that Santa is looking for a new wife." She said scandalously.
"Is that so? And what do you think of these new developments?" He said conspiratorially, playing along as he set their plates down and took his own seat.
"I think Santa has been leaking secrets." Giving Nick a playful stink eye as she said so.
"And what, pray tell, would give you that idea?" Nick replied with a smirk.
"Oh I don't know, maybe the fact that everyone who told me said you were the one who told them?"
"Guilty as charged!" He proclaimed, holding up his fork before taking a bite.
"Nick! After all we went through to keep this a secret and you just go out and tell everyone?! But what will happen when-" She stopped her tirade when he just smirked and shook his head.
"No one will figure it out on their own. The only way they could possibly know is if one of us tells them. In fact, as you've already noticed, everyone is so focused on the notion that I'm looking for a wife at all that they don't really know why. They think I'm just lonely." He finished, dismissing her concerns with a wave of his fork. For Nick, the conversation was finished. There was nothing left to discuss on the matter as he chewed his next bite, enjoying the silent moment in the meal.
"Are you?"
The concern in her voice told him all he needed to know. He didn't have to look up to see the same concern reflected in her eyes. How easy would it have been for him to play it off, slip a little white lie in to placate her and just move on. He'd done it a million times before becoming Santa. The closest he came to that now was just thinking to himself that he couldn't believe he used to be like that.
"I was." He said with a shrug. "Before I came here. But after getting settled in, it didn't feel like I was lonely anymore. As the days started to add up though, it started to feel like I was alone again. I guess being the only fox here has something to do with it. But then, as I started to get involved in the search for Mrs. Claws, I didn't feel as alone anymore. I guess, knowing that it's possible for me to find someone has helped take off the edge a bit."
His response caused Judy to smile, knowing she was a key player in making him feel like he wasn't alone. "I'm glad. Hopefully we'll be finished ahead of schedule and you'll have more time to get to know whoever the future Mrs. Claws is."
Nick smiled and lifted his glass towards her. "To Mrs. Claws." He said with a smile.
Judy lifted her own glass and cheerfully responded. "To Mrs. Claws!" As their glasses clinked together and they both began to laugh.
The rest of the night was filled with their usual banter and laughter. The months continued to roll by as Judy became less and less involved with helping Ben and more involved with working with Nick in the toy factory. It soon became rare to see one without the other as they went from one end of the factory to another.
"Have you noticed that?" Bonnie asks her husband, as they look down from one of the balconies overlooking the factory floor. Below them, Nick and Judy were working to resolve an issue with one of the paint mixers. Nick had been trying to fix it when paint sprayed out and covered his face, leaving him to look like a smurf.
"Noticed what Bon?" Stu watched the pair as Judy burst into a fit of laughter next to him, only to catch sight of him too late as he tweaked the machine a different way, spraying her with red paint.
"She laughs more when he's around." Bonnie pointed out, giggling when the two began playing a game of cat and mouse to try and paint the other with the color they were covered in.
"Yeah, you got that right." Stu replied with a chuckle. "Hope she doesn't mind him spending more time with the missus once he finds one." He said with concern.
"Oh, I'm sure that won't be a problem." Bonnie said with a knowing smile as she continued to watch the two mammals.
It wasn't long before November was ending and December arrived and the workshop was still in full swing. Nick and Judy were out doing their rounds and helping where needed when a loud crashing noise could be heard making its way to them.
"What in the world could that be?" Judy asked, as she and Nick tried to see what all the fuss was. They didn't have to wait for long as a spotted figure made his way through the alleyway between workbenches that were spaced for the elves and not an overweight cheetah. Ben tried his best, but every step he took caused him to bump into someone, knock something over or both.
"Ben stop please!" She pleaded as she ran up to him.
In his excitement, he reached down and lifted Judy up off the ground, bringing her to his eye level before proclaiming what all the excitement was about. "It's finished!"
Judy and Nick looked at each other, a sense of surprise and uncertainty over taking them. A short while later, and several messes and accidents made, the three made their way down to the Immergut. The room didn't look much different from the last time Nick had been down here. Stacks on top of stacks of paper were lined along the walls, the only noticeable difference being the significantly smaller stack of papers on the desk.
"One hundred and forty seven." Ben said with a smile, almost reverently as he lifted the stack and handed it to Judy. Who seemed to hold the stack of papers with the same sense of wonder as Ben did.
"Really?" Nick asked, not nearly as impressed as the other two. "That's all the single ladies?"
"Well, most foxes due tend to marry young." Ben commented.
"One hundred and forty seven." Judy whispered. "I've got to hurry, I need to organize these, make a presentation, schedule a time for…" She looked up at Nick with a sense of urgency in her eyes. "I'll let you know when I'm ready." And off she ran, disappearing up the stairs as she left the two males alone.
"Well, I suppose we need to get you back home." Nick commented, sounding rather jolly.
"Oh yes, that would be nice. Don't get me wrong, I've really enjoyed my stay here, everyone has been very nice and accommodating, it's just…" he paused nervously, trying his best not to be offensive to Santa.
Nick, however, snorted in reply, finding the cheetah's discomfort amusing. "Don't worry spots, I get it. No place like home, am I right?" He asked as he led the portly cheetah up the stairs.
"That's true." He chuckled, following the fox in silence as he led him to his suite where the travel globes are kept. After passing through the doors, he turned and watched Nick close the doors, expecting him to continue leading him to his passage home. Instead, he found the vulpine taping the knob of the closed door with his brow knitted in thought. He was about to ask what was wrong when he answered the question for him.
"Do you really think there's a missus claws in that list?"
Ben was taken aback by the question. Not once since he'd been here had he seen Nick express any form of concern or even much interest in the list they were putting together. His jaw worked back and forth several times as he tried to come up with a reply, but nothing came out as Nick gave him an understanding smile.
"It's alright." It was all he said before leading him back into his private workshop.
Ben wanted to tell him, he wanted to desperately, but he was bound by his oath to keep what he knew to himself. Sullenly, he watched the fox reach into his desk and pull out a snowglobe, much like the one he saw Judy use to bring him here.
"Hold my shoulder." Nick instructed.
As Ben did so he felt that familiar rush as everything around him shifted into a snow storm that cleared as quickly as it came. He blinked as he looked around and found himself once again at the cloudy reception area of the cupids.
"Well," Ben's attention was brought back to the fox beside him, "it was nice to meet you Ben. Maybe we'll see each other again someday." He finished offering his paw to the cheetah.
Ben hesitantly took it, offering one last farewell before maybe seeing Santa for the last time. The whole time a war was raging in his mind as he pondered what he should do.
Nick could see the conflict in Ben's eyes as they shook paws for a final time. He figured the cheetah just wanted to spare himself the dread of telling the truth. There was no way he could find a wife in the time allotted. He knew it and Nick knew it. He just hated Judy went through all that effort for nothing. Nick retracted his paw and shook the snowglobe as he thought of his workshop back at the Northpole.
"Santa! The list! There's poten-" Ben cried out, but was cut off by the whirling winds that brought Nick back to his sanctuary.
Judy worked furiously, there were only twenty days left till Grizzmas Eve. She had to come up with a short list of candidates well before then in order to give Nick the best chance at finding Mrs. Claws. It was just after lunch when Ben had given them the compiled list of candidates and she wasted no time in getting to work. She organized the candidates by age and nationality to quickly locate anyone he may wish to visit. She started to organize by species as well but Nick didn't seem to care about that since he dated an arctic fox in the past. She spent all night and the next day working to get things ready for a presentation. It was late the next day when there was a knock at her door.
"Come in." She called without looking up from her task. She heard the door creak slightly as it was opened and was surprised when it was her mother who had paid her a visit.
"Judy, have you seen Saint Nick?" Bonnie asked.
Judy's ears stood up as she spun in her chair to face her mother. "No! Not since…" She looked back at the nearly completed stack of papers, realizing she'd once again gotten sidetracked and single minded on this project. She cringed when she realized she'd left without ever thanking or telling Ben goodbye. "Have you looked in his workshop?" She asked Bonnie.
"Yes, but he wasn't there. We've looked all over the factory and no one's seen him since he left to take Ben home." Bonnie said with worry. "Do you think…"
"No! There's no way he would abandon us. Have everyone check the factory again. I'll go check his room and see if any of the travel globes are missing." Judy followed her mom out of the room and turned towards Nick's room. She knocked before entering and found it empty. Calling his name with no answer. She looked in his private workshop and checked the travel globes and did find one missing. Her heart sank as her mother's fears crept into her own mind. With a heavy heart, she stepped out of his workshop and closed the door. Her footsteps felt heavy as she made her way to leave. Almost as heavy as her heart.
She released a shaky breath as her eyes stung. "Why would he leave without saying goodbye? How could he abandon us? Abandon me?" She was on the verge of breaking down when the sound of wind gusting caused her ears to rise from where they'd been limp along her back. She listened to the sound of claws clicking on the floor, a drawer sliding open and close, the twist of a door knob, the creak of a door as it opened and closed. It wasn't until she heard his voice that she dared turn around.
"Carrots? What are you…" His voice caught in his throat when he saw the tears that were flowing down her cheeks. Prepared to ask what was wrong, he wasn't given the chance as she launched herself into his chest, knocking him on his back as she wept into his shirt. He laid there, stunned, by her reaction. Why would she act this way? He was only gone for a day, things surely didn't get out of hand between now and then did it?
"I thought you left." Her voice was muffled as she pressed it into his chest.
Nick felt guilty for being gone for so long without letting anyone know first, most of all, her.
"Don't ever scare me like that again." Fire in her voice as she slammed one of her tiny fists into his chest, right on his heart.
"Ow! Okay, okay! Easy there fluff." He brought his arms around her tiny frame and held her close. "Never again."
The two laid there in silence for a few minutes. Each seeming to enjoy their close embrace. Eventually, Nick started to find the hard floor a bit much.
"Can we get up?" He asked.
"No." Was Judy's immediate, muffled reply.
"Please?"
"No." She said more forcefully.
"Come on, Carrots." He pleaded, her response was to shake her head, rubbing her face into his shirt. Nick released a heavy sigh, causing the rabbit on his chest to rise and fall. "How about we just move to the couch then? You can keep me contained and my back would greatly appreciate it."
He waited for a response, for a moment, he almost gave up hope. Then, he felt her shift, sliding herself off him and standing while also taking one of his paws into hers. She helped him stand and led him over to the couch, all the while, keeping a grip on his paw.
"Sit." She ordered.
Nick's eyes widened in surprise at the sudden command. He started to protest, to let her know he wasn't just some whipped pup she could boss around. However, when she lifted an eyebrow in expectation, he quickly made himself comfortable on the couch. She joined him, their joined paws between them. It was then that Nick looked around and realized the only light source was the low ambient light provided by the magic of the mountain.
"It's dark." He said.
"It's late." She replied.
"I could start the fire?" He offered.
"It's fine." She said, squeezing his arm a little more.
Being so close, Nick could swear he felt her heartbeat against his arm. But there was no denying the shiver he felt.
"You're cold."
"I'm fine." She said strongly, holding on tighter when he moved in his seat. She suddenly found out why when his tail managed to flop in her lap, bringing almost instant warmth wherever it touched. The effects were almost immediate, causing her to relax. Her grip on his paw loosened and she didn't protest when he pulled his paw from hers and wrapped his arm around her to pull her closer to him. She soon found herself petting his tail as she leaned into his side. "Thank you."
"You're welcome." Not trying to hide the smug tone in his voice.
She huffed in response, but couldn't help the small smile that showed on her dainty muzzle. With him there and the warmth he provided, she started to feel the effects of staying up the night before and all day working on the list. It wasn't long before her head was resting on his side with her eyes closed, content to make sure he stayed there.
The next morning, Nick woke up the same way he had almost a year ago. Laying on the couch, with Judy wrapped in his arms. Unlike last time, where Judy was facing away from him and his nose had been buried between her ears, this time Judy lay facing him with her body pressed completely against his with her muzzle pressed into her neck. Oddly, one of her limp ears was actually draped across his muzzle.
It had been so long since he had this, he was beginning to think the first time had just been a dream. He didn't know how they'd ended up in that position, how she would have felt about it. The only thing he knew for sure was the emotional breakdown he'd had that night, his mating season being in full swing and having found full closure from finding Skye had thrown his instincts and hormones into disarray. And in his mixed up emotional state his subconscious mind had imprinted on the rabbit that was curled up to his chest while they slept.
He'd purposefully left that part out during their discussion of vulpine traditions, in case she remembered anything from that night. But it was one of the most important parts of forming a bond with someone. Imprinting meant he'd be able to find her scent anywhere she went in the past week or more. He'd also be able to tell how someone was related to her by blood within three direct generations. It's what killed him on the inside when he'd been close enough to smell Skye clearly. The marks they'd left on each other had long faded and hers was so mixed with that hare she was with that he barely recognized it.
Nick took a deep breath through his nose to try and settle his mind. Drawing in more of the scent of lavender and spring rain that seemed to calm him no matter what. And cinnamon, everything here smelled like Grizzmas after all. Looking back, he realized he'd made two mistakes after understanding his predicament. He'd not been fully honest with Bonnie and Stu when he went to talk to them that day. They'd been hesitant to share everything and he couldn't blame them. The second was assuming that because Judy had forgotten about their dinner together that same day that she was rejecting him. She didn't say no because she was never asked.
Now, after last night, he was certain she must feel the same way as him. Even if she's still unsure or doesn't realize it yet. He smirked as he slowly pulled himself away from her still sleeping form, covering her with a blanket to replace his missing warmth.
"Well," he thought, "I'll just have to help her realize it."
For Judy, waking up that morning was much the same as waking up that first morning. First she realized she wasn't in her room, then realized it was Nick's room and she was sleeping on his couch. Then, the realization that he wasn't there with her kicked in. She quickly sat up and scanned around her but was still unable to see him. She stood on the couch and looked over the back and blew out a relieved sigh when she found him, once again, in the kitchen preparing a meal. She hopped off the couch and walked into the kitchen.
"Hey Fluff, sleep well?" He asked, turning to face her. Not very surprised when she wrapped her arms around him.
"Better than I have in ages." She mumbled into his chest. Any tension left over from not knowing where he was when she woke up quickly dissipated as he started to pet her ears. Earning a pleased hum and, to her embarrassment and Nicks' surprise, a loud tooth purr. Which she quickly cut off when he said something.
"Carrots? Are you, purring?"
She quickly jumped away and with an embarrassed giggle, suddenly found the oven very interesting. "So, what's for breakfast?"
Seeing her attempt to change the subject, Nick easily leans on the counter before answering her question. "Muffins."
"Muffins! Yum, uh, how long till they're ready?" She eagerly asked.
Nick looked away, as if he were in thought before giving her a sidelong smirk. "Fifteen minutes."
If her ears had not already been down her back to hide her blush they would have fallen at the revelation. "Oh, fifteen minutes."
"Yup." He said, popping the p. As much as he was enjoying himself, he didn't want her to feel embarrassed for their entire meal. "Hey Carrots, wanna know something?"
She looked at him curiously, one ear still blushing popped up on its own accord.
"I've got a secret." He said in a conspiratorial whisper. "Would you like to hear it?"
Knowing he was messing with her, she was desperate enough to play along and leaned closer. She watched as he brought his muzzle close to her ear, holding up his paw as though to cover his mouth from anyone who may be listening in. She didn't know what to expect, suspecting another of his dumb jokes or silly phrases he would sometimes say out of the blue. But this time, this time she truly didn't expect what she heard.
Nick couldn't help but chuckle at the cute squeak she made when she jumped away from him. Covering her muzzle with both paws as she stared back in surprise. He quickly settles himself with a satisfied smile and leans back against the counter again.
"You can purr?" She asked in amazement.
"Mmhmm." He nods his head.
"Can I…" She started, but stopped. Worried she might be crossing a line but decided if he shared it with her first then maybe… "Can I hear it again?" She had her answer as his smirk broadened.
"I"ll do you one better, Carrots. Come here." He gestured for her to approach him. She did so timidly, which he expected giving his teasing nature. When she was close enough, he reached out and turned her around while holding her shoulders he pressed against her back and brought his muzzle down between her ears before building a low purr in his chest and gradually increased its intensity.
"Wow." She said in a low voice, her words nearly wobbling from the vibrations she felt traveling through her body as Nick continued to purr against her. She found herself relaxing back into him as he continued to change the tone and intensity as he continued. She was vaguely aware of him moving them to a kitchen chair and him keeping her pressed against him as she sat in his lap. To her it just meant more contact with the source. She was in a trance, a trance that lasted till he stopped. She wasn't sure when she closed her eyes but she found it hard to open them again. "Why'd you stop?" She asked, almost immediately.
"Muffins are ready."
Breakfast was a quiet event. Mostly composed of each party eating their share of muffins. Judy sending quick glances towards Nick, Nick letting his gaze rest on Judy for most of the duration. When they both finished they agreed on a working lunch to get an early start at working through the list. Mostly at Judy's behest.
For Nick, the day seemed to be crawling along. He would go out onto the factory floor to ensure everything for Grizzmas was running smoothly and would be gone for what felt like hours. Only to look at the clock and only ten minutes to have passed.
For Judy, the hours slipped by faster than Grizzmas night. She'd finish putting the details for one candidate together thinking only a few minutes had passed only to have a slight panic attack when she saw an entire hour was gone.
When the hour they'd both agreed upon finally arrived Nick found himself lying on the couch, fiddling with a small toy the workshop had recently worked up for next year. He glanced up at the clock and smiled.
"Three… Two… One…"
The door to his home burst open as Judy rushed in and went straight to his table, organizing everything in a mad frenzy.
"I'm so sorry I'm late, we can get started immediately. We don't have any time to spare." She continued preparing her presentation as Nick ambled his way from the couch to where she was. Taking a seat and watching her with some amusement and sorrow. Mostly sorry she had to spend so much time on this. "Here's the first candidate."
Five hours, five excruciating hours. That's how long Nick had to grin and bear the torture before him. Going over name after name of vixens he would never meet when the bunny he wanted was sitting right in front of him. He contemplated just telling her, he suspected she might feel the same. Maybe even assured she might. But it didn't seem fair to throw that kind of decision on her like that. He also felt Judy may simply go along with it out of some sense of duty. Thinking that because he loved her it was her responsibility to accept and become Mrs. Claws so as to save Grizzmas.
No, he wouldn't allow that. If Judy loved him he'd wait until she realized it herself. Until then he'll be there, by her side to support and uplift her. Not that he won't drop little hints here and there. Or even be bolder than a tod normally would, like a bunny would. At the fifth hour, Nick felt he'd waited long enough and pushed the papers in front of him away and looked up at a concerned Judy.
"Fluff, I just want you to know that I really appreciate everything you've done. Really, the amount of effort that you've put into this project is astounding."
"...But?" She timidly replied.
"But, how am I supposed to choose someone from this list? I mean, it takes days, weeks even to know someone well enough to ask out on a date. I mean, have you ever been asked out on a date that quickly before?" He finished, asking a question he already knew the answer to.
Judy's ears blushed and she shied her eyes away, giving Nick the opening he wanted.
"Carrots? Have you ever been on a date?" At this point, he was struggling to keep his excitement at what was to come contained. He let a little of it slip through as she shook her head, smiling at finally getting to where I wanted to be. "Well, I think we should fix that."
"We can worry about my love life after we find you a wife Nick. We don't have time to-where are you going?" She asked as Nick rose from his seat and walked towards his closet.
"I'm getting dressed. As much as I've come to love the Santa suit, I don't think it'll blend in well where we're going."
"Nick you can't be serious! We don't have time to waste on silly games!"
"Silly games? You think spending an evening with me is a silly game?"
"We-well no but-"
"Good!" He said as he walked out of his closet, dressed in one of those bright colored pawaiin shirts he liked. Matched with a pair of khakis and a striped tie that didn't match. "I'd hate to think you didn't enjoy my company."
"Nick." She looked at him, worry pulling at each of her features.
Nick sighed and walked up to her, kneeling to be at her eye level. "Judy." She immediately perked up, he rarely used her real name. She felt her ears light up again as he took her paws in his own, rubbing his thumb on the back of her knuckles. "The fact is I don't know if I'll be able to find Mrs. Claws in that list in time. But I do know that I can spend the time I have left with someone whose company I enjoy more than anyone else." He watched as her eyes widened in surprise. "What do you say? Let's have some fun before the curtains close?"
Nick felt like he would throw up as she stood stock still looking back at him. Her eyes twitching back and forth between his own as she considered his offer. He was about to consider trying to convince her again when she finally spoke.
"Okay." She said. "But only as practice."
"What?" Nick asked, confused.
"This is just a practice date. Then, you have to focus back on finding Mrs. Claws before Grizzmas Eve. Agreed?"
Nick blinked a couple of times before getting over the shock but agreed all the same. "Very well."
"So," she started, feeling chipper for some reason, "what part of the mountain are we going on a practice date to?" She asked as she made her way to the door.
"Who said anything about the mountain?"
Judy turned to find Nick looking at her with a mischievous smirk.
"Well, I don't think we want to go outside. Neither of us is exactly built for this kind of weather Nick."
"Oh we're going outside, just not here." He said as he pulled a travelglobe out from behind him.
"As fun as that sounds Slick, I think you're forgetting something." She said as she gestured to her ears. The most prominent feature of her species, a species that doesn't exist outside of the north pole anymore.
"Oh I haven't forgotten anything, Carrots. Follow me." Nick took her back into his workshop and showed her an old book he had laying on his desk. "This is the journal of the last Santa. In here he talks about experimenting with dust created from carving the stone from the mountain. Apparently, with practice and patience, someone can use the magic to make a transformation. He was thinking of using it to lessen the work whenever the factory needed major modifications. I, however, think it has another potential." He said, picking up a bowl containing said dust that sparkled like glitter.
"And that potential is…?" She asked with a raised brow.
"Do you trust me?" Nick asked.
"Yeah, why?"
"Close your eyes."
"What are you going to do?" She asked cautiously.
"Just close your eyes rabbit and don't move." He said playfully.
With a final huff, Judy closed her eyes and crossed her arms. She heard Nick take a couple of steps around the room before she felt his presence next to her.
"Now hold still." He said softly.
She felt something sprinkle into her fur before his paw rested between her ears. A moment later she felt as though her whole body were tingling. Like when her foot would fall asleep. It started to become uncomfortable.
"Nick?" She pleaded.
"It's alright, a second longer."
Judy grit her teeth as the tingling continued. But as Nick said, it only lasted a second longer before finally fading. Judy's breathing had turned ragged from the overwhelming sensation and she slumped slightly before feeling Nick grab her shoulders to support her.
"You okay fluff?" Nick asked.
Judy nodded her head, feeling slightly dizzy, finally opening her eyes and feeling confused with the new view she had.
"Nick? Are you, shorter?"
Nick smiled at the question before guiding her to a mirror mounted on the wall. What she saw had her jaw dropping and her eyes widening in disbelief. The image looking back at her was not the grey rabbit she knew but a fox with grey fur.
"Nick, what…?"
"It's okay, I know it's a bit of a shock. But this way I can take you to Zootopia and show you what a real date is like."
"Am, am I…"
"No no no! I can change you back. If this is too much I can we don't have to do this."
"No, no it's okay. I mean, I always wanted to see what the outside world is like. It's just, going to take a little getting used to."
The two spent a few minutes letting Judy's equilibrium adapt to her new appearance. It was mostly comical, especially when she discovered her tail.
"Oh my gosh Nick! Look! I have a long tail!" She squealed, holding the long appendage to her chest.
After a few more minutes Judy felt confident enough to finally travel with Nick to Zootopia. They arrived on a rooftop in the downtown area. Somewhere Nick was familiar with. The first stop was to go clothes shopping and get Judy a new set of clothes. Not that her elf outfit didn't fit in with the current Grizzmas season, but they weren't exactly right for the concert they were going to attend. Nick had planned ahead and brought them to a shop that would have clothes that Judy would hopefully find to her taste. After shopping, they made their way to the concert. When Judy asked where Nick got the tickets from he simply replied.
"I know everyone."
The concert had a gazelle named… well Gazelle. Judy had never heard her music before but was quickly captivated by it. Jumping up and down in excitement in the silliest dance Nick had ever seen. She didn't seem to care as she hip bumped him to get him to join in. Afterwards, they went to a small dinner for a quick bite to eat before Nick took Judy to a nightclub called Savannah Heat. There the two spent time dancing and having fun together. And getting closer. When they started off they'd dance with a fair amount of distance between them. But Nick was slowly getting closer and closer, till he and Judy were basically joined at the hip as they moved to the beat.
At one point, it felt as though they were the only two there. The music melted into the background as they caught each other's eyes. Slowly, they both began to lean into the other till their lips touched.
Only to be bumped into by a hyena who wasn't paying much attention to those around her. The moment lost, Judy quickly excused herself to the ladies room, while Nick made his way to the bar.
Judy went into the restroom and went to the nearest mirror her size. She looked at the mirror and couldn't help but giggle at seeing her own goofy grin on that of the fox she currently was. She touched her lips where they'd touched Nick for just that split second and giggled again. She couldn't believe how fast her heart was beating or how her stomach felt as though it were full of butterflies. She decided she needed a moment to cool off and went into one of the stalls. Taking a seat, she heard the doors open and the voices that followed.
"Can you believe it?"
"Oh my gosh, I can't believe he's with her."
"For real! A red tod like that with that grey, it's pathetic."
"You said it. No way he's with her for real."
"And did you get a whiff of her scent? She smells like gum, like, when are you gonna grow up?"
"He seems kind of old though."
"Girl that's exactly what I need. A tod who's been around the block and knows how to give me what I want."
"Oh, you going to make a move?"
"You know it. That little grey huzzy doesn't know it but she's about to be single again."
Judy heard them laughing as they left, reminding her that this was, after all, just a practice date and her appearance was just a facade.
But why did it hurt so much?
At the bar. Nick picked an open seat and was about to wave a bartender down when one appeared in front of him. In the shape of a friendly, chubby cheetah.
"Spots?" He asked, surprised at the cheetah's sudden appearance.
"How're you doing, Santa?" He chuckled.
Nick smiled at seeing him here and couldn't help but ask why. "What are you doing here? Helping some lucky couple find their match?"
"Not exactly." He said with a mischievous smile.
"Not exactly? Then, what are you doing here?"
Ben only shook his head as he continued to smile. "I can only confirm." He stated.
"Can only…" Nick's brows knitted as he contemplated the chubby cheetah's words. They were tickling the back of his mind, a memory he struggled to bring back. It only got worse as he looked at the cheetah who was smiling at him like a fiend. A fiend whose smile melted away just before he felt a paw on his shoulder.
"Hey handsome." The strange female voice so close to his ear caused him to tense up. The feel of her paw on him had his skin crawling.
"Um, can I help you?" He asked, hoping to gently let her down.
"You sure can. Why don't you come to my place and make me yours." She was encouraged by his nervous chuckle.
"Uh, thanks but I'm afraid I'll have to pass."
"Well, in case you change your mind." She leaned in and whispered into his ear, telling him she'd wait outside. He smiled and watched her leave, feeling relief wash over him. Till he saw Judy out of the corner of his eye.
It took Judy a moment to gather herself enough to finally leave the restroom. She started walking towards the bar to look for Nick, only to stop in her tracks when she saw a red vixen leaning all over him. Movement past Nick caught her attention, drawing her sight to Ben. He smiled at her and she ticked her eyes back to Nick and then back to him. She felt both hope and fear as she continued to glance back and forth. The jealousy she felt when the vixen rubbed her paw across his shoulders and whispered something in Nick's ear was the final tipping point in the long overdue realization. She looked to Ben and silently mouthed the words.
I love Nick.
Ben's smile only widened before he nodded to confirm her feelings were true. She looked back in time to see Nick smiling at the vixen leaving his side. As soon as she saw him begin to turn towards her, Judy ran through the crowd and out of the nightclub. She didn't see the red vixen standing to the side, a wicked grin as she watched her leave.
Nick just caught sight of Judy as she vanished into the crowd, turning to look back at Ben for a second before chasing after her. He moved around the mammals who were still dancing as best he could, trying to catch sight of Judy but to no avail. He made his way towards the exit, the direction she'd ran, and felt his fur stand on end.
"Chasing after me so soon?" The vixen from earlier had somehow made her way to his side and was wrapping her arm around his.
Anger flashed in his eyes, a blood curdling snarl caused his lips to pull over his teeth as he snapped at her. Several of the other patrons standing nearby nearly jumped out of their fur and the vixen wisely backed away. Free, he quickly made it out of the exit and scanned the parking lot. No sign of her anywhere.
Worry began to build in his chest as he started to get frantic, adrenaline blinding his mind from thinking properly. He started walking back and forth in front of the exit, unsure of where she went. Eventually bumping into someone who yelled down at him to watch where he was going. Nick looked up to tell them off, but froze when he saw the candycane sticking out of their mouth.
Candycanes.
Grizzmas.
She smells like Grizzmas.
Nick gave a quick apology and stepped away, pointing his nose into the air and sniffing deeply. He concentrated on the scents of cinnamon in the air but quickly became confused. Cinnamon was everywhere, it wafted through the air from all directions. With it being the Grizzmas season it was one of the most common scents being used right now. Nick mentally kicked himself for forgetting that, for forgetting that everyone on the mountain smelled like cinnamon, but no one smelled like Judy. Nick took a calming breath and concentrated not on Grizzmas but on Judy. On the scent of lavender and fresh spring rain. Calmly, he paced around the entrance to the nightclub, taking deep breaths through his nose till he found what he was looking for.
There. Judy went this way. He followed the scent into the parking lot, to the darkest corner. Eventually the sound of sniffles and shaking breaths could be heard. As he rounded another vehicle, he finally caught sight of her, leaning against the wheel to a large mammal suv. Gently, he walked over and sat next to her. She had her knees pulled into her chest and her face hidden behind her arms. He nervously tapped the pavement with his claws, not sure why she ran or why she was so upset. Was it because of that vixen? Did she think he could possibly be interested in her? He needed to clear that up quickly.
"Judy, I-"
"I want to go home."
She cut him off, ending anything he'd tried to say. The two silently walked back to the rooftop they'd arrived on, where they hid their belongings. Nick pulled out the travelglobe and held his paw out towards Judy. He saw her hesitate for a second before reaching up to hold his shoulder instead, looking away from him. Nick closed his eyes and rolled the snowglobe in his paw, he swallowed the nerves that had built up in his throat on their walk back and told the globe where to take them.
"Home."
As soon as the whirlwinds died down, Nick felt Judy's paw leave his shoulder and just caught sight of her leaving his room. With a heavy sigh, he placed the globe back where it belonged and spent the rest of the night wondering what went wrong.
Seventeen days passed and not a word from Judy. He'd gone by her room, where she'd barricaded herself inside but she would never answer the door for him. Bonnie and Stu would stop by and let him know she said she was okay and would let them drop food off outside her door but she hardly ate anything when they came back to pick up what was left. Nick worried over her constantly, not even noticing his Grizzmas fluff hadn't grown in yet.
It was the day before Grizzmas Eve when Nick found himself in front of Judy's door once again. He knew his time was short and he needed to make everything as it was before he had to leave. He knocked on the door and waited. No answer.
"Judy, please answer me." Silence. "Fluff, I need to change you back. Tomorrow's Grizzmas Eve and I don't know if I'll… Please, just open the door." There was a moment of silence before he started to turn and walk away.
"I can't."
Nick's ears perked as he looked back at the door in surprise.
"You can't? Are you stuck, are you hurt?" He asked frantically.
"No, I… I can't let you in."
"Carrots, I have to turn you back before I'm gone. I can't leave you like this."
"Would it be so bad?" She barely whispered.
"What? I can't hear you." Nick called out.
"Nick, I… I'm not dressed."
"Uh, oh, okay, um, I can wait till you get dressed."
"No, you, you dumb fox! I don't have anything to wear. My clothes don't fit anymore and the ones…" She was about to say the ones he had given her, but it hurt too much. "The ones that fit are in the wash."
"Oh, oh okay, uh, hold on. I'll be right back."
Judy listened to his footsteps get further and further away. It was so embarrassing to stand there in only her fur, yelling through the door to him. It didn't help that Nick had done too good of a job in transforming her into a fox that she now had fox like instincts. Instincts that were telling her that it was now mating season. And with the tod she wanted on the other side of the door, her instincts were kicking into overdrive. It felt like an eternity until he came back.
"Carrots? Here, open the door and I'll pass it through."
"What is it?" She asked.
"One of my shirts and some shorts that you can tighten."
Judy opened the door just enough for his arm to pass through. She accepted the items and closed the door before putting them on. As she pulled the shirt over her head she immediately realized it was a mistake. It was heavy with his musk and her body began to ache for him. So much so, that she opened the door and let him in, without putting the shorts on. Without being used to these desires, she closed the door and felt her instincts take over.
When Judy opened the door, Nick went ahead and took it as his queue to enter. He stepped to the middle of the room and first noticed the small mess the place was in. Her bed wasn't made and she had several things scattered around the place instead of the normally tidy and orderly manner she was known for. When he heard the door close he turned to finally face her. Only to have Judy practically pounce on him, pushing him onto the bed.
"Oof, Judy, what are you-" He was cut off when she smashed her lips into his. He tried mumbling a response, but the attempt was weak as he slipped into the bliss of feeling her so close, achieving what he had wanted for so long. "Judy." He said breathlessly as she started nipping along his jawline and moved to his neck. The feeling of her sharp canines digging into his skin quickly broke him from his dreamlike state and he grabbed her shoulders and pushed her away.
"Judy, wait. I need to change you back before it's too late." He pleaded.
"No! Please..." She shouted, her voice shattering. "...let me stay like this. Let me stay with you." She begged with her eyes, pleading as tears started to fall, no longer being able to hold them back. "I love you Nick!"
It was such a surprise that Nick's grip loosened and she pressed past his arms, burying her face into his neck. Her breath hitched and Nick gently wrapped his arms around her.
"Please Nick, keep me like this."
He held her tighter, reaching up and rubbing her ears to help calm her down. He stayed like that with her for a while, just enjoying the feel of her body against his own. Eventually, he knew he had to finish what he came here for.
"Hey, look at me." Judy slowly lifted her head so they were looking into each other's eyes. It pained Nick to see her beautiful violets so bloodshot from crying. He took her face in his paws and gently stroked her cheeks with his thumbs before bringing her into a deep kiss.
Judy felt ecstatic, like lightning bolts were going off through her entire body. The first kiss had been great but this one was full of love and passion. So much so she felt her leg lift slightly all on its own. She peaked her eyes open and felt certain she saw the same amount of love in Nick's features as she felt in her own. His long pointed muzzle pressed tenderly against her own short-
Judy immediately pushed herself away and upright, looking down to see herself turned back into her former self.
"Why?! Why Nick, why?!" She begged for an answer. Nick looked up and smirked as he replied.
"Dumb bunny," he said gently, "how could I possibly love you as anything less than who you truly are."
She stared back in surprise, taking a moment for what he said to process. "You, you love me? For how long?"
"Almost a year." He said with a sigh.
"A year? A year I've been looking for someone else for you. Why didn't you say anything?"
"I was worried you would say yes because you thought it was some kind of duty or something." He said sheepishly.
Judy smiled, shaking her head before leaning down, bringing their muzzles mere breaths apart. "Dumb fox." Was all she said before pressing her lips to his. Pulling away after a moment and looking into his eyes. "You're probably right."
The two laughed together as they spent the rest of the night in each other's arms. The next morning Judy woke to find herself completely buried in Nick's extra Grizzmas fluff. She enjoyed the extra warmth until her mind finally kicked in and told her what that meant. Quickly sitting up from where she's been laying next to Nick, his paw resting on her stomach and his tail wrapped around her waist.
"Nick! Your Grizzmas fluff! It worked!" She exclaimed.
"Mmm." He moaned. "It itches." He said, scratching his side.
She laughed at his expense, burying her face back into his warm fur. Sighing contently as he wrapped his arms around her once again.
And so, Grizzmas was saved when two hearts became as one, and the North Pole became a warmer place.
Further away, in a cold and dark place
"Your heart has grown colder, my son." The old woman croaked. "What causes you such pain?"
"Lies and deceit." He said, barely above a whisper.
"What will ease your pain?" The old woman asked.
"Cold, enough cold to freeze the warmest heart in the world. The heart of Grizzmas itself."
"You shall have it, my son. My precious child of ice. My Jack."
A/N:
As you can see, there will be a third installment. And just like the third movie from this series it will include Jack Frost. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and that your New Year is a happy one so far.
I want to give special thanks to FirnenOne and TOGDoesStuff for proofreading and editing this story. The scene where Judy is begging Nick to keep her as a fox underwent major changes suggested by FirnenOne to really bring out the emotions and I think it works quite well.