A/N-

Just a little, semi-AU, kinda cannon to A Friendly Hustle universe, but not really, Xmas Special. That means I'm not worrying about keeping it perfectly in line with AFH. This is when Nick and Judy were just about to commit to each other. This isn't the proposal, but the solstice before it. Hope you enjoy it.

I do not own Zootopia and its characters and make no claim to them, though I wish I did and could.

XXXX

A Friendly Hustle—Xmas Special

There are many, many, many holidays in a city such as Zootopia. It could often seem as if every day was a holiday or other sacred day for one species or another. They often overlapped, and most stores gave up decades ago on trying to hold a special sale for this holiday or that one. Those sales and such were reserved for the big ones that just about every mammal celebrated in some form.

Those big ones included the Giving Feast in late November, as a celebration of family, friends, and the first meal shared between the predators and prey who founded the city, where none of the prey were on the menu. One of the odd customs associated with that particular holiday is that Prey and Predator were encouraged to welcome their opposite into their home and the meal, as much as possible, focused on them. That meant many supermarkets quickly sold out of prepared predator meals, sold to prey, and vice versa.

Another major holiday was the late spring celebration of the pact signing. Pact Day, as it was called, and was more of a massive party, including parades, fireworks, and massive barbecues.

There was also the summer solstice, which often included opened fire hydrants for kits to play in the water, more barbecues, and general comradery across all mammals in the city. The ZFD actually planned their maintenance and testing of the hydrant system on that day, since to do the maintenance, they had to open the hydrants anyway.

The big one though. The one that truly every mammal in the city, from the smallest mouse to largest elephant, celebrated, was the winter solstice and new years. While they didn't happen on the same day, the celebrations had merged over time into one big, week-long holiday that just about every mammal in the city looked forward to every year.

At least if you were not an Ebineighzer Scrooge. Baaaaa Humbug, I say! Good day to you!

It was a time dedicated to giving thanks for what one had, to forgive the wrongs done to them, and be forgiven. A celebration of the season turning, the welcoming of the new year and all the hope that it could bring. It was a season for giving and receiving presents, and as it was also the traditional and instinctual mating season for many mammals, such as foxes. While mammals had evolved to the point that most were able to get pregnant most of the year, the drive was still strongest and most likely to occur during the solstice holiday. As such, there were many many young mammals conceived over the holiday. Many proposals were made, love confessed to their targets, and new relationships forged.

One such mammal in such a predicament was Nicholas P. Wilde. He was in love, and the season was not making it any easier on him. He felt drawn to her every day of the year, but now… Now he found himself unreasonably drawn to her, to the point of distraction. The fact that she loved him back, that she accepted him for all he was, if anything, only made it worse for him. He grinned as he walked out of the weaver and clothier, an old friend and who his father had gotten all his material from. Nick wasn't complaining, mind you. No, he wouldn't have it any other way. She changed his life, and he looked forward to every microsecond he got to share with her.

In the past, Nick would always carefully brush out his winter fur, collecting the shed, and then turning it over in the spring to the Fur-drive. It was a charity that most mammals in the city who grew and then shed winter coats would donate to. It would take all that fur to the weavers and clothiers in the city to be made into winter coats, scarves, mitts, muffs, and all other sorts of winter wear for disadvantaged mammals in the city that didn't grow warm fur to ward off the cold.

However, these past few years, Nick found himself holding back a portion of his fur, and all of it for the past two years. The first time, he had enough for a small scarf. Barely enough for him, but more than long enough for a certain gray rabbit. Since it was his fur, it still held a hint of his scent, and she absolutely loved it when he gave it to her for solstice that year.

This year, he saved all his fur from the past two winters, and now he had his prize in paw. It cost him extra so they wouldn't wash his scent out of the fur, and done on time, but it was worth it. It was inside a sturdy box, and wrapped in carrot themed holiday paper. Holding it in his paws put a grin on his face and wag to his tail and he nearly skipped down the street.

Hopping on the train heading back home, Nick wouldn't wipe the grin off his face. At least until he heard and smelled the vixen approaching him. "Hey handsome. A vixen doesn't see a tod such as yourself very often. Black tipped tail and ears. Not common at all. You up for some fun this winter?"

Sighing to himself internally, Nick turned. Looking her over, she wasn't unattractive as Vixen's went. In fact, were he not already mated, he would have considered her. Her ears clearly flicking when his scent didn't change in the slightest. "Sorry. You are quite attractive, but I'm already taken. Have been for a few years."

Smiling wryly, she nodded upon recognizing him. "So it's true then. You and the rabbit. You're sure she is in it for the long haul?" Nick frowned and she put her paws up. "Please. Just wondering, given what rabbits are known for."

Shaking his head. "Yeah, rabbits play the field when they're dating, and yes, they'll date multiple mammals at the same time. That however is just dating, and only dating. Like us, they're looking for just that right mammal, because just like us, once they commit, it's one hundred percent. That isn't to say that they don't have divorces and such like a lot of mammals, but it is actually less common than you think, it just doesn't seem that way cause there are more of them. It's a numbers game. Her parents have been together for going on fifty years. Plus, Judy's not a normal rabbit anyway." Grinning. "She cooks me chicken, and has gotten good at it."

The vixen's eyebrows rose high and her ears flicked forward. "Wait… A rabbit, cooks chicken, for a fox?"

The gruff voice of Finnick appeared. "Yep, and she's damn good at it too. I warned you, this tod wasn't going to be worth your time. But did you listen to me? No… Hey Nick, this is Candice. She's visiting the city from Foxenburg. Hoping to find herself a tod while she is here."

Nick chuckled. "And why are you hanging around her then?"

Fin rolled his eyes. "Because I managed to stop her from heading into Happytown to look for said tod."

Nick flinched. "Please tell me you're taking her to the diner and then the block party."

Fin nodded. "That's the plan. Clair even invited her to stay with us. She's a good vixen, but someone filled her head with some bad ideas. Spent the last day learnin her some reality."

Nick nodded and turned his attention back to Candice. "Well, Candice. It's nice to make your acquaintance. Judy and I will actually be attending the block party tomorrow. We go at least one day a year, but as many times as our jobs will let us. This year we actually got most of the holiday off."

Fin chuckled. "Wouldn't have anything to do with taking down three council members and a drug king-pin now would it."

Nick laughed lightly. "Yeah, Bogo wanted us out of his hair, and out of the city even. So after we hit the party tomorrow, we're heading to the burrow for the entire holiday season. We're not due back until the second."

Fin chuckled at that. "Oh, damn. The PR must be worse than I thought."

Nick shook his head. "Nah. More of an excuse for Bogo to get us out of his fur for the holidays, given we have built up PTO. You planning on setting up a booth at the next Carrot Day? If so, the Hopps are hosting this year, and I'm sure I could put in the good word to have them hold a prime stall for you."

Fin shook his head. "No need. I already got the exact stall reserved that I wanted. Right next ot the baker."

Nick nodded. "Nice! We'll make sure and stop by, as long as we can get at least a day to go." Turning to Candice. "Sorry, Fin and I go way back. Again, it was nice meeting you. Take care, but this is my stop."

With that, Nick exited the train. Fin chuckled as they wanted Nick leave. "Damn fool. The both of them, really. They can't even hide how much in love they are anymore."

Candince nodded. "I could see it the moment he turned. He's a lost cause for anyone but her."

Fin nodded. "She's no better. They are perfect for each-other. The way they move together, it's like they've only got one soul sometimes. Shared between the both of them."

Candice nodded again. "Sounds like my uncle. When his wife was still with us, it was as if they were one being in two bodies sometimes. He's still around only because of the family and his kits. Even then, it was close."

Fin nodded. "One of the reasons I'm glad I'm not a red like you. Anyway, the next stop is ours, and I'm hungry."

XXXX

Nick slipped into the small apartment he had shared with Judy since they had reunited under his bridge. She really didn't care that he had a bed and such in the warehouse, it wasn't a proper place to live according to her. And his so-called apartment, well she considered that even worse. He had a few scars on the back of his ears and top of his head from the steam pipes before he learned them all. He was still convinced that she was the one that got the place condemned. Forcing him to move in with her.

Because of the promotion and such she earned after the two cases, and since then proving that they were not a fluke, they had upgraded. They still lived in the Grand Pangolin, but in a two bedroom. She had moved into it after he badgered her one weekend they were hanging out in her shoe-box.

It really wasn't that big, but between the two of them, they could afford it easily, and while they now had dinner at least once a month with Bucky and Pronk, they didn't have them as shared wall neighbors anymore. You could still hear them though, when they really got going.

They had a small tree set up in the corner of the area of the kitchen, they always ate at the breakfast bar, as it let them watch the other cook, something they took turns doing. The dining area actually held two desks, one for each of them, with the tree between on the small wolf-sized end table they used to hold the router, printer, etc… Which had now been relegated to the second shelf to make room for the tree.

He placed the package under the tree. All the other presents they would be giving out when they got to the burrow, and those were already packed in the wolf-sized suitcase. This one however was for their special gift exchange tonight. Just one gift, and it was agreed to have to be personal in some way. Nick figured, it didn't get much more personal than what he had gotten her.

It was her day to cook, but they were going to be eating at the block party tomorrow, which would be his normal day, and then at the burrow until they got back. Decision therefore made, and Judy still at least a few hours away from getting home. He had gotten off a few hours earlier, because she was taking a few classes towards her official detective promotion.

Bogo had tried to separate them after they had officially gotten together. He really did. Mainly because she out-ranked him and was technically his supervisor. She hadn't been his TO, Wolford got that distinction. Still, no one wanted to partner with her, or him, for longer than a few days, because according to everyone else, they were both insane.

Nick chuckled at that as he pulled out some pasta, butter, shrimp, garlic, and a few other things. Then grabbed the I Can't Feel My Muzzle from the Flatiron Pepper company. They'd bought a collection of pepper flakes from them, as they both liked it hot. They found that just a few dabs of I Can't Feel My Muzzle gave the heat and flavor they both craved. Not that they didn't use the others, and the Sweet Heat was truly one of their all time favorites. Today, he was feeling the spice, and he knew Judy would appreciate it after the test he knew she was going to challenge today.

He was just finishing the shrimp and about to start the pasta water when she walked in, humming at the scent. "Oh, Nick! That smells absolutely heavenly. What's the occasion?"

Nick shrugged as he salted the water and then turned to her. "Tomorrow would normally be my day, but we'll be eating at the party tomorrow, and then at the burrow from there. Plus I knew you'd be mentally wore out after the test I know you challenged today. So, did you ace it?"

Judy blushed, her ears dropping back. "No. I've given up on trying to figure out how you know stuff like that. Anyway, no. I didn't ace it. Got two stupid questions wrong, and personally, I think the answer key is wrong. Even argued it with Grizz. He was the one that gave me the test. He agreed, and said he would make a note about it to bring up, but he still had to grade it based on the current key."

Nick nodded. "Yeah. Sucks, but it is what it is. I'm sure you didn't argue too hard, given that means you only got a piddly 98% instead of 100. Right?"

Judy nodded, hopping up and giving him a peck on the side of the muzzle. "Right. And since you are cooking, I can get your present wrapped. So stay in here and finish making the food."

Giving his signature salute, he turned back to the stove with a grin. "Aye Aye, captain!"

Judy giggle, grabbing the base of his tail and stroking it's length, giggling further at the gasp and whole body shiver that brought out of Nick. "Gods, I love how soft your tail is, especially in the winter. It gets even softer and fluffier. I mean, I grow a winter coat, but it's mostly just extra fluff around me neck and butt."

Giving Judy a lustful grin. "I rather like the extra fluff on your butt."

Judy rolled her eyes and walked away. "I shouldn't even be shocked by that. It is winter, and you are just extra randy."

Nick laughed. "Says the literally insatiable rabbit. Good at multiplying is the line, isn't it."

"Oh hush, you!"

They both were laughing as she closed the door to her room. Really, their room. He hadn't slept in his room in nearly a year now. It was more used as storage and for the occasional guest. He had slept in it for three days since then, actually. Her parents had been visiting, and well… They were NOT ready for that reveal. They were still working on their relationship, and did not need or want others getting in the way.

XXXX

Judy exited Precinct One feeling great. Rather than going through the classes, she talked Detective Grizzoli into just letting her challenge the test. If it had been anyone else, he would have refused, but even he knew, she wouldn't ask if the classes were not just a boring formality for her. Everyone knew that she knew more about the rules and ZPD policies, procedures, etc… than just about anyone but Ben. In fact, there had been a few occasions where Ben and Judy had gotten into arguments over who was right about a specific, very obscure policy, procedure, or law. They were tied at the moment, and were both hunting for that one truly obscure item that they could one-up the other with.

She nearly aced the test. In her mind she did, because as she pointed out to Griz, the answer key was wrong and she was right. He still had to doc her the points for the two questions, but that still gave her more than sufficient to pass, so no classes for her. No classes meant she didn't have to stay late and have enough time to pick up Nick's present for that night. It was being held, but she just hadn't had time to pick it up.

Walking to the train, she rode it with music in her soul, tapping her foot and ear high. Ears that fell quickly as she was interrupted in her happy thoughts of her fox and wondering what he got for her this year.

Foxes being the abused species they were, didn't do much for the holidays. They'd get one present that they would exchange, something small, personal, and meaningful. Since they rarely had the money for more. It was sweet and endearing, and heartbreaking. Their first solstice together had gotten her a scarf made from his own fur of the previous winter. It was so warm, and smelled slightly of him, even now.

"Excuse me, miss. I was wondering. Such a strong, beautiful doe such as yourself shouldn't be alone this solstice. Could I maybe take you our for a hot chocolate?"

Giving that very scarf a sniff, she turned to find exactly what she expected. A buck. Her eyebrow raised with a laugh as she recognized the buck, who had been deliberately changing his voice so she wouldn't recognize him. "Jared!" Wrapping him up in a hug. "Hi! What? You stocking me now, bro?"

Jared laughed. "No, just heading to the station. My rotation starts tonight and I like to get there early and get settled in. You don't know how many times we've gotten a call literally the minute the shift change is complete. Then you get back exhausted, but still have to get situated. It's a pain. Easier to show up a few hours early and then not have to worry about it. Call me superstitious, but since I started doing that, we haven't had a single call right at shift change."

"Or it could be the fact that they change it across the ZFD so that shift change happens at different times for different stations, thus ensuring that other stations will get the calls while shift change is going on for you, and vice versa."

He nodded. "Well, it could be that. I prefer my explanation. Besides, by getting there early, I get my choice of bunk and don't end up the poor mammal that has to sleep under Henderson. That hyena is a great firefighter, but I swear, he's got the worst gas. His colon should be labeled a toxic waste dump. And he just wont' stop eating the beans."

Judy shivered. Jarad had complained in the past when he had to bunk under the hyena, or even near him. At this point, the hyena got his own section. "I can imagine that would be worth going in early all on it's own."

Jared nodded. "So, where you going, and no Nick?"

Judy laughed. "No, we got off early today and he had to go pick something up. I stayed to take some classes and challenge a test towards the detective exam. I can't actually take it yet. Need a few more years and to complete my masters before I can, but I can do the ground work. But, since I got done early, I'm actually heading out to pick up a present as well."

Jared grinned conspiratorially. "Is that so… And is this for the mystery mammal that has had you so damned happy the last few times I have seen you? Who is he? Knowing you. What is he?"

Judy blushed, her ears warming. "Jared! There is no mystery mammal."

Jared gave Judy an, oh really, look. "Sis… Come on, Judy. You don't have to lie to me. I'm sure you're keeping it from mom and dad, but you don't have to keep it from me." His eyes locked on the scarf. "Wait. I've seen you wear that scarf before. Who gave it do you? I've not ever seen one like it. The pattern and color is different, like natural fur." Grabbing the end and rubbing it between his fingers. "Incredibly soft, and the same color, now that I think about it, as…" Jarads eyes going wide. "Wait! Did Nick have this made for you, from his own fur?"

Judy blanched and blushed at the same time. Stammering. "I.. I.. Uhm… Well… You see. Jared. Foxes have it bad, as you have heard me say before. Because of that, they don't give presents like the rest of us do. They only give present to mammals close to them and who are important to them."

"Important to them?" Raising an eyebrow.

Judy waved her paws. "Not like that! Important in their lives. Like a best friend."

Jared nodded as if in agreement and accepting her story, then frowned and turned to Judy, locking his pale blue eyes on hers. "Judy. I'll remind you that I have a marble and a red fox on my crew. All thanks to you, by the way, and some of the best mammals I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Last year, Edward, the red fox, was brushing out and bagging his fur, only he wasn't putting it in the bin for the Fur-drive. When asked, he said that he was going to have a set of fur ear-muffs made for his girlfriend. Since she worked in Tundratown. She was apparently always complaining about her ears getting cold.

This shocked me. I asked him about it and he explained. Rabbits like us don't really get enough extra fur, or shed it, to make such donations useful, or to be able to collect it to have something made. I mean, you might. You've always gotten extra fluffy, and you trip over your fur. We both know your fur should be nearly an inch longer than it is. So, Nick had you a scarf made from his own fur. I'll have to ask Edward about that. I'll bet it is a lot more meaningful than you are letting on."

Judy grabbed Jared and dragged him to a corner away from other mammals. "Jared. You need to stop."

Jared grinned in triumph. "Ha! I knew it. There is more between you and Nick. How far have you gotten? Have you had sex yet? Is he good?"

Judy hissed. "Jared! Stop. You're my liter-mate. You're the closest to me, in every way. I mean, you're a ZFD firefighter. Which reminds me. Nick and I are heading ot the borrow day after tomorrow. Will you be making it this year?"

Jared nodded with a smile. "I will be, but you're dodging. What is between you?"

"Nick and I are together, okay. We've not had sex, but that's about the only thing we don't do. He's bigger, for sure, and yes I have seen it, and yes it's… Okay. Stop giving me that look. We haven't… Done that."

"Yet."

"Yet. For foxes that's a really meaningful thing. That's basically the wedding for them, for reasons I have gone into."

"Hated. Abused. Attacked for no reason other than they're foxes. I know. Edward and Micha have verified much of what you have told us all. Still not really answering the question, but we getting there."

Growling, Judy punches Jared in the shoulder. "I did tell you. We're together. It's complicated, because we're different species. Because we're such different species. We are constantly having to talk through the expectations we have. It nearly caused a breakup a few times because we misunderstood something the other did or said. So we talk, a lot, about our different cultures and expectations. It's why we haven't gone all the way. It's essentially the wedding, like I said. If we have sex and he knots me, that's it. I'm his, he's mine, and the only thing left is the paperwork. We want to make sure we get all the cultural stuff figured out first."

Jared nodded. "Good. I'm happy for you, sis. He makes you happy, clearly. Being friends before helped I'm sure, and helped open that door for more."

Judy nodded with a smile. "It did, and he does." Getting serious and grabbing Jared by his shirt. "But we're also keeping it from mom and dad, and the rest of the burrow. Because we are still figuring it out ourselves. We don't need others butting in, either with advice that doesn't apply to us because he's not a rabbit, or worse, trying to break us up."

"Hey. No worries, Sis. I'm on your side. I know Micha is gay, and he's a marble, and closer to my size. I've seen him in the shower and wondered if I should ask him out."

Judy nodded with a grin. "You should. Each fox species is a bit different, but one thing I can say. If you do, make sure you talk things out. You don't want it to fall apart just because he, or you, misunderstood something."

Jared nodded, giving Judy a hug. "I'll do that. Thanks sis. Good to see you. See you at the burrow."

With that they separated. Judy still had a few stops to go and waved as Jared left the train. Returning to her happy thoughts of Nick, she got off at her stop and headed towards the weaver and clothier she had discovered via Nick. She'd helped him carry his bags of fur there for the Fur-Drive charity donation. One of the few that would accept Fox fur. Which was sad, really. Fox fur was so fluffy and warm.

Arriving at the shop, she entered and was greeted by the alpaca that was mammaling the register. "Welcome and happy holidays. How can we help you?"

Judy smiled up at him. He wasn't the same mammal that was there when she arrived the first time. "Hi.. I, uhm… I have something on hold. It's paid up, but I haven't had a chance to pick it up."

Smiling warmly at her. "Sure. What's the name and number it's under."

Judy pulled out her receipt. "Judy Hopps. Here's my ticket for it."

Taking the receipt, he looked it over and nodded. "AH! Yes. I remember seeing this. Let me just have Genrr bring it up." Hitting the intercom. "Genrr, the rabbit is here to pick up the tie."

A few minutes later a wolf appeared with a smile and a small box. "Hey there, Judy. I don't know where you got enough rabbit fur for this, but I was actually able to make two ties for you. One I kept the natural color as you asked, and the other I found a gorgeous purple I think you'll love."

Judy hopped up and down excitedly. "Oh that's amazing Genrr. Let me see them!"

She was then showed two fox sized ties, one a shimmering amethyst, and the other the same silver-grey of her own fur. Because it was."

Grinning, Judy nodded and gave a joyous hop. "Those are amazing, and perfect! Thank you, Genre. Thank you!"

"Hey, thank you. It was fun and different to work with rabbit fur. I can only imagine how long it took you to collect enough. I know you don't shed like I do, or need to be actually shorn like Henison here."

Henison nodded. "You still need to pay me for the last batch you collected, I might add."

Genrr shook his head. "Since you work here, you don't get a separate payment for it. It's a line item on your pay-stub, and you get a better rate for it too."

Henison nodded. "Good. That explains why my last check was so much."

Rolling his eyes, Genrr turned back to Judy. "So, who are they for?"

Judy blushed a little bit but smiled. "A friend of mine. He's a fox, and they don't do present like a lot of mammals do. I did some research and having something like this made is really meaningful to them, and I want to express how much he means to me. I literally wouldn't be alive without him.

As for collecting the fur. It doesn't take as long as you think, but we are smaller, so it isn't as much, and it's really only focused these days in a few places. So yeah, I don't get as much as you would. I know wolves do it full body. That said, this was only two molting's worth. Normally I just drop the small bag of it in the bin. That of which doesn't wash down the drain during a shower. I was just mindful to collect it this time."

Genrr nodded. "A good reason then. I really hope he likes them. I guess now that I know exactly what rabbit fur is like, I'll be better able to recognize it if I see it in the bin deliveries we get. Have a good holiday Judy."

Giving another happy hop and clutching the box with the ties to her chest. "Thank you. Happy holidays!"

XXXX

WIth that, Judy nodded and returned home, finding Nick in the kitchen cooking. She took the ties, in their box to what was their room and closed the door. Quickly pulling the special paper she had bought three weeks prior and wrapping it up, she returned to the living area just as Nick was draining the pasta.

"Perfect timing, fluff! Dinner will be ready in just a second."

Judy grinned as she saw the present already under the tree. "Oh, that's great. And what's this, slick?" Placing her box under the tree and picking up the other one. She sniffed it and shook it. Frowning as she wasn't able to hear anything or smell anything other than Nick.

Laughing as he dished up their plates. "Did you just sniff the box? That's your present for tonight, and you know it!"

"Yeah, but what is it?"

Nick rolled his eyes and set their plates on the breakfast bar. "Yeah, and you can wait until after we eat and get ready for bed and movie night. THEN you can open it and find out."

Judy pouted. "Come on, Nick." Giving him the doe eyes. "Just a hint."

Holding firm. "No. Not telling you, Now come on, I made spicy shrimp pasta."

Seeing the I Can't Feel My Muzzle on the counter she grinned. "Oh! We were feeling extra spicy tonight?"

Nick shrugged as he sat down after setting their drinks down. "Meh. Didn't use much, but felt like a bit more kick than usual."

"I'm good with that."

They enjoyed the meal with the usual banter, then banter and just enjoying each others company. After quickly getting ready for bed, then queued up Scrooged, with Bill Morrey. Laughing along with each other, Nick got up as the film ended and retrieved his present for Judy, as she picked up hers for him. Sitting back on the couch, the TV switched to the fireplace channel, the faced each other.

Nick looked down at the box with one of the most brilliant and honest smiles Judy had ever seen on his muzzle. "Judy. I appreciate you welcoming and embracing my fox customs, especially during the holidays. It shows just how much you care, and I don't know if I can ever express to you how much that means to me." Handing over the present. "This is a hopeful expression of just what it is that you do mean to me, and I hope you like it."

Knowing the protocol, Judy carefully, but quickly unwrapped the present and revealed a warm sweater, clearly made from Nick's own fur, and still smelling of it. "Oh Nick…" Wiping her eyes. She quickly pulled it over her head and snuggled into it. "It's amazing. Smells like you, and is soooo soft."

Nick grinned, tail wagging happily. "I made sure that they used my tail fur for the collar to make sure it was extra soft."

Holding the collar to her nose and taking a deep sniff. "Hmm… My fox. Even when I don't have you, I'll have you. This is so amazing, Nick. Thank you." Leaning forward, she pulled him towards her for a quick kiss and then pressed their foreheads together. "I know how meaningful this is. Thank you, Nick. You're the best."

Grinning, tail wagging, Nick sighed contentedly. "Thank you, Judy. I could say the same about you."

Judy nodded and held out her present to him. "Okay, now you."

Chuckling, Nick took the present and unwrapped it. Finding the two ties inside he cocked his head to the side. The strong scent of Judy emanating from the contents. Picking up the purple one, he smiled and draped it around his neck. He then picked up the gray one and looked at it, his head tilting to the other side.

Bringing it to his nose he sniffed it and his eyes widened. "Is this… Is this made from your fur?" He couldn't help by blink away a few tears.

"It is. You know I molt, though nothing like what you go through. If I save it, it isn't much and I just toss it into a generic Fur-drive bin. Like most rabbits do. In this case, I saved it and had that weaver and clothier you mentioned, Genrr, take it and make the ties with it. They're both my fur, the one dyed, obviously. The other, o'natural." Giving him a nervous grin.

Nick just stared at the time for nearly a minute, and Judy started to get scared she'd messed up before an even wider grin took over his face. "This is… Judy, this is amazing." Looking up at her. "I know you know it, but I have a hard time saying it. I shouldn't, because it is true, and it will never be not true. I love you, Judy. I know we're taking it slow, to make sure we don't trip over any more cultural landmines, and I am okay with that. But this… This means so much to me. Like you, I'll now have you with me, always. I'll wear it tomorrow when we visit my mom."

Judy's eyes went wide. "You'll wear it then? But Nick. It smells of me."

Smirking. "Judy. I smell of you, and you smell of me. She won't notice."

Judy shook her head. "Nick. Yes she will. She's the one that gave me the idea. The first time we met. Told me that the most meaningful gift I could give you. One that would tell you without question that you are my world, which you are, is something made of me. She didn't elaborate past that, and I wasn't sure what she meant. Then you gave me the scarf, and well, it clicked."

Nick nodded. "Sounds like mom. In that case, I have no choice but to wear it. She needs to see it. She loves you Judy, and waits for us."

Judy nodded with a chuckle. "Impatiently, I might add. She see's that and she'll start planning the wedding."

Nick rolled his eyes. "Maybe, but I doubt it. It might however give us some breathing room with her. As long as you wear the sweater and scarf."

Laughing, Judy nodded. "As if that were ever a question."

They shared a kiss and turned off the TV. It was time for bed, and they had an early morning. Not for work, but for everything else they needed to get done. Lunch with Nick's mom, the block party that night, and they still had packing and prepping to do for the trip to the burrow for the entire holiday.

AN-

Flatiron Pepper Company is a real place. Flatironpepper dot com. I HIGHLY recommend it. They really will ruin you for run-of-the-mill red-pepper flake. So much better, and better flavor profiles, and lots of options depending on your heat tolerance.