Hallway Confessions
Silence followed the small group to the apartment. The only change from their last appearance was punctuated by Judy's inconsistent hiccups. Using his paw on the security scanner, Nick opened the door to their temporary abode, helping the inebriated rabbit through the door. Justin didn't enter, but quietly watched with a slight grin at Judy's incapacity; the way she drunkenly swayed was adorable. After a moment of watching the pair in the living room, he looked to Nick, nodded after eye contact was made, shut the door quietly and left. Once Justin had departed and the pair was completely alone, Nick turned on the "drunk" bunny as she made her way to the bathroom, her stumbling gait, as well as her hiccups, miraculously healed. Well, for the most part. "Alright Carrots, what was that all about? I know you weren't that drunk, and your lucky I'm that quick, or I might have ratted you out. What's up, Judy?"
Jumping atop the vanity, she began the nightly female ritual of make-up removal, thinking for a moment while she scrubbed around her eye. She simultaneously loved and hated that Nick knew her well enough to know she was hiding something. He made his way to the bathroom door, leaning his long torso against the door frame, not quite inside the room. His tail twitched the way it did when he was curious or irritated while his ears were perked and attentively trained on her, waiting. "George wanted us gone, so I used a bit of theatrics to help it along. Otherwise, he might still be apologizing." She stated, matter-of-factly, and with only a hint of her supposed drunkenness. "Besides, I am a bit tired." She continued cleaning her fur, lightly dabbing the opposite eye while Nick watched in the doorway. His expression told her he wasn't letting this go until he had a bit more information, and knew she could provide it. With an internal sigh, since she really was tired, she finished quickly so she could look at her partner, who was loosening his tie and removing his jacket while he waited on her. She turned off the running sink and dried her face with a fresh towel, sitting on the edge of the vanity. Her ears ran down her back while she crossed her legs to get a little more comfortable. She picked a spot near Nick to stare at, so she wouldn't have to look directly at him. "Nick, his body language told me something was wrong. Dreadfully wrong. We've been around him all day, enough for me to take note of his mannerisms."
"Mannerisms? I was there and noticed nothing unusual." Nick stated, but softly, leaning his head against the frame, thinking.
"It's a more sensitive trait for prey species, our counterpart to a predator's sense of smell. Part of our threat detection from bygone eras that helps us read others, a natural intuition that can be honed with good training. It's part of what makes me a good cop. It's also how I knew beyond your bluster that you were a good mammal, you just needed a helpful push." She grinned warmly at Nick, who had unbuttoned the chocolate brown vest while getting more comfortable, stuffing his paws into his pant's pockets, having hung his jacket a bit carelessly on the doorknob.
"Oh haha Carrots." Nick glanced away, concentrating on her words rather than the appealing pose she held. The cobalt fabric hugging her hips, visible even while she sat, demure and incredibly female. It was tougher than it looked.
Her grin changed from innocent to impish for a moment before continuing, her ears resting lazily down her back. "Justin said he was animated by being late this afternoon, though he appeared a bit hurried when we arrived in the garage after lunch and the seamstress, he seemed hardly animated. At least not in the way Justin meant it. But when he came back from the relaxing cigar, he was far from relaxed." Nick was thinking, but he didn't look convinced, so she continued making her point. "Think, his tail was straight back, not under his arm, taunt and angry, like someone had insulted him. His ears perked, not attentive, but ready and defensive. And his eyes were angry and fearful. And his method to get us to leave, was just this side of a full dismissal." She held up her paw, her fingers a small breadth apart. "He was a mess, at least from what we've seen of him and his demeanor."
Nick listened, breaking his concentration on her lovely leg lightly bouncing with her explanation, thinking through what he'd seen and what Judy said; she seemed to be correct thus far. He folded his arms while he thought, speaking quietly after a moment. "He did receive a message of some kind while we were smoking." He supplied. "I peeked at his screen, but could read nothing, it was all in their strange hybrid text. He had just finished a joke when he reached for his phone, and his attitude wasn't nearly as carefree after he read it." They were both silent for a short time. "What do you think, Fluff?" Nick looked at her as she looked to her knee, where she had placed both her small paws.
Judy thought for a moment, having removed her eyes from Nick's shoulders just as he looked at her, "I'd say something happened in his world, something significant. Whatever IT was, I think Justin is aware of it, and understands what it might mean. I caught a few chance looks at him off guard by something George had said or done a few times today. I think it's all connected, but I'm not sure how." Judy's gaze bored into her unoffending paws while she pondered, and Nick lounged quietly for a small bit, mimicking her silence.
"Do you have anything else to go on, or just these few hunches?" Nick looked to her quizzically, his voice very quiet in the still apartment, ears perked, searching. She didn't return his look, but her ears drooped around her head when she shook her head, adding to her overall tired look. "Look Carrots, I believe you. I agree that George was uncharacteristically rude when he shoved us out, but he might be tired or stressed about everything on his plate. I mean, hell, he's hiding a major celebrity and two minor celebrity cops under his umbrella. Not to mention his club and the Black Fangs. Just keeping up with you is enough to make me want to pull my fur out." His carefree smile returned when she chanced a quick peek at him. His wink made her roll her eyes, in spite of herself.
After a quick sigh, Judy shifted away from Nick, placing both her hind paws on the vanity. She pulled her thighs to her body, hugging her legs tightly to her chest as she stared at the wall. She felt small and tired. After a moment of introspection, she nodded to Nick. He might be right, besides he was great at reading people too. So she might be chasing fantasies. She did look a bit crestfallen.
Nick might not be the best at reading everyone, but he could tell when his favorite bunny needed a hug. As she stared away from him, brooding, he knew her iron will would never allow her to ask for a one, but she definitely needed it. Taking a quick and silent step inside the bathroom, he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her a bit off guard as he pushed his check to her head. They said nothing, her eyes shot open in surprise and delight while Nick's were closed. Judy sighed, releasing her built up anxiety, and returned the hug one armed, awkwardly since he was at her side. "Thanks Slick." She murmured. She felt him nod his head slightly in acknowledgment, his fur rubbing against hers. Nick released her when he felt certain she was calm and content, no more than a several heartbeats, retreating to the door frame but still within arms length of her.
After a few minutes of silence, she decided to change the subject and lighten the mood. Her voice was lighter, and airy as she spoke, with a trace of conspiracy. "Heather and I chatted, not about anything of consequence. But I got the impression she was a bit more in charge than George. Like she's running everything. She's smart, Nick. Too damn smart, I'd say. And cunning. I'd almost be willing to bet that she is Mr. Card, hiding behind George and Justin to keep up appearances." She looked at her fox while delivering this, gauging his reaction to the slanderous news, mischief an undertone of her innocent muzzle, her head still resting on her legs.
Nick mused this over for a moment, looking at the floor during his contemplation. "Maybe, but I don't know if it adds up. Most every move I've ever heard this group make, and most of them were months after, just the whispers of rumors, all the style and deliverance screamed male. Did she slip up or something?"
Nick looked at her to deliver his last question, emerald green eyes staring into violet orbs that widened for a moment, before Judy broke eye contact, lest she lose herself and her train of thought in those seemingly innocent, curious green eyes. Ridiculously attractive eyes. Her paws remained on her legs while she attempted to contemplate her conversation with Heather, staring a hole into the granite sink top. She couldn't easily explain why she felt like Heather was Mr. Card, she could feel green eyes washing over her. It could be true, and her time enforcing law had helped develop her intuition. It just was, and she wasn't about to let Nick get the better of her. Intent to say so, her stubborn side making her eyes cross in irritation at being questioned for the second time in as many minutes, her mouth opened to answer his query, she looked up, the ire building strength. Looking straight into the green eyes of Nick the fox, a lost look of contemplation on his muzzle as he studied what could only be her, not two feet from his black nose. The look on his muzzle made her forget everything she was about to say. Forget everything but his eyes, the hunger present again that she'd spied earlier that day when she first wore her dress. The almost naked desire there. She felt her ears begin to burn again, though from embarrassment or the start of lust, or a strange combination of both, she wasn't sure. Unable to help herself, she looked him over, starting at his shoulders, finally noting the stillness of his tail. No, not just his tail. His entire body. Like he was holding his breath. Like he was preparing to pounce on his prey. Her entire body went rigid with anticipation, waiting like a rabbit of old for the spotted predator to make the first move so her reaction could appropriately respond, her nose twitching ever so slightly, her eyes as wide as they could go. She barely managed to suppress the 'Eep' on her tongue. But only just.
Nick, realizing slowly that his scrutiny had made his rabbit uncomfortable, broke his weighty stare and looked at his paws, a slight scowl flashing over his brows at the fool he must have made of himself. His right paw involuntarily clamped over his long snout in embarrassment as he mentally berated himself. 'Shit Nick, stare a little harder next time! Maybe she won't notice the creepy old bastard looking at her like a piece of frozen meat! Sheesh man, get your shit together!' Not trusting himself to look at her after nearly making her heart stop, he kept his eyes closed and stated simply, "Hey, I'm kinda tired, let's pick this up in the morning. K' Fluff?" Not waiting for a reply, he rolled off the door frame to his room, still having the mental capacity to grab his suit top on his way by, leaving a slack jawed and stunned Judy staring after him, Nick having made about the only response she hadn't anticipated.
In seconds he slipped into his room and shut the door, berating himself for a full minute while leaning against the door. The mental chastisement continued while he changed cloths, taking care to hang the suit properly to avoid wrinkles. 'Yeah Nick like she loved that. Smooth move ya damn ass clumsy fox.' The scowl never faded from his muzzle, only making him feel worse as he pulled his Black Fang sweatpants on from earlier, pulling on a simple white t-shirt for a top. He sat on the bed, holding his head in his paws while letting the wave of foolishness wash over his worthless fox hide, hoping to be anywhere but where he was. He wasn't sure how long he sat before he heard footsteps and a door close lightly across the hallway. Glancing at his phone after a time, he read the digital display of 10:23 and decided it was time for bed.
He flicked off the light, pleased a dull glow lite across the room once the main light was out, giving him more than enough light to make it to his bed. Once there, he pulled the light micro fibered top cover over his body, rolling to his left side away from the door, attempting to get comfortable. He tossed and turned for some time, before finally resting on his back with his paws tucked behind his head, thinking. About all the details of a gray furred bunny that smelled more appealing than any vixen he'd ever encountered. About a pair of bright violet eyes looking up at him while holding a steaming cup of hot chocolate in the tundra district during one of their many outings. As friends. He stared blankly at the ceiling for even longer than he'd tossed and turned, random memories playing behind his eyes, before he heard the faintest tap at his door. Curiosity and a touch of fear covering his features while he got out of bed to answer the door.
Just outside the portal to his temporary fox den stood a gray bunny, similarly attired in gray sweats from earlier, with wide eyes and ears falling behind her slender back. She was wrapped in the blanket from the top of her bed, with her head cocked to the side, just a touch, not making eye contact. Like when she needed a favor and didn't want to ask.
Nick knelt down to look her in the eye, concern in his expression, but a slight grin on his muzzle. Playing it cool, like she showed up on his doorstep in the middle of the night all the time. No biggie. "Hey Carrots. What's up?" he asked quietly.
"He-hey slick! So you're still up too?" She asked, more quiet than was needed, the waves of nervousness flowing off her small body, as well as the small effect of alcohol. The earnestness she had in her eyes spoke volumes to the root of her night time intrusion. Strange place. Strange mammals, probably watching them now. No safety. Little trust. A little drunk. Strange developments between them, creating a small rift that hadn't existed since she apologized for the press conference during the night howlers. Since neither knew what all this might mean. "Well, I couldn't sleep." she concluded lamely, inspecting her paws, hiding behind her ears.
His grin shifting from knowing to reassuring, "Me either. I must be nervous about tomorrow, well, today's range time. Nervous I might embarrass myself in front of these bad ass Black Fang muscle heads." She snickered lightly at that, braving a quick look, one ear over her eye. "Maybe I'm nervous some dashing mammal might catch your eye, sweeping you off your paws, never to think of me or being a cop again." Nick held a tragic look of indignant hurt, pressing a paw theatrically to his forehead while he looked ready to faint at the thought.
This earned him a self-conscious giggle, followed by a protesting toned, "Niiiiiiick! You aren't making this any easier for me." This punctuated by a handful of giggles, a shy smile filling her muzzle.
Laughter in his eyes, Nick looks at his partner. "What's up Judy? It's not like you to have a hard time sleeping. Something I can help you with? You feeling okay?"" Honesty and concern in his tone, Nick glanced her over like the good friend he was, going so far as to feel her forehead for a fever.
"Niiick. Stop it. You make me feel like a helpless kitten when you do that." She let a touch of sass enter her response, partly fueled by her embarrassment and the small effect of alcohol. He removed his paw, but held his pose, on one knee regarding her, questions in his eyes, but unasked. She closed hers, letting lose a small quick sigh. "I can't sleep because I don't feel completely safe." Awkward pregnant pause between them. 'Damnit Judy, you're acting like a helpless kitten, no wonder he treated you like one. Just ask him. Stop being such a weak bunny.' Iron filling her spine, her eyes popped open and held his, with a glint off the metal in her resolve as she squared her shoulders. "Can I sleep in your room with you? I brought my own blanket." The slightest bit of pleading entered her eyes, her nose holding the twitch, but only by force. She held his eyes, her fate in his paws, ready for either response.
Nick's own eyes must have gone as wide as was possible, this question never being one he'd ever thought possible, never in his wildest dreams. He gulped before he could even think clearly. An almost disgustingly attractive female practically begging to come to his bed? One part of his brain smacked the other before he could even begin to form a response. He gulped again, audibly this time.
"Nick?" Judy asked in the tiniest voice, afraid he would turn her away, her eyes filling with tear starts.
Unable to even find his voice, Nick simply smiled deeper, rose and motion for her to enter his room. He found it when she was halfway to his bed. "Anything for you, Fluff." His smile in his words.
"Thanks Slick." She said as she climbed in, looking a bit like a Judy taco in her lighter colored blanket against the black spread.
Nick, wisely chose to remain silent, making his way to the other side of his over large bed. She stayed on top, wrapped in her own blanket while he was in his own. They laid for almost a minute in awkward silence, adjusting and finding a comfortable position.
"Hey Nick?" Judy finally whispered.
"Yeah Carrots?"
"Are you really nervous?" the touch of emotion in her voice was palpable.
After a slow in take of breath that was equally slowly released did Nick respond. "With you Fluff? No. Never. Only without you, Judy." His light tones held honesty and a bit of conviction.
Her silent response was her scooting closer until her butt touched his body. Nick put an arm over her, causing her to cuddle closer, gripping his arm with her paw, pulling it to her. The partners had found comfort in proximity since they both found elusive sleep in mere seconds together.