A/N \\\ So... Here is the 8th installment. Hope you enjoy.

As is normal for my Muse, the unrepentant ass that he is, he has found something he likes and isn't going to be letting me go any time soon. At least he's also letting me work on my original stuff too.

The events here take place a year or two after the movie. I'm not actually sure how long, but it has been enough time that Nick and Judy are officially together.

Note: I am going to use an internal dialog technique here that I am totally stealing from another author. I loved it so much I'm test driving it here in hopes of using the same technique in my original works.

Remember to share the love. Review and Fav. It is the life blood of every writer to know you are enjoying their work. I also want to thank everyone who has Fav'd, followed, and reviewed this little project. Even as a writer of original fiction, that you enjoy this means a lot to me as an author.

I do not own and claim no rights to Zootopia or its characters. They belong to Disney.

Note2: This is the refresh. I want to thank Hereford67 and Bear678 for their work. Bear678 as my regular beta that keeps things at least marginally readable, and Hereford67 for their selfless volunteering of listing all the items they took note of. Thank you both!

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Precinct One, a short time prior.

Nick stretched his back and looked back towards Mike's cubicle, his head back so the world looked upside-down. "Wow... Considering what we did today, two separate convenience store robberies, discharge of both tranq's and lethal's, which is going to have Carrot's tied up in knots with concern, and serving five separate arrest warrants, the paperwork wasn't that bad. Those improved e-forms really help. A few drop downs, forms specific to things like weapon use, and just a few short boxes of text to describe what happened and the justification of why. Even the main reports are cleaner because they default most of the information automatically."

Mike nodded as he rolled back to look at Nick around his cube wall. "It does at that. We'd be here for several more hours at least with the old forms. I got to say, I'm glad you volunteered us for them. Sure, there is a bit extra right now, since we have to do the feedback, but even with that, it takes less time. Drop downs for the win!"

"Any word from Lizz on how things went today? I've gotten nothing from Carrot's."

"No, not since earlier when she said she was having a good time. Which by itself is amazing."

Nick nodded as he flipped around to actually face Mike. "I know they were supposed to be going to the mall with Carry, Joan, and Elli, so she should have been in good paws. Carry is mated to a coyote, both Joan and Elli are with wolves."

"Cool. I'm assuming they are not wolves themselves then? As long as she has a good time, that's what is important. Now we have 15 minutes to wait. Should we text the girls? See what they're up to?"

"Nope, and only one is even canine. Just a small group of girls in inter-species relationships, letting Lizz know that she isn't alone. Just like that card game you are coming to on Saturday."

"I don't remember agreeing to any such thing."

Nick grinned. "I don't seem to remember it being optional. Trust me, it'll be worth it. It's a few males, all in inter relationships, and at least one you actually know, other than me. We sit around, watch bad movies, play cards, and complain about our mates for a few hours. It'll do you good. As for the girls, we're supposed to meet them at Therus for dinner, so I expect if plans change they'll..." Nick paused, seeing a game pop-up on his phone he recognized. "Hold up." Picking up his phone and reading the message, Nick opens his regular text app.

"Is that so? Who else do I know other than you?"

"That'd be telling. You'll have to come to find out."

Message via private app.

J: Hey, you almost done?

Reply on normal text.

N: Yes. Just finished paperwork. We're waiting for the clock to tick.

J: Cool. Dinner plans have changed slightly.

N: Oh no. What happened?

J: Bill happened.

N: /confused fox emoji/

J: Just meet us at Greetha's.

N: /shocked fox emoji/ Oh...

J: Like I said. Bill happened. We're on our way there.

N: Okay, but we're not going to be remotely dressed for that.

J: Neither are we, but it's Bill, so...

N: So... The rules don't apply. Does Lizz know?

J: She knows where we're going. Does she realize who Bill is?

Judy glanced behind her and saw the confused look on the tigers face.

J: No. No she does not, and I'm not telling her.

N: Okay...

"Fine. I'll go."

With no immediate response to his message, Nick looks up at Mike. "Good. I figure that Lizz and Judy can hang out while we do the same. Speaking of dinner plans, change of plans."

"How so? They already eat?"

"No. New venue. A friend of ours, Carry's mate, Bill, has arranged for dinner."

"Where?"

Nick grinned. "Now that would be telling, but you'll enjoy it. Eaten there a few times, always because of him or Maria."

"Maria?"

"Friend of Judy's from college."

"So obviously someone that supports you two."

"She is very private about it, but she's in a Pred-Prey relationship with a tiger, so yeah."

"Oh wow!"

"They've been together since college, so it is no wonder Judy never really had an issue with it."

"But what about what happened between you two?"

Nick looked down. "Yeah. That was bad, and there was a lot of background things that lead to that. Lack of sleep. Stress. Built up fear from what we had been through. Lack of food for either of us for almost a day. Her old experiences with a fox when she was a kit. My experiences with cops and prey.

What happened had a lot of pieces, some her, some me. Lots of reasons... excuses if you will. We have talked it out many times, and we both realized that we were both at fault for what happened and how it went down. We got past it." His phone pinged with a new message. "First as friends, then as more. Honestly, I think we are better for it, because it forced us to be better at communicating with each other and being open and truthful, with no secrets."

Mike smiled with a nod. "That I believe. Lizz and I don't have secrets, but we could probably also be a bit more open. Now that we are open, I think we will be able to be."

"Communication is key, buddy. You might not think you don't have secrets, but omissions are possibly worse. So I cannot express to you how important it has been for Me and Judy, but you need to talk about all of it, no matter how embarrassing or bad you think it is. They make jokes about love conquering all, but you know what? In my experience, with my background, it is the gods be damned truth, no matter how cliche it sounds."

Picking up his phone, Nick checked the message.

J: Maria just invited herself and Jarvis.

N: Oh gods. Are you going to tell Lizz?

J: No, and you are not telling Mike either.

N: Lips are sealed. I don't need Bogo or Ben hearing that.

J: Good. Love you, see you soon.

N: Love you more. I am in desperate need of some bunny. I have been severely deprived of my vitamin Bun.

J: That's so corny!

N: Only because you are vitamin Fox deprived.

J: Maybe. So don't make me wait long.

Just as Nick was setting down his phone it pinged again.

J: Oh, one more thing.

J: Actually, a few things...

N: Why am I suddenly scared?

J: Joan now knows about BA, CG, and VV.

N: Oh...

J: Yeah. She is going to take you around tomorrow to do a formal insurance evaluation for everything.

N: Shit

J: Oh, it's worse. She knows about and wants to see the SW#1

N: Of course she does. So this is happening?

J: I think we can keep it contained to just this small group of friends. Though I think we can at least have some fun and reveal to Maria that you were VV.

N: /grinning fox emoji/ Finally!

J: Such a kit. Also, Maria wants us for her new single and will be trying to talk us into it at dinner.

N: Oh, that'll be fun. Not taking no for an answer.

J: You know she isn't.

N: Figures. We going to give in?

J: Haven't Decided.

N: Okay.

J: Anyway. Something to toy with Mike with.

N: Do tell.

J: Elli's mate, Ed, is Mike's younger brother.

N: /Laughing Fox emoji x10/

N: No way!

J: Yep. Do with that what you will. Also, Lizz knows about our IA files from then.

N: But of course. Does she know what is in it?

J: No, not really. I've given the 10,000 foot view. Not so great news. Bogo does. She saw mine on his desk right after I was reinstated. Apparently he spent the entire meeting with a grin and chuckling every time he looked at the file on his desk.

N: That... Crap.

J: My thoughts exactly. See you at Dinner.

N: Love you.

J: /Kissing rabbit emoji/

Nick looked back up at Mike, who was looking at him in concern. "Huh..."

"Something up Nick?" Frowning for a moment in thought, Nick slowly transitioned into his trademark smirk and Mike leaned back slightly in increasing concern. "Nick?"

"So... Mike. You didn't respond to the name Elli, which I quite suddenly find rather surprising. Any reason why?"

Mike shrunk a bit and glanced away from Nick. "Uh.. Should I know that name?"

"Hmm... I don't know Mike. You tell me?"

Turning a glare to Nick. "You know something, don't you."

"As I said, Lizz and Judy were meeting with some of our friends. Carry, a lynx who's with a coyote, Joan, a fox and distant cousin of mine who's with a wolf, and Elli, a water deer... Seems you would know the name of your sister-in-law."

Mike visibly shrank, his ears folding back and tail trying to tuck between his legs, prevented from doing so by his chair. "Oh..."

Chuckling, Nick got up and walked over to Mike, giving him a pat on the shoulder. "Come on, it can't be that bad. Surely with one inter in the family already, it won't be as bad, or did Ed get shunned and ejected from the pack or something?"

Mike sighed and looked down. "Didn't get kicked out or anything, but it was a near thing. There were a lot of hurt feelings and bad blood spilled, literally and figuratively. It took a lot for Elli to be accepted, and for Ed to mend the bridges that were frayed by the whole thing. It included an actual challenge to Ed, which did not actually go over well with the pack as a whole, but it was from someone with a lot of connections. It put mom and dad's position in the pack in question for a while. Having a second son in an interspecies relationship could hurt the whole family."

"Well. Perhaps you and Lizz should meet with Elli and Ed first, before doing the whole parent reveal thing. Get some help and pointers from them. How to avoid some of the mistakes and pitfalls that made it so hard for them."

Mike looked down. "Yeah, I think I should do that. I... I'll text Ed now."

Nick nodded. "You do that. I'll punch us out."

"Thanks Nick."

Nick gave Mike a two fingered, finger gun salute as he walked away. "No problem, buddy."

Nick walked away to clock them out, giving a light shake of his head.

Gods, I have changed so much. I'll tease Mike later, but it just felt right to be genuine and help.

I blame the rabbit!

Nah. She might have been the catalyst, but this is all us.

That still makes it her fault. Trusting us. Loving us. Forgiving us.

Hey. That went both ways.

So? You're a fox. Keep up this respectable act and you might give mammals a reason to think a fox can be more than just sly and untrustworthy.

Would that be a bad thing? Besides, I already got that done for much of the ZPD.

Uhm...

Well, Mr. Cynic?

Ha! Cyn-Nick!

/groan/ Come on. Be serious. Would it be?

I guess it wouldn't be. But why does it have to be us?

A genuine grin spreading over Nick's face.

Why not us? We get to be what we always wanted to be. Loyal. Trustworth. Honest. I get to testify in court and my word actually means something. They see an officer of the ZPD, not just a fox. All because a rabbit decided that she was going to overcome her speciesist upbringing, and dragged us along for the ride.

You know full well it wasn't that simple.

Again, does it matter? We're happy. Mom is proud of us. Like stupid, unable to supress the grin, proud of us, and she loves Judy to death. We were able to help her get that shop and the business that keeps it afloat. And we have the unconditional love of a rabbit, despite knowing all our past misdeeds, that is now carrying out kits. For that matter, why am I having this argument with myself, again?

Because you still doubt you deserve it, no matter how many times she tells you otherwise. Because we were shot at, cussed, punched, threatened with claws and a knife almost as big as us, and that was just today. We've also actually been shot, stabbed, clawed, bitten, had broken bones, and other things. So you're a bit stressed.

Part of the job, and so has Judy. It's why we invested in the updated equipment.

You're not going to listen to reason, are you?

Because you're not being reasonable.

Fine. Stick with the rabbit then. At least talk to her about it tonight.

That's the plan.

/harumph/ Good.

Pulling out his phone as Nick walks away, Mike starts the text app and pulls up his brother's number, then hesitates a moment. With a resigned sigh, he starts typing.

M: Hey wolf... Got a moment?

E: Whoa! What's up? Long time, my wolf.

M: I need your help.

E: You... Need my help? Okay, this is going to be good. What did you do? Does this have to do with why we haven't seen you in literally months?

M: Yeah. The exact reason in fact.

E: Hmmm. This will be rich.

E: Hang on a second, Elli just sent me something.

M: Okay...

E: HOLY MOTHER! By Luna! Mike‽ Lizz is pregnant! Wow! WOLF! Why haven't you ever told us she found a mate? Bro, what's up with that? Mom really likes her. Was it just a one night thing or something? I assume you've been helping her out and that's why you've been a ghost?"

M: Yeah. You could put it that way.

E: Mike. What's going on? You know you can talk to me.

Mike puts his face in his hands, Nick having just returned and looking on, trying to be supportive with a thumbs up and smile.

E: Mike?

M: They're mine.

E: What are yours?

E: Mike, what's going on? You've been a ghost for months, now Lizz is pregnant and you're texting me, of all wolves, for help?

M: Ed. Please... I've been so scared for so many years, especially after what happened to you and Elli.

E: /Confused wolf emoji/ What do Elli and I have to do with ...

There was a long pause with the moving dots of typing from Ed, Mike watching them in anticipation, and a hint of faar, of what his brother would say. His last message seemed to end with a realization.

E: You are not saying that... Oh... wow... You are saying that. Lizz's cubs. They're your's‽

M: Yes. They're mine. We've been together for five years.

E: /shocked wolf emoji x2, Laughing wolf emoji/

M: We just came out to Bogo this morning. With Lizz due very soon, Nick and Judy are helping us, introducing us to their friends in the inter community, which apparently includes you and Elli.

E: /laughing wolf emoji x5/

E: Oh gods. That's priceless. The couple that Elli said Nick and Judy were going to be helping come out was you and Lizz? Never would have guessed that in a million years. I mean, Elli and I are part of the inter community. The inter community gave us so much support and encouragement during all that. There was even a list of small packs that would accept us if the worst happened.

E: Okay. So you're freaking out about what mom will say, how the pack will react, etc... Is that right?

M: Considering what you and Elli went through, yeah.

M: You know Nick and Judy?

M: Of Course you do... So, can you help?

E: Okay. We need to have dinner. You, me, Elli, and Lizz. You give a date, maybe tomorrow or the following?

M: That would be great. Will be good to see you.

E: Same. Now I'm assuming that you're off shift at this point?

M: Yeah.

E: Then go see your tiger and text me when.

M: Thanks Ed.

E: It's what brothers are for.

Mike looked up at Nick. "Well. That went a lot better than it could have."

Nick grinned. "See. Nothing to worry about. We're punched out, so let's head to the restaurant."

"Okay. What about Lizz's car?"

Looking Mike up and down. "It'll be a tight fit for you, but it isn't too far. I'll give you a ride to Therus, and then you can follow me."

"Okay."

Mike logged off his computer and they headed towards the front. Mike looked down at Nick as they were walking past the front desk, both of them given Ben a wave. "So what is this place like?"

"Greetha's is a nice place. Very good food. Hard to get a reservation for, but well worth it."

Ben piped up with an excited chirp. "Greetha's‽ It is only the most exclusive restaurant in Zootopia! Full tuxedo or three piece suit kind of place." Swooning with his paws at his cheeks. "It's a place, if you could get in, that you could bump into The Angel with Horns, or all kinds of other super rich mammals. They say that she eats there whenever she is in town, which she is! Working on some new album that is so hush-hush, even I can't get whisper of what it's going to be like." Ben then deflated. "Sadly, as cops, unless it's on a sting or something, you'll never get in."

Mike stopped and looked between Ben and Nick, seeing Nick face-paw. "Is that so? So what kind of mammal could get a table there, for multiple mammals, on a moment's notice?"

Ben nodded in thought a moment. "Not many. Not even the mayor. Gazelle for sure. Maybe that William Ekarts billionaire. Hey, Nick, didn't you and Judy work on a case that he was involved in awhile back?"

Nick nodded, his mask on full as he panicked internally. "Yeah. Just one of many we've dealt with. No big deal." Oh crap. How do I end this conversation. Think fox! Think!

Ben frowned. "No, I seem to remember that it was a big deal. He was accused of some serious stuff and you guys found out..." Ben's eyes lit up with a smile. "That's right! That's the case that caught Herd and Metri, and a bunch of officers from other precincts, as members of that anti-interspecies hate group."

Mike looked down at Nick, then up at Ben. "Uhm... What? I guess I missed that."

Ben grinned. "Oh yeah, you were on leave for that shoulder injury. Nick and Judy took down like a dozen corrupt cops on that one. Even more that have gotten formal reprimands and stuff. A couple prosecutors too, I think. They've been working on reviewing all the old cases for almost a year. How many have you guys proven innocent now?"

Nick gave up on his mask and frowned with a sigh. "I've honestly lost count, and we've only just scratched the surface. When Judy gets back, we're going to try and convince Bogo to create a task-force. There are a bunch of mammals in prison now for crimes they committed after their lives were ruined by what those..." Gritting his teeth in anger, eyes closed tight, his lips pulling back in a snarl for a moment, and ears folding back. He snorted loudly and shook himself, then looked up. "...by what happened. Serving sentences much harsher than they should be, because of previous records that they shouldn't have had to begin with. Forced into a place that, because of what happened, they had no other options." Taking a deep breath. "Ben, as much as I'd love to talk about it, I really can't. Literally an active investigation and all. Plus, we have a dinner with our mates to get to. So do have a good night."

Ben beamed. "You to! Have a good night and say hi to the ladies for me."

Nick waved, dragging Mike along. "Will do."

Once outside Mike watched Nick as he let out a loud growl while they walked to Judy's car. Nick seemed to relax after that, but it still took Mike by surprise, he'd never seen the fox that visibly, openly angry. Not even when someone was being blatantly speciesist in his face. It left Mike wondering just how bad the cases in question were as he folded himself up into the backseat, taking up the entire back.

Shifting slightly as Nick got in and started the car, Mike let his head shift into the front seat. "So... That's why you guys don't get many current cases. Is that why we stopped by that shelter?"

Nick nodded with a sigh as he pulled out onto the street. "Yeah. I was looking for the subject of the most recent case we closed. He's cleared of all charges, but not before he was released on probation. His record was completely expunged, and the city is offering him compensation, but I have to find him; hopefully before his survival drives him to do something that winds him back in jail... like so many others.

Last we knew, he was homeless and bouncing from shelter to shelter. They won't let him stay for more than a few days because of his record, and the shelters don't update their records against the system nearly often enough. So I have been going in and forcing them to update and to let me know immediately if they come across him. As well as giving the director the riot act due to their failure to keep their records up to date. We are really praying that he'll show up to the meeting with his PO."

"Damn. That's messed up. Whoever they are though, they couldn't ask for anyone better than you and Judy to work on fixing things."

"Thanks. Means a lot. As far as the shelters are concerned, what he was convicted of, because of their failure to update their records, their refusal to let him stay makes sense. But he didn't do it. His actual crime, being a fox in love with a deer. He was convicted of, until we cleared him, killing said deer by messing with her car's brakes. He was framed for a tragic accident. He was driving the damned car when it happened." Nick slammed his paw on the steering wheel before shaking himself. "Sorry… He stumbled away from the accident to try and get help, but passed out from his own injuries and the cold. It happened in Tundra Town. They had been on a date and were heading home. They didn't even do anything wrong. A pickup ran a light and t-boned them. His mate drowned... in Tundra Town. At least that was the coroner's cause of death."

Mike was silent for several blocks before sighing. "And they made it out as if he was trying to get away."

"Yep. Now you understand why the union turned on all the cops involved."

Mike frowned and watched out the window. "Yeah. If that were more common knowledge. I didn't really interact with them, the two that Ben mentioned, but they seemed like good cops."

"Which is why Judy and I try not to talk about it. Even with other cops, unless we have to. We're pretty good about keeping it clean, but after work, when we're not focused on the facts and such, it gets to you. We both have regular sessions with the shrink. Bogo's orders, so long as we are working on this whole thing."

"Yeah. I can see why."

They continued on in silence until they got to Therus, Mike considering what he had just learned, and wondering why Nick would tell him anything about it. He resolved to ask him later. When they got to Therus, he poured himself out of the backseat of Judy's car, and then driving Lizz's, followed Nick towards the restaurant just a few minutes away.

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A/N \\\ Obviously, more to come. I'm editing away whenever life gives me the spare few seconds to look at my writing.

Keep the reviews and comments coming, it makes Muse happy, which keeps me connected to this world and lets me add a few words now and then to my working doc, which hopefully will let me post new chapters sooner than later.

And also remember, if you see issues, misspellings, etc... Let me know in PM, I'm under no illusion of being perfect and want to fix those things I miss.

If you are truly enjoying this, you can check out my original work by popping over to my blog, Scribblings. You can link to it here: dcballard dot com and then select Scribblings Blog.