Benjamin Clawhauser was an ecstatic cheetah, and he had his reasons. Two reasons to be exact.

Firstly, his new ship did not only start sailing the ocean of love, but thanks to Bogo's little game, he got his paws on a juicy picture of them kissing, and O M Goodness, it was one of the cutest pictures he has ever seen. He immediately made a fan page for them, which already had hundreds of thousands of visitors since the webpage has been made, and there were a lot of mammals that seemed to be just as excited of the pair as the cheetah was. He already saw some fanmade drawings getting uploaded, and they were just UTTERLY ADORABLE. But all in all, he would proudly call himself the biggest Wildeford shipper, ever.

Secondly, he had just heard from Delgato and Fangmeyer about what happened at the Canine festival last night, and he almost lost his appetite, that's how worried and scared he was. Emphasis is on 'almost', Gazelle needs to be in some kind of danger, and then maybe, just maybe, he would lose his hunger for donuts.

Back to the topic, his worry faded when he heard from Snarlof how they did not let the other go in the entire driving home, and how both of them slept in the wolf's apartment. After hearing a gossip this juicy, he immediately started to question the white timber wolf, but he could not provide any information of what happened in the apartment, since he had to bring the deputy chief and Judy home aswell. Benji decided that he is so going to get every single detail from those lovebirds when they arrive, if that's the last thing he does.

He got out of his dreamy thoughts about the pair when he heard a loud *ahem* coming from his front side.

''Benji, you there?" Benji heard Judy's voice say. He refocused on the present and saw his new favourite ship and Judy standing before his desk with… Deputy Chief Pictus?!

''Erm, Hi guys… Sir." Saluted Clawhauser with a serious expression.

Charlie just snorted and rolled his eyes.

''At ease officer, this is not the military, and you don't have to act like I'm gonna chew you out. If the chief is not here, you can turn down the seriousness." Reassured the painted dog. After hearing that the cheetah's posture relaxed and smiled.

''Understood, sir." Replied Clawhauser.

''Charlie."

''Huh?" asked Benji confused.

''Call me Charlie, or Charles if you are really a man of formalities. Sir just makes me think I'm old." Chuckled the painted dog. Benji joined in too after processing what did Charlie say.

The cheetah realised that his friends were silently listening to the him meeting the painted dog maybe for the first time, and they were quite amused by it. Clawhauser smiled when he landed his eyes on his favourite ship. He decided that he will have some fun too.

''Soo, Aaron, I heard what happened last night. It's awful! I didn't know you had a jealous ex." Teased the cheetah while leaning on his desk, resting his chin on his paws, playing the worried friend, but even the blind could she that he was restraining his smirk. The four mammals before him got the widest eyes possible.

''N-no Benji! She isn't my ex! Where did you get that from?!" exclaimed Aaron, like it was the most ridiculous thing he has ever heard, which in all honesty, it was.

Benji almost squealed in excitement when he saw Nick's tail slowly wrap around Aaron's waist possessively, which the wolf started to stroke, probably unconsciously. It was just sooo damn cute!

''Sorry, it was just a joke. But seriously, who was she? And why did she kitnap Nick?" asked Benji in a now curious tone and with a genuinely worried face.

''She… She is my childhood bully…" sighed Aaron looking at the ground in sadness. He felt a black paw taking his own, giving him a reassuring squeeze. He looked at his fox and gave him a grateful smile.

Benji now felt a little bad for bringing it up, but nodded in understanding. He decided that he would ask for the juicy details of their 'sleepover' later.

Judy in the mean time watched everything, stepping from one emotion to the other. The whole time, she had this annoying feeling of forgetting something really important but what it was, she did not remember. Upon seeing how affectionate Nick and Aaron was, she realized; she had been actually thinking of asking something very important from Charlie, but couldn't, because a dumb fox got kitnapped in the mean time.(Not like it was his fault, but still, dumb fox.) She needed privacy though, and with the biggest gossip mammal around, she would not risk anyone eavesdropping on them, and spreading false news of her and Charlie being a 'thing'. As much as she wanted to be one with the painted dog, they did not settle anything between them as of yet.

''Sorry guys, but briefing starts soon, we have to get up there." Said Judy hurriedly, taking Charlie by his paw and leading him upstairs, before anyone could react to her. They then disappeared from the sight of the surprised and bewildered canines and Benji, who looked after them questioningly.

''What's up with her? It's still 10 minutes 'till briefing." asked Clawhauser. Nick just shrugged.

''I don't know, but It's probably something private, so let's not get nosy now." Said Nick while leaning on Clawhauser's desk. Aaron raised and eyebrow upon hearing that.

''Bushy Tail, that's not very much like you. This would be a perfect chance to get some teasing material and you just throw it out of the window?" asked Aaron while crossing his arms between his injured chest. Nick's smirk just broadened.

''Wolfie, you hurt me. I have never said I wouldn't hustle the info out of her later." Shrugged Nick with a dramatic hurt expression. Aaron snorted in amusement.

''Now that's my fox." Said Aaron making Nick snort aswell.

Benji was watching their little conversation, and was restraining a squeal that oh-so-wanted to escape.

They even have cute nicknames for each other! Awwwwwww! And he called him his fox! AWWWWWWWWW!

''Oh yeah, Spots, could you do something for us quickly?" asked Nick, shaking the cheetah out from his excited state.

''Sure Nick, what's that?"

''Well, I would like to change my home address to 1954 Breeze Street 45. 4th floor, door 7." said Nick, stealing a glance at the wolf next to him, who's face lighted up in excitement and his tail started to wag. Clawhauser missed Aaron's reaction, since he was already inside the system, replacing his info.

''Sure… Let's see… 1954 Breeze Stre- Wait a second." mumbled Benji, when the auto supplement function of the bar he was writing in offered the exact same address, meaning that he had written the info into the system before. When he saw that, his mind started to work quicker than he would eat a donut.

Why would Nick change his address to an other officer's? That doesn't make any sense, unless…

His eyes widened when he linked two and two together.

O M GOODNEEEEEEEEEEES!

When Nick saw the cheetah freezing and a smile appearing in his face, he knew what's about to happen, so he took out his and Wolfie's Anti-Clawhauser earplugs and quickly put it in for the both of them. He was just in time, because they both heard a faint, but for others, and earth shattering squeal through the plugs. They could swear that even the ground was shaking.

How is the building not collapsing?!

After 10 seconds or so, they saw the cheetah take a deep breath, signaling that it was safe to remove the plugs.

''Jeez, Bushy Tail, those earplugs you got are life savers." Whispered Aaron, scratching his ears, that started to itch a bit from the plugs.

''Number one rule of a hustler: Adapt." Replied Nick looking smug as ever.

''You guys really moving in together?!" whispered Benji harshly. Although Nick and Aaron was not sure whether it was a harsh whisper, or the cheetah lost his voice after the note he just produced.

''Nailed it, Spots" nodded Nick while smirking at the dreamy-eyed cheetah.

''You could say that you were Spot on." Joked Aaron. Upon hearing that Nick actually laughed so hard, Aaron had to hold him to not lose his balance. Benji lost his excitement and just groaned.

''You just had to ruin it didn't you? You two spend too much time together. I don't know if moving in would do any good for the mammals around you." Groaned Clawhauser, while resuming the address change of Nick.

''It's not like you won't get excited again within the next minute or so. Pluuuus, it would do good for your fan page." Commented Nick between laughs. Benji froze mid-type.

''H-how do you know about the w-webpage?" stuttered Benji nervously. Aaron just chuckled

''He doesn't, but now he does. Thanks for affirming our suspicions. Judy and Chocolate Pudding own us breakfasts tomorrow." Informed Aaron, while perfectly mirroring his husband's smug smirk. They did a high five without looking at the other, like they were practicing this or something.

Benji just stared at the duo wide-eyed and mouth agape in astonishment.

They are already in the synchronized pair stage… they are moving so fast!

Nick stole a glance at the clock, and saw that now it really was nearing the briefing, not like when Carrots dragged poor Chocolate Cake away.

''Well we had a blast. Send us the link to the fan page if you can, we are on our way to the briefing. See ya Spots." And with his signature two-fingered lazy salute, him and Aaron started going up the stairs, towards the briefing room.

Benji could just look after them in bewilderment.

They just had that stupid hedgehog come into the building not even a week ago, and they are already acting like they are married… they aren't right? O. M. Goodness, what if they are?!

Clawhauser's mind was thinking about the possibility of that for the rest of the day.


It was minutes before the briefing and every mammal who passed the first floor at least once could see a pretty interesting spectacle; Hopps dragging the Deputy Chief by his arm, while said Deputy Chief looked pretty bewildered.

As much as Charlie enjoyed the contact with Judy's soft paw, he started to get a bit annoyed by getting constantly dragged through the building, going in circles and circles, for everyone to see.

After around 4 minutes, the painted dog got enough, and decided to end this and ask Judy what's going on. So he snatched his paw away and stopped, making the bunny stop aswell while looking at him nervously.

''Okay Judy, the briefing doesn't start for at least 5 minutes, so we are clearly not going to the bullpen. Where are you dragging me?" asked Charlie looking a bit annoyed. Judy sighed.

''I want to find some place private, so I can talk to you about something." whispered Judy while nervously scratching her left arm. Charlie pointed a finger to the next to them.

''Janitor's closet?" said the painted dog, making the bunny look up at the door.

''Ohhhhh, sure!" and with that they disappeared behind the door.

The Janitor's closet was a pretty small room, that could barely take a wolf inside. Since Judy and Charlie together did barely overtake half of a wolf, they could stand there comfortably, without getting pushed together awkwardly.

''Sooo, what is it Judy?" Asked Charlie curiously.

''Well, it's just that... I really enjoyed our date, but technically, we could never end it normally, and I feel like there is still a lot to be said." Said the sad looking Judy. Charlie just smiled warmly and kneeled down to meet her eye level.

''Well, I did enjoy our date aswell, and I hope we can have a second one that hopefully has less insane she-wolves, savage Aarons and kitnapped Nicks." Said Charlie, making the bunny lightly chuckle.

''Yes, another date, I would like that. But there won't be another festival like this for another 8 or so years." Said Judy with a small smile.

''Well, that's true, but we canines are weird enough to have more of these events. There is the Yearly Canine Summer Beach Party and the Jingle Merry Canine Christmas aswell. I think you would like those." Chuckled the painted dog. Judy rolled her eyes.

''Wow, you guys are a weird mammal family with all these customs, traditions and events." Commented Judy. She burst out laughing when she saw the harsh but playful glare that Charlie sent her way, but soon the painted dog joined him.

After they calmed down, Charlie remembered a tiny detail from their date.

''Soooo, in the end I won our little bet." Said Charlie making Judy wide-eyed.

''Oh god, you are right! Now I have to buy you dinner for a week, don't I?" groaned Judy. She totally forgot about that.

''Well, we could do thaaat, or you could do something for me instead." Said Charlie mysteriously. Judy looked at him with curious eyes.

''Like what?" inquired the bunny while tilting her head.

Charlie, upon hearing that, reach to his haversack that he brought today, and took out something that Judy could not see.

''Well, how about you accept a gift from me?" smiled Charlie.

''A Gift?" said Judy eyeing the haversack. Her eyes widened when she saw what Charlie was holding in his paw. It was a painted dog plush she wanted so badly.

''I managed to get that when you didn't look. I wanted to surprise you after our date, but after what happened I-'' he could not finish his monologue because he felt a very happy bunny hugging him tightly, much to his pleasure.

''Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou" kept on saying Judy. Charlie decided to hug her back, and it just felt so good. Her soft fur, her slim but strong form. It was more than Charlie ever imagined.

Like a dream…

They kept on hugging for some time, then they separated and looked into each other's eyes longingly.

Oh, how I want to kiss her right now… but I won't waste our first kiss in a Janitors closet, plus I don't know if she would want it-

His brain stopped working when he felt Judy's paws taking both sides of his head, turning said head, and kissing the side of his snout. He felt his face getting heated up, when her lips touched his fur. He had to restrain the shiver that went through his body, but the goofy smile was too much for him.

After that, Judy giggled on how stupid he looked. His tail must have started wagging, if the loud thuds behind him was anything to go by.

''Let's go, before they notice that we disappeared." Said Judy, not letting go of the painted dog's head

''A bit too late for that." suddenly they heard Nick's voice from the doorway. They both snapped their attention to the door, and saw it wide open with two smug looking canines leaning on the two sides of the door frame with arms crossed before their chests, mirroring each other perfectly.

How did they manage to open the door and stand here without any of us noticing?

Judy managed to prove, that rabbits had relation to tomatoes, if her red head was anything to go by. Meanwhile Charlie got red as his fourth color and they quickly separated.

Aaron and Nick just rolled their eyes, and stopped leaning on the door way.

''Come on, the Chief said he has something important to say, and he insisted on all of us being present. Even Clawhauser was called for the briefing." Said Aaron, signaling with his head to follow him.


~Bullpen

Bogo has made his decision. He has never done something like this, but he screwed up, and now he is going to make it right. He is not letting one of his detectives lose something because of his stupidity and carelessness. He still scolded himself minute by minute for forgetting that Wolford was coming from a strict noble family, and what could be the consequences if they discovered their eldest son's new trait.

But it will all change now. He will make it up to his detective, and with that, he hoped he could earn back his Deputy's trust and loyalty.

''Good morning officers, detectives. Today's assignments will be short, since all of you are going to do the same tasks as you did yesterday." Said Bogo, making the whole bullpen, and our team of four a bit confused.

Bogo acted strangely since his scheme has been discovered. No usual marching in with almost breaking the door, no shouting or scolding, no nothing. The buffalo just looked… sad, regretful, literally drowning in shame. No sternness in his voice, no strictness, it was like their Chief became an entirely new mammal. And he never said Good morning to them before!

''As of today, I'm going to go on a vacation for an indefinite time. Until my return, Deputy Pictus will be the head of the department, you will obey every command of his, and his orders are my orders aswell. Deputy Pictus, your ongoing cases and the detectives under your hand will be entrusted with your work by a mammal you choose until my return. Dismissed." Said Bogo, stealing a glance at the group of four, who got petrified upon hearing that.

But not just them, the whole bullpen looked at the leaving form of the buffalo with mouth agape. This was just as unexpected as Francine doing a backflip or Wilde and Wolford kissing before them. They would have never thought that the Buffalo ever heard the word 'vacation', and now they were told that the chief will be absent for who knows how long. Even Charlie did not expect this, and as much as he loathed the buffalo, he felt a bit sad for his boss. He might have been too hard on him, but what the buffalo did was unexplainable and straight up evil. He hoped that for whatever he got a vacation, he is going to accomplish his ultimatum about getting Aaron back into his family in time.

He realized that now all eyes were on him, waiting for him to speak up.

Oh right, I'm the chief now. Duh.

''You heard Bogo guys, go to your assignments, you are all dismissed."


After bidding adieu from Charlie, the three went on to their usual patrolling. Judy started to get really impatient, for the lack of cases as a detective, but deep down, she knew that everything that happened in the last days was a rollercoaster of emotions, and she couldn't fault anyone for that. She thought that a little break would not hurt. She wouldn't be surprised if it was just her that was still thinking of getting cases.

Although Aaron was lightly injured, and that he should have been sent on light duty (in other words, paperwork), but Charlie, as the temporary chief, told them, that since he knew that it would do more harm than good to separate them, Aaron can join them as usual, but he strictly commanded them that if there is something, anything, Aaron has stay out of it. The trio thought it was fair enough, and took their usual cruiser in their new comfortable position. After yesterday, there weren't too much touching between the two canines, and their favourite position in the cruiser came in handy.

They were told by Clawhauser, that there has been suspicious activity reported in the Zootopia City Plaza. They drove there and started walking around in the huge building, looking for anything out of the ordinary. It would have been easier of course, if they weren't stopped every five meter for an autograph or for a question by random mammals, who seemed to be very fond of Nick and Aaron. Judy was amused by how nervous and a bit embarrassed her friends looked when they were asked some pretty suggestive and personal questions. She would of course help them if there was a mammal, who did not understand the boundaries of personal space, but she couldn't be there for them always, since she got her fair share of attention as well. Random bucks trying to hook up with her, some even asked her to marry them, that she politely rejected. No wonder she was more attracted to Charlie, the mere fact that he didn't want Judy to be a housewife, and to raise tens of kits at home, while he was out saving the world, would have been enough for the doe to choose Charlie over any of those bucks.

She got a bit red when she realized what her thoughts were about.

Jeez, Aaron and Nick's rapidness seems to be infectious.

Neither of them noticed that a slightly overdressed gazelle was watching them from behind a newspaper with a sly smile.

When met half of the plaza got their questions answered and their autographs given, they finally had some peace, that they used to actually do their work.

''You know, I always loved plazas." Spoke up Aaron, while looking around the different shops in wonder with a nostalgic smile on his face. Judy and Aaron looked at him.

''Never thought you would be a plaza kitty Wolfie, especially that you are not even a kitty." Amused Nick.

''No it's not that. I hate shopping, really. It's just… As a city boy, plazas always give me a sense of… familiarty, comfortability it's…. it's hard to explain but I feel calm and good when inside there, walking in-between shops, listening to the sounds of chatter, the songs they play there. Sometimes when I'm alone and have nothing to do, I came here just to walk up and down and enjoy getting lost in my thoughts." Admitted Aaron. Nick and Judy looked around and thought about what the wolf said.

Nick could feel the wolf, he had the same feeling about places like Zootopia City Plaza. He was born and raised in Zootopia like Wolfie, so he thought it must be a city thing. Although he never really gave too much thought to it, but he had to agree, walking in the plaza felt somewhat pleasant and calming.

Judy, as a farm girl, viewed it differently. She could not feel anything diverse than walking on the streets of Zootopia. She, with her quick thinking mind, could kind of see where he was coming from, the whole place was very different, but almost the same as a normal street of Zootopia. She guessed that it was the same feeling she felt when she walked on the Carrot Day festival. Nostalgic, pleasant and generally calm.

''Officers!" they heard a heavily accented feminine voice call out. They looked around and saw a pretty strangely but nonetheless fashionably dressed gazelle sitting alone in a café. They couldn't see her face, because she wore a scarf, a hat and sunglasses. They looked at each other, shrugged, and went over to the gazelle in question.

''Please take a seat." Said the gazelle. Aaron and Judy was pretty confused of this gazelle's forwardness, but Nick was thinking about a different thing.

This voice… I heard it somewhere before… and her scent is really familiar…

''Ma'am, unless there is a problem, we have to resume our patrolling, we have no time to chat with civilians." Said Judy in a stern tone. The gazelle just giggled.

''Oh come on Officer Hopps, don't be so serious. My treat and I think you are already on a break." Smiled the Gazelle.

''Ma'am, we are not on a-'' started Aaron but was cut off by his radio and Clawhauser's voice.

''Hey guys, I've been told that you were moved on 20 minutes break. Enjoy it!" said the Cheetah.

They all looked at the smug gazelle with wide eyes.

''What was it that you wanted to say, Officer Wolford?" giggled the gazelle.

The trio looked at each other a bit warily, but since it looked like they were on a break, and the gazelle seemed harmless, besides the fact that apparently she could see the future, they decided that they would listen to what she wanted to say.

Meanwhile Nick was scavenging his own brain.

This accent, this giggling, this gazelle…

Then he realized who it was and smiled smugly.

''Well, hello there Isabel. How is the singer life treating you?" asked Nick, taking his seat in front of the gazelle named Isabel.

''Not much Nick. You have been pretty active lately, don't you think?" retorted Isabel. Aaron and Judy was looking between them confused.

''Nick could you introduce us to your friend?" asked Judy pointing at the gazelle.

''Oh yeah, where are my manners. Wolfie, Carrots, this is my friend Isabel La Voz De Las Diosas, or as commonly known: Gazelle. Isabel, this is my best friend, Judy Hopps, and my mate, Aaron Wilde." Introduced Nick. The bunny and the wolf looked at the gazelle with wide eyes, who took down her sunglasses to show her face and winked at them, and Nick didn't lie, it was indeed Zootopia's biggest pop singer, Gazelle, sitting in front of them in that almost ridiculous camouflage.

''G-Gaze… Gazelle?" stuttered the now starstruck Judy. She could not believe that her favourite singer was siting in front of her, smiling at her.

''Nice to meet you Officer Hopps. It's such a pleasure to meet one of Zootopia's biggest hero." Greeted Gazelle, making Judy speechless.

If someone looked in the bunny's head, they would see something like this:

Ohmygodshecalledmeaheroshethinksimaheroandshejusttalkedtomeohgoddontfaintdontfaintdontfaint.

Meanwhile, Aaron was less excited of the singer's presence. He was more impressed by how Nick introduced him.

He kept in mind that I'm his husband towards only wolves… And he used my new name, and he sounded sooo proud… dontfaintdontfaintdontfaint.

Nevertheless they both looked pretty frozen up. Nick would have been worried, but he knew exactly why Carrots froze and why Wolfie froze separately.

Two for the price of one.

''Wait… Aaron Wilde? But isn't your name Wolford?" asked Gazelle in confusion. Aaron and Judy got shaken out upon hearing that.

''Well… I was… until I got disowned for loving Bushy Tail here, but I would choose him over my family every single time without hesitation." Admitted Aaron, making the fox melt inside.

The wolf didn't know if it were appropriate to talk about something as serious as this, but it was a fact, and if he could go back in time to that morning with the hedgehog, he wouldn't change anything. So instead of feeling like it was a failure, he took it as an accomplishment, which made talking about this all the easier.

He saw Gazelle's face morph into shock while she clutched her hooves to her heart.

''That's awful! And all because you loved somebody? I'm really sorry." Said Gazelle sorrowfully. Aaron would have lied if her support didn't feel good. He tried to search for anything pretended or fake in her expressions or in her scent, but nothing suspicious came up, which meant that she was truly outraged and sad.

Judy, upon seeing how the topic turned to depressed again, decided to change it as soon as possible.

''By the way, How do you know Gazelle, Slick?" asked Judy. Now all the attention was on the fox.

''Carrots, how many times do I have to tell you, that I know everyone." Retorted Nick smugly making Judy roll her eyes.

''I know, but this is Gazelle we are talking about, you know how much I adore her and you never mentioned a thing of her." Pointed out Judy.

''Well, let me tell you a story then, Judy." Spoke up Gazelle.

''Do I need to bring popcorn from the cinema?" mumbled Nick smugly, getting a punch from Judy.

''Nick!"

''Auch, Carrots! Your punches are getting stronger every time." Hissed Nick. Judy was about to retort, but she saw Aaron's eyes narrow at her and heard a very light and faint growl. She realized that maybe she should turn down hitting the fox in the presence of Aaron. So she just sent a harsh glare at the fox, and looked back at Gazelle with a friendlier expression, hoping that the Aaron's primal side would not come out here of all places.

''Sorry, Gazelle, Please continue."

''I still remember it like it was yesterday…" started telling the singer.


~15 years before, somewhere in Zootopia.

Zootopia was enveloped in a huge storm, probably the biggest in centuries. Mammals with umbrellas and rain coats could be seen walking in the street hurriedly. Even though they were protected from getting soaked, no one liked staying in the rain longer than they had to.

But it wasn't the same for everyone, there were mammals who had to get out even in the rain to get enough money to get their necessary life needs, no matter how bad the weather was. It was especially true for a gazelle named Isabel.

Isabel was a young street singer, since she arrived from a foreign land. She originally came to try her luck to the city that promised so much and shown so little. She thought this was the city where everyone can be anything, but turned out it wasn't even near reality. She was heavily thinking of returning to her homeland and stop chasing her dream: to become a famous singer.

She was currently in her usual location, in the Grand Forest Park, where she had the most success as of yet. She was playing her latest song that she wrote, named 'Hooves don't lie'. It seemed that it got some attention, so she kept on playing it, but less and less mammals decided to spare some coins for the poor gazelle, who were struggling heavily.

And now she was getting soaked with her guitar. No one was in the park so she just sat on the wet pavement and tried not to cry.

No home, no food, no money… I should really go back to Mama.

Before she could stand up to find someplace dry, she saw two black paws in front of her. She looked up and saw a sad-looking fox in an ugly pawaiian shirt with an umbrella above his head.

She recognized this fox. This fox seemed to follow her, since where ever she decided to sing, the fox always found him. Everytime, he stood in front of her and listened to her singing and her music with great interest. At first she was a bit worried of this fox's intentions, but he did nothing but help her; he always left more money than others, some days his money was the only thing that saved her from starvation and he always applauded her when she finished her songs.

But now, she really didn't want to see anyone.

''Go away." Said Isabel weakly.

The fox didn't even move.

''Please… Leave me alone…" pleaded Isabel looking at the fox misty-eyed.

The fox as usual, didn't say anything, just smiled at her and offered his umbrella. Isabel was taken aback by the sudden gesture.

''What are you doing?" asked the gazelle looking at the fox questioningly.

''Can't have you get sick on me now." Said the fox for the first time since Isabel knew him. She was too shocked of the fox's forwardness, that she didn't notice the fox giving him his umbrella and walking away in the rain.

Isabel shook himself and looked after him, but he was already gone.

Well… at least I won't get even more soaked.

That's when she realized that the fox did not only give her his umbrella but it had a note hanging from it's handle. Isabel read it out loud for nobody but herself.

''Meet me here tomorrow at 12:00." read the gazelle.

Well, not like i have better things to do…

~Next day

''Sooo, where are we going exactly?" asked Isabel the fox for the nth time, who was walking in front of her.

Isabel did as was asked, and met up with the fox exactly 12:00 at the place where they met the day before. The fox told her to follow him, which Isabel hesitantly did so. Since then, the Vulpine wasn't telling her where they were going, no matter how hard she pried, but the more they walked, the more expensive the houses looked.

''You'll see." Replied the fox simply. Isabel decided that she won't even try anymore, not like it would lead her anywhere either. But the fox seemed to know what he was doing, and if it is some kind of kitnapping attempt, then so be it, everything is better than sleeping in an alley on the pavement.

After some turns and even more walking in silence, the fox stopped in front of the main door of a very tall and expensive looking skyscraper. She guessed that whoever owned this place was not popular for his modesty.

She felt a paw drag her down. She looked at the fox who was looking at her seriously.

''Let's make a deal, shall we? I will help you with your problem, and you will play along with everything I say and do, okay?" whispered the fox. Isabel could only nod.

Then she felt the fox take one of her hoof in his paw, making her blush a bit.

''Come on." And with that they walked into the building.

When they stepped in, Isabel's eyes widened; it was the fanciest, shiniest room she has ever seen. She saw mammals in suits and pretty dresses chatting around the room, that she could swear was made of literal gold.

Yep, definitely not modest.

In the mean time they arrived at a very modern reception desk, that had a very pretty lioness behind it, who immediately noticed them and gave a warm smile.

''Good afternoon, welcome to the Brandy and Jacky Musical Studios. What can I help you with?" Said the lioness in a monotone tone.

''We are here for our appointment with Mr. Brandy." Said Nick, still not letting go of the gazelle's paw. She did not know what to make of it, but she went with it.

''Oh sure, the 12:15 appointment. I will immediately notify Mr. Brandy about your presence. He should be here within 5 minutes." And with that the lioness was on her phone, talking with her boss.

''Five more minutes then." Sighed Nick.

Isabel could not comprehend what was going on. First this weird fox leads her to one of the richest parts of Zootopia, then he tells her that he will make her problems evaporate, for the price of her playing along with everything he does. Then she discovers that they are in Zootopia's biggest music studio, and they are about to talk with the 'Father of the Stars' Michael Brandy. She didn't know whether to freak out, squeal in excitement or just simply faint. The latter seemed easier, although that wouldn't do good to whatever this fox was planning.

She was so deep in sorting out the events, that she did notice herself getting led to huge lion in a suit.

''Well, well, isn't it Little Red? And who is this beauty you brought with yourself?" asked the lion, looking at Gazelle with interested eyes.

''Manny! Let me introduce you to Isabel. She is my girlfriend." Said the Nick nonchalantly. The gazelle in question had to really restrain herself not to start coughing.

Girlfriend?!

''Hmm, that would explain why you refused Tatjana's advancements. You were never into Vixens! Ha! I'll be damned. Anyway you told me that your girlfriend here has a voice of a goddess?" asked the lion while shaking the now completely clueless Isabel.

''Did I say a goddess? Sorry, I meant two goddesses. That's how good she is." Replied the fox, looking confident as ever.

''We'll see. Ma'am, my name is Mr. Brandy, co-boss of the Brandy and Jacky Musical Studios. If you would be kind enough to follow me, so we can test whether Little Red tells the truth. You are coming too, Red." Said Mr. Brandy while turning towards the elevator.

The whole journey to god knows where was basically the fox and Mr. Brandy chatting and laughing while Isabel finally had to time to freeze of everything she heard.

Girlfriend? Voice of Goddesses? And he told these like they were told in elementary school. Like it was so basic. And Mr. Brandy seemed not only suspicious that none of it is true, but even looked… delighted? Yes, that would be accurate. He was definitely delighted.

''Here we are!" said Mr. Brandy. Isabel looked up and saw that they were at a door labeled as 'Studio 1'.

''Ma'am, everything is ready for you to show us that you have everything that Zootopia's new pop star needs. Your time to shine." Said the Lion looking happy but serious.

Isabel was very nervous all the sudden. Everything came so fast, she didn't have time to practise or anything. She stole a glance at the fox, who just winked at her and gave her a thumbs up. Determination filled her and nodded eagerly.

Never mind, I can do this!

She stepped into the studio and found a headphone and a very good quality microphone that had its own stand and everything in the room. She put the headphones on and readied the microphone to be on the level of her mouth. She saw nobody else in that room, but could see a glass that went wall to wall, and behind that, he saw some tech guys behind a huge desk with many buttons on it. He saw Mr. Brandy and the fox aswell.

''Ready if you are." Heard Isabel say someone from the other room.

So she took a deep breath and sang. She always sang with her heart out for the world, that's why she became so popular in her home country. But now she did not only poured her heart into the song, she poured all her determination aswell, and it could be heard. Clearly.

She sang her seemingly most successful song 'Hooves don't lie', and she could swear it was her best trial, ever. She accompanied it by her hip dance aswell, that she practiced many times, and she felt like the whole room was hers. It was her chance to finally achieve her dreams, and she wasn't about to waste this opportunity. And oh boy, did she perform magnificently.

Upon reaching the final note that she dragged out dramatically, she finally opened her eyes and saw that a little audience sneaked into the room the mean time. And they all looked like they saw some otherworldly phenomenon. Huge applause and cheers emitted from the group, even Mr. Brandy looked misty-eyed a bit.

When the group finally disbanded, and they went to work, Mr Brandy almost rushed Isabel down.

''Little Red weren't lying, you were born to be a star! If you want we can write your contract immediately." Said the lion quickly and excitedly. Isabel got a smile on her face and nodded.

I did it... I really did it!

Although her triumph did not last long, since she noticed that the fox was missing. She looked around the room and he wasn't there. She looked through the glass and he wasn't there either.

''Mr. Brandy, could you excuse me for a second?" asked Isabel hurriedly. The lion looked confused but nodded.

Isabel exited the room and looked down on the corridor, where she found the fox walking away, paws in his pockets, whistling like he just did not complete someone's dreams.

She quickly rushed after him. She wanted answers and now.

''Hey you, fox!" shouted Isabel, making the fox stop in his way and turn around.

''Yes, Mrs. Future Popstar of Zootopia?" teased Nick.

''Why? Why did you help me?" asked Isabel sternly.

''I had connections, and you have a good voice. You don't deserve to be living on the streets." shrugged the fox.

''And now? Why are you leaving?" asked the gazelle, which made the fox make the first genuine smile she has seen from him.

''Fame was never my cup of tea. It suits you more. You deserved it Isabel, now show Zootopia who has the best voice. Show every shiny eyed dreamer, that in order to accomplish their dreams, they only have to try everything." Encouraged Nick. Isabel was a bit sad, she really wanted to repay the fox's kindness, but she understood, that if the fox doesn't want to be a part of it, she can't force him. She saw him resume his walk towards the elevator.

''At least can I know your name?"

The fox stopped again, but did not look back. He seemed to be thinking of something but he turned on his heels and smiled.

''The name's Wilde. Nick Wilde. Good day, Isabel." And with that, the fox entered the elevator. The doors closed, and she never saw him again.


~Present

''Oh yeah, now that I remember, I never did thank you for that." noted Gazelle looking at Nick.

Nick did not answer he showed Isabel 8 finger his paws.

''Count with me." Said Nick. Gazelle looked confused but nodded.

''8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1…."

''NIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIICK!" shrieked Judy while looking at the fox wide-eyed. She wanted to jump at the fox and hug the living fluff out of him. Thanks to this fox, Gazelle became Gazelle and did not go home, and if her hunch was right, he gave the idea for her favourite song. There was soo much to be said, but she knew that she could only thank him verbally, she did not want to make Aaron do something he would not want to do.

Speaking of Aaron, he seemed to be missing.

''Fluff, you there?" asked Nick, snapping Judy out of her thoughts.

''Yes… Just fighting the urge not to topple you over and strangle you. Oh, and against fainting aswell. Tell me about Aaron's whereabouts just so you can distract my attention." Said Judy through her teeth.

''Wolfie is… where did he go?" said Nick surprised while loooking around, searching for his mate.

''I saw him leave at around the half of the story, he seemed to be in hurry." Informed Gazelle.

''And he came back in the same hurry. Sorry guys, but while you guys were listening to the story, there was a pickpocket trying to be sneaky-sneaky. Don't worry, got the guy, handcuffed him to a pole outside, called the precinct to bring him in." Said Aaron while sitting back to his original place.

Everyone looked at him incredulously. Aaron looked clueless.

''What?" asked the wolf.

''You know that you should not be doing stuff like these, you are injured! What would have happened if he resisted and reopened your wounds?" exclaimed Judy.

''Well, someone had to stop him, and you guys seemed so indulged in the story way too far. Oh, and by the way, Isabel, there were no headphones in the room, just the microphone. I don't know where you got that from." Retorted Aaron, making everyone at the table confused.

''How do you know that? You weren't there, and even if you were, I can definitely remember that she had headphones. A silver one at that." said Nick with a raised eyebrow.

''Uh-huh. No, that was just your imagination. I would know, I was the head of the sound mixing section for Mr. Brandey for 5 years. I was the one who set everything up for Isabel, and I did not give her headphones, nor did anybody else." Admitted Aaron looking smug as ever.

''Wolfie… You were a DJ?" asked Nick wide-eyed. Now that he thought back, he did remember a grey timber sitting behind the sound board, pressing buttons and stuff, forgetting that the outside world even existed.

Was that really my Wolfie all along? Small world...

''Remember what you said to that Finnick guy? That, and I quote: 'I have my ways with my fingers'? Where do you think I got that skill from? Baking?" teased Aaron while doing movements with his finger like he was playing the piano.

''Ohh, suddenly everything makes sense. Do I want to know the other two i mentioned?" Mumble Nick looking redder than usual.

Before the wolf could reply, Judy cut in.

''Aaron… are you seriously telling me that both of you helped the greatest singer of all time start her career?" said Judy, trying not to explode of excitement.

''Well, I just did what I was ordered to. It was all Bushy Tail's doing. If he doesn't bring her there, nothing would have happened." Admitted Aaron. Judy looked at the fox sitting next to the wolf.

''We will talk about that later, Slick." said Judy, piercing through the fox's eyes. Nick suddenly didn't know if he was in trouble, or he was into a hard backpat.

He had to change topic, and fast.

''Isabel, what is the reason you made this meeting possible? I mean, that timing of our brake was awfully inconvenient, wasn't it?" Said Nick, making the female gazelle smile slyly.

''Why? I can't make a little friendly reunion without any ulterior motive?" asked Gazelle innocently.

All three other mammals shook their heads in disagreement. Neither did think of that for a second. Gazelle just sighed upon seeing, that she won't be fooling anyone.

''Nothing gets past Zootopia's finest it seems. Well, the real reason would be, that I would like to invite all three of you to participate in Gazelle's Stars." Admitted Gazelle, making the three detectives look at her with great interest.

''Your talk show? You are inviting us to that?" asked Judy.

''Yes. I would ask some questions, and you have to answer them, plain and simple. The questions will be written by me, so you don't have to worry about any overly personal questions coming in your way, plus you can check them for yourself before the show, and could change some if you wanted. The questions of course will not only come from me, but from the general audience as well. Only if you accept the invitation, that is." Told Gazelle. The trio looked at each other.

''So what's it gonna be guys? Are we ready to answer all of Zootopia's questions about us?" asked Nick. Judy just giggled.

''You mean, you are going to tell about yourselves. I will probably get questions of how can I keep up with you guys, which even I don't know the answer for." Joked Judy, getting a snort out from the canines. Isabel on the other hand looked like she was about to drop a surprise bomb on her.

''Is that so Officer Hopps? Or should I call you Mrs. Pictus?" asked Gazelle, making the bunny spit his coffee out.

''How?!" exclaimed Judy looking at Gazelle with wide eyes.

How in the name of Carrots did she know about that?

Aaron in the mean time was searching for the reason Gazelle knew about Judy's relationship with Deputy Chocolate Pudding, and he did not have to do a lot of searching. It was basically front page on Snarler.

''Aaaand got it, and it's the same news portal, that posted about me and Bushy Tail yesterday." Said Aaron showing the fox and the bunny a picture of Judy and Charlie holding hands and smiling each other longingly. Judy had to agree, they weren't looking like they were trying to hide anything.

Wonder how much would it hurt if I facepalmed the table. A bit of a bloody nose is probably what I need.

''I mean, Judy Hopps going to the Canine Festival while holding hands with one? You seriously thought that it wouldn't wake some mammals interest?'' asked Gazelle looking still sly as possible. The bunny thought about that and decided that table it is. Next thing the canines and Gazelle knew that the Judy headbutted the table.

''Just kill me." Mumbled Judy.

''Hey Carrots, if me and Wolfie survived a little fame, you will too. Everyone adores you in the city basically, so I think they would let a little uncalled love slip. Plus, at least you did not get hustled by Bogo, you were just generally careless" Commented Nick. The bunny seemed like she wanted to retort but nothing came. So she harrumphed and crossed her arms, not removing her head from the table in the process.

''So, do you accept it?" asked Gazelle. Nick looked at Wolfie worriedly. He was okay with being on TV, his confidence was all time high, especially since he had a wonderful wolf support him wherever he went, but he was really scared, that it was still early for the wolf to talk about the real events to the big world, and you bet that he wouldn't go without his husband.

But the wolf looked confident and winked at him, signaling that he really viewed it as something that is an accomplishment with some problems here and there.

My strong Wolfie.

''Sure Isabel, me and Wolfie are coming, I don't know about little Miss Table Head over there, she might just glue her head there. I bet her forehead lookes like the grain farms back in Bunnyburrow." Said the fox nodding towards Judy, who was still resting her head on the table.

''Just for that awful name, I'm coming." Said Judy while looking up at the fox. Nick had restrain a chuckle, because her forehead really did look like a grain meadow.

''Great! I will call you about the details later today. Now, I have my own questions, and you still have some minutes of your break. So, split!" Said Gazelle and immediately started inquiring about Nick's and Aaron's relationship, the events on the festival, and other more and less inappropriate stuff, much to the trio's embarrassment.


After they break reached its end, they said goodbye to Gazelle, but not without exchanging numbers, which the bunny was ecstatic to do. She would sooo brag to Clawhauser about getting to talk with the angel with horns and having her phone number aswell. She already laughed at the image of the jealous cheetah trying to get the number from her, unsuccessfully of course.

After that, the day was relatively peaceful. It seemed like either the trio caught all the criminals in the city, or said criminals decided to not even try anymore, until those three were around. Trying would lead to either a strong bunny kick to the face, a sly hustle into surrendering from the fox, or lightning fast neutralising from the wolf, and more than one time, they all came in one package.

After clocking out, Aaron decided to help Nick moving some of his stuff out from his apartment already. Nick questioned the wolf at first, but he looked so goddamn excited and happy about all of this, that Nick had no heart to say no. He accepted his newfound softness a long time ago, especially if it were connected to his beloved wolf, so he played along, and moved some of his clothes and toiletries to the wolf's flat. At one point he had to stop the wolf from packing more of his stuff, since Wolfie seemed like he was ready to move Nick out entire by his own force.

After getting Nick's stuff up to the apartment, the wolf worked with lightning speed, and within minutes, Nick found his clothes being folded together in drawers and cabins, while the other stuff (toothbrush, towels and shampoos for example) were in their place too. Nick could just watch the wolf with mouth agape. His speed was still an astonishing trait, but that was just too much.

This wolf is full of surprises

But it had its cost, and soon he saw Aaron's green T-shirt suddenly getting very red. Nick got a protective urge rush through his body, and managed to catch the wolf, dragged him to the bedroom with a first aid kit in his other paw, and laid him on his back while he knelt next to him.

''Shirt. Off." Commanded Nick getting ready the new bandage and disinfectant. Aaron thought about a witty comeback of the fox not being patient and want to start quickly, but the fox, first time in the century, did not look in a joking mood at all. He looked determined and he could feel a familiar protective vibe coming from the Vulpine. So, he complied, and took off his shirt, exposing his bare and bandaged chest. He saw Bushy tail's eyes wonder on his form for a sec, but he got his attention back to the bloody bandage.

Nick went to work without saying anything, and he managed to clean Aaron's wounds, and reapply his bandages without the wolf even noticing anything. No pain, quick and precise work. Aaron could only look at his husband in astonishment.

''Wow, Bushy tail, didn't think that you knew first aid." Said Aaron. The fox just crossed his arms and smirked.

''Didn't know that you looked sexy with bandages on. I guess we both learnt something today." Said Nick, making the wolf blush a bit. But Nick was getting a bit aroused by the wolf's body, so he had a crazy idea that he definitely shouldn't do, but he did anyway.

''By the way, I have a thank you gift just for you for saving me yesterday." Said Nick in a suggestive tone.

''Oh, what would that be?" asked Aaron just as suggestively. To his surprise Nick put his neck to his nose, and he could do nothing, but smell that breathtaking fragrance of his fox.

Yep, he smells so much better than any fox I have ever met. Oh god, I have to remember actually exhaling once or twice.

He unconsciously hugged the fox close to him and took big sniffs and licks, making it hard for Nick to restrain his moans.

''OhmygoodsweetmotherofFenrir." breathed Aaron in euphoria, and at that point, he lost himself in enjoying his husband's usual scent when it was turned up by 10 levels and was everywhere in the Lupine's nose. His nerves in his nose were basically drunk from the smell.

''How do you like your fox's new scent? No musk-mask, all natural, just for you." Said Nick, enjoying the breath's the wolf was now continuously taking from not only his neck, but his entire upper body. He decided that it wasn't a crazed idea, it was the best idea ever.

The wolf was silent, Nick looked in his eyes, and saw nothing but desire and lust. He smiled inwardly.

I think I found his turn on button *chuckle*

Nick didn't know whether he should listen to his primal desires, and give himself entirely to his wolf, but the wolf's aroused scent was just too sweet and he knew exactly why, therefore knew the way to make it even sweeter. His last bit of restrain evaporated when he felt the wolf's paws getting into dangerous places, that did nothing but make Nick just as turned on as his wolf. He decided that he will make his wolf have the best afternoon ever, and their neighbours will hear everything.

But he wasn't one to just jump into action, he loved to tease, so he took his wolf's head any kissed him hungrily. The wolf's paws immediately embraced him and deepened the kiss. When Nick licked Wolfie's fangs, and felt him growling playfully, his mind almost went haywire. Now it was his time to wander downwards on the wolf's body.

It's only fair if I can do this too…

Their enjoyment was momentarily interrupted.

*Knock Knock Knock*

They just ignored it, went on discovering each other's body.

*Knock Knock Knock*

The knocking came again, but they still ignored it.

Whoever it is, he can come back later.

*Knock Knock*

But after the third knocking, Nick just groaned and stood up.

''Whoever this mammal is, he will enjoy being called 'knot-block' for an eternity." Said Nick in an annoyed tone. Aaron was still dazed a bit, but chuckled.

''Don't worry, after this mammal leaves, I promise we will resume our little ritual. Sounds good?" Said Aaron sitting up and caressing and marking the face of his foxy husband. Nick just sighed.

''Okay… I will open the door, you get yourself a new shirt in the mean time. We don't want this mammal watching me topple you and have my way with you in front of him, do we?" Said Nick while standing up and heading out.

He went to the door, where he could already smell the mammal on the other side.

Another timber wolf… must be one of Wolfie's friends. Well, little Knot-block, let's see who are you.

He opened the door and was a bit surprised. A middle-aged male wolf in a suit was standing in front of him, with the same fur colour as his husband had.

Huh, must be a rich uncle or something.

''Hello." Greeted Nick, still a bit annoyed that this mammal interrupted their moment.

''Erm… Good afternoon, is it Aaron Wolford's home?" asked the older wolf looking at the fox curiously.

''Yes it is, who are you?" asked Nick a bit suspiciously.

''Well, I'm his-'' started this other wolf, but his nose started to twitch. Nick just watched smugly as this weird wolf was taking sniff from the air. The older Lupine's eyes widened.

''You… you smell like Aaron… who are you?" stuttered the wolf. Nick's smile broadened.

''Name's Nicholas Wilde, husband of Aaron Wolford. Pleasure to meet you. Who are you?'' asked Nick annoyed again, emphasizing the word 'Wolford' sarcastically. The wolf just stared at him mouth agape.

The wolf could not answer him, because from behind, Aaron came into view, and did a double take.

''DAD?!"