-We are 10-7-

One would think that when the detection team had alerted on something that everything would turn to chaos.

Big armored trucks would rumble onto the scene, firetrucks would be scattered around the area with the lights flashing, paramedics desperately running around with patients on gurneys.

Yeah….no.

Instead, Nick and Judy found themselves looking at the same stretch of snow-covered street for the remainder of their shift. The EOD team didn't come through their checkpoint. Apparently, they had already been deployed at the command center which was several blocks away. So when the call came over the radio that explosive material had been found the team simply loaded up and left from the main camp.

What was even more annoying was how now the detection team and ordinance team changed radio frequencies to keep their chatter not only on the down low but also so they had a clear frequency to work on. The last thing they wanted was the radio taken up by requests for a bathroom break from a checkpoint.

Add that to the fact that not even the press showed up to poke around and you had one mind-numbingly boring shift.

By the time the EOD team had finally cleared the scene and the all-clear was given Judy and Nick were at the end of their shift. Since the perimeter had been collapsed so citizens could return home they didn't need to wait for relief either.

"Well, Carrots, another day another dollar," Nick repeated his end of shift mantra as they loaded up into their squad car.

Judy actually was glad to hear the same words she always heard from her fox partner. As the shift had carried on they put more and more distance from the embarrassing events of the day before. From the looks of it, things were returning to normal for the fox and bunny pair. Even if it just meant that pair were still just friends.

"It's a good thing one of us packed some snacks in their duty bag," Judy teased from the passenger seat as she gave Nick a wink, "Because a certain cheap fox seemed to have found a way of squirming out of his lunch buying duties."

"It took a lot of planning but in the end, I feel covering half of Tundra Town in snow was worth not having to buy you lunch," Nick chuckled before glancing at Judy. "Won't lie I was curious how you planned to embarrass yourself today."

Judy's eyes went wide and a warm blush went up her ears which quickly fell behind her head.

"Nick seriously…?" Judy grumbled.

"Hey Carrots," Nick pulled the squad car over into an alleyway which caused Judy to look over at Nick with a curious gaze. "Maybe I was a bit rash yesterday."

"What?" Judy blurted out her eyes still wide with both shock and confusion.

"Listen, I just was caught off guard was all," Nick began to explain as he turned in his seat and looked at the small bunny next to him, a hesitation in his eyes, but also something more, a hunger.

"Nick it is ok I-", Judy began but fell silent when she realized Nick was leaning closer to her.

"There is no reason we shouldn't try this," Nick said as he leaned even closer, climbing over his own seat and towering over Judy who let her mouth fall open.

"Nick?"

"Try everything right?" Nick asked as he licked his muzzle, one of his large paws reaching up and gently rubbing Judy's cheek.

"Oh wow…" Judy let out as her eyelids drooped.

"Carrots?" Nick asked in a whisper.

"Yes, Nick?"

"Oh, Carrots?"

Oh my gosh, we are going to do it! We are gonna kiss!

"Carrots?"

Something felt off. The way Nick managed to say Judy's cute little nickname without moving his lips was kind of impressive. That's when it hit Judy.

Wait….no…nonononono

"Carrots?!"

Judy suddenly woke up, nearly jumping out of her seat, fortunately for her, she was still buckled up.

The small bunny checked her surroundings and groaned. They were in their squad car which was currently stuck in the traffic just on the perimeter of Tundra Town.

"Maybe we should turn the heat off?" Nick suggested as he reached over to the control panel by the dashboard. He then looked over at the embarrassed bunny, "I nearly dozed off myself."

"Sorry Nick," Judy grumbled, realizing that she had drifted off in the warm air of the squad car. That once again her imagination had played tricks on her through a dream.

"So," Nick began as he stifled a yawn, "Care to explain why you were mumbling my name in your sleep?"

Oh, Cheese and Crackers!

"Heh yeah…umm…" Judy frantically racked her brain for an excuse as to why she would be mumbling the name of the mammal next to her. It suddenly hit her, "Just berating dream you for skipping out on buying me lunch."

The doe was actually rather proud of her last-minute tactic and felt a wave of relief wash over-

"You were dreaming of us kissing weren't you."

Damnit!

"No ew why would I be dreaming that?"

Judy didn't dare look over to the seat next to her, knowing full well a pair of unconvinced emerald green eyes were on her.

"Ok Carrots, lunch," Nick said with a smug chuckle.

Him….it just had to be him?!

"So how about I buy you drinks instead to make up for lunch, don't want my rep as a stand-up officer to be tarnished."

"Stand up officer?" Judy asked it was her turn to chuckle as she finally glanced over at her partner. "Think you mean stand-up comedian."

"What do you call a three-hump camel?" Nick asked as he wiggled his eyebrows at the bunny across from him.

Judy let out a laugh and shook her head, "Don't you know any other jokes?"

"Oh lots, but you have to pay extra to hear those."

"Put it on my tab."

"A weasel walks into a bar, the bartender asks what can I get you? Pop goes the weasel."

Judy closed her eyes and groaned as she put a paw to her forehead.

"Hey now don't be hating, that one cost you."

"Cost me?! I would have paid not to hear that one," Judy teased.

"Paying not to hear them, got it," Nick said with a smirk. After a few seconds of silence, he finally spoke again, "Wow Carrots this is costing you a fortune."

"You can't charge me for being silent!" Judy shot back as she waved her paws about.

The rest of the car ride back to the main precinct was more of the same. Nick being his regular smug and goofy self as Judy tried to one-up the fox's wit.

It wasn't all jokes though. As it turned out Nick was serious about his offer to buy Judy drinks which surprised the doe. While they were used to spending a lot of time with one another after work they had never really gone to a bar together. Not in the way Nick was suggesting at least. Sure there was the occasion or two where they went with friends or fellow officers. This, however, sounded just like the two of them.

Try as Judy might she couldn't keep her imagination in check. She began to wonder what she could wear that may wow the fox.

It's not a date, its drinks with a friend. Calm down, Judy. We are just going to go have some drinks at some bar and then back to my place. ALONE! Not with him, don't even try….what if I try? Cheese and crackers am I actually thinking of seducing my partner?!

"So let's say 7? I can swing by and pick you up."

"Which bar you thinking?" Judy asked, the destination would most likely tell her what kind of situation this was, it would also help the doe pick an outfit.

"Now that is a surprise," Nick said with a smirk.

"Oh come on Nick," Judy groaned as she looked up at the ceiling of their car. "You know how I am with surprises."

"You know you love them."

"Kinda, why don't you just tell me so I know if I need to wear something nice?"

"You always wear something nice," Nick pointed out which caused the doe to blush.

"So Bunny Burrow special it is."

"Actually," Nick said as he thought of something. "You still have one of your ZPD shirts?"

Judy glanced over at Nick with a disbelieving look, she then reached down and patted her vest, "That's like my whole wardrobe their slick."

"I meant like a running shirt or something," Nick laughed. "You can't go drinking in uniform." The fox paused, his eyes going wide, "Wait can we go drinking in uniform?!"

Judy snorted and shook her head, "No Nick, we can't, it's against-"

"That's what I thought," Nick grumbled.

"But I think I have a shirt that says ZPD, maybe one from my academy days."

"Perfect, Recruit Carrots."

"So casual?" Judy asked as she raised an eyebrow, "What bar were you thinking?"

"Nope," Nick said simply, trying to convince the doe to just accept that this would be a surprise.

"The Watering Hole in the Savanna District?"

Nick remained silent.

"The snapped Branch in the Forest district?"

Still silence.

"The Ice Block? The Waterside? The Meadowland Tavern? Howlers?" Judy continued to list the different bars she could think of. She soon ran out and decided restaurants, sadly the fox kept the same amused look on his face which told Judy nothing.

You would think after working together for so long I would be able to read him better…

When they pulled up to a red light Nick casually reached over and picked up the car's paw-held and clicked on the small black button on the side, "Central from Zulu 34"

"Go ahead Zulu 34," Came a female voice on the other end.

Nick looked over at Judy with a smug smirk before speaking, "10-7"

A few hours later a rather confused bunny in her navy blue ZPD t-shirt stood in front a rather inconspicuous brick building with an odd set of numbers in bright blue neon.

"10-7?" Judy asked as she tilted her head.

Nick who had just finished up with the Zuber driver walked up and stood next to Judy in a black ZPD shirt with a blue line running down the side. The fox looked straight ahead at a black rhino who had been sitting on a strained looking stool, the large mammal, however, stood up at the sight of Nick and crossed his arms.

"You are going to love it Carrots," Nick said as he strolled towards the somewhat annoyed looking rhino.

"Wait so that's the name?"

"Yup," Nick said as he reached into his back pocket and produced his wallet, flipping it open and presenting it to the bouncer.

"You got a lot of nerve showing up here Wilde," The rhino grumbled as he took the fox's wallet and checked the ZPD badge inside.

"Oh come on now Petey you're not still mad about that are you?" Nick asked with a chuckle.

"Why is it called the 10-7? I mean I thought it was the address. Do they know what it means in 10 code?" Judy asked as she scurried up beside Nick.

Petey shoved the badge back at Nick, pressing it against the fox's chest causing the vulpine to nearly fall back, "Come on now Petey, act nice, I brought you all a new customer."

"Really now?" The large mammal asked as he looked down at Judy. "You really want to be seen with the likes of him?"

Judy's lip curled slightly as she looked right into the rhino's eyes, surprised to see a kind of softness in his light brown eyes.

"Well he did promise to buy me a drink, but maybe I can convince him to sit a few tables down," Judy shot back.

The rhino roared with laughter as he held out his large hooves, "I like this one Wilde, so judging from the shirt you're ZPD. And I only know of one bunny working there."

Judy looked at Nick who held up his wallet, showing off his own ZPD badge. Judy followed the fox's instructions and produced her wallet and pawed it over to the rhino who gently opened up the small wallet and eyed the badge.

"Well well, Officer Hopps," The rhino said with a smirk. "Nice to finally meet you. One of your biggest fans works the bar so be prepared to take pictures because don't think she is going to take a no for an answer."

"Nice to meet you too Petey, can't wait to meet her," Judy said, her natural friendly demeanor coming out. "So what is it my partner did to earn such a welcome? Not that it's uncommon….seems to be the normal way mammals react when they see Nick."

"Hey now!" Nick shot back but laughed none the less.

"Let's just say we aren't going to be playing cards with him anytime soon," Petey said as he looked over at the fox and then back at Judy, returning her wallet.

"Ah, yeah I learned that the hard way a while back, had to buy him lunch for like a week," Judy grumbled.

"What a week," Nick said in a dreamlike state.

"So first time to the 10-7 right?" Petey asked, trying to ignore Nick and his smug attitude.

"Yes," Judy said as she looked back up at the large blue neon sign. "You all know it means Out of Service in 10 code right? Is the bar out of service all the time?" Judy asked with a playful wink.

Petey chuckled as he looked at Nick, "This one has some wits about her, she will fit right in."

"Wouldn't exactly call it wit- OUCH!" Nick received a quick slug on the arm, the fox stepping to the side and rubbing his fur.

"Oh yeah, she will be right at home here," Petey roared with laughter before looking back at Judy. "10-7 is actually the best name for this place in my opinion."

"How so?" Judy asked excitedly.

Petey looked over at Nick who thought for a moment, "I know you want to Petey, so do the thing."

The rhino smirked and gave the fox a nod before looking back down at the bunny. He took in a deep breath and then began with a quickly prepared speech, "Alright Officer Hopps, you are 10-7 and around others who are as well. No picking fights with the firefighters and don't expect the paramedics to help you with a hangover because they are going to be too busy nursing their own."

Judy tilted her head at first in some confusion but it finally hit her, this wasn't just any bar.

Petey stepped to the side and pushed the main door open and revealed the interior of the bar, "Welcome Judy to the 10-7, the first responder bar, thank you for your service."

Judy was in a dreamlike state that she didn't know if she thanked Petey or not for his kind words. Her feet had minds of their own as she slowly walked into the bar, her eyes widening in astonishment.

"Thanks, Petey," Nick said as he followed Judy inside.

"You all have a good night Wilde, and I plan on winning back my money next week," With that, the rhino closed the door behind the two officers and returned to sitting on his bar stool which made a strained noise in protest.

The 10-7 was a mix of an old brick tavern with a modern twist. Judy was amazed at how homely everything felt while still feeling refreshed.

A bright flash of blue and red caught the doe's attention. She looked up and let out a gasp, her paws going to her mouth.

Hanging from the ceiling at various angles were the different lightbars one would normally see on top of emergency vehicles. Occasionally one would come to life and flash suddenly. Judy recognized one from a ZPD cruiser right away. There were single dome lights one would see on undercover vehicles, large ones that belonged to the ZFD, even some bright white and reds from an ambulance.

As Judy looked at the lights her gaze reached a series of flags also hanging from the ceiling. Each one was from the different departments in Zootopia that helped protect the citizens of the city.

The ZPD flag caused Judy's chest to swell with pride as she studied the shield in the center of a sea of light blue.

"So do I know how to pick a bar or what?" Nick asked as he leaned down, his muzzle right next to Judy's head.

"Nick this place is so…."

"I know."

"How long have you known about this place?"

"Been friends with one of the bartenders for ages and the owner and I-" Nick didn't get a chance to finish as Judy turned around and shoved the fox playfully.

"You have known about this amazing bar for ages now and you never brought it up?! This bar is made for someone like me!" Judy said as she put a paw on her hip and eyed the fox who snorted.

"Yeah, why you never bring it up, Wilde?" A zebra in a firemammals shirt managed to slur as he stumbled past.

"Go sit down with the other children Ed," Nick said with a laugh.

"No, want to see you get your butt whooped," The zebra said with a laugh.

Judy looked up at the zebra who raised a full glass at Judy and nodded, "I'll whoop him on the bar later Ed, and then you for not telling me about this place too."

"Ah dang it…" The zebra groaned. "Good seeing you Judy."

With that, the larger mammal stumbled away.

Judy glanced back at her partner, "So, care to explain why I am not learning about this bar till just now?"

"Because didn't take you for the bar type till two weeks ago," Nick said with a sly smile.

Judy's eyes went wide as she hurried over to Nick and put her paws to his muzzle, "Don't! I hadn't eaten anything that day and the drinks were just…"

Judy slowly removed her paws from Nick's muzzle, "You wiggle your tail a lot when you're drunk."

After a series of arm slaps and threats of shaving the fox's tail the pair of officers made their way through the bar. Judy couldn't help but notice how Nick seemed to scan the room. At first, she thought he was taking in their surroundings but she soon realized that Nick seemed to be looking for someone.

"Hmmm, where is that annoying little-" Nick would grumble as they weaved through the bar.

Judy tried to figure out what the fox was up to but was soon distracted by her own surroundings. Whoever had designed the bar had really gone all out to accommodate the various mammals that visited.

While most bars were open to all species it was obvious who they mainly catered for. Some bars would have massive booths designed for larger clientele that left smaller mammals like Nick and Judy to sit in what would feel like a private room of a booth.

Other bars were cramped because they mainly served smaller species. One of them in the Meadowlands boasted serving all mammals but when one visited it was obvious it was meant for bunnies because no one else could even fit in the front door.

The 10-7, however, seemed to have taken the time to accommodate everyone. There were barstools of various sizes spread around the bar so no one felt like they were sitting on a table. Special devices on the side of each stool would help lower and raise the furniture so one could be level with the bar. The bar itself had several large tiers. Like a series of long steps, it was designed so the bartenders could easily serve mammals whether they be the largest of water buffalo or the smallest of mice. There was even a large elephant sitting casually at one end of the bar, drinking what could easily be described as a barrel of beer.

Judy spotted a few familiar faces around the bar, making a list of mammals she intended to give a hard time to later since they all looked like regulars which meant they knew about the bar and had never told the bunny from the ZPD.

As much as Judy would have liked to wander around the bar and take in all the interesting sights her ears went up when she heard Nick speak.

"Hmm, she is around here somewhere I know it," Nick said with a sigh.

"Who ya looking for Slick?" Judy asked as they made their way through the bar, looking for a spot to sit.

"Your biggest fan," Nick said with a smirk, "Been having to deal with her shenanigans for ages now, she kept begging me to bring you here."

"And why didn't you?" Judy asked as she stuck out her tongue.

"Was trying to keep you from a certain bubbly nuisance."

"Looking out for your partner huh?"

"More like worrying about you two ganging up on me," Nick corrected which caused Judy to laugh.

"Oh I want to meet this mystery mammal even more now," Judy said excitedly with a mischievous smile.

"See, that right there, that's the reason I haven't brought you here till now," Nick grumbled as he put a paw on Judy's shoulder and guided her through the series of different sized high top tables. "She will just have to come find us at our booth."

"Oh so been here so many times you have a booth?"

"Did I say my booth Carrots? No. I said our booth."

"What makes it ours?"

Nick nodded ahead at small half-moon low booth. It looked more like a blue circular couch than anything but Judy didn't mind. It wasn't until they were closer that she realized why this booth was "their booth".

The walls of the bar were covered in various pictures of mammals in different uniforms through the ages. There were pics from the ZPD, ZFD, ZEMS, all the big ones were represented through pictures and the occasional framed newspaper clipping.

The wall above "their" booth was no different. The framed image, however, was something that made Judy get all warm and fuzzy inside when she saw it.

Hanging on the wall behind their table was a framed newspaper from the ZNN print edition. The headline was about Nick's graduation "ZPD Welcomes First Fox to Force."

A picture of Judy and Nick in their dress uniforms was in the center of the paper. Both of them smiling at the camera. While Judy had tried to stand at attention she had given in and put a paw on Nick's back when he placed a friendly arm around her shoulder.

"Oh my gosh!" Judy exclaimed as she scrambled onto the cushioned seat and stood on her tiptoes to get a better look at the picture. Even though she had seen it many times before it never failed to elicit the same emotions.

She felt her chest swell with pride as she looked up at the picture. She reached out and pressed a paw to the glass right against the spot with Nick's smiling face.

"If you think the fox in the picture is handsome you should see the real thing," Nick teased as he got settled into his seat.

Judy rolled her eyes and looked down at the vulpine who smirked up at her.

"Did you do this?" Judy asked excitedly, her tail flicking with joy.

"Wish I could take credit but I don't pick where the pictures go," Nick said as he raised his paws. "It is a more recent edition though. A certain someone rearranged the pictures a while back so you and I could have our own booth, think it was her way of getting us to come in."

Judy's ears raised up at Nick's explanation, "Alright, where is this mammal? I need to thank them muzzle to muzzle because this is awesome."

"Well well well," Came a lovely sounding voice behind Judy. "Look who finally showed up."

Judy turned around, her ears turning a rosy color as she realized she had just been caught not only standing on the furniture but putting her paws on a picture. The mammal before her was an attractive looking otter. The small predator was sporting a bright red shirt with the bar's logo printed in white letters across her chest.

"Judy this is Em," Nick said casually.

Judy looked at the otter, then to the picture, then back to Nick who shook his head.

Not her? Ok, then who mister?

"Nice to meet you, ma'am," Judy said as she plopped down in her seat and looked across the low circular table at the otter.

"Ma'am?" Em asked as she raised an eyebrow and stared at Judy with a pair of brilliantly green eyes. "You aren't on shift anymore sweetie, don't be so formal."

The otter glanced over at Nick who shrugged, "She has a problem turning it off sometimes, how ya been Em?"

"Been good," The otter said sweetly as she reached out and adjusted part of Nick's sleeve. "We haven't seen you in a spell, but bringing in Trisha's crush means all is forgiven."

Judy couldn't explain it but she felt a sudden pang of jealousy course through her at the sight of this mammal touching her partner. She was so focused on Em's paw and why it was lingering on Nick's arm she nearly missed the last comment.

"Wait, whose crush?" Judy asked as she tilted her head.

"Speaking of the little troublemaker," Nick mumbled as he looked through the crowd.

"She left early," Em said with a smirk as she reached for her cell phone. "Which means I get to do this." The otter raised her cell phone up and aimed it right at Judy, "Alright get together you two."

Nick rolled his eyes and scooted over towards Judy, placing an arm around her shoulder. Judy suddenly felt bad for feeling jealousy towards Em, after all, she had just found a way to make Nick hold her. It was the little victories sometimes. Judy leaned against Nick and rested her head against the fox, beaming at the otter's cellphone.

"Perfect," Em said with a smirk as she lowered her phone and examined the screen. After sending out a quick message Em returned to her bartending duties, "So what can I get for you two?"

"The Signal 2 back in stock?" Nick asked with a smirk.

"Just got the shipment today, hence why blue eyes isn't here, she had to come in early for deliveries so have a feeling she will be giving the boss hell for that," Em said with a chuckle as she looked over at Judy. "And for you sweetie?"

"Umm, well…" Judy mumbled as she looked at the table for a menu. Em noticed the doe's stare and her eyes went wide.

"Where in the world is the menu?" The otter asked as she glanced at the table. She looked over her shoulder at the other tables and noticed they too were devoid of the 10-7's menu. "Taconny was supposed to prep tables today."

"She will probably want a daiquiri of some kind," Nick began which caused Judy to glance over at the fox, her cheeks warming at the fact he knew her preferred method of drinking.

"Preference on flavor or dealers choice?" Em asked as she glanced at Judy.

"Surprise me," Judy said playfully.

"Beetle flavored it is," Em said with a wink.

"Wait Em!" Judy began but the otter was already gone.

"Oh, beetle flavored? Good choice Carrots," Nick teased.

"Taconny where are all my menus?" Em shouted from somewhere near the bar.

"They are totally not being used as a fort in the breakroom, I swear….seriously though don't go into the break room," An energetic sounding voice responded.

"So, the Signal 2?" Judy asked as she raised an eyebrow at Nick.

"Don't knock it till you try it Carrots," Nick shot back.

"Isn't that signal code for drunk disorderly?"

"We took a Zuber here too so I don't have to worry about driving."

Judy busted out laughing at the last comment and shook her head as she sat back in her cushioned seat. The doe slowly glanced around the bar and the various mammals currently enjoying their night out. She soon noticed how almost everyone in the bar was in some type of half uniform. The occasional set of BDUs giving away a mammal's job, or how they spoke to one another. The firemammals were easy to spot because of their loud and somewhat obnoxious behavior.

After surveying the patrons Judy glanced around the bar and enjoyed some of the different images across the bar. Nick took notice of this and occasionally helped Judy by pointing out certain pictures.

"You know there are two more of you in here?" Nick commented as he looked back at Judy.

The doe's eyes went wide as she sat in a kind of shocked eagerness, "Really? Which ones?! Wait…Nick…Which ones?"

"Think one of you joining the ZPD is by the bar and the other is-" Nick was interrupted by a series of chirps coming from his phone.

The fox reached down and produced his cell phone and chuckled.

"What's up?" Judy asked as she scooted closer to the fox.

Nick simply turned the phone so Judy could read the message.

"How is it you bring her in right after I left Wilde? Thought we were friends? : ( "

"Tell her to come back and meet me," Judy said excitedly.

Em arrived with a pair of drinks for the fox and bunny duo, she glanced at Nick's phone and gave him a knowing smile.

"She just hung up with me, think she had a heart attack when she got the picture."

"She should come back," Judy explained.

"Oh trust me I am sure the thought crossed her mind, but even that girl has her limits, stopping the express to the Forest district would be kind of hard."

"Don't tempt her now, bet she wouldn't hesitate to derail a train or two," Nick chuckled as he typed out a message before setting his phone down. "Thanks for the drinks Em."

Judy eyed her own drink which was a bright orange with red swirls, "Beetle?"

"Mango with strawberry," Em corrected with a smile. "Think Trisha would shave me if I served her hero beetle on her first night at the bar."

"The second visit though is going to be all beetle," Nick teased as he raised his glass.

"If you want I can find you another table Judy," Em teased as she glanced at Nick.

"No its fine, guess I can deal with him, better than putting up with the ZFD," Judy chuckled.

Em glanced back at Judy, "Now I know you aren't hating on my firemammals."

"I am just curious why we still call them first responders," Nick began which caused Em's eye to twitch as she slowly looked over at the vulpine. "I mean don't they wait for ZPD to secure the scene. Maybe we should call them second responders."

"Why do ZPD carry tranq guns?" Em asked as she put a paw on her hip. Before either Nick or Judy could answer they got a response, "Because they can't lift a firehose."

There were a few seconds of silence before the three shared a laugh.

To some, it may look as if the ZPD and ZFD didn't get along. In truth they did, splendidly actually. They may wear different uniforms but they were all on the same team with two goals in mind: Protect the citizens of the city and get home safe. They just enjoyed giving one another a hard time and from the looks of it the staff of the 10-7 were not only in on the jokes but provided some of their own.

Em excused herself to check on other patrons while Judy and Nick settled into their seats, each of them sipping generous amounts of their drinks. Occasionally Nick would get a message from Trisha which caused the fox to laugh and show Judy.

"So who is Trisha and why is she a fan of me?"

"We are all fans of you Judy," Nick said as he took a sip of beer, Judy had to look away for a moment lest Nick see the blush going up her ears. "I mean I didn't get my fur tattooed with you for nothing."

"Oh my gosh, Nick seriously?" Judy guffawed and had to hold her sides.

"Oh yeah, right on old lefty," Nick said as he sat up slightly, shaking his rear which caused Judy to laugh even harder.

As the night carried on and the drinks kept flowing the two smaller officers from the ZPD shared stories and jokes. Even though they worked with one another every day they still found something to talk about.

Unfortunately for Judy, Nick had a particular topic in mind after they both hit drink number 3.

"So Carrots," Nick began as he set down another empty glass. "About the kiss."

Judy's ears fell behind her head and she looked down at her lap. To her surprise, however, she felt a gentle paw under her chin, gently moving her gaze upward to a pair of caring green eyes.

"Do we have to talk about it again? I mean I have already apologized and-"

"I want to talk about us for just a second and then it's back to regular jokes and stories."

"Can we skip the jokes?"

"Don't you wanna hear about the three-humped…" Nick began but trailed off thanks to the unamused look on Judy's face. "Ok ok, no jokes. But there is something I need to say."

Oh, gosh…I'm going to need another drink.

"I want you to know Carrots that even though I don't wish to pursue the same things you do I still care about you," Nick began.

Judy's lips slowly curled into an embarrassed smile.

"I care about you a lot," Nick continued. "You have done for me things no one else ever has. You completely turned my life around. You made me someone I can be proud of when I look into the mirror. The only other mammal who has ever done that is my mother. So that should tell you how serious I am."

"I'm like your mother?" Judy asked as her eyelids drooped.

"You even have her annoyed tone down," Nick teased as he reached over and gently scooped up Judy's paw in his own. "I don't mean you're like my mother. I mean you have done some amazing things for me. Things that I will never be able to repay you for."

Judy gently squeezed Nick's paw with her own as she looked into his eyes, she could tell that on this rather rare occasion how sincere he was actually being and she was truly touched.

So what if he wasn't pronouncing his love for her and making plans for more dates. There was still love between them and she didn't dare regret what kind it was. This fox meant so much to her that she was happy to simply know he cared about her.

"I just don't think I wanna risk what we have right now," Nick said with a sigh. "To lose you… I just can't imagine a day where I show up to work and we aren't what we are."

"Right now?" Judy asked as her ears raised.

Nick's eyes went wide and he opened his mouth to say something. His eyes darted from side to side before settling on Judy. The way he looked at her at that moment made Judy's legs go weak. If she were a weaker bunny she may have fainted at what Nick did next.

He slowly nodded as his eyelids drooped.

"So you're saying what?"

"I am saying that we are an awesome crime-fighting duo," Nick chuckled. "We are partners and friends. Who really knows what the future holds."

Judy tried to keep her emotions in check but her foot gave her away as a series of rapid thumps came from under the table.

Nick glanced down and then at the doe who simply blushed, "Sorry."

"I want you to promise me something Carrots…"

"Anything Nick."

"Don't hold back on my account."

"Hold back?"

"If things change or opportunities arise… I don't want you to wait on my account, I want you to-"

Judy reached up and put a paw to Nick's lips, silencing the fox. The stayed that way for a few seconds before Judy lowered her paw and simply nodded at the fox.

"Another round?" Em asked as she approached the table and eyed the two empty glasses.

"I mean you did Zuber," Judy pointed out to Nick who looked as if he was about to decline another round. The handsome fox looked back at Judy and smirked.

"Sure Em, keep them coming."

"Another round, I keep texting a certain someone teasing her. I know I am going to be in trouble now but this is just too fun," Em said with a mischievous smirk.

The rest of the night was a blur to Judy who was happy to just be spending time with Nick. It was towards the end of round 4 that the bunny finally scrambled onto Nick's lap and curled up. Nick having witnessed just how cuddly the bunny could get after a few drinks.

Much to Judy's happiness, she felt a pair of strong fox arms wrap around her, holding her close. To her, it didn't really matter what title she and Nick shared. To just bury her head into his chest and breath in his scent as he told her jokes was enough. As the spirits in Judy's system swirled the world around her the bunny closed her eyes. Try as she might she just couldn't stay awake. She was so content resting on Nick that she slowly drifted off.

A clicking noise nearby caused Nick's ears to raise, he looked over at Em who had her phone raised.

"Seriously?"

"Oh come on Nick, you two are so cute together."

"We are just friends," Nick muttered drunkenly as he finished another drink.

"Sure Wilde," Em chuckled as she strolled away with a smirk on her lovely lips.

Seconds later Nick received a text, glancing at the phone the fox groaned and rolled his eyes.

The image Em had just taken was on his screen, quickly followed by a message from someone labeled: Blue eyed monster.

"Sure Wilde :P"

Hey all!

So this story is not dead! Yay!

Sorry for the extremely long space between updates. Stuff in real life have gotten kind of crazy, had our ups but also some downs. We, however, are standing tall.

Special Thanks time:

OceRydia made an awesome cover for this story. Heck, I think half of you are here because she made the cover because she is awesome! The cover is hinting at some future events that I am sure you will all start putting together. Thanks again Oce for the amazing picture. If you all enjoy the coverpic you should head over to Oce's deviant art, , and all that stuff. She has some truly amazing pictures out there. Some of them including a certain brown bunny bartender.

Thank you all again for your continued support and patience. Hope you enjoyed the chapter, more coming soonish I hope.

-Blue