Less to say here. I hope you enjoyed the previous, and are looking forward to more.

Judy was generally an upbeat bun. By nature and upbringing, she was always looking for silver linings and bright sides. There weren't always such things available, and it was hard to do at times, but she still tried. At the moment, everything was coming up Judy and she was stoked. Her mind drifted back over her first scene and couldn't stop the big, dopey grin that split her muzzle.

The thrill of the scene, the feeling or relief & the runner's high afterwards. And the aftercare… The memory of sipping tea, while basking in the feeling of Nick's warmth was enough to slow her pace, but not for long. This was not a Friday afternoon for daydreaming. She had places to be.

Thankfully, public transportation was at the top of the city's priorities, so Judy made excellent time from campus housing to the trans-climate wall rail line and from there to the Rainforest District's Canopy Gondola Line. All in less than an hour and at one third of the expected fare. Only the rail line required payment and with her student ID, it was pocket change. She was so glad she lived in the city. It was a six-minute walk along the canopy breezeways from the disembarkation point to her destination and, for once, the heights didn't bother her. She looked over the hanging-pod restaurant and shivered.

This was it. One week, some repeat-aftercare, a session in her studio with Doctor Mousekewitz, and a little awkwardness had led to this weekend.

"And what a weekend It's going to be!" She couldn't help but squealing with an enthusiastic binkie.

A pair of passersby Jaguars looked askance at each other for the little rabbit's antics, but Judy didn't notice. It was time for things to begin. There were some serious talks about to happen, but she was eager. It meant she'd get some answers, some explanations and maybe – just maybe – a hot fox boyfriend.

Judy composed herself and walked into the restaurant. To her horror, the Matre'd turned his head with glacial slowness to regard her. It was almost a full minute before they blinked at her and said, "Reservation?"

"Ah, yes. Um… Name of Winters?"

"Winters. Yes. Party. Of. Six.", The sloth droned as they tapped on an unseen touchscreen. "One. Moment. Please."

Before the Matre'd had finished their last word an amazon dwarf squirrel appeared at Judy's shoulder. "Welcome to the restaurant ma'am. Right this way."

The tiny mammal led her around the trunk of a massive tree, which served as a central column in the restaurant, and out onto a long limb. At the top of a bannistered staircase, they stopped and gestured down.

"This is your room, Ma'am. The food has been served buffet-style and any drinks you want beyond what has been provided can be requested through the tablet by the main table. Please, enjoy."

Judy was half-way down the stairs before she heard the skittering of tiny claws behind her, hastening away.

Inside the private room, Judy found a beautiful tableau. A massive, single pane of glass displayed a breathtaking view of the district skyline, there was a buffet set up next to the privacy walls which shielded them from the other diners, and so many of her favorite people were there. Four of the five mammals in the room were clustered around a large table in the center of the room, chatting animatedly. The fifth, Nick of course, was a little off to the side, enjoying a quiet moment.

"Judy!" Celeste was the first to greet her, charging across the room to sweep her into a hug. "Finally! 'm so glad you made it."

"I'm ten minutes early."

"Yes, well, we've been here for at least five minutes and you're the last to arrive. I am a little surprised at that."

"I didn't want to seem over eager."

The vixen laughed and winked at her. "It's a bit late for that. Incidentally," she gestured towards a highland wildcat in a sundress behind her, "this is Melanie Heath, my girlfriend."

"Pleasure to meet you. I've heard so much."

"Likewise, on both counts. You ready for this?"

"As much as I can be? I'm hopeful. Anxious, but it's a, um…"

"A big step and such?"

Judy smiled somewhat helplessly and nodded. "Can't take another step without it, so…"

Celeste smirked and eyed her girlfriend. "I told you."

"Unfounded gloating. I never doubted."

"Doubted what?"

"Your resolve," Melanie supplied. "This is a big day for all of us, more or less."

Judy blinked at the feline. "What do you mean?"

Celeste cut in, "You'll know in a minute. Go finish saying hello and get yourself some food."

Judy watched the pair move off towards the food for a moment before trotting over to hug Jack & Skye, and finally to Nick. The fox was lounging on a viewing couch, looking out over the district, and sipping what could only be strong coffee from a delicate mug.

"Enjoying the view?"

"Always." Nick's gaze shifted from the scenery to her. "Moreso, now."

Judy couldn't help the smile that spread across her face. "Well, I hate to disappoint, but I'm going to grab a plate before whatever this is kicks off."

"Probably a good idea." Nick's stretched and smirked awkwardly. "Don't worry. You won't have long to wait."

"Are you ok?"

"I'm fine, Judy," he blinked at her for a moment and seemed to make a decision. "I'm just feeling a touch overwhelmed."

"I'm suddenly nervous about today."

"Me, too, but the sooner we get started, the sooner it's done." The fox chuckled, "And we'll all feel better for it."

Judy sighed. "Then, I'll let you keep your secrets for another minute while I get something to eat, but then…"

"Answers and explanations. I promise."

On impulse, Judy reached out and squeezed Nick's shoulder in what she hoped was a gesture of support. She was rewarded with a look of startled vulnerability, followed by a weak smile. His paw engulfed hers and squeezed for just a moment. Then the moment passed and Nick stood, traipsing over to the drinks carafes for another cup of coffee. Judy just stood, watching him go until she noticed Jack was standing next to her. He gave her a knowing look and wiggled his eyebrows. Judy felt her ears turning red and, turning smartly, marched towards the buffet.

Judy filled her plate with a spiced tofu Bahn 'mi and a generous pawful of veggie tempura, adding a bowl of honeyed fruit salad and an herbal lassi to her place before settling in at the table. As soon as she was seated, the rest of the room settled into their seats.

It was a little unnerving. "You really were just waiting on me, huh?"

Nick smiled at her. "The reason will become apparent momentarily. Jack?"

"Alright. Most of us know the situation, so this bit is mostly for your benefit, Judy." Jack took a deep breath and steeled himself. "As you know I lost my wife almost seven years ago."

Judy nodded somewhat uncomfortably, given how she learned that fact about the buck.

"Well, my grieving is… Well, I can't claim it's over, but taken the first major step towards moving on. I…"

Skye placed her paw over the buck's. "It's ok, Jack."

"I made myself a promise years ago that I would give Emily one last tribute. A sculpture. And when that was finally done I would… do what was needed to move on. Judy, the night of your date with Nick was the night I finally stopped putting it off and finished my tribute to her memory."

"I had an inkling, but…"

"Yes, well… It changes a lot for me." The buck glanced at Skye and smiled. "For one thing, Miss Winters, here, will be joining me for dinner this weekend. Um… Officially, shall we say?"

The vixen in question tried and failed to keep her eyes from rolling. "He means, we're dating. At last. We're just starting out, but we've started. It's um…"

As the vixen blushed, Jack smirked. "And you give me grief for being bashful."

"Oh, shush."

The rest of the table laughed or groaned at their antics.

"It's disgusting, isn't it?" Celeste commented. "They haven't had their first official date and they're so sweet my teeth hurt."

Melanie sipped her tea before adding, "They'll be one of those revoltingly cutesy couples within a month."

"Moving on!" the embarrassed buck finally managed. "This changes something else, for us all, as well. Nicky, if you could take over?"

"Before you and Skye turn red, permanently? Sure."

"Shut up and get on with it," Skye grumbled. Adding, "And none of that pedantic stuff about how you can't do both. You know what I mean."

"Spoilsport." Nick stuck out his tongue at the embarrassed vixen before turning to Judy. "The part you don't know is that I made Jack a promise. One night after Emily passed, we ended up getting very, very drunk on tequila and got to talking. We both had issues that needed addressing, but we agreed that his were the more immediate and severe. Like the death of a spouse will do."

"Ok. What was the promise?"

"That I'd be his support until he moved on. Then it'd be my turn."

Judy looked around the table as everyone reacted in their own small – and some not so small – ways. Jack looked keen. Skye looked amused, but eager. Melanie was eyeing Celeste, and the vixen in question was biting her lower lip - it was quite a fetching expression – and staring at Nick with rapt anticipation.

"As Jack has started to move on." Nick looked pointedly at Skye, adding "And Skye is there for him, that leaves me to keep my end of the bargain."

"Which means…?"

"It means I'm going to have to address my issues with intimacy. All my hangups and… the relationships that have been affected by them."

"So, you're going to actually make a move on me?" Judy cheeked.

The rest of the table – including Nick – burst into laughter.

"We'll see what happens after our second date, Carrots. Incidentally, are you free Tuesday afternoon?"

"Good grief, Nick, of course she is!" Celeste huffed loudly. "If she isn't, she'll fix it. Now, please finish a thought."

"My, my. As my audience is getting antsy, I'll be blunt. Jack's issue was his grief. Mine is intimacy. It's hindered my relationships with everyone, but most intolerably Jack, Celeste, and… you, Judy. I mean to address my hangups and give these relationships their fair chance."

"So… What does that mean, exactly?"

"It means we have a lot to discuss, starting with making our wants clear, today. All of us."

Judy could only blink for a moment. She was ready to talk about what she wanted at great length and graphic detail. With Nick, specifically. She knew exactly what she wanted and how she'd say it to him. She had no idea how to express herself in front of four other mammals without fainting from all her blood leaving her body in favor of her face and ears. Fortunately, she was spared immediate panic as Jack raised his paw.

"I want a scene with you and I want it to include everything our last scene did."

"Jack…"

"I mean it, Nicolas. Everything."

"Baby steps, Jack. Please."

"I'm not saying it has to be here and now."

Skye and Celeste were is perfect sisterly harmony as they groaned in mock disappointment. "Awww!"

Jack rolled his eyes while Nick looked wryly amused.

Jack cleared his throat. "I would argue that there have been many baby steps taken in our discussions of this very topic. I know you're anxious, but I think it's time. And not just because I'm gagging for it.

The room erupted into giggles as the buck looked around in confusion – but only for a moment. "Oh, for pity's sake. Grow up!"

Celeste composed herself enough to lean forward and level a finger at the blushing buck. "Not gonna happen if you keep saying things like that."

"It's a common turn of phrase! You all just have dirty minds."

"On a different continent, Jacob, commonly referring to a desire for sex." Melanie managed to force out. "And you like the dirty minds when they aren't making you feel self-conscious."

"Oh for…"

"It's called a Freudian slip, by the way."

"Speaking of," Celeste snickered "'gagging for it,' I'd like the chance to have the kink relationship Nick and I have been dancing around for the last five years."

Judy couldn't help herself. "Five years!?"

"Uhhuh!" Celeste shrugged. "What can I say? Jackie, there, isn't the only mammal around who can be patient."

Melanie snorted, giving her girlfriend a sidelong glance. "Especially, when its something she can't easily get."

"I can get it just fine, thank you. I'm just picky."

"To the point of singular obsession." The felid shrugged. "Not that I mind. It's cute."

"I hate to interrupt," Judy interjected, "But what are you talking about?"

"Penis, Miss Hopps," Melanie replied. "We are talking about Celeste's desire for the male anatomy."

Judy had no idea what spurred her to ask, but the question was out of her muzzle before she could stop it, "And what about you?"

"I have no interest in dick," came the straight-faced reply. "She does. I'm only interested in her."

"And you don't mind?"

"I don't."

"I, um… I don't mean to pry, but…"

Melanie smiled at the rabbit. "Everyone in this room has their kinks, Miss Hopps. Usually, several. I only have one. Celeste. She's my kink. I enjoy her in every way. I can't explain why and I don't care to. Seeing her happy works for me in ways I can't describe in mixed company. Therefore, if having sex with Nicolas will make her happy, I will be very satisfied. Especially, when it comes to my turn."

Judy appreciated the fact that of every blushing mammal at the table – and it was all of them – Celeste was by far the reddest. "Your turn?"

Melanie grinned with a frighteningly feral glee. "Aftercare."

"Thank you, Mel. Now, I could fry an egg on my face." Celeste groaned. "And to be clear, I'm not just after sex. Yes, I want that as part of the dynamic and scenes, but it's not my main interest."

"What is your main interest?" Nick chirped. "Quickly, before your blunter half says something else and we all combust."

"I want an active dom/sub, or master/slave dynamic in our scenes – maybe, eventually, outside of scenes, but that's after we're sure we like how it works."

Melanie got as far as, "The mechanics are –" before Celeste barked, "Mel, I swear to Karma herself, do not finish that sentence."

The vixen took a moment to compose herself and shift a few shades of red out of her face and ears before continuing, "Nicky, I want more of a power exchange in our play. I also want to explore outside of rope and into more types of play."

"Can you be a touch more specific?"

"Not while Mel has an audience."

The felid shrugged and smiled in a quietly cheshire way as she looked at her girlfriend.

"Ok. Later, then." Nick failed to force the laughter out of his voice. "Skye? How about you?"

"I like what I've got, now, as far as you and I are concerned. I'm going to be figuring out how to have a relationship with Jack for the foreseeable future, so I'm looking to add anything else to my plate."

"Perfection."

"Um… Mel?" Nick ventured.

"Yes?"

"You've said quite a lot around this topic, but I'd like to hear what you think on this topic."

"Which?" Mel leaned forward slightly as she prompted the fox for more clarity.

"What do you want?"

"Out of this situation and the changes occurring in our collective relationships," Jack quickly amended.

"I want you to give Celeste everything she's asking for, because it'll make her happy. So, before you ask, I do want there to be sex involved. She wants it and has for a long time. I'm completely comfortable with it being a part of your play. In addition, I would like to attend more scenes with the two of you, so I can enjoy the show. And if I can't be there, I want you to absolutely destroy Celeste and send her home to me. Preferably, as often as possible. I'd also be in favor of it becoming a more permanent part of your interactions."

Judy was stunned by the frank, clear statements from the wildcat. Of all the things she'd expected from this little luncheon – a little insight, some personal history, maybe a better understanding of how this group worked – a flat statement like that was not even on the horizon of her considerations. She was used to the relative lack of shame and tact that this circle of friends had, but Melanie was a cut above the rest. Everything the wild cat had said was with a straight face and not a shred of blushing, hesitation, or embarrassment. Judy felt intimidated by her ability to be so ruthlessly straightforward and, oddly, emboldened.

Judy felt her paw raising before she realized it and said, "I would also like sex, just to be clear."

Skye snorted into her paw and that was all it took for the awkwardness in the air to clear.

"As segues go, that was effective. Your turn Judy."

The room was suddenly very warm. She looked around feeling very self-conscious, but it didn't last long. Everyone was patiently waiting. There was no judgement, or expectation. It was about as welcoming a circumstance as she could hope for. And in her mind, her wants were pathetically tame, compared to the others who had spoken, thus far.

"I, um… I'd like a second date, for one."

"Tuesday, after your classes. Go on."

Judy cleared her throat and squared herself to the table at large, "I want more dates, sex, and scenes. I'd also like to learn more of what, um… How do I say this without sounding…"

"Trust me, you wont sound any worse than the rest of us. Certainly Celeste."

"Hey!"

Judy snickered, taking heart. "I want to see more of what you all do. I mean, I… want to be a part of this – I want to say "properly", but that doesn't feel right."

Jack chuckled. "There's very little that's proper around here in the traditional sense, but I think we understand what you mean."

"I also want you to be my boyfriend, Nick. I know that's asking a lot and there's a…" she looked around the table, realizing the complexity of what she was asking to be a part of, "lot to consider, especially right now, but we've got Mel & Celeste and Jack & Skye. I think it's something we could make work? Maybe work towards?"

"That-"

"Quickly? Like this week?"

That pulled another round of appreciative chuckles from the rest of the mammals at the table.

"If you can wait until Tuesday, we'll talk it through. I can say it's hopeful."

"You could just say 'yes' and save us all the suspense," Melanie groused.

"Not your conversation to have."

Melanie rolled her eyes, but remained quiescent.

"Alright," Jack finally sputtered around his laughter, "Skye wants to stay the course and develop her relationship with me. I reciprocate and want a scene – at least one, I hasten to add – with Nick. Celeste wants more of everything and Mel wants her to get it. Not a word, Mel. Judy wants a second date and more involvement. And Nick wants to rise to expectations and give everyone a fair shot. Is that a fair summary?"

Nick took a ragged breath as he facepalmed and forced himself to say, "Yes, Jack, that's a fair summary. It'd have been better if all our minds weren't in the gutter, just now."

Jack groaned and the room dissolved into giggles, again. "We are all such kits."

"I'm glad you said "we", Jackie."

"I realized what I had said the moment it popped out of my mouth." His eyes shot open and he stared hard at the reynard. "Not a word."

Nick held up a paw, placatingly. "I think this is where we stop this conversation –none of us will be able to stop making it suggestive and that won't help us get anywhere."

Celeste groaned. "If we must."

"Darling…"

"I know. I know. Time to think and space for clarity. I know."

Melanie smiled softly at her girlfriend, before standing and addressing the rest of the room. "Sadly, I must go. Infants to photograph and bills to pay."

Skye also stood, pulling Jack up with her. "We have plans, so we'll be going, too."

In short order, goodbyes were said and the population of the room was halved.

Celeste waited until the others were gone before speaking, again. "Don't worry. I'm not going to third-wheel. I just wanted to do two things. First –"

The vixen got up and walked over to sit next to Nick, looking him square in the eyes. "I know exactly what I want and I don't need time to think it over. I've done plenty of that, already. When you're ready, I'll be waiting. Probably impatiently."

"I'll do my best not to keep you waiting too long."

"Good." Celeste nodded at Nick and turned her attention to Judy. "Second, is for you, Judy. I know it may sound disingenuous, but you have nothing to worry about from me as far as Nick and romance goes. I told you we'd never work in a conventional relationship and I meant it. That said, you and I have a few things to talk about, so I'd like you to join me at Jack's favorite tea shop, tomorrow. Around 3:30?"

Judy blinked in surprise. "Sure. I mean, I have a studio session until 1:50, so I'd be happy to. But what things?"

"The runway modeling I asked you and your sister to do," the vixen counted off on her fingers, "Your scene with Nicky that I missed, and I wanted to sound you out about something just between us girls."

Judy shrugged. "Yeah. No problem."

"Excellent." So saying, Celeste stood and hugged each of them goodbye. "Now, I'll leave you two to your own devices."

With a wink and a smirk, Celeste sauntered out the door, leaving Nick, Judy, and Judy's half-finished meal alone.

Nick drained his coffee mug and stood. "Why don't I get a top up and you can finish eating?"

"I don't want to keep you, if you have other obligations."

"I have none, except working on keeping my promises. So, I was thinking I could walk you back to campus, and we could discuss a few things privately – if you have no objections or other commitments, of course."

"I'm suddenly not hungry."

"You'll likely regret that fib before long. You barely touched your meal before we shanghaied your attention. Of course, we could package some of this bounty up and take it with us."

Forty minutes later, the pair were enjoying the view from the canopy gondola line while Judy enjoyed the last of her sandwich and Nick filched the occasional tempura. The afternoon was warm in the RD and with her meal done, Judy was feeling warm and snuggly; ready for a nap. It was a fleeting feeling. There were other things afoot, such as the fox leaning on the railing. Judy felt a sudden urge to paint.

"You're staring, Fluff."

"For good reason."

"Flatterer."

"Turnabout is fair play."

"True."

"So, what did you want to tell me?"

"Is it that obvious?" Nick asked, wryly.

"Not precisely," she responded, head tilting just a hint to left. "I'm starting to understand when you want to discuss something, versus when you're being pensive. I can't tell you how I know. It's just a sense I get."

"Perceptive bunny. Well done."

"You also said you wanted us to discuss some things privately, at the restaurant," she added with a little grin.

"You're getting cheekier by the day."

"And we all like it," she quipped back. "Now, what's on your mind?"

Nick, still leaning against the railing - sun and shadow creating interesting contrasts on his far too handsome face - made a gentle noise that some might refer to as a snort. "A bit of housekeeping, if you'll forgive the term."

"Are you hiding a broom somewhere around here?" When the joke fell flat, gaining barely more than a twitch of the lips from Nick, Judy realized that this was indeed serious. Or, perhaps more accurately, a subject that he found difficult. Leaving a polite amount of space, she joined him at the railing; having to climb onto one of the provided seats to reach.

"Today, you said you wanted to be a part of our dysfunctional little family. That means you deserve to know two little tidbits."

"I'm getting the feeling that I should be paying attention, but I shouldn't be worried." When her words bring an actual grin to his muzzle, Judy's shoulders loosen. Contrary to her statement, she had been a bit worried, more for Nick's sake than her own.

"You're getting better and better at this. I'll make it quick. And when we arrive at the station, we can stop for shaved ice before heading towards home."

"You spoil me."

Nick's stance shifted, shoulder now against the rail and his muzzle very near her ear. It might have been her imagination, but Judy swore she could feel his breath tickling her fur. Not that she would be able to tell with the breeze created by the motion of the gondola… Right?

"My dear rabbit…" Nick raised his paw to cup her chin, gently but firmly tipping her head back to bring them eye-to-eye. "When I choose to spoil you, you'll know it." Just as smoothly, he removed his paw, but remained facing her; watching.

It took Judy a full minute to get her brain working again, just in time to follow Nick's words.

"You've agreed to be my model for a hanging piece and you've definitely inspired me. That makes you a "muse" of mine, as Jack insists on calling them. You should know that other than yourself, Skye, Celeste and – somewhat – Jack, there have been three others."

"Are you trying to make me jealous?"

"Not remotely. One of whom, you are very familiar with."

Judy wracked her brain for a moment before realizing it was pointless. "Who?"

"You know her as Gazelle," Nick waited briefly for the stages of shock, denial, and amazement to pass before continuing with a nod. "We were both young, struggling artists, exploring our art, ourselves… And each other." He shrugged, raising a paw to block out a particularly obnoxious ray of sunshine. "Needless to say, she and I no longer 'collaborate'."

"You don't!?"

"No. The limit of our contact is the occasional Yule or birthday card – when we remember, that is. It was a fun part of our lives, but very firmly in the past."

"And the others?"

"One is a fellow artist who suffered a death in the family about, oh, two years and a bit before you and I met, I think. She went on a trip to deal with it and hasn't returned. I haven't heard from her since she left. None of us have. I'd be willing to wager that she won't be coming back."

Judy nodded pensively. "And the other?"

"The last one, well, he still lives in the city, but effectively cut ties with all of us when his relationship with his now-husband got serious."

"I see…" Every mammal had a end-of-friendship story like that.

"They were a snow leopard and a zebra, respectively, if that matters."

"Does it?"

"Not to me. They were both mammals I was close to, once."

"You miss them," Judy intuited, silently patting herself on the back. She very much enjoyed the knowledge that she was truly getting to know this enigmatic mammal.

"I do, in a manner of speaking. I can always visit them by revisiting the pieces I made with them, but that's more nostalgia than saudade."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"Partly for transparency – so you have the whole story and aren't blindsided by any references later." He inhaled deeply an exhaled slowly before adding, "And partly so you understand that this doesn't have to be a permanent thing."

Something passed over Nick's face as he spoke, but didn't quite register. Judy blinked in surprise when it clicked, barely biting back a gasp. "You're afraid."

"A bit," he agreed, once more looking out over the canopy. "Part of my trouble with intimacy stems from the people I've lost. Gazelle and I said goodbye like civilized mammals, but Thabo and Dawa… I understood why Dawa couldn't stay. Losing her sister was too much for her. I got a call from her saying goodbye and that was that. But Thabo just vanished. I found out what happened through mutual contacts. After the fact."

Judy winced, shifting to bump her shoulder against him in solidarity. "I'm sorry. I find it hard to believe that you've only had, what, seven models?"

"Muses, Judy. There's a difference. I've had dozens of models of all shapes, sizes, and species. A model is a form I use as a reference to create. It's an important relationship, but very one-dimensional for me. Some artists develop deep connections with their models, as I'm sure you've learned about in your studies."

"Quite a few."

"Indeed. But for me, it's different. A model is a reference. A muse is… inspiration." Once more Nick turned his attention to Judy, looking her over in the manner of an artist studying a subject they find entrancing. "My art is very emotional and as I have trouble making emotional connections, so the mammals that inspire me are… special."

"I… I guess that… makes sense," Judy sputtered, her cheeks undeniably reddened. She cleared her throat before continuing. "If I'm following you, your muses inspire the art and the model fills in the details?"

"More or less. If I didn't do that, Celeste would be immortalized about fifty times. That's a degree of renown that not many mammals, including me, are comfortable with."

"Ooh-kay. I understand that part, then."

"Judy, you know my work fairly well – all the pieces I've done, yes?"

"Yes? Well, not all, but I'm fairly familiar with your portfolio. The public pieces, anyway."

Nick nodded in response. "All of those were inspired by just six mammals. Without them, I wouldn't have my art. My inspirations – my 'muses' – are vital. Now, what do you think would happen when two of them vanish and cut ties?"

The wheels turned for a minute before a memory of a rumor flitted to the surface of her mind. A sick feeling settled in her gut as she hesitantly ventured, "I suspect it would explain the near-complete absence of Wilde artwork a couple years ago?"

"My slump. Yes. Thabo and Dawa both vanished within six months of each other. I ended up depressed. Blamed myself. The whole thing."

"It wasn't your fault." Judy's immediate jump to his defense, even if it was from himself, made him smile.

"I know. Now, I know." Nick smirked, self-mockingly, "that's the trouble with irrational fears and insecurities. They don't have to make sense or be based in facts to ruin your mindset. It took a while for me to get that all… cleared up, but that's not the point."

"What is the point? This is a huge insight, but you've also lost me."

"Sorry." Nick reached up to rub a paw over his ears, mussing his fur. "I get… scattered when I talk about things like this. The point is, if you must leave, please don't vanish on me. If you have a choice, that is. Just… speak to me clearly. And be honest."

"I'm not going anywhere, Nick."

"As time shall try."

Judy grabbed his forearm, pulling him down to meet her eyes. "I get that we don't have absolute control over our fates, but I'm telling you I'm not going anywhere. And if I do have to leave, you'll know."

"That's all I ask," Nick confirmed, something vaguely like a smile on his lips before he gave himself a shake. Pushing himself off the railing, he grinned down at the bunny. "Now! Enough of this drab talk. Shaved ice?"

Judy reached up, carefully collecting the lapels of his shirt in her fists before slowly, firmly drawing him down to her level, again. "I want you to understand that it is a struggle for me not to kiss you, right now. You're vulnerable and afraid and I want to comfort you, but kissing you right now would only muddy the waters and make things emotional and messy, so I will refrain."

Nick swallowed thickly and felt his ears heat. "I appreciate your consideration."

"But if you don't kiss me goodnight, tonight, I swear I will run you down, tackle you, and do it myself. Do we understand each other?"

"Impeccably."

"Good, fox." Judy slowly, carefully, released his lapels.

Nick, in turn, straightened and brushed out the wrinkles, "I must say, Judy. You've taken all of this in stride."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, most mammals wouldn't respond well to … well…"

"To what?"

"To the possibility of their romantic partner having other sexual partners."

"Oh, that." Judy snorted dismissively.

"What?"

"What?''

Nick blinked for a moment. "I admit I'm thrown."

"Was that an acid test for me, at the luncheon? Drop that "bomb" on me and see if I freaked out?"

"Not intentionally, but I suppose so. You've been very even-keeled in this whole situation, so I didn't think about it until now."

"And here I thought you were impossible to get ahead of."

"I admit I'm out of my depth, here, but it would help if I knew what you were talking about."

Judy grinned, giggled, and finally binkied in delight. "Oh, this is wonderful. I get to be the teacher, now!"

Nick watched all this with bland amusement. "Yes, yes, my dear rabbit. Crow at your victory. I am not all-knowing. Fie upon me."

"Cease thy melodrama and I'll educate you."

"Yes, teacher."

"Is this another kink for you?"

"I can't say it is."

"Damn." Judy cleared her throat. "I've been very even-keeled, as you said, because none of this is new to me – the sex thing, I mean."

"I beg your pardon?"

"Denied. Nick, I have two hundred seventy-five siblings. Think about that for a moment."

"Your parents are quite prolific."

"They are, but not the way you think. Not all my siblings are my full-blooded family as you'd probably think of it. Only twenty-nine are kits from the union of Stu & Bonnie Hopps, including me."

Nick blinked for a moment as he processed. "Therefore, I surmise that the other two hundred forty-seven are partial siblings?"

"You surmise correctly. Three tidbits about rabbit & lapin culture, for your education." Judy held up a digit, "One, we are culturally very enthusiastic about sex, but we aren't stupid about it. If my family genuinely had two hundred seventy-five full-blooded siblings in my generation, and all rabbits worked that way, we'd end up with a genetic bottleneck within a generation."

"That's… True. I never thought about that."

"Few do. Now, tidbit number two." Judy smirked. "Lapidae families and communities work in a creche system. All the kits are everyone's responsibility and we are all raised together in one big fluffle. We can tell who is related to who by smell, but just to be safe, we also have a registry that keeps track of it. It's more for non-lapins and to keep formal public records, but it isn't strictly necessary."

"This is making perfect sense and is annoyingly obvious, in retrospect."

"Uhhuh. Now, tidbit number threesie is the cherry on top. Based on tidbits one & two, it shouldn't surprise you that both my parents have several other sexual partners. And several litters from those couplings. And none of that matters as far as any of the lapin species care."

"Am I correct in understanding that the emotional and sexual parts of your lives can be completely separate?"

"For the most part… yes. My parents are loving and committed to their marriage, but sex isn't an exclusive part of it. It can't be if we want to maintain a healthy population. Rabbits are non-monogamous by nature, but we adopted the idea as we ascended into civilized mammals. However, our sense of what monogamy means and how it's defined is very different from most other mammals."

Nick barked a sharp laugh. "So, you don't care about your romantic partners' sex lives?"

"Oh, I care. The cornerstone of any lapin relationship is "our relationship first". It is paramount that one's committed romantic partner receive priority. If, however, you're feeling randy and someone else catches your eye… as long as your primary relationship is stable and there's no threat perceived by your interest elsewhere… It's fine. Just be honest and communicate clearly."

"Good grief…"

"I was surprised that you all had such a lapin set of values when it came to sex and communication." Judy couldn't stop the laughing. "And here I find out it was completely unintentional."

"According to our respective values, we're sexual deviants."

"Communication, honesty, and transparency are deviant. No offense, but non-lapins are weird."

"I begin to agree."

Judy giggled. "I'm surprised Jack never told you."

"Jack's family was very odd and he was raised away from a hare community. He may not know."

"Really?"

"When my father and his father met for the first time, they were living in a cosmopolitan environment with lots of different species. It was no Zootopia, but nothing to sneeze at. And Jack's parents weren't on speaking terms with their respective families before he was born." Nick shrugged. "By upbringing, he's as much vulpine as hare, I'd hazard to guess."

"That'll help with Skye, I guess."

"I wouldn't bet on that. Fox courting is female led, but Jack is very… male, shall we say? His father was every inch the classic gentleman and doted on his wife. Jack is Jacob Sr's spitting image. I foresee the pair of them trying to out-dote each other and squabbling over it."

"Knowing them, they'll run out of steam mid-argument, realize what's happening and burst into laughter."

"Precisely my thoughts." He held the door for the gondola and offered a paw. "Hence, I've said nothing to either of them about it."

Judy smirked as she took his paw and hoped down. "Sadism, or voyeurism?"

"Both. I enjoy a good show and they will be ever so entertaining."