Chapter Two: Proposal

The next morning found a tired Judy Hopps. Despite her determination to tell Nick what was going on, her nerves had kept her up the majority of the night, with the doe finally crashing in the wee hours of the morning. Her slumber didn't last long, however, and her jitters had her up bright and early. Try as she may, sleep would not return to her.

With a muted groan of defeat, Judy grabbed her phone to see what time it was. '4:30...ugh.' She mentally sighed as she forced herself into a seated position. After a huge yawn, she rubbed her eyes tiredly, mourning the lost hours of sleep. 'One hour before we need to get ready. Great. What am I going to do with all this time…' Her ears popped up with inspiration.

Thirty minutes later, Nick exited his room to the smell of food cooking. Still sleepy, having not yet had his morning coffee, the savory scents were a welcome surprise that helped bring the fox further into the world of the living.

"Carrots?" Nick called as he made his way towards the kitchen, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he went.

"Nick!" Judy greeted with a smile, turning away from the stove to face him. The fox paused at the vision before him.

She was still dressed in her clothes from the night before, but now had an apron tied around her waist and a spatula in paw. It was the most domestic the tod had ever seen the bunny, and it sent a sharp pang through his chest, along with a deep longing. He hid it well, however, as he smiled in greeting.

"Good morning, Carrots." Nick sighed happily as he took his seat at the table. "A pretty face," he took in a deep breath, "the smell of good food. If this is how you do things every morning, you should spend the night more often." The words were out before he could stop them, and forced a smile on his face to ride it out.

To his relief, the doe just laughed. "This is a one-time deal, Slick." Judy teased. "I woke up earlier than usual and couldn't go back to sleep, so I figured I'd do something with the extra time. Besides, it's not anything too fancy." She said as she moved the contents of the frying pan to a plate. Setting the dirty dishes into the sink for later, she moved to bring the plate to Nick. "Scrambled eggs are the only predator food I know how to cook."

Seeing what she was doing, Nick rose out of his seat to stop her. "I can get my own food—"

"Sit." Judy commanded softly, a smile on her lips as she placed the food before Nick. Hospitality was in her blood; having grown on a farm and with a family as large as hers, they would all take turns serving the family at mealtimes. Living in the city, she didn't cater much to others, and it wasn't really her thing, but seeing Nick's expression melt into sheepishness was worth the extra effort she was putting into it.

"Thanks, Judy." Nick said softly, grateful that his fur was red to hide the blush. Judy had never cooked for him before, and he had never seen this side of her. As smooth and in control as Nick liked to be, he was out of his element here, and didn't know how to react. "Where's your food?"

"Already ate." Judy chirped as she took her seat right across from him. "Buttered toast and an apple!"

"You sure that's enough for you?" Nick asked as he began to eat. He couldn't help the shiver that raced down his spine at the thought of eating something Judy made for him.

"I'm full." She assured with a grin, now wanting to mention that it was butterflies making her so full. They fell into companionable silence while Nick ate. Judy watched the food she had made slowly be consumed, and waited until he had a mouthful before speaking again. "Thank you."

Mouthful of eggs, Nick quirked a brow at her in question.

"For putting up with me yesterday," Judy elaborated, "and making me feel better."

Nick narrowed his eyes playfully and smiled after swallowing his food. "Is this what this is? A 'Thank You' breakfast?"

Judy gave him a sheepish smile. "Kinda."

The fox raised his brow again. "Kinda?"

"It's...also an 'I'm Sorry' breakfast." Judy confessed as she averted her gaze.

Plate empty, Nick frowned as he pushed it away. "What's wrong?"

Judy bit her lip before sighing. "You already know that my mom called yesterday." She didn't see Nick's ears perk as she started to talk about the day before. Her trepidation returned in full force, and kept her from looking at her partner. "She basically said breeding was more important, and that I needed someone to be with, and I was just so tired of her being so pushy about me being in a relationship that I...I said something stupid and panicked." She opened her mouth to continue, but the words didn't come out as she felt her face heat up with mortification.

Seeing that she needed some help, Nick leaned back in his seat. "What did you say?"

"I said...I didn't like bucks...or rabbits in general." Judy added quickly. "I said I like..."

"Like?" Nick prompted, wondering what she could have said that would be so horrible.

"...Foxes." She finished, unable to look at Nick.

'Well, that did it.' The tod thought, even as his heart began to race. "Foxes." He stated calmly.

"Yup." Judy nearly squeaked, her shoulders hunching slightly as a blush overtook her whole body. Feeling exposed, she pulled her ears over her face.

Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Nick asked, "Then what happened?"

There was a beat of silence before, in a terrified squeak, Judy let it all out in one breath.

"Sheaskedifweweregoingoutandipanickedandsaidyesandtheyrecomingtomorrowandcanyoupretendtobemyboyfrinedplease?!"

Nick paused, taking a moment to process the barrage of words that had just been hurled at him. When he thought he had the gist of it, his heart began to jump into overdrive, even as he held a calm facade on the outside. "Let me get this straight...to avoid more of your mom pushing bucks at you, you told her we're dating?" At Judy's wordless nod behind her ears, the tod continued. "And now they're coming to visit tomorrow and you want me to pretend to be your boyfriend?"

"Yes." Judy whispered, sheepishly peeking at Nick from behind her ears.

"Oh, good. I just wanted to make sure we were on the same page."

Ears popping up surprise, the doe stared at Nick. "You're not...mad at me? About to laugh at my misery?"

"This is hardly the worst thing that's ever happened to me, Carrots." Nick said with a reassuring smile. "And while this is amusing," his smile turned into a grin at her pout, "you're a friend in need, and I'll help out anyway I can."

"Really?" Judy asked, completely surprised at this turn of events.

"Really, really." Nick replied. He was not prepared for the bunny torpedo that launched herself at him at his words. "Whoa!" He exclaimed as he steadied the both of them. 'I didn't even see her leave her seat! Did she teleport?!'

"Oh, thank you, Nick!" Judy gushed as she tightly hugged the fox. "It will only be for a day—three days max, and then we can have a pretend breakup, I promise!"

Nick was glad Judy couldn't see his face in her current position, because he couldn't stop the wince that crossed his face at her words. Wrapping his arms around her, the fox forced a smile onto his face and into his voice. "Anything for you, Carrots." He was pretty sure this was going to hurt him in the end, a lot. 'But if I have a chance to live my dream, I'm taking it. Even if it's only for pretend.'

Judy then glanced at the clock display on the microwave and gasped. "Cheese and crackers, we're gonna be late!"

~o.8.o~

"Nearly late two days in a row, Hopps?" Francine teased lightly as the two females finished up in the restroom. "Has Wilde rubbed off on you?"

Judy chuckled nervously. "More than I'd like." The doe replied as she dried up her paws. The rabbit and fox had once again made it just before Bogo entered the bullpen, barely escaping parking duty by the tips of their tails. Finished with her task, Judy waved goodbye to the elephant cow as she exited the restroom. It wasn't much longer when she was entering the driver's seat of the cruiser she and Nick shared.

"Well, it's a good thing we're off tomorrow." The fox remarked as the two set out on patrol.

"Yeah." Judy sighed, relieved that they had that small mercy. There was no way Bogo would have given them a day off on such short notice, and they had enough to worry about as it was. After she started down the first part of their route, Judy gave Nick a side-glance. "So...I was thinking…"

"Don't hurt yourself, Fluff." Nick ribbed, glancing at her from behind his shades, a smirk on his face.

"Har, har." Judy rolled her eyes, but couldn't help the grin that spread across her face. "Anyways, I was thinking maybe we should...I don't know, get our story straight?"

"Like how long we've been dating?" Nick asked as he lowered his shades to look at her better. At her nod, he continued. "Makes sense. Hmm..." The tod scratched his chin lightly in thought as they stopped at a red light, easily slipping into the task of creating a believable lie.

"We could say we've been dating for a month now, which is why you haven't moved in with me yet." Nick began, eyes straight ahead as the words came to him. "I realized I had feelings for you after the missing mammals case, but kept quiet because I had just gotten you back and I didn't want to lose you. You, the little country bumpkin that you are, took a little bit longer to realize you had feelings for me, and when you did, you took the initiative, as you always do. You don't let anything get in the way of what you want, after all." Nick paused for a moment, tapping his bottom lip in thought, before a soft smile gently curved his lips.

"Our first date was on August tenth at Jerry's Crabshack. Nothing too fancy, and they cater to both pred and prey. Our first kiss was a week later, when we had our second date. We couldn't do it earlier because of our crazy schedules, but when we did finally manage to get it off, I took you to Casa Bronco. I know the chef, so we were able to get a good discount, but you didn't know that. I wore my dad's suit, and you finally wore that frilly pink number Fru-Fru got you months ago. After a fantastic meal, we took a walk around the park, and then when I took you home, we kissed." Nick paused once more at that, imagining what it would be like to finally kiss Judy. He quickly shook himself out of the moment and continued. "We've been steady ever since."

Silence settled between the two, and as the bunny at his side neglected to respond, Nick turned curiously towards her. Judy was staring at him wide-eyed, her mouth slightly ajar. Her ears were down, but he was surprised to see a blush dusting her cheeks.

HONK!

The sudden noise had both officers jumping in surprise, an expletive leaving Nick's mouth as Judy realized the light had turned green. The doe quickly stepped on the gas, propelling their cruiser forward, causing a few other cars to honk their horns at them. Once the situation got settled, and their heart beats were somewhat back to normal, silence once against settled over them.

"That was...detailed." Judy observed, breaking the silence and odd tension that suddenly made itself known. "Seems like you have it all figured out." Her tone was a bit curious, almost suspicious.

Afraid that he may have gone a little overboard, Nick gave her his hustler grin. "I lied for a living, Hopps. Of course it's going to be detailed. That way, no one would suspect it's a lie."

Focusing on the road, Judy frowned a bit in thought, ignoring the strange twinge of disappointment his words caused. "I guess I see your point." She smiled suddenly, remembering when they first met. "You were pretty believable at the ice cream shop."

Nick chuckled at that. "It was a good performance, I'll admit."

"Alright, don't let that go to your head. Your ego is already so big, I'm surprised no one mistakes you for an air balloon."

"That was bad." Nick snickered, and Judy stuck her tongue at him. A now companionable silence fell over them, and the two began to do their job.

As the first half of their shift dragged by, Judy couldn't help but notice the couples out that day. Same species and, more rarely, interspecies couples were out enjoying the fall weather, enjoying each other's company. She observed how they kept close, one never straying far from the other. Most of them held paws, the few that didn't, the female was clinging to the arm of the male. And they kissed, constantly. Short and sweet, or drawn out and passionate, she blushed every time she saw it happen. Glancing at Nick, she began to wonder.

Lunch came a little after twelve, the two of them having to chase down a speeder being the reason for delay, and was taken at a cafe in the middle of their route. Nick ordered a spicy cricket wrap, and Judy got a simple berry salad.

"I am starving!" Nick announced, right before he took a large bite of his wrap. The excess food caused his cheeks to puff out like a hamster, and Judy giggled at the image it presented. The humor quickly left her, and the doe started to pick at her salad as her thoughts consumed her.

Noticing this, Nick spoke around his mouthful. "Carrot for your thoughts?"

Having just stabbed a slice of strawberry, Judy froze, her eyes glued to the red berry as a blush flooded her cheeks and ears as they fell limply against her back. Unsure in how to voice her thoughts, the doe dropped her fork and averted her gaze anywhere but at Nick.

Confused and amused by her reaction, the tod couldn't help but tease her. "That's a strong reaction for such a simple question. Wait, don't tell me—were you thinking dirty thou—"

"No!" Judy protested loudly, her eyes wide as they snapped up to Nick. Realizing that she had said that rather vigorously, the heat in her cheeks intensified as she tried to hide from the mammals now looking her way. In a lower tone, she nearly hissed at Nick. "No, I was not thinking...that!"

Deciding to give her a break, Nick refrained from teasing her further and adopted a semi-serious expression. "Then, what were you thinking?"

Sighing, Judy pouted at her food as she thought on how to voice her thoughts. "While we were on patrol, I noticed the couples in the area, and how close they were. Like, hugging all the time, paw holding, and k...ki...kissing." She nearly forced out the last word in an embarrassed whisper. It was a second before she could continue. "I realized that we're not close like that, physically." Mustering up the courage, shy amethyst flicked up to meet calm emeralds. "If we're going to fool my parents, we'll have to be close like that. We need to practice being that close."

Nick froze. His expression, his heart, breath; in that moment, everything froze for him. 'Practice. She wants to practice.' His heart unfroze, skipped a beat, and started racing at the thought.

"Nick?" Judy hedged hesitantly.

"Uh, yeah. That's...that's a good idea." Nick said haltingly, his palm pads suddenly feeling sweaty. Glancing at his food, he suddenly wasn't hungry anymore, as it felt like he'd swallowed a flock of butterflies. "We, uh, better start practicing."

"When we get back to the cruiser." Judy squeaked, once again unable to look at Nick.

Though neither felt hungry enough to eat, they both forced their food into their mouths so they would have something to do and not talk for the rest of their break.

When they were done and it was over, they quickly made it back to their cruiser. This time, Nick was in the driver seat. Once they were buckled in, the car remained off as the tension between them increased.

"So," Nick cleared his throat, "I guess we can start now."

"Paw holding first." Judy insisted quickly, her cheeks aflame.

Nick nodded in agreement. "Paw holding first." He then extended his paw towards Judy, paw pads facing up, stopping halfway. After a moment's hesitation, Judy slowly placed her paw within Nick's much larger one.

'This is stupid.' Judy chastised herself as her heartbeat picked up, her eyes glued to their paws as Nick's digits slowly closed around her paw. 'We're just holding paws.' She thought, even as her stomach quivered at the contact. Nick then maneuvered their paws so their digits were intertwined. A warmth spread from her digits at the change of contact. 'It's no big...deal…'

"This is good, right?" Nick asked in a soft tone, his own gaze focused on their paws as well.

"Yes." Judy replied just as softly.

The silence that followed was filled with tension just like before, except there was a zing to it now. A subtle, yet hard to ignore, electric current that tingled down their spines as they slowly made eye contact.

Nick was the first to look away, his eyes focusing ahead as he quickly let go of Judy's paw. "We should," he cleared his throat as his voice cracked slightly, "we should head back out."

"Yes, right." Judy swiftly agreed as she looked away, a paw reaching up to slick her ears back to hide how red they were.

The silence returned in full force as the fox turned the ignition, safely guiding the cruiser into traffic. Judy wasn't sure how it felt to Nick, but to the doe, it was nearly suffocating. When she thought she couldn't take it anymore, movement out of the corner of her eye caused her to look at her partner.

Eyes focused ahead, Nick had one paw on the wheel, the other was stretched out tentatively towards her. Instead of chastising her partner about such unsafe driving habits, Judy tentatively placed her paw within Nick's once more, their digits intertwining. For the rest of their shift, it remained as such.

There had been a few extra touches here and there as the day passed; a familiar paw on a thigh, a longer hug, even cuddles when it was particularly slow—those sort of gestures. When the end of their shift finally did roll around, they no longer flinched at the less than platonic gestures, and their blush could be explained as "still new".

Twenty minutes before the end of their shift, the two were parked on their route a few blocks down from the station, watching the mammals for any suspicious activity. It was a good thing no one was feeling particularly malicious that day, as Nick and Judy could hardly pay attention to anything outside of the shy touches and their intertwined paws.

A couple kissing managed to catch Nick's attention, and the fox blushed hard at the reminder. While he had definitely enjoyed the day—being able to touch Judy in such a way was as thrilling as it was intimidating—this one aspect downright terrified him. It was more than just holding paws; they would be—

"We still haven't practiced kissing." Judy suddenly said, causing Nick's head to snap in her direction. The doe was gazing at him shyly, and the tod had to swallow thickly before he could speak.

"Right. Now?" He hedged, his heart pounding in his chest. At Judy's jerky nod, Nick found his heart picking up speed. "Okay."

Turning in their seats so they were facing one another, Nick kept his one paw intertwined with Judy's, and lifted the other out towards the doe's face. As his paw touched her furred cheek, his eyes zeroed in on the contact. The tod marveled for a second on how soft the fur felt against his paw pads. His eyes then flicked up to meet her gaze briefly, before they settled on her lips.

For the longest time, Nick had thought about what it would be like to kiss the mammal of his dreams. 'Would it be weird, because of our differences?' He thought idly as he began to lean in. 'Or would it feel...right?' Further thought vanished from his mind as their lips were just a breath away from touching.

'What if she hates it?'

It was this sudden, unwelcome thought that had Nick pulling away before they could kiss. The fear of that becoming a reality, of her not liking a display of his affection; it had more control over him than he was willing to admit.

"Nick?" Judy whispered, confused by the slight hurt and disappointment that swelled within her at his actions.

"Ah, sorry, Judy." Nick gave an awkward chuckle. "I don't know what, uh, I'm-"

"It's okay." The doe quickly insisted, the hurt giving way to the awkwardness of the whole situation. "We don't really need to kiss to prove that we're a couple. Besides, it's not like we really are one, anyways."

Her hurried words unknowingly hurt the tod, and Nick had to look away to hide his expression. "Right." Glancing at the time, Nick quickly put the cruiser back into gear. "Better buckle up, we gotta head back to clock out."

Nodding, Judy complied as Nick quickly drove the car back to the precinct. Once they were clocked out and in their civies, the two met outside the precinct.

"I have a few errands to run before heading home." Judy said, the awkwardness from before still lingering between them. "So, my parents' train will be here at eight-twenty. I'll see you at Zootopia Central at eight-fifteen? By the fountain?"

Nick nodded in agreement. Normally, he would accompany Judy on such errands to prolong the time he had with her, but he had his own errands to run. "Eight-fifteen, bright and early. Don't forget to wear something nice."

With that, the two parted ways until the next day.

Author's Note: Chapter written by Starfang's Secrets.

P.S. Sorry I'm posting this a day late. Honestly, it just slipped my mind until Star reminded me.