Barkeeps 6: The new doe

"No escape…" Nick muttered as he slumped in the driver seat.

"Oh come on Nick," Judy said sweetly from the passenger seat, reaching over to place a paw on top of the fox's. The bunny gave her partner a gentle squeeze and a warm smile, but the vulpine just stared out the front window as they continued to weave through the evening traffic.

"No escape…" Nick muttered again as he let his ears lower to the top of his head.

Judy rolled her eyes as she looked back out the window. Refusing to let the fox bring down her mood. Of course she had a feeling Nick was just messing around with her.

The pair were on their way back to the 10-7 bar after a short hiatus. They had been working at the establishment on the side in order to help out the short staffed bar and also make a little extra cash on the side. As it turned out the whole ordeal had been a lot more fun than either mammal had expected and they soon found themselves reaching the end of the gig sooner than they thought possible.

Both Nick and Judy had been somewhat sad to end their short tenure at the bar. That was until something had come up. The main reason Nick and Judy had taken the job was actually to help out their friends Trisha and Em. It was suppose to be for just a week and the week went by rather quickly. Once the majority of the staff returned though Nick and Judy were no longer needed.

That was until two of the bartenders put in their two weeks. It wasn't a bad thing though. Aaron, a handsome Thompson gazelle, had decided to return to college and would need to focus all his time on studying. He had also convinced his friend Samantha to join him and soon the wolf had decided to end her job at the 10-7 as well.

The owner Echo, though sad to see her two friends go, was more than happy to see them leave in order to pursue education. There had been a small going away party hosted at the 10-7 for the two former members of the bar. Everyone was in attendance as fond memories were shared and a few last pictures taken. Echo had even told them they would always have a place at the 10-7 and to return if they ever needed anything. The painted dog was very close to all her employees and felt like they were one big family.

Of course sometimes families have to part for a short while.

Now though the bar found themselves short staffed once more.

Trisha had made a joke to Judy about forcing Nick to bartend again. Something that the gray doe leapt on immediately. Judy missing the times at the bar and the chance to work with all her friends there. Nick had made an effort at first to look unhappy at the prospect. Of course Judy noticed that he had recently been spending time looking up more drink recipes, even before they had been offered a chance to return to the bar.

At the end of their shifts at the ZPD Nick would try and convince Judy to try a few new drinks he was creating when they got home. Judy thought it was kind of cute how the fox did his best to play off how he wasn't looking forward to this.

The predator had shown his paw though when just a few hours before he had gotten dressed in what Judy liked to call his "bartender black" outfit. A pair of nice black pants with an untucked button up shirt to match. She found herself studying the handsome tod more in that outfit than normal.

Of course Nick wasn't the only one dressed up for work. Judy was sporting her own 10-7 shirt. The same one Trisha had given her on the last night working the bar. She modeled it off to Nick before they left for the bar. Which was one of the reasons they were now running a little behind. Both of them had to take a little extra time to clean themselves up after the little fashion show put on by Judy which had both mammals sharing a passionate embrace as they clawed their way back to their bedroom.

"We are here," Nick announced as he pulled his car into a vacant spot near the bar. Judy taking note on how fast the fox managed to park the car and how he eagerly got out of the vehicle. By the time the cute little doe had managed to exit the vehicle Nick was standing on the sidewalk patiently waiting for her.

"You know Nick, if you want we can tell them we aren't available tonight," Judy suggested, "Maybe we can go catch a movie instead."

Nick tried to keep a calm and cool look on his face but Judy knew her fox. The sadness in his eyes told her that he didn't want to cancel their plans to work at the 10-7.

Judy smiled as she skipped over and wrapped her paws around Nick's waist, "Ok slick, let's go cause some trouble."

If only Judy and Nick had known what actual trouble was waiting for them behind the doors of the 10-7. Maybe Nick would have taken Judy up on her offer of a movie. Or maybe he would have rushed Judy far away from the bar. Of course neither of the mammals were psychic and were unaware of the craziness that was currently bouncing around inside the first responder bar.

There were a few subtle hints that something was up though. Petey had this odd smile about him when the fox and bunny approached. The rhino offering them both a friendly nod. Judy however scored a fist bump which added a skip in her step.

"You two have fun now," Petey said suggestively. Something that caught Nick as off. The fox eyed the rhino who just chuckled and gave Nick a knowing look. Before either of the off duty officers could pursue the subject the bouncer pushed the door open and ushered the couple inside.

It was early evening and the sun was still up so the bar was actually somewhat deserted. Only a pawful of patrons were present. In fairness it was the middle of the weekend and most responders were stuck working on those days so it wasn't a surprise to see the bar in this state.

What was a surprise though as two sets of bunny ears currently peaking over the counter of the bar by the door.

The ears twitched slightly as Nick and Judy approached. Trisha's ears were instantly recognizable. The large brown ears were complimented by rather thick black tips. Most bunny's had smaller patches of black fur on their tips, like Judy's. Trisha however seemed to have not gotten the memo.

The other pair of ears were a bit unfamiliar. The white fur was covered in a series of black spots that made no real pattern. They were also slightly smaller than Trisha's which indicated a younger rabbit.

There was some giggling followed by several hushed whisper. While Nick had trouble picking up what was being said Judy managed to eavesdrop on the conversation.

"Ok Taco, pay close attention. This is going to be on the test later," came Trisha's giddy voice.

"There is a test on attacking the fox?" an unfamiliar voice asked.

"You want to work at the 10-7 permanently right?"

"Uh Yes! This place is awesome!"

"Shhhhhh, ok watch and learn," Trisha whispered.

Judy contemplated whether she should warn Nick as to what was about to happen. Both she and Nick were now standing on the other side of the counter In front of the two somewhat hidden bunnies. Judy estimated that Trisha would have no problem tackling the fox if she built up enough momentum.

She finally made her decision in the matter and grinned evilly as she took a step to the side. Right on cue a cardboard coaster flew from behind the bar and landed on Nick's head, right between his ears.

"Oh for crying out loud," The fox grumbled as he realized what had just happened. Nick reached up and pulled the coaster off his head and looked at it, grumbling about a certain brown bunny. This was his downfall though as he had been focusing on the coaster. As he looked up from the small circle cut out currently held in front of him his emerald eyes went wide as he spotted a brown fur missile shooting right at him.

"Sneak attack!" Trisha shouted as she collided with the surprised predator, causing him to fall on his back as the brown doe wrapped her arms around him.

Judy giggled as she watched Trisha slowly crawl and sit on Nick's chest as she gave the fox a triumphant look. "Gone are the days of the fox being the predator! The bunnies shall rise to be their overlords!"

Nick groaned as he just laid on the floor. He wasn't injured though. He just didn't want to deal with getting back up at the moment.

Trisha giggled as she wiggled her tail slightly, obviously making herself comfortable. Had this been any other bunny Judy may have worried. With Trisha however she knew it was all in harmless fun. Plus it did make Judy smile knowing how easily Nick could be taken down.

Trisha looked over her shoulder and beamed at Judy. The brown doe crawled off Nick and skipped over. Judy opened her arms up and brought her friend into a loving hug. The two does nuzzling into one another as they greeted each other. This was the relationship Judy had with Trisha and she loved every bit of it. The brown ball of energy could be a bit much sometimes but all her flirting was in fun, it was a kind of social mechanism that would calm even the most anxious of mammals.

"Oh watch this!" Trisha exclaimed as she stood next to Judy and kept an arm around her friend's waist. Judy felt one of her ears droop as she gave Trisha an odd look and then looked in the direction of Trisha's gaze.

Nick slowly sat up and rubbed his side and looked over at the two does standing nearby. "What are you up to?" the fox asked, picking up the mischievous grin on Trisha's face.

"Now," Trisha said softly. It was just enough for Nick to miss but the pair of black and white ears behind the bar twitched.

"Sneak attack!" came a sweet voice as a white bunny covered in lovely black spots leapt from behind the bar and propelled herself at Nick.

"Ahhhhhhhhhhh!" The fox shouted as he watched in horror as a two colored fur rocket fly at him. A pair of gray blue eyes and a happy grin was all the fox saw before the new small bunny collided with his head. The smaller mammal hitting Nick so her stomach as pressed to his face.

Trisha and Judy winced as one as they watched Nick hit the floor once more. The bunny still latched onto the Fox's russet fur.

Judy was a little worried about Nick but was more concerned with this new bunny, it had looked like quiet the hit. Both Judy and Trisha's worries vanished as the black and white bunny looked up and smiled.

"How was that?" The new girl asked happily.

"Not bad for a first time, I will give it a 7." Trisha said with a giggle.

"8," Judy joined in with a chuckle. She was a little apprehensive with how this new bunny seemed so content laying on top of Nick's head. She did however have a feeling it was all in fun so she kept her jealousy in check.

The doe slowly climbed off Nick and rubbed her side. "Think one of his canines got my new shirt," the bunny mumbled as she checked the fabric. The bunny was wearing a dark red shirt with the bars logo on her chest. She was sporting a pair of black leggings that seemed to go well with the crimson.

"Oi Nick!" Trisha said as she hurried over to the bunny and inspected her side. "Watch it with the teeth!"

"I'm fine in case anyone was wondering…" Nick groaned from the floor.

"I'm Taconny, nice to meet you Fine," the black and white bunny said playfully.

"Oh honey..." Trisha groaned as she rolled her eyes. "Just no..."

Taconny seemed undeterred at the comment and beamed, closing her eyes while a wide open mouth grin crossed her lips. Judy was reminded a little of Atom and his famous smiles.

Once Trisha was satisfied her trainee was ok she smiled at Judy and put her paws on Taconny shoulders and lead the doe over to Judy.

"Judy meet the newest member of the 10-7," Trisha began as Taconny held out a paw. "I call her Taco."

"Taco?" Judy asked hesitantly as she took the outstretched paw.

"Yes, Taco. Oh and another thing…" Trisha began. Judy felt the paw in her own suddenly grip rather hard as she was quickly pulled towards the smaller doe. Judy let out a surprised gasp as she felt a pair of arms wrap around her waist and squeeze. "She's a hugger."

Judy couldn't help but chuckle as the smaller doe cuddled right into Judy's chest. She looked down and noticed Tacos eyes were closed in a content matter, a soft purr escaping the younger bunny. Try as she might she just couldn't resist how adorable this new bunny was and found herself returning the affection. Bunnies were very social creatures, especially with their own kind so it wasn't hard for Judy to warm up quickly to Taconny.

"No no, I am just peachy, no one worry about me," Came a grumbling from the floor. The three bunnies all looked over at Nick who suddenly regretted opening his big mouth.

Back in the stock room Em and Echo were busy looking over some inventory. Apparently there had been a mix up with one of the deliveries and they had received double product for a few spirits while their beer supply dwindled to a dangerously low level.

"I will call the distributor on Monday and see if we can get a rush on the beer order. Are there any expiration dates on the extra hard stuff coming up?" the painted dog in a black polo asked as she looked at a few of the bottles.

"Doesn't look like it boss," Em muttered, the otter sporting a white shirt with a blue Cross on her chest. A large smiling heart in the center of the cross was winking at those who were brave enough to look at the bartender's chest.

There was movement towards the opening of the stock room and both predators looked over and did their best to stifle their laughter. Nick stood in the door way with an unamused look on his face. The rest of him however was rather amusing. Judy was wrapped around the fox's chest as she looped her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist. Her eyes closed as she nuzzled into her fox. Trisha peaked from behind the fox. Her own arms wrapped around the fox's neck with her strong legs wrapped around his waist just below Judy's. To top it all off Taconny was sitting on Nick's shoulder, her arms outstretched towards the ceiling as she giggled and did her best to maintain some balance.

"Hey Nick," Echo said between snorts.

"Echo, we need to talk about your bunny hiring policy," Nick grumbled as he stood with the three bunnies latched all over him.

"Awww come on Nick, it's not our fault you are such a stud with the bunnies," Em teased as she gave the annoyed looking fox a wink. "You know some mammals would find themselves lucky to have so much attention."

It was now Em's turn to regret what she had said. Both Trisha and Taconny suddenly froze as they eyed the otter.

"I swear I will end both of you," Em threatened as the two mischievous bunnies hopped off the relieved fox. Em turned to run but found her painted dog boss standing behind her. With nowhere to run the poor otter never stood a chance and soon found herself on the bottom of a bunny pile as Taconny and Trisha used her as a cuddle cushion.

Judy however opted to remain with her fox and nuzzled her head under his chin as she let out a soft purr.

Echo finally managed to get her rowdy bartenders under control and shooed the giggling bunnies from the stock room. She took a moment to thank Nick and Judy for their continued help and promised she would make it up to them.

Nick of course had to make a comment about just keeping the paychecks coming which earned a slap on the arm from Judy but a hearty chuckle from Echo who loved the Fox's attitude. She had paid them for their time generously and the tips were actually more than both the fox and bunny had expected. Apparently first responders were pretty good tippers and after their first week of working at the 10-7 Nick had made a few comments about being in the wrong business.

Once Nick and Judy had gotten settled in for the evening Judy wandered around the bar to check in on the current patrons. Only a few of them needed refills and Judy soon had every table taken care of. She of course took her time and talked with a few of the tables. Not just the ZPD ones either. A few firefighters were present and Judy enjoyed speaking with them. As it turned out there was talk about a new bunny joining the ZFD as a form of rapid fire suppression mammal. Judy was intrigued to learn more but was soon called back to the bar by Trisha.

"I will be back later boys, I would love to hear more about this though," Judy said as she waved at the table. The group of mixed mammals all raised their glasses and gave her a friendly smile. One gazelle at the end of the table was caught ogling the bunny's tail as she hurried away and was given a hard time by his Co workers for a few minutes.

"What's up Trish?" Judy asked as she hopped up onto a vacant stool. She took a moment to look down the bar and watched with a form of pride as she spied Nick expertly mixing a drink. The fox took notice of the bunnies gaze and gave her a sly wink which caused the doe to blush.

"Will ya help Taco run these drinks over to the new table of hose draggers?" Trisha asked as she finished a rather colorful mixed drink and set it on the counter. "She has got to carry an elephant sized drink and they also have a few specialties."

"Of course!" Judy exclaimed, happy to help out as best she could. She then looked over her shoulder and spied the new table where a large elephant was seated along with a tiger and wolf. "Is it just me or is it a fire house night?"

Trisha chuckled, "I noticed. Don't worry though, the ZPD will be here to keep them in line soon I'm sure."

The two does giggled at the joke. The rivalry between the different departments was all in good fun but of course didn't stop a few jokes here and there. The ZFD always had a reputation for getting a little rowdy which meant the ZPD had to step up their own antics, not wanting to be out done.

Judy hopped off the stool and hurried around the bar. She gathered the two specialty drinks and watched with amusement as Taconny hefted an extra-large pitcher that was obviously for the elephant patron.

"Ready?" Judy asked the new bunny.

Taconny stuck her tongue to one side as she balanced the large drink and nodded. She then gasped excitedly. Judy gave the black and white bunny a confused look.

"I get to watch you walk away!" Taconny teased. This was met with a roar of laughter from Trisha who nearly fell to the floor. Judy meanwhile blushed as her eyes went wide.

"Taco!" Judy barked. The other bunny's ear drooped slightly but before she could apologize Judy said something that made both the other bunnies night. "Yes you do!"

With that Judy turned and headed off towards the waiting table.

Trisha's jaw nearly hit the bar as she stared slack jawed at Judy who put a little extra sway in her step.

"Eeeeeeee!" Taconny exclaimed as she hurried off after Judy.

Nick strolled over in time to watch Judy stroll away and noticed the extra seat in his bunnies step.

"Have I thanked you for that outfit you got her?" Nick asked as his hungry eyes went over Judy's supple frame.

"You could stand to thank me more," Trisha teased.

Nick smirked as he leaned down and whispered his thanks into the doe's ear and gave her shoulders a gentle rub.

"Of course in fairness it's also a gift to me as well," Trisha joked which earned a laugh from the fox who proceeded to ruffle the fur between Trisha's ears before heading back down the bar top.

Meanwhile on the other end of the bar Judy and Taconny were dropping off the drinks to the firefighters table. Judy made some small talk at first but froze when she spotted Taco having trouble lifting the large drink up onto the table.

"Let me help you sweetie," Judy said as she came over.

"Nooooo!"Taco shot back as if Judy were a parent trying to take away a child's toy. "Let me do it!"

Judy giggled but suddenly became nervous as the contents of the drink swayed dangerously around.

"Taco…" Judy said nervously.

"I can do it!" the black and white bunny said quickly as she stuck her tongue to one side.

With one last big push she managed to clear the table. The only problem was the liquid in the glass shifted causing it to tilt forward.

Judy watched in horror as the contents poured out on the table.

"Heads up!" the tiger said as he lifted his drink.

"Hose breach!" The wolf chimed in playfully.

"Got this," The elephant bellowed as he put his trunk onto the table and began to suck up all the liquid in one big gulp. The large mammal had little to no trouble getting the spilled drink all sucked up and then moved his trunk to his mouth as he began to drink up the liquid. His two table mates cheering him on.

"Wow…." Taco said as she hopped on to the table which was still slightly slick but fairly devoid of liquid. "That was amazing!"

Judy shook her head and prepared to head back to get the elephant a free drink to make up for the spilt one. No one at the table seemed to mind though. They actually seemed to have enjoyed the show.

Taco was particularly impressed and crawled over to the elephant as the large mammal rested his trunk on the table. Judy put her paws to her mouth at what the bunny did next.

Taco reached over and grabbed the elephant's trunk and lifted it up and peered inside.

"That is awesome!" Taco exclaimed as she examined the trunk. The elephant giving the bunny a nervous smile.

"Can you suck up other things? Or you know...do other stuff with this?" the bunny asked as she looked up at the elephant, her gray blue eyes having a hint of something.

"Taco!" Judy exclaimed.

The bunny ignored Judy as she put the trunk on her head like a hat. "Because my parents are always complaining about my room being a mess! This thing would kick butt when it came to cleaning!"

Judy put her paw to her face but then jumped up on the table grabbed Tacos paw and pulled her from the table.

"What?!" Taconny giggled as she was dragged off by Judy.

The three mammals at the table all looked at one another as the elephants ears flapped nervously. They then all burst into laughter at what they had just witnessed.

"Yeah Ted, tell us, what else can you do with that?" The wolf asked as he raised his glass.

"Hate you..." the elephant grumbled.

"What else could ya help the bunny out with?" the tiger suggested.

"Both of you, hate both of you…"

Judy dragged the new girl back to the bar and had trouble looking at the doe. Taconny picked up on this and saw it as a challenge as she kept scooting into Judy's view until the gray bunny started laughing.

"What are you two up to?" Nick asked in between drink orders the bar beginning to see a bit of a crowd form as mammals started ending their shifts across the city.

"Nothing!" Judy and Taco said as one. The fox had a worried look on his face as he looked down the bar at Trisha who was chatting with a lioness in an EMT uniform. The brown does ears twitched and she looked over at Nick and gave him a smile along with an eager wave. The fox then looked back at the two does before him that were trying to play innocent. Just noticed Nick's eye begin to twitch.

"I need a vacation…" The predator muttered.

"No!" Taco shouted suddenly which caused Nick and Judy to jump. They looked at the doe as a determined look came over her face. "You need a hug!"

"Back! Stay back!" Nick barked as he turned and ran back down the bar. The small black and white bunny chasing after him.

"Let me cuddle you!" She shouted as she reached for the Fox's tail.

"Officer needs assistance!" Nick howled as he tried to escape.

Judy shook her head and smiled at the hijinks of her new friend and her fox.

Trisha skipped over and stood next to Judy and rested her head in the gray bunny's shoulder. Judy instinctively rested her head against Trisha and sighed.

"So what do you think of the new girl?" Trisha asked softly.

"Reminds me a little of you," Judy muttered before adding," Which is why I love her."

"Bawwww, love you too Judy," Trisha said as she gave Judy a peck on the cheek then scurried off to serve other customers.

"Back you hell beast," Nick said as he tossed a coaster at Taco who dodged it.

"I will cuddle you Nick!" Taconny shouted as she leapt at the fox.

"Judy little help?" Nick pleaded.

"Taco!" Judy barked which caused the other bunny to stop, her ears drooping as she turned to the Fox's mate. Judy crossed her arms as an evil smile formed on her lips. "His tail is extra fluffy."

Nick felt his mouth fall open as he heard the betrayal come from Judy.

Taconny grinned happily as she turned back to Nick. "Fluffy!"

Hope you all enjoyed Taconny because Echo is going to keep her on fulltime. So let me take a moment to introduce to you the newest employee of the 10-7: Taconny, call her Taco.

Special thanks to the amazingly bouncy AWildeHoppingTacofor the use of her fursona and probably one of the most entertaining OCs I have gotten to use. Don't get me wrong all of the other OCs were a blast but there is something about this black and white ball of energy. Maybe it's because she reminds me of my own little brown ball of fluff.

She has written some really neat work that is worth checking out so go see what this energetic ball of cuteness has created! Wonder bunny is especially neat and she is very proud of her work, as she should be. :D

Cya next time!

-Blue