A Friendly Hustle

by Blkdragon7

A few years after the Missing Mammal & Nighthowler cases, Nick and Judy are officially mates. They have managed to keep it a secret until they discover that their friends Lizz Fangmeyer and Mike Wolford are also in a mate level relationship. To help their friends, Nick and Judy draw Lizz and Mike to a restaurant to reveal their knowledge and their own relationship.

19. Chapter 19

Here is the 19th installment. Hope you enjoy.

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. I know that isn't much, but to me, it's huge. Even as a writer of original fiction, that you enjoy this means a lot to me as an author. You can check out my original work and link to my Blog, Scribblings, where a lot of it lives by hopping over to

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

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Recording Studio, WildeHopps, Wolfeyer, and Bobby

They entered the designated studio lead by the guard that let them in, all of them carrying items for Bobby through the control room and into the live room so he didn't have to make multiple trips. Judy had a large binder with all his sheet music and notes. Nick lugged a guitar case taller than himself. Lizz carried what appeared to be a pair of large nondescript instrument cases, and Mike had two guitars. Bobby himself carrying two additional guitars, a computer case, and two keyboards hanging precariously from his shoulder from straps.

In the live room, Bobby began to unpack and set up, while Nick, Judy, Mike, and Lizz took up position on the couch opposite the mixing console after dropping off their loads. On the coffee table in front of the couch sat an envelope with Nick and Judy, written on it.

Nick picked up the envelope, and opened it with a claw. Inside was a single sheet with a list of songs. "Well, I'm guessing this is what we have to choose from." Handing it over to Judy after skimming it. "Not a bad list. I'm actually not upset by the selection. Not like last time."

Judy skimmed the list. "Oh, I like this set of songs. Yeah, last time was a nightmare. "

Lizz chuckled, "How bad could it have been?"

Shaking her head, Judy gave a dark laugh. "Maria assures us she didn't have input into that selection, but it was so bad that we walked. It was supposed to be a holiday charity album. You might have noticed that Gazelle didn't release her usual holiday charity album last year. How hard is it to get rights to Jingle Bells and Santa Claws is Coming to town? The only remotely acceptable song was It's Cold Outside. While it was a good song in it's time, it is just a little bit creepy when you think about it in today's day and age. I mean... I get the sentiment behind it is supposed to be sweet and romantic, and yet..."

Nick nodded. "Yeah. I don't mind the song for what it is, in context of the time, but doing a cover of it is kinda endorsing some very old and antiquated ideas."

Mike nodded. "Oh, yeah. I can see that. So what happened."

Maria's agent, Carlos, a Fennec/Kitfox hybrid walked in wearing a cream colored suit with no tie and the top two buttons on his shirt open, creamy fur spilling from it. A very conspicuous set of sapphire stud earrings in his ears. "They walked out on us. Not that I blamed them. When I saw the song list they were offered, we pulled out of the project as well. It's the first year that we haven't done a charity album for the holidays. It's why we're doing this one and a holiday album this year." Nodding to Nick and Judy. "Nick, Judy. Nice to see you. Glad you like the selection. If possible, we'd like to get two or three songs from you, if you do four. I will kiss you." Then noticing Judy and Lizz's conditions. "Oh... Wow!" A big grin coming on. "You guys?" Seeing the bashful nod from Judy and Lizz. "That means you must be Elizabeth. Well, you and your mate, Mike, are free to try your hand at any of the songs Nick and Judy don't do. You don't even have to be that good, just passable. You'd be amazed how mediocre some of the famous singers you know of actually are."

Lizz giggled bashfully. "Thank you." Glancing to Mike and getting a nod. "Well, I guess we will have to take you up on that."

Carlos grin getting bigger. "Excellent. Now, where is this mystery mammal..." He paused in clear shock seeing Bobby in the Live room hooking things up. "I... Is... Bob... Bobby‽ No... It can't be... I.. I... Is that Bobby Catmaul‽‽" His voice rising sharply

Judy laughed. "That it is. He's an old friend of mine from Bunnyburrow. We went to school together."

Carlos spins, staring at her in disbelief. "Wait. Are you saying that the mystery mammal is Bobby Catmaul‽" Seeing Judy nod, he stumbled and grabbed the back of one of the chairs at the console to steady himself. "Oh my gods!" Tears welling in his eyes as a grin split his muzzle that seemed almost painfully wide. "I've wished I could find him ever since I became a manager." A tear running down his cheek as he faced Judy again, his voice almost desperate. "Where has he been‽"

Judy shrugged. "From what he's told me, he moved to New Yak after college to try and make his start. Didn't get anywhere, and so he moved back here to Zootopia a few weeks ago at most. Something about an independant music scene. Actually ran into him in Therus where he was looking for a job as a server and cook. How do you know him?"

Laughing as he wiped away the tears of joy, Carlos hopped into one of the console chars and keyed the mic for the intercom, before shutting it off again. "Ha! Good place for him to land. Knew him in college, almost got together with him, actually. I assume Fin hired him?"

Judy nodded happily. "Yeah. He's a damn good cook."

"Yeah, he always was. Is he seeing anyone?"

"Not that I know of. You thinking to make a play for him, Carlos?"

Carlos shrugged. "I wasn't smart enough or comfortable enough with myself in college, and he was just a freshman. I graduated the following year and left to make my name, successfully I might add. Well, time to torture a cougar." With a wicked grin and laugh, he keyed the mic again, while putting a growl in his voice. "Hey! What do you think you're doing?"

Bobby startled, almost dropping one of his guitars as he spun to face the window into the control room, finding only his reflection. "I... I'm sorry. I was told to get set up. Am I in the wrong studio?"

"What? You think just because you're some big-shot from New Yak, you can just bypass the audition process?" Nick and Judy were holding back laughs as Carlos grinned. "I've half a mind to call security."

Bobby suddenly looked terrified. "I'm sorry. I'm with Judy. Judy Hopps. She... She said she would be able to get me a direct audition."

"Really?" Carlos looked back and Judy, his grin getting wider. "Is that so. She may be a big time celebrity cop, but she doesn't dictate the goings on here. I think you need to come back in here so we can have a discussion about that rather big assumption you've made." Shutting off the mic. "Yeah, you don't Judy, but Maria's vote counts for a lot."

Frowning, Bobby nodded, his ears folding to the sides and tail falling. "Okay." Setting his instrument down and walking through the door, at which point Judy, Nick, along with Mike and Lizz lost it and started laughing hysterically. Not seeing Carlos at the console hidden behind the door, he stood just inside the door clearly irritated by the state of the others. "What's? It's torture the musician time? Think it's funny to get my hopes up and then scare the crap out of me like that?"

Judy, barely controlling herself, pointed to the console. "Not us! hahahah! Carlos!"

Turning to look around the door where Judy was pointing, Bobby's eyes go wide. "Carlos‽"

Barely keeping himself from joining the others in fits of laughter, Carlos nods. "Hey Bobby. Long time no see. Sorry about the scare. I just couldn't resist."

Nick shook his head, stifling further chuckles. "You know, this is getting a little nuts." Looking at Judy and then her feet. "You need to reign in those things, we're getting a bit too much of, it's a small world, going on."

Judy shrugged and swatted him on the shoulder, giving him a glare through her giggles. "Nothing I have control over, dear. Besides, he is just as much at fault." Pointing to Nick's tail.

Nick turned and glared at his tail. "You! I knew were trouble. Always following me around, and trying to get Judy to leave me for you! Traitor!"

Judy laughed harder. "Don't worry, Slick. I won't leave you for him, but I might cheat on you with him when it's cold."

Nick fell back into the couch, gasping. "The Betrayal! I can't even trust my own tail!"

Judy laughs harder, with Mick and Lizz laughing harder at Nick's antics as well.

Bobby watched the show on the couch for a moment and frowned before joining in the laughter, if nervously. "Okay... I'm so lost at this point. What is going on? Carlos? What are you doing here? How do you know Judy?"

Smiling, Carlos jumped to the chair nearest Bobby. "Come here and give me a hug you over-grown hairball."

Bobby did just that and pulled Carlos into a hug. "Hey. It's been a long time. Really great to see you." Setting Carlos Down. "That does not however explain how you know Judy."

"Judy is the friend of a mutual friend who is also one of my clients, and who is the driving force behind this charity album. She and Nick are also mammals I've been trying to convince to let me rep them for about two years now. I'm a big time manager and promoter. Made it big, just like we used to talk about."

"That's awesome, so you're working on the charity album then?"

"It is entirely my show. Now... Get in there and show me what you've got. Impress me. I really hope you have gotten better than when we were in college. \"

Grinning, Bobby nodded. "Oh, I've gotten better. That's for sure." Going back into the live room, Bobby finished hooking up the last of his instruments and his laptop.

Nick stands and walks over to Carlos. "Hey, Carlos. One sec." Nick leaned down and whispered low enough that not even Judy could pick up what he said.

Carlos chuckled as he took out his phone. "You sure, Nick?"

"Yep, if you can get the rights that is."

Judy pipped up. "What did you ask for Nick?"

"Not saying unless Carlos can get the rights. I know it's a long shot, but worth trying if he can."

Typing away at his phone, Carlos nodded. "Yeah, but I might have an in. I'll let you know."

Nick nodded as he returned to the couch. "Thanks."

All set up, Bobby grins and hits the intercom. "Okay. Let me wow you with an original. I've got the other parts prerecorded, all performed by me, and I'll do the guitar piece."

Carlos's flipped on the mic to respond. "Okay Bobby. Give me your best. Is this one you have put up on EweTube?"

Bobby shook his head as he settled in. "Nope, this all new. Wrote it on the train from New Yak."

"Awesome. Wow me."

Unbeknownst to Bobby, Carlos had hit record. Bobby hit play on the rest of the piece on his laptop, tapping his foot and nodding along, then joining in as the piece started up. The piece slid smoothly from from simple, gentle acoustic and electronic notes, then slid suddenly but seamlessly into over driven electric guitar, pounding drums, and base line. The whole song lasted just over four minutes and everyone in the studio was in shock.

(A/N In my mind, this is 'A Martian Winter' by Angel Vivaldi. Also, if you have not heard anything by Angel, you are seriously missing out.)

Bobby opened his eyes and stopped the play on his computer, then looked towards the window. "How was that?"

Carlos stood in shock for a moment before keying the mic. "You're saying that was all you? An original piece?"

Bobby nodded. "Yeah. Did you like it?"

"Dear gods Bobby? Where have you been these last few years? How has someone not snatched you up?"

"Uhm... No one wanted to rep some nobody cat from a farm town outside Zootopia with no connnections. I managed to get some gigs, a few spots with some up and going nowhere bands. Came back home, and to Zootoipa to try and make a go with solo work. Everything I read says that the chances are better here. Supposedly a better independent music scene."

"That it does." Carlos flipped off the mic and turned to the others. "Just, wow..."

Maria walked in. "I heard the whole thing. My gods! He's perfect!" Reaching out and hugging Carlos from behind. "Carlos. He's amazing! Didn't I tell you!"

"That you did." Keying the mic again once she released him. "Bobby. You should come back in here. There's someone you should meet. The primary driver behind the charity album."

Bobby put his guitar down and walked into the room, freezing upon seeing Maria. "Oh! Uh... Ms. Gazelle, ma'am. It's an honor."

Maria was down right giddy, then turned to Judy with a frown. "Judy! Who is this mammal? How have you not introduced me before?"

Laughing, Judy leaned back into Nick. "Bobby is an old friend. We went to school together. Graduated High School the same year. He's been in New Yak for the last few years. We kinda lost contact after we headed to college."

Maria's eyes went wide. "Wait! This is that Bobby?" Turning to face him. "You're Judy's childhood friend, Bobby? The mammal that got her first actual kiss, Bobby?"

Bobby shifted nervously, clearly embarrassed as he looked between Judy and Maria, a blush in his ears. "I am... Was my first kiss too..."

Maria spun on Carlos. "To hell with hiring him for a few things. You need to sign him. Like yesterday! Before someone else snatches him up. Then we can work together properly!" Stomping a hoof to accentuate her point and crossing her arms.

Carlos grinned. "That's the plan after hearing that and his stuff on EweTube. Assuming you are interested of course."

Tearing up, Bobby gasped. "You're kidding." He eyes flicked between Maria, Carlos, then to Judy and back, clearly trying to assure himself that he wasn't hearing things. Seeing the sincere looks on Maria and Carlos, then looking to see the proud grin on Judy's face and her nod, mouthing I told you so. "You're not kidding..." His eyes going wide as tears started to roll down his cheeks. "I... I don't know what to say."

Carlos laughed. "Say you'll not sign with anyone else until you get a chance to see my offer."

Bobby nodded. "I can do that. I don't even have anyone looking at me. I just got into town two weeks ago and this is the first time I have played outside some practice in my apartment."

"Awesome! You want to help out with the rest of what we have going on here? We have recorded music for them to use." Indicating Nick, Judy, Lizz, and Mike. "But... Some live instruments always improve things." Turning to look at the others. Make your selections. We're only going to do two or three runs at most. If we can't get something usable from that, we'll move on. Again, this is supposed to be armature hour for charity. So perfect studio recordings are anathema, but a decent or passable recording is fine. Marketing has shown that, for charity albums like this, where big stars like Maria are brought in to support the working mammal off the street. Some errors, pitchy-ness, that isn't grating, etc... boosts the album sales because it feels more authentic."

Nick laughed. "I'm sure you've spent quite a bit finding that out. As for the music. It is quite the list, and I wouldn't mind doing most of them. What do you think, Carrots?"

Carlos nodded. "Not me. Was a study commissioned by the recording industry as a whole."

Nick nodded in return. "Ah. That makes more sense."

Taking a pen from the table, Judy make a few tick marks next to those she was considering.

Handing the sheet to Nick, Judy smiles. "What about you love? I think these two would make great duets for us." Pointing to 'Close My Eyes Forever by Device, and Hold on to Memories by Disturbed.

"I have to agree with that." Nick then added a hash next to the ones he was up for, including the two Judy mentioned.

With that, the sheet was handed to Mike and Lizz. Mike using a * and Lizz a +.

...Song selection...

# ' Close My Eyes Forever, By Device

# ' Hold on to Memories, By Disturbed

# The Light By Disturbed

# Anchor, By Skillet

' Titanium, By David Guetta W/Sia

' Dark Horse, By Katy Perry

+ Rolling in the Deep, By Adele

* Heathens, By Twenty One Pilots

Happy, By Pharrell Williams

Break In, By Halestorm W/ Amy Lee

Indestructible, By Disturbed

If you only knew, By Shinedown

My Immortal, By Evenescense

Bring me to life, By Evenescense

Shatter me, By Lindsey Stirling

Bosses Daughter, By Pop Evil

Perfect, By Ed Sheeran

I'm Still Standing, By Elton John

Set it all Free, By Scarlett Johansson

Shake it off, By Taylor Swift

Close, By The Chainsmokers

Love the way you lie, By Eminem & Rihanna

Shallow, By Lady Gaga/Bradley Cooper

Meant to Be, By Florida Georga Line

Broken, By Seether W/Amy Lee

Would, By Alice in Chains

Adrenaline, By Gavis Rossdale

It's My Life, By Bon Jovi

The sheet was then given to Carlos and Maria who could not stop herself from grinning, Carlos nodded. "Okay. This is fantastic. I can think of a few here that might work as duets for the girls, and guys, if you two are any good at all. We'll cross that bridge if we need to."

Mike looked to Lizz. "Well, I know we are tops at the precinct karaoke competitions."

Maria smiled. "Have Nick and Judy ever competed?"

Lizz laughed. "Actually, no. They gone out of their way to avoid it."

Maria nods. "Makes sense. Okay, Let's get you two out of the way then. That way we can know if you are worth the duets. Who wants to go first."

Mike and Lizz looked at each other, then Mike raised his hand. "I'll take the plunge."

Nick barked a laugh. "That'll be a dollar there, Fluff."

Judy groaned and rolled her eyes. "I really should know better than to bet against you. I'll pay you when we get home."

"I'll hold you to that." Leaning down to Judy's belly. "You hear that kits? Never bet against you Pa." Sitting back up with a laugh as Judy swatted at him playfully, boxing his ears. "Carlos. I notice that everything on the list is comparatively fresh, compared to the pile of dung you handed up last time."

Nodding, Carlos smiled. "Yeah, we scored the rights for the charity album, allowing us to do covers using unknowns and amateurs. Maria can join in, but only as backup and harmony. I can't take credit for that previous debacle. That was all arranged just before I took over as Maria's manager. It was the previous moron that arranged all that, and I use that word generously. Maria mostly managed herself because he was incompetent."

Maria laughed darkly. "That is being generous, Carlos. The only reason I had any success was because of his family connections. I learned to manipulate him into thinking things were his idea. That Dub-Step remix that he green-lit, shall forever haunt my nightmares. There isn't anything inherently wrong with Dub-Step, but there is, as with any music, good... and bad. Those covers, officially sanctioned thanks to him, are just all horrible."

Carlos grinned up at Maria. "Yes, but ever since you have had me at the reigns, it's all been, mostly, smooth sailing."

Nick held up a paw. "Hold up. How could that have been arranged by that other guy? You'd been her manager for years?"

Carlos laughed darkly. "Ah, yes. Well... You see, the idiot signed a bunch of contracts with no expiration dates, or even any set expectations dates. We are at the mercy of the other party and when they want to invoke them. You guys walking out actually did us a favor and allowed us to pull out as well. They tried to sue us and we settled, but got actual dates and control concessions out of them. I've managed to clean up most of those contracts, but it has been expensive to employ the lawyers to do it."

Judy flinched. "Ouch. Oh Maria, that's terrible. I always knew he wasn't the sharpest tool, but damn."

Maria nodded. "It's all good Judy. Every since I got Carlos, like he said, baring a few bumps in the road, it's been pretty good overall."

"I do my best, Maria. It is my paycheck too. Something the other guy seemed to misunderstand. The in the moment payoff means nothing if you create something that isn't going to keep paying out down the road."

"Something you excel at, sweetie." Maria gave him a kiss on the top of his head. "My success is based on your amazing decision making."

"Our, success, is based on your song writing and singing, and those hips that entice just about any mammal with a pulse. I just have to make sure you are where you need to be on time, and much to my chagrin, support you when you get off on one of your causes. I work hard to make the adage true. Any publicity..."

Nick smiled. "Well Carlos, I'm more of a NightHowler fan myself, but you have even made that successful. As for the song list. You got the rights upfront instead of recording a bunch and hoping you can get rights to enough to actually make the album?"

Carlos nodded. "Yeah, unlike some promoters, I prefer to not do work for no reason. Sure, things are a bit looser for this one, given it's nature. Still, it would be a waste of resources to spend all the money on recording things we couldn't use if they were good enough."

Nodding, Nick chuckled. "Now that is a sensible thing." Turning to Mike, want any help? I've done this before."

Mike nodded nervously. "Yeah, thanks Nick. I think a bit of direction would be great."

Getting up, Nick headed for the door into the Live Room. "Well, come on then. Don't be a scardy pup." Glancing at Carlos. "Where's the rest of the crew?"

"On their way. They were waiting in the break room down the hall."

With that, Nick led Mike into the live room and got him set up and ready to sing, pulling out the words and music for Mike's song on the teleprompter. Hitting the intercom. "Hey, Carlos. We gonna have Bobby do anything on this one?"

Carlos voice came over the intercom. "Not on the first run. This is just to get his nerves over with and see if he can even hold a note."

"Fair enough." Looking over his shoulder at Mike, Nick smiled. "You ready buddy?"

Adjusting the headphones, Mike nodded. "As I'll ever be. When did you do this before, Nick?"

"That's a long story best saved for a stake out."

Mike nodded. "Got it. I'll bug you when we're sitting on a speed trap then."

Stopping at the door Nick looked back again. "Sounds good. Just remembers. You got this. Just think of it like you're doing one of those karaoke competitions you win so often."

Taking a shaking breath, Mike smiled. "Right..."

Nick closed the door and returned to the couch, Mike visible on the monitors now that the crew were in the room and working.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

A/N ...I feel the voices of the characters, when singing, match the below artists.

Lizz ... Adele

Judy ... Amy Lee

Nick ... David Dramen

Mike ... John Bon Jovi

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Carlos voice came over the intercom again. "Okay Mike. Deep breath. Do your best. I know there are some odd bits to this song, so don't worry about them, just sing it strait in your voice. If it is clean enough, we'll add in anything, or tweak anything we need to. You ready?"

Mike took another deep breath and nodded. "Yeah. I'm good."

After a moment, music filled his ears, and the words showed up on a teleprompter in the room right in front of him. With a grin, he suddenly felt just like he was in the karaoke competition, and with another deep breath, he started singing.

Heathens, by Twenty One Pilots

All my friends are heathens, take it slow

Wait for them to ask you who you know

Please don't make any sudden moves

You don't know the half of the abuse

All my friends are heathens, take it slow

Wait for them to ask you who you know

Please don't make any sudden moves

You don't know the half of the abuse

Mike started moving slightly with the song as he sang, pretending he was just singing karaoke and dropping his own slightly harder spin on the words. The group in the control room watched in fascination as Mike put his own twist on the song. Carlos grinning and giving Maria a nod as she did her best to keep a delighted squeal under control as she clapped her hooves together lightly. Nick and Judy smiled to each other and gave an appreciative grin to Lizz regarding her mate. Lizz her self just grinned in pride as Mike simply knocked it out of the park.

To everyone's shock in the control room, as the chorus background cropped up, because of how Mike was putting his own twist on the song, he was able to add the Watch It, into the song, with a deep growl that fit the way he was singing perfectly.

We don't deal with outsiders very well

They say newcomers have a certain smell

Yeah, trust issues, not to mention

They say they can smell your intentions

You're lovin' on the freak show sitting next to you

You'll have some weird people sitting next to you

You'll think, "How did I get here, sitting next to you?"

But after all I've said, please don't forget

(Watch it)

(Watch it)

All my friends are heathens, take it slow

Wait for them to ask you who you know

Please don't make any sudden moves

You don't know the half of the abuse

Mike finished and the music in his headphones cut out. Looking up the glass he couldn't see through he gave a wry smile. "How was that?"

Carlos came over the intercom. "Come on back in here, please."

Taking off the headphones, Mike walked through the door to see all the mammals in the room with very carefully schooled looks. He shrank a bit, even Lizz was giving him such a look. "That bad?"

Lizz cracked first, Getting up and pulling him into a deep kiss. "Love, you were amazing!" Hugging him to herself. "They said they don't even need a second take!"

Looking over to where Carlos and Maria stood, their smiles and nods confirming things for him. "Wow. Really?"

Letting out a light laugh, Carlos nodded more vigorously. "Yep. Quite impressive, though it is clear that you know the song back and forwards. That karaoke you were talking about?"

Mike nodded with a grin. "Yeah. Been practicing this song for the next competition."

"Well, you knocked it out of the park. We can definitely use you in another song or two." Carlos turned to Lizz. "Okay, your turn?"

Lizz nodded. "Okay. I've done the same as Mike. Picked something I've practiced for the karaoke competition."

Carlos shrugged. "Do you. If it makes things go faster here, I'm all for it. Especially if you can pull off a single take like your mate did."

"I'll try my best."

Mike hugged Lizz and led her into the live room. "You got this love."

A few moments later, Lizz had the headphones on and tested. Taking a deep breath, she shifts as the cubs gave a kick. Looking down at her belly. "Hey, behave in there, you. Momma's just a little nervous. Once I get singing it'll all be good." Looking up at the window. "Okay. I'm as ready as I'm gonna be."

Carlos voice came over the intercom. "Alright then. Here we go. Just let us know if you need us to roll back the music or anything."

Lizz nodded, seeing the words appear on the prompter. She closed her eyes to listen for the music to start. As it did, she took another deep breath and started singing, and as with Mike, the mammals in the control room were left in shock.

Just as she finished the first section they stopped the music and Lizz startled. "Uhm... Did I make a mistake?"

Carlos spoke over the intercom. "Not in the slightest. Just an issue on this side. Give us just a second. You were brilliant."

Lizz smiled shyly, blushing. "Oh. Okay."

In the control room, Carlos turns to Judy and Maria. "Judy, Maria. How about you two go and do backup for her."

Maria jumped up and rushed over to Judy. "Come on Judy, this is an awesome idea. Your friend is amazing."

Judy groaned and rolled her eyes, hard. "I knew I wasn't going to get out of more work than just my songs."

"I don't know why you even tried. Mike, Nick. Why don't you two come with too. Lets be a bit more free form with this whole thing and have fun. It is for charity after all."

She then pulls Nick and Judy up and into the live room with her, Mike following after. They spend a few moments getting situated. Maria grins as she looks towards the window. "Bobby, you should join us too. If you feel inspired to add some accompaniment, why not do it in the moment? It'll feel more natural that way."

Another few minutes go by as Bobby gets situated. A cooler of cold water is brought in and everything is tested. Maria is simply giddy and vibrating as she claps her paws. "This is going to be AWESOME!" Turning to Judy. "I've wanted to do something like this for a long time."

Carlos voice sounds out. "Okay. We're ready. You all ready?"

They all nod, and the music starts playing again, Lizz coming in much stronger and more confident. Bobby starts hitting the beat against the back of his acoustic guitar while the others start a light clapping.

Rolling in the Deep , by Adele

There's a fire starting in my heart

Reaching a fever pitch, it's bringing me out the dark

Finally I can see you crystal clear

Go 'head and sell me out and I'll lay your shit bare

See how I leave with every piece of you

Don't underestimate the things that I will do

There's a fire starting in my heart

Reaching a fever pitch

And it's bringing me out the dark

The scars of your love remind me of us

They keep me thinking that we almost had it all

The scars of your love, they leave me breathless

I can't help feeling

We could have had it all

Judy and Maria: (You're gonna wish you never had met me)

Rolling in the deep

Judy and Maria: (Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)

You had my heart inside of your hand

Judy and Maria: (You're gonna wish you never had met me)

And you played it, to the beat

Judy and Maria: (Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)

Baby, I have no story to be told

Judy: Story to be told

But I've heard one on you

And I'm gonna make your head burn

Judy: Make your head burn

Think of me in the depths of your despair

Judy: Despair

Make a home down there

As mine sure won't be shared

The continued with Judy and Maria adding backup and accent vocals. Carlos wiping tears as he listened from the control room. Lamenting silently to himself that there were so many talents like Nick, Judy, and now Lizz and Mike, who would never become professional singers because they liked their current jobs.

As the song ended, there were grins all around as they turned to look back towards the control room. Maria giggling, clearly having more fun than should be legal. "Oh gods. That was AWESOME! That felt amazing. Judy, your little ad-libs were perfect, and Lizz. My gods girl! I need you on tour, yesterday! Are you going to be like Judy and tell me you like your job?"

Laughing, Lizz nodded. "I am, but I am so flattered that you think I am that good. Amazingly high praise coming from The Angel with Horns."

Maria giggled. "Oh gods! I hate that name so much. If more realized that NightHowler was also me."

Nick laughed. "Maria, it's not just your singing that earns you that title. It's all your activism, despite the flack you get from it."

Carlos jumps in over the intercom. "Lizz. You and your mate are not just good. You're both, as Maria said, amazing. I now want to do an album with all of you, just you mammals. That includes you Bobby, doing the music. There are like four other acts that we've recorded for the album that are even close to the level you mammals are at. You ready for the next song?" Getting the collective agreement. "Okay. Judy, you're up with... Titanium."

Judy nodded. "Alright Carlos. Lets play."

The music started and Judy came in with this powerful, soulful voice that makes Lizz and Mike stare for a moment in shock. Bobby keeps the acoustic guitar out and adds an extra riff to the song.

Titanium, David Guetta With Sia

You shout it out, but I can't hear a word you say

I'm talking loud, not saying much

I'm criticized, but all your bullets ricochet

Shoot me down, but I get up

I'm bulletproof, nothing to lose

Fire away, fire away

Ricochet, you take your aim

Fire away, fire away

Judy, with Lizz and Maria Harmonizing

You shoot me down, but I won't fall

I am titanium

You shoot me down, but I won't fall

I am titanium

As before, the control room is left in shock, save for Carlos, having known how good Judy was. Nick simply looks at Mike and Bobby with a smug look. Mike exhales loudly. "Wow. Judy! If you sang in the competitions, Lizz and I would actually have competition."

Shrugging, Judy smiled. "Sure, but I've never been big about performing in front of crowds."

Carlos jumps in on the mic as the group in the control room grin at each other. "Okay. That was perfect. Nick, you're up... The Light. You ready so do what we all know you can?"

Mike chuckled. "If he is half as good as you all make him out to be."

Maria laughs. "You have no idea, but you're about to find out."

Bobby swaps out for an electric guitar and sets his keyboard for a drum kit. A few moments later, the music starts and Nick starts singing, leaving Lizz and Mike staring again.

The Light, by Disturbed

Like an unsung melody

The truth is waiting there for you to find it

It's not a blight, but a remedy,

A clear reminder of how it began

Deep inside your memory

You turned away. As you struggled to find it

You heard it call as you walked away

A voice of calm from within the silence

And for what seemed an eternity

You waited. Hoping it would call out again

You heard the shadow beckoning

Then your fear seemed to keep you blinded

You held your guard as you walked away

Mike comes out of his shock and jumps in to support Nick in the chorus.

When you think all is forsaken,

Mike: forsaken

Listen to me now

Mike: Hope's not forsaken

You need never feel broken again

Mike and Nick: Sometimes darkness can show you the light

As the music fades out, Nick takes a long breath and Mike finds himself chuckling. Maria wipes away a tear, while Judy just beams proudly at Nick. "Nick, love. That was fantastic. I forget how awesome your voice is sometimes."

Maria looks towards the window. "Carlos."

Carlos walks in this time. "Guys. That was amazing on every level. Bobby, your additions were perfect. Mike, your harmonies was exactly what it needed. Nick. Perfection. Lets take a few then we'll get back to it. I can hardly believe that we have only been at this for a bit over an hour and have already gotten 3 songs in the bag. I wish every artist I worked with was this good. Sure, it's covers, but still. Maria has only ever done it before."

With quick agreement they break up, the pregnant ladies taking a thankful bathroom break while Nick, Mike, and Maria discuss which songs to do in what order. Bobby listening in and adding suggestions of what he can add to each song to make it unique.

Chuckling, Nick looks up at Maria. "I gotta admit, this has been a lot better experience then the last few times you have tried to get us to do this sort of thing."

Smiling widely. "This has been so much fun. I knew you couldn't resist a real charity album, especially when he police unions assistance fund is a major beneficiary."

Shaking his head, Nick smiles up at Maria again. "You say that every time, because that is how you get Judy in the door, and I kinda come with the package."

"Exactly, but we're also contributing to the MMSF."

Mike cocked his head to the side. "What's the MMSF?"

Maria grinned down at Nick. "Marginalized Mammals Support Fund."

Nick sighed. "A recent addition I take, as in the last few hours?"

Maria nodded. "That is like a charity that is right up my ally, and you know it. Were you trying to keep it a secret?"

"No. But we only just established it. Like yesterday. The signed paperwork went in with the lawyer this morning when I headed into the precinct. It hasn't even been funded yet because the sales haven't gone through. Once it was actually funded, we were going to tell both you and Bill. I mean, Erik has already promised that he and Jeff are going to make a big donation. But again, it isn't even funded yet, only the paperwork has been filed."

Maria shrugged. "Well, if I'm being honest. Bill and I have been watching for something like that to be filed, and as soon as a foundation with you and Judy's name on it cropped up, we knew you'd hit your breaking point. What happened?"

Nick frowned. "Not really interested in talking about it. The foundation isn't going to be in place fast enough to help those that need it from what happened. Although having it as a beneficiary from this album is awesome. Plus, Judy and I can take a paycheck from it, as long as it goes into the Foundation as well. ZPD income rules and all."

Mike looked between the two, his ears splaying to the side. "Nick, is this about what happened at the bank?"

Nodding, Nick sighed. "Yeah. Remember, I told you we would be setting up a foundation."

Maria just shook her head, her voice taking on a teasing tone. "Nicky... I know you had to put in the minimum funds to open the account for the foundation. You had to do that so it would be ready to accept the funds from the sales and be, as you put it, funded. With the paperwork filed, and some gentle pushes by Bill to make sure it was at the top of the pile, the MMSF was ready to accept donations this afternoon. It's already funded to the maximum that both Bill and I can personally donate."

Nick coughed loudly. "Maria! You didn't!"

Nodding happily, Maria giggled. "We did. We had to. It's no secret that if you and Judy finally did it, there would be a real reason behind it and there would be mammals in need of it that wouldn't be able to take advantage. So... Bill had a bunch of fliers printed off and then distributed by foxes, weasels, skunks, etc... that work for Bill. We knew that they, of any mammals that work for him, would know where to go to get the information into the paws of those who need it."

Wiping a tear from his eye, Nick grined. "Thank you Maria. That means a lot."

Judy, walking in and seeing Nick wipe a tear, approached him as fast as she could. "Nick? What's wrong?"

Kneeling down, Nick pulls Judy into a hug. "Nothings wrong. Everything's right actually. Perfect. It seems Bill and Maria have been stalking us, waiting for the foundation to be built. They pulled a few strings to make sure it was ready to accept funds this afternoon. They both put in the max the could personally, and you know they both have businesses that will do the same. Bill has apparently also had mammals who could probably have used the MMSF at some point themselves, distributing fliers with the info where it needs to be."

Judy grins and wipes tears of her own, and once let go by Nick drags Maria down into a hug, giving her a kiss on the side of her muzzle. "Thank you Maria. It means a lot."

Grinning through the hug and tears of her own, Maria laughs. "You know I couldn't resist once I knew about it. Neither could Bill."

Carlos entering the room. "You couldn't resist what? You didn't find a new cause to push did you?"

Maria laughed. "Not exactly. Just the MMSF. A new foundation that Nick and Judy have set up to support marginalized mammals who get shafted by a bank screwing them over, an unscrupulous landlord, etc... Bill and I have already donated. The great thing is, it is very explicitly not species specific, but situation specific. It'll help predators who lose a job due to a prey manager, or prey, like a rabbit, rejected by an apartment complex because they'll have a hundred kits." Doing air quotes with her hooves. "Big families for rabbits is only a rural thing to support the farms. In the city, a single litter of 4 or 5 is typical."

"Oh, that." Pausing, Carlos looks to Nick and Judy. "I'll have my donation in later this week. I already made a small one, ten thousand, but I needed to move a few things around to max out for the year."

Mike smiles. "I'm surprised there isn't already something like that."

Maria shook her head knowingly. "I know, right! But there wasn't until now. A few charities that I've supported in the past were in the same vein, but nothing like the MMSF. Those others were all targeted to specific species or groups and situations, the MMSF is again, species and situation agnostic. It takes the each situation at face value. It is rather brilliant. It also has a legal assistance program to help mammals seek restitution and compensation."

Mike grinned wider. "That is really awesome. So, how much is maxing out?"

Judy gives a watery laugh through her tears. "It's 2 million for an individual and 5 million for a business. So the foundation already has enough funds to be doing hiring, and we had a list of initial hires that were to be brought on as soon as it hit the minimum operational threshold of a hundred thousand. Which was enough to run, fully staffed, for one year, and have enough to help, based on our estimates, at least a dozen mammals. With how much it has now..."

Nick picks up as Judy leans against him. "Yeah, so by the end of next week, because of the donations by Maria and Bill, it'll be ready to start helping. Which means, most, if not all, of those that got hurt when I got away with the cache from the bank... They will, if they seek out the MMSF, be able to get the help they need to not suffer what would have otherwise happened."

Judy sighs, wiping away her tears. "Okay, so we ready to get back to it?" Looking up with a smile at Lizz as she enters the room.

Looking around, Lizz frowns. "What'd I miss?"

Mike pulls his mate into a hug. "Just Maria revealing that the foundation Nick and Judy was setting up. Well, it's fully funded to more than 4 million already, with more coming. Plus Bill has apparently made sure that information on the foundation gets to the mammals that need it. I'm betting on his own dime."

Maria nodded. "Of course."

"That's awesome, so happy tears. Good, I don't have to hurt anyone."

Mike leans in and gives Lizz and kiss. "No love. You don't have to hurt anyone." Looking back to Carlos at the control board. "So, we still going, or we done?"

Checking his watch, Carlos grins. "It's still early. We've really only been at it for a bit over two hours now, with the break. If you are all up to it, I'll order some food for the next break. Until then, what song are we doing next?"

Nick released Judy. "We were talking about that before the whole reveal by Maria. I think we're going to do my song, Anchor, followed by Dark Horse for Judy. After that, It's My Life, for Mike and I. From there, a few duets. Hold on to Memories for Judy and I, and Break In for Judy and Lizz. Figure we take a break at that point, then finish up with Close My Eyes Forever for me and Judy."

Carlos nodded. "Sounds good, and I still haven't heard back."

Nick shrugged. "It was a long shot. No big."

Turing to face the entire group, Carlos smiled wide. "After hearing all of you, I think we should do Happy and People are People, as long as it isn't too late. I know People are People isn't on the list, but I only got the call during the last break that we got the rights. Do those as a group thing for all of you to close out the night. Again, if it isn't too late."

Maria nodded along. "That sounds good. What do the rest of you think?"

Mike shruged, looking up at Lizz. "I'm good with that. Love? You feel up to that much?"

Smiling down at Mike. "As long as I'm sitting for most of it, they feed me, and let me use that bathroom, I'm good. Seriously, that bathroom is a palace."

Carlos laughs. "Yeah, gotta keep the stars that are too full of themselves happy when they're recording."

Nick and Judy share a look and Maria hisses. "Don't! Can you two just be normal and have a whispered conversation like normal mammals."

Laughing, Nick shakes his head. "What would be the fun in that? But yeah, that sounds like a plan Carlos."

Judy grinned in response. "Yeah, feed me and make sure I have bathroom breaks, and we're golden."

Maris clapped her hooves. "Yes! Lets do this! We keep up this and we'll end up with a double album. It'll be even better!"

After some eye rolling at Maria's antics by Judy, the group was situated again in the live room and ready to sing again. Carlos coming over the speakers. "Alright, here comes the next song, Anchor, for you, Nick. As always, if any of you feel so inclined, slip in as feels right."

Turning to Judy, nick grins. "This is me to you, love." Leaning over and giving her a quick kiss on the side of the muzzle as the music started. As he sings, Judy can't help but tear up, as does Lizz and Maria, even Bobby as he adds to the musical underlay of the song.

Once Nick and Judy hug it out after the song ends, sharing a passionate and loving kiss, Judy slides into her song, Dark Horse, with Lizz and Maria adding to it as she sings a slightly darker, harder version of it. Bobby adding an over-driven bass guitar riff.

Carlos for his part only comes over the intercom to ensure they're ready and announce the next song. However, he and the others in the control room keep looking at each other in shock with each song sung. They come to the collective conclusion as they discuss it between songs, that it's going so perfectly because as amateurs, they don't feel any pressure to be perfect. Even with Maria in the room, she's just there having fun and to add her voice as backup, so even she isn't feeling any pressure. Regardless of the reason, he is left speechless for a few moments after each song ends.

Nick and Mike do It's My Life, followed by Nick and Judy doing Hold on to Memories. That one actually ended up taking two takes, because neither could keep the tears under control on the first run through. The second take still had tears, but they managed to keep their voices mostly steady. Though anyone listening to the recording could tell that they were singing it to each other.

When Judy and Lizz started Break In, no one was quite sure what to expect, though it was learned after they were finished that they had discussed it while in the bathroom and gone over which was going to do which part. How Nick knew without having discussed it afterwards with Judy was dealt with by an accusing glare from Maria. The result left both Mike and Nick speechless as they kissed their mates.

After that song, they took a long break for the promised food Carlos had mentioned. Chatting up how well it was going and discussing the final songs. Still being early evening, they were pretty sure they would get in at least one of the additional songs Carlos had mentioned.

Once back in live room, Nick and Judy prepared to do Close My Eyes Forever. Nick looking at the others. "Guys. I just want this one to be me and Judy. Bobby, we're going to want to go a bit harder, darker with this one. Think you can?"

Bobby grinned enough to show teeth. "Absolutely. This has been so much fun."

Maris nodded with a grin. "Okay. Why don't the rest of us head into the control room then. Leave just the two of you to it."

Judy smiled up at Maria. "Thanks Maria. This is one of those songs that we kinda hooked into as a couple."

Nodding, Maria stands, ushering the others out. "Oh, I get that. Try Everything was supposed to have backup singers, and a bunch of other things, but I just couldn't see it. It sounded terrible. I made them let me do it solo, like I wanted to."

Carlos jumping in from the doorway. "And the rest is history. I've learned to listen to her musical instincts."

A few moments later, the music starts and the start singing. Unable to see as they stare into each others eyes the tears flowing freely in the control room, or from Bobby off to the side outside of their view.

Close My Eyes Forever by Device, Featuring Lizzy Hale

(This version is almost exactly how I experienced it as I wrote this part with Nick and Judy.)

(Judy)

Baby

I get so scared inside, and I don't really understand

Is it love that's on my mind, or is it fantasy?

(Nick)

Heaven

Is in the palm of my hand, and it's waiting here for you

What am I supposed to do with a childhood tragedy?

(Nick)

If I close my eyes forever

Will it all remain unchanged?

(Judy)

If I close my eyes forever

Will it all remain the same?

As the music fades out, Nick and Judy stare at each other for a long moment, those in the control room completely silent. Finally, Nick wipes a tear from his eye with a smile. "I love you, Judy. You have made my life worth actually being lived."

Wiping away her own tears, Judy smiles at Nick. "I love you too, Nick. You showed me that I still had other dreams and the chance to be happy beyond just the job."

They share a long kiss breaking up with grins and more tears to wipe away. The others joining them. Maria looking at the two of them with a look of shock bordering on anger as she threw her hooves int he air. "Guys! What the hell was that‽"

Judy and Nick look at her confused and worried, Nick speaking up. "What? Was it bad?"

Maria clearly upset for some reason. "Bad? BAD‽‽ That wasn't bad, that was fucking amazing! What? What! Have you to been practicing or something? That was all emotion, all... OH! MY! GODS!" She was pacing between them and the door. "I can't!" Starting to cry. "It was so... I just wish I could convince you two to go on tour with me..." A sudden evil grin spreading across her face and she started to cackle. "Hahahahahaha! YES! That's it!" Maria then spun and rushed from the room, grabbing Carlos under her arm as she ran, leaving Nick, Judy, and everyone in the control room with confused looks.

Carlos yelled as Maria grabbed him and carried him off. "Maria! What the fuck are you doing! put me down!"

The last thing they heard from the two of them before the outer door closed was Maria. "No! We have phone calls to make!"

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

A/N Keep the reviews and comments coming, it's making Muse happy, which lets me work on this and other things. 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: and then select Scribblings Blog.