Day 5 10:30 PM

Judy fell asleep in his arms. She drifted off while watching a movie with Nick, who noticed when he was left talking to himself for ten minutes. He wasn't offended when she stopped listening to him complain on how the movie was filled with romantic cliches' and tropes. As romantic-comedy should be. It was his own fault because he was stroking her ears the whole time. His soft and gentle touch caused her to relax and ultimately close her eyes.

Her face was partially buried against his chest. Her shoulders shifting up and down, following the slow beat of her breathing. Her small paws were curled underneath her and against his stomach, her nimble fingers clutching onto the fabric of his shirt. She laid on her side, her back against with Nick being her body pillow.

He nimbly reached for the remote on the floor, not wanting to disturb her as he turned off the television. He didn't want to wake her.

Not yet, at least.

The reflection he saw in the television screen made him smile. He noticed how she fitted perfectly against him. A sweet, gentle smile plastered on her face. Happily dreaming. He continued to stroke her ears, euphoria filling his being as he touched her soft fur against his rough palm. He laid his head on the armrest, contemplating the idea of falling asleep with his mate. He could easily close his eyes and drift away, claiming ignorance in the morning.

But, being the gentle-animal as he is, he knew he had to wake up his sleeping beauty. No matter how much he didn't want to.

His ears slanted forward when he heard her let out a sigh full of bliss. He lifted his head, thinking she had woken up. He felt her nuzzle against his tie, with her eyes still shut.

He felt his face warm up and dropped his head back in frustration. He needed to wake her up before she does something else to convince him otherwise. With a distained frown and thoughts filled with regret, he placed a firm paw on her slender back.

"Carrots." He whispered and gave her a shake. "Whiskers~Time to get up." He sang. Judy refused to stir. He shook her again more sternly. "I'm not one of your stuffed bunnies, you know." He said, referring to the mountain of bunny plushies she had on her bed. She tried to hide her obsessive collection in her closet the first time he came over for a visit. She learned two things that day. One, that Nick can't keep his double-dealing curiosity in check and two, how heavy 100 stuffed toys were when they fell on Nick.

Judy mumbled a response against his chest, making him joggle her again.

"Come on Whiskers, time to go to bed." He pushed her off of him, making her sit up as he followed. Her head slumped onto his shoulder. "Don't make me carry you, Judy." He warned, a grin forming. "Because I will and I know how you don't like it when I do."

Judy responded by wrapping her arms around his neck. Her facing falling back on his chest. He swallowed when her heard her utter a plea, that made his situation twice as difficult.

"Let me stay here."

He glanced up at the ceiling, grinding his teeth. "This Bunny!-" He forced his paws back on her shoulders and pushed her away. "No,no,no...as much as I want that, you got to get back in your own bed."

"Just five more minutes." She moaned.

His thoughts were beginning to scream at him. Wanting him to decide on what to do while providing the pros and cons. He could leave her on him for five more minutes, maybe even more. She was tired. It will be inconsiderate of him to wake her up. She had a long day. She was obviously worn out.

He shook his head. He would have to make the responsible decision. Judy is his mate and he cherished her than anything else. Mind, body and soul. She trusted him enough to make him sleep over many times before. That takes a lot for a female to do. She would expect him to make the right choice. No matter how difficult, he was willing to do it.

He scooped her legs up and carried her off, bridal-style. She was very light and it made him feel that he was carrying a doll. He nudged her bedroom door open with his heel and brought her to her destined place. He gently laid her down on the mattress and grabbed the loose white sheet at the end of her bed. He draped it over her tiny frame up until her neck. He felt almost silly when he tucked her in. He took one last once-over and imagined the white sheet as a wedding gown. Surrounded by her blank-eyed stuffed toys it made it seems like guests watching her go down the aisle.

He mentally slapped himself. The thought disappearing like a dream. He watched as Judy stretched herself from underneath the sheet, exploring the new space before smacking her lips. He chuckled when she extended her arms out and yawned like a cat. He hovered above her head and leaned down. Her eyes flickered when he gave her a kiss on her forehead.

"I love you." He proclaimed softly into her ear. Judy, half-asleep, observed him move away. She turned from him, going on her side watching him walk back to her door.

"Love you too." She replied, before drifting back to sleep. The wry fox tip-toed away and closed the door behind him. He would have stayed and watched her all night, but that type of activity is frowned upon.

While the night went great for him, he couldn't help but to think about Gideon. The way he reacted to him back at the pie shop was enough evidence for him to conclude that the baker, had a crush on Judy. There was no denying it. He could look him in the eyes and know. It was small, but it was there and it will continue to grow unless Gideon finds someone else.

Luckily, Nick knows the exact person to fix that.

He fell back on the couch, phone in paw and hitting speed dial. He listened carefully at the low hums of the phone before slowly ringing when he heard a click.

"Hey, it's me…" He introduced, keeping his voice low in fear of being heard by Judy's radar ears. "I got a question for you...Do you like pie?"

Day 6, 8:00 AM

It was a beautiful morning. Perfect to run in. The sun was high and the air was cool. It was everything she ever wanted to start the day out right. Judy was glad to have Gideon back as her exercise partner and she was more than happy when Nick decided to push his jealousy aside. Even if he insisted on coming along.

"Thanks for coming with me, Nick, even though I find it very suspicious." Judy pondered while keeping a close eye on Nick's face. She was looking for signs for deceit. Nick kept his sleepy gaze, knowing exactly what she was doing. He was wearing his casual clothes while Judy wore her running wear. When he practically begged her to come along, she thought he wanted to run with them and keep an eye on Gideon. He insisted this was not the case.

He put his paw over his heart, pretending to be hurt by her accusation.

"Why Whiskers, what do I have to worry about?" He cooed, running a finger under her chin. He smirked when she pulled away, her eyes darting to the left. "I marked you this morning, haven't I?"

He chuckled when she blushed. She focused her attention on the cobble stone path in front of her, spotting Gideon in the distance. He was waiting for them by a park bench.

"I guess…" She said under her breath. Her paw stroked her cheek lightly, feeling a slight soreness.

"And since I won't be participating, I'll just wait for you two until we go out for some pies."

Judy arched a brow. "Really?"

"Yes, really."

She still wasn't convinced. He seemed more than happy to accompanied her to the park. He was even ready to go when she woke up. Nick never wakes up before her. Even after he marked her and knowing nothing is going to happen between her and Gideon, he was relentless on letting her go by herself. The whole scent-marking situation was beginning to feel strange. She felt as if she was sandwiched between an unknown problem.

Gideon was surprised to find Nick beside Judy. His nose retracted when he smelled the familiar scent perforating off of Judy. She shyly stepped up to him and noticed his nose was quivering.

"Hey Gideon…" She greeted, twirling her thumbs. Gideon tilted his head forward, as if tipping an imaginary hat to her.

"Miss Judy, if I'm not mistaken it seems that Nicholas marked ya again." He said, shooting a glance at Nick. The ex-con fox placed his paws behind his back, whistling a tune nonchalantly.

Judy bounced on her heels lightly. Her cheeks burning."Yes! I um...thought it was a nice gesture since Nick told me how important it was."

Gideon's bushy brows rose. "Is that right?" He turned back to Nick, who put up his paw. He had his index out and his thumb up. Nick clicked when he pressed his thumb against his index. Giving the baker a friendly pistol shot, along with a playful wink. Gideon gave him a smile. "Good to hear, I'm glad everything had worked out."

Judy breathe a sigh of relief. She didn't realize she was holding it in. "I'm so happy you said that- now!" She gave Gideon a friendly jab in the gut. "Let's start running!" Gideon laughed from the feisty bunny and Nick beamed from seeing Judy's enthusiasm again. She rushed off with Gideon racing after her.

Like Nick promised, he waited patiently for Judy to return. His mind calm and clear from worry and any sort of hint of jealousy. The only thing he wanted to focus on is catching some warm rays as he laid comfortably against the grass. Feeling the blades wrapped around him in a tender embrace and hearing the sweet sounds of water jetting out of the public fountain.

It was perfect.

Perfect to go over his plan.

He heard a set of footsteps come up behind him, stopping just above his head.. The figure stood silently above him while also hiding in the shade of the trees. Without opening his eyes, he addressed the figure.

"You're late." He said and snickered when he heard his sister let out a mock laugh.

"You should be happy I even came to help you." She replied with a sniff before plopping down beside him. "So! What is it that you want from me?"

He opened his eyes when he turned his head lazily towards her. "Nothing really, like I said, I just want you to join me and Judy for some pie."

She snorted. "Yeah right." She laid down beside him, staring up at the clouds. "Tell me the real reason I'm here. Pretty sure you haven't told your mate I was coming."

"She won't mind."

"Of course not, she's too sweet." She closed her eyes and placed her paws behind her head. "I know you too well, you runt."

Nick's eyes narrowed from his childhood nickname. "Don't call me that."

"It's true, you are pretty short next to some other foxes I know."

"I'm not short." He retorted. "And don't call me a runt when I'm with Judy."

"Ugh. Fine. I won't….unless you tell me what's really going on."

Nick groaned inwardly and sat up. "Okay, but first tell me...you still dating that motorcycle guy?"

Jessica rolled her eyes, lifting herself up. "No way, I broke up with him a month ago. He was garbage."

"Good, because I think I found a guy for you."

"Ha! That's a laugh. Little Pibby found me my dream guy? Wait till mom hears this."

"Don't call me Pibby either!" He said, his tail becoming puffed up. She waved him away.

"Fine gosh! You are such a baby!" He scoffed and turned away, looking out for Judy in case she comes running by. "Who is this guy anyway? He better be handsome."

"He's a baker."

"A cook? Yeah that's on my list. What else?" She said, finally becoming interested. Nick straightened his tie.

"He makes the best pies in Zootopia."

"Hmm, not much of a pie-eater myself." She snapped her overalls, brushing off some grim from working on cars all day.

"You will once you taste them. He's also nice."

"Is he weird?"

"He's from the country."

"Old-fashioned equals weird, Nick."

Nick picked at his ear, taking out some built up earwax. "Your're so picky, trust me this guy, you might like. He's not a jerk like any of the other guys you dated."

Jessica fell back on the grass. "Finding the right fox is hard, Nick." She stated sadly. She always had the worst luck when it came to dating. She blamed it on how beautiful and confident she was. It made the guys she dated intimidated or controlling. The last one was trying to control her. So she dump his butt after she wrecked his motorcycle by pulling off screws from his tires and smashing the frame.

Nick glanced back at his sister. "This one is different. You might like him if you give him a chance."

Jessica shrugged. "I guess I can break him in when we're alone, I'll find out who he really is that way."

Nick's ears perked when he saw his favorite bunny bouncing around the corner of the fountain. "And there he is now."

Jessica sat up in excitement but her ears lowered when she saw a pudgy, sweaty (probably smelly) fox struggling to keep up beside Judy. Her mouth fell and gawked at the sight of him.

"You're kidding!" She complained. She's more into tough, fit and strong guys. The only thing that fox was probably strong in, was eating. "That's the guy!?" She raised her paws up, symbolically washing her hands from the situation. "I'm out."

She stood up, ready to run before she had to make conversation but Nick grabbed her wrist, stopping her from escaping.

"I told you, give him a chance!" He hissed under his breath. Jessica was ready to kick her brother right in front of his mate before Judy ran up to her. Jessica retracted her foot and forced out a warm smile.

"Jessica! I'm so happy to see you again!" Judy exclaimed. "What are you doing here?"

"Uh…" Jessica's eyes darted towards Nick for an answer and he motioned to his belly. "Just! Went for a walk! I'm on my lunch break and I am so hungry, I better go and find-!"

"I'll be happy to treat ya." Gideon sprang. Jessica cursed Nick mentally as he stood at the side, holding his stupid grin as Gideon put out his sweaty palm to her. "My name is Gideon Grey, Miss-" He waited for her response. Jessica, still holding a polite smile, shook his hand. She almost gagged by how moist his paw was.

"Jessica, My name is Jessica, I'm Nick's sister."

"A sister?" He let go of her paw making her take the chance to wipe it on her pant's leg. "Well, isn't that a surprise." He smiled. "Why don't I treat you for a meal at my shop?"

"Oh you don't have to-!"

"She'll love to." Nick interrupted. Jessica shot a glare at Nick, he ignored her gaze as he wrapped around the group to grab Judy's paw. "Let's get going." And began walking away towards the bakery, making sure that Gideon and Jessica were alone. Judy tightened her grip on his paw and leaned over to him.

"What's going on?" She asked, not wanting the others to hear. Nick gave her a smirk, admiring her detective skills.

"Nothing Whiskers...just setting my sister up." Judy blinked. Not really understanding what he meant.

They entered the quiet store, the sign on the front window still turned to show the closed sign. Gideon still had to prepare the pies for the oven before he could open for business and he wanted to feed his friends first before the lunch rush. He had a pair of clean clothes prepared in the bakery and changed in the back while the trio waited for him. He tied the pink apron on and peered out of the kitchen door. Judy and Nick were sitting on a two person table while his sister, Jessica, had her arms crossed. Holding a tight frown and looking quite mithed.

"Give me twenty minutes." Gideon said aloud, interrupting Jessica's negative thoughts. Gideon, thinking that Jessica was bored decided to give her something fun to do. "Miss Jesse, would you like to help me?"

Nick held back a laugh as Jessica straightened. She couldn't say no.

"Sure." Might as well get this over with. She walked through the swinging door and into the kitchen. She was finally alone with the guy. She watched as he began to wash his paws in the sink. She might as well get to know him better. She was curious on what type of fox he really was. It might be nothing special once she's through with him.

"Nice place." She said, flicking her tail. The faucet strained when he turned it off.

"Why thank you, you're too kind Miss Jesse." He replied, patting his palms dry with a clean towel.

Yup. He's a country boy. She thought from hearing his distinct accent. He turned away, not giving her any attention as he brought out the cold pies from the fridge and put them inside a large oven. Normally, males hold the conversation but he seemed more interested in the pastry dough than her when he cranked the oven on.

Jessica swayed her hips as she strolled up to Gideon. "What made you want to be baker?" She asked sweetly, leaning over his metal counter. Gideon noticed how she propped her leg up when she asked him. Her legs were well sculpted and unbelievably feminine. Being in a tough environment like being a mechanic seemed to never affected her body negatively.

"My mother…" He answered before swallowing a bit of saliva. He was beginning to sweat from her question and overall closeness. Or maybe it was from being too close to the oven. He had to admit, her blonde fur made her very beautiful to gaze upon. He never seen any foxes with her type of color before. She tilted her head, her ears perked with interest.

"Really? Was she a baker too?"

"Not exactly, but she and my gradmum made the best pies and when I was young, I started to help them make the dough." He grabbed an empty pie tin. He had to get started on making the pies. He took a step forward but Jessica stood in his way.

She moved from behind the counter, stepping up to him as she giggled. "Bet you were a real mama's pup huh?"

Gideon gripped the pie tin over his chest and found himself backing away from the tempting vixen. He chuckled nervously.

"I-I suppose I am...no shame in that."

Jessica moved her paws behind her back, walking closer and closer to the sheepish fox. She always had a way with the males. When it came to foxes she was always a catch and males turn to butter once she gets through with them. Gawking glances and awkward conversation was something she was used too.

She hated it. She could never find a suitable fox for her. Her dates always end in disaster because they end up as a dumb pile of testosterone jelly. She could tell Gideon was no different.

The plumpy fox jolted to a stop when his back collided into one of his refrigerators. Jessica smirked from seeing him put the pie tin over his mouth, his eyes watching her carefully. Unsure of what she might do.

"What's wrong?" She cooed, giving her lower lip a nibble, stifling a laugh.

Gideon pulled at his collar. "I-uh really should get back into making the pies…I could show you how I make the dough and I-" He put out his left paw grabbing the first thing he felt. "I should really put on some-" he gave the object in his paw a glance before giving her a smile. "Whip cream! Yes, whip cream on some of the banana cream pies."

Jessica took one final step forward, her body only a inch away from his. "Do you really have to do that now?" She whispered slyly. Gideon blushed lightly when he saw her lift her paws towards his chest. Gideon moved his index to the tip of the can. "Because I think we could have a few extra minutes by oursel-HEY!"

She shouted out in surprise when Gideon sprayed her with whip cream. The white substance blinded her and covered her face.

Gideon's eyes widened but what he had done. "I-I do apologize, I did not mean to-!" He put out his paw to help her but she took a step back. She hissed when she wiped the cream out of her eyes, before giving Gideon a hard glare.

"What was that for, you jerk!" She yelled, her teeth bearing. He stared at her blanked face before she saw the corner of his mouth move upwards. Gideon wanted to apologize and help her but one look at her face, sent him into a fit of laughter. She looked like an angry cream pie! He couldn't help by making the comparison because that made him laugh at her harder. Jessica snarled, her tail frayed as she snatched a dry paw towel off a rack. She rubbed her face rapidly but the cream was stuck to her fur like wet glue.

"Stop laughing!" She demanded, her face turning a tint of red. Gideon clutched his stomach, tears of laughter already forming. Jessica growled. She wasn't going to take being laughed at. She grabbed the whip cream can and pointed it towards Gideon.

He immediately stopped when she sprayed the whole can right on his face, head and apron. She chucked the can aside and crossed her arms smugly, giving her work a smirk. Gideon blinked dumbly at her. His tongue shot out and licked the bit of cream off his lips.

Jessica felt her cheeks go up, a laugh escaping. She covered her mouth, laughing uncontrollably from how ridiculous the baker looked. Gideon's muzzle contorted when he snorted, laughing alongside her.

She stumbled forward, clutching her sides. Not noticing the pile of wet cream below her feet. She slipped and was sent tumbling into Gideon. In a frantic panic, she grabbed the fox.

She fell right on top of him.

She groaned softly, pushing herself up from his chest. Her lips were burning and she tasted a bit of blood. Her finger nimbly touched her bottom lip.

She winced. "Ow…" How did she hurt her lip? Her eyes moved down to Gideon, wanting to make sure he was alright. He lifted his head up, rubbing the back of his skull. His bottom lip was bruised and had a slight cut. On the same spot where her cut was.

Gideon's head was pulsing but it wasn't anything to worry about. He was glad that he managed to cushion Jessica's fall. He blinked when he saw her giving him an empty stare. He sat up, making her sit on her knees when he cupped her chin.

"Hey now, you got hurt!" He said, his thumb grazed underneath her swollen lip. Her teeth gritted, wincing from his touch. "Apologies, but that looks bad." He moved his thumb up and down, massaging it gently. Jessica grabbed his wrist with both paws. Gideon noticed how she needed two to completely hold his large wrist. She hissed out in pain, not finding his help useful.

"Stop, it's not working!"

She tried to pull him away forcing him to tighten his grip. "You have to let me help you, Miss Jesse." She felt his thumb push against her lower lip again. The taste of blood filled her mouth with its foul taste. Her muzzle contorted into a grimace and her claws clutched his wrist from his constant touch and rotation on her soft lips.

"I know it hurts but this is so it won't swell up like a grape." He opened her lips apart slightly and leaned towards the small cut at the edge of her bottom lip. The small imperfection in her smooth, plump lips. It was going to bruise. It was making his mouth water when he inched himself closer.

Jessica's eyes snapped open when she felt a cold lick against her cut. A way to disinfect it. Her eyes lowered from the cool relief, her sharp claws retracting from his arm. She blushed lightly when he cupped her face and closed the gap. Her paws moved to his chest, gripping his apron as she felt his lips tugging at her lower lip. The mix taste of blood and cream did not bother her. Her tail flicked across the floor taking in the intense emotion she felt rise in her chest. He was so gentle to her. It wasn't like anything she ever felt before. She never wanted it to end.

She was forced back, hearing the apologies run out of the baker. Her ears went back in annoyance as she watched him ramble inchorehetly at her.

"I-I do apologize, Miss Jesse! I-I did not know what came over me! I-It was completely-! I hope you can forgive me! I-I just wanted to-!" He stopped when she grabbed his face, making him become inches away from her nose.

"Do it again." She muttered. He blinked, a blush forming.

"I-I-I, b-but, I-I…" She smiled at his cute stuttering. "P-p-pardon?!"

His tail and ears sprang up when she pressed her nose against his. "Kiss me again." She demanded with a low and whispery tone. He gulped, drips of sweat ran down his crown when she batted her eyes. "Please?"

His mouth fell, moving his eyes away from her. "I-I...I d-don't th-think I-I-!"

Her face fell in realization. She should have seen it. This always happen with the others. One kiss and they turn into babbling idiots. She was always the one instigating the kiss and males followed and when Gideon kissed her, she thought that he was different. She felt it but she scoffed. All males are the same. She was getting tired of his hesitation and hearing his stupid stuttering.

She shoved him back harshly.

"Never mind!" She jumped to her feet, stomping towards the exit. "Why can't I ever get a normal guy?!"

Gideon forced himself to his feet, following her. "W-wait! Miss Jesse!" He didn't know the reason why he went after her. He could have just let her go.

"All you males are the same!" She growled angrily, her closed fists shaking as she made her way towards the doors. "What was I thinking when-!"

"Miss Jesse!" He grabbed her from behind, locking his arms around her waist. Jessica turned red when she felt his paws on her sides.

"Hey! what are you doing?! Don't touch me!"

He started dragging her back. "B-but I just needed-! Ow!" She slapped him right on the side of his jaw, forcing his face aside from the force.

"I said let go, jerk!" She shouted, giving him another slap for good measure. Gideon ducked his head low, avoiding any future slaps. He never loosened his grip. He had to admit that he overestimated her strength. The slaps she gave him were actually starting to hurt. Another paw came crashing down. He grabbed her wrist, twirling her around and slammed her back on the counter. She froze when he pinned her wrists down beside her head.

He was breathing heavily, trying to catch his breath from wrestling with her. Her small frame was nothing but a trick to hide her real and feral strength.

She frowned when he looked down at her. Her knee locked and ready to give him a real jab in the gut. She felt his fingers slowly loosened their grip on her wrist. She arched a brow when he gave her a polite farm-boy smile.

"I hope you don't find me to be improper, from being in this position and such." She sniffed, a small blush forming by their embarrassing position. "But, would you like to spend a day with me?"

She blinked dumbly at the question. Is he serious? She laughed softly and tilted her head back exposing her neck to him. Gideon didn't give it a second look as his eyes were squarely on hers.

She hummed in interest. He was different. He was the first male that didn't look at her like a trophy. He was actually treating her differently. She sat up, watching as Gideon backed up a step, waiting for her answer.

She brushed a stray whip cream off Gideon's shoulder. "I'm free on Friday."

"Oh…" His face fell slightly. "But that's when I need to open the shop."

Jessica retracted her paw, giving him a scoff when she crossed her arms. "Well sorry! But that's when I'm free for the month!"

He put out his paws, not wanting to upset her even more. "I-I suppose I can close the shop for that day."

The corner of her lip tugged upwards. "Good!" She jumped off the counter. "What time are you going to pick me up?" She asked looking at her nails.

"Well…" Gideon grabbed the bottom of his apron, twisting it like a wet towel when he spoke. "I was thinking eight in the morning?"

"I wake up at nine."

"Nine-thirty?"

"And what are we going to do?"

He shrugged. "I thought that we could spend a day at a carnival and perhaps talk to one another?"

She tilted her head at him. "Talk?"

"Of course. How else am I going to learn more about you, Miss Jesse?"

She smiled at his correct answer. "I would love to."

Judy tapped her finger against the table, a paw underneath her chin in boredom. "Gideon sure is taking a while with the pies."

"Really?" Nick smirked as he tapped away at his phone. "Maybe Jessica is keeping him busy." He held back a laugh when Judy pivot towards the kitchen doors.

"Maybe we should check on them."

"They're properly checking out each other…" Nick muttered under his breath followed with a dry laugh.

"What are you laughing about?"

"It's nothing." He covered his mouth, silently laughing.

"No come on, tell me...Nick, tell me!"