A/N: This one gets a bit more into the passion side. Been even longer since I wrote something like this so let me know if you feel it could be done better.

Reviews are great feedback. PM's work too!

I own nothing except my free will, and even that was taken by my wife.

Chapter 12: A deal struck

The sound of jangling keys broke the silence of the empty apartment. The door thumped several times before metal hit lock, almost as if the holder of the keys was frantically trying to open the door. After a brief pause, the door burst open to reveal the cause of the problem. A small gray bunny in a disheveled red dress was wrapped around a tall red fox in a similarly ruffled suit. Their lips locked in what seemed to be a contest. Whoever backed down first would be viewed as the loser. The ferocity of the kiss was unmatched by anything the pair had ever experienced before. Finally breaking apart, the pair gasped for air, both flush in the face, collapsing onto the couch. Their eyes unwavering, their respite lasted only a few seconds before they attacked each other again.

Nick felt something stir inside him. An almost primal urge, causing him to growl deep in his throat, his lips pulling back into a snarl. Judy's eyes opened at the sound and her own primal urges told her to flee from her natural predator. Neither of them cared to listen as the fox let his tongue drag across the rabbit's lips. Her lips parted slowly, allowing his tongue to enter her mouth and intertwine with her own. The moaning from both animals increased until they could hear nothing else.

Their paws frantically clawed at each other. Both wanting to undress the other first. Judy deftly unbuttoned Nick's shirt while he slid the straps down her shoulders. Judy moaned as she ran her paws through Nick's fur as he stroked her neck and back. Their minds had been lost to pure lust. Lifting Judy up, he headed for the bedroom, only to have her lock her powerful legs around his waist, their lips never leaving the others.

Reaching the bed, Nick laid her down gently while still passionately embracing her. Judy wasted no time in removing Nick's jacket and shirt. Clenching her fists in his chest fur, she purred loudly, causing Nick to feel the vibrations along her tongue. The act caused him to chuckle but also to realize where he was and what he was doing.

Struggling against the insanely strong legs around his waist, Nick pulled back. "Carrots, we can't do this."

"Oh yes we can," came the throaty reply.

"No, Carrots, we need to wait." Her paws still fumbling with his belt, she seemed to not be in the mood to listen. "Judy!" This made her pause and look up at him. "I know we want this. God how I want this. But it's not the right time."

Sighing heavily, the gray bunny looked into the emerald green eyes of the fox above her. "I know. I know it's not. It's just…well, it's been a long time that I've been thinking about this. And I just thought that, if I didn't make it happen, then it never would."

Nick brought his paw up to brush her cheek. "Don't worry, Fluff. We've got two weeks for us to figure it all out. See if this is really what we want. This is only day one, remember?"

"You mean I have to live through two full weeks of this? The teasing? The distractions? You're going to drive me insane!"

Nick chuckled. "Don't worry, it would be a short trip." He immediately cowered under the glare of the small animal. "Look Carrots, the reality of the situation is we need to decide if our personal lives are more important or our professional ones. I already know my choice, but I know that you are still torn."

Judy opened her mouth to speak but couldn't think of anything to say. She frowned instead. She really did love him, her actions today had proved that. But she was also scared of changing the way things were. She wanted him to be with her, making her feel safe, but she couldn't decide if that meant on or off the job more.

"How about we make a deal."

Her ears perked up at that.

"Let me show you what we could be. We'll spend the time we have as if we had decided to be a couple. We do everything we would do if we were that couple. At the end of the two weeks, if you aren't convinced that we should be that couple, then we can resume our partnership and just keep our feelings under wraps. Deal?" Nick extended his paw.

Judy thought about it for a second before shaking it. "Deal."

Nick grinned before embracing her again and kissing her deeply, running paws over her torso and down her leg.

Judy pushed him back, gasping. "Nick! W-what are you-"

Nick had a smug grin plastered on his face as he looked into her eyes. "I said that we'd do everything we would do as a couple, and I'm pretty sure this would happen." he said as he leaned back down and their lips met passionately. Stroking her leg, he moved his paw to her chest, smiling as she let out a small moan. They fooled around for a bit, each of them testing certain spots on each other to find out what might make them squirm before deciding to turn in for the night. Judy took off her dress before climbing into the bed, expecting Nick to head to the couch, and instead was shocked to see him lay back next to her in his boxers.

"Nick, I don't thi-"

Nick stretched out his arm and ran one of his claws along the back of her ear making her shudder, sending chills down her spine and heating her body in certain areas she was trying to avoid. He leaned over and kissed her. "Goodnight Carrots. I love you," he whispered before turning to face the wall.

"I-…love you too, Nick." came the faint reply.

Oh sweet cheese and crackers. I won't last a week!