It was just over a week since the mother's day dinner and not much had changed since then. Nick and judy still hung out as friends. They started doing morning runs as the weather warmed, though they argued whether the runs were more leisurely jogs or torture sessions designed for killing foxes. They also ate most of their dinners together, generally take out of some kind at Judy's place. Nick refused to hang out at his place and he found that he thoroughly enjoyed messing with Judy's loud neighbors. Then, after dinner they would watch a movie on judy's new laptop or she would help him study for an exam. By ten they would part and each night Nick would kick himself for missing opportunities to tell Judy how he felt or to steal a kiss.

Snuggling up close, staring at Judy's laptop became down right painful and Judy loved to snuggle. He could feel her muscular body and the amazingly soft fur that covered it. And he could smell her, oh how he could smell her! Just by sitting next to her and breathing he could tell if her day was stressful or easy, what area of town she had been in and what other animals she had dealt with. Underneath all those atmospheric smells he could smell her natural odor. It was light and subtle and not the least bit offensive. On her more stressful days the smell was stronger and made him want to pin her down and make love to her.

He fantasized about ripping her clothes off and ravaging her small body in every way imaginable, but then what would the consequences of that be? Would she push him off her and be angry at him for taking advantage of their friendship? Would he hurt her and she would be angry or fearful of him? Or maybe he would get lucky. She might let him in and they would date but what if they found out that they were incompatible as a couple. Maybe they did date and in the break up would they come to hate each other like many ex's do? Even in the best case scenario, the two could fall in love only to suffer the stigmas that come with interspecies relationships as well as the possible scorn from friends and family.

Being open was hard. And scary.

Finally he decided that he couldn't just leave things be as they were. He had to make the leap from friendship to romance no matter the consequences but realized that in his heart of hearts he was still a hustler and could use his skills to try and consciously steer events into his favor. It took him a few days to think things completely through and make his plan but when he was finished, he felt like even if he failed in his mission he would still be able to salvage the friendship like nothing even happened. Above all, he wanted to ensure the safety of his and Judy's friendship.

"Carrots," it was Friday afternoon, a good time for friends and lovers alike to hang out on the town. Nick had, what could be described as a lovely, if simple, evening planned for the two. However, in order for his plan to work, he had to give Judy the sense that she was the one in control. "I'm bored, let's go out tonight." he whined

"Hmm, OK. You've been studying a lot this week, I think we could both use some fun," judy scratched her ears, "what do you want to do?"

"I don't think it matters really. I just need to get out of here," Nick said apathetically. It was the truth, it didn't matter what the did as much as how they did it.

"We could go to your place?"

"No" Nick said flatly. Judy giggled. She was clearly expecting that response.

"We could catch a movie?" Judy suggested. She pulled out her phone and began looking at the selections. "We could watch Deadpuma?"

"Eh, I'm really over superhero movies."

"How about Goatbusters?"

"Gross."

"Fine, there is a new Jack Savage movie?"

"Seen it." Nick lied.

"ok, what about Sleepless in Zootopia?". Judy was getting an edge of frustration into her voice.

"Hm-mm...maybe?" Jackpot. Nick didn't want to seem like he was actually interested in the movie, which he wasn't, but a romantic flick would be perfect for his plans.

"Really?" Judy was skeptical. Nick knew he needed to take caution.

"What, there's nothing else I want to watch?" He replied innocently enough.

"OK forget the movie," Judy said. Nick suppressed a groan. "How about we go get some burritos and then hit the bars? Maybe we can go dancing? You must know some good places?"

"Of course I know good places we can drink and, well, you can dance. I don't dance," Nick kept his face casual but he lept for joy at the suggestion. He knew the most romantic section of Zootopia for club hopping. It was right near a lovely stretch of river down in the jungle district.

"Aw OK, well I'm gonna go gussy up. If you won't dance with me I'll just have to dance by myself. Maybe I can find a boyfriend by the end of the night and you'll have to walk home alone tonight." Judy teased and she swayed her hips on the way to the bathroom.

I hope you do find a boyfriend tonight, Nick thought. He fiddled with his phone until judy came out of the bathroom. She was wearing a short cropped jacket over a plain, tight white t-shirt and pair of tight black jeans that made her legs look amazing. She had on a plethora of small silver earrings, bracelets and necklaces that all worked together cohesively making her look overall tough yet enticing and extremely sexy.

Nick had to pick his jaw up off the floor, "Wow Jude, you didn't get that outfit at the carrot farm did you?"

"Don't be a jerk," Judy scolded, "You know I look good!". She struck a few innocent but sexy poses just for emphasis and Nick could feel himself getting warm in the face.

"Do I know that?" Nick teased back and thought Yes, dear god, yes I do.

On their way to the subway, judy convinced nick of something he had already realized, that compared to her, he was very underdressed. Unfortunately, he still wouldn't relent and go to his apartment to change so instead they stopped into a store and Nick picked out a whole new outfit. He was now wearing a slick black button down shirt tucked into a matching black pair of slacks. He also picked out a solid, bright red tie and Judy found a cute hat that went with her outfit perfectly.

Together the two strolled into the first club feeling like a million bucks each. They started the evening off with a couple of shots and as more people entered the club, the place quickly turned into a party. Judy tried to get nick to dance with her several times but was unsuccessful each time. Nick was perfectly happy watching the little bunny swing her hips and wave her arms on her own.

Nick did grow concerned for a time however when a larger brown hare came in and put Judy in his sights. The hare was closer to Nick's height than Judy's and he suddenly walked right up behind her and began dancing, his hips grinding up against hers. Nick watched as Judy gave a surprised jump but after an exchange of smiles the two animals continued dancing. The hare placed his hands on Judy's hips and Judy raised her arms high above her head as she danced sexualy with him on the floor.

Nick couldn't take his eyes off the pair. He was surprised by this party girl side of her. Judy slid down the hare's body like a pole and Nick could feel arousal and jealousy boil up inside as the hare ran his hands all over her. Nick debated the merits of interrupting the dancing duo versus the risk of coming off as a jealous jerk, either way the hare was a dangerous threat to his plans.

Nick was still trying to figure out how to deal with this new complication when Judy glanced his way. She held Nick's gaze for only a few moments while she was with the hare and Nick gave her a nervous smile and nod before she looked away. Nick was good and reading people and he knew full well what that glance meant. She may be with the hare but she was thinking of Nick.

The song ended and Judy came bouncing back to the bar, right next to Nick and ordered another shot.

"Are you having fun? Making any new friends?" Nick teased her. She was drenched in sweat and Nick's keen nose was definitely picking up some particular pheromones.

"Who? That neanderthal?" She tossed back her shot quickly, "Yeah I might take him home, if I want an STD and to feel like a cheap floozy in the morning."

Nick looked into the crowed for the hare and saw him staring at in his direction. Nick raised his beer slightly towards the hare in a victory toast to himself. The hare turned away and found a new friend to dance with.

"Let's go someplace else." Nick suggested holding his arm out for judy.

Judy looped her arm through his with a smile as they walked to the next bar.

The second club really wasn't much different from the first but the walk over gave judy the chance to cool down. They came in and went straight to the bar for their first drink. Judy then decided she wanted more dancing and she was finally able to drag Nick out to the dance floor. He stayed out for only one song as he really didn't have any good moves but he put his hands around Judy as she tried to get his hips to sway to the music. After the one pathetic attempt at a dance, Nick and Judy found a table to hang out at where they ordered more drinks and talked.

After many hours, both nick and judy were feeling quite tipsy. Before they realized what time it was, the DJ announced last call and the two animals stumbled out the door. Nick guided Judy to the riverfront where they walked together in the romantic atmosphere. Judy was constantly trying to touch Nick, whether she was holding Nick's hand or pulling on his arm or knocking him off balance with a solid hip check. Nick could see the distant horizon slowly beginning to glow so he decided it was time for them to head home. Judy, who was still feeling quite tipsy, agreed.

Like a gentle-tod, Nick offered to walk Judy to her apartment rather than part ways. When they arrived outside the Grand Pangolin Arms, Judy gave Nick's hand an extra tight squeeze.

"I had a great time," Judy said with a smile.

"Me too Carrots." Now was the time to spring his trap.

Nick mustered up all his courage. With his free hand nick lifted judys chin and he closed his eyes and leaned over. His lips gently pressed against hers. The world suddenly gave a violent twist and he could feel Judy freeze then soften at his touch.

With a smile, Nick broke the kiss, turned, and wordlessly walk away.

This was the moment of truth.

In the best case scenario Judy would be stunned for a moment before calling out to him or chasing him. She would probably be upset at Nick for the unsolicited kiss but if she were more concerned with how a fox and bunny could ever be together or if she were simply more flustered than angry then he knew he had successfully stolen her heart.

Nick passed by the first building

On the other hand, she could call after him and be upset that he took advantage of their friendship. If that were the case he could try to save himself by blaming the alcohol. Things might get awkward for a few days but he was confident that he could save their friendship.

Nick passed by another building.

The worst case scenario would be of she didn't call after him. It could be that she was completely offended by the gesture.

He passed by another building.

Maybe she was so upset that she was shaking in rage and she was trying to cool herself down before she ripped his ears off.

Nick approached the corner. He could feel a weight growing in the pit of his stomach.

Maybe she was hurt by the kiss and she ran into her apartment in tears. Maybe she was sobbing into her pillow right now.

Nick turned the corner and stopped. He listened. He heard no feet chasing after him, no voice calling his name. Nothing.

He plodded the rest of the way to a bus stop and dumped himself onto the bench.

I really am a dumb fox. A stupid, greedy, cowardly fox.

Just then Nick felt his pocket shake and vibrate. He reached in and pulled out his phone. There was a text from Judy. A glimmer of hope maybe? He unlocked his phone.

J - Hey you!

N - Hey?

J - Where did you go?

N - It's late. I figured you'd be ready for bed.

J - OK yes but what was that on the stoop?

N - I don't know what you're talking about.

J - You do too. You can't just kiss a gal and leave her in a swooning stupor.

N - Seriously? Swooning stupor?

J - Shut up. I'm gonna kick your butt so hard next time I see you! You better be ready!

N - Night carrots. ❤

J - Night Slick Nick. ❤

And with that, Nick floated back to his apartment on cloud nine.