Chapter 8: A Family Affair Pt. II

A/N: USA Patriot, the reference to 'real meat' was to harken back to the 'savage' days before the 'Great Agreement'.

XxX

As Nick shows the brothers around the shop before explaining their new jobs to them, Judy grabs Skye and wants to talk to her about new living arrangements.

"Snow" says Judy "You got a minute?"

"Sure Squeak, what's up?"

"Nick just hired two of my brothers. My mom fired them from the station when she found out they were inters. They'll need a place to stay and I made it clear that they weren't going to stay with me, and I damned sure ain't going to stay with Nick, at least until we get our boyfriend-girlfriend thing figured out and some hard and fast rules set down. Nick wants to give them the apartment above the shop to stay in and mentioned that you might have plenty of space at your place, so… I was kinda wondering if you would be ok with me staying with you for a bit…I'd be happy to split the rent or whatever, I don't want to be a burden…"

Giving Judy a big grin, Skye replied "Judy, I'd love to have you stay. I have an entire house to myself… thanks in part to a good for nothing 'sperm donor' I used to have for a father. The house that he and mom had went into a sort of receivership when he disappeared, it being fully paid for and all. When I turned of legal age it automatically became mine, free and clear and I've been living there more or less alone since then. There's a spare bedroom that's just sits empty, and even a spare bathroom so we won't get in each other's way. Besides all of that, think of the fun we'll have when Nick stops by to be with you… we can screw with him so bad he won't know whether he's coming or going."

Judy gapes in mock horror "You're kidding…right?"

"Well, maybe…just a little" replies Skye with a mischievous grin and a wink. "When is this all supposed to take place anyway?"

"This weekend I think, sooner if we can. We could start moving my stuff anytime so the boys can move in with as little trouble as possible. I still don't really have a lot to move yet so it won't take too long on my part. Some clothes, stuff that my mom (as Judy makes a sour face) sent from the burrow that I really haven't gone through yet, plus my laptop and the guitar should be about it. Everything else like the bed, couch and TV and the like stays at the shop. You're sure I won't be a bother?"

"Like I told you before, as did everyone else I can think of, we're family. Just think of me as a big, well bigger sister and…oofff" she grunts as she gets collected in a tight hug.

After catching her breath, Skye continues "We can start moving your stuff and get you set up after work today, or maybe tomorrow at the latest. Then we can go to 'La Petite' and get you some really nice stuff to wear, on Nick's dime of course."

"Wait, what?" exclaimed Judy "Why would we do that? Won't Nick get mad?"

"Look, first off, if you're going out with Nick you need to get some really nice casual stuff to wear. If we don't get it, Nick will just get you something that he thinks is nice…but usually really isn't. Plus, it'll never be the right size and you'll just have to return it anyway, so let's just bypass that step.'
'Anyways, you'll still need some really nice, sexy dresses to wear to the custom car shows and auctions. Trust me, sex sells cars as much as anything else, and since we're both gearheads, we can answer any questions that prospective buyers might have about the cars. It's hard to beat brains and beauty.'
'And to top it all off, when Nick takes you someplace really fancy, and he will, you won't have to stress about not having anything appropriate to wear.'

As the girls talk about living arrangements, Nick gives Judy's brothers a quick tour of the shop and explains what's expected to each of them.

"Duane, here's the paint booth, it's the latest Standard design booth. There are plenty of colors at hand and we have accounts with all of the paint distributors in the city so paint is never a problem. Disposable paint suits and respirators are in the cabinet along with all of the newest paint guns I can get my paws on. There are several other body mammals in the shop, but none are very good in the booth, so you're the mammal in charge. Do you have any questions or have anything to add?"

"Actually" began Duane "Josh is very good with an airbrush and does a decent job pin stripping in case the need arises. Right Josh?"

"Yea, I guess so" says Josh "but just to be sure, if you've some old scrap stuff lying around I'd like to do some work to show you before you get too worked up about my abilities, if that's ok."

"That's great, sure, there's plenty of stuff lying around for you to practice on, so after I get you acquainted with the CNC machine and get you logged into the computer system, just make yourself at home wherever you're needed, ok?"

"Cool beans, let's go see the CNC machine and the server room and I'll get busy. I've read up on a CNC machine but never got the chance to operate one before. I think the difficult part will be getting used to the virtual programming, but I think I can handle it ok."

"Duane, do a quick check of the booth and other equipment you think you'll need as well as the tool set. If you need anything, anything at all, the laptop at your desk has every vendor we use on the desktop, feel free to order what you need and sign the ticket when it's delivered. If you have any questions, just ask, ok? Do your best to get acquainted with the equipment, I have several projects that are going to need paint in the next couple of weeks."

As Duane got busy inventorying the booth and equipment, Nick led Josh to the CNC machine. "This Xomety 5 axis model is the latest and greatest on the market. Like everything else I try to keep the best equipment in the shop. The only way to put out quality work is to have the best equipment and the best operators. That's the only way to stay ahead of the competition in this business.'
'Let's head to the office where the server and the rest of the computer stuff is so you can get started updating all of the software and anything else that needs doing."

After Nick gets Josh busy updating the office IT systems, Skye and Judy enter.

"Nick, after work, Judy and I are going to move her things to my place, then go spend some of your money on clothes so she can wow 'em at the show coming up in a couple of months. Plus, we need to get her some casual stuff for every day after work and for your dates. You good with that?"

"Sure am. We're going to take the Midnight Blue '67 GTO, the Candy Apple Red '49 Merc with the suicide doors, and the Candy Blue and Artic White '57 Nomad to the 'Zootopia Open' show in a couple of months, so get something that'll go with the cars colors. As far as the casual stuff, whatever you two think is nice will be fine with me.'
'Now back to work, both of you…"

After the girls clock out at around 5 pm, Skye helps Judy load her few personal belongings into Skye's orange and white '56 Mercury Montclair.

As they head out from the shop Judy asks "Snow, this is beautiful, where did you ever find this?"

Not bothering to hide a large grin Skye replied "This was actually one of the cars that were here when Nick and Fin first got the shop. It took a while to get the title cleared up, but while Nick and Fin took care of that, I worked on it in my spare time and fully restored it. The only upgrade I did was installing a dual master cylinder for the brakes. Safety is always first for our stuff, just like it is with customer or restoration jobs. The only time we don't upgrade stuff like that is for a specific show car that will be used for show only and has to be one hundred percent authentic.'
'Speaking of which, have you figured out what you wanted for a personal vehicle yet? I know Nick took you back to the warehouse to find one…among other things."

Blushing fiercely Judy nodded "Umm…yea, I think so. I found a '65Barracuda that's in pretty fair shape. I'll check the motor and be sure it's ok, but the rest looks to be pretty decent. There doesn't seem to be any rust or major body damage, and the interior is complete so it shouldn't take a lot to get it at least drivable. Besides that, it's a bit more my size so I won't have to do any major modifications to the seats so they'll fit me."

"That sounds like a plan. Well, here we are" as Skye pulls into a parking space in front of a very exclusive looking shop. "'La Petite'…the very best ladies' wear boutique in all of Zootopia. Nothing but the best, just like everything else at the shop. I've got some things that'll look great with the cars, but girl, we have got to get you set up with at least three or four great outfits for the shows, and several sets of casual wear to blow Nick's mind…what?" noticing the look of concern on Judy's muzzle.

"I don't know, I think I'm still a bit… I don't know in shock I guess…by…everything that's happened to me in the last week. The new job, Nick, all of the stuff, you guys being so nice and all. Not to mention my parents, my mom especially, freaking out. It's still a lot to take in to be quite honest…"

"Look, I understand that this is a bit hard to handle all at once, but get a grip because it's all for real. We've got to get you some fancy clothes for the upcoming shows, it's all part of what we were hired to do. Believe it or not, Nick and a couple of the guys dress to the nines so they can show off the cars to ladies as well, so how about we make a friendly competition out of the next show?"

"How in the world would we make a competition out of something like selling some cars?"

"Nick is a sucker for a bet when it comes to selling cars, so we can bet him that the two of us can sell more cars at the show than he and the guys can."

"Ok, just for argument's sake, just what would we bet to make it interesting, and who are the other guys we'd be working against?"

"Well, a lot of times on Saturday after work if we don't jam we have a sort of movie night at the shop, and we can say that whoever wins gets to pick the movies. Usually it's Nick, Midnight, Bolo and Charlie. Charlie was the grey wolf that pretty much kept to himself the other night at the Icehouse. Since Nick and Midnight are the only two we really need to worry about, I think we've got the upper hand. I'll have to tell ya though, knowing Nick he's liable to throw at least one if not both of your brothers into the mix, they're kinda cute…err I mean…umm handsome for bunnies." Noticing the odd look that Judy was giving her "What?"

"You've got to be kidding me, my brothers have gotten to you…already? Especially after Johnny?"

"Well, you already know everyone in the shop's an inter, and you just told me that they were fired by your mom because they were inters so...I kinda figured they're fair game…so to speak. And if they're your brothers, they can't be that bad, just saying…"

"All I can say is good luck with that pair, they're both crazy as a pair of loons with Josh being the worst by far. He's liable to show up looking like he's headed for a Halloween party or something equally as crazy. He even goes to anime conventions dressed as like some cartoon girl sometimes, just so you know. Besides, they may already have girlfriends, but who am I to judge? After all, I seem to be hooked up with the craziest one of the bunch."

"That's the spirit, now let's go get you some fancy duds."

After the girls leave the office, Nick tells Josh "since Judy is moving in with Skye today, you and Duane should be able to at least start to move upstairs tomorrow if you want, so bring what you can along with you to work in the morning. Do you guys still have phone service or do I need to get you each a phone?"

"No, we're good on phones, we figured mom would go bat shit crazy if she found out we were inters, so we got our own phones quite a while ago."

"Ok, great, how about laptops? Do either of you have a good laptop? I really like for all of my employees to have a good laptop. I got Judy one but she wants to pay for that herself, which is cool. If you or Duane need one I can do the same for each of you.

"Duane already has a good laptop, but I could use one. I'm kinda like Judy in that I'll pay for my own if you don't mind."

"Ok, no problem. Just like I did with Judy, I'll pay for the laptop and you can pay me back a bit at a time so it doesn't hurt you financially all at one. I have an account at Electronics World so I get a really good price on anything I or my employees buy there. Plus, the data package goes on my commercial account so you never have to worry about going over on data usage. You good with that?"

"Damn mammal, how could I not be?'
'Since we're on the subject of computers, I've already noticed something strange in the system and I figured I needed to mention it to you when I got the time."

"Really, what would that be?"

"Well, it seems like there is a sort of mole program that feeds all financial transactions to a remote server, which means someone knows EXACTLY what you spend, how you spend it and all income that comes into the shop."

"You have got to be shitting me!"

"Nope, I wish I was. What do you want me to do? I can dump the program, I can send a virus that will either wipe the other users hard drive or I can install a ransomware program so you can get even with the other user that way."

Nick thought about it for a minute "How about this…can you set something up that will send a message to whoever the other user is letting them know that we know what he or she is up to, and that the next time they try to access our system they will NOT like what happens? Then after the initial hit the program will delete?"

"Yea, I think I can do that, shouldn't take too long, I'll get on it right away"

"Thanks Josh, you've earned your pay right away. Since neither of you asked, I'll be giving you the same pay and benefits I give every new mammal starting out. Fifteen bucks and hour and full insurance benefits from day one. Does that sound ok to you?"

"Gee, I don't know Nick, it's only double what we made at the station with the folks picking up the insurance."

"Ok, if we're cool, I'll go let Duane know what I need to have painted first so he can get started on that.

"Hey Duane, how's the inventory going?"

"Just finished, I just need to know what you need painted and what color so I can get everything together that I need."

"The body guys should be about finished with a '56 Crown Victoria before too long. I'm thinking Hot Rod Red on the lower half beneath the side chrome, and an eggshell white or cream on the top half and hood and trunk lid, with the top being red. The interior will be red and white leather tuck and roll. Take a look at the car and let me know what you think. If you come up with a better idea, I'm always willing to listen. We good?"

"Sure are, I'll get right on it.

"Go ahead and knock off at five, then you and Josh can go back to where you're staying and get ready to move upstairs. Squeak is going to be staying with Snowflake so you two will have the office upstairs to yourselves, no charge. You can get you own place when two get financially able ok?"

"Wait, I get who Snowflake is I think, but who the hell is Squeak?"

"Um, that's the nickname that the guys in the shop, Skye to be more precise, gave to Judy. I'm sure you two will end up with something equally as offensive before long."

"Well, I'm sure anything will be better than what mom called us when she fired us…"

With a shocked but thoughtful expression Nick answered "I can assure you that nothing like whatever you mother called you will ever be said here. If it is, the first time will definitely be the last...'
'Anyway, get over and take a look at the 'Vick and let me know what you think about the colors tomorrow. We good?"

"Sure thing boss, see you tomorrow."

As Judy and Skye enter Skye's home, Judy is amazed at the place. The home is a ranch style structure, with a sizeable front yard and a large back yard, which includes a covered deck and fire pit. Perfect for chilling after a hard day's work.

Inside there is a large living room, large modern kitchen, with a good-sized dining room, a spacious den, two bedrooms and one bathroom.

"I thought you said there were two bathrooms" commented Judy after she caught her breath.

Laughing Skye commented "There are, the master bath is just off of my bedroom. Let me show you where you'll be staying" as she led Judy through the house.

"Here you go, your new home."

"Oh…my…god… I've never seen anything so gorgeous in my life! This is mine…for real?" as she looks around the room Judy takes note of everything.

There's a fox sized bed, three times the size that she's used to, a huge dresser, and spacious desk for her laptop and such, and, for her, an enormous walk in closet.

"Sure is, go ahead and start putting your stuff away, I'll fix us something to eat, is a nice salad ok? If not, I can fix something else."

"No, a salad will be fine, with some croutons and blue cheese dressing if you've got some."

"No problem, when you're done, head out to the kitchen and grab a bite."

As Judy begins to store all of her new and old clothes in the dresser and closet she can't help but reflect on the happenings of the past week. How it's been such a roller coaster ride, from meeting Nick at the station, since the tail grabbing incident seemed now to be hilarious, to being hired into a new and better job. Then from her fight with her mother, to being totally accepted by the crew at the shop. All of the little things that had been thrust her way like the phone, laptop, car, new clothes and now such a great place to stay, it was just hard to imagine how things could get any better.

She paused and thought as it suddenly hit her, 'How could I so quickly have a new boyfriend, especially after what had happened in high school? How can I have changed so much so quickly? How is that even possible? Does it even matter as long as I have a chance to have a better life, and even be happy for the first time in so many years?'

"Squeak, are you ok in there?" came Skye's slightly worried voice from the kitchen.

"Yea, I'm good, just lost in thought for a bit. I'll be right there, I still need to bring in the guitar and my laptop from your car so I don't forget."

"Well ok, but hurry your ass up, we both need a shower before Kounting Kars and Monkey Man Garage come on, they're my favorite shows that I use to unwind from work every day. Everything's so fake I always get a good laugh."

"Really? I've never seen the shows, sounds like fun. Give me a few to bring in the rest of my stuff and eat. And yea, I'm pretty sure I need a shower after actually working for the first time in a long time."

After hurriedly retrieving the guitar, amp and laptop from Skye's car, Judy sat down to eat.

"Wow, this is really good, thanks."

"It's all good it's pretty much the same thing I eat all of the time. Although I'll have to admit, I do like meat and eggs once and a while. Speaking of which… how did you handle finding out about eating that pizza with chicken on it the other night?"

With a slightly embarrassed look on her muzzle Judy admitted "I…umm…kinda freaked out for minute when I first found out, I felt like a cannibal. But I guess it didn't kill me so…just how much did I eat anyway?"

Giggling Skye told her "Two slices, and were begging for more. If Nick hadn't pushed you out the door, you probably would've eaten the whole damned pizza."

Blushing fiercely "God I feel like a freak of some kind…what the hell was I thinking eating chicken anyway?"

"If you remember, we had just finished talking about Johnny, you were bound and determined to at least try to drink a beer, then Nick reminded you that you needed to eat something. You grabbed the first thing handy, which just happened to be that BBQ chicken pizza, and the rest as they say is history. I guess the three red beers you had didn't exactly help matters either."

"Wait, what? I had three beers? No wonder I felt like crap. Holy shit, why didn't someone stop me? You and Nick both knew I didn't drink… it's …"

"Whoa, whoa, slow down a minute Squeak, Nick grabbed your furry grey butt and hauled you out of the door after your third beer, don't you remember?"

Looking first a bit dejected slowly changing to horrified Judy admitted "Well, no, not exactly. There are few things that are a bit fuzzy yet, but I think I…shit...hell…crap. Of all of the stupid…"

Noting the horrified look on Judy's muzzle "What…what is it Squeak, what happened?"

"How could Nick not mention what happened when we got to the shop?"

"JUDY, what the hell is it?"

"Just kill me now and get it over with, please."

"JUDY!"

Tearing up, Judy came clean "I think I was so out of it I actually tried to seduce Nick when we got back to the shop. My god I'm so embarrassed."

Her mouth hanging open slightly all Skye could do was stare. "And Nick never did anything? Do you realize how close you came to something actually happening?"

"Wh-whatever do you mean…?"

"Judy, you're about to start your heat cycle aren't you?"

Mouth agape Judy answered "Y-yes I am, how in the world did you know?"

Pointing at her snout for effect, Skye went on "Have you forgotten that foxes have some of the best olfactory senses in the predator world? I thought I could smell something earlier today, but in the car you were almost overpowering. And if I could notice, it's a sure bet that Nick noticed that night."

Slowly a small smile spread over Skye's muzzle. "Judy, if you ever wondered what kind of mammal Nick was, you just got your answer. Nick will do and say just about anything to embarrass a mammal, but he would never, and I mean never mention something like that, and he would never take advantage of the situation. That's the kind of mammal he is, caring and loving to a fault. There are other issues with Nick as well, but those are for Nick to work out with you in due time. There will be times when things will surface that you might not understand in the future, but hang in there, I know that you two can work things out. Just please be patient and don't push things, ok?'
'Anyhow, there's Musk Mask shampoo in a cabinet in the bathroom, use plenty tonight. We'll call Nick in the morning and tell him we have some girl stuff we need to take care of, I'm sure he'll understand. I know a good doctor that will see you right away in the morning so we can get you some hormone suppressant or you'll distract the entire shop.'

Letting a soft smile break through the tears as Skye hugged her, Judy began to understand what Nick was all about. He was always about doing the right thing, doing what needed to be done, or said or not said in this case.

"If you don't mind, I think I'll get that shower now and probably just go to bed, it's been a long day."

"Sure sweetie, get some rest, tomorrow it's back to the grind. 'G'night."

"G'night Snow, see you in the morning. By the way, what time do you get up, I'm pretty sure I'm going to be really hungry in the morning."

"Wake up is around six so we can get a bite, call Nick, get to the doctors and back, and be to the shop as soon as we can."

"Ok, thanks…"

As Judy showers she wonders how things got so complicated so fast. The last few days were almost like a dream, or was it a nightmare, perhaps a bit of both. As she dried her fur, she decided that Karma must be trying to even the score somehow, the nightmare that was Johnny and the godsend that is Nick, to balance all of the bad with a healthy dose of good. As she wearily lay down, she wondered what Nick was doing, thinking of. Was he thinking of her like was thinking of him? What other issues could Skye have been talking about?

As sleep took her, her last thoughts were of Nick, and how he had changed her life, hopefully for the better.

The next morning, as Judy eats a quick breakfast of toast and juice, Skye phones Nick

"Hey Snow, what's up? Kinda early to be callin' ain't it?"

"Nick, I just wanted to let you know, I'm going to take Squeak to a doctor I know for some…girl stuff, ok? We'll be back as soon as we can, we shouldn't be too long."

"Umm, yea, that's probably a good idea, never mind explaining, I think I get your drift. Thanks for letting me know. Is Squeak handy, I'd like to tell her good morning."

"Sure thing hold on a sec…Squeak, phone…"

"Hello?"

"Mornin' sunshine, how ya holdin' up?"

"Mornin' Slick, I'm doin' ok, just need to get a few…umm things worked out. We'll be in as soon as we can. Would you like something for breakfast like maybe, a blueberry muffin and coffee, I'll buy." she said with a mischievous grin.

"You're picking up some bad habits from my mother already Squeak… sure a muffin and coffee would be nice. Be safe and see you soon."

As Judy and Skye enter the shop, Judy drops Nick's muffin and coffee of in the office, receiving a quick kiss in return for her effort.

"Thanks Squeak, I'll get breakfast tomo…wait, what did you do to my coffee... it tastes…"

"Like it has a hint of Blueberry?" interjects Judy.

"Sly bunny…"

"Slow fox."

"Anyways, keep going on the Cobra. If you need help disassembling it, get one of the shop guys to help you. Keep the parts you can use and have someone throw the junk in the scrap pile. Use the whiteboard to keep track of the items you'll need to put it back together. I'm not sure yet, but since the parts won't be so expensive I think I can talk to buyer into reconsidering the car at a much lower price. Not as big a haul for the shop, but if the customer's happy, it's still a good thing. Have you figured out what car you want to work on for yourself yet?"

"Yea, I think the '65 Barracuda will work perfectly for me. Small, but powerful just like me" she adds with a wink.

Grinning, Nick agrees "Ya got a point there Squeak, and I'm sure it'll be almost as beautiful as you when it's finished"."

"Oh, go on you…" remarks Judy, blushing slightly punching Nick lightly on the arm, as she heads out of the office towards her work area.

As the rest of week goes by, things seem to settle into a quiet routine.

With Saturday drawing to a close and almost everyone bowing out of the usual Saturday night movie/jam night at the shop, Nick asks Judy "Since everyone seems to be beat, how about a nice quiet evening going out for supper then just hanging out at Snow's?"

"It's ok with me if Snow doesn't mind. Just a sec and I'll ask her. "HEY SNOW!"

"Shit Squeak, what're ya holler'n' for, I'm just right here…"

"Err, yea, sorry, I guess my hearing was a bit deadened by the noise in the shop all day."

With a stern voice, Skye slightly scolded Judy "I told you to get some ear plugs or muffs so that wouldn't happen…"

"Yea, yea, I know, but we've been so busy I haven't had an opportunity to get out and get some."

"So, I'll make it a point to stop by the sporting goods store and get you something on the way home tonight, ok? Now, what did you want in the first place?"

"Oh, yea, Nick wants to take me out for supper, then just hang at your, I mean our place afterwards. Is that ok, do you mind?"

"Not a bit, you two need to have a bit of alone together time. With the nights starting to cool off a bit, I'll get a nice fire going in the fire pit while you two are out. We can pick up some beer and juice at the store on the way home and have a beer or two after you guys get done with supper…and two is your limit Squeak, ya got that?"

"…Umm, yes ma'am?…"

"Well there ya go" says Nick "you two take off and do what ya need to do, I'll swing by around seven and pick you up, Ok?"

Giving Nick a quick peck on the nose "Ok, see you around seven. Is casual ok, or do I need to dress up?"

"Casual is fine for tonight Fluff, we'll save the good stuff for a night on the town. See you sevenish."

On the way to pick up some hearing protection, Skye asked Judy "Squeak, to you listen to much music?"

"I used to at home and at the store, but not so much recently, why?"

"Well, you can get Pawndora with an app on your phone. With Nick's unlimited data plan, you can listen to whatever you want all day long and not have to worry about extra charges. If you want to do that, all we need to get you is a good set of earbuds. What do ya think?"

"Now that sounds like a plan, I'm still not too sure about the beer and juice thing, but I guess if I take it easy it won't be too bad. I really did enjoy the time at the Icehouse the other night, I just need to learn my limits…right?"

"That's the spirit, let's get moving so we can get back in time for you to get a good shower and get dressed…"

When Nick arrived to pick Judy up for their dinner date, he was wearing tan slacks and a grey long sleeved turtle necked pullover. After knocking at the front door, he was greeted by Skye.

"Squeak will be along in a minute, she's just finishing gettin' ready. Sit down and chill for a minute."

After a few minutes, Judy exits her room "Hey Slick, you ready?"

"Ye…holy mother…damn Judy, as if you couldn't be any more beautiful, you just out did yourself."

Wearing black stretch pants under a sunflower yellow skirt and a white long-sleeved turtle neck sweater Judy does a slow turn "I take it you approve?"

"Absolutely… I've made reservations at 'Le Guarde' for the evening, the finest P&P (pred and prey) restaurant in the city. Nothing but the best for our first official date."

"I'm glad you approve; shall we go then?"

"Absolutely, right this way m'lady."

As Nick pulls up to the front entrance of Le Guarde, a valet opens the door for Judy and retrieves the keys from Nick.

"Reservations for two… for Wilde" Nick tells the maître d'.

"Of course Monsieur, right this way."

As the couple are escorted to their table, a secluded spot with a rose decorating Judy's plate, and a single candle to set a romantic atmosphere "Oh…wow…" was all Judy could say.

With a slight smirk Nick responded "Yea, I know kinda cramped, but I guess we'll have to make do" he adds with a wink.

"I'll bet you do this for all of your girlfriends" intones Judy.

"Only the most beautiful" replies Nick. "I've take the initiative to order if you don't mind."

"As long as it's not chicken for me, no problem" answered Judy with a small grin.

"Well darn, now I've got to reorder your meal" replies Nick with a playful smile "joking of course."

As they share a quick laugh, a waiter stops by their table with a bottle of strawberry wine, and pours each a glass.

"Firstly, taking kind of a chance ordering wine aren't you? And second, how did you know I liked strawberry?" asked Judy. "More of my brother's doing?"

"No, actually the wine was more of a lucky guess, especially since they don't serve beer here" he added with a smirk. "Secondly, I knew that …umm the 'C' word was out, and blueberry has been kind of overdone lately, so I took a chance on strawberry. I'm glad you approve."

"You did good Nick, thanks."

When their meals arrive, Judy is again stunned. For her, glazed veggies comprised of green beans, asparagus and parsnips with a small side boat of seasoned milk gravy.

For Nick, chicken parmesan with side of asparagus and fried spring potatoes.

Small talk of no real importance was the order of the evening, with the only thing mattering was the enjoyment of each other's company.

As Nick signed the check for the evening's meal (a generous tip included) and they headed for the car, the topic of the rest of the evening came up.

"I think a few quiet hours of just sitting and enjoying a definite lack of stress sounds like a great way to finish the evening, what do you think Squeak?"

"Sounds wonderful, let's get going. It's been wonderful, but I can't wait to just sit and relax for a while, especially with all of tomorrow off. Do we have any plans for tomorrow yet?"

"Nope, let's just wait and see what happens. Something interesting is bound to pop up….err, forget I said that please" said Nick becoming more than slightly embarrassed.

"Why you dirty old fox" kidded Judy giggling, knowing full well it was just an expression, but seizing the opportunity to turn the tables on Nick for a change. "Don't worry, I knew what you meant."

As Nick and Judy return to Skye's home after a fantastic dinner date (their first real date), Judy takes Nick's paw and leads him to the back yard where Skye as a nice fire going in the firepit.

Judy is startled and very much surprised when Nick stops short and a brief whine escapes his mouth.

"Nick, what is it?" she asks, very much concerned.

"Oh my god, Nick I'm so sorry" exclaims Skye "I never even thought about that."

Looking back and forth between Nick and Skye, a very confused Judy asks "What's going on, will someone please talk to me?"

With tears forming in his eyes Nick began "I knew that this day would come, but not now, not like this…"

"It's ok Nick, whatever it is, it can wait I'm sure" says Judy softly.

Looking at Skye for emotional support, Nick continues "No, I guess now's as good a time as any to talk this out. You've shared what is probably your worst life changing moment, I guess it's only right I share my worst.'
'It was about this time four years ago, I was dating a vixen named Amanda. We were fairly serious, going everywhere, doing everything together, and no she didn't work for me. We had been friends for years and had gotten serious about six months before the 'incident'. We had spent several hours right here, drinking and just enjoying the evening. We had a brief argument over something silly, I don't even remember what it was about now. She had decided to walk down the street to cool off when someone jumped the curb and ran over her, killing her instantly. The cops at least tried to find out what happened, but I don't think they ever found out for sure who ran over her or why. I'm friends with a bunch of the cops, and actually have a few for customers, so I'm sure if they had found out they would've let me know.'
'At any rate, I was severely depressed for a long time, started drinking heavily, even briefly considered suicide. If it hadn't been for close friends like Skye, Lefty, Midnight, and even Fin, I probably would have. After a couple of years I finally started to come around, even tried dating Skye for a bit. Since we're both foxes we knew it wouldn't amount to anything, but it helped bring me a bit farther out of my funk.'
'Then I got word of a very good-looking bunny doe who was an excellent mechanic that I needed to work in my shop, and the rest, as they say, is history. How I fell for you so hard and so fast I'll never know. Maybe Karma, maybe blind luck, I don't know and don't really care. All I know for sure is that I care for you very much, and if you think you can be happy with this part of my past, I would like very much to at least try to share as much of my…our future as I can."

Tears running down her face, she gathered he fox in a tight hug "You silly fox, of course I'll be happy to be part of your life. You're responsible to helping me to start to heal, the least I can do is stick by you and help you heal as well."

"I'll just leave you two alone for a bit" Skye said softly as she entered the house.

As Nick and Judy hold each other tightly and look intently into each other's eyes, Judy's phone rings and breaks the mood.

Judy rolls her eyes and begrudgingly slowly breaks her embrace with Nick to answer phone "Duane what the hell is so important that you have to call at this time of night?"

"Judy, if you're close to a tv, turn on ZTV, there's trouble back at the burrow, and it's serious…"

"What the hell? Nick, we need to turn on the tv…now. Tune it to ZTV."

"…in Bunnyburrow. Although there seems to be extensive damage to structures and equipment, there are no reported deaths. I repeat, there has been a tornado touch down in Bunnyburrow tonight, with extensive structure damage but no reported deaths. There are reports of several injuries, first responders from Podunk, Leapers Fork and as far away as Zootopia are reported to be headed to assist with any injured residents. This is Fabine Growley reporting."

"Nick, I need to borrow one of your cars and get to get to the burrow, I know I've had it out with my mom, but I have to go and help…"

"No."

"Wh…what the hell do you mean 'NO'?" shouts Judy with an absolutely furious look on her muzzle. Even Skye can't believe what she's hearing from Nick.

XxX

A/N: There's drama in the works. Why won't Nick loan Judy a vehicle? Afraid to lose her already? Or could it be something else…?