This is Part 2 of the Fancy water chapter. Since they posted so close together be sure you have read the previous chapter to see part 1.
-Fancy Water Part 2-
"Gosh, you two can be gross sometimes," A sly female voice announced.
Judy had her eyes closed and seemed far to focus on receiving attention from her fox to notice the comment. Nick and Ramic, however, looked across the table. Nick was ready to tell whoever had decided to encroach on the moment to go find someplace else to cause trouble but his demeanor instantly changed as he stared at a pair of lovely amber eyes.
"Oh you're just jealous Judy is getting all the ear rubs," Nick shot at one of his dear friends who made herself at home at the table.
"Hey Jackie," Ramic said as he greeted the cheetah in the rather form-fitting ZPD dress uniform.
"Ramic," The cheetah responded as she slid a beer towards the kangaroo, "Got you a little something from the bar."
"I um…well thank you so much, Jackie, but I.." Ramic began to try to find a polite way to turn down the drink since he didn't exactly partake in drinking alcohol.
"More for me then," Jackie said with a sly smile, her paw had never even left the beer bottle as she slid it back in front of her where it joined her own drink.
Nick and Ramic gave one another knowing looks before glancing back at the smug looking cheetah who took a generous sip from one bottle only to try a swig from the other.
"You always were the generous type," Nick chuckled at the cheetah who simply grinned, pleased that her plan had worked and she now had double the beer to herself.
"It's just in my nature," Jackie explained as a sweet smile graced her lips. "Just like it's in a certain someone's nature to be an outstanding member of the ZPD."
"I know I know, but today is about Ramic, not me," Nick said as he waved a paw about, hijacking the comment that had obviously been meant for a certain someone else at the table.
"You really want to keep sitting here?" Jackie asked as she looked over at Ramic but nodded at Nick, "I mean I am sure there are plenty more tables that would be happy to have you."
Ramic shook his head and just smiled as he took another long sip of fancy water.
"Suit yourself," Jackie chuckled but shot a playful wink in Nick's direction. The two having formed a playful bond over time. One which to the untrained eye would look a little bit like a rivalry. It was all in jest though and the two predators had become fast friends at the ZPD.
"How did the presentation over those files go?" Ramic asked as he smiled over at Jackie, he never could turn off his work mode sometimes.
Jackie, however, did not seem deterred to speak about work at the moment and beamed at her friend. "Well, it sure was a lot easier thanks to a certain someone's help. Your advice not only on the cases itself but the organization when it came to presenting them was incredibly helpful."
"Oh I didn't do any-" Ramic began to say but was cut off.
"Don't even try that B.S. with me Ramic," Jackie shot back with a little fire in her eyes which shut the kangaroo up. "You helped me and I am forever grateful. So deal with it!"
"I have never heard such a forceful thank you," Nick chuckled as he continued to stroke a now snoozing Judy's ears.
"Yeah well you know how he can be," Jackie teased as she winked at Ramic who just rolled his eyes.
"I just gave you a few words of advice is all," Ramic muttered with a smile.
"Oh hush, you saved my tail on that case and you know it, just take the damn praise ya bum."
The three officers shared a laugh at just how odd the conversation had gotten.
Judy suddenly sat up on Nick's lap and swayed back and forth slightly as the spirits in her system kept her in a warm and cozy state.
The other mammals fell silent as they looked at Judy who finally broke the silence, "Jackie, I love your spots! Where did you get them? I have to get some of my own!"
With that, the doe fell back against Nick's chest and began to snuggle into the fox as she let out a series of purrs.
"Oh my gosh I love her," Jackie laughed as she looked at the small doe.
"Sorry Jackie, you know how she gets," Nick apologized.
"I think she should get like that more often," The cheetah responded before looking back at Judy. "You and I will go get you some spots of your own sometime ok Judy?"
"Oh good," The bunny mumbled from Nick's lap. "I need to go shopping."
"And I need another drink," Jackie said as she put an empty bottle down on the table.
"Don't you already have one?" Ramic asked as he nodded at the other bottle which still contained an ample amount of liquid.
"No this one is yours," Jackie said playfully as she lifted the bottle up and took a sip. "I don't want to drink all of yours."
Nick and Ramic both shook their heads at Jackie's antics but the cheetah remained unphased. She scooted her chair back and stood up.
"Ramic as always, good to see you and congrats on this awesome achievement," Jackie said kindly as she gave Ramic a squeeze on the shoulder. She then gave Nick a sweet smile and nod before heading off to the bar to retrieve more beer.
"Hey, guys!" Came an excited voice from behind Nick. The fox's ears flicked slightly as he recognized the familiar voice and turned in time to see a Eurasian wolf approach the table.
"Hey there 40," Nick said playfully as he slowly reached over and raised a glass towards the new canine.
The wolf let his ears droop and hung his head slightly as he stared at Nick who had a rather smug look on his face.
"40?" Ramic asked in curiosity, "Ok what's the story?"
"It's no big deal," The wolf grumbled as he waved his paws about and tried to change the subject.
"Kevin?" Ramic asked in a knowing tone, giving the wolf a smug stare.
"Let's just say Kevin and me are old friends," Nick began to explain as he adjusted himself in his seat which caused Judy to stir slightly only to curl back into a comfortable position and let out a soft mumble. "He and I went to school together way back when. Lost contact with him only to run into him one fine day over in the city center."
"And that is the end of the story," Kevin said as he looked back at Ramic. "So congrats-"
"Where does the 40 come from?" Ramic asked as he looked over at Nick, wanting to hear how his friend had gotten such a strange name.
"It's no big deal!" Kevin tried to explain with a bit of a chuckle but he soon realized the truth would come out so he decided to bite the bullet himself. "I forgot to refill the meter… I was running out to put some more change in it and who do I see but."
"ZPD's finest fox who just so happened to be on parking duty," Nick said as he raised his glass.
"Which thing landed you on this parking duty?" Ramic asked, knowing the fox had ended up on parking duty multiple times thanks to his mischievous antics when it came to dealing with Bogo.
"Think it was for gluing buffalo butt's mug to his desk," Nick said as he looked up at the ceiling, trying to remember exactly what had gotten him that punishment.
"Well it turned out I was 10 minutes late," Kevin continued as he rolled his eyes. "Nick didn't let me hear the end of it of course.
"Its 30 minute per quarter, not 40."
"I know I know," the wolf said as he waved his paws at Nick in an attempt to shut the fox up.
"Well now you do 40," Nick said with a smug look.
"So next time I call for a medical assist should I ask them to page a Mr. 40?" Ramic asked as he took a sip of his fancy drink.
Kevin winced and shook his head, "How long is this gonna last?"
"40 days," Ramic shot back.
"40 weeks," Nick added.
"Mmmm…40 years…" Judy grumbled from Nick's lap as she went in and out of her nap.
The group all laughed as they looked at Judy whose ears twitched slightly, knowing the noise was because of her.
"Alright before I get tossed into a deeper hole," Kevin grumbled as he looked at Ramic. "Just wanted to touch base and tell you that you really earned that award. I will admit I knew you worked for the ZPD but didn't know exactly what ya did. When I talked to some of the others I was amazed. You work almost as hard as me."
Kevin worked over as a medical technological lab assistant or MTA for short. He was actually rather good at what he did and most of the time would receive phone calls from a certain kangaroo about some of the cases they were having trouble on. While not a full doctor he did have to know a great deal of general medical knowledge. Which meant he was a great starting point when it came to research. If he didn't know the answer to something he sure as heck knew someone who would and could help point the ZPD in the right direction. This meant that Kevin had to work a lot of long shifts and would sometimes be woken up at home last minute. While doctors and nurses were on the front lines handling patients the techs were the ones behind the scenes making sure things got done and done quickly.
Ramic chuckled at the joke but nodded in thanks, none the less.
"Thanks, Kevin, means a lot."
"No problem bud," The wolf explained. There was a roar of laughter across the bar which caused Kevin to look over. "Now if you excuse me. I do believe those are some of my co-workers I plan to drink under the table."
Kevin gave Ramic a quick pat on the back and then dashed off across the bar to cause some trouble.
"You sure know some interesting characters," Nick nodded at Ramic as he reached for his beer. He picked it up and realized the drink was now empty. This was a first for the fox. Normally a certain brown bunny would have already swung by and taken care of the fox while throwing some kind of object at him. Nick looked over at the bar and realized what was keeping Trisha so busy. The bar was packed with mammals. Normally they would be all wearing different kinds of uniforms from across Zootopia. Today however many were in regular street clothing. A sign that the 10-7s recent lift in policies had taken effect.
"You realize that list of characters includes you," Ramic chuckled.
"Well I am interesting," Nick shot back.
"Mmmm, and fluffy," Judy grumbled from Nick's lap.
Nick finally caught Trisha's attention and raised his beer bottle and shook it. The doe gave Nick an apologetic look but nodded none the less as she finished making another mixed drink for a waiting giraffe.
After waiting for a minute or two Trisha scurried over to the table balancing several drinks on a tray for the group.
"Sorry guys," Trisha said meekly, a somewhat flustered look was on her face. "Didn't think it would get this crazy."
"No worries Trisha," Nick said as he helped the doe pass out the drinks. Trisha had brought nick a fresh beer and a new pitcher of water for Ramic which was poured right into his colorfully decorated mug. Even Judy had a new drink waiting for her.
"Oh did I overdo it again?" Trisha asked as she noticed the gray bunny currently curled up in Nick's lap.
"Naw, we had a late night," Nick explained which earned him a sly look from the brown bunny. "And not like that."
"Mmmm?" Judy asked as she sat up suddenly in Nick's lap and blinked a few times.
"Hey sleeping beauty," Trisha whispered as she leaned over and gave Judy's cheek a rub.
"What I miss?" Judy yawned as she reached over for the bright orange drink Trisha had just dropped off.
"Ramic was dancing on the table earlier," Trisha teased.
"Had to show Nick how to bust a move," The kangaroo joined in.
"Aw darn," Judy grumbled. "Encore?"
"Maybe later," Ramic offered.
"Trisha!" Came a shout from the bar. The group looked over to see Echo waving the bunny over, obviously needing help with the influx of drink orders.
"Gotta get back to it," Trisha said. Before departing though she leaned over and gave Judy a kiss on the cheek and then tossed a coaster into the air, the cardboard circle landing right between Nick's ears.
"Every time," Nick mumbled as he put the coaster back on the table.
Trisha hurried back to her duties, weaving in and out of the crowd. Ramic watched as the bunny slid past a fox who raised his drink and nearly spun around in an effort to avoid the small moving fluff ball.
"Ken?" Ramic asked aloud as he stared over at the fox.
The vulpine looked around for a moment and then spotted Ramic, a nervous smile crossing his lips. Ramic waved the predator over and adjusted himself in his seat so he could speak to the fox.
"Ken you made it!" Ramic exclaimed as he reached out and shook the fox's paw.
"Well of course," Ken began as he looked around at all the different mammals. "Someone had to come keep you in line."
"Well so glad you could make it," Ramic said with a smile. "Have you met Nick and Judy?"
Ken shook his head and then turned and gave the other two officers at the table a kind but somewhat nervous nod.
"Ken here works at a café we in the records department frequent for lunch all the time," Ramic explained as he put a paw on the fox's shoulder.
"Everyone at the ZPD frequents Max's," Judy pointed out as she took a sip of her bright orange drink. "Think we have met a few times before."
"Have we? Sorry, we get so many bunny cops these days," Ken said with a nervous laugh. Both Nick and Judy raised their eyebrows as they looked at the fox. "Ok, so not my best joke."
"Relax Ken," Ramic said with a chuckle. "They just don't have the same sense of humor as you do is all."
"Yeah because we have good ones," Nick shot back.
Judy put her glass down and looked up at her fox, "Really?"
"Well yeah," Nick said as he looked down at his bunny.
"What about that joke about the tiger?"
"Ok, so that one wasn't so funny."
"And the gazelle?"
"Not my best work."
"That joke about Trisha?"
"She had that one coming."
"They always like this?" Ken asked in a whisper as he leaned over towards Ramic.
"They grow on ya," Ramic responded before taking another sip of water. "So got the day off?"
"Yeah, café was kinda slow since half the ZPD is at this bar it seems," Ken said as he looked around the bar. The fox seemed to be a little on edge. This wasn't exactly because of the sea of blue mind you. Ken was a bit of an introvert at heart and would rarely attend such events. However, for his friend Ramic, he could stomach the crowds.
"Well, I am so glad you made it," Ramic said happily.
"Well of course bud," Ken replied as he turned to look at his friend. "Not every day one of my buddies gets an award like this. Now if only there was a cash prize then you would be set."
Ramic chuckled at the joke and shook his head, "Sorry, but no such luck."
"Darn then I made this trip for nothing," Ken said as he snapped his fingers in jest.
"Well it's not every day that the 10-7 lets in civilians too, so you can notch that up as a win as well," Ramic pointed out.
Ken waved his paw to the side and chuckled, "I bet I could get in no problem any other day."
This comment gained the attention of both Nick and Judy who had been busy debating Nick's sense of humor.
"I don't know about that," Judy said with a sly smile.
"Yeah, they have pretty tough security."
"Really?" Ken asked in a disbelieving tone.
Ramic leaned over to Ken and smiled, "Nick and Judy moonlight here as security sometimes."
"Ah…"Ken said nervously. "So any chance I could sneak in sometime?"
Both Nick and Judy shook their heads before bursting out with laughter.
"Sorry Ken, it's the house rules," Judy said sweetly.
"Not even for a beetle burger?" Ken asked, offering one of his café dishes as a bribe.
"Now hold on, no one said anything about burgers," Nick said with some interest. A quick jab of an elbow from his partner, however, had the fox correcting his previous statement. "That's gonna be a no…"
"Well then I better enjoy the place while I can then," Ken said, undeterred his playful hustle hadn't worked.
"Maybe enjoy another drink or two," Ramic suggested as he looked at Ken's half-emptied beer.
"I like you're thinking Ramic," Ken replied as he took another swig. He gave the table a casual salute and then meandered over towards the now busy bar.
"Glad he is out and about," Ramic said as he turned back to Nick and Judy.
"Just one beetle burger?" Nick whispered to Judy, trying to convince the doe to bend the rules in exchange for a free meal.
"You wanna explain to Trisha why you bent the rules for a burger?" Judy asked casually as she leaned against her fox.
Nick's ears twitched as he looked over at the bar where a certain brown bunny was sharing a laugh with a gray she-wolf. He weighed his options and decided it was probably best not to incur the wrath of the barmaid.
"This place serves burgers?" Came a surprised voice from across from Nick and Judy.
All three mammals turned and suddenly there was a renewed energy at the table.
"Max!" The gang exclaimed at the torch key raccoon who nearly fell out of his seat in surprise at such a welcome.
"That's me!" The mammal said as he adjusted himself on the seat. The mammal actually looked rather nice in an untucked black button up shirt and some khaki pants. Of course, he was used to rocking a tux while working.
"How have ya been bud?" Ramic asked as he reached over and gave the smaller mammal a pat on the shoulder.
"Really good actually," The raccoon said with a grin. "Been somewhat busy what with all the happenings at the theater."
Max was a rather talented musician. To say he was a jack of all trades was a bit of an understatement. He knew his way around many instruments but excelled at the piano and drums. On one or two occasions Nick and Judy had actually gone to see him play. While working the bar one night Judy and Nick had the pleasure of meeting the raccoon face to face as he managed to convince a certain brown bunny to let him play some piano in the bar.
After that Nick and Judy were given the opportunity to visit the theater a lot more often thanks to Max who would hook them up with the occasional set of tickets. Judy absolutely loved going because it gave Nick and her a chance to dress up and spend a nice romantic evening together. They had even dragged Trisha to an event one night. The brown doe mumbling that she would have preferred a rock concert.
"That's amazing!" Ramic exclaimed. "I am so happy to hear that, so tell me-"
"Oh no ya don't," Max chuckled as he wiggled a finger at Ramic. "Today is about you ya big goofball. No talking about my music and junk."
"Oh come on…it's not that big a deal," Ramic said as he waved a large paw about.
"Not a big…" Max began and then looked around the bar and pointed at all the mammals present. "Looks like a pretty big deal to me. Seriously who is on the streets today? I think half the ZPD and ZFD is here."
"Well the hose draggers just snuck in," Nick grumbled as a pair of firemammals strolled by, both of them raising a glass in Ramic's direction while cheering their buddy in blue.
"Seriously Ramic this is a big deal," Max said as he gave his pal a pat on the arm. "Which is why…."
The torch key raccoon reached into his pocket and slid an envelope across the table to the kangaroo who tilted his head.
"No…Max…no," Ramic muttered with a smile as he reached out and began to open the envelope.
Ramic looked inside and let out a happy sigh and produced several tickets for the theater.
"They are for next month's show. We are doing a special event. All the music from certain movies redone into a form of a classic tune."
"Wait! That event is already sold out!" Nick let out.
"How would you know?" Judy asked as she looked up at her fox.
"Well, I saw your favorite movie was on the list so….you know."
"Oh Nick," Judy gushed as she leaned against Nick and nuzzled. "It's ok Slick…it's the thought that counts."
Max made a coughing noise and the two officers looked back at the kangaroo and raccoon.
Ramic had a smug look on his face as he held the set of tickets up. He moved his paw so it revealed how many there were.
"You got four?" Nick said excitedly.
"Well thought Ramic would like some company so…" Max explained.
"What are you two doing next month?" Ramic asked with a chuckle.
"Oh Ramic you don't have to take us," Judy tried to explain, not wanting to force their friend.
"Oh please, I couldn't think of anyone else I would rather go with," Ramic said with a smile.
"Well thanks, both of you," Nick said as he looked from Ramic and then to Max who simply waved a paw.
"Well I better sneak out of here while I can," Max explained as he began to scoot to the edge of his seat.
"You aren't staying for a drink?" Judy asked.
"Yeah please stay and have some fun," Ramic joined in.
"Trust me I would," Max said hesitantly as he looked around. "It's just a certain bartender here said if I show up again I have to know how to play Bunny Girl on the piano…if I didn't…well she said-"
Max suddenly tensed up in his chair which caused the three officers to look over at him in concern. Slowly a pair of black-tipped brown ears began to rise up behind the raccoon. Trisha climbed up the chair behind Max and then onto his back. The raccoon let out a shudder and closed his eyes as Trisha rested her chin on top of the raccoon's head.
"Hi Max," Trisha said with an evil grin.
"Hi, Trisha…" Max muttered.
"You learn it yet?"
"Maybe…"
"That's a no!" Trisha shouted but laughed none the less.
"What about those K pop songs I told you about?" The brown bunny asked as she made herself comfortable.
"No…"
"The Russian death metal?"
"Trisha I play the piano…"
"Learned how to play Try everything on the bagpipes yet?"
"No again...piano…"
"Well, aren't you lucky that you know someone willing to teach you," Trisha giggled as she leaned down and rubbed her cheek against Max's and smiled across at Judy. The brown bunny gave her favorite police bunny a wink before wrapping her arms around Max's shoulders. "Why don't you carry me to the bar and we can discuss the playlist you should play next time you are here."
"Oh goody," Max grumbled but everyone could see the small smile on the raccoon's lips.
With that Max bid farewell to his friends and hopped from the chair, a certain brown doe remained latched onto his back as he trudged away.
"So here is what I am thinking…does your piano have a smoke machine?"
"No why would it?"
"Because smoke machines are awesome!"
Max paused for a moment and then answered, "Ok that is true..."
"I love her," Judy giggled as she watched the odd pair stroll towards the bar.
"That sure was nice of him to hook us up like that," Ramic muttered as he examined the ticket.
"Who ya gonna take as your date?" Nick asked the kangaroo with a sly smile.
Without looking up Ramic gave a rather funny answer, "I thought you were my date Nick, its Judy who has to find someone to take."
The gang shared a laugh before raising their glasses in a playful toast.
"Old mammal coming through!" Taco announced as she helped an older looking alpine marmot through the crowd of patrons currently enjoying their drinks.
"Oh hush now I am not that old," The marmot chuckled his voice coming out with a heavy accent. He straightened his bow tie with one paw but kept another on Taconny's shoulders as the doe guided him through the crowd.
"Watch out now! He may turn to dust at any second!"
"Oh come on now," the mammal rolled his eyes.
"Seriously watch it!" Taconny barked at a wolf who was nowhere near them. The canine nearly jumped though, knowing full well the bunny was capable of causing chaos. "I'm trying to earn my assisting the elderly badge over here."
"Oh now that is enough," the marmot said as he gave Taconny a pat on the shoulder when they arrived at the edge of the table. Though he tried to feign insult the smirk on his lips showed he didn't mind the comments.
"Mr. Marmotini?" Judy asked in a somewhat slurred manner, surprised to see the mammal and his twin swaying next to him. A quick shake of the head corrected the doe's vision and she smiled down at the singular marmot.
"Oh please Officer Judy what is with this formality?" The mammal said as he reached up and took the bunny's paw and gave it a firm pat. "Ah, Nick! How ya been my boy?"
"Marty," Nick said with a friendly nod at the smaller marsupial. "How you been?"
"Busy my friend very busy," Marty exclaimed.
Taco cleared her throat and then suddenly threw her paws into the air.
"Another senior citizen has been helped!" The bunny announced proudly before skipping away.
"She may be odd," Marty began as he watched the excited doe hurry off to cause trouble. "But she is very sweet. Told her I have something for Ramic here and she insisted she lead me over."
"Think she was just looking for a chance to shout," Nick grumbled.
Judy giggled at the comment and nodded in agreement.
Marty turned to Ramic and held out his paw. The kangaroo began to rise from his seat as he took the marmot's paw but the smaller mammal shook his head.
"Stay seated I am only here but for a moment," The elder explained as he rummaged in his coat pocket and produced a small item wrapped in brown paper. "A little something for you my friend."
Ramic smirked and rolled his eyes before letting out a sigh, "You didn't have to Marty."
"I know, that's the point of a gift, one does not have to but one wants to," The well-dressed mammal explained wisely.
"Awww," Judy let out and put her paws to her chest.
Nick made a mental note to use that line the next time he planned to spoil Judy.
"Marty!" Ramic exclaimed as he opened the small brown paper and looked at the item inside. He then held it up for Nick and Judy to see.
Marty was a rather talented locksmith. He owned a small shop on the edge of the central district in what some folks liked to call Old Town. Judy and Nick had needed to visit the locksmith on one rather odd occasion when they had managed to get themselves cuffed together. Marty was more than eager to help them in exchange for an autograph from Judy that he could give to his granddaughter. Apparently, since Ramic was receiving a key to the city Marty thought it only right to give Ramic a more pocket-sized version.
The gold key in Ramic's paws was an exact replica of the one he had received only with a few unique touches. The grip which was normal intricate in design had been replaced with a ZPD shield. Down the length of the key were a few words. "Key to Zootopia."
"Well I thought you would like something to carry around instead of lugging that big thing they gave you this afternoon," Marty exclaimed using his paws as much as his words. "Will come in handy when picking up the ladies I think."
Nick and Judy both let out laughter at the now embarrassed looking expression on Ramic's face.
"Gee Marty…"
"Don't mention it, my friend," Marty said as he reached up and took one of Ramic's paws and gave him a pat. "Now you enjoy yourself alright. I have to shuffle on back home."
"Oh come on Marty, stay and have a drink," Nick invited.
"I appreciate it but I really must go."
Taconny appeared out of nowhere and ran right up to Marty and stopped just an inch from the marmot.
"Excuse me old mammal but do you need assistance?"
"Again with this old mammal stuff?" Marty asked but took the doe's offered paw and allowed himself to be led away. He gave one last wave to the mammals at the table before he vanished into the crowd.
"Is it just me or does no one want to sit with us?" Nick asked as he took a swig from his beer bottle.
"Think it's you because normally Judy and Ramic have folks clamoring to join them," Trisha said from behind the fox, causing him to nearly jump out of his seat.
"Where did you come from?" Nick shot at the sneaky bunny.
"Think a lab somewhere, they tried to make the perfect bunny," Trisha explained playfully as she took a seat between Nick and Judy's spots, kicking her legs lazily as she tilted her head. She then leaned closer to Nick and whispered, "It worked."
"I'll say!" Judy snorted as she raised her glass, in two gulps she managed to completely drain her drink which had Trisha smirking even more.
"Another?"
"Oh yes please."
With that, Trisha hopped off the table and hurried away to retrieve her favorite bunny from the ZPD more spirits.
Once Trisha was gone Judy stood up and wobbled slightly on her chair. Ramic and Nick gave her a concerned look.
"Need to use the restroom before Trisha brings back more drinks," Judy explained.
Ramic's eyes went wide and he suddenly stood up, "Thank goodness you said something, I am on my third pitcher of water and feel like I may explode."
"I'll hold down the table," Nick chuckled at the two other officers who both suddenly scrambled away to empty their bladders.
They weren't gone very long but when they did return they were chuckling.
"What trouble did you two cause?" Nick asked with a sly smirk.
"Ran into Delta and Atom," Judy explained as she adjusted her now ruffled uniform.
"He is quite the hugger," Ramic chuckled as he took his seat at the table once more.
"Atom too," Judy giggled with a wink.
Delta and Atom were part of the ZPD K-9 division. Delta having been assigned to Atom as a kind of partner long ago since Atom was mute. Together the pair of painted dogs managed to cause all sorts of silly trouble. Nothing malicious though. They also had a knack for getting out of trouble thanks to the fact Atom would normally hug whoever was angry till they relented.
"Great so now the painted duo is off causing trouble here too, this is going to be a rowdy night at the 10-7," Nick commented as he took a swig of beer. "Oh speaking of rowdy.."
The fox nodded over at Trisha who was returning with a new drink for Judy in one paw, her other was holding on tightly to another bunny's. This one had brown fur like Trisha only slightly darker, more like the bunny was covered in mud which made her outfit look that much brighter. The bunny wearing a bright green tank top with a flower design on her chest which went nicely with her khaki shorts.
"Found another one for ya Ramic," Trisha said as she reached the table, she guided the other bunny right up to Ramic's chair before jumping up on the table herself to place Judy's drink in front of the bunny. "I tried something new for this one."
"Oh Try everything right?" Judy exclaimed as she put her paws on the glass and brought it close.
"Sam?" Ramic asked in a pleasant tone. "Hey, how have you been?"
The muddy colored bunny looked at Judy and Nick nervously before her gaze went back to the kangaroo.
"Just wanted to come by and say Hi. I heard about the award and just had to congratulate you muzzle to muzzle."
"Oh, that's really sweet of you Sam."
"I'll say," Trisha cooed as she hopped down from the table and stood next to Sam, the bun from the 10-7 sat just a little shorter than Samantha. "This one was playing the pretty little wallflower by the bar till I came round. Said she wanted to just swing by and say hi but was looking for the right moment."
"To Trisha, every moment is the right moment," Nick pointed out slyly.
A small cardboard coaster landed on the top of Nick's head. The fox looked down at the mischievous brown bun and let out a snort.
"How did you do that?" Samantha asked, sounding rather impressed.
"Takes lots of practice, fortunately for me, Nick is around a lot for me to use for target practice."
"Something I didn't volunteer for I might add," Nick grumbled.
Sam looked at Trisha and beamed, "You have to teach me!"
"Well come back to the bar and I'll show ya a few tricks. Think I saw my painted dog wandering around and Delta is always worth a laugh. He is taller so it gets a little harder."
Samantha looked up at Ramic and gave him a shy smile, the kangaroo smirked and nodded back towards the bar, "Go on, we can catch up next time I swing by the university."
Samantha beamed and then did something she never thought she would. She used her strong legs and jumped up to Ramic. Wrapping her arms around the kangaroo and whispering a sweet thank you before scrambling back down to join Trisha at the bar.
"She seems sweet," Judy commented as she watched the mud-colored bunny hurry off.
"Oh, she is," Ramic explained. "Met her at the university not too long ago. Had to swing by and drop off some records to an old friend and decided to sit in on one of the classes. Sam was sitting off on her own so I decided to introduce myself. She is a little shy at first but when she warms up to you she is nothing but sweetness."
"And now Trisha is off corrupting her," Nick commented which earned him a jab from Judy. The fox yelped playfully and looked down at his partner. The bunny still sipping at a bright blue and orange drink. "What flavor is it this time?"
"Carrots and Blueberries I think," Judy purred as she took another sip.
Meanwhile over by the bar, a pair of painted dogs were dodging coaster after coaster as the small cardboard circles whizzed through the air. At one point the lighter furred of the pair grabbed a tray and held it up in front of his face, hiding from the projectiles that flew through the air.
"Just keep at it Sam, you will get one of them eventually," Trisha giggled as the mud-colored bunny picked up more of the coasters and took aim.
"Geeze truce… Truce!" Delta shouted but it fell on deaf ears as one of the coasters hit him on the nose, causing the painted dog to cower behind his friend.
Trisha detected a new arrival to her part of the bar and looked up to see a cape porcupine with a blue streak through her fur looking around the bar area when her blue eyes fell on Trisha she gave the bartender a pleading smile. Trisha knew all the signs, this mammal was thirsty.
Having just finished up an order for an elephant in a ZPD shirt Trisha found herself with a free moment and hurried over to the lovely looking porcupine.
"What can I get for you cutie?" Trisha asked as she leaned on the bar.
"Water!"
Trisha's eyelids drooped slightly but she decided to give this girl a chance, "Water? You come to my bar and order water. Sorry but there is only one mammal that gets away with that and he is currently already enjoying his fancy water somewhere over there." Trisha waved a paw towards Ramic's table before returning her gaze to the patron in the pink shirt and denim jeans. "So unless you're the designated driver for your-"
"I am!" The cape porcupine said cheerfully, unphased by Trisha's previous rant. "My brother and I played rock paper scissors and he won…so guess who gets to drive AND pick the music on the radio."
"Glass half full type, I like it," Trisha said as she wiggled her nose.
She retrieved a plastic cup and quickly scooped some ice in before pouring some water for the thirsty looking mammal before her.
"Is that the fancy water?"
"Nope," Trisha said firmly. "That is reserved for a special mammal named Ramic."
"I could be Ramic!"
Trisha let her eyelids droop once more as she looked at the mammal before her.
"What? You don't know!"
Trisha rolled her eyes and chuckled. She then retrieved a small slice of cucumber, a lemon wedge, cherry, and a strawberry, skewering them with a tiny umbrella and placing them in the water. The porcupine wiggled with excitement but noticed the water was still out of arms reach.
"Sorry but this isn't for Ramic," Trisha said smugly. "It's reserved only for porcupines naaaaaamed?"
"Kyubei Hystrid….but friends call me Kyu."
"Well Kyu," Trisha said with a smug look and wiggle of her nose. "One mini fancy water for you. Now go find your brother and send him my way and tell him he needs to be a good tipper."
Kyu squeaked excitedly and took a long sip of her water before hopping down from the bar and hurrying away.
"So what does a Buffalo have to do to get a fancy water?" Chief Bogo asked as he set down his now empty beer bottle.
"Bogo you are not allowed to drink water at my bar," Trisha shot back but smiled up at the chief none the less. "You have to keep ordering those fancy beers of yours so I can get a good tip. I don't make money on water drinkers."
"She got a fancy water," the buffalo grumbled.
"How about a Bogo special?" Trisha asked with a mischievous smirk.
"Another beer please!" Bogo said quickly, taking the threat rather seriously.
Kyu took another sip of her mini fancy water and let out a pleased noised as the hint of the different flavors hit her tongue. She was halfway through the bar when her eyes fell upon a rather appetizing sight.
Sitting on a table nearby was a large colorfully decorated glass with all sorts of little bits of fruit floating inside of it. Kyu had thought her water was fancy but this, this was truly the holy grail of fancy waters. The porcupine changed course and without hesitation jumped up onto a seat at the table, startling the kangaroo, fox, and bunny who had been chatting amongst themselves.
"Where did you get that?!" Kyu asked jealously as she eyed the pitcher of water before her.
Ramic looked hesitantly from the porcupine and then to his own drink. He then stuck his paw up and pointed over his shoulder at the bar.
"Trisha made it for me."
"What?! She said she only made fancy water for one mammal."
"Well I see one mammal sitting at this table," Nick chuckled.
"I see eight!" Judy slurred with a giggle.
"Ok that's enough drinks for you Carrots," Nick said as he reached over and tried to take the bunny's drink.
Judy, however, wouldn't have any of that and quickly put her lips to the glass and began to chug the drink down.
"Wait!" Kyu exclaimed as she put two and two together, "Your Ramic!"
The kangaroo smirked and gave a simple nod.
"Ah, brain freeze!" Judy bellowed as she set her now empty glass down and winced, rubbing her forehead.
"That's what you get," Nick said knowingly but wrapped his arms around the bunny anyways as he comforted his mate.
"You're the one that got the medal!" Kyu said happily.
"Key, but close enough," Ramic said kindly.
"So is that how someone gets such a fancy water around here?" Kyu said as she continued to eye the pitcher. She took a sip of her own water, feeling it just didn't match up to the same standard though.
"That and being a friend of Trisha doesn't hurt."
Kyu wiggled with excitement as she looked back at the bar and then to the pitcher of water once more. She looked at the kangaroo and beamed.
"Ramic congrats on the award and thanks for the idea, next time you see me I will have a water to rival yours!"
"I bet," Ramic said kindly as he watched the eager looking porcupine scurry back towards the bar. "Well, she seemed sweet."
Ramic looked back at Nick and Judy and contained himself as he watched the cute couple. Nick holding the brain frozen bunny in his arms as he gently rubbed her forehead for her. The bunny had her eyes closed and was mumbling how she would never touch a cold drink again if the pain would just go away.
The doe suddenly winced as her ears went up. The reason being a steady clopping noise as a lovely looking mare approached the table. Ramic could tell that after the first series of steps that Judy grew accustomed to the noise as her brain freeze began to dissipate. Nick, however, was not allowed to stop rubbing the bunny's temples apparently as Judy grabbed his retreating paws and lead them back to her stormy gray fur.
"Ramic?" Came a sweet yet somewhat shy voice.
The kangaroo turned to give his full attention to the new arrival and his eyes lit up at the sight of his friend. Before him stood a rather cute mare. Her brown fur dotted with the occasional white spot. She looked like she belonged in another age with her outfit. A yellow blouse with a long blue skirt reminded Ramic of simpler times when looking at this horses outfit.
"Frida!"
"Hey," The mare responded, taking another step forward. Her voice began to grow warmer now that Ramic noticed her. "Listen I didn't want to intrude-"
"You are not, it's good to see you."
"Well, I wanted to come out and congratulate you on the award and just say thank you."
"Thank you?"
Frida rolled her eyes and took a minute to brush her red mane so she could look at the kangaroo better.
"Don't even start ok? You very well know how much you have done for me and well for all of us so just take the thanks ok?" She added a little wink that had Ramic smirking.
There was a few seconds of silence before Frida's eyes brightened.
"Oh and I almost forgot," She began as she reached around and produced a small postcard sized piece of paper from her bag. She held it out proudly to her friend. "Little something from your last court appearance."
Ramic looked down at the piece of paper and grinned. Frida was a mare of several trades. One of which was sketching courtroom scenes. Ramic had been called once or twice to be an expert witness at certain hearings. This particular sketch was actually rather amusing. The kangaroo was standing proudly in the witness box next to the judge, a honey badger, who was currently roaring with laughter. Ramic had a smug look on his face having just one-upped a lawyer's rather stupid question with his own equally silly answer.
"Oh my goodness, Frida! This is amazing! Thank you."
Frida was normally a rather shy and reserved mammal which showed just how much Ramic meant to her when she gladly accepted the wide open arms of the kangaroo and shared a friendly hug.
"Least I could do," Frida said sweetly. "Well if you excuse me I saw one of my bailiff friends in need of a hello."
Frida looked over at Nick and Judy and had to work very hard to contain a squeal of happiness. Nick simply smiled and nodded at the mare as he continued to rub his bunny's forehead. The doe was in a trance-like state as one of her legs started to thump.
"I can't," Frida exclaimed as she waved her hooves. "You two…always just too cute."
"Good seeing you too Frida," Nick said with a wink.
"Frida…," Judy mumbled as she let her leg go full thump.
The lovely horse excused herself and hurried away, still giggling over the cute sight at Ramic's table.
The mare hurried by a somewhat shy looking lynx swirling the ice water in his cup, a small bright green umbrella sticking out of a piece of pineapple on the rim.
Ramic took notice of the lynx and smirked as he watched the feline carry on a conversation with a lovely looking jackal in a ZPD uniform just like the one the lynx was wearing.
Their eyes met for a moment, Ramic giving the officer a quick nod, beckoning him over.
The lynx excused himself from the other officer who smiled and raised her own glass. With that the mammal approached Ramic, a smile crossing his lips.
"Looks like you are making friends Riley," Ramic said as he gave the approaching feline a wink.
"She is being nice," Riley muttered as he took a sip from his water. "Met her in the bullpen on my first day. Think she was taking pity on an old feline."
"Or she saw potential in one of the newest recruits from the ZPD and wanted to welcome you into the family," Ramic suggested.
"Least she seems friendlier than my neighbor at briefing," Nick began, still rubbing Judy's forehead. "She kept slapping me and elbowing me and-ACK!"
Nick was silenced by a sharp elbow from his bunny who didn't even open her eyes as she smirked. One of her large ears, however, went up in Riley's direction.
"You made it into Precinct 1 because you were the best the ZPA had to offer, remember that ok? She wasn't just chatting with you to be nice, she was chatting with you to make you more at ease with the team."
"Guess you're right," The lynx said as he looked over at Judy, Nick changing from giving her a forehead rub to an ear massage which had the doe melting. "I heard these two were together but…they are really together aren't they?"
"Oh you have no idea," Ramic said with a laugh.
"You're just jealous you couldn't snag me first Ramic," Nick suggested with a wiggle of his eyebrows.
The group shared a laugh before Riley cleared his throat. Ramic looked over at his friend and gave him a warm smile.
"Listen Ramic, I just want to thank you for everything," The lynx began. "Valerie would be here celebrating this achievement if it weren't for work. You know how it goes."
"I completely understand," Ramic said as he gave his friend a pat on the back. "Thanks for being here and tell your sister I said thanks as well."
"Of course."
The female wolf that Riley had been talking to before trotted over with a mischievous smile on her face, she placed a paw on Riley's shoulder and gave it a squeeze.
"Can I borrow him? One of his classmates is running their mouth over there so I was hoping to get some dirt from his fellow rookie."
Riley's eyes went wide in a state of shock but Ramic simply nodded. With that, the lynx was led away by his new friend.
"Really glad to see he is being accepted," Ramic muttered as he watched the other two mammals stroll away. "He seemed so quiet when he first arrived."
"And Carrots seemed so chipper from what I heard," Nick teased.
"Then Nick came along…" The bunny grumbled playfully before letting out a purr from the attention she was getting on her ears.
There was a sudden flash that caused Nick's eyes to dilate momentarily before they narrowed on the source.
"What in the?!" When Nick spotted who was responsible he calmed and gave a smug smirk in the direction of the mammal holding a cellphone in their direction.
"Hi Irual," Nick muttered.
Judy's eyes suddenly popped open at the sound of her friend's name. Her purple eyes scanning the area in front of her. Standing on the other side of the table was a lovely looking female caracal in a ZPD dispatch uniform. Her forelocks covering one of her dark green eyes before being brushed aside by one of the felines paws.
"Hi, Ju-" Was all she managed to get out before a small brown furred object collided with her from the side. "OOOOOF!"
"Irual!" Trisha squeaked happily as she clung to the side of the caracal.
"Ah get it off get it off!" Irual yelped playfully as she spun around, pretending the bunny was attacking her.
The two continued the show for a second or two before Irual came to a stop and smiled at Nick and Judy, Trisha nuzzling into the feline's chin and letting out a cooing noise.
"Well, aren't you little miss popular?" Nick chuckled.
"It's a gift," Irual said as she nudged Trisha slightly, getting the doe's attention as she raised her cell phone for a selfie.
Trisha leaned against Irual so their cheeks squished together and gave the camera a loving smile along with her normal playful wink.
After snapping a picture or two the caracal lowered her phone and inspected the images she had just captured.
"I like the first one, and the second one, oh and the third one," Trisha chuckled as she held onto Irual.
"That is literally all of them."
"Exactly," Trisha said as she wiggled her nose before letting go of her friend and skipping away.
"Quiet the shutterbug tonight aren't we?" Nick asked as he raised an eyebrow.
Irual closed her eyes and nodded happily before raising her phone and snapping another picture of Nick and Judy. The couple chuckling as several shots of them were taken.
"I am taking all the pictures I can for my Muzzlebook. Oh and Clawhauser asked me to try and get as many pics as I can because he is stuck on desk duty."
"Well, that is-" Ramic began before Irual raised her phone and snapped several pictures of the kangaroo. "Nice of you."
"Right? Plus I just got this new phone and its camera is amazing!" The ZPD dispatcher exclaimed as she stood hopped up onto the table and sat in front of Ramic. She turned the phone so they could all look at the screen.
Deciding to humor the feline the gang all scooted close and posed for a selfie. Trisha managing to sneak in last second, making a pair of bunny ears behind Nick before scampering off.
"Love it!" Irual said as she wiggled on the table. She then looked at Ramic and beamed. "Congrats on the award big guy, and thanks for everything you have done!" She leaned over and wrapped her arms around the kangaroo's neck and purred lovingly. Ramic patted his friend on the back and smiled happily.
Irual excused herself, stating there were many more mammals needing to be photographed and she promised Taco her own photoshoot before the night was through.
The caracal had barely left the table when Ramic's eyes bulged in surprise as a pair of slender yet strong black arms wrapped around his shoulder and held him close.
"Mmmmm, love a mammal in uniform."
The tone in which the words came out would have made most mammal's hearts stop. Ramic, however, closed his eyes as a confident smile crossed his lips.
"Hello Beth," The kangaroo said as he patted the jet black arms wrapped around him.
"Congrats on the award big guy," The voice said as a pair of luscious lips gently pressed against Ramic's cheek.
Ramic did his best to keep his composure but even he was faltering as his heart raced.
Beth pulled away from the tender kiss on the cheek and sauntered over to the vacant chair next to Ramic, allowing him and several mammals nearby to take in the rather gorgeous site.
The black panther had a trim body which was on display thanks to her short white dress and low cut top. It was a good thing the 10-7 had medics frequent the establishment because the panther would surely stop someone's heart with the way she was dressed.
"Wow…" Judy muttered as she stared at her friend across the table.
Beth looked over at Judy and the bunny a wink that made Nick cling to his doe a little more. Beth rolled her eyes and laughed at the fox's action. While Beth was a bit of a flirt she would never do anything to break up a couple. Nick must have known that since he gave Beth a wink, showing it was all in good fun.
"So Beth how have you been? Anything new up at city hall?" Ramic asked as he took a sip from his fancy water.
"Just business as usual," Beth said in a bored tone. "Sorry I couldn't make the ceremony, had to put out a few fires."
"It's ok," Ramic said kindly. "I didn't even really know about it until this morning."
Beth licked her lips at Ramic's drink, her own thirst getting the better of her. Ramic must have taken notice of this and offered one of the many brightly colored straws. Beth chuckled but shook her head.
"I am in the mood for something-" The panther began as her eyes drifted over to the bar. Trisha was bouncing around the bar filling drink orders and being her bubbly self. The panther's pupils narrowed and she licked her lips, "Sweeter."
With that, the panther stood up suddenly and like a predator on the hunt slowly slinked towards the bar.
"Always so intense that one," Nick chuckled.
"Yeah but she is a real sweetheart," Ramic pointed out as he watched his friend head towards the bar.
Before Beth could make it to the bar though she was stopped by Delta. The painted dog noticing the panther. The two froze a few feet from one another, staring each other down.
"Oh geeze," Judy mumbled as she sat up in Nick's lap, wondering if she would really have to break up a fight in her current state.
The way the two predators stared one another down it would seem a fight was about to erupt. It was Delta however that put everyone at ease when he snorted with laughter and held his arms open. Beth took two large steps towards the canine and embraced her friend. The two having had a rather competitive friendship for quite some time. Delta, however, wasn't the only canine hugging Beth for very long. Atom suddenly came out of nowhere and practically leapt on the larger panther, burying his head into her side.
Beth threw her head back and laughed before being escorted by her painted friends towards the bar, a certain brown bunny eagerly waiting for them.
As the day turned to night many of the mammals who had arrived at the start of the party began to head out. Some would be heading home while others had to prepare for their shifts around the city. Other mammals would take their place, many of them seeking out Ramic, wanting to congratulate the kangaroo on his achievement.
Eventually, Nick decided it was best he get a certain snoozing bunny back home. Judy had just enough energy to give Ramic a hug goodnight before falling back into Nick's arms. The different spirits that Trisha had put into Judy's drink finally taking hold of the bunny who had earned a night curled up on her fox. Nick gave Ramic a firm pawshake and with that, he carried a snoring Judy back to their car.
Ramic decided to sit and stay a little while longer in the 10-7, having only had his fancy water all night he wasn't exactly inebriated. Far from it, if anything he felt wide awake from all the activities of the day.
The kangaroo's table wasn't completely empty for very long though. Having closed out her tabs Trisha took a moment to join her friend at the table. The bunny hopping up onto the seat closest to Ramic, a bottle with bright orange liquid in her paws.
Trisha popped the cap and raised her drink towards Ramic who smiled and raised his own. The two then took sips in a kind of silent toast.
"So hope you enjoyed all this," Trisha said as she looked around the room at all the different mammals who had gotten together to thank their friend.
Ramic took a moment to take it all in. Mammals of all shapes and sizes filled the bar. Some of them in ZPD uniforms, some in ZFD, others wearing civilian apparel. He stopped when he noticed an odd looking fox stallion hybrid sitting at a high top nearby. The handsome creature was not alone. A painted dog in a blue pawaiian shirt and baseball cap sat next to the larger mammal. Both of them raised their glasses towards Ramic and gave him a set of nods before taking generous gulps from their glasses. He couldn't explain why but they seemed rather familiar to him, almost as if they were friends from somewhere.
While the mammals that filled the 10-7 were all different they did have one thing in common: Cimar…Ramic.
They had all banded together for this one event, for him.
"I did Trisha," Ramic said in a somewhat distant manner. He then looked down at the doe who smirked before taking a swig of her sweet beer. "Thanks."
"Oh please," Trisha scoffed as she set her drink down. "You and I both know you earned this. All of it. You are probably gonna sit there thinking you don't deserve this or worry that you will never be able to make this up to them but you don't have to. They banded together for you because you helped them all. You have been a constant point of light in this city. Heck if it weren't for you.."
Trisha drifted off as she looked over at the painted dog in the blue pawaiian shirt. She shook her head and took another swig.
"Ok enough mushy stuff!" Trisha took a quick swig from her bottle before looking back at Ramic.
Ramic snorted and nodded. Sometimes things didn't have to be said between friends. They knew what they had done for one another and that was enough.
Trisha raised her bottle up to Ramic and grinned.
"Here's to you bud," Trisha began before a smug smirk graced her lips. "Pinecone."
"Pinecone."
So there we have it!
20k in words. This was paws down one of my biggest undertakings. With roughly 20 OCs (I think, kinda lost count there) It has to break some kind of record for my goofiness jammed into a story.
Special thanks:
The project was originally organized by our friend Anheledir (Or Ned the Bun, depending on what he wants to go as :P) This guy was amazing in wrangling all of us together and creating something amazing and unique for Cimar. If it wasn't for him this project would have never existed. Thanks for getting the idea going bud.
We actually have an illustration out there floating around of all the amazing OC's that appeared in this chapter and some who didn't. All of them coming together to take a photo with their friend. The artist who undertook such a task is Kungfu-Panda. They did a truly amazing job on the illustration.
Fox in the hen house and Irual thank you both for stepping up and helping me organize the little details and ideas for OCs. Won't lie, folks, this one overwhelmed me at certain points. These two, however, helped me stay on track and gave me suggestions. They also helped me clear my head when I just needed a moment from writing all the different aspects of this chapter.
Cimar, thank you for...wait...no. You just got a whole freaking chapter saying thanks. 20k in words! That's all you get you goof.
Special thanks to all my fellow conspirators who allowed me to use their OCs for this work. It was a huge undertaking but we got through it. Unfortunately, I can't list every OC and where they came from as this chapter would have another 10k added on to it. However, if anyone recognizes certain characters or old friends please feel free to mention them in the reviews and even plug their stories! If anyone has questions on certain OCs just shoot me a message and we can try and track them down so you can read them in other amazing stories. Just a heads up though some of these OCs were sonas so they may not appear in other works.
Hope you all enjoyed Fancy Water for the Barkeeps story. I hope to have more work for you all soon.
Till next time.
Pinecone!
-Blue