Sorry it's late. Had a lot of things to get done today. Even got my thumb screwed by our power tool while my husband was installing security cameras. I was holding the camera in place as he put the screws in. Wasn't too bad though.


"Stuart! Did you find them?!" Bonnie runs out of the burrow to meet the group, having been notified of their arrival by some of her other kits.

"Mother!" Judy pushes through her siblings to hug the elder doe.

"Oh Judith! Are you okay? Did they hurt you? What happened?" Her rapid fire questions come while she looks over her daughter. While this is happening, the bunnies carrying Nick let him down so he can limp over to his Mate. "Nicholas, why are you limping?"

"Got shot, no big deal." Bonnie releases her daughter to glare at him with paws on hips, in much the same way Judy is doing.

"And how, pray tell, did you get shot?" Nick opens his mouth to answer, only to have Judy beat him to it.

"He thought it would be fun to hold off the whole gang of gun using mammals until Gideon got there with the Marshals." Bonnie gives her daughter a stunned look.

"Gideon? Gideon Grey?" Everyone nods as the named tod works his way hesitantly to the front of the group. "Dear boy. Thank you for helping my daughter and her Mate. Will you forgive all of us who wronged you and your mother?"

"Of course ma'am. If Judy can forgive me for what happened back then, then who am I to hold a grudge. Ma raised me better than that." Bonnie gives him a tight hug while the red vixen of the group walks up behind him.

"Hello Bonnie." Said bunny looks up at the vixen.

"Anna Grey. I am very pleased to see you. And I apologize profusely for everything I said about you and your wonderful son." Bonnie lets go of Gideon and walks up to Anna with an apologetic smile.

"Water under the bridge. Besides, I've heard the whole town got an earful from Judith." Bonnie nods in confirmation. "Good. Less work for me."

"Alright BonBon, let's get everyone inside. They've had a long journey." Stu ushers his wife and Anna towards the entrance to their abode. "They will be our guests for a while."

"Hold it, I don't need..." A deep voice calls out from the crowd.

"Just except it Finnic. They wont take 'No' for an answer." Nick interrupts his friend. "I've tried."

"I guess it's better then trying to get a room at an Inn." The fennec fox grumbles.

"That's the spirit. You'll enjoy it here." Nick teases his friend while Judy pulls on his paw to get him moving. The main room of the top floor is packed full of excited and curious bunnies. Bonnie pulls a doe aside before sending her off somewhere. Finnic is swarmed by the younger kits.

"Woah, woah! Get off me!" Finnic yells when one of the kits snags ahold of one of his giant ears.

"Kits!" All the small bunnies freeze at their mothers/grandmothers reprimanding voice. "We do not climb or pull on our guests! Apologize now!"

A chorus of "Sorry" and "Sorry Mr. Fox" is heard throughout the room.

"Go outside and play, dinner will be ready shortly." Bonnie shoows the young kits out the main door then turns to Judy. "You need to get him off that leg. I have had Jennifer take some fresh bandages to Nicholas' room. I will bring your dinner when it is ready."

"Come on Nicholas." Judy pulls him down the stairs and towards a hallway.

"I'll see you later Fin. Play nice now." Nick waves to his friend while following his bunny.

"Don't worry about me, worry about 'playing' nice with your bunny." Nick's ears pin back against his skull, while the fennec laughs.

"Finnic!" He can hear more laughs from the room as he's lead along. "Carrots, you know I wouldn't. Not until after...not without your...I mean your dad would..."

"I know." He can barely hear her remark. They continue along in a nervous silence until they reach a door Nick recognizes. Before Judy can reach the handle, the door opens and a cream colored doe stands startled in the frame.

"Oh! Judith, Nicholas. I was just.." She starts before being interrupted.

"I know, Mother told me. Thank you for that." They trade places and Nick heads for the bed with relief.

"I will see you later Judith. Do not have too much fun, and do try to be quiet. We do not want the little ones to hear." The cream colored doe starts laughing at Judy's red face.

"Jennifer!" She shoves her sister away from the door before slamming it shut. Covering her burning face, Judy leans against the door.

"Um...Judith?" The concerned tone in his voice makes her peak out from behind her ears.

"I am sorry Nicholas. My family is just so...I am just embarrassed." She walks over to him, grabbing the basket of medical supplies as she goes.

"No worries. You heard Finnic. They all seem to have that one thing on their minds." He pulls her into a hug. "I'm just glad your dad was laughing along with them instead of trying to shoot me."

"I think he would let you get away with anything after that whole fiasco with the gang." She tilts her head to kiss the underside of his chin. "Now strip so I can change your bandages."

"Carrots?!" He looks at her a little wide eyed.

She huffs in annoyance with paws on hips. "I can not get to them with your shirt and pants on. You may leave your underclothes on."

"Right." He grins at her sheepishly then starts removing his outer wear. Once they are piled on a chair and he is again sitting on the bed, Judy takes a small knife from the basket. She uses it to cut the blood stained bandages off his arm and leg. As she reaches for the bottle of alcohol they use for cleaning, Nick stops her with a paw to her cheek. "When you're done, I want to make sure that fox didn't hurt you."

"Nicholas, I told you.." She leans her head into his paw as she speaks.

"I know you did, but I need to see for myself." He uses both paws on her cheeks to make her look at him. "Please."

She looks into his pleading emerald eyes, ears tinging pink again, and nods. "Alright." Satisfied, he releases her face. Judy retrieves the jar of alcohol and pours some onto a wad of gauze. "Try to hold still, this will sting."

'Sting' was an understatement. The holes feel like they are on fire. The burning sensation travels through most of the wounded limbs. Even with the pain Nick holds still for his bunny with only the occasional flinch when more is applied. He whines in relief when she wraps his limbs in clean gauze and linen strips.

"I am sorry. Was I too rough?" She climbs up next to him on the bed.

"No. That stuff just burns, but it had to be done. Your turn Carrots. Which leg?" She blushes and squirms in place before answering.

"B..both." Judy near whispers but Nick still hears her. An inaudible rumble emits from his chest. "But he only grazed me. I swear his claws did not hurt me."

"Lay on your side." His voice comes out mingled with a possessive growl. "It's not that I don't trust you, it's just..."

"A fox thing." She comments while laying down facing him.

"Close enough." Nick slowly examines her left leg. Moving the skirt of her dress up the higher he goes. His paws brush her fur aside so he can see the flesh beneath. He checks all the way up to her hip not finding anything. "Turn over." He's lost the growl with not finding any marks. Nick's immense concentration keeps him from noticing her heavy breathing.

Judy complies with his request and turns with her back to him. She muffles her pants with her paws as he begins his gentle examination of her right leg. The higher his paws go the more she trembles from the tingling sensations brought on by his finger pads on the back of her thigh. She flinches, letting out a stifled moan, when his paws reach her hip and his pads brush her rump.

"Did I hurt you?" Worry laces his question as he removes his paws from her. Frustration from the loss of contact makes her look back at him with glossy half lidded eyes.

"No. *pant* Your paws just..." The look she gives him, plus her panting, makes his ears stand at attention showing off the insides as they burn with realization.

"Oh! I'm s..." She grabs his face stopping his apology.

"Do..do not stop." His eyes widen at her words and she pulls him in for a passion filled kiss. Nick's tail poofs out in shocked pleasure as he succumbs to her will. Using his good arm to keep most of his weight off her, Nick pins her to the bed beneath him.

Their kisses deepen with their increased passion. Tongues exploring the others mouth. Nick's free paw caresses her thigh, eliciting a pleased sigh from his Mate. This in turn makes him release a rumbling purr. Judy's paws run through the thick fur of his ruff, then she drags her blunt claws in the opposite direction. When they break away for air Nick takes the chance to drag his teeth along the edge of one long ear.

"Nnniiiiiccc *gasp*" She moans his name and trembles in anticipation when he nips the black tip of her ear. Her paws clutch the fur on his bare chest so she can pull him closer to her and throws the leg he was caressing over his hip. Taking the hint, Nick slides his paw up to grope the cheek of her rear. The tips of his fingers play with the fluff of her tail making her gasp again.

"You're not wearing anything under your dress." His breath warms her ear as her face flushes from his words.

"That is because they got shredded along with my ahhh." She is interrupted by him nipping her shoulder.

"Hmm, I like it." He nibbles along her jawline before capturing her lips with his.

*Knock Knock*

"Dinner." Bonnie calls as she opens the door. Both bunny and fox freeze in terror. "Oh! Sorry to intrude. I shall just leave this here for when you are done. Enjoy yourselves."

They watch as her mother places two plates on the night stand then walks out, shutting the door behind her. They stare at the door for another minute before looking at each other.

Judy's fur bristles, her eyes go large as saucers as her face goes beet red. "Get off, Get Off, GET OFF!" Her voice reaches a high octave while she attempts to squirm her way out from under him.

"Ow. Wait Judith. Wait. Ow, alright, alright. Ow, Judith!" She had accidentally kicked his wounded leg in her attempt at escape. Only stopping at the pain laced call of her name, allowing him the much needed reprieve to roll off of her. "Bett.."

"Oh My Gosh! Nicholas, I am so sorry! Is your leg alright?!" Frantically she checks the bandage on his leg. Seeing no blood she calms down.

"I'm fine. You didn't hit it directly." He places his paw gently on her cheek. "Are you calm now?"

"Yes." She leans into his palm. "I forgot she was bringing dinner."

"Me too. Guess we got a little carried away there, didn't we?" Nick reaches over to the chair grabbing his pants.

"Yes...What are you doing?" She watches him stand up to put his pants on.

"I figured I'd go talk with your parents. Straighten things out before I'm cornered by an angry father with a pitch fork." After tying off his pants, Nick grabs his shirt.

"No!" Her outburst makes him pause. "I will talk to them. You need to eat and rest...besides, I started this anyway."

Chuckling, he pulls her into a hug. "I could've stopped it had I wanted to. Your fluff is just too hard to resist." He kisses her deeply while holding onto her fluffy tail. A startled squeak escapes her before she leans into him, running her paws along the back of his neck. A pleased rumble emanates out from his still naked chest, sending a shiver of anticipation through her.

"You should not start something if you do not plan on finishing it." She pulls away reluctantly.

"And if I plan on finishing?" A possessive growl accompanies his words with his paws still holding hers, shirt forgotten on the floor.

"Do you really want to face my father afterwards?" The look of panic that crosses his face answers her question. "I did not think so. Now eat, I will be back soon."

He fully releases her, allowing her to leave the room. Once the door shuts behind her, Nick sits on the bed and grabs a plate of vegetarian Shepherds Pie. While eating he pulls a bit of metal from his pants pocket. Hanging from the delicate silver chain is a simple gold band with a small emerald as its center piece. He watches it sway gently from the shaking of his paw.


"Mother?" Judy walks into the kitchen where her mother is beginning the cleaning process.

"Judith? What are you doing here?" Bonnie dries her paws on a dish cloth then walks up to her daughter. "Was he unable to perform after I left? I am truly sorry for that."

"Mother!" Judy's ears can't decide if they want to fall in embarrassment or stand up in shock.

"Do not sound so surprised Judith. We know he cares for you deeply. If you two wish to claim each other before your wedding, then so be it." Bonnie pulls Judy in for a tight hug, nuzzling her head. "Only if you truly wish to. Though I have no doubt on the matter."

"And..and father?" She looks at her mother in wonder.

"Planning the wedding with Anna right now." Bonnie pets the ears of her bewildered kit. "Go on back to your Mate and enjoy your evening. You both deserve it after the ordeal you have been through."

"Good night Mother." Judy heads back to Nicks room in mild shock. After entering she shuts the door quietly and turns to her fox. "Nicholas, they...oh."

Nick, still sitting shirtless on the bed, looks up at her with an intensity that makes her knees turn to mush. She leans her back against the door so she doesn't fall to the floor. "How did it go?"

"They...they." Judy gulps trying to rein in her scattered thoughts. "Mother was worried...that you could not...um...could not perform...after she left."

*snort* "Do you want to find out?" He gets up, slowly stalking towards her. Her noes twitches furiously while her whole body heats up. She doesn't need to voice her answer when he can smell it just fine. "Before we do, answer me this. One. Question." Using his good arm to lean against the doorframe, effectively trapping her against it, Nick pulls the silver chain from behind his back.

The dim light from the oil lamp shines off the gold ring hanging in front of her face. Her eyes focus on the gem the same color as her fox's eyes. She gasps, snapping her eyes to his. "Will you marry me Judith?"

"YES!" Her answer is so loud it hurts his ears, but he doesn't have time to even flinch from the pain before he is tackled to the ground by his personal fuzzy bullet. "Yes! Yes! A thousand times Yes!"

"Carrots! I need to breath." She sits up off his chest, scooting down to his hips, releasing her death grip from his neck. Propped up on his elbow, Nick looks into the beaming face of his bunny and holds the ring up to her again.

"It is so beautiful. Where did you get it?" Carefully, she takes the ring and chain from him. The ring, she can see, is too big for her delicate finger. So she slips the chain over her head. "When did you have the chance to get it?"

"It was my Mothers." He stops whatever she was about to say with a finger pad to her lips. "Before she died, my Mother told me to only give this to the mammal that completes me. She would agree with me that you are that mammal."

"Oh Nicholas." Using her paws to guide his muzzle to hers, she gives him a gentle kiss. "I Love You." Using the muscles in his abdomen to sit up fully, Nick holds her face in both paws to kiss her deeply. His tongue caresses hers gently while she moans into his mouth. Her paws grip his chest fur tightly. His run along her back unbuttoning her dress. Judy breaks the kiss with a gasp and a whisper of his name.

Dark brown, almost black, paws run through soft grey fur eliciting another moan from his bunny love. The yellow fabric slides off her shoulders bunching at her elbows. "If we continue, no one will be able to take you from me. Are you sure that's what you want?"

"I will never want anyone else but you." She kisses the side of his muzzle then stands up, allowing her dress to fall into a heap around her feet. Nick watches her walk slowly to the bed. "Are you going to join me?"

His wounds are the only thing keeping him from moving quickly as he gets up off the floor. He walks up behind her wrapping his arms around her slim waist. She runs her paws down his hips, removing his pants and undershorts. Nick nibbles along her neck and collar bone, emitting a low rumble. She flicks her tail brushing it across his sheath, causing it to twitch in anticipation. "I figure I should explain the fundamentals of fox intimacy before we go any further." She nods for him to continue as he strokes her front. "Foxes have what we call a knot. These knots form at the base of our foxhood. What they do is *cough* seal our seed inside out Mate to increase the chance of conception. We will be tied together for different lengths of time. Each time." Her panting increases with each brush of his paws.

"I do not mind cuddling." She wraps her paws behind her around his neck.

"It's not just about the cuddling. I'm a fox, you're a bunny. I'm bigger then your body is made to take. The knot gets bigger still. Meaning I might hurt you. I don't want to hurt you." He explains, running his teeth along the rim of her ear. Judy had continued flicking her tail while he was talking, teasing him. She pauses her fiddling with the fur on the back of his neck to contemplate the information Nick has given her.

"I love you Nicholas, and I trust you with my life." She turns around in his grasp to face him. Shivers run through her at the feel of his length brushing across her belly. Glancing down, Judy takes her first look at an aroused fox. Amethyst eyes widen at the size of it. Not in apprehension, as Nick was expecting, but in wonder.

"Oh." She breaths out.

"That's a boost to my ego." He chuckles, which makes his crimson shaft quiver. She looks up into his eyes and stands on her tip toes to kiss him. With him distracted she wraps her paws around his length, stimulating him. "Carrrooots."

"Yes Slick?" Judy smirks against his lips. His paws fondle her rump while his knees weaken.

"Last chance." Nick nuzzles her neck breathing in her sent, trying to keep control of his instincts to claim his Mate.

"Stop talking and" His mouth on hers silences her as he lays her down onto the bed. Gentle paws scoot her into a better position before exploring her soft body. Whimpers escape her mouth as he works his muzzle down her chest. Nibbling and licking further on the path to his ultimate goal.

(If you wish to read the lemon/sex part, you can find it on under WinterWulf. I can have this section on that site but not this one. Sorry)

Collapsing onto his side while continuing to empty into his Mate, Nick pulls Judy tight to his chest. He begins a slow and loving grooming of her ears while she catches her breath. "How are you feeling Carrots?"

"Wonderful." She tries to snuggle back into him, stopping when his member pulses in her. Gasping from the sensation Judy continues. "I will probably be sore in the morning but it was oh so worth it."

"Hmm same. I just hope I didn't pull any stitches." He shifts until he can pull the blanket over them.

"Do they hurt?" She looks over her shoulder at him concerned.

"Not much." Nick continues to administer his cleaning. Judy begins to relax against him and starts dozing off. Her breath evens out letting Nick know she has fallen asleep. He nuzzles her head getting comfortable. "Good night Judith. I love you."


"Do you think they did it?" A light brown bunny doe asks her cream colored sister.

"I hope so, but I worry about his wounds stopping him." They whisper while standing in front of Nick's closed door.

"I doubt two little holes will stop him. Not with how badly they want each other." James comments, walking up to them. Causing the two does to jump.

"James, do not scare us like that." The cream doe punches her brother in the shoulder.

"James." The black buck flinches. "Jennifer." The cream doe flinches. "Lily." The light brown doe flinches. "You know I can hear you, right?" Judy's voice is low with sleep and irritation.

"They're just curious Fluff. Don't be too hard on them." Nick's voice is accompanied by a chuckle.

"They woke me up. I was comfy." James knows what comes next if you are unfortunate enough to anger Judy.

"Um Judy, I just got here. They're the ones that woke you. Please don't hurt me." He starts backing away slowly.

"Nicholas not now." Panting can be heard from behind the door. "Keep your paws to yourself." Three sets of bunny ears stand up, all tinged pink. "Lily is out there. *gasp* She is too young to..." Her moan darkens their ears to red. Lily covers her mouth with her tiny little paws.

"Run little bunnies. While she's distracted." Nick's voice rumbles. James picks up Lily and tears off down the hall, Jennifer right behind him.

"You are a naughty fox. You better finish..." Was the last thing they heard as they left that hall and entered another leading to the living area.

"James, put Lily down! What is going on with you three?" Bonnie walks over to them when they rush into the room.

"Judy and Nick...oh my gosh." Jennifer puts her paws on her burning cheeks.

"They started...um you know. While we were standing there." James looks sheepishly at his mother.

"What were you doing outside their room?" She looks at them skeptically.

"We were just seeing if they were awake." Lily scuffs her foot on the ground.

"That's not what it sounded like to me." Lily glares at her brother.

"Then you deserve the embarrassment for disturbing them." Bonnie reprimands them then turns to the kitchen entrance. "You three can now assist me with breakfast." Three groans accompany shuffling feet behind her.


"Wake up my love." A mumble was her reply. "We already missed breakfast. I would hate for you to miss lunch. You will need it to finish healing." Running her claws along his back does more for waking her fox then her words did.

"Mmmmm. Lunch sounds good." He runs his claws gently down the rim of her ear, causing her to coo in pleasure. "But you sound even better." He pulls her down for a kiss as his stomach makes itself known.

"Let us get you fed. We have plenty of time for other activities." She helps him out of bed so they can get dressed before heading to the dining room.


"Judith, Nicholas, so glad you could join us." Bonnie greats them as they enter the dining area paw in paw. "I was beginning to wonder if we would need to sent someone with food."

"It was difficult to ignore his stomach. What is for lunch?" Judy inquires.

"Salad with toast. We have fried crickets to put in the salads for our guests. If they want them." She holds up a large bowl with the crickets.

"That is very much appreciated. Thank you Bonnie." Anna walks in followed by Stu.

"Nicholas! May I have a word before you sit down to lunch?" Stu asks.

"Of course Sir. I'll return soon Judith." He nuzzles her cheek before following Stu to his study. A decent sized room full of shelves lining the walls. An antique desk sits in front of a painting instead of a window. The shelves are full of books. Most, bound in some kind of fish skin, are ledgers going back many generations.

"Sit down please." Stu waits for Nick to sit before starting. He paces slowly behind his desk as he speaks. "Do you still plan on going to Zootopia?"

"That is the plan. It's the only place my friends and I can find decent jobs." He answers, watching Stu's movements. "Finnic and I are gunfighters, Gid is a baker. You'd think it'd be easy for us but it's not. All because we're foxes. Fin and I might have it a bit easier because they expect us to be violent, though they would also expect us to rob them instead of help them. But Gid..."

"What if there was a position here for you and your friends?" Stu pauses in his pacing to look at Nick.

"With all due respect Sir, we're not farmers." He starts but the bunny stills him with a raised paw.

"I'm not talking about farming. Even though you did very well for the time you were here." Taking a cleansing breath, he continues. "Do you know why Judith was taken? Specifically?"

"It is because she is special to me." Nick looks at his paws, blaming himself.

"Yes and no." This gets his attention and Nick looks at Stu confused. "They only knew to look for her because the Former Sheriff couldn't keep his mouth shut."

"Former?" He inquires.

"Yes. First he tells them that you had been here. Then he goes and tells them that you were last seen with my daughter." The angered look on Stu's face finds its twin on Nick's. "That's why they sought her out and found your mark on her. Only then did they decide to take her."

"What has happened to the Former Sheriff?" His hackles rise as he thinks of the rabbit that caused his Mate to be captured.

"We striped him of his title as you can guess. To make it worse, neither his kits nor his grandkits can become sheriff." Stu starts pacing again while explaining David Leaps' punishment.

"Good. Maybe later generations will be made of better stuff." Nick unclenches his paws when he realizes they have tightened.

"That's what Christopher, the other founder, thought also. Until then, we need a new sheriff." The Hopps patriarch watches as the implications sink in.

"You want ME to be Sheriff?" Nick's voice is colored with surprise.

"It was Christopher's idea. The Grey's will be welcomed back if they wish to stay. Anna was always the best seamstress and Gideon can have his own Bakery. I bet he'll give the other Bakeries a run for their money. As for your other friend, Finnic, he can be your Deputy." Stu finally sits in his chair behind the desk. He pulls out two glasses and a bottle of whisky. After pouring some in each glass, he offers one to Nick. "The pay may not be as grand as in Zootopia, but this is a guaranteed position. And one of status." Nick takes the offered glass in numb paws. "What do you say Nicholas? Will you take the job?"

"Can I have time to talk it over with Finnic?" He asks, face contemplative.

"That's all I ask for. Let me know what you two decide." Stu drains his drink and puts the bottle away before standing. "Now let's get you back to your bride-to-be."

"You know about that?" The comment snaps him out of his daze. After gulping down the whisky, he returns the glass to the desk then follows behind the sturdy brown bunny.

"I knew that was going to happen before you left. However, I distinctly remember telling you, that you were not to find out the answers to certain questions till the wedding night." Nick flinches and his ears flatten against his head. "But this is Judith, and there's no stopping her from getting what she wants."

"I'm beginning to learn that about her." They make their way back to the dining room, and their respective Mates, sharing a smile.


A few hours later sees the little band of mammals from Cactus Creek crowded into Nick's room.

"Hold up. They want us as Sheriff and Deputy?" The Fennec Fox looks at his friend as if he is speaking in tongues.

"I was shocked too but apparently the eldest founder suggested it. Now it's the talk of the Tri-Burrows." Nick watches his diminutive friend wear a hole in the floor of his guest room.

"And they'd be fine with Ma and me sticking around?" Gideon asks for the third time.

"Like I said, they would not say anything against it. Essentially, none of them want to face Judith's wrath again. And Stuart assured me of it." Gideon smiles at his mother who just chuckles.

"I gotta admit Nick, what they're offerin' is better then what I expect we'd find in Zootopia." Finnic looks off, imagining. "A position of respect."

"Another thing to consider Nicholas. If you stayed, Judith would not end up feeling lonely without her family." Anna says this as she walks past him to leave, briefly placing her paw on his shoulder. "I vote we stay." She has her say and then she was gone.

"I grew up here. I vote we stay." Gideon follows his mother out.

"Well Fin, what do you think?" He turns to his oldest friend, hoping to make it unanimous.

"Didn't cha hear me? Better then out prospects in Zootopia. And I can already see your answer." Nick grins at the reply.

"It's settled then."


AN: First off- Happy Friday the 13th! Go out and cause Mischief! Second- There is only one chapter left, that isn't completely writen. So I hope to have it ready by next Thursday. If it's late you will know why. And Third- If it is late I hope it will be worth the wait, however long that is.