Chapter 6: Back To Work?

XxX

Tuesday morning, the normally scheduled Monday morning briefings went pretty much normally (well normally for the 'Wilde Bunch').

"Ok" starts off Nick "everybody pretty much knows what they need to do, but here are some updates; Tick and Tock are going to be here around ten to work on the wiring of a of couple cars."

Noticing Judy's slightly confused look Nick grins "For those not in the know" continues Nick, winking at Judy "Tick and Tock are Mike and Mark Klock, a set of ferret twins that I have do pretty much all of our under dash and under hood wiring jobs. Since they're small and very flexible it takes them very little time to do any wiring job that they're contracted to do. Chip and Dale, they'll start on your'69 Camaro dash wiring, then they'll finish the complete electrical redo of the '70 Mach One restore that Ben and Jerrie are working on.'
'After I show Judy around the shop and get her acquainted with her work area, I'll pair her up with Midnight to help him get the mods finished on Flash's Torino. Any questions….? No? Great, get at it."

As everyone heads towards their assigned areas, Nick takes Judy on a quick tour of the shop.

"So, how are things with your mom, if it's ok to ask." asked Nick as they headed towards the machine shop area.

"I really have no idea" began Judy dejectedly. "when I to Duane yesterday telling me that the entire burrow is in an uproar. My dad and most of my siblings are rooting for me, several have come out as inters, including Josh and Duane of all mammals, and there are even a few that have come out as gay." Judy stopped and looked at Nick with a sorrowful expression on her muzzle "Nick, what have I done? How do I justify ANY of this?"

"Look Judy" implored Nick "The world is changing, and your mother is stuck in the past. Old fears, prejudices and traditions need to fade, but they well never do that unless some mammal or something helps give them a push down the right path. Like it or not, you seem to be the catalyst of change for your family. To misquote an old saying 'Behind every dark cloud there's a silver lining.' and it seems like what you're looking for now is the silver lining. I'm sorry, I apologize for bringing it up….."

"No, no, it's ok. I guess you're right, considering the support I'm getting both at home and right here in the shop. Let's get going or I won't get any work done, I'm not being paid to screw off…" suddenly she turned and gave Nick another tight, albeit slightly tearful, hug "How can you be so helpful and understanding? I feel more loved here than I ever did at hom… I mean the burrows. I know it may seem petty, but I consider this my home now…is that ok?"

Returning the hug and running one paw gently down the bunny's lowered ears "Of course it is Fluff, you know you're among family here." as he thought 'why does this feel so natural? What the hell is going on anyway?'

Judy shuddered gently enjoying the sensation 'How is he affecting me this way?' she wondered 'Can this even be right? Where is all of this coming from? I've only known him for a couple of days, yet this all feels so… comfortable! Is he even and inter….? Am I an inter…. Is this even right? I'm so confused right now…'

Unbeknownst to the pair, every eye in the shop was on them, and every mammal wore a smile of varying degree of intensity. 'I have got to get this and send it to send it to Laverne' thought Skye as she snapped a quick photo. 'I haven't played matchmaker in some time, but these two just seem like the perfect pair, especially for this bunch of misfits.'

Without thinking of Nick's warning about Judy's hated nickname, Skye sent the photo of Nick and Judy hugging to Laverne Wilde, Nick's mother.

After the two slowly release from the hug, Nick shows Judy around the various areas contained in Nick's very large shop. As he does so, he discovers that Judy, having grown up on a farm, had already used a great deal of the equipment. Machines like a drill press and the hydraulic press were no strangers to Judy. She also seemed well versed in the use of the cutoff and band saws as well as cutting torches and various welding rigs. Although Judy wasn't as familiar with equipment like the CNC machine or any of the body equipment, she did show an interest in at least becoming familiar with them.

"Ok" concluded Nick as they approached Judy's bay "here's your work station. The WIFI is already set up on the laptop, all you need to do is change your password. There are icons for all of the parts houses and junkyards that we use on the desktop, all you have to do is order what you need and it'll be delivered. It's all tied to a bookkeeping program set up in the main office. There's a master list of the tools that you'll need inside the lid of the top toolbox. Inventory the tools and order what you need from the icon marked 'Tool Krib'. When the tools get here, you can inventory what you receive against what you ordered and sign the receipt. Go ahead and check your tools, order what you need against the list and anything extra that you feel you will need to do your job. Then go over to bay six and get with Midnight and help him finish the red Torino's tune-up. Any questions?"

"No, I think I've got it, thanks again" says a very grateful Judy.

As Nick turns to head to the main office, he notices every eye in the building looking quickly away from him and Judy, and every muzzle contained a smile of some sort.

"What?" Nick asks everyone and no one at the same time. 'Oh hell, what else can possibly happen this week?' he thinks.

Later on in the day, as the shop settles into a more or less 'normal' routine, Nick receives a pair of unexpected but welcome visitors…at least that's how it started out. When Nick's mother Laverne and her sister Shirley show up he greeted them warmly. However, he quickly smells something that throws everything off kilter…...carrot muffins!

"Mom, aunt Shirley, it's nice to see you, but what's with the muffins…carrot of all things?"

"Well" began his mom with a mischievous smile "we heard that you have a new employee, a very good-looking bunny doe, so we thought bring some muffins and…."

"Wait-wait-wait…. I-I think I know who your informant is, but maybe you didn't get enough information. Carrots and anything to do with them is strictly off limits in the shop because of some…very bad experiences that Judy has had in her past. I really appreciate that you've gone to the trouble and all but…"

Just about that time, Judy opens the office door "Nick, I need to…"

And with that Judy gets a good whiff of the carrot muffins, turns a very unbecoming shade of green and quickly heads for the nearest trash can, where she proceeds to lose her breakfast.

As Nick shoots his mother and aunt a very angry look and hurriedly heads for the shop to check on Judy. Laverne and Shirly look at each other in shock "Well damn" remarks Laverne, "this is not going like we had hoped."

"Judy, I am so sorry, I had no idea that mom and my aunt Shirley would show up today, let alone that they would show up with those car…those muffins."

"I-It's ok Nick" began Judy in a shaky voice "I understand. They ha-had good intentions. If you don't mind, I-I'd like to at least try to stay in the room long enough to thank them for the effort. There's no way I can start to start to heal if I can't at least try to deal with the past. I'm tired of dragging this crap around with me…please…l-let's go back in the office, at least for a short bit…ok?"

Nick looks questionably at Judy "You're sure about this?" he asked.

"No, not really, but I have to start somewhere…right?"

"Ok, you're right, but maybe a quick trip to the ladies' room first to…ummm…freshen up a bit?"

Blushing a bit Judy replied "Y-yea, I guess you're right. Give me a few minutes and I'll join you, I need to ask a question about my tool request while I'm there…"

Nick nods and heads to the office where his mom and aunt are waiting nervously. "Judy 'll be along in a couple of minutes…she understands that you were just being polite, so she's not mad or anything. Like everyone in the shop she has some issues that she needs to work through, and I guess this is her idea of a first step…just…please be patient with her, ok?"

"Nickie, we understand" replies Laverne "We should've remembered that you like to take in troubled mammals to help rehab them. But in all honesty, where did you ever find such an adorable bunny?"

A slightly embarrassed Nick replies "Well, truth be told, she just sort of fell into my lap…ummm so to speak…" stammered a very embarrassed Nick "Dang it mom, you know what I mean…"

"Yes Nick, I do" smirked Laverne as she exchanged knowing glances with her sister. "Would you like to see a little something I received earlier this morning?"

"What would that be?" asked Nick with a puzzled expression.

As Laverne showed Nick the text that she had gotten earlier that morning from Skye, Nick gaped…

"Oh, come on mom, it's not like that…." Muttered Nick.

"Not like what Nick?" asked Judy as she shyly entered the office.

"Dang it, don't do that" said Nick as he jumped, startled by Judy's sudden entrance into the office. And how'd you even hear that anyway?"

"You do know we bunnies have great hearing right? Anyways, I need to talk to you about the tool order and …"

"Ok, but first, let me introduce you to my mother Laverne Wilde and my aunt Shirley. Someone managed to tell mom that you had started working here so they wanted to welcome you personally. Mom, aunt Shirley, meet Judy Hopps, my new mechanic."

"Pleased to meet you both" said Judy as she acknowledged the vixens.

"Wonderful to meet you" replied Laverne "We want to apologize for the muffins, we didn't know that you had an…issue with a-a certain vegetable. If we had known we would have brought some blueberry ones, those are Nick's favorite."

"Mom, really?" said Nick, blushing slightly.

Judy giggled lightly "Blueberry would be fine, thanks. But in the meantime, I appreciate the gesture, and I'll try to deal with the …ummm...c-carrot thing. Excuse me please. Nick when you get a minute, please come to my work station… see you later, and thanks again ladies."

'So, he likes blueberries huh, I wonder why she would mention that…unless…ohhh. She's actually trying to hook me up with her son… well I'll be…'

With a concerned look Nick asked his mother "Mom, why on earth would you mention than I like blueberries? I mean really?"

"Don't worry son" she told her son with a wry smile "you'll figure it out sooner or later. Come on Shirl, we've got some shopping to do"

As the vixens left the office Nick saw them both look at him, smirks on both of their muzzles 'What in the hell are those two up to now?' he wondered.

As he shrugged his shoulders, Nick went to Judy's work station to find out what her issue with the tools is.

"Ok, what's up with the tools?" asked Nick.

"Well, there are a few things that I could use that are either broken or aren't on the list, and I wanted to check with you before I sent the order in."

"Really, like what?"

"To start with, both torque wrenches seem to be broken so they'll need to be replaced, I could really use a good volt/amp multi-meter as well as a circuit tester, a quarter inch socket set, a micrometer and an extra screwdriver set so I can make a few special tools that I always seemed to need when I was on the farm. And if you don't mind, I could really use some work uniforms like everyone else so I don't have to ruin the few clothes that I have."

"Go ahead an order anything you think you'll need as far as tools. There are several sets of uniforms left over from the last bunnies that worked here over in the storage room. They've already been cleaned so you don't need to worry about that, all we need to do is change the name tags. Anything else?"

"…Now that you mention it, yes." Says Judy, curious but slightly annoyed "What the hell is going on around here Nick? I saw the looks we got when I hugged you earlier. Not to mention the smirk and information from your mom. And by the way, I actually saw the picture she showed you, I was just too polite to ask about it."

Embarrassed Nick answered "I'm not sure, but it seems like everyone, including my mom, seem to think we need to get together. The guys actually thought I was into you yesterday when we went to pick up your stuff from the station."

Judy thought about his answer for a few long seconds "Well, are you?" she asked.

"Wait, what? What kind of question is that?"

"Nick, to quote you from an earlier conversation 'It's a simple question'. I have never been accused of being shy, let alone being stupid. I know you've helped every mammal in here much the same way you've helped me, but something just feels…different. I need to know…do you actually have feelings for me? I need an honest answer Nick. No bullshit, just the unvarnished truth. If not, fine. But if you do, I need to know."

"And if I do Judy, then what? I don't want to lose you as a friend, let alone as an employee, by making you angry" answered Nick with a very worried expression on his muzzle.

"You dumb fox" said Judy very softly.

"Excuse me, I didn't quite hear yo…" started Nick as he leaned in closer.

Judy suddenly reached and grabbed Nick by both cheeks and pulled him into a deep kiss, not knowing that Skye had been waiting for the moment taking a quick picture of the event with her phone. "How's that for an answer Slick? I told you I've never been accused of being shy!"

As the two looked deeply into each other's eyes, the entire shop erupted into loud cheers, hoots and whistles.

The two quickly pulled apart, startled by the sudden uproar. Judy let out an unexpected squeak, which caused Nick and the rest of the shop to laugh wholeheartedly.

"I guess we now have an official nickname for Judy" exclaimed Sky as she sent a text to Laverne of Nick and Judy kissing.

"And what might that be?" asked Judy horrified of what the answer could be.

"Why, 'Squeak' of course" answered Skye.

"What?" exclaimed Judy loudly.

"Trust me, it could have been much worse knowing this bunch" advised Nick softly "You might just want to go with that."

Judy sighed loudly "You know, your mother and I share more than just a casual affection for her son don't you?"

"Really? What would that be?" Nick asked curious as to what her answer might be.

"My middle name is…Laverne" she answered with a bunny version of Nick's smirk on her muzzle.

"Well just…damn" was all a dumbfounded Nick had to say.

"Anyways" began Judy "I'll finish ordering my tools and go help Midnight while I'm waiting for them to be delivered. And just so you know up front, if we're going to be together I'm more than just a 'friend with benefits'. I expect to be treated properly. Normal dates, movies, dinner, the whole nine yards...'ya got that Slick? And please remember, I'm still dealing with…with certain issues, ok? And by the way, the kiss was almost as big a shock to me as it seemed to be with you, but…only almost…." She added.

"I wouldn't have it any other way Fluff. In the shop, you're just another employee. No special privileges, ok? After work is another story. Don't worry, I won't do or try anything that you're uncomfortable with."

Nick gave Judy another quick hug and a peck on the cheek "Ok you bunch of perverts, the floor show's over, get your asses back to work. I guess I need to deal with a certain matchmaker" looking directly at Skye "then try to get my mom off my back about dating a certain bunny, since I have finally figured that little item out…. Skye, a minute if you please…"

In the office Skye started "I'm sorry Nick, but you two just seemed to be such a perfect fit and all, so I just wanted to…"

"It's ok Skye, I just wanted to thank you is all. This is one of the times that you meddling actually did some good. You're a great friend, I just wanted you to know that I appreciate what you did, ok? I guess Judy and I both needed that little extra push."

Skye smiled and gave Nick a quick hug "Thanks Nick, I'm going back to work, and thanks for being such a good sport. I really hope things work out between you and Judy, ok?"

Just as Skye left the office Nick got a text from his mom. It was the pic that Skye took of he and Judy kissing, surrounded by emoji hearts. 'I think I'll keep this' thought Nick as he quickly set the picture as the avatar on Judy's number.

When the tool supplier arrived with Judy's tools, she asked Midnight if it was ok for her to go ahead and inventory and sign for them. "Of course, we've pretty much got the modifications finished, all I have to do is clean everything up and turn in the ticket. And by the way just so you know, everybody in the shop is happy for you and Nick, especially Skye believe it or not. You might not think it, but Nick has issues like everybody else in the shop, and he deserves to be happy just like the rest of us."

"Ok, and thanks Midnight…for everything." Says Judy blushing fiercely.

As Judy was finishing inventorying her new tools and signed the vendor ticket Nick came by.

"When you finished putting your tools away, come out to the warehouse, I've got a couple of things to show you."

"Ok, see you in a few minutes" Judy remarked 'I wonder what he's got going on now' she thought.

Walking out into the large warehouse, Judy noticed Nick standing at the far end in front of a large group of vehicles.

"What's up boss, err Nick…or what do I call you, I'm not really sure at this point."

Nick smirks a bit "I guess boss or Nick is good at work, we'll figure the rest out as we go along, ok?'
'Anyhow, for your first project, I received a call from a customer who wants this Shelby AC Cobra restored to original condition. I won't kid you, original parts for this beauty are going to be hard to come by, especially engine parts, and the most difficult to locate will be a correct carburetor. I'll get Lefty to pull it to your work area when he gets back from lunch.'
'Secondly, over here" as Nick points to a group of cars to his left that look to be almost drivable "are some cars that are either barn finds or donated cars. Almost every single one is fair game except for the '70 Superbird. I want yo to look them over and decide which one you would like to have as your personal vehicle. You'll be expected to pay shop cost for the parts and you'll need to work on it after clocking out for the day. Are you good with that?"

Judy's mouth hung open for a few seconds "Are you kidding me? You're actually giving me a car?"

"Ok, let's get something straight. I always give a new employee a personal car to work on if they need one and I figure they're going to be a permanent hire, so there's nothing special there just because you're my girlfriend. Ask around, everybody will tell you that it's true. Another reason is simple as well, I want to see what kind of attention to detail you put into your car. I understand that the first thing is to get it running and roadworthy. That aside, since we are a 'thing' " Nick using air quotes "you can use any of my personal cars you want to go somewhere in the meantime. You're free to go where you want, when you want as long as it's not on shop time. Believe me, no one will judge you for it, it's actually kind of expected.'
'Look, I know this is really sudden and unexpected, and it's a lot to deal with all at once, but it's who I am. All things said and done, I still expect you to put in an honest day's work, just like everyone else here. Take your time, look around and let me know which car you want. I'll be in the office, when you've made up your mind let me know."

"N-Nick" started Judy.

"Ye.." was as far as he got, because he suddenly had Judy's muzzle glued to his, hugging him tightly.

With tears in her eyes Judy continued "I have never had anyone be this kind to me in my entire life. PLEASE tell me that this isn't a prank or a sick joke of some kind. I don't think I could stand it if it was."

As Nick returned the hug and gazed into her tear filled amethyst eyes "It's no joke or prank Judy. To be honest, I don't know how things will work out, or even IF they'll work out, but I do feel that we have to try. Now, dry those tears before someone in the shop sees them and I get my ass beat by someone for me making my new sweetheart cry, mainly Skye or my mom… or both…"

Judy slowly release her hold on Nick, gazing into his emerald eyes and a thought crossed her mind. "You know" she states smiling a slightly devious smile "I just thought of something."

"Really? What would that be?" asked Nick curiously.

"Do you remember the outfit I wore to the car show on Saturday?"

"I definitely do yes."

"Do you remember the necklace I wore…? Or were you too busy gawking at my bust?"

"Ummm…he-he, I noticed it but really didn't pay a lot of attention to the bust…umm…I mean the necklace, I mean…I'll just shut up now. Why?"

Laughing Judy commented "Because it, the necklace, happened to be amethyst and emerald, the same color as our eyes…"

Nicked blinked in amazement "You're kidding, right?"

"Nope, coincidence? Maybe, who really knows. Anyway, thanks again. I'll see you in the office when I figure out what I want to work on, ok?"

As Judy worked her way through the many older cars a couple caught her eye, most notable were a '65 Barracuda, a '64 ChevyII and a '66 Mustang fastback. All were smaller cars, easy for her to adapt to her smaller body size for ease of driving. The bodies were all in fairly good shape, even though they all had minor dents and some cracked glass. The interiors were in fair shape but the only one that seemed to be complete was the Barracuda, so Judy decided that that was the one she wanted.

As she made her way to the office, she noticed that Finnick was already there, seemingly in a heated argument with Nick. Not wanting to interrupt, especially since Fin didn't really like her, she decided to sidetrack as she noticed Lefty enter through a side door. Definitely not wanting to get in on the office conversation, she intercepted him.

"Hey Lefty" she greeted the elderly coyote "Nick wants you to move the Cobra to my bay so I can get started on it. Ummm, you wouldn't happen to know what's going on in the office would you? Nick and Finnick really seem to be going at it."

"Well, rumor central has it that Nick and Fin finally had it out yesterday, something about Nick buying Fin's interest in the shop. Those two have been going at it for years and it finally came to a head yesterday. The word I got is that Nick is offering to buy Fin out."

While Judy was listening to Lefty she was eyeing the action in the office at the same time. "Do you think it's because of me? I know Fin doesn't like me and makes no bones about it."

Lefty looked straight at Judy "If you are asking if you're the direct cause I'd have to say no. You may have been the tipping point, but like I said, they've been going at it for years."

"Do you have any idea why?"

"Nothing for sure, but there were rumors that Fin was trying to get the shop involved in some, shall we say, less than legal activities. I've got no way of knowing for sure, but I do know Nick has tried real hard to stay away from the bad reputation that foxes have. All I know for sure is that this was bound to happen sooner or later, so rest assured, it's NOT your fault, whatever happens. Anyway, I'll move the Cobra for you, is there anything else I need to do that you know of?"

"Actually yes, there is. Nick told me that I could pick out a car to work on for my own use. There's a '65 Barracuda that I think I'd like for you to dig out if it's ok, but I have no idea where you'd put it!"

Smiling Lefty told Judy "If you'll notice, there's always a space or two open on the other side of those welding curtains. That's where we put our personal project cars to work on. When you work on it, just put the tools you think you need on one of those wheeled carts, and when you're done for the day, wheel them back to your bay. Simple. I'll stick the 'Cuda in one of those empty spaces after I move the Cobra. By the way, everybody in the shop is happy for you and Nick, just so you know."

"How'd you hear about us, you were at lunch!"

Smiling Lefty told Judy "A small shop is like a small town, news travels fast, be it good or bad. Don't sweat it, just get used to it. I told you before, everybody here is family, and it's what family does."

With that, Lefty headed to get the dolly that was used to pull cars around in the shop.

With the car securely in her bay, Judy started getting her list together on her whiteboard to list needed parts as she started disassembling the Cobra. After a bit, she observed Finnick stalk out of the office and out of the front door of the building.

Then Nick's slightly agitated voice come out over the shop intercom "Will all employees please come to the main floor, I have an important announcement. Everyone to main bay please."

XxX

As the crew gathered in the main bay of 'Wilde Times Classic Muscle Cars' everyone noticed how irritated Nick was, frown on his muzzle and his tail switching nervously from side to side.

"Ok, everybody listen up. Anybody that's been here for any length of time knows that Finnick and I have been at odds about the direction the shop needs to go for a long time. As of noon tomorrow, I will be the sole owner and operator of the shop. Fin is out, permanently, I just bought him out, lock stock and barrel.'
'Not only that, we are going to undergo a name change. There is going to be a contest to rename the shop, and it's open to all current employees.'
'Here's how it's going to work, submit your entries on a form that mom is going to work up. All you need to put down is your idea for new shop name and your name. After 3 weeks, a list of potential shop names and shop names only will be posted and suggestions will be closed. No one but mom will know who submitted what suggestions. After a week for you to think the suggestions over, YOU will vote on what you think the shop should be named. Just so it'll be fair I'll have no input on the name. The winner will get a bonus of two weeks' pay and the '36 Harley EL in the warehouse.'
'I know it's only three pm, but since there are no urgent deadlines to be met, everyone gets to take the rest of the day off. I called the 'Icehouse' and reserved the 'Chill Room' for anyone who wants free beer and popcorn. Now, clean up, put your shit away and get the hell out of here."

As Nick heads to the office he's met by a curious Judy. "Do we have any plans for the rest of today?" she asks. "I know we've only been 'together' for less than a day, but since I've never really dated, let alone had a steady boyfriend before, I was just wondering."

"Wait, you mean to tell me that you've really never dat… umm, never mind, I remember what you told me before, I'm sorry I brought it up."

Blushing Judy replied "No, it's ok, I understand. I have to be able to work through it all, I'm…we're just going to have to take it slow if you don't mind."

Nick takes Judy's paws in his and looks into those beautiful amethyst eyes "No, whatever you feel like is ok, we have plenty of options. We can go to the Icehouse with the crew, we can get supper somewhere, or we can just stay here and talk. It's totally up to you."

After several minutes thought Judy decides "How about if we go to this 'Icehouse' place at least for a little bit and socialize. I need to bond with the rest of the crew if for no other reason than to show them that I'm not just the boss's girlfriend. Then we can come back here and just talk. You don't mind do you?"

"Of course not" replied Nick with a gentile smile "hanging with the crew is probably a good idea, I really wanted it to be your idea. It'll give you a chance to get the feel of everyone. None of them know anything more than the info I gave them yesterday and it'll stay that way unless you want to share."

Giving Judy hug and a quick kiss on the top of her head, just between her ears causing her to give a small purr, Nick slowly released the hug and escorted her out of the door, locking it behind them. "When we get back, I have a key to the shop for you, so you can come and go as you please in case I'm not around. Since you are staying here, it's only right that you have a key to the front door."

XxX

A/N: to anyone who's interested, I'll be taking serious suggestions for the new name of the shop. I already have one in mind, but I'm open to good suggestions. Please let me know the shop name and who you want the suggestion credited to (preferably not Judy) in the story.
To those who have noticed (USAPatriot) I have deliberately chosen to keep the overused 'Carrots' nickname for Judy out of the story and made it derogatory to boot. I think it's time to move on from some of the overused nicknames and come up with something a bit different.
I have made some small changes in chapters 3-5 for anyone interested. Since I tend to write 2-3 chapters ahead of the story, I noticed some glaring differences from past to future chapters. I went and changed the story a bit, nothing glaring just enough to bring things up to make sense in future chapters.