A/N:

At last another chapter! As you can see, this story is not dead. I'm just that scattered. Progress is happening, but slowly. I want to write more often, but this is the busy season at work in addition to everything else. My usual thanks to the usual culprits—KT, Cimar, Oncenever, Blueberry, Damlone and sleep deprivation. On to the story.

Judy was in rare form as she started her day. She'd needed patience of a magnitude she hadn't dreamed possible, but it would all be worth it. Waiting four days for everyone's schedules to clear up had been torture. Skye had been the easiest. Her classes were morning-only. Celeste was a bit harder, but the moment she'd understood what was happening, she had forcibly cleared an entire afternoon and evening just for their "girls' shopping adventure". Alana was on board after she'd gotten a little Judy- teasing in. That left Ammy.

"I don't know, Judy." She evaded as the apartment door closed behind them.

"I need you there!" Judy pleaded. "You're family!"

Ammy was unimpressed. "Oh, is that the game you're playing?"

"Come on. Please? I'm so out of my depth. I need help!" Judy hung their coats and pursued her sister across the living space.

"You'll have help." Ammy retorted, then paused uncertainly. "Won't you?"

Judy sighed. "Yes and no…. Celeste, Skye and Alana will be there, but I'm not sure about it."

"Okay…. Hold up." Ammy plopped onto their couch. "You have three mammals going with you already. That's plenty of help."

Judy wrung her paws. "It's not the quantity that's the issue."

"That implies quality," the younger Hopps stated flatly.

"It implies uncertainty." That earned Judy a moment's pause from her sister.

Ammy grumbled as she flopped onto the couch. "I'll admit I'm curious. These mammals sound interesting and it'd be an opportunity for me to make sure you're not in over your ears."

Judy beamed. "Thank you!"

"But—" she continued with a raise finger—"you need to tell me what has you so unsure of them."

Judy sucked on her teeth as she tried to marshal her thoughts. "Honestly, they should be plenty and then some. Celeste is a fashionista in training, Skye is always put together, and they both know Nick very well."

"And this Alana character?" Ammy pressed.

"She isn't a character at all," Judy corrected. "You know her."

Ammy blinked in confusion. "No, I don't."

"Alana," Judy repeated. "Alana Mephit from Bunnyburrow Highschool. She was a year ahead of me."

She blinked again. "The…the albino skunk?"

Judy nodded. "The very same."

"That's…" Ammy shook her head to clear it. "A huge surprise, if I'm honest."

"Just wait until you see her in person," Judy baited her sister. "It's like she's a whole different mammal. Hells, she's close to a different species."

"Now that's just mean!" Ammy said in surprise.

"To you," Judy replied evenly. "It seems to be doing alright for her."

Judy watched as her sister chewed over the information she'd provided. It was clear she was curious beyond simple interest, and it was pretty obvious why. Aside from being a good sister and looking out for her, Ammy was also her mother's spy to a point. It would reassure the Hopps' at home if someone other than Judy vouched for the company she was keeping. There was no pleasure for her in the mercenary quality of her reasoning. It was simple fact and would be a fringe benefit to having her sister along. And if Ammy enjoyed herself—as Judy was certain she would—so much the better. Once Ammy was on board, all Judy could do was wait.

She hated waiting.

Judy attended her classes with all the patience of a kit on Christmas morning. When, at long last, the day of their excursion was upon them, she was up before dawn and refused to sit still until Ammy threatened to tie her ears to the refrigerator. At ten o'clock Judy and Ammy left their apartment to rendezvous with Alana at the Student Union.

Ammy was flabbergasted. She'd known the name "Alana Mephit" from home, but that seemed to refer to a distant relative to the skunk she met at the SU. Her plan had been to go with her sister partly out of familial concern and partly to satisfy her curiosity. Discovering that the shy, geeky little skunk she'd known back home had become a very different mammal left her feeling somewhat disconnected from reality. Then, the vixens arrived.

The ice was just broken with Alana, and Ammy was finally feeling her equilibrium, when a car horn sounded. Judy squealed and waved, pulling her attention away from her conversation. The car was an unimpressive forest green sedan, at least eight years old and somewhat the worse for wear. Classic college student vehicle. Probably a hand-me-down from a relative or a cheap Stag's List find. Ammy felt more in her depth by the moment. Then the door opened and reality started leaking again.

An arctic vixen slid out of the car with a liquid grace too smooth to be fake, and the younger Hopps doe went from intimidated to outclassed.

"Skye!" Judy practically launched herself at the fox.

Skye returned the hug enthusiastically. "If I didn't know you were always like this, I'd say you were nervous."

"I am," Judy admitted. "But it is good to see you."

Skye smirked. "It's only been a few days, Sugar Buns."

An amused, throatier voice wafted out of the vehicle, jarring Ammy out of her staring. "If you keep calling her that, Nicky might get jealous."

"If he cares, he can say so," Skye snarked right back. "Now, are you getting out to say hello like a civilized mammal?"

The passenger door opened. "I thought we were in a rush."

Judy snickered at the pair. "Celeste, get your fluffy butt out here and say hello."

"Don't blame me if it takes forever then. You know how I am." Celeste seemed in no rush at all from her languid tone.

Ammy had watched the exchange with a degree of bemusement until Celeste walked around the vehicle. "Holy mierde…"

The vixen stopped dead in her tracks. "The feeling is mutual, darling. Judy—" the older vixen purred— "you didn't tell me your little sister was so utterly adorable!"

Suddenly all eyes were on Ammy who was rendered speechless at the thought that such a dazzlingly stylish mammal would find her in any way comparable. It was utterly laughable. Except she was so flustered she could only gurgle an approximation of hello. She had a new appreciation for Judy's self-consciousness.

"She's just perfect!" Celeste, without allowing the doe's nervousness to stop her from moving around the doe in circles, began checking out Ammy's every curve. "And I'll barely have to make any adjustments!"

Judy and Alana exchanged confused glances, which devolved into giggles.

Skye merely rolled her eyes and reached out to grab her sister by the waistband of her painted-on jeans and reeled her away from the stunned and blushing bunny. "Celeste, you're scaring the newbie."

In response, the older vixen stuck out her tongue at her sister before rounding on Judy with a hugely eager smile. "That settles it. Judy, I need your help."

"Okay…?" Judy's hesitation didn't make Ammy feel any more certain of her circumstances.

"I had a model cancel on me for my show. Something about a presentation conflict with another class. I was already running lean because of midterms and now I'm begging." Celeste clasped her paws theatrically. "Please, I need you and your sister to help me."

"In what capacity?" Ammy finally found her voice.

"Runway models." Celeste beamed.

Ammy swallowed thickly as she heard her sister snicker. "This is perfect."

Alana chuckled. "Judy, I know that smile. What's going on?"

"Miss theater major here suffers from stage fright."

"Judy!" Ammy hissed.

"Oh, Amanda," Celeste cooed. "Do this show for me, and I'll teach you every trick I know."

The doe blinked in surprise. "You have stage fright too?"

Skye laughed and Celeste glared at her before replying, "Not personally, no. However, I'm used to coaching models before a show, so I know how to teach the techniques."

"Celeste." Skye snickered. "Stage fright. Hah!"

"Yes. Thank you, Skye," Celeste replied coolly before returning her attention to Ammy. "What do you say? Everything I know on stage fright and confidence in exchange for walking around in a couple outfits?"

Ammy shuffled her feet, but got no further than "Um…"

"Please?" Celeste pressed warmly. "I'll be as hands on as you like."

Ammy blinked at the double entendre. Celeste's wink left her even more off kilter. Against her initial judgement, she found herself liking the vixen. At first glance Celeste was everything Ammy envied. In her experience, that usually came with an obnoxiously repellent attitude, but the vixen had surprised the doe. She was warm and welcoming. There was no expectation in her expression or unpleasantness in her composure—just a sense of radiant welcome.

Ammy felt her paw drawn forward without conscious thought. "Deal."

Celeste took the offered paw and shook. "Oh, Miss Hopps. I'm going to enjoy this."

Ammy smiled nervously as she tried to suppress the electric thrill she felt as her paw met the fox's. "So will I."

As she padded through the expansive mall hallways, Judy's patience was wearing thin. They'd been all over the mall. She had new fur conditioner and shampoo with a set of side products and samples that would add everything from body to shimmer. Accessories, shoes, and makeup were all checked off before lunch. On occasion being an artist worked out in her favor. She knew her colors.

That hadn't stopped Skye and Alana from helping her choose her pallets. There were half a dozen sitting in a bag. Three of which Judy was sure she'd never use.

They'd grabbed a nibble at the food court, but Judy hadn't eaten much. Her nerves and the excitement had blunted her appetite. That had only worsened after they'd finished their meal and moved on to dress shopping. An hour had vanished into deciding on a shop and another two hours had gone into choosing a dress. It had been a nerve-wracking ordeal, taken ages, and frustrated her to death, but was ultimately worth the effort.

She had her dress.

Her bank account was a good bit leaner, but all the purchases were well worth the price as far as she was concerned. She had everything she needed right down to her perfume. The only thing she didn't have was lingerie.

It wasn't a necessity, per se, but it felt right. Judy had a decent stock of unmentionables, as her mother would call them—some for daily wear, working out, special occasions. This time, she wanted something special. It was going to be a pivotal evening for her, regardless of how it ended. She knew what she wanted, of course, but wanting and getting are very different things. Judy also knew that rushing in—while it was her nature—wasn't always wise. That didn't stop her from wanting to be prepared just in case.

Alana, Skye, Celeste, and Ammy had taken that desire of hers as license to drag her to every shop, store, and boutique that sold lady's undergarments in the mall. Her feet were killing her and she was not looking forward to backtracking to the locker she'd rented to hold her bags while she shopped. It was on the other side of the mall and quite a walk from the car as well.

There were only two more shops left, and Judy was trying very hard not to be too nervous. She'd seen the full range from the simplest of work-a-day undergarments to the secrets Victoria no longer had and had found nothing. At least, not for her date. She'd picked up a few bras, workout bras, and a selection of panties, but nothing truly occasion-worthy. Nick's advice about mindset and intent kept rattling around in her head, so she felt extra motivated to find something good. On that account, she was not taking any chances. She wanted the perfect battle armor.

They rounded the corner and Celeste gestured grandly at their second to last stop. "Here we are, Ju-Ju. My favorite boutique!"

Judy looked at her skeptically. "If it's your favorite why are we only getting to it now?"

"I like to save the best for last," the vixen countered.

"Second to last," Skye commented. "And why am I only learning about this place now?"

Celeste winked mischievously at her sister. "A girl's gotta have a few secrets. This is one of mine."

The boutique itself was typical of the sort, Judy noted as her companions scattered to peruse. Lots of almost-nothings done in lace and silk dangled on hangers and pegs. A few mannequins stood in the window, contorted in what "sexy" poses could be managed with them. It all blended together after a few minutes. The one thing that set the place apart was the large sectioned-off area towards the middle of the store. A large, thick curtain hung around the inside of a railing, which isolated roughly a quarter of the sales floor.

Celeste must have sensed Judy's curiosity, because the vixen slipped up behind her and murmured, "That's what makes this place special."

"Is that for a theatrical performance?" Judy asked with a nervous laugh.

The vixen chuckled. "No. That's the Exclusives area. Special imports and prototype designs. The owner likes doing favors for her friends."

Judy lifted an eyebrow skeptically. "And you know this how?"

The vixen smiled and patted her arm. "I'm a friend."

Before Judy could respond, a high-pitched warbling voice cut through the conversation and background jazz. "Celeste! It's about time, darling."

Judy watched the vixen compose her features into a cold mask before she addressed the newcomer.

"Talia."

Judy blinked at Celeste. This was not how "friends" greeted each other to her knowledge. To Judy's relief and bewilderment, the mask didn't last long—a smirk, then a smile crept onto Celeste's face. Less than a half-minute later she burst into laughter. "I can't ever do it! Why can't I stay serious with you around?"

"It's the aura, darling." The voice was pure self-satisfied amusement. "It's irresistible."

A quietly dressed marmot stepped around the counter and into view. Her garb could only be described as bland—subtle patterns and subdued colors from the simply cut slacks to the nearly-shapeless blouse—were what she wore. It wasn't lacking in taste, or refinement; it was just unimpressive. It also didn't matter. The sheer joyfulness radiating from the petite mammal was overwhelming. Judy couldn't help but grin.

Celeste rushed forward into an enthusiastic hug. "It has been too long, Talia. How are you?"

"Fabulous, as always," the marmot cheeked. "I see you have friends with you today."

"Friends and conspirators," Celeste corrected with a rakish smile.

Judy was instantly on edge.

Talia was instantly focused. "Oh? Someone is off a-hunting?"

"It's more pouncing than the stalk, Tal." Celeste turned to face Judy knowingly.

"I'm not pouncing on anyone," Judy corrected. "I have a chance to make a good impression."

"I think you've got that covered," Skye snarked as she walked by with an armload of silk, headed for the dressing rooms.

"I'm a bit confused, darling," Talia commented to Celeste. "Is this a date, or no?"

"It is a date, but we aren't dating." Judy flushed. "Not yet."

"Ah! The fabled trial date then?" The marmot smiled knowingly.

"It's no trial." Alana commented in passing. "They're both interested. They're just odd."

"I'm not odd!" Judy giggled.

"You and your prospective boyfriend are both odd and you know it," Celeste stated.

"I must know—" Talia interjected—"who is this male that is so well known to so many lovely females?"

Celeste chuckled and planted a paw on her hip. "It's Nicky."

"The fox!" Talia hopped around clapping excitedly. "When are you going to introduce me, darling? I've been begging."

The vixen held up her paws. "I can't make promises, Tal. Maybe Judy can put in a good word for you."

"I have a mission!" Talia crowed.

Judy edged away from the petite rodent, but didn't escape. Dainty paws clamped onto Judy's and she was firmly guided towards the curtained section of the store. Celeste's parting words of "Be gentle, Talia! We want her back in one piece," did nothing to ease her mind. To Judy's surprise, she was led around the curtained section to the only split in the curtain, facing the back of the store. It was a small relief to the rabbit. If it did come to a fashion show, she'd be facing the back of the store, not the main promenade of the mall.

Once inside, Judy was released. It concerned her how used to being dragged around she was getting.

"Now, then…" Talia rubbed her paws together. "Where to begin?"

"By dropping the comic book villain routine?" Judy asked with a smirk.

"Huh?" Talia went still.

"I swear what you just said came from a comic book—the paw rubbing, the phrasing." Judy glanced around absently as she spoke. "Did you read a lot of them when you were young?"

"I…did," Talia replied reluctantly, seeming to fold in on herself.

Judy's ears dropped. "I'm sorry. I meant no offense."

"None taken. I just…" She fidgeted with her paws. "When I get enthusiastic, I sort of revert."

Judy shook her head. "Revert? What do you mean?"

"To old habits." Talia shrugged and smiled weakly. "Lingerie shop attendant and comic book geek don't tend to mix as far as the usual clientele are concerned."

Judy cocked her head. "I don't see why not."

"Well, you'd be the exception then." Talia shook herself and grinned. "Now, lets get your sorted out. You've got a date to impress."

"What's with this section anyway?" Judy asked, grateful for the change in topic.

"This is where we display the more unique items we get in. Some are imported, others are from fashion schools or designers trying to establish themselves. And others…" Talia held up a hanger and Judy felt her face heat up. "Are for the adventurous."

The garment—if that word applied—was as much metal as cloth and looked more like armor, if a bikini designed by a surrealist painter could qualify.

Judy shook her head vigorously and squeaked, "Pass!"

"I figured," Talia commented as she returned the hanger to the rack. "Not exactly date material, is it?"

"Nope!" Judy squeaked.

"More 'rekindling the marriage', I'd say." Talia wiggled her eyebrows.

Judy snorted and laughed into her paws. She was enjoying the company of the eccentric marmot and that feeling only increased as time passed. The pair of them swapped snarky comments and one-liners as they worked their way through the special stock. Ensembles were tried on, critiqued and discarded. Judy even tried on one of the more eccentric fetish pieces and they shared a good laugh. However, after half an hour they were no closer to what Judy was looking for. They'd gotten close, but no ensemble was ever quite right.

Talia scratched behind an ear. "I don't get it."

"Sorry."

"Oh, not you, darling." The marmot was quick to assure her. "There's nothing wrong with you. I think we may be trying a little too hard…"

Judy slipped on the bathrobe she'd been given. "What do you mean?"

"Well…" Talia shrugged. "No offense but you seem like a traditional type of doe. Even the stuff you've tried on that looked great on you didn't work. I think that's because you were uncomfortable."

Judy sighed. "I can't really deny that."

"And that's the thing about these sorts of clothes." Talia gestured to the racks and displays. "They can look fantastic, but if you're uncomfortable it'll show and ruin the effect. If you're in your element, anything can go from nice to jaw-dropping."

"That makes sense, I guess." Judy shrugged. "What do we do?"

"We start with what you like and the push your comfort level just a bit. That way, you're in something special and know it, but still are comfortable enough to wear it spectacularly." Talia scratched her chin absently. "What did you choose to wear for the date?"

"A strapless A-line dress and pantyhose." Judy paused and turned to face her helper. "Wait. Why did I try on half the section before you asked that?"

"For fun." Talia smiled sweetly. "Half the satisfaction of this job is seeing the customers trying on new things. It's always such a treat seeing mammals explore themselves!"

"Alright, alright." Judy wanted to be annoyed, but couldn't help giggling. "So, what's your serious recommendation?"

Talia marched to a dark lacquered chest, unlocked it and rifled through it. "With that dress? First, skip the hose, darling. We've got something better. And this…" She held up a box. "Will work just fine, I think."

Judy rolled the tension out of her shoulders. The grin on Talia's face was a little too keen. "I'm game. Let's give it a try."

Talia pressed the box into Judy's paws and quickly grabbed another two small ones. "There. I'll get the girls for the big reveal. Remember, panties last."

"What did you give me?"

"A fighting chance, I think." The marmot winked and vanished through the curtain.

Judy wriggled into the contents of the box with only a little trouble. Some parts were a little confusing, but Talia returned a few minutes after she left and helped her.

With a few minor adjustments, Talia stepped back and smiled. "Perfect."

Judy smiled back and turned to take a look in the mirror, but Talia stopped her.

"Not yet," the marmot cautioned her. "Let's get the other's reactions before you take a look."

"Isn't my opinion the one that matters?" Judy responded curiously.

"Without question," Talia replied with a grin, "but self-image is a tricky thing. We rarely believe good things about ourselves, so I think you deserve a little image boost before you look."

Judy shifted uncertainly on her feet. "I didn't think I needed one…"

"You tried on a dozen sets of lingerie that didn't work. That can be a blow to the self-esteem, even if its subconscious." Talia gripped Judy's paws encouragingly. "I want you to see exactly how good you look in that, so please trust me. Your word is final, but I think you'll want to see their faces before you see for yourself."

Judy nodded dubiously and faced the moving panel in the curtain.

Talia trotted to the seam and cleared her throat. "Presenting Judy Hopps!"

"We know, Tal! You're killing us here!" Celeste's voice killed the rest of Talia's speech.

The marmot's grin only deepened. She glanced at Judy wiggled her eyebrows. Judy rolled her eyes, stuck a fist on her hips and waved a paw at the curtain. Talia mouthed "just like that" and swept the curtain aside.

Judy expected a bit of good-natured ribbing, but was greeted with silence. Ammy dropped the bag she was holding. Skye went slack-jawed mid-clap. Alana grinned and started bouncing in place. Celeste just stared. Judy stood patiently as her shopping companions goggled, trying very hard not to laugh.

Celeste finally broke the silence by releasing a long, low whistle. "Dead todd walking…"

"You think so?" Judy asked coyly.

"With that attitude, he won't die—he'll melt," Alana pitched in.

Skye huffed a laugh. "Try vaporize."

Ammy whispered, "Holy haystacks, Jude…"

"I presume this works?" Judy took a few steps in a faux-model's strut and turned.

"Absolutely," Celeste barked immediately.

Alana shrugged. "I can't speak for Nick, but it works for me."

"It works for me, and I'm not into girls." Skye shifted uncomfortably before adding, "I think."

The other girls laughed before dissolving into chatter and excited giggles. Talia, who had been silent through the whole exchange, cleared her throat. Judy turned to face her and the mirror she was standing beside. With deft paws, Talia shifted the reflective plane to face her and Judy felt her ears heat.

She barely recognized herself. Everything was not-her, but she wore it well. Judy had to give credit to Talia for her expertise. Every piece of what she wore was just a bit beyond what she normally wore, so it felt different, but not uncomfortable.

Stockings were nothing challenging. Judy wore leggings and hose often enough, but thigh-highs and a garter belt was new in her experience. The panties were cut higher on the hips than she was used to, and made her legs look extra-long. They also accented flat stomach she worked so hard to maintain and the obvious curve of her hips. Normally, Judy wasn't a fan of that. She was gifted in that area so she didn't like the extra attention being drawn to it very much. In this case it worked to her advantage. From the waist down she was all dangerous curves and interplaying greys and blacks.

The strapless bra rested on her ribs in a way that felt familiar yet alien to her. It hugged and supported in the way all brassieres were supposed to—an easy task, Judy lamented briefly. Judy wasn't the bustiest of the Hopps clan. Bras weren't a challenge for her, unlike some of her sisters and aunts. However, the strapless number she wore made very good use of what she had. The lavender and peach accents only amplified what was there. There was also a strange sense of freedom that came from not having straps that made her feel saucy.

Her hips and shoulders cocked unconsciously and she giggled through her grin. Between the faint ribbing and matte black silk that comprised the outfit, it was just too good. Judy couldn't help but draw parallels. She actually looked like she was armed for battle.

It was time for a fox hunt…