Hey guys I'm not dead! Yay! I have an excuse this time but I'm not going to talk about it until the next AN at the bottom. Any way it's been long enough and I don't want to make you wait any longer. I hope you enjoy chapter five of To Stand Together of Not at All!

Chapter 5

Dinner with a Twist

The pair were still driving down the icy roads. They had been quiet for quite some time as Judy mulled over what Mr. Big had told them.

"What do you think caused these silent hand guys to start smuggling stuff out of people's homes without them even knowing it?"

"Can we not talk about this until tomorrow? We're off the clock and I would like to enjoy dinner and have a good time with you."

"Fine, I'm going to hold you to that; we talk first thing in the morning."

"It's a deal then."

"You say you've met the owner of Weazer's, how?"

"I've told you Carrots, I know everybody, and Finnick and I took a couple of cooking lessons from him."

"So he's one of your hustling buddies?"

"No, he did teach me to hustle better though."

"How's that?" She asked with a slight nervousness in her voice.

Nick noticed this right away and grinned. "Oh you'll see." His plan worked, he could see it only made her more nervous. He could even see her nose twitch a couple of times.

After a few more minutes of driving they were approaching the brightly lit sigh in the shape of a plate of chicken wings. On the upper rim if the plate it said in big orange letters: 'Weazer's Wings,' and in much smaller yellow letters underneath on the bottom rim: 'and Things'.

They pulled in to the parking lot to find a spot, which wasn't hard because it was empty because of the hour of the night it was. The building wasn't amazing but it definitely wasn't normal. It was modeled to look like a log cabin. In fact it probably was a bar or something along slimmer lines at some point.

"You know Nick, I think I've actually have herd of this place. Didn't it win top restaurant in Zootopia?" She asked, not trying to act too nervous after Nick's last jests.

"Let me guess; Clawhauser told you about it? And yes it did win that award, along with many others."

"Yep, he says the food here is some of the best he's ever had. He actually offered to bring me here during my first few weeks at work, but I declined because of all the stuff that was going on with the Night Howler case."

She pulled into a parking spot and shut the engine off. Judy pulled the keys out of the ignition and pocketed them. They were both quiet for a second as they sat. Judy was still sore about the whole savage predator ordeal, mostly because she still blamed herself for most of it. Nick noticed this right away.

"I know what you're thinking Carrots, so stop thinking it. It wasn't your fault, and even if it was, you fixed your mistakes. No one holds it against you." He put a reassuring paw on her shoulder and gave her a gentle squeeze.

She grabbed his paw in hers and rested her cheek on it, squeezing back. "I know Nick, but it still bothers me sometimes."

"I know, but please try to forgive yourself. I can't bear to see you tear yourself apart."

This wasn't the first time he'd had to comfort her like this, nor was it the worst. It was the same day they solved her first case. She had nowhere to go for the night and with fresh stitches Nick couldn't let her stay in a motel. So he had offered to let her stay with him.

One and a half years ago

Nick and Judy were walking down one of the many streets in the Rainforest District. Both of them were huddled together because Judy had started shivering. They were approaching the rundown apartment building that Nick sometimes called home. It was an older building, made to look like one of the enormous trees that surrounded them.

Instead of going in the front doors, they made their way around the right side of the building. Once there they descended down a stair case that had been cut in to the concrete. They stopped in front of the darkly colored door.

This was the first time Nick had ever brought anyone here. He always tried to keep it a secret so he had some where to hang low if he was ever in trouble. He was also worried that Judy would be offended by how poor his living conditions were. In all; he was scared, scared to make himself vulnerable, scared of what Judy would think.

Okay Wilde it's not so hard, just open the door and make her comfortable. Look at her. He glanced down at her by his side. Her ears were down, her clothes were soaked and she was shivering so hard he could hear her teeth chattering. Suck it up, she needs you.

Nick took a deep breath, his heart was pounding in his chest. As he reached up and unlocked the door and turned the knob and pushed inward. "Come on Carrots, let's get you dry." All she could do was nod her head.

As far as hard days went, this was one of the hardest Judy had ever had. It even made the academy seem easy. First the all day and all night drive back to the city. Than her apology to Nick, not to mention all the hours she spent looking for him before that. Than the crazy fiasco of an afternoon she had: Weaselton's interrogation, the train crash, the natural history museum. Next was her statement to the ZPD about what happened. Than after all that, she finely got to go to the hospital to get her leg stitched up.

The inside of the apartment was about the same size as Judy's old one, only square. It was dark and humid, but it was warm. There was a two person couch, just big enough to lie down on sitting in the middle of the room. A very small box style TV in front of it. In the corner there was a bed nestled behind the couch with a little walkway in between. The ceiling was made up of mostly pipes and wire conduit and was very low.

"I'm going to sit you on the couch. Then I'm going to get you a towel and try to find something for you to wear."

"Thank you, Nick." She said it with so little energy in her voice.

"No problem Carrots."

They made their way to the couch and Nick helped Judy sit down. Just being able to sit in a warm room was already making her feel better. Nick went to his clothes rack, which was just a pipe. He found a clean towel but nothing that would fit Judy. All he had was khaki pants and pawaiian shirts. He sighed and took down a shirt that was identical to the one he was wearing. She's going to think this is so stupid.

"I'm sorry Carrots but this is all I've got that's clean and dry." He said as he handed her the towel and the shirt.

"It's fine Nick, I really don't mind."

Judy was so tired that she didn't really realize that she was starting to get changed into the shirt, until Nick whipped around so fast that his tail nearly hit her in the face. She was stunned for a second realizing what she had just done. "I-I'm so sorry Nick, I shouldn't have done that. I'm just so tired and I had a hard day, I just wasn't thinking."

Nick was blushing so much that if she could have seen him it would have been visible. "No Judy, I'm sorry, I'll just go out for a second while you get dried off and changed."

"You don't have to go back out into the rain. Just stay turned around."

This was getting worse and worse by the second. "I really don't mind, I mean as long as you don't take forever getting changed I really don't mind going out."

While Nick was rambling Judy had slipped out of her clothes and dried off and already had the new shirt on. You don't have 275 brothers and sisters and don't learn how to get dressed fast.

"Nick you can turn around, I'm done."

Nick cautiously looked over his shoulder and heaved a sigh of relief when he saw Judy with the shirt on. "There's a washer and dryer upstairs, do you want me to take your stuff?" He gestured to her small pile of clothes.

She was reluctant but nodded. He gathered up her sopping wet clothes and went over to the door. "Make yourself comfortable. You're sleeping on the bed, I'll take the couch." She was too tired to protest, even though she wanted to.

As Nick walked in the front doors to the main building he thought of the crazy day he had. He never imagined something like this happening to him again. But trouble seemed to be attracted to Judy.

He turned right and went into the shared laundry room. It wasn't anything special, just four washers and four dryers all lined up together. He stopped at the first one and started throwing Judy's stuff in. He checked her pockets and found her wallet and a key ring with a carrot keychain on it. Than he noticed her carrot print underwear. He chuckled to himself; he would have to remember to tease her about it later.

Wait! If these are here than… All of a sudden Nick was feeling light headed again. Judy was down in his apartment with nothing but his shirt on. Nick threw the rest of Judy's clothes in the washer and payed for the cycle then left.

He was panicking on the inside at this point. Okay, calm down. Maybe she'll be asleep when I get back and I won't have to deal with it. The idea of going back to his bridge was becoming more and more appealing. No! This is Judy I'm talking about; I can't abandon her when she needs me. Whatever happens I'll be there for her, that's all I can do as her friend. I need to trust her like she trusts me.

Steeling his resolve, Nick headed back out to his apartment. For the second time that night, Nick found himself standing outside his own door; afraid to go in. He took a deep breath, than another. Let's do this thing! He turned the knob and pushed the door open. He was ready for anything on the outside but on the inside he couldn't handle even the simplest of tasks.

Judy watched as Nick left with her clothes. He was probably going to tease her about her underwear. At the moment she was too tired to care, she just hoped he would wait until tomorrow to tease.

Nick had been so helpful to her today, he accepted her apology, and he would not leave her behind in the natural history museum. Even after everything she had done to predators and to him he was still there for her.

I don't deserve it. Nick offered me his home as refuge; his bed to sleep in and his own clothes to wear! "I don't deserve it" She whispered. She could feel tears starting to well up in her eyes.

She was a burden, and she caused so much pain, so much fighting, so much hate. Just that thought had the tears streaming down her face. She deserved to suffer for what she had said and done. Even after Nick had reassured her that he had forgiven her, and he still wanted to be her friend.

Could he have been saying that because I was being a dumb bunny? Just to make me stop crying? She honestly didn't know the answer, and that hurt worse than if it were true.

She had curled up in to a ball and was trying her hardest not to sob. It was a losing battle, as she let out a little cry.

She didn't deserve any of this, didn't deserve a roof over her head, warm dry clothes, and a bed to sleep in. She didn't deserve a friend like Nick, or the kindness he had shown her.

She could hear the door open up again, as Nick walked in. "You know carrots you really should check your pockets, I found your wallet and keys. Nice underwear by the way, they were cu-"

His remark died in his throat as he heard a quiet sniffle. He looked up to see Judy curled up on his bed with her arms wrapped around herself crying. He immediately rushed over to her

"Carrots!" She flinched at the sound of his voice. "What's wrong? Tell me, please."

She just sat and cried. She was too much a burden; she didn't deserve his concern or his care.

He was kneeled down beside her; he didn't want to initiate contact for fear of overstepping the line.

"Judy, please." He said it so gently, he was pretty much begging. He just wanted to help his friend; to be there for her.

To give her pause, he had said her real name. He had only used it one other time before. Finely with a shuttering breath she nodded her head.

"I I'm s-sorry Nick. I d-don't deserve any of this. No after w-w-what I did, not after what I said t-to you."

She broke down even more, so much so that her whole body started to shake. Screw overstepping the line. Nick stood up and sat on the bed and scooped up the crying rabbit. She remained curled up as he wrapped her arms around her and cradled her up against his chest.

"Come here Carrots. Now you listen to me." He paused and took a breath. "Judy, you're one of the most amazing people I've ever met. You're smart, brave, funny, and more sly than any other fox I've ever met in all of the best ways. I know you wouldn't hurt anyone maliciously; that's not who you are. What you said in that press conference wasn't true, and I know you realized that as soon as you said it, and would give anything to take it back. What I did in response to that was wrong, and immature; I shouldn't have treated you the way I did. If anyone should be apologizing; it's me."

She shook her head as it rested on his chest. "That doesn't c-change what I said. It doesn't change the f-fact that I don't deserve y-you as a friend anymore. I know I hurt y-you Nick, and y-yet you still offer me your home, your o-own clothes, and even your bed to sleep in. I don't d-dese-rve it Nick."

"Judy you drove over two hundred miles just to try and fix your mistakes and to apologize to me. You have done everything in your power to make amends, and if people can't see that, they're the ones with the problem. There's nothing more you can do, so stop blaming yourself for this."

"I'm sorry Nick; I don't want to be a burden to you. After all you've done for me I don't want to ask for any more."

"You put your life on the line to keep me safe. This is the least I can do for my friend."

Judy just curled up tighter and nestled her head deeper into Nick's chest. Here she was sitting on her friend's lap with nothing but his shirt on. He had his arms wrapped around her body in a gentle and caring embrace. She was surrounded by his smell; at first she didn't like it when she met him. But now it only comforted her knowing that he was right there when she needed him.

She was still sniffling but not crying as hard as before. Nick just held her and whispered into her ears how he was lucky to have met her. This continued for another five minutes until Judy finally stopped crying. They both just quietly sat in each other's arms content knowing that the other would be there no matter what.

It was in this moment that Nick realized that he loved the bunny in his arms. Not a friendly platonic kind of love. But the real kind, the kind that made his heart rate pick up, and for him to feel light headed.

His thought process was interrupted when Judy took in a deep breath and let it out again. She was still again for a second. Nick thought she might be falling asleep, until she spoke.

"Thank you." She spoke in the same tone she did back in the Rainforest district after he saved her job all those months ago. It was so simple a term, and yet it held so much weight.

Nick didn't know what to say, so he let it be. Some things went better unsaid. He just rested his muzzle on her head and hugged her tighter to say he understood.

Now

Nick remembered the memory well, it was rather special to him; their relationship as partners and friends took a huge step that night.

"Come on Carrots, lets go inside." She nodded in reply.

They both jumped out of the cruiser and headed for the door. "Thank you Nick." The bunny whispered.

Nick stepped ahead of her and held the door open and did a small bow. "Bunnies first."

"Who are you and what have you done to my partner? He's another red fox. Have you seen him around here? I seem to have misplaced him."

Nick just smiled. There she is. "I can't say I've seen a fox around; maybe he's inside?"

"Oh well, thanks for your help." She winked at him as she strolled by.

"Sure thing; cutesy." Judy whipped around and was just about to start yelling, when Nick winked back at her.

For the second time that day Judy didn't know whether or not Nick was just trying to get a rise out of her or had actually complemented her. As she worked out what to say or do, she just stared, almost daring him to keep going.

After a second of trying to make Nick spontaneously combust, the doe slowly backed into the restaurant. Right as she was turning around Judy quickly looked back and gave Nick the 'I'm watching you' gesture. The fox just shrugged. Judy could practically hear his thoughts about how she was over reacting and he didn't do anything wrong.

When Judy finally turned around she noticed that the place was empty. Right when she was about to ask Nick if it was still open, a bobcat walked out of the door, that she assumed led to the kitchen.

"Sorry miss we're closed, I was just about to lock up."

"The sign out front said you were open."

"Sorry I was just about to turn it off, I'll be open by eight tomorrow though."

"Oh, sorry we must have lost track of time. Have a good night." When she turned to leave she saw Nick nearly doubled over holding in a laugh. "What's so funny?"

"HAHAHAHA!" Judy turned to see the bobcat laughing too. "HAHAHA! That never gets old! She's just like you were Nick! HAHAHA! I still remember the look on your face when you came in here for lunch and the place was 'closed'!" He made air quotations for emphasis.

Nick had stopped laughing and had a scowl on his face with his arms crossed. "Yeah yeah, it's good to see you too George."

Judy was looking in between the two as they started ribbing each other more. "What is going on here?" She had to yell to be herd over their laughs.

"Sorry Carrots, this is George, but you can call him Weazer." He winked at the bobcat.

"Hey, only friends are allowed to call me that!" George yelled.

"Well she's my friend, and I'm yours so that makes her yours too."

He crossed his arms and shook his head vigorously. "No it doesn't."

"We're getting side tracked again." Judy piped in.

"Sorry, let's get the official stuff out of the way." He held out his paw. "Hi I'm George Mendoza."

The bunny took his paw. "I'm Judy Hopps, nice to meet you."

"So what do I owe the pleasure of having Zootopia's heroes visit little old me?"

"Oh we're here to take you in because of suspicious activity being reported around the premises." Nick paused and watched George's face go from happy to see his friend, to worried he was in trouble. "Just kidding! We're just here to get supper before we head home for the night."

George was visibly relieved. "You could have just said that in the first place! Now go find a place to sit before I really do close up!"

"It wouldn't be any fun if I got right to the point all the time. Right Carrots?"

She just elbowed him. "Cut it out Nick. Now go sit down, I'm going to use the restroom."

The restaurant was modeled in a Mexican style. It had an all wood interior; it looked like a log cabin on the inside. All the furniture was made of wood too, other than the chairs, which had cushions on them. There was a step along the walls that the booths sat on. There were all sorts of different kinds of art on the walls. From paintings that looked like they were bought at second hand stores to pictures of memorable moments that happened at the restaurant. The place had two bars to sit at; one in front of the kitchen and one through a door in to another room in the restaurant. The latter of which was an actual bar and served alcohol. All in all it wasn't super fantastic. But Nick knew it wasn't the looks of the place that didn't attract people from all over Zootopia; it was the food.

Nick wasn't kidding when he said he had taken cooking lessons from George. He and Finnick were trying to do some kind of hustle that required some skill in the kitchen. So he got back in contact with George, who was an old friend from when he was little and still going to school. George had won many culinary awards and had participated in several competitions. He was one of the most renowned chefs in all of Zootopia.

George Snickered before Nick decided to sit at the bar in the main eating area. "She's keeping you on a leash. I never thought I'd see the day you would bring a girl to dinner in my restaurant." He broke out laughing again.

Nick just rolled his eyes. "We're just work partners, just so you know."

"Quit trying to dodge it Nick. You know as well as I do what the truth is."

"Yeah and how have you been Mr. Weazer?"

He got a glair in return for that. "Don't push the nicknames Wilde."

"Wouldn't dream of it. And you haven't answered my question; how you been?"

"I've been good, finally got the kitchen renovated. How've you been? I see it's much better than the last time I saw you."

"I'm getting better every day; as you can see I got into the police force."

"Oh I never would have guessed. I just thought you got yourself some fancy clothes slick." Judy teased as she walked up to the bar.

"Well you of all people should know. You're the one that asked for me to be your partner." Nick countered.

"Sound like she likes you too Nick. Where did you find her?"

"Her name is Judy, and I didn't find her, she found me." Nick replied.

"I knew it! Nick would never have become a cop of his own free will. So tell me Miss Judy. How did you two meet, and how in blazes did you get him to turn his life around?"

"George maybe we should order some food before we start story time." Nick reminded.

"Oh right! Hang on a second I need to get my stuff." George turned around and disappeared in to the kitchen.

While all this was going on Judy had gotten a pretty good look around the restaurant, before having a look at the menu. "How long did you say you knew George?"

"We've known each other since we were in the second grade. Why you ask?"

"Oh I think I know where you got some of your wit from."

"I'll have you know Fluff, that my wit is inherited."

"If I remember correctly you weren't near as witty in the second grade as you are now." George had come out from the back, now with a waiter's apron on.

"Now what do you guys want to order?" He asked them in a perfect English accent.

Judy just sat there and stared at him. She leaned over to Nick. "Is this another joke?" She whispered.

"Well I think I'll have your best fried wings and maybe some fries, and coffee; black." Nick replied with a wink.

"Coming right up sir. What will you be having miss?" George continued in the same accent.

She just shook her head and sighed in defeat. "I'll drink water, and have the fried taco. Could you not add the chicken, and maybe add some carrots to the taco?"

"Excellent choice, I will prepare it to your specifications exactly." The bobcat turned with a flourish, and a bow, then disappeared back in to the kitchen.

Judy looked over at Nick who was holding in another laugh. "What did you do this time slick?"

"What are you talking about? You should be asking yourself the same question." He held out his phone with a picture of her on it. The picture was from just a minute ago: Her ears were half way between up and down, and her mouth was hanging open, and anyone could tell her nose was twitching. "I have to say you really look quite cu-"

In that moment Nick found himself being dragged down to Judy's level by his shirt collar. "If you even think the word I know you were going to say I'm going to make you wear a pompadour to work tomorrow, and you're going to be my sparring partner for the next year!"

Nick's face paled. "You, you know about that!? H-how?"

Judy let him go and shifted back to her relaxed position and just smirked. "You really thought you could hide that you were Mr. Fox from me?" He just nodded at her with a terrified wide eyed look on his face. "Well since I'm feeling nice, I'll tell you how I found out. You remember when I visited my family last year?" Another nod from the fox. "One of my sisters saw a picture of you on my phone and pointed out that you looked a lot like 'Mr. Fox'."

"Does this mean that I'm a prime target for your sisters if I ever visit with you? I can't blame them, just like I can't blame you; I am irresistible."

"And what is that supposed to mean?"

"It means my dear Carrots; that you can't get enough of me. Why else would you ask to be my partner in crime?"

"That's not why! It was… was. I did it because I… Never mind it doesn't matter why I did it."

George had come back from the kitchen and had watched most of their exchange. "It seems to me Miss Judy that is the exact reason you helped him get into the police force."

"See Carrots; even George agrees."

"I don't care who agrees, so stay out of this! I did it because I knew Nick could be so much more than a pawsicle hustler, and if I could, I wanted to give him the chance to be more; so I did."

George leaned over to Nick. "It's worse that I thought. When did you guys get together?"

"We're just work partners." They both answered at the same time, one more irritated than the other.

"I don't believe you guys, not for a second." Judy was visibly annoyed. "Well anyway, here's your food. You're lucky that I still had some ready to serve, otherwise you'd be waiting for a while." As he spoke he brought up two plates with silver food domes on them. With another flourish he pulled the domes off. "Enjoy."

Nick rolled his eyes "Ooooh fancy."

"Nothing but the best for your date." The cat snickered.

"You have never been more endangered of being arrested for harassment than you are right now." Judy growled, but not without the barest hint of a smile on her face.

"I don't care, it would be worth it. Now tell me how you guys met?"

"Well…I met Nick on my first day at work…"

And so, as Nick deemed it earlier, story time began. In between bites of food, and laughing at each other. Their story progressed, each taking every opportunity to try and tease the other about something they did or said. They did leave out the details of Judy's apology and the night she spent at Nick's house. Though they never actually agreed to keep the moments to themselves, it was an unspoken promise to the other that the moments belonged to them, and them alone. Judy never even told her mom all the details.

"So then Judy said 'It's called a hustle sweetheart, boom.' Then right after that the cops showed up and arrested Smellwether and all the other goons that helped her." Nick explained making wild paw and arm movements to help narrate the story.

"So after that you joined the academy and became her partner?" George asked.

"Actually no, I stayed around to take care of Carrots here while her leg healed, and she could get her lease for her shoebox of an apartment back. After that I did join the academy and the rest is history."

"So just to be clear; you guys aren't together?"

"No; we're not together." The bunny replied.

"Well since you guys are done." He gestured to their long since empty plates. "What do you want for dessert?"

"Um, what do you suggest on a fine evening like this?" Nick answered.

"I would recommend the crème brûlée. I just made a batch earlier today; so it's fresh."

"What's crème brûlée?" Judy asked.

Nick nudged her with his elbow. "You'll see; you're going to love it."

She nudged him back considerably harder. "Alright, I'm going to trust you on that slick." Okay we'll have some of that, thank you."

"I'll go get it, be right back." Once again George disappeared into the kitchen.

They were both quiet for a moment just enjoying the night. It lasted for all but twenty seconds until Judy broke the silence. "I like George, he's a good guy. Thank you for bringing me here Nick."

"You're welcome Fluff, I knew you'd like it." He paused for a second. "Me and Weazer got in and out of a lot of trouble when we were little."

"Nick, why did you call him Weazer when we first came in?"

"That is a question he would be better at answering Carrots."

They could hear George coming back from the kitchen. "You guys are really lucky; I only had two of these left." He had two glass serving dishes with the creamy butter colored dessert.

"Hey George?" Judy asked

"Yes."

"Why did Nick call you Weazer when we first got here?"

"When I was a kid I had asthma. I may or may not have had a problem wheezing. So of course my older brothers teased me about it."

"That's not very nice."

"No it's not. At first I hated it. But as time went on is sort of grew on me. Eventually it became my nickname. Plus it made a cool name for this place. George's wings and things just doesn't pop for me. Weazer just worked out, not only because it was my nickname, but how it's my restaurant's name too."

"That's really cool how that worked out for you."

As George was talking he had gotten an old blow torch out from under the bar and was trying to find a lighter.

"What is the torch for?" Judy asked.

"Just watch Carrots, you'll like this."

George was still looking for his lighter. "I just used it earlier today, where did I leave it? Oh right." He turned around to the shelf by the upper right of the door to the kitchen. A few seconds of fumbling around it later he found his lighter.

"Now this is the secret to crème brûlée." He produced a sugar bowl from under the bar and started sprinkling some on top of the dessert. "Now normally this alone would taste fantastic, but I like to improvise." He took the torch and lit it and started carefully caramelizing the sugar. "This not only adds texture but flavor too; almost a roasted marshmallow taste."

The smell of toasted sugar started to reach Judy's nose, which started twitching as a result. Nick leaned over to her and gave her a slight nudge. "Carrots, your nose is twitching again."

"Oh hush, I can't help it. It smells too good."

George had finished torching the sugar and was now waiting for it to cool down. "Okay, dig in." he handed them each a spoon and then pulled out his phone.

"What are you doing?"

"Oh it's for the look on your face when you take the first bite, it's always priceless. Now eat up."

Judy dug her spoon into the dessert; the caramelized sugar on the top had formed a shell. She gave George one last look before raising the bite to her mouth. It was vanilla flavored and extremely creamy, and yet very smooth. The sugar added a caramely taste and a slight bit if a crunch to the mix. In short it was one of the best desserts she had ever had.

"Wow this is amazing!"

Nick was quick to follow suit, and they quickly finished both of their dishes. "Well George you never fail to amaze me with what you cook."

"Quit the flattery Wilde. Here's the bill, now pay up, or get out." It wasn't a threat because he was smiling the whole time he said it.

Judy reached over. "Let me see that." She took a glance. "I was expecting this to be more expensive, especially considering how amazing your food is."

"I don't make my food to make money, though that is nice, I make it because it's what I love doing."

"Sheesh, you sound like Carrots. I swear she would work for free if Bogo would let her. What is my life coming to? I'm surrounded by humble people."

Judy smacked Nick lightly on the arm. "You're one of us now, so quit complaining."

"Who said I was complaining? I was just asking what my life has come to."

After a brief argument about the bill Nick and Judy decided to split it between them.

"You guys enjoy the rest of your night."

"You too George, see you later." Judy called before she went out the door.

"Nick; nice job man! You found yourself a treasure, don't let her slip through your fingers." The cat warned.

"Don't worry Weazer; I won't. You take care of yourself."

"You too Red."

"We've been through this; don't call me that."

"Fine, I swear that was the last time."

"That's what you said last time."

Judy stuck her head back in the door. "Come on Nick; it's cold out here."

"Alright Carrots. I'll see you around George."

"Alright, see you later."

The trek back to their cruiser was much more unpleasant; the temperature had dropped at least twenty degrees and it had stopped snowing because it was too cold.

"We have to come back here again."

"I told you you'd like it. Now hurry up, you have the keys. My tail is going to fall off if I have to sit out here any longer."

"Quit whining, we've only been out here a few seconds, and if anyone's tail is going to fall off it's mine."

"Yours is covered by your coat, mine isn't."

"At least yours has all that nice fluffy fur on it, mine is all small and, not fluffy."

Nick just smirked. "Carrots are you saying you like my tail more than yours?"

"What? No!" she already was starting to feel the heat of the blush, she knew was traveling up her ears.

"So you just like my tail in general?"

"I never said I liked your tail!"

"You never said you didn't like it, so?" Nick was enjoying this.

"Fine, I admit your tail is sort of nice."

"What did I tell you Carrots; I'm irresistible."

"Shut up and get your butt in the car."

"Don't be that way Carrots. I'll have you know that you have a nice tail too."

"I'm done talking to you." For the third time that day he had reduced her to a blushing ball of fluff, and she couldn't do a thing about it. At least this time she knew he had actually complemented her and wasn't teasing.

They both climbed in to the car and started for home. It had been a long, but not particularly a bad day. Judy just wanted some sleep. It would be nice if I had one of Nick's pillows to sleep with again. Or maybe if I had Nick to sleep with. She stated blushing again with the thought.

"Hey Nick? Would it be alright with you if I stayed the night at your place again? I don't think I can drop you off, return the cruiser, and walk home tonight. Well I can, but I don't want to. It's alright if you don't want me around; I under-"

Nick placed a paw on her shoulder which caused her to stop talking. "Sure thing Fluff, I don't mind. Don't want you crashing the cruiser because you fell asleep at the wheel."

She rolled her eyes. Of course he has to tease. "Thanks Nick."

"Don't mention it. Seriously, don't mention it that's just what Clawhauser needs to hear about us."

"Well I think your secret is safe with me."

Yaks Observatory conference room 1

Time:

10:29

Edward stood in front of several large screens, each dark at the moment. He took one last glance at his watch. Thirty seconds. One by one the screens came to life with a figure obscured by shadow in each.

The center screen was the last to power on. In it all he could see was a set of the most electric blue eyes he had ever seen. "What do you have to report Sanders? This is an unscheduled meeting so it had better be of the top most priority."

"It is sir." He took a deep breath to try and calm his pounding heart. "Sir I'm reporting the first sign; it's time." Just saying those words shot adrenaline through his system and made him feel light headed.

"You're sure; 100%?" Another voice from the side spoke.

"Without a shadow of a doubt. Ever since the last solar maximum; this is the only one in fifteen years. It's just like last time."

"What about trajectory, have you calculated that?" a female voice asked

"Yes, multiple times."

"And?" the same voice asked.

"We're going to get hit dead on."

Several people gasped and started murmuring to each other.

"How long?" The first voice asked.

"A year at least."

There was quite for several minutes. Each one seeming like it lasted hours to Edward. At last the blue eyed voice spoke.

"Start making your preparations, collect your data and your teams; meet at the sanctuary in four months."

"Sir we need to make a statement to the public. We can't keep this secret anymore." Edward voiced.

"I know. Get me the date of the next event in the next six weeks."

"Sir I need stronger equipment to do it that quickly."

"You know what you need to do, I'll handle the rest. Get it done. Report back when you do." The blue eyed voice commanded.

"Yes sir, consider it done."

One by one the screens went dark. Edward knew he was alone again. He let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. "Why now?" It was a whispered question to no one but himself. This is not how he was planning on his day going.

Okay guys it's me again. * waves sheepishly* First of all I would like to say I'm sorry for taking so long to update here, I feel really bad about it. Now it's time for me to explain why I was absent for so long so you don't kill me. I got a summer job working as a welding instructor, and it took me out of the state and away from the internet. I've actually been back now for two weeks, but I had to sort out my fandom notifications, it was not pretty. *shudders* Now that isn't really a good excuse. I mean I had this chapter written almost a month and a half ago, but not edited what so ever. Anyway that's the best I got; *begs* please don't throw pine cones at me or try to kill me!

Okay now that my moment of insanity is over (for now) I'll talk about the chapter (I know I'm rambling, I'll make it fast.) The flash back in the beginning of the chapter was completely unplanned. It was a spur of the moment idea that went way further that I expected it to. Personally I think it's some of my best work. (I won't be saying that when I look back at it in a year or so XD) Please let me know what you thought of the flash back scene. When I talked to a friend of mine he said it was really touching. Was it touching to you? If so how?

I put a few references in this chapter see if you can find them. And finally what did you guys think of the last scene with Edward? Any guesses what he's up to?

And last! Thank you to all of those of you who faved, followed and reviewed! You guys are simply amazing! Even if you are just reading and haven't hit those buttons; thank you! (Maybe consider hitting the buttons ;) it's appreciated beyond words) If I may ask, if any of you know someone that would maybe like this story please recommend it to them. If you could do that I'll love you forever. I'm done, sorry for rambling. XD

This is

TheAssassin_2

Signing out.