A/N: Hey, long time no updates, am I right?!
...I'll go back to my corner now.
Joking aside, sorry this took so long, I've been working on making this one just so.
As always, major thanks to GameBoy for his help, both with editing and whether or not I was dragging anything out, as I was close to becoming a bit long-winded with a few bits, I'm honestly happy with how this chapter turned out in all aspects but the time spent writing it, I'm still adjusting to the new job. xP
FoxITHH: Yeah... I've been saving that bit for a long time now... Merry Christmas! =D
BrutusDeagon: Oh snap, indeed.
Guest: Glad you're enjoying! Hope this one satisfies!
Admiral Cimar: Judy... might not learn the identity of said murderer before Nick rips him to shreds. Though to confirm anything one way or the other this early would spoil what's to come.
Hope you all enjoy a little more soul-bearing fluff before the scat hits the turbine!
(\_/)
(^o^)/
Agent Wilde 2: Mountains out of Molehills
Chapter 3: Sensitive Subjects
Judy woke to find herself alone, but unlike usual, it didn't carry the usual lonely feeling that accompanied an empty room, her muzzle was buried in a pillow, the scent it held giving her a comforting sensation she hadn't experienced in a very long time. She couldn't actually remember the last time she felt this at ease.
Oh yes you can. Righty commented, lazily flicking on the bed. The hotel... she added, suggestive tone on full-force.
"What...?" the doe replied, too comfortably groggy to put two and two together.
Sleep well? Lefty chimed in.
"Very." she replied, stretching a bit before nuzzling into the pillow once more with a contented sigh. "What time is it?"
She glanced over for her little pink alarm clock, instead she saw an unfamiliar bedside table holding a laptop and a very familiar looking card.
"..." the gears finally started turning as she registered the room, "Oh boy..."
Yep! Righty giggled.
You... may have had a little cuddle time, last night... Lefty stated.
Judy's eyes flashed open, ears snapping up, "...Define 'cuddle time', please?"
Unfortunately there was no heavy petting involved. Righty said with clear disappointment.
"You're telling me, that after he brought us back to his DEN, I slipped into his room-"
Yes. Lefty confirmed.
"And cuddled up to him, in HIS BED."
Yes! Righty all but screamed, suffice to say, she was ecstatic.
"...At least I didn't strip in front of him again." Judy mused as her ears turned a blazing red. "He must think I'm a creep." she added, dropping her head into her paws.
He didn't seem to have any objections last night. Righty said, suggestive once again. I think he liked it, actually.
"...Really?"
I'm gonna have to side with fuzz-for-brains, Lefty said, a bit hesitantly, He kind of... cradled us? I'm not sure exactly how to put it.
He was the big spoon! Righty squealed.
That... actually works as an analogy, in this case. Lefty confirmed.
The only response Judy could muster was a somewhat intrigued "...Huh."
Do I really need to reiterate on this? Lefty questioned in rhetoric. You two went through a life and death situation- nearly siding on the latter, and spent weeks recovering together... That's not a simple 'good friends' kind of experience. That's the hallmark of a lifelong relationship, one not easily broken. You've both shown more than once you're not afraid to put your lives on the line for each other.
"Fair point." Judy admitted, "So, what? You're suggesting we effectively jumped from 'Friends' to 'Honey-do'?"
For lack of a good metaphor? Lefty replied, Yes.
This didn't really shock the doe, considering everything she'd been through. They'd been through... maybe, for once, the right mammal was in her life. Maybe they could make this work in a more intimate setting.
Naturally, this was followed immediately by doubts.
"What if..." She began carefully, "What if he's not the 'settle for life' type?"
Foxes mate for life, genius. Righty stated with annoyance, Any more silly questions?
"Anatomy." Judy stated plainly, crossing her arms.
...Touche. Righty conceded, though playfully enough Judy knew there was more coming.
He left a laptop right there. We can always do some research. Righty said, Judy swore that if ears had eyebrows, they'd be waggling right now.
"I am NOT looking up any of THAT on his computer."
Ears turning an astounding shade of red, she pulled out her phone. "I can't believe I'm doing this..."
She unwittingly spent several hours studying up on fox anatomy, she was familiar with most aspects, as her previous training covered general physiology for quick take-downs on larger mammals, the rest of it, however...
"..."
Does that thing really?- Righty started in a flustered tone.
"Don't say it!" the doe quickly cut her off, she was certainly more aware, of a male fox's... equipment, but she wasn't exactly prepped to discuss any of it, even with herself.
She closed the laptop after scrubbing everything off the device relating to her investigation, and proceeded to take a very, very cold shower. Her nerves calmed significantly as she stood over the fur drier.
"I just can't believe it swells that much..." She mused. "That has to be painful."
For you, or him? Righty blurted out, clearly still quite heated.
"Don't start!"
I can't believe you watched that many- Lefty chimed in, only to be cut off in much the same fashion as Righty.
"Sweet cheese and crackers..." Judy whimpered, "Please, don't. Not right now."
...Dirty birdy. Lefty stated, causing the doe's eye to twitch. Was she a little ashamed that she may have watched a bit more study material than was likely necessary?
Yes. Yes she was.
Righty was disturbingly silent for a moment.
Two Vixens, One Knot. Righty finally said, before crumbling into laughter.
"ARGH!" Judy hollered in defeat, head hitting the wall. She hopped back into the shower.
Old beets, rotten lettuce... She thought, attempting to banish the images haunting her more animalistic side.
Tying knots. Righty interjected.
Judy just let out the same keening sound Nick had heard before leaving as she slowly slid onto the shower floor with a lengthy squeaking noise ending in a slight splat.
"You two are pure evil, you know that?" She growled at her ears.
Evil? Lefty began, Not at all, we're simply voicing what you refuse to.
She's right, and you know it. Righty added smugly.
Judy just lay under the cold spray for a while, pondering her most recent change of life.
With a long sigh, she simply stated, "I need to talk to him, if nothing else, he needs to know what he's doing with all those gestures."
She let out another sigh, though one filled with both content and longing.
"Those sweet... gentle... blood boiling gestures."
When she'd finally cooled off adequately, dressed and refreshed, she opened the laptop once more, this time to see if she could get any information on mammals that may have any loose links to the bureau or the force, hoping she may also come across potential perps for the wolf that made the threats to her family at the Burrows.
...She missed the window that had been left saved in the background, with some very suggestive content on full display, were anyone to check it.
She found several mammals that roughly fit the bill, but they were either deceased or serving life sentences.
"Well, that was a waste of time." the doe grumbled as the laptop closed with a click, setting it on the beside table she slid off the bed and made for the kitchenette, absentmindedly checking her phone, she was met with a message from Nick, she'd forgotten to take it off 'silent'.
N: Hey Fluff. Sorry I left before you got up, I'm assuming you're awake by now, make yourself at home, there's plenty of food in the fridge, cups are above the sink, plates next to the cups. I should be back soon, just taking care of a couple things with the Director.
Nick was in casual attire, leaning against the railing overlooking a large garden on the edges of Tundra Town, it was the only heated section of the city, made possible by a controlled feed coming off of Sahara Square, a veritable garden of eden in the frozen sector of Zootopia.
Bogo was accompanied by Wolfard, followed shortly after by Jack Savage and Skye Winter- the latter pair fresh off the boat, all of them dressed in garb that screamed 'Tourist'.
They approached the fox taking in the garden, as they did so Bogo continued his conversation with Wolfard, jargon relating to the stock market.
Savage and Winter were dressed in convincing faux-fur attire they'd picked up on their own case, they'd been overseas in Nova Ferocia for nearly a year, setting their cover in stone, as such they were more than fluent in the local dialect, and opted to speak it knowing their fellow agents were trained to understand and speak a wealth of languages.
"Как ты думаешь, почему он так быстро позвонил нам?"
"Why do you think he called us out here so soon?" Skye asked.
Jack shook his head slightly as he replied,
"Ничего хорошего, Уайльд не делает запросы, как это. Ваша догадка так же хороша, как моя."
"Nothing good, Wilde doesn't make requests like this. Your guess is as good as mine."
They were already exhausted and ready to take a much deserved vacation, they were unaware of what had transpired at the bureau in their absence, short of vague details.
The odd collection of mammals went about 'appreciating the garden' as the fox pulled out a phone, which had been triggered to ring via alarm. 'Answering' the phone, the mammals began their dance.
"I was beginning to think you'd never get back to me!" the fox chuckled at the non-existent mammal on the phone, the edge in his voice was clear, Jack's ears also picking up an erratic heartbeat from the fox. He was all but panicking.
All mammals present joined in, using key words as conversations tumbled over one another, what sounded like a mess to passerby was a controlled chaos that allowed for an exchange of critical information without the liability of code being transmitted via hardcopy, phone or open discussion.
"Can you believe that massive point drop this morning?" Bogo asked, Wolfard groaned in response,
"I'm honestly shocked that place hasn't tanked yet!" the wolf growled, "We nearly lost our entire investment on it!"
Jack's ears flicked at that statement, "Они не просто потеряли несколько файлов... они потеряли все."
"They didn't just lose a few files... they lost everything."
Skye gave a grim nod, "Они сказали нам, у нас есть моль, но они никогда не говорили ничего о том, как далеко, что на самом деле пошел."
"They told us we have a Mole, but they never said anything about just how far that actually went."
Nick's 'conversation' continued, "I'm counting on you to find a good babysitter for the kits, you know how dreadful it is for them to deal with that wolf howling all hours of the night. I don't want to hop on the first one we find."
Bogo nudged the wolf with a chuckle, "Guess we should start being more careful with how we pad our pockets, eh pal?"
Wolfard pulled out a pen and paper, scribbling down a few things before handing it to the buffalo.
Hopps.
Family threat.
Wolf.
Bogo scribbled his own before handing it back.
Security compromised more deeply than we thought.
Wilde and Hopps being followed.
Savage and Winter also at risk.
Wolfard tapped the pen on his muzzle as if in thought before jotting down another note.
Get Savage and Winter debriefed asap?
Bogo nodded as he put down one last note of his own, handing it to the wolf to be read and subsequently burned.
Order a discreet dispatch from the ZPD to watch that burrow.
Wolfard gave a bark of laughter, slapping the buffalo on the arm as the two began walking off toward the snow covered streets, "I think that may just work! We'll keep all of our assets covered, and we'll still have wiggle room to explore new ventures!"
Bogo gave an equally hardy laugh, "I thought you might like that! Now, let's go get ourselves something to warm the bones, eh?"
The last part wasn't really code, the buffalo just really wanted a drink at this point.
Savage and Winter lingered a bit longer, taking in the first bit of greenery they'd seen in the better part of a year in earnest, now the director made his exit.
"Ну, это было приятно видеть тебя, Ник."
"Well, it was good seeing you, Nick." Jack stated.
"Мы скоро догоним."
"We'll catch up in full soon." Skye added as the pair wandered off to find a good meal, and get some sleep, the vixen's tail curling over the buck's shoulder while his paw lovingly tangled with her own.
Nick ended his 'conversation' with "Love you too pumpkin! We'll be seeing each other again soon!" much to Jack's amusement.
pocketing his phone, he nearly jumped as it actually went off.
J: Thanks for the heads up, I can at least return the favor and make lunch, assuming you're on your way?
Smiling, he tapped out a quick response before setting off toward home.
N: I am, but I'm fairly sure that a certain overtired bunny is supposed to be taking it easy today.
J: I'm not going to drop dead making a salad, Slick. =3
N: If you insist... but I'll take my carrots on the side. =3
Too late did Nick realize his fatal mistake. Cursing the mammal that invented emojis and all manner of expressions via symbol, number and letter, he'd hit 'Less than' instead of 'Greater than'. He attempted to correct the suggestion before she got the wrong idea, but it was far, far too late.
J: Oh... will you, now?
"We're dead."
Yep. Tail agreed, drooping to the sidewalk.
the fox cringed at the sound of a message being received, what he saw, however, resulted in his head cocking to the side with a "Huh..."
His phone downloaded the photo, showing the doe in the same shirt he'd given her the previous night, lounging back on the edge of the counter next to a plate holding the greens of a salad base, she had a smirk a mile wide, and suggestions blazing in her half lidded eyes.
J: So... like this?
Nick had no response. His brain was fried.
Taxi? Tail suggested.
"Taxi."
That was probably a little much... Lefty stated.
"Oh please, he's just getting a little of his own medicine."
Yeah! Righty agreed, Just wait 'til we get our paws on him... he's gonna pay!
"Woah, woah... I'm just teasing him a bit, we're not doing anything yet."
Yeah! we-. We're not? Righty asked, crestfallen.
"No! We've been here a day! I'm not jumping the gun on this."
Fine, don't jump the gun, just his bo-
"Don't!"
...
"..."
...Knot.
"ARGH!" Judy's forehead met the counter on very unkind terms, she covered what she'd prepared thus far and hit the shower.
"You, are a terrible appendage."
Righty didn't respond, she was too busy laughing maniacally. She was going to trigger the doe one way or another, or it was never gonna happen. She just needed the right circumstances...
Nick made his way up the stairs to his penthouse, he'd have taken the elevator, but he was still blowing off steam.
...Think she's still by the plate? Tail inquired wistfully.
"Shush! I'm trying not to think about that right now." Nick was still quite flustered over the response, and stripping off his overcoat while waiting for the taxi out of Tundra Town had helped, but not much.
She's as good as a vixen in this scenario. Tail commented with a thoughtful tone, therefore, if she's putting the offer on the table, it's your solemn duty to accept.
"Okay, first off? Bad pun, I should know, I'm a master." Nick replied, adjusting his collar for emphasis, "Second; she's just messing with us, she's teasing, having fun."
She probably hasn't actually had a chance to, y'know, flirt before. Tail mused.
That statement struck Nick as being oddly profound, based on what she'd told him, she'd never had a relationship that didn't boil down to 'I'll kill you if it comes down to you or me'. Much less had any real connections outside family that she could ever put any stock in.
"She's just... stretching a bit, exploring an unknown." Nick stated with a chuckle that slowly drew down into a thoughtful frown, "Jeez. She really does have a lot in common with us, doesn't she?"
Sorry, I was still thinking about her 'exploring an unknown'. Tail responded with an overtly bubbly tone.
Nick let out a sigh, "I swear... you're like a kit in a candy store sometimes."
And you're not?
"..."
M-hm.
"Fair point, but moot nonetheless. We're not hopping into bed when she's only been here a day."
Ooooh, nice pun.
"Told ya." Nick said with a grin, "MASTER." he paused briefly before adding, "I just want to take my time with this... she's worth it. And I wan't her to be able to do the same."
Fine, I'll stop prodding, for now.
"Thank you."
...SALAD.
"Oh for **** sake..." the fox groaned, paw slapping into his forehead, "I hate you."
Tail just laughed, he had no intention of dropping this, or letting up on goading the fox, this was going to happen one way or another. He was going to make sure of that.
Judy had changed into her running kit, having made a trip to her apartment to pick up a few things, a few changes of clothes while she and Nick worked out exactly what they were going to do regarding her current housing, and his clear insistence of her moving out of 'the shoebox'.
She was putting the finishing touches on the light lunch she'd prepared, applying a sprinkling of romano cheese over the salads, just in time for her target to open the door to the hall.
Grinning slightly, she shifted the plates a bit, picking up a small dish she'd set aside, she hopped up to sit on the table, smaller dish in paw.
Nick gently closed the door behind him, hanging the overcoat on the hook by the door, he called out lightly, "You still sitting on the counter, Fluff?"
He turned, strolling toward the kitchenette as she coo'd out her response.
"Table, actually."
Nick stopped dead, sure enough she was seated on the edge of the table, next to a finished salad, he didn't quite register the item in her paw.
"Well, I think I found my appetite." he said, softly enough he didn't think she'd catch it.
She did.
"Good, I made it special." her voice was sultry and taunting, those amethyst eyes smoldering behind lashes that did nothing but accentuate every subtle nuance they held.
He'd noticed all these things before, but he was only now taking stock of them, and he didn't want to look away.
Judy, however, had other plans, and she wasn't nearly done teasing the tod. He had a bowl held under his nose... containing carrot slices.
Her heated gaze flicked like a switch to an amused grin as she handed him the bowl, and slipped off the table to take her seat. "Carrots on the side, right?"
Nick was momentarily dazed as he stared into the bowl, "Oh. Uh, yeah... r-right."
"You... didn't think I meant something else, did you?" she taunted, knowing full well what she herself had suggested not an hour before.
Right around my little claw... Welcome to the game, Slick.
Nick knew a hustle when he saw one, and she was playing hardball.
His passive smirk fell into place while he replied, "Of course not, Fluff. I was just lost in your eyes for a moment." he finished off the statement, taking a mouthful of the sliced carrots, muzzle first, "Must be in season, they're nice and sweet!" he mumbled through the mouthful, flashing his fangs after swallowing the bite, tongue flicking out to run over his canines with a satisfied cluck.
Judy's eyes were locked onto his teeth and tongue, he knew she'd been glancing with more than a little fascination at dinner last night, poorly masked at that. She had a fixation, and he was going to play on it.
She wasn't expecting him to actually eat the carrots, she was at a bit of a loss. Never one to back down, she went for a more passive angle, given the reaction in the hall the other day, she went for a shiver, commenting, "It's a little chilly in here, isn't it?"
Ooh! Tail exclaimed, flicking out to wrap around the doe seated next to them.
Don't you dare!
But-
You can wait a few minutes.
B-
No buts!
Judy didn't miss the involuntary flick, but was disappointed when his tail seemed to spasm and settle into his lap as he sat.
"a little warm, I think..." Nick said, glancing over, his face fell from smug victory to guilty when he saw the doe's face twist into the disappointed, longing stare that was quickly shifted away, toward the table.
Aw hell... he conceded, Go ahead, I can't be held responsible for her eyes looking that damn sad.
Tail obliged. Judy's mind quickly raced through the situation as the tod's tail wrapped around her, Nick budging his chair closer in the process.
What am I doing? she asked herself, eyes going to her feet as she started wringing her paws.
"Nick?"
The fox flinched at her tone, it had gone from taunting to reserved far too quickly. "I'm sorry, Judy."
Her eyes immediately locked onto the fox, why was he apologizing? She's the one that started this... today, anyway.
"For what?" she asked, wanting to follow up and reprimand him for it, she bit her tongue, however, and let him speak.
"I know I haven't exactly been easy on you with the uh... suggestions." he stated, running a paw over his ears, "I haven't exactly felt this comfortable with anyone since. Well, ever, really."
She could see he was being honest just by his body language. "I know what you mean, Nick. I wanted to talk to you about, y'know... things."
For all their external bravado, they were both very much awkward in this regard, neither had ever really been intimate with another mammal before, and once they were broaching realms beyond simple flirtation they were both extremely inexperienced.
Nick took the next step, "I know I can be a little unbearable sometimes, but I was raised to let the vixen, or uh... bunny, in this case, take the lead, males generally just. Err..." he cleared his throat, finishing the statement, "Entice. It's a fox thing, if that makes sense."
"Oh..."
Well, that explains the constant teasing. she mused, I guess the internet was right for once, it really is on the vixen for foxes...
So we really get to initiate? Righty asked with a bit too much excitement.
Don't you even start!
"I'm not really sure what to do myself, I didn't really get a chance to learn proper etiquette since mo-" the fox bit his tongue, literally, redirecting his choice of words, "Most mammals I grew up around weren't exactly up to speed on vulpine customs."
That was a hard redirect... Lefty stated, flicking at the sudden change in tone.
He really did lose his mother. Judy reluctantly remarked, And from the sound of it, far younger than he'd suggested when he detailed the start of his hustling stage.
This thought had Judy's ears slowly bending backward, he'd had to learn whatever he knew on his own, and based on his statement, it wasn't much in this regard, he'd probably picked up bits and pieces reading up on his own species, much like she'd done this morning, though hopefully without the informative videos.
"I just didn't want to rush anything, I guess." Nick said with a sigh.
"It's okay, Nick. I won't say I understand, and I won't push you to talk about why."
The fox brightened a bit at that, emphasized by his tail flicking in her lap.
"But..." she started carefully, "I hope you'll be willing to talk to me about it, when you're ready."
Well, she didn't miss the crappy cover-up. Nick thought.
No, but she sounds like she'll actually wait until we're ready to talk about mom and dad. Tail commented.
"That's all I could ask for, Fluff." he said, giving her one of those rare, genuine smiles... she was really starting to enjoy seeing them become more frequent, but there was still something behind his eyes, something ready to break. She desperately wanted to find out what, and fix it, but she was going to keep her word, this relationship- while still young, was something she could see blossoming into a wonderful thing. A sentiment she was sure beyond a shadow of a doubt her fox shared.
'Her fox'... She couldn't think of him any other way, circumstances be damned, there was something worth hanging onto in him, something she both understood and was completely mystified by.
"So..." Nick began, "Start with some food and cuddles?"
"I'd like that. I really would." Judy replied, features melting into that hauntingly warm smile.
Are we gonna tell her? Tail asked.
Once she's had a couple good nights... yeah, we'll tell her.
The two enjoyed the meal in their usual comfortable silence, Nick was surprised to find his salad was peppered throughout with small shrimp, and shocked when he saw the doe toss one of the ocean roaches into her mouth, biting into the pink object with a pop and a satisfied smile, then laughed at the embarrassed look on her face when she realized he was watching.
"It's fish! It doesn't count!" she'd stated defiantly.
"Don't worry, you're carnivorous secret is safe with me." he'd assured her, still laughing.
They'd since moved to the loveseat in the den, Judy having curled up with her head under the fox's muzzle, nose buried in his chest, paws kneading away at his fur. Tail wrapped up over her legs, he had one arm around her waist, the other propped up, claws running gently down her ears, something he knew she enjoyed, at least when done in a relaxing manner rather than a sensual motion. He wasn't sure what the chittering sound she was making was about, but he recognized the accompanying 'keen' from the night before as he watched her tail flicking rapidly enough it may as well have been vibrating. He had to admit, dull bunny claws felt astoundingly nice when she got them through his heavier coat.
They remained this way for quite some time, both knowing this was one of very few opportunities they'd have in the near future to rest and enjoy one-another.
Nick couldn't help but consider this most recent change to his life, and the relaxed smile it brought to his face.
Who'd have guessed I'd be laying here, holding a bunny... He thought.
You think mom would have liked her? Tail questioned.
Are you kidding? Nick countered incredulously. She could give any vixen a run for their money, hell, that's even assuming there's a vixen out there that could keep up with this crazy bundle of fuzz!
Bunny, fluffy, cute. Tail replied happily.
"Yes... yes she is." Nick breathed, barely audible even to himself.
As if on queu, Judy's claws clenched into his fur as she lifted her muzzle up, nuzzling into his own, the heated look was returning to her eyes as she pushed herself up a bit to look him in the eyes, but it was more controlled this time, more conscious... more focused.
They locked eyes as the doe adjusted herself, she brushed one cheek down one side of his muzzle, repeating the motion on the opposing side, this was one thing Nick's mother had explained to him when he'd asked why she always brushed her muzzle once before leaving the apartment. It was an extremely intimate motion, marking your mate was both a reassurance and an affirmation of intent for life... but to actively take a mark was a show of trust in that declaration, it was a more significant acceptance of that declaration than simply exchanging in turn.
His mother did it to remind herself of what was lost, and calm her frazzled nerves, it wasn't the same as the real thing, but it was one of very few ways widowed or widowing foxes managed to function after they lost their mate, the others just shut down, resigning themselves to a hollow, slow passing...
He wondered if the doe had any clue what she was saying with that otherwise innocuous action, though he didn't question it for long, her breathing grew shallow as her ears angled out, sideways, those half lidded violet orbs searching his emerald.
She slowly drew closer, tiny breaths washing over his whiskers, he closed the minimal distance. It wasn't what most would call a passionate kiss, or maybe even intimate. It was soft, slow, a little clumsy, but more than satisfying for the mammals involved. Breaking away, they gazed into one another's eyes for a few moments, Judy's breathing still shallow, Nick's steady, but betrayed by his heartrate, which Judy could both feel through his chest, and hear.
She closed the gap this time, causing the tod's ears to flick forward before taking a relaxed half-mast position, the arm around her waist had shifted to rest a paw at the small of her back, the other tenderly bracing the back of her head while her paws twisted into his fur.
She slowly tilted her head to one side, mimicking one of the few 'safer' videos she'd borne witness to that morning, tongue slowly dragging over his lips, so far as she'd found, it was 'an irresistible invitation, for a male.', sure enough, Nick involuntarily returned the motion, though with more care, given their size difference. Her own immediately found purchase on his canines, flicking over the sharp tips before mingling with the rougher texture of the vulpine appendage.
She'd been made aware of just how flexible a fox tongue could be, but she wasn't expecting the range of pressures, flatnesses and twists the muscle could perform from one moment to the next, it was something that quickly gained the same degree of fascination as those fangs, possibly more.
Just imagine what that wicked thing could do wi-Ooooh~ Righty's comment between light moans and pants was brought up short, Nick's paw having shifted to roll a claw at the base of each of the doe's ears. How does he know just where to scratch?!
I think the better question is; who cares? Judy countered, glad the initial thought wasn't finished in time. She was already well beyond heated... she needed to stop before she took this any further, at least for now.
You'll have plenty of time to explore, it's not like this is the last chance you'll ever get, Lefty gently chided, There'll be more... and he already stated he's not looking to jump the proverbial shark. she finished with a giggle. She'd never say it, but Lefty enjoyed the exchange every bit as much as they did.
She reluctantly broke away, drawing back, a razor thin line of saliva was all that was connecting their muzzles now, both mammals looking somewhat drunk as they watched the dim light coming through the mostly shut blackout shades dancing across emerald and violet.
They didn't know how long they stayed that way, nor did they care, hot air clashing between the two, neither seemingly able to catch their respective breath.
Nick had a dozen witty statements to fire off at that exact moment, every last one of them fell flat, resulting in a single, all-encompassing remark.
"...Woah..."
Judy giggled at the stunned expression the fox wore, both mammals regaining some composure, she opted to nuzzle back into his chest with a very contented sigh, tail going a mile a minute, a stark contrast to the steady swish of his own.
He curled around the doe once more, an eerily similar position to the one they were found in, bathed in each other's blood some months ago.
Judy couldn't help but ask a simple question she'd already been given the answer to, "Hey, Nick?"
"Hm?"
"Do you..." she paused, considering whether she should even say it.
Why are you even questioning it at this point? Lefty asked.
I don't know, I just need to hear it. She shot back.
Fair enough, then stop being a twit and do it already. Lefty stated with a more loving tone than scolding.
"Do you really want, y'know... this?"
Nick cocked his head to the side so he could see the doe's face as he responded, "Gonna need to be a little less vague, Fluff." he said with a chuckle, "That could be interpreted in a lot of ways..."
He knew full-well what she meant, but he wanted to hear her say it, and he was more than willing to goad her into it. They'd already made it quite clear, both before and after escaping from OhNo's complex, though they'd certainly admitted love for one another, they hadn't exactly stated that they wanted that love to last, or even go beyond that simple admission. "Do I want a roommate? Do I want a cuddle buddy?"
Judy's paws twisted in his fur a bit as he continued, "Do I want a crazy little grey bundle of fluff as a partner?"
She knew he wasn't going to stop dancing around it, so she finally looked him in they eye and asked, voice barely even a whisper;
"Do you really want me?"
The look in her eyes, somewhere between tears, hope, and a self doubt he couldn't believe she was still clinging to brought an immediate end to his string of teasing dodges. He raised his paws to cradle her face, one on each cheek, thumbs brushing over her short coat, one catching a single tear that managed to escape.
"You really are a dumb bunny, you know that?" He really couldn't believe she could manage to harbor any doubts whatsoever that he was dead set on having her in his life. If anything, he'd been questioning whether she'd really want the same... until today, that is.
Her ears slowly drew back, she was too focused on what he was saying to catch the the light sarcastic edge in the words.
Too much, pal. Tail stated, Answer the damn question before you break our bunny.
Nick agreed, tipping his nose down, slowly bringing his forehead to rest against the doe's, eyes screaming every bit of emotion he could possibly convey to the waiting bunny, breath caught in her chest, the horribly incorrect thought that she'd done or said something wrong writhing behind those terribly hypnotizing violet irises.
"Do I really want you?"
He dropped his own voice to a whisper;
"Yes, yes I do."
Dead set on eliminating any possibility of his answer falling short, he brought his muzzle back up to meet hers, it was slow and tender in contrast to the slight fervor from moments ago, it said one thing they both agreed on, desired more than either of them could ever say.
Don't you dare think I would ever want anything less.
Lefty, Righty and Tail all asked the same question in unison.
Happy?
Neither Nick nor Judy replied, they didn't need to. They were lost in the moment, refusing to let it end.
A/N MkII: So, not much to say that hasn't been said now. The time has come to begin introducing the players... Stay tuned!
Sincerely,
TOG.