17: R&R

XxX

Wow, over 20,00 reads, thanks everyone….

A/N: I needed to make a couple of small changes in the previous chapter to make the next couple of chapters work correctly. If you have already read 16: HOPE please go back and reread.

XxX

Reviewing the whiteboard and the parts that will be needed for the build, Fritz steps forward and makes several changes as Judy looks on.

"To start with" begins Fritz "I'll get in touch with my source and acquire the 427 we need for the build as well as the Indy style quick-change rear-end. Since I have no idea what shape the motor will be in, we may need to do a total rebuild. In fact, I think we'll just count on rebuilding the damned thing just to be on the safe side.'
'I know there's no way you'll get the right parts for the motor through a regular parts shop or even through Ford, so you'll need to call 'Rust-eze Speed Shop' just off of Savanna Central to get the right parts for the motor, including the Holley carb and correct intake set-up, and talk to Rusty himself. You can drop my name if anyone gives you any lip.'
'While you're at it, have him set aside a Muncie M22 Rock Crusher tranny and adapter plate to fit the side oiler block. It's actually supposed to fit a GM motor and even though they tend to whine, kind of like Nick when he's upset, it's guaranteed to take any kind of abuse without breaking and laugh at the competition."

Giggling a bit at the reference, Judy replied "Ok, that's a start, what else?"

Handing Judy a slip of paper with some phone numbers on it, Fritz continues "You'll notice that there are three numbers here, and that the first is for Rust-eze.'
'The second belongs to Rousch Racing, ask for Ronnie and let him know that I need a complete brake and spindle parts kit for a Cobra build.'
'The third number is to 'Competition Suspension'. The suspension parts we need are actually built for use on the Le Mans circuit on the GT entry level cars. If you let them know that the parts are for a retro Cobra build using Rousch spindles and brakes and the quick-change rear end, they'll get you the correct parts.'
'That should keep you busy while I track down the 427 and try to find a deep sump oil pan. If I can't find one, we'll see how good your brothers are with the CNC machine because we'll have to make one otherwise."

"Do you want me to just call and line the stuff up?"

"Actually, I'd prefer that you go and pick up the parts personally since you already have some idea what to look for. Not to disrespect your parts runner, but I'd prefer someone with some mechanical knowledge to be talking to these mammals."

"Even if I'm a bunny?"

"Look Judy, the mammals I deal with learned longago not to judge anyone I send to get parts. They actually began to call me 'Homey' at some point."

"Homey?"

"Yes, Homey. Long story short, Homey was a clown on an old TV show. When someone questioned something that Homey said, he'd hit them with something like a fake chicken and say 'Homey don't play that.'
'In fact, if you want to mess with them, just tell them that Homey sent you and watch them cringe."

"This all sounds very humorous, and expensive."

"Yea, and? 'He who shall not be named' is going to end up paying twice what it's worth isn't he?"

"Did you just quote Harry Otter?"

Grinning like a Cheshire cat, Fritz could only comment over his shoulder as he walks away saying "Shouldn't you be ordering parts?"

Meanwhile in the office, Nick is giving instructions to Midnight "Ok, this is what I want done on the 'Vette. I want it to be a perfect restoration to exact factory specs. Don't overpower or underpower the motor. Trans, suspension, brakes, everything isto be bone stock down to the correct nuts, bolts and screws. And since there are no restrictions mentioned in the contract considering the Cobra, Judy and Fritz have a blank check for whatever they want or need so this should be a cake walk. Is there anything else anyone can think of while to gain any more of an advantage while we're at it?"

"Can I make a suggestion?" asks Josh.

"Sure, as long as it's within the framework of the contract I'll consider anything."

"Well, every bunny in the Tri-Burrows area knows that Johnny's a bucks' buck. His ego is as large as his pocketbook."

"And this can help us how?" asks Nick.

"Well, there's nothing mentioned about paint or markings insofar as the Cobra's concerned, then right?"

"No, there's not. Get to the point-"

"When Judy whips Johnny's tail during the race, he has to buy the car as is, right?"

"Yea, that's the deal, why."

"Then how about you paint the car a nice bright neon pink."

"Now that's just evil and underpawed. I like it. Anything else?"

"Well-"

"Out with it. If there's more I want to hear it."

"Well, I've been working on my airbrushing skills, and I thought maybe I could paint three little bunny heads that look like Johnny on the front fender cowling. You know, like they used to do on the old-time fighter planes for each kill. One for each lap that Judy beats Johnny during the race."

"And they'll be there before they even race?"

"Yup. If that doesn't put a burr in his butt I don't know what will. It'll insult him before and after the race. Especially since he'll have to buy the car at twice the original price, right?"

"… are you sure you weren't a fox in a previous life?"

"Not that I know of, why?" Josh asks warily.

"Because this is just about the perfect hustle if I've ever seen one."

"... Thanks … I think"

"Let Duane know that he's to paint the Cobra the most revolting shade of pink that he can come up with when the body shop's done with the sheet metal. Then you can paint the bunny heads on the car... if I like it or hate it, or whatever, I'll give you an extra week's pay. That good with you?"

"If you expect me to turn it down you're crazy."

As the weeks wear on, the stress of the build begins to show on not only Judy but the entire shop crew as well.

Entering the office, Laverne confronts Nick "Nicholas Piberius Wilde" causing him to jump about a foot into the air.

"Damn mom, don't do that!"

"Nick, you've got to give the shop a break. You're pushing them way too hard."

"Who? You need to be more specific" replies Nick, more than slightly exasperated.

"The whole damned shop Nick. Mammals are working on autopilot. If this keeps up, someone's going to get hurt or worse."

"Mom, we've got to get these cars done and-"

"Pushing the shop this hard is counterproductive and you damned well know it. Someone's going to make a mistake that could cost the shop a bunch of money at best or injure or kill someone at worst. You've got to give them some downtime Nick."

"The weekend is almost here, we can have a jam session …"

"It's not enough Nick. Think about it for a minute, you've all been working at least sixteen hours a day, seven days a week for almost three weeks now. You've got to take some downtime."

"Ok, ok, fine I get it. Any suggestions? I really don't have any ideas right now."

"As a matter of fact, I do" says Laverne grinning mischievously, holding up a poster.

"What the hell is this?" asks Nick looking at the poster.

"It is what it says it is Nick. An anime convention."

"Really? That kind of stuff is for kits mom."

"Look at the poster Nick. There are more adults there than there are kits. Can you think of a better way to destress than to act like a kit for a couple of days? Besides, you don't need to go the convention, you can just hold one here at the shop for your employees and their kits.'
'How about this. Call an early day today and let everyone take the rest of the day to rest and recuperate. Tomorrow can be used to put together some sort of costumes. Saturday and Sunday can be used for your own little convention, then back to work on Monday.'
'Different prizes for the guys and the gals, and even prizes for the kits. Music, food, dancing, costumes … how better to give mammals a break. It'll help, I guarantee it."

"You're sure about this?"

"Would I ever steer you wrong about something this important? Judy and the rest of your employees need this Nick."

"No mom, you wouldn't. Ok, you talked me into it. Since it's almost lunch time, I'll call a meeting in the main bay in a half hour and give them the good news." Giving her a big hug "Thanks mom."

"ALL EMPLOYEES TO THE MAIN BAY PLEASE, ALL EMPOLOYEES TO THE MAIN BAY"

"Ok everybody listen up. Mom has not so gently brought to my attention that we've all been working too hard for too long. As of right now, everybody is off duty until Monday morning, but there are conditions. Go home and rest up for the rest of the day. Saturday and Sunday we'll be having an anime convention right here at the shop for you all and your kits. You'll have the rest of today and tomorrow to design and make costumes. The entire time will be with pay of course. There'll be prizes for the best male and female costumes as well as prizes for the kits.'
'Before anyone asks, yes, it's mandatory that you at least show up for the convention. No, you don't have to be in costume but it's encouraged. After that, I expect everybody here bright and early at seven o'clock Monday morning ready for work regardless. Now, get lost."

Following Nick into the office, Judy grabs Nick by the tail and jerks "Hey, that's tender."

"Why does it take your mother to point out the obvious Nick?"

"I'm sorry?"

"I told you a week ago we were all being pushed too hard. Are you so damned greedy that you can't see that on your own or can't listen to me?"

Looking downcast Nick hesitates before answering in a hushed tone "… actually that's farther from the truth than you can even guess."

"Really? How about sharing then, because I'd really like to know."

"It-it was for you."

"For me? How in the hell was all of this even remotely for me?"

"To-to help you to get even with the sorry bastard that raped you all those years ago."

"… You-you really put us all through this shit to help me avenge my honor?"

"Yes, yes I did. Was that wrong of me? To care so much?"

Pulling Nick into a passionate kiss "You dumb fox. You wonderful fool. We'll get this done without all of the bullshit. Now, let's go home and get some sleep. Then you can figure out what characters we're going to be for this anime thing."

"Me? Why me? I haven't watched cartoons since I was a small kit!"

"Do you remember the last jam session we were at when you got so drunk?"

"Yea, and?"

"Did you forget that I hadn't decided on a punishment for groping me while we were dancing?"

"Shit."

"Exactly."

"Ok, fine. Let's get home, get something to eat and grab a good shower" he said, in a tired voice "It looks like I'm going to be catching up on my cartoon watching."

"Nick, who said it has to be a cartoon character?"

"What? What are you talking about?"

"These things include super heroes and anyone else you can think of. It doesn't have to be a cartoon character. We watch movies all the time, don't we? How about we go as some of our favorite movie characters or super heroes?"

" ….. well shit. I never though about that. You really are a sly bunny ain't ya?"

"One of us has to be Slick. C'mon, let's go home."

The ride home was unusually quiet.

"Nick?"

"Hmmm?"

"You're being way to quiet for my own good. What's going through that twisted mind of yours?"

"Ummm, just trying to come up with some sort of costumes for this anime thing."

"No, from the look on your muzzle, you already have some sort of idea. What's up? Give."

Unable to hide the grin/smirk, Nick confessed ... partially. "Yea, I've got an idea, for both of us actually. But I'm going to have to ask you to trust me on this. Please.'
'Since we won't be able to collect any of the prizes, I figured we can go all out on the costumes."

"They're referred to as cosplay Nick."

"Whatever. Aaaaanywayyyy, it's going to take me more than a few minutes to get everything together, so right after lunch I'm going to need to start getting things organized in my mind. Then I'll need to make a few calls as soon as we get home to certain mammals I know to get everything lined up so I can pick it all up in one trip tomorrow. I know this sounds suspicious and underpawed, but it's not. Just trust me on this, please. I promise to whatever gods you want me to swear to that you'll love the outfits. Ok?"

Looking intently into Nick's emerald eyes that absolutely gleamed with devilment Judy gave her answer "Ok, I trust you. But I'll warn you one time, it had better not be a Playbunny outfit, or we may never have those kits. Do you understand?"

"You know" says Nick, his ears suddenly perking up "I never even thought of that! Maybe that could be for a private Halloween party at home this year, but no, I promise that you won't be disappointed."

As Judy facepawed for unknowingly giving Nick an idea that could, and probably would, prove embarrassing to her at some point in the future, she nonetheless admitted defeat. "Ok, fine. You make your calls while I start a late lunch, then it's showers and to bed for some rest. And I do mean rest. If I actually like the outfits, I might, and I mean might, actually model the Playbunny outfit for you some time.'
'Nick, you're drooling again, you know that, right?" she adds laughing.

While Judy begins fixing a late lunch, Nick is in the garage calling a few mammals that owe him certain big-time favors. After about fifteen minutes, he enters the kitchen where Judy has just much finished making lunch.

"Let me guess, you're making a mess."

"Yup, got it on the first try. Smart fox."

"Great. We haven't had a mess in a while. I'm actually looking forward to it"

Setting plates of hot food on the table, Judy asks "So, did you get everything set up for tomorrow?"

"Yup. All of the things we need for the convention will be ready for pickup by around noon tomorrow. I'll run and pick everything up in one trip, that way we can have time to model it all and make sure it fits right before Saturday."

"You really aren't going to tell me ahead of time, are you?"

"Nope. I want it to be a pleasant surprise for my favorite wife" Nick snarks.

"Favorite wife? I'd damned well better be your only wife."

"Wouldn't that make you my favorite then?"

"Shut up Nick" she giggles punching him on the shoulder "Let's go get that shower. If you're nice, I might let you scrub my back – ok?"

Not so bright and early Friday morning Nick and Judy still in bed after a well-deserved afternoon and evening of playing adult games in bed.

"Just so you know, Monday we're going to have to go see doctor Cotton for our umm biological donations."

"Yea, I know. I could tell by the way your scent has been changing the last few days."

"You're not still nervous, are you?"

"Nervous isn't exactly what I'm feeling- "

"OK, apprehensive then?"

"Well, yea, kinda."

"Remember what I told you before?"

That you'd lend me a paw after you were finished?"

"Yup."

"Still…"

"C'mon ya big kit, it'll be fun,"

"How can something like that even remotely be labeled as fun?"

"Because, if you ask really nicely, I'll be naked? You know that you're drooling again, right? C'mon Nick be a sport."

"Ok, fine."

"That's my big fox. Now, maybe we can get some work done around here befo …" as Nick's phone rings.

"Hold that thought for a sec beautiful. Yea, this is Nick. It's ready? All of it? Already?"

Hiding the caller ID from Judy as he talks to the mammal on the other end of the call… "Yea, I can be there in like a half hour or so. It's all guaranteed to fit and be one hundred percent legit, right? No, of course I wouldn't doubt you, of all mammals. Ok, see you in around a half hour barring bad traffic ok? Bye."

"Well, our costumes are rea-"

"Already? I know you've told me you know everybody who is somebody, and that they owe you some bigtime favors but that was really fast."

"I know, right? Look, I'm going to go ahead and pick everything up now and no you can't ride along, it'd just spoil the surprise."

"But …"

"Trust me, this one thing that might rank right up there with our wedding, it's going to be that good."

Rolling her eyes Judy deadpans "Yea, right. Like that'll happen with a costume of all things."

Giving her a kiss between her ears as he heads towards the door "I should be back in about an hour and a half to two hours. If this disappoints, I'll do the 'thing' at doctor Cotton's myself."

"This I've gotta see."

Just over two hours later, Judy hears Nick pull into the garage.

As he climbs out of the truck with two garment bags in paw he's greeted by a very anxious Judy.

"Ok fox, gimmie."

"Ain't you just a tad…"

"Damn it Nick…" thumping her foot as fast as mammaly possible.

"Look sweetheart, you're just going to have to wait until I get these into the house."

Once on the house, grabbing and opening the garment bag with her name on it, Judy gasps in astonishment. "Nick, what, how, where…" was all she could say, seeing a genuine police uniform, tailored to exactly fit her.

"Do you like it?"

"But it's-it' looks just like the real thing."

"Maybe because it is?"

"It's the real thing?"

"I just said it was, didn't I?"

"But how-how in the name of Saren… did you know? And how is this even close to being legal?"

"While bunnies may be good at multiplying" earning an eyeroll from Judy "foxes are good at being sly. I've known from the get-go that you always wanted to become a cop. Remember when we first met at the station and Fangmeyer and Delgado mentioned that you tried to get into the ZPD?"

"Yea, I'd totally forgotten that."

"Well I hadn't. So, when you mentioned that we didn't have to dress up as cartoon characters, but could go as super heroes, this just sort of popped into my head. You, Judy, are my hero."

Holding her authentic ZPD uniform at arm's length, Judy took inventory of the items. Foot wraps, bunny sized, check. Lycra full length form fitting body suit, check. Bunny sized body armor with front and back trauma plates, check. Knee and elbow guards, check. Duty belt complete with pawcuffs, check.

"Nick, I don't know what to say. I've wanted to wear one of these for most of my life."

"Then don't say anything until you've read this" he says, handing Judy an official looking piece of paper.

'Be it know to all that Judith Laverne Wilde-Hopps, through no fault of her own, and due to extenuating circumstances, was not able to become Zootopia's first rabbit police officer. While training and persevering to become said first rabbit officer, Ms. Wilde-Hopps showed a ferocious attitude and indomitable spirit to make the world a better place.
Because of this spirit and unquenchable desire to become a police officer, we, the undersigned, hereby bestow onto Ms. Wilde-Hopps the title of honorary police officer in District One of the Zootopia Police Department.'

Leodore Lionheart, Mayor
Leodore Lionheart

Adrian Bogo, Chief of Police, District One, ZPD
Adrian Bogo

Attached to the letter, was another sheet of paper which was signed by every member of the ZPD, with Benjamin Clawhauser, Cynthia Fangmeyer and Stryker Delgado at the top of the list.

"Nick, now I really don't know what to say" began a tearful Judy.

"Well, if you don't know what to say about any of that, what about this 'Officer' Wilde?" as he shows Judy her nameplate and badge.

Seeing those, Judy was totally speechless and Nick adds "This is all one hundred percent legal. The letter, the uniform, the badge, all of it perfectly legit.'
'But if you think I'm going to let you be a cop without a great partner, you'd better think again" opening his own garment bag, which contains another genuine police uniform, this one fox sized complete with his own badge and nameplate.

Holding her uniform in one paw and grabbing Nick into a tight hug with the other, Judy managed to cry a river of happy tears.

"Ok, ok sweetheart, I know, I know" declared Nick "You bunnies, so emotional" which earned him a halfhearted swat.

Finally getting control of her emotions (a little anyway) Judy asks "How in the world did you get all of this so quickly?"

"Well, it occurred to me that maybe Mayor Lionheart and Chief Bogo would go along with this because they're both on board with the interspecies reproduction charity that everyone in the shop set up."

"And they would do that why again?"

"Did you forget that Lionheart is engaged to a sheep, a ewe to be precise?"

"Yea, I guess that kinda slipped my mind. What about Bogo?"

"It just so happens that Bogo is married to a very attractive female black panther. So, both of them are very interested in the research for obvious reasons."

"But that still doesn't explain why they'd play along with the honorary officer bit, especially with the uniforms and the badges and all."

"After I reminded them how badly you wanted to become a cop and had to pay for your Criminal Justice degree out of your own pocket only to find out that you still couldn't become a cop, I had their attention. Then I reminded them that you sacrificed becoming a cop so you'd be able to take care of the kits you were pregnant with at the time you got their M.I.I. letter.'
'Bogo actually asked me about the kits when I talked to him. When I told him that we lost them, that was the clincher. He was actually the one that came up with the idea of me being your partner, complete with the uniform, nameplate and badge, all perfectly legit. And to top it all off, when he passed around the letter for everyone to sign, they all chipped in for the research charity."

"Nick…" began a tearful Judy.

"Please don't start crying again, I had a hard-enough time with all of that when I picked up the uniforms at ZPD headquarters."

"Wait, you were crying?"

"What, do you really think I'm some sort of heartless monster who doesn't cry? Really?" replied Nick, putting his paw on his chest feigning shock.

"Damn it Nick, that's not what I meant and you know it." answered a slightly miffed Judy with her paws on her hips.

"Of course I cried. That damned Clawhauser will never let me live that little episode down I'm sure" mumbles Nick as he rolled his eyes.

"You big softie. Foxes, so emotional."

"You stole my line" said Nick, to which both chuckled. "Ok, enough of this crying mess, let's try these on and see how they fit."

Stepping into separate bathrooms to try on their uniforms, each is amazed at the sight they observe in the mirrors.

"You ready?" asks Nick as he emerges from the guest bathroom.

"Give me a couple more minutes and I will be" answers Judy.

Five minutes later:

"Nick, I'm ready. Meet me in the living room!"

As each step into the living room from opposite directions, both stare in awe at the other.

"Daaamn" begins Nick "I've never seen a hotter looking cop in my life."

"You know, I was about to say the same thing" replies Judy.

As Judy notices a smirk begin to take place on Nick's muzzle she can only ask helplessly "Nick … just what on earth can you be … thinking?"

"Well, aside from jumping your bones" which cause Judy's expression to change from curious to slightly worried "I was wondering what they would say down at ZPD if we actually showed up in uniform …"

"Damn it Nick, don't do that, you had me a bit worried for a minute." Taking a deep breath she continues "Tell you what, let's go visit Bogo and the District One bunch, just to see their reactions. Then maybe, just maybe, I'll let you try to get me out of this uniform. Cuffs are included with the duty belts I see…"

Less than an hour later, Nick and Judy stride confidently into ZPD headquarters.

Walking up to the front desk "Pardon me my good mammal, would you kindly announce to Chief Bogo" Nick asks Clawhauser "that officers Nick and Judy Wilde are reporting for duty."

"What, where?" asks a confused Clawhauser, looking around and seeing no one.

"Down here!" pipes up Judy.

Suddenly Nick and Judy's ears were assaulted by the pudgy cheetah "EEEEEEEEEEEEEEE, you two are just too cute…"

"Umm" begins Judy "you do know that it's personally degrading to call a bunny cute, right? I thought we went over this after the tornado."

"Oh, oh, oh, I'm so sorry, I forgot didn't I?" says a thoroughly dejected cheetah.

"Clawhauser…CLAWHAUSER…CLAWHAUSER!" shouts Judy.

"…. Um, yes?"

"Will you please tell Chief Bogo that officers Nick and Judy Wilde are here to see him?"

"Yes, yes of course, just a sec." pressing the correct button on the intercom that connected him to the chief. "Chief, umm officers Nick and Judy Wilde are here to see you? Yes sir, right away.'
'Go on up to his office. Third floor, second door on the right."

"Thanks Spots" says Nick" as they head for the elevator.

Knocking on the large mammal door with the frosted glass, large gold lettering proclaiming it belonged to Chief Bogo, the pair heard a forceful "Enter" come from within.

Entering the chief's office, Nick and Judy notice the huge, well-muscled water buffalo sitting behind a very imposing desk.

"Sit" says a stern-faced Bogo, motioning to a single large chair positioned just in front of his desk. Nick and Judy scramble onto the chair and sit side by side.

"Now then what can I do for you fine 'officers' today?" Bogo asks.

"Basically" begins Nick "we wanted to thank you for going out of your way to get us the uniforms and stuff, it really means a lot to us, especially to Judy."

"It was my pleasure. When you called, I had no idea that you'd lost your kits, my condolences."

"Thanks Chief" replies a solemn Judy. "If its not too much trouble, it would mean a lot if you'd give is a quick tour. Maybe I'll never be a real officer, but I would like to see the rest of the department."

Giving a thoughtful expression, Bogo commented "If you'd like, we'll be having a shift change if a few minutes, maybe you'd care to join the other officers in the bullpen?"

"Really?" inquired a very thoroughly enthralled Judy.

"Yes, really" countered Bogo with a bit of a smirk which Nick couldn't help but notice. "I'll introduce you two like I would normally introduce any other rookies."

"Ohmygodohmygodohmygodthankyouthankyouthankyou" stammered out the overly enthusiastic bunny.

"Why don't you two go down and get settled in the bullpen, I'll be along in a few minutes."

Entering the bullpen, Nick and Judy recognize several of the officers. After explaining to Fangmeyer, Delgado, Snarlov and Trunkaby why they're there, they all take a few minutes to converse when Delgado points them to an empty chair.

"Atten 'hut!"

Just as they are settling onto the chair, the officers start pounding on the tables and yelling as Higgins introduces Chief Bogo who then enters the room.

"ALL RIGHT, SHUT IT!" Bogo hollers, and the din subsides.

"I've got two items on the docket today: First, we need to acknowledge the elephant in the room. Francine... happy birthday.'
'Number two, there are some new recruits with us I should introduce - but I'm not going to, because … I don't care."

Which slightly shocks Nick and Judy, "Ha! You should have your own line of inspirational greeting cards, sir!" begins Nick.

"Shut your mouth, Wilde!" which gets everyone in the room laughing behind their paws.

"Assignments. Officers Grizzoli, Fangmeyer, Delgado, Tundratown SWAT. Snarlov, Higgins, Wolfard, undercover. And finally, our first bunny and fox officers, Officers Wilde ... Parking duty. Dismissed."

Raising her paw, Judy speaks up "Chief, maybe you forgot, but Nick and I aren't really officers."

"Didn't forget. Just don't care…. Just kidding.'
'Of course, I remembered. This is what you or any other rookie would face the first day on the job here at Precinct One."

"Isn't that kind of demeaning?" asks Judy.

"Actually, yes, it is a bit. It's designed to take fresh recruits down a peg and give them some time to get adjusted to being on the streets and being visible and known to the public at large before handing out an actual duty assignment.'
'Besides, without fulltime parking duty attendants, everyone is expected to cycle through parking duty detail on occasion. However, if someone really screws up, it's also used as a punishment."

"I see" said Nick. "So, if we're not actually going on parking duty, could we at least get a quick tour?"

"I'd be happy to show you around for a bit."

After a quick tour of the department, Bogo takes them back to his office. "I hope you've enjoyed your little stay here today."

"Except for the heart attack in the bullpen, it was quite enjoyable" returns Judy.

Grinning broadly chief Bogo replies "Sorry, but I just couldn't resist. I really wish you well with your research efforts, Tammara and I are pulling for you."

"Thanks chief, we really appreciate the support" says Nick.

"Umm, I hate to ask" begins Judy "but do we get to keep the uniforms and stuff, or do we need to return them?"

"No, those are yours to keep. Just, please don't abuse the privilege."

"Well" starts Nick "there's no problem there, except maybe for the cuffs, we mig-"

"NICK!" growls Judy loudly, smacking him on the arm.

"Umm, with that I guess we'll be going now. Although I might need to call you in a bit to report spousal abuse and-"

Grabbing Nick by his tie and pulling him down so they're eye to eye "Do you really want to go there Mister Wilde?"

Hearing the way Judy addressed him Nick considered his previous comment "Umm … no?"

"That's what I thought. Do we need to talk about this when we get home?"

"…No."

"All right then. Chief" says Judy, "thanks again for the hospitality. We'll be sure to keep you up on any developments on the research. We'll bid you adieu for now."

On the way home, Judy chides Nick "Really? You had to bring the cuffs up…"

"Umm, … sorry?"

"NOT going to cut it this time Slick. You've let you mouth override your ass once too often. Even the uniforms and stuff aren't going to save you. Anything you might have been hoping for in the bedroom for the next however long, is definitely out. And you can forget about my giving you a helping paw when we go to give doctor Cotton our samples.'
'I don't know where your mind has been lately, but you need to get your shit together, and soon. You got that?"

"Yes ma'am."

Arriving at home, Judy observes that Nick is more despondent than she would have expected. Confronting him she questions him "Ok, out with it. What the hell is your problem? You've not been yourself lately, and I want to know why.'
'First you screw up with the contract with the 'Vette. I know you tried to make it right with the uniform, but why in god's name did you get so off the wall with the pawcuff bit at the station? With chief Bogo no less."

Not getting any kind of reaction from Nick other than him staring dejectedly at the floor, she moves close and takes his paws in hers.

"Listen Nick, if you've got something on your mind, we can talk about it. PLEASE don't shut me out, not now."

"It's … I'm…"

"What Nick?"

"It's you… and the kits."

"What about us?"

"I guess it's just hitting me how much losing the kits hurt, and how close I came to almost losing you…"

"Oh, Nick. So that's why you've been so distracted lately? Why didn't you say something earlier?"

"Because I had to be there for you. I-I knew I had to be strong to help pull you through. I didn't realize how hard it hit me until after we got home. Looking forward to having the kits and then … nothing. There's a void, again. Just like with Trish, an-and it hurts."

"Damn it Nick. C'mere ya big softie" began a tearful Judy as he opened her arms for a hug.

"Nick, I know how much it hurts, you know I do" says Judy softly "But we have each other. And together we'll get through this, like we have everything else, ok?"

"Yea, I know" came the soft reply "I guess I just needed to be reminded once in a while is all. In the past, it's been easier to just hide my feelings rather than to bother anyone, especially after Amanda, then Trish, and now the kits. Thanks fluff."

"No problem Slick, I think I understand. Now, how about something to take our minds off this subject for a bit and focus on something a bit happier."

"Sure thing, like what?"

"Well for one, has anyone gone to get food, drinks or prizes for the shops convention this weekend? And are there going to be any decorations?"

"… I'm not sure about any of that so I'll call mom and find out. This was her idea in the first place after all."

Laverne answers her phone- "Hey Nicky, what's the occasion for the call?"

"Well, Judy and I were wondering, Judy mainly … 'OWW' … has anyone gotten food and drinks for the anime thing this weekend? And how about prizes?"

"While you've been goofing off, Sky, Shirley and I have been, and are still busy getting all of that stuff. Did you really think that all of that would just take care of itself?

"Well no, not really. Judy and I slept in late, then we went to take care of some … business at the ZPD."

"What in the world were you doing at the ZPD?"

"You'll see tomorrow, but for now, let's just say the trip was a variable success."

"What the hell is a variable success?"

"Mom, just drop it for now, you'll find out tomorrow."

"Ok, fine."

"Fine. Is there anything we need top pick up since we're out and about?"

"Not that I can think of, just go home and get some more rest, you sound like you might need it."

"Since it seems like you've got everything under control, we're headed that way now" interrupted Judy.

"We are?" questioned Nick.

"Yes, we are. You're going to make some of that lasagna casserole that I love while I spruce up the house. We've been working so hard lately, the entire house is a mess. When you've finished with the casserole, you can help me."

"I hate to interrupt this enlightening conversation" interjected Laverne "but we still need to finish shopping, then get everything to the shop and get it ready for tomorrow."

"Ok then, we'll see you tomorrow then" says Judy. "tell your mom bye Nick."

"Bye mom."

"Bye dears, see you tomorrow."

"Now, to the store quick, we need to pick up some turkey sausage for the lasagna, because if there's any at home, it's bound to be bad by now" commands Judy.

"You're the boss."

"And don't you forget it dear."

After cooking and cleaning, out favorite couple get a quick bite and a shower and head to bed, anticipating the big event tomorrow.

"Now" says Judy quietly in Nicks ear "where did you say those cuffs were?"

Bright and early the next morning, the pair dressed in their newly acquired uniforms. Just as they were putting on the finishing touches (polishing their badges) the front doorbell rings.

Looking questionably at each other and wondering who it could be, they answer the door together, amazed to find Clawhauser there.

"Clawhauser, what are you doing here?" asks Judy.

"Well" he began unsurely "since I screwed up using the 'c' word, again, I thought I might make it up at least a little by giving you a ride to the shop in a patrol car."

"Really?"

"Yea, you-you don't mind, do you?" he asks, still a bit nervous.

"With the lights, sirens and all?" questioned Nick.

"NICK" exclaimed Judy, punching her fox on the arm.

"No, no, it's ok. I had actually planned on using them anyway" admitted Clawhauser.

"Then let's get going" says Judy "C'mon Nick, don't be so slow."

Arriving at the shop promptly at eight o'clock, sirens going and lights ablaze, Nick and Judy prepare to make their grand entrance.

Greeted at the front door by a concerned Black Panther (Midnight) and Steve Rogers from Captain Zootopia (Lefty) Nick and Judy are pleasantly surprised to see how well the 'convention' seemed to be going so far.

"Glad to see you could make it" says a stunning vixen dressed as Maid Marion from the Robin Hood movies.

"Mom?" inquires Nick.

"The one and only" Laverne counters, wearing a smirk that fit her perfectly.

"Did you officers come to arrest anyone in particular?" asks Skye dressed as Storm from the X-Mammals.

"Snow?" asks Judy. "Sis, is that really you? You're absolutely gorgeous."

"Squeak, who else do you know that could pull this look off?"

"But- you look just like the Storm from the movies!"

"Maybe because I did a brief gig as a stunt double for Haylee Beerier?"

"No shit? Really?"

"Yea, during one of my many exploits when I was young, daring and stupid."

"Nick, did you know about this?"

"No, I didn't."

"Don't blame Nick Squeak, there were times when I'd take off for days at a time without telling anyone. Nick tried to find out but it never got him anywhere."

"Pardon me, but has anyone seen Fonzie? He's supposed to be here but I can't find him anywhere."

"Who-who the hell. Aunt Shirley, is that you?" asks Nick.

Standing in front of the group was Nick's aunt Shirley grinning like a mad mammal, dressed as Joanie from Happy Daze, along with Gazelle dressed as a Mexican peasant, Fritz dressed as Danny Zuko and Winston dressed as Australian Sandy Olsson from the movie Grease.

"Holy crap Nick, it's it's…"

"Yea, surprise, surprise."

"If you knew about this, I'm going to kick your ass for real."

"Sorry Fluff, I really had no idea that Gazelle would be here, and Fritz never said whether he and Winston would make it or not, so I'm as surprised as you are."

"Fritz called me late last night and said that he and Winston would maybe be here" interrupted Laverne "and that Gazelle would probably be with them if they did make it. She also said she really didn't want to perform, she just wanted to be known as Estella Furez and enjoy the convention like everyone else…"

"Well, it looks like the gang's all here. Let's get this party started" announces Nick, with everyone in agreement.

XxX

A/N: PLEASE drop a review and let me know how I'm doing. This gets more difficult as it goes along.

When growing up, my mother would clean out all of the leftovers from the fridge and heat them up-we just referred to them as a 'mess'. It was a welcome treat after having to live off of government commodities for so many years.