That weekend had gone by too fast, Nick waking up with Judy in his arms feeling like it was a dream come true. No awkwardness, no apologies for falling asleep, just her beautiful sapphire eyes looking into his and their warm smiles greeting each other in a good morning kiss. They spent the rest of the weekend just lounging around getting to know each other better, their pasts, dreams, and future together. There was the awkward call to her parents about the pictures in the paper. Nick holding a cougar kit in his lap with Judy stroking her head keeping her calm as they were driven from the docks with a caption,
"Hero cop's save the live's of dozens of kits while facing a life-threatening situation at the docks."
Having to convince them that they were not in any danger and were just bringing the kit back to her parents took some convincing. Judy worked her magic and prevented them from coming up to give Bogo a piece of their mind. Besides that, the rest of the weekend was perfect. Until Monday came around and they headed back to work. The combination of the photos and Clawhauser seeing them walk out together on Friday they should've expected something, but not the looks and snickers from everyone as they walked in the door. Halfway across the main floor a familiar voice yelled from upstairs.
"HOPPS! WILDE! My office now!" Bogo had seen the pictures and heard the rumor mill. He pulled them into his office to "discuss" things. He had a very stern look over his glasses, telling them that there was no rule on the books against dating fellow officers however if things started to become an issue then he will have no choice but the assign them separate partners. Then softening up and smiling he said he was happy for them and to enjoy it, just not while on the clock. Most of the fellow officers were supportive but there were a few who refused to speak to them anymore and just glared like they had done something wrong, but with Nick's guidance Judy learned quickly to let it roll off her back and not let it get to her.
Two months had past since that weekend and things had gone back to normal, until at two am Nick heard his door bell go off. He went to the door and was greeted by a soaked bunny looking up at him holding a white suitcase with carrot print and green trim.
"You know carrots, I love spending time with you but two am on a workday to come calling is a bit much." Nick leaned against his door frame smiling down at his bunny.
"I didn't have a choice, my neighbors finally pushed me too far. They were drunk and started talking about how unnatural our relationship was. I got upset, pounded on their door and told them how it wasn't any of their business. More things were said and I ended up breaking Bucky's nose. I was already packing when the landlady knocked on my door saying I had to leave." Judy pushed past Nick setting her suitcase down next to his couch leaving a trail of water into Nick's condo. "So I finished packing, took the train, walked through the rain, and now I'm here. Figured you could use a roommate." She turned smiling at Nick.
He closed the door and looked at her, "I'll grab you a towel to dry off then we can get to sleep." Walking into the bathroom he heard her coming in behind him. Pulling a towel from the rack he turned around to hand it to her she was already had her shirt off and was sliding down her shorts.
Nick dropped his gaze to the floor and held out the towel. "Um, Judy. I know we've been dating for two months now but I'm not one hundred percent sure were at that stage yet."
Judy smiled as she turned around and grabbed the towel, "Relax, it's not like I was going to get naked. We've seen each other in PJ's and our underwear before. Now get out so I can fully dry off."
Judy leaned up to kiss Nicks cheek as he passed by closing the bathroom door. Walking back to the living room he cleaned up the water and took Judy's suitcase and brought it to the bedroom setting it down by the dresser. He debated clearing out a drawer for her as she walked into the room.
"So we're going to share the room or what?" Nick turned around to see she had grabbed one of the shirts of his favorite band, The Muskrats, and was wearing it like a nightgown. It was old, gray, a few holes, almost see through, with the hem stopping between her waist and knees.
Nick gulped visibly, "Judy I have your suitcase, and I know you were completely soaked. So what are you wearing under there?"
Judy climbed into the bed and pulled the covers up snuggling in, "Well, use your deductive reasoning and figure it out, meanwhile I'm going to sleep as you said it's a work day."
Nick shook his head and crawled into bed pulling Judy into him, feeling her warmth against his chest, she responded by slowly rubbing her tail against him. "Judy when I said foxes mate for life. I meant it, we look until we find the one we truly connect with. Once we do nothing can ever break that bond. However before being fully mated a ceremony must take place."
"Ceremony?" Judy stopped and rolled over looking at her fox.
"A wedding ceremony. No, I'm not asking you now, but I'm just letting you know. Bunnies, from what I understand, can get started a bit earlier. But sex for a fox should only be between husband and wife, I hope you can understand." Nick gazed into Judy's eyes hoping he didn't offend her.
Judy pulled Nick into a tight embrace kissing his neck sending jolts up and down his body, "Yes some bunnies begin early," she pulled away to look back into his eyes, "but not this bunny. Yes, I've dated but never given myself yet, I've been waiting for the right one just like you." Judy turned around and resumed her original position, "If you want to wait, we'll wait. But don't think that will stop me from teasing and having some fun with you. For now though, let's get some sleep."
Within a short time Nick could hear the soft snores coming from Judy, the warmth from her body, the slow rise and fall of her breathing, it was very intoxicating to him. He pulled her in tighter, "This bunny, she defiantly is the one. Just have to do one thing before I can ask her that question though." Nick thought to himself as he fell asleep.
"Come on Nick I don't want to be late," Judy called striking a pose in the living room already changed into her costume. "Its opening night and I know there's going to be a huge line."
"You can't rush perfection carrots, besides I thought it was the guys responsibility to tell the girl she's taking too long not the other way around." Nick was in the bedroom going over every detail, he had to get it right tonight. One thread out of line and it would be a total disaster.
"Perfection!? Is that what you call spending five hundred dollars on a costume? I had to make my own since it's so hard to find bunny sizes." Judy looked down and thought she had done a very good job, with a little help from her mother. Thinking back it was pretty funny explaining to her why it was so important to dress up just for a movie.
"When your father and I saw the original ones when we were kids we just wore our regular clothes to it. Never had to do anything fancy just to see a movie." Bonnie wrote down the last measurement of Judy before walking over to the fabric to start cutting.
"But mom it's been ten years since the last one came out, which was kind of unfulfilling, and thirty-two years since the originals came out so it's kind of a big deal." Judy looked over the fabric feeling the softness in her paws, it would be a simple design but still one she wanted to nail it. "Besides I'm going with a friend who is dressing up and a lot of other mammals will be too, I don't want to be the odd one out."
"Well if it means that much I guess we should get going on it, shouldn't take long." Bonnie had already cut some of the fabric and started sewing it.
"Thank you mom."
Judy struck a pose in the living room as her cell phone camera went off. she looked at it, "Yes, that is going up on Furbook." She was typing away when Nick finally came out of the bedroom and made Judy stop typing. She quickly switched over to the camera and snapped a picture as Nick struck a pose himself.
"You know with you going as Rey it might be a bit off for me to be Solo as I would be way too old for you." Nick smirked as Judy looked him over amazed at how accurate his costume was, even if all he did was buy it. From the blue vest, tan undershirt, ever the belt and buckle had a weathered appearance. The whole outfit was perfectly done, and he looked so handsome doing the signature Han Solo pose with his blaster ready to fire and steely-eyed look on his face.
Judy walked up to him and leaned into his chest holding her phone out as far as she could snapping a picture of them. "Ok now I'm putting all of these onto Furbook then were going to head to the movie theater, I really don't want to be late."
She posted up the pictures as they walked out of the condo heading downstairs and flagged down a cab. As they got in the cab driver turned around, "Where do you guys want to… hey, your Nick and Judy right. The hero cops?" Nick and Judy turned to each other and shrugged. "I knew it. Even if you don't think so, you both truly are heroes. You saved my niece, she was missing for almost a month and she was rescued when you guys lead the raid."
"We actually didn't lead it, we just got the information and were there as it all went down." Nick piped up, both of them looking slightly uncomfortable as they were not used to such praise.
"But your actions saved lives, reunited families, no amount of thanks can show you how much that means to those mammals. You know what this ride is free, so where do you need to go."
"The movie theater in savanna square. We're going to see the new Star Wars movie." Judy looked up as Nick wished they had gotten into a different cab. He really wasn't used to such high praise and started to get very uncomfortable.
There wasn't much talk on the way to the theater, occasionally the driver would look in the mirror like he was going to speak but seeing Nick he would turn back to the road. They arrived at the theater and tried to pay the driver but he wouldn't take the money. Judy finally gave up and walked away as Nick stuck his head in one last time, "If you won't take it then give it to your niece so she can get something nice." He threw in a fifty and walked away as the driver tried to protest but Nick just ignored him.
"O M Goodness, you too are so cu.. good looking together." Clawhauser almost used the c-word but after seeing Judy's eye starting to get wide he managed to rescue himself.
"Wow Clawhauser nice Wookie costume, you fit it perfectly." Nick looked at him and the only way he could tell it was Clawhauser was the voice and the bright orange and brown tail. They got in line and looked around at the others. It was half and half for the costumes, some were in their plain clothing while others, like them, had gone full out. A small play battle between some storm troops and Jedi had broken out when the ticket office finally opened up allowing the eager moviegoers into the theater. They all took their seats and there was a loud buzz of different theories and rumors of the story and different characters. Suddenly the entire room got quiet as the lights suddenly went out, the introduction music began, and Star Wars flew onto the screen.
"I've been wanting to see one of these movies in the theater ever since my parents told me about going to the originals when they were young. I'm glad I get to see if with you, and happy 6 months Nick" Judy looked up and stole a kiss from him before going back to watching the movie with Nick's arm over her shoulder.
"How did you talk me into this." Nick looked at the full-length mirror in their room, one of the many new additions Judy decided to get for the place. He was adjusting his tie as she came out of the bathroom causing Nicks mouth to drop. She was in an elegant full-length gown, a single spaghetti strap holding up the asymmetrical shape, and a perfect hue of purple to match her eyes. It hugged every curve of her toned body and as she spun it caught the light just right and shimmered.
Judy walked up and had to close Nicks mouth before he started to drool on his dress uniform. "This is the first time I've seen you lost for words, I'll take it as a good sign."
Judy walked around the room some more making sure to show Nick every angle of the gown. She never wore anything so fancy and had a hard time picking it out. Thankfully Fru-Fru took her out shopping and helped select the gown. It was more expensive then she wanted to spend but for Nick, it was worth it.
"You are absolutely stunning." Nick finally composed himself enough to speak. "There really is no other way to describe it. I really am the luckiest fox in the world."Judy started to blush and dropped her ears down partially covering her face.
Nick walked over and brushed her ears aside, "Now we can't have that, no way you can cover up that pretty face." He leaned down and they enjoyed a passionate kiss.
Judy's phone dinged breaking the two apart. Picking it up she got a huge smile on her face and turned to Nick, "The dress isn't the only surprise I have. If you're ready our ride is waiting for us downstairs."
"I'm ready but, our ride?" Nick was completely confused figuring they would take a cab like they normally do to get places.
"Yes our ride, for an event like this you think we're going to take a cab. No for the police mammals ball were going to ride in style. Since you're ready let's get going." She picked up her purse and headed for the door with Nick trailing after her.
On the elevator ride down Judy had Nick close his eyes as she guided him out the front door onto the steps. "Ok open them up."
Nick opened his eyes and blinked several time to make sure he was actually seeing what was in front of him. "Renato? Renato Manchas what are you doing here." The jaguar had a big smile on his face holding open the door to the limousine. After the night howler incident, the three had become good friends.
"Giving you a ride to the ball. When Fru-Fru took Judy shopping she asked how you were getting there and Judy said something about taking a cab. Well, Fru-Fru wouldn't have it so she asked me to drive you there and back and I happily agreed. It's the least I could do for what you did for me." They climbed in as Manchas closed the door and got into the driver's seat.
"Renato we've been over this several times you don't owe us anything. Especially after all the other times you've given us rides it's more than paid back." Nick just shook his head almost two years after that incident and most everyone still thought they still needed to give something to Judy and him. In reality, the city had already given so much in allowing him to join the police force and introducing him to Judy. That could never be paid back.
It was a short drive to the Zootopia Convention Center where the ball was being held. As they pulled up Nick and Judy were amazed at all the press that was there. It was almost as big event as a major movie premiere, a full red carpet and everything. Chief Bogo and his wife were walking down as they pulled up, smiling and waving as they entered the hall.
"Well looks like we'll be owing more drinks to everyone, no doubt these pictures will be in the paper tomorrow." Nick was grinning as Judy just shook her head remembering the night they had to pay for everyone's drinks after their dock pictures. She really didn't remember much of the night, just a massive headache the day after compounded by her neighbor's constant bickering.
"You two ready?" Renato asked through the slightly open window. "Just remember smiles and keep walking, maybe pause for one of two pictures but you don't have to talk to them if you don't want to."
"Thanks Renato, let's do this. Hopefully, there won't be as many cameras inside." Judy said as the door opened. They were nearly blinded by all flashes as they stepped out. They smiled and waved as Judy took Nicks arm and he guided her down the red carpet.
They only paused once so the photographers could get some better shots of the two, Nick stepped away at one point with his paws wide mouthing "just look at her." He really did think she was stunning and wanted everyonet to know it. All the photographers focused on her, some also catching Nick's stance showing her off. Judy blushed and dropped her ears down, Nick could see she was started to get embarrassed and got to her side to finish escorting her in.
Once inside the roar of outside died down and they surveyed who was there. The majority was their fellow officers all in fancy dresses or their dress uniforms, but several city council mammals and high ranking politicians were in attendance. The whole hall was decked out in white and blue streamers and balloons, several round tables encircled a large dance floor as a long rectangular table was set up on a stage at the end of the hall for the guests of honor. Nick and Judy both had a seat at that table as this was the first ball after the night howler incident and they were going to be officially recognized for their efforts in that case and the recent dock raid.
They mingled with their fellow officers for a while before one of the mayor's aides tapped on the microphone at the podium getting everyone's attention, "Excuse me everyone. The meal will be served shortly if you could please all take your seats we can get the night started. After the meal, the awards will be presented then the dancing can begin."
Nick and Judy said their goodbyes and headed up to the honor table seated next to each other. Joining them was Chief Bogo and his wife, the new mayor Peter Moosebridge with his fiancé, and local delegate Zack Ryan. The meal was a simple affair but very tasty. Fresh cut fruit, two different salads, steamed vegetables, and a few selections of fish for those mammals who wanted it. Desert was carrot or red velvet cake with vanilla ice cream.
Then came the speeches and award presentation. For their cracking of the night howler case and efforts to break up the major trafficking ring in Zootopia, they were both awarded police officer of the year and the Zootopia Police Distinguished Service Cross, the first time the award was given to rookie officers. They decide to do a combined speech as neither of them really knew what to say, the majority of their speech made sure to acknowledge the help given to them in the cases. They made specific mention to SWAT Officer Melvin and hoped for his speedy recovery. Their speech brought every mammal to their paws in a standing ovation. Judy's ears went straight up with her nose twitching turning a very bright shade of red and Nick turned an even deeper shade of red with his ears flat against the back of his head, they both were not expecting that level of response.
Once the applause quieted down the band started up and mammals began to take the dance floor, making Judy's ears perked up. "Is that the piano guys? They're our band tonight? I love their music."
"Chief knows the piano player Jon, apparently they went to school together and he asked if they would come and play tonight and he said yes." Nick look down at Judy who was lost in the music.
Nick and Judy sat listening to the music for a while as other mammals came up and congratulated them some more. Suddenly Judy's ears shot straight up and a huge smile crept across her face, "Beethoven's five secrets, I love this song. Come on Nick, on your paws let's dance." She really didn't give him much choice as she dragged him onto the dance floor, other mammals parting giving them plenty of space.
Nick gave Judy a look of not really wanting to be there however once he had his paw on her waist and in her other paw his whole demeanor changed. He expertly guided Judy around the dance floor in a bit of a waltz in time with the music. They music became faint in the background and the noise of the other mammals dancing faded as they became lost in each other's eyes, feeling the mood and love they had for each other.
The song finished as Nick dipped Judy in an eloquent bow holding her slightly bent over. He leaned down and they shared a passionate kiss right in the middle of the dance floor. Parting lips they stared at each other as Nick lifted Judy back to standing and stepped back, their concentration shattered as someone bombed into Judy sending her into Nicks arms. They laughed together as the next song started and they got mixed up with the other mammals dancing away
It was well after midnight when the pair finally decided to leave. Walking outside most of the press had already left so finding Renato was fairly easy. They knocked on the door before opening it and stepping in.
"That's actually my job Nick." Renato looked in the mirror and could see the look they were giving each other. "I'll give you two some privacy, there's a gift from Mr. B in the ice chest. When you're done hit the page button and I'll bring you home, meanwhile enjoy the sights of Zootopia." He hit a button that raised the limo's soundproof divider.
Nick opened the ice chest and found a bottle of champagne and a note of congratulations from Mr. Big. Nick popped open the bottle and poured them both a glass putting the rest of the bottle back into the ice chest. They enjoyed the sights of the city as Renato took them on a scenic tour of the whole city the different sections stark contrasts from each other. They both agreed their favorite section was the forest distinct. The large redwoods along with being far enough away from the city center that the Stars had no issue showing through the open skylight.
Nick was in awe, "I've never come here before and I can't believe how many stars are out tonight. It's almost as incredible as you Judy."
This caused her the blush again and in the attempt to cover her face almost spilled her glass all over her. Nick managed to grab her arm before she did taking the glass from her paw. He was about to set them down when he looked at Judy and saw the fire building in her eyes again. She pounced on him knocking him onto his back sending the glasses flying.
They locked in a deep passionate kiss, Nick's paws sliding softly around Judy's back with her arms lock solidly around his neck. His paw slid down the small of her back and brushed against the base of her tail sending shivers through her small body as she moaned into Nicks' mouth. They parted the kiss and Nick looked up at Judy as he played with her tail. She was letting out small squeaks, eyes closed, and her nose was twitching like it had a mind of its own. "You're not the only one who can tease." He said as he raised his muzzle up to her neck lightly kissing and nipping on it sending out more and louder pleasurable moans from Judy
"Looks like I found a few spots, I'll have to remember that when we fin..." Nick's thought was lost on him as suddenly he felt the jolts of pleasure surging through his body. Apparently, Judy had found one of Nick's pleasurable spots by running a paw around his ears. He had never gotten this far with another mammal so he didn't even know his ears would feel so nice to have another mammal touch in that way. Nick laid his head down on the seat and just enjoyed Judy toying with his ears as he fondled her butt and tail.
"Sly fox, you thought you could outdo me," Judy had a mischievous grin across her muzzle "however as nice as this is if we don't slow down or stop I may not be able to keep my promise to you about waiting." She leaned down and kissed him again before sitting up and straightening her dress. Nick sat up as well and pulled her into his lap. Leaning against the side of the car and stretched out along the seat he wrapped his arms and tail around Judy like a blanket and kissed the top of her head. His paw pushed the page button to signal Renato they were ready to go home.
"You know we've been dating for almost a year now but there's one thing we haven't done yet that's kind of important," Judy said laying her head onto Nicks' chest listening to his heart. Nick looked down and turned his head to the side in a quizzical manner. "We should go see my parents."
"I've already met your parents, they were very nice to me." Judy remembered back to the graduation and Judy introducing him to them. Making him promise to keep looking out for her, little did they know how much he would be just that.
"I know you have, been I think it's time to meet them as my boyfriend." Judy looked up to see a worried look on Nicks' face. She reached up and touched his cheek, "It will be ok I promise." Nick looked into his bunny's eyes but could tell that she was just as nervous as he was about it. Would they be happy, or mad? Welcome him into the family or break out the shotgun? It was a quite ride back to the condo full of apprehension, but they held onto each other knowing they were safe in each other arms.
A/N: First off I want to say thank you to everyone who has read this story, after putting up the last chapter the story has reach over 1700 people reading the story. I NEVER though it would get that high, honestly only maybe 100 or so people would read it if that. I am very humbled the so many of you are enjoying the story so far.
So this chapter I was a bit so-so about, I wasn't sure on the flow and if it really pushed the story along. The middle part was just for some fun both the other parts do setup for follow on chapters, especially the next few on meeting the parents. After finishing the last part and reading it over a few times I am happy how it turned out. I have a very big event planned that will make a huge impact on the story in the upcoming chapters and I hope you stay along for the ride. As always please review, follow, favorite, or just tell other people about it.
Thank you and see you soon.
