Now edited and hopefully improved! Happy reading everyone~ ^^

"Yes, Ben as always I promise I'll give you all the details," Judy said patiently.

A broad smile had her lips upturned all day and an extra sparkle had been in her eyes. But she had gotten used to seeing both on her features now when it came to, Nick. This fact hadn't gone unnoticed by her best friend either. Ben was positively beaming every time she saw him. More so than usual that is. Every since she told him about her and Nick on that fateful day he had been beside himself with joy for the both of them. She had often joked to her fox boyfriend that she thought they may have a one mammal fan club. Something which he agreed with her on after meeting the excitable cheetah himself. Ben hadn't been able to keep from leaping over the desk - a feat which had surprised both herself and Nick - and swept the poor fox up into a tight hug which made it difficult to breathe. It was only after Judy's gentle coaxing that the big cat had released him with an apology. An apology that didn't really seem all that apologetic as right after, he was squealing again.

For all of his hyperactivity though, Ben had been a constant support to the both of them. Even when Judy finally steeled her nerves and told her parents about her relationship with Nick. It hadn't been easy, remembering how distrusting they were about predators in general, but especially foxes. She didn't want her sweet fox to be hurt by their reaction. So even when he offered to be with her when she told them, she told him she would be okay and he should go on to work. But to her great surprise, while they had been surprised at the news, they accepted it quickly. Then demanded they both come for a visit soon. Which they were scheduled to do in another week.

She had been understandably thrilled when she told him. She and would always remember the warmth and relief that she clearly saw on his face. Of course, Ben being Ben had let out a happy squeal when she'd told him. Which of course had other officers look their way as she stood in front of the desk. A quick roll of their eyes had followed as most - if not all of the ZPD - knew of her relationship now and just how enthusiastically Clawhauser approved.

She couldn't deny she loved her cheetah friend, even if she wanted to. Even though she had to hide that she had a headache thanks to that squealing. She and Nick had been getting a lot of sour looks from the general public and the media was eating it up, especially after the Nighthowler case a month before and Nick's help in solving it. But Ben had been a constant supporter and encouraged them. He listened and then offered advice or a shoulder to lean on. It was nice to know that at least one mammal besides her and Nick weren't against them in the whole of Zootopia.

"You better missy or we'll have words," Ben teased from the other side of the phone.

His response pulled her from her musings and had a soft laugh bubbling from her throat. She stuck the salmon she'd prepared into the oven and closed the door then set the oven timer. Nick had no idea that she was cooking for him, a fact she'd kept a secret to surprise him. And of course, something she'd shared with Ben. And well, did she really need to say what his response had been even to herself?

"I promise on my badge, Ben."

"On your badge? Well now I know you'll keep your promise. And don't skip the details."

"I'll give you all the details," she promised with another soft laugh. "But hey I'm going to let you go. I still have to clean up a little before he gets here."

"Okay, see you Monday~"

"See you, Monday."

With that she hung up the phone, but allowed herself to look at the background before she slid it into her pocket. It was a picture of her and Nick on their second date. It hadn't been a fancy restaurant that time, but had still been as memorable as their first date. It had been a little eatery in the Rainforest District that he knew about and the food had been outstanding. The conversation even more so.

He had told her about what had made his dreams of being a Junior Ranger Scout come crashing down around him and her heart hurt for him. Even now, she hurt for him. Kids could be cruel little things at times. But she knew that they had to have had prejudice against foxes fed to them from their parents. If not parents, then some kind of other adult they knew. A family member, a teacher, a government official, anyone really. Kids weren't just birthed with such prejudice in their young hearts. Even so.. To muzzle Nick and mock him when he ran away in tears.. Had they learned that behavior or was that all them..?

Either way, Judy could see that even over twenty years later it bothered Nick. And that was the exact reason that she'd told her parents about them alone. If they had reacted badly, she didn't want him to hear it firstpaw, if she'd told him later herself the blow would have been bad enough. But thankfully they had responded with love and support and she told him good news.

That relief she'd seen when she told him of their acceptance both warmed and broke her heart. Even if his face didn't show the relief, his loosened body language did. Who knew how long he had been worried over what she would tell him? Possibly as soon as she told him she would talk to them alone. Looking back on it now, she remembered seeing anxiety flicker across his face when she told him she'd be doing it alone. Then a casual smile had replaced it. A smile that hadn't quite reached his eyes, she now knew that, that had been a mask to hide what he was really feeling. Anxiety.. He must have been eaten up with it all day until she told him the good news.

What kind of thoughts had he been having before she told him? Was he worried it would create a rift between her and her family? Or worse, that it would make her reconsider their relationship and have her leaving him? She knew if it were the other way around that she would have that fear. It was only natural after all.

"But it didn't happen that way," she reminded herself.

She breathed in deeply, eyes closed to calm her racing heart and let it out slowly. She had to repeat this a few times until her tense form relaxed and her heartbeat slowed. Then her eyes opened and she looked around her apartment. An upgrade from the little closet she'd been living in when she and Nick first met. It was bigger, more roomy, and closer to the ZPD. He had been the one to suggest it after he spent the night with her a few times and they couldn't keep from bumping into each other in the small space. It was cute and funny, the first few times. They even used it as an excuse to kiss. But when it kept happening and they each got bruises from accidentally elbowing the other, she knew she had to get a bigger place. The alternative was not letting him come over anymore and she would never let it go that far.

So after her one year lease agreement was up she moved to where she was now. A ground floor, one bedroom apartment with a kitchen, bathroom, small dining area and living room. She'd had some savings from her payroll that had made getting furniture possible and with Nick's help, had furnished the place.

A nice, black, faux leather couch with a matching loveseat and rocking recliner was in the living room. The faux leather was Nick's idea, citing that it would be easier to clean fur from than cloth would be. He was right about that! Who knew a fox could shed so much? The couch was facing the entertainment center and television as well as the dark oak coffee table. The love seat was angled, but still gave the perfect view of the TV. Heavy, deep blue, black-out drapes along with white blinds covered the windows to keep out streetlights or prying eyes and against the wall just outside her bedroom stood a dark oak bookshelf.

In the bathroom was blue and black decorative towels hung on the towel rack, a black and blue shower curtain with flower designs in white and off white rugs with a matching toilet lid cover. The toothbrush holder, soap dish, and soap pump were all black with more flower designs in white on them.

In the bedroom was a full sized bed. The frame was made of dark oak wood and the mattress topped with memory foam made it very soft and comfortable. Two matching dressers and nightstands completed the suite. The silky, deep red sheets and comforter - which may have been because of Nick's fur color - gave the set more color. It also gave the room a more comfortable feeling. The pillows were soft, draped with beige pillow cases and a thirty-two inch flat screen sat atop the biggest dresser which faced the bed for the best view.

As for her stuffed plushies, they all had their usual places at the headboard. All except one. Her little fox plush still kept his place of honor at the center, propped against the pillows. That little plush had earned the name, Mini Nick due to the sentiment that was expressed when it was given to her. True to what Nick expressed that evening, Judy did indeed cuddle with that fox plush when she slept and her boyfriend wasn't around.

The memory of that evening swept over her again, even as she walked through her apartment, tidying up the place. It had been a wonderful evening as had every night since. He had completely blown her away with the restaurant he chose. Talking to him had been so effortless since they met. He had been so handsome that night that even now, months later she felt her ears and cheeks heating with a blush. And to top it all off, to make a perfect night even more perfect he had given her the little fox plush and they'd shared a mind blowing kiss.

Even now, he was always putting a lot of thought into their dates. What restaurants catered to both predators and prey, what the menu limitations were. Whether or not it would be too loud for her rabbit ears on certain days. What sights and attractions there were that she hadn't gotten to see or experience yet with her busy schedule. What her mood was and whether she wanted quiet and relaxing or loud and exciting. He seemed to be able to read her like a book and just know what she needed. Not just that, but also how intently he listened to her talk about her family. Not to mention his charming and sweet manner when he was flirting with her.

"Mm~" she hummed softly, her eyes fluttering closed. Whoever she had to thank for sending her such an amazing mammal for a boyfriend, she'd thank them everyday.

Now, with her eyes closed, she could almost taste his lips again. Feel the warmth and strength of his fur and his body as they pressed close and her arms wound around him. She could almost smell his foxy musk again and the scent that was genuinely his own.

She jerked and gasped when she suddenly felt warm paws on her shoulders. Paws that slid down her arms until they rested around her waist. They stopped just below where she'd been hugging herself in an effort to recreate his embrace. That was all she allowed her body to register before her head tilted back and she found herself staring again into warm emerald colored irises. A soft smile was adorning his muzzle as he gazed down at her, his paws beginning to gently rub against her stomach and hips.

"Thinking about anyone I know?" he asked. His voice was just as warm as his eyes were. She knew that tone though. He was feeling playful and she felt her mouth close just so her own lips could form a smile.

"Maybe," she answered and turned in his gentle hold. Her smile grew when he refused to take his paws away completely. He merely loosened his hold so she turn to him before settling his arms around her again. "He's really sweet and charming. Not to mention devilishly handsome."

"Sounds like, I have some competition."

The bunny let a soft giggle escape at that, but allowed it to cut off as he leaned down. She rose up to meet him, her eyes closing just as their lips met. Her breath was stolen away once again as her arms lifted and locked behind his neck. The kiss was chaste and was held for only seconds, but to her it was perfect. She wasn't left wanting when they broke it and she opened her eyes.

"Oh, look. Here he is now," she said softly. She brought one paw down from his neck and stroked her fingers through the fur of his cheek just as his eyes opened again. Gosh she could get lost in that gaze of his! But today, she had things she had to remember, like the cooking salmon for example. "You're early," she observed.

"I didn't get as many takers today," he softly explained.

She answered with a soft hum, not wanting to get back on the topic of wishing he'd stop hustling. They'd had that conversation many times before. And sadly it had devolved into an argument a time or two. It had been days since they last saw one another, the heavier topics could wait. She didn't want their time together to be marred by one of them getting upset with the other. Besides, no matter how much she wished Nick would be her partner on the force.. Bogo's adamant refusal to even consider him that first day had seemingly permanently stained Nick's opinion of him. Not that she blamed him, not at all. In fact she had nearly walked out that day herself. It had been Nick himself that convinced her to stay.

"There needs to be at least one good cop on the force, Carrots. I know I'll feel better knowing you're there to actually serve and protect everyone."

She'd reluctantly agreed with him that day, but was taking steps to eventually leave the force. She couldn't stand to work under someone with such blatant prejudice. One of these days she'd turn in her badge in favor of becoming a PI. Then she and Nick could really be partners. They were an unbeatable team, they proved that with that whole Nighthowler fiasco.

"Carrots, where'd you go?"

Nick's snickering voice brought her back out of her thoughts and she blinked up at him. Yep, she'd gone off in her own head again and Nick knew it, as proven by the amused smirk on his lips.

"Oh, sorry. Just thinking."

"About?"

"About the future."

"Oh?" The paw rubbing her back paused for a second before starting again. "Am I in it."

He said it like a joke, but she caught that brief flicker of anxiety. It was there for all of a second and then gone, smoothed back into his amused expression. But she saw it, so while he was attempting to make it seem like a joke, she knew he really meant the question. What was going on in his head to still have doubts about them? Had something happened? Or was he too carefully keeping away from the conversation that had devolved into arguments? Was he thinking she would eventually..

That flicker again. Had she been quiet too long? Whether it was because of the argument or another reason, she couldn't leave him in suspense like this. Her silence was being taken the wrong way. She could tell it was.

"Nick.."

The arms around her loosened and fell away, his features seeming unbothered. The eyes and tense body told the real story though. Even if his suddenly hanging tail didn't.

"I'm kidding, Carrots. You don't have to be serious all the time."

"Nick.."

"Hey is that fish I smell?" he asked, breathing in more deeply than need be. His lowered ears slightly lifted as he turned and headed for the kitchen.

"Nicholas Wilde, stop right there!"

She didn't care that the surprise was now ruined thanks to his sense of smell. She had to nip his fear in the bud right here and now before it could fester. And she couldn't do that if he was retreating. Which he had clearly been doing. Even if all of those tells before hadn't been enough, then his whole body going rigid for a few seconds too long before he turned back to her was enough to tell her.

"Really, Carrots? The police voi- Oof!"

She didn't mean to wind him, even momentarily. But the moment he turned back to her, she ran over to hug him. He was still as tense as he looked before.

"Of course you're part of my future, you dumb fox!" she finally got out. The little doe still didn't ease her grip in the slightest. Not even when her boyfriend's paws resumed stroking along her back. "You've gotta be dumb to think I'll ever let you go. You're perfect for me!"

"Okay, Carrots you're stoking the ego there. Anymore of that and this apartment will explode."

"Stop it! I'm serious!"

The paw stopped again, but rather than fall away this time, one lifted off to nudge her chin up this time. For a second, he had a sheepish smile on his lips. Then his expression turned stunned, then to remorseful. She didn't know why until his thumb stroked at the corner of her eye. Oh.. Now she could feel the wet fur there.

"Okay.. Oh you bunnies, you're so emotional.." he tried, a call back to when they made up after a long three month separation. What he got in return from her was a hiccup which had his ears and tail lowering again.

"I'm sorry! I got lost in my head again. Of course I want you with me!"

She had to get through to him, she could practically see a canyon opening up between them. He'd only taken a few steps from her before, but it felt more like miles. In her aching heart, it had been miles. It felt like the emotional divide that opened up and separated them months ago. If she didn't fix this, it could have been.

"Hey its okay.. I figured it out when you hugged me.. I'm sorry sweetheart. I got in my head too." Another smile, this one finally genuine. She could hear his heartbeat slowing now too. "Did your thoughts of the future include the color white and flowers by chance?" The surprise of his question was enough to stop the tears and had her blushing to her toes. "Ah, so I'm right?"

She gave a wet laugh as he wiggled his brows. It hadn't been, but she could let him think it was for now, right? Besides, it was a pleasant thing to.. Nope.. No. Not going into her head again. That already got her in trouble once already today. She could daydream later.

"Can you blame me? I already saw you in a suit. I imagine a tux would make you just as dreamy. Or more."

The tension finally gone, the room felt lighter again than it had moments ago. Nick was happy again, his tense body was relaxed, tail and ears back up and relaxed. She even saw his tail lazily wagging from side to side. That could have gone so much worse, but thankfully the danger had passed.

"I think we need to wait a little longer to get married, Carrots. My mom for one would never forgive us if we ran away and eloped." She was laughing when Nick bent down and kissed her. Before she could start to kiss him back, his nostrils flared and he lifted his head. "Uh Carrots.. I think the fish is about to burn."

"Sweet cheese and carrots!"

"Gosh, she's beautiful, she's funny, smart, she cleans and she cooks? Forget waiting, marry me!"

Judy snickered as he wiggled his eyebrows at her, knowing he was only kidding. She gathered their now empty plates and deposited them into the sink. Thankfully she'd been able to save the fish before it could burn. Nick's stomach growled when she pulled the fillets from the oven and she didn't want to make him have to wait too long to eat. Now, before she could starting washing he was behind her with his arms around her waist again.

"Okay, but you're the one that has to explain to our parents why we skipped on the ceremony and invitations."

"Oh, and she's cruel."

She laughed again when he kissed her cheek and stepped beside her, ready to dry and put away the dishes as they were cleaned. This wasn't new, she would always wash the dishes and he'd dry them and put them away. The only difference between that night and all the others when they stayed in, was that she had cooked the food instead of them ordering out. This was always the way they did things when they had a night in. Simply because he could reach the higher shelves of the cabinets without straining or getting the help of a stool. She'd learned months ago that he could be just as stubborn as she was when she told him he didn't have to help, but he insisted.

"Have you talked to, Ben today?"

She smiled as she rinsed the plate in her paws and handed it to him.

"Yeah, predictably he was excited."

"I think you may be right about the fan club thing."

They shared a laugh at that as she handed another plate to him she'd just gotten done washing. He took it from her and carefully dried it after putting the other one away. But she paused as she was cleaning a pan, looking over at him quietly. She hadn't heard yet if he had another planned hustle, the next day. But she really hoped he didn't. Judy had come to find that it was harder to sleep without him with her. During the times, Nick was able to stay over she'd found that she slept more deeply and restfully than without him.

Nick turned toward her once the plate he'd been drying was put away and was surprised when another dish wasn't waiting for him. But once their eyes met, he knew the reason. She always got that same look on her face when she wanted him to stay over. Every since that first time she always gave him this hopeful, lonely look that never failed to warm him. Now was no different.

There was no need for words between the two of them, they could communicate simply with expressions and gestures at times. All it took was a smile and she was beaming at him again, momentarily forgetting the pan to hug him. He didn't even mind that she got soapy water on his clothes as she squeezed him and he ran a paw down her ears affectionately. If he could please her just by being here, why wouldn't he? He'd just have to text or call Finn later and let him know the newest hustle was postponed for another day.

Besides he couldn't leave her tonight after their almost argument earlier. Seeing her cry had shattered him and the tension - though gone now - was like a shadow in the back of his mind. She hadn't been thinking of their wedding. He didn't know what she had actually been thinking about, but it definitely wasn't that. She wore her heart on her sleeve and he'd clearly seen sympathy and hardened indignation on her face for some reason. Then when asking about the future, the way she clearly emotionally recoiled into herself.. He didn't know what she was actually thinking, but at least now he knew that he was part of it. Whatever it was her plan may be, he was included and that was for him. For now.

A few hours later with stomachs full and the dishes washed and put away, the two of them were in her bedroom watching a movie. A bad movie filled with old green screen CGI and costumes. They did this often just for a good laugh, pointing out errors that didn't get edited out and over-acting. These were easily some of the most treasured moments for the two of them. Both of them dressed down for bed, watching a bad movie and cuddled up to one another.

Tonight she leaned against his chest while they sat at the foot of the bed, his arms wrapped around her front. But his eyes were more focused on her than on the television screen. He dreaded when the sun would come up and he'd have to leave her again. She, like every mammal had a living to earn though. He planned to take her to work the next day though, like he always did when he stayed over. He still didn't like that her career was so dangerous. But like he told her that day months ago, he'd rather see her stay on the force. It would make him feel better knowing that there was at least one cop on the force he could trust. One that wouldn't look at him and only see some criminal. He had to do deal with his anxiety over her career. As much as it worried him, he wouldn't ask her to give up her career for him. She'd wanted to be a cop for practically her whole life. She'd told him that on their second date. And he would do anything for this bunny, dealing with anxiety included. ...Even if he now made sure to have CB radio to listen for news about her just in case. She may not know it especially after his teasing remarks earlier, but he really did plan to marry her.

"Bet, I can predict what happens next," she sing-songed and he chuckled. He pretended to have been watching the movie all along and slid his gaze toward the screen.

"Let's hear it."

"The murderer is going to pop out in three..two..one.." On cue the bayonet wielding psychopath jumped in front of the victim who let out a shriek of fear, narrowly avoiding a swing of the blade. "Nailed it~"

He simply hummed in response, his eyes back on her. Her bright smile was so beautiful and infectious, never failing to light up her eyes and make them seem to sparkle. That very smile was on her muzzle now, eyes sparkling as she laughed at the overly dramatic way the actress "tripped". This amazing bunny was everything that a male like himself could wish for in a mate. She was strong, but had a gentle heart and an easily forgiving nature. She didn't agree with what he did to earn money, but didn't stay on him about it either. She merely made sure all was legal, even if barely. She knew her limits, but didn't let them slow her determination in anything she did. She didn't let anyone profile her for her species instead of what she was capable of. Nor did she profile others. Not since.. He pushed that thought away, it may as well be ancient history now. But that was another thing, she could admit when she was wrong and stomp all over her pride to apologize. Even earlier today, when he'd been the one to misunderstand, she apologized to him. No one had ever done that before her and he'd been plenty wrong before her. Still was even.

But even so, the two of them had come out of that ordeal all those months ago. They came back stronger both in character and in their relationship. He was the first one she sought after coming back to Zootopia. She tearfully apologized, didn't excuse her actions. She didn't ask for his forgiveness even though it agonized her to think of him possibly hating her. Hate her.. Hah! How could he ever hate her? He wouldn't deny that she'd hurt him badly back then. But her coming back, finding him, seeing the wrong she did and apologizing, begging him to help. He had fallen hard all over again. Hopelessly in love with this bunny cop and he knew she felt the same.

He was barely aware of his tail thumping softly against the mattress as his hold tightened ever so slightly. He didn't even realize what he was doing when his head dipped and kissed her shoulder then opened his muzzle to gently press his sharp teeth in past her fur and against her skin. He didn't break the skin, but she reacted all the same and not in the way one would think a bunny would react to a fox.

A soft sigh and what could have been a moan broke free of her now parted lips as her head fell back against his shoulder. Her eyes fluttered shut and his response was completely instinctual. A soft growl of possessiveness was released as he repeated the gesture. Again she gave out that soft sound and this time something that smelled sweet tickled his nose. Her thighs clenching together made it clear just what that scent had been even if he hadn't already known.

There was no hesitation as he lifted his mouth from her shoulder and moved a paw to her cheek. It took little prompting for her to turn her head towards his; and with a whisper of her name, he sealed their lips together. Unlike the others, this kiss carried heat and desire that neither tried to tamp down.

The movie went forgotten as clothes were removed, paws roamed and explored, and two bodies became one. They joined together again and again even long after the movie had ended. The only sounds in the apartment were gasps and moans with occasional growls. Wet sounds sounded from the bathroom and a feminine voice called out the name of her love. Sometimes her call was answered with her own name or a growl, other times her voice was cut off with a kiss. It was only after the clock showed past midnight that both were sated and the sounds turned into heavy breathing.

Neither ever had trouble falling asleep when with one another. Tonight, sleep claimed them quicker than ever as they lay cuddled up together. Their sexually heated bodies gradually cooling from their high.

The following morning, Nick woke up to his phone alarm and squinted sleepy eyes at the bright device. Judy lay against his chest, sleeping peacefully and warmly with a contented smile, one arm around him and her ear pressed over his heartbeat. He dismissed the alarm and scrolled through his contacts until he found the one he was looking for then pressed the phone to his ear, waiting until someone picked up on the other end.

"Hey Finn. Listen we're gonna have to postpone that gig today."

"Let me guess, officer bunny?" Finnick replied, he didn't seem mad about it though. More like amused. "Girl's got ya whipped fox. Gonna hand her a leash and collar ta use on ya?"

"Ha.. You're funny. Anyway I need to hang up before I wake her up. She goes into the station today."

"Yeah, yeah. See ya later then."

He hung up and with the call ended, settled back down. His eyes closed and he contentedly breathed in deeply. The room and bed were both more saturated with their combined scents after last night. He wasn't surprised to find himself still stuck within her either. Desire had been building between them for a long while before they gave into it the night prior. It seemed Judy shared the sentiment as she sleepily mumbled his name and gave a soft nuzzle against his chest. He smiled at the display and kissed her head between her ears. This bunny was all his.

Soon he was asleep again with his arms lovingly around his mate, a smile still on his lips.

MamaFox: Hey everyone! What do you think of the new and improved Love Bites? ^^ Let me know, leave a review. Also, I think this is the perfect time to announce one final part to this AU... Before I start a whole new series for it. You read that right, I heard your requests faithful readers and you'll be a getting a series. In it the scenes that were jumped will be getting attention and questions you all may have will be answered. Be looking for it. ^^

Disclaimer: I own nothing but the story~ Also I'm still AC just with a new username. You can also find me on AO3 under the user name MamaFox