This story is dedicated to Cimar of Turalis WildeHopps. Happy Halloween!

…

"Why are we here?"

The red todd driving the car exchanged a smile with his wife at the whiny question. His oldest son was certainly on the cusp of being a teenager. Something that happened way too quick, in his opinion.

"We're here," he explained looking into the rearview mirror at the twelve year old slumped in the back seat, "because I volunteered to help out the Bunnyburrow Sherif's Department with their Halloween Carnival."

"But why did we have to come with you?" came the grumbled reply. "This could be that last Halloween I have to go trick or treating and instead of hitting all the good houses, I'm stuck in the boonies!"

"Gregory."

The vixen in the passenger seat shot a warning look to her son. Though her calm voice never rose, there was enough of a threat in it to have her daughter, Skye, and youngest son, Nick, focus in on her.

"You're here because we spend every holiday together." Vivian looked from Greg, who humphed and stared out the window, to Skye, who pulled off her head phones to hear her better. "And because you can get candy anytime. But THESE times will be over before you know it. So watch your attitude, young todd."

"I'm happy to be here," chimed in the little kit sitting between his big brother and sister. "Look at all the leaves, Daddy! They're all yellowy and red!"

Nick had been disappointed at first when he realized he wouldn't be going trick or treating, having changed into his Zorro costume as soon as he got home from school. But once they loaded up the car and started driving, he had spent the better part of the car ride bouncing in place. His little face moved from one window to the other, trying to get the best view of the big, colorful world rushing by just outside the car. And Matthew had a blast pointing out the streams and meadows yards away from the highway.

"I see 'em, buddy!" Matthew grinned to himself, a pleased growl rumbling lowly when Vivian reached over to give his knee a squeeze. They smiled to each other again before they both noticed their exit.

"Bunnyburrow!" cried Nick. "Bunnyburrow, Dad! Right there!"

He pushed himself up as much as the seatbelt would allow, his efforts jostling his big sister. Skye grunted in discomfort and nudged him back into his seat.

"We see it baby!" laughed his mother. "Careful or Skye's going to bite you."

Big green eyes looked over to his sister, who grinned down at him, showing off every sharp fang. She gave him a playful snap of her jaws, laughing and ruffling the fur on his head when gasped in fear. Pulling him to her side, the vixen looked over at her parents.

"So why did you have to drag me along?" she asked as her father slowed the car.

"You're here because next year, you'll be in college," he answered, pulling into the lot designated for carnival staff. "Which means I'm running out of time to embarrass you whenever I want." A beaver directed them to a spot after nodding at the pass he displayed on the windshield. "Gotta start making them count now."

He grinned as his daughter reached over to flick his ear.

"Alright troops!" Vivian unbuckled and turned to look over her seat at the three of them. "Here's the deal. Skye you're in charge of your brothers. Greg, do NOT wander off without letting your sister know where your going. And Nick, baby, you stay with your sister NO MATTER WHAT. If I have to collar and leash you, I will."

Matthew pulled out his wallet and took out three bills. "If you spend this all in one place, you don't get anymore."

"Wow," came Greg's bland reply. "Five bucks. Time to go crazy."

"It could be zero bucks," countered his father sweetly with a smile. His eyes moved to Nick, who was beaming at his money and bouncing again. "And make sure he doesn't spend it all on sugar. We're going to be eating actual food and I don't want him to ruin his appetite."

"Why does Skye get a twenty?"

"No fair!"

"Shut up, you little insects!" she growled at her brothers. "I get more because I'm older."

"And she, unlike you, re-painted the kitchen and watched your brother." Their mother climbed out of the car and stretched, not noticing their father creeping up next to her. She gave a yelp of shock, before laughing when he pulled her into his arms.

"I don't know about you, but I'm certainly ready for a treat, Mrs. Wilde," he growled into her ear.

"Mmmm, tempting…." she muttered back before turning in his arms and wrapping her own around his neck, "but not in front of the kits, Officer Wilde."

"Please, not in front of us…." groaned Skye, her face twisted in disgust.

"Seriously," agreed Greg.

"There's kits here, for fucks sake," chimed in Nick.

Both Vivian and Matthew looked over at their youngest in shock as his siblings snorted into their paws.

"Where did you learn that word!" demanded Matthew, his eyes narrowed on his son.

"From you." Nick said. Vivian pulled away from her husband and crossed her arms as she glared at him. The todd blinked at his kit before looking to his wife with guilt.

"Anything else you want to teach our eight year old, Matt?"

"He also says shit a lot," Nick said cheerfully.

Greg and Skye laughed as Vivian scowled.

"Wow!" Matthew exclaimed looking down at his watch. "Look at the time! I really need to check in! Meet up at the information booth and we'll talk dinner? Love ya, see ya! BYE!"

Vivian shook her head at her husband's retreating form before turning to her kits.

"Alright! I have to go check in, too. I'm working the Bobbing For Apples booth first, than the Darts game. So if you need me, come find me. And you-" she kneeled down and took Nick's paws. "Zorro doesn't use bad words, so Nicholas Wilde shouldn't either. Capiche?"

"Yes, Mama," the kit confirmed hanging his head in shame, with his ears flattened.

"Ok," she gave him a kiss and ruffled his fur before pulling the hat hanging down his back over his ears. Straightening up, she kissed Skye and Greg. "You guys have fun, be safe, and we'll meet up at seven."

With grunts of agreement, Greg and Skye turned to leave, the latter reaching down to clasp Nick's paw. His mother's words faded as they walked towards the brightly lit entrance of the Bunnyburrow Halloween Carnival.

And Nick couldn't remember the last time he was this excited.

…..

Judy couldn't remember the last time she was this excited.

Halloween was her all time, absolute, no questions asked favorite holiday EVER! It was the one time of year she could wear her police costume and not have everyone give her funny looks for it. And it was the only time she was encouraged to dream big and go for more than what was expected.

Not that she followed everyone else's advice.

She had been a cop for the past four Halloweens and saw no reason to be anything else this year. Though that was before her favorite big brother announced he was going to be home from college for the holiday. With a surprise that was just for her!

"What is it?" she asked curiously as she opened the box and pulled out the bolero hat.

"This," explained her brother Jack, "is a capitán's outfit!"

"What's that mean?" she asked blinking up at him.

"It means captain. This is what the leader of the army wore a long time ago!" He smiled as her eyes went wide. "And this capitán was the greatest of all!"

Her mouth fell open at, that making the older buck smile wider and nod knowingly. He lowered himself to balls of his feet and beaconed her closer, looking around to make sure no-one was eaves-dropping on them.

"They say she even tamed the Mighty Zorro!" He grinned at her confused look. "Fox." His little sister gasped in shock. "With his help, she cleaned up Zootopia and made it a better place for all mammals. And, since you two have the same goal, I thought you would like to give the cop costume a break this year."

Jack pulled the hat from her paws and fit it over her ears. Looking up to the brim of it, her eyes got the sweet, dreamy look he loved so much. Focusing back onto him, she leaped into his arms for a tight hug.

"Thank you! Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

"You're welcome, Bun-bun." Kissing her nose, he turned her and put the rest of the costume in her paws. "Now go change. We're leaving in twenty minutes for the carnival."

With another yell of delight, she bounced out of the living room towards the tunnels leading to kits' rooms.

"Why do you encourage it, Jack?" He turned to the disapproving voice of his sister. "Just let her be a cop again so she gets it out of her system and realizes her place is here. On the farm, with her family."

"Wow, Maple, nice costume." Jack gave a smile and nod as he looked her over. Knowing the exchange wasn't going to end in her favor, she crossed her arms and frowned at him.

"I'm not in a costume."

"Don't be too sure about that. You definitely look like a frigid bitch to me."

With a smirk, he strolled away to where his other brothers and sisters were getting ready. The older ones were going to be at Bunnyburrow High for the Halloween dance, while the rest were going to be divided between trick or treating and going to the festival. Jack had elected to take Judy and her litter, with Judy's friend Gideon tagging along.

"What are you going as, Jack?" Called out his litter mate, Ben.

"Oh, I'm going as a broke college student who just spent his food money on a really cool costume for his little sister." The buck struck a pose. "Clever, huh?"

His brother laughed before popping his fake teeth in. "Good for you," he said in a poor Pawsylvanian accent, "I only suck da blood from pretty, pretty does! LIKE YOU!"

Ben scooped up one of their little sisters, who squealed with delight as her big brother tickled and covered her with kisses. Jack laughed and shook his head before looking towards the hallway.

"I'm ready!" shouted Judy as she came barreling out, dressed the capitán's uniform. Maple shook her head as she ran by and grasped her brother's paw. "Let's go, let's go, let's go!"

The group joined her excitement as they started walking to the door. "Guys, I don't think Judy's ready!"

"I am too!" she protested, looking up at Jack. "Where's your costume?"

"This is my costume," he said, herding his group outside. "I'm Joe."

"Joe who?" she asked in confusion.

"Joe Mama!" The poor joke earned embarrassed laughs from his older siblings though some of the younger ones, including Judy, giggled.

"Jack, you're silly."

"I thought I was Joe?" The response earned him a nudge from her elbow.

"Hey, Jack?" she asked, a paw going to the plastic sword on her hip.

"Sí, Capitán Hopps?"

"Do you think I'll see Zorro tonight?" She looked up at her brother who shrugged and took the paw of Judy's litter sister, Silene.

"You never know," he said with a wink. "Where there's trouble, Zorro is bound to be close by."

Look out, Zorro! she thought with a grin.

…..

"Skyyyyeeee…"

Her ears twitched but she didn't acknowledge her brother's whine.

"Skye, I wanna go play with my sword!" He gave his trapped paw a tug, groaning when she didn't let him go. "Skye, come on! I wanna play!"

He gave her a sad look before turning to the group of kits laughing and running around together. Mostly bunnies, with a few lambs, pigs, and goats, they all looked like they were having a great time. And Nick wanted to join them. But Skye refused to let go of his paw, insisting on dragging him everywhere.

"Skye!" he protested, his other paw reaching up to pry at her fingers.

Giving up, he huffed and frowned. Quite suddenly, an idea formed in his head. One that was very, VERY naughty, but would guarantee his freedom. Sneaking another look at his sister, who was admiring some homemade jewelry, he grinned before drawing in a breath.

"KIT-NAPPER!"

His shout startled everyone into stoping and caused Skye to jump in surprise before looking down at him. And, as he had hoped, she loosened the grip on his paw, allowing him to take off in a flash.

"NICK!" he heard her shout in panic as he vanished into the crowd.

But, laughing at his new found freedom, the little fox ran and didn't look back.

…..

The carnival wasn't nearly as fun as Judy thought it would be.

Gideon had shown up, but he was dressed as SuperMammal instead of Zorro. Then he goes and spends all his time with her brother Quentin. And Silene and Brook were a heartbeat away from being pushed into the mud if they didn't shut up about their stupid crowns. Her other litter mate, Sarah, was demanding all of Jack's attention, not letting their brother set her down for second.

Leaving the little doe on her own, bored senseless.

Taking advantage of being stopped in front of a game booth, her big purple eyes looked around without interest… until they caught sight of a little figure, clad in black with a long, fluffy red tail and bolero hat.

She gasped as she watched the masked fox kit duck behind a stall, panting as though he had been running. He peeked out as though to make sure he wasn't being followed, before a smile curled his muzzle and he was off again at a slower pace.

"Zorro…" Judy whispered. Looking over at her distracted brother and siblings, she carefully snuck away.

….

I think I lost her, Nick thought with a grin, happy to be enjoying the carnival on his own terms.

Shouts of laughter drew his attention, making him run to find the source. Ducking through legs and stalls, he skidded to a halt in front of the group of kits playing, more than ready to join.

"Hi!" he greeted, a big smile curving his face and his paw reached up to pull his hat from his head.

Everyone stopped and looked at him, the eyes of some going wide with fear. Many stepped back. A few even ducked behind their friends to hide, only daring to peek out at the newcomer. The sudden pause in activity had the young todd's smile faltering. Gulping, he tried again.

"Can I play?" he asked, stepping forward.

A brown colored buck frowned and shook his head. "No!" he said forcefully, stepping away from the group towards Nick. "No foxes allowed! Go away!"

"Yeah!" "YEAH!" "That's right!" "Go away!" "No foxes!"

Shocked by their response, Nick opened his mouth to speak, only to have the brown buck step forward threateningly. And that was enough to have Nick darting back the way he came. Rounding the corner of a booth, he pressed his back to the canvas and fought the sting of tears. From the clearing, he could hear the other children praise the buck for driving him away.

"Thanks George!" "Good job!" "George, you're so brave!"

He peeked around the corner and sadly watched as they started their game back up. Sniffling, he dragged the back of his paw over his eyes, his mask catching most of his tears. And deciding it would be best to find Skye and Greg, he pushed off to be on his way.

Only to find himself nose to nose with a sword. His paws flew up in surrender as his eyes went to the little grey bunny holding it, a smug look on her little face.

"Ha!" she exclaimed with her free paw on her hip. "You thought you could outsmart me? The great Capitán Hopps?"

Nick kept his paws up and just stared at her in shock. He wasn't sure what surprised him more, the sword or the expectant look on her face.

"I've got you now, Zorro!" her grin and eyes grew wider as she waited for him to respond. Both deflated some when she leaned over to him and whispered, "This is the part where you pull out your sword."

His eyes narrowed in confusion for a moment, not understanding until she looked at the toy sword on his hip then back up to him. One paw fumbled to draw it out, eyes not looking away from the costumed bunny. She gave him a happy grin when he succeeded, crossing the plastic blade with hers.

"You've not won yet, Capitán!" he said finally. "Where there is injustice, there will always be… Zorro!"

She gave a laugh and playful yell as they began to sword fight.

"It's you who's bad guy!" the little bunny argued as they fought, her smile only growing wider.

"Not uh!" countered Nick. "Zorro's the good guy! Everybody knows that!"

Her head tilted in confusion as they continued their fight, moving further away from his hiding spot.

"So who is the bad guy?" she asked, pausing.

The question had him stopping to think it over. "I don't know. I thought it was you."

With a shake of her head, she put a paw to her chin and furrowed her brow to think. And while she did, Nick decided to edge a bit closer, curious about the little bunny in front of him. Watching her ponder their foes, the todd felt himself smile. An odd feeling, as just a moment ago, he was in tears. But she seemed nice and had wanted to play.

And she knew what his costume was!

So when she lifted her eyes back up to his, and his heart slammed into his chest, he decided he liked her.

"The bad guys are everyone who's mean," she decided. "So it's up to us to get rid of bullies and look out for the little guys."

"Us?" Nick asked, his voice hopeful and ears perked. Her smile had his tail wagging in delight as she gave a firm nod.

"Yup. We're a team now." She reached out her paw and grasped his, tugging him further into the carnival. And Nick was more than willing to go with her.

"I'm Nick, by the way."

Still holding his paw, she grinned up at him. "I'm Judy. But for now, you can call me Capitán Hopps and you're Zorro."

Sighing to himself, his heart fluttering, the little fox allowed the little bunny to drag him around. And he had no problem with that.

…..

"Nick!"

Skye was looking around frantically, checking under booths and tables, in trash cans and recycle bins, searching every last nook and cranny she stumbled. And there was still no sign of her baby brother.

"Nick!" Near tears, she turned in a circle as though hoping she would see him running towards her. But all she saw was Greg rushing up in the same panicked state she was in.

"Nothing!" he said, answering her silent question. "And no-one remembers seeing a little Zorro running around."

"Greg! It's almost six thirty and it's dark out! Something could have happened to him! He could be in a ditch somewhere, hurt and bleeding. Or someone could have him!"

"Ok, calm down, drama queen!" Greg patted her arm soothingly. "It's the sticks. No-one is going to hurt him out here. It isn't like Zootopia, where no-one cares. These bumpkins actually look out for kits."

"Fox kits though?" challenged Skye, as tears of worry fell. "Some how I doubt they'll be concerned if they see a fox get kit-napped. Let's head towards the info booth. If we don't find him…. we'll let Dad know."

Greg winced at that. If they told Vivian and Matthew they lost their little brother, they would kill them both. Skye more gruesomely than himself, but still.

"Nick!" "Nick?"

"Judy?!" A panicked voice echoed back to them, causing both foxes to exchange glances. "Judy, Bun-Bun, where are you, sweetheart! JUDY!"

Skye turned to see a rabbit buck in the same position she was in not too long ago: On his paws and knees, checking under booths and tables. She watched as he back out and straightened up.

"Judy?" He pushed himself up and ran to a booth. "Hey, Mr. Oats, have you seen Judy? I can't find her anywhere and I'm really freaking out here!"

The elderly goat brought a trembling hoof to his chin. "Now, then," he began in an old, slow, raspy country drawl that had the buck's foot thumping impatiently, "let's see….. Which one is Trudy? Is she the little black and white one? Or is that Brandy? Oh, brandy! Did I ever tell you about the time I won first place in the Trio-Burrow County Fair for my homemade brandy-"

"Yes, yes, you did Mr. Oats, and after I find my sister, I'll be back to hear it again!" And with that, the rabbit pushed off, leaving the old goat to mutter to himself, not realizing the rabbit had left. "Judy! Judy!"

"Excuse me!" Greg looked over at his sister in surprise, only to find her half way to the buck.

Brow furrowed in worry, he turned big blue eyes to her, his expression just like her own.

"We're looking for our little brother, too." she explained. "Maybe we can help each other? You seem to know this place better than we do."

"Yeah, sure!" he nodded and shook her paw as they began to walk fast paced together. "I'm Jack. What does he look like?"

"I'm Skye and that's Greg. His name is Nick and he's a red fox with green eyes and dark tipped ears. He has cream fur under his muzzle and he's dressed like Zorro."

Both foxes kept walking, not realizing they had lost Jack. When she didn't receive a response, they stopped to look over at him.

"What?" asked Greg.

"Your brother's dressed like Zorro?" he asked, looking at Skye.

She nodded and frowned. "Is there a problem with that?" Her arms crossed, not liking what she thought he was insinuating. Only to be confused when he shook his head and smiled.

"Judy's dressed up like the capitán." Jack's smile grew, fear and tension leaving his body as he nodded at the pair. "I know where they are."

Greg and Skye could barely keep up with him.

…..

Nick stood just off to the side of a booth. He glanced over at Judy, who mirrored his pose. His eyes scanned the area carefully, watching everyone laugh and enjoy the sights and attractions of the carnival. But he was waiting for someone in particular. A certain brown furred someone.

When she had pulled him away, Judy could help but ask a question.

"Why were you crying?"

Embarrassment flooded him at the thought of her noticing, causing him to duck his head.

"I wasn't crying," he mumbled. But the bunny wasn't convinced.

"It's okay, Nick."she whispered, giving his paw a squeeze. "I'm not going to think less of you."

He looked up at her, surprised she had used his name after insisting on calling him Zorro. "The other kits back there….." Shaking his head, he sighed and kept walking. "They weren't very nice."

The fox was suddenly jerked to a stop, looking over at her in surprise. "Who was mean to you?" she asked with scowl.

His eyes went wide at her expression. "I think everyone said his name was George….."

"Brown furred?" Nick nodded. "Rabbit?" Another nod. "Wanna get back at him?"

One more excited nod as Judy grinned.

And the plan was simple. Judy had some allowance saved up and Nick still had his five dollars. The Hayworth family grew blackberries and sold pies made from them, two for seven bucks. Having spent most of her life being taunted by the buck in question, Judy knew where he and his posse would be. Since it was dark, and Nick's eyes were better than hers, he would look for him, while she kept an ear out.

Spotting and hearing their target, the pair stood waiting.

"Why did you have to wear such a dumb costume?" Came the domineering voice of George. Both kits peeked out of their hiding spots to see him strutting ahead of the group, sneering at dark wooled lamb dressed as an angel.

"I thought I looked sweet….."the lamb said in a sad voice. "My mama and daddy said I looked good."

"Well your mama and daddy ain't that bright," he said rudely.

Nick and Judy exchanged outraged looks and nodded.

"NOW!"

As one, the left their spots and slammed their pies into the buck's face, knocking him back onto his tail. Nick grinned down at him, watching the pie tins fall away. Crust and filling dropped onto his lap, the solider costume he wore destroyed by the dessert. Judy stood over him, paws on her hips and a triumphant grin on her face. The others just watched in shock at what happened.

"And that's what happens to mean mammals who are meanies to others!" she declared. "What do you have to say for yourself now, George?"

Two brown paws reached up to drag pie from his eyes. And the anger burning in them was unmistakable. "Get them!" He screamed and pointed.

Nick and Judy paused and looked at the other kits, who scowled at the pair. They exchanged worried glances before turning tail and running, George's group hot on their tails.

…..

"Judy was hoping to run into Zorro!" Jack explained as he lead them to the clearing. "If he had a sword, she would have asked him to play with her! Which means she and Nick should be over-"

Both kits in question darted by the trio looking for them.

"There," completed Greg looking after them in amazement.

A series of shouts had them looking to the group of costumed children angrily chasing after them.

"You know," said Skye, relieved to know her brother was okay, "we're all going to look back at this day and laugh."

"Someday soon?" asked Jack. Skye shook her head.

"Nope….."

….

It shouldn't have been fun. They had an army of angry kits after them, one of which was covered in pie.

But that didn't stop either of them from laughing as they evaded their pursuers. Grinning at his new friend, she grinned back before grabbing his paw and dragging them between two stalls. They ducked under the canvas wall, before becoming still. Judy pressed a finger to her lips, Nick nodding in agreement, as her ears perked up slightly, listening to the group pause.

"Where did they go?" demanded George.

"They vanished!" Declared another.

"Well, find them! I'm going to show that little freak and her stupid fox friend to think twice before messing with me!"

The pair hiding bit their lips to keep from laughing as the group moved further away. Once they had gone, they cautiously crept out from the stall and laughed.

"That was awesome!" Nick said once he controlled himself.

"Yeah!" agreed Judy. She looked over at him and blushed. "We- we make a great team."

She was still smiling as he met her eyes, feeling his belly flip when she blushed again and looked to her feet.

"That's because we're partners," he explained. Holding out his paw, the todd waited patiently for her to accept it. He most certainly was not expecting her bounce forward and kiss his cheek.

Mouth falling open, he stared at her in shock. Judy's paws went to stroke her ears shyly, still smiling at the ground.

"Thanks, Zorro." she whispered.

"Anytime, Capitán." A smile spread over his face as they stood staring at each other, oblivious to the carnival around them.

"There they are!"

The voice broke them from their spell, causing them to look around in shock.

They were very much surrounded!

George, still covered in pie with, stepped forward and pushed his sleeves up.

"Why are you such a freak, Hopps?"

"Hey!" Nick cried, moving to stand in front of her protectively. "Don't call her that!"

"Shut up, ya dumb fox!"

"And don't call him that!" Judy moved around her friend and glared at their nemesis. "Why are you always such a big jerk, George? He just wanted to play! Why do have to be so rotten? Why, you're nothing but a big, brown, stupid, dumb bunny!"

"Oh, you asked for it, Hopps!" A brown fist peeled back… only to be stop by a large brown paw. The little buck looked up in confusion as his friends scattered and ran away.

"Is there a problem here?" Asked Matthew, his green eyes moving from the pie encrusted bunny to the his son, who was trying to shield Judy.

"N-no, sir…." George muttered, looking terrified.

The uniformed todd rolled his eyes and reached into his pocket. A packet of wet-wipes were pulled out and passed to him. "Here. Clean up, then find your folks. I'm sure they're worried sick about you."

"Th-thank you, sir!" And without another word, he took off, wet-wipes clutched in his paw.

Shaking his head after him, Matthew turned back to Nick and Judy.

"And you, young todd, seem to be missing something." The fox fit gulped as he looked up at his father only to have his ears perk at the sound of a familiar voice.

"Oh, Nick!" Skye and Greg came dashing into view, followed closely by a tall buck with stripes on his face.

"Judith Lavern Hopps!" the rabbit buck scolded, before scooping her into his arms. "Don't you ever run away from me like that again, you hear me?"

"Sorry, Jackie," she muttered.

"And I see you three had an interesting night." The buck and doe looked over to the fox officer. He stood glaring at the vixen with Nick in his arms. Turning to her, Matthew shook his head again. "Didn't your mother tell you to stay with Skye, NO MATTER WHAT?"

"Yes, daddy," the kit muttered, looking down.

"Look at me, young todd." Obeying, Nick raised his head. "I'm very disappointed in you. Both of you." He looked over at his daughter, who hung her head in shame. "Now, I'm already in trouble with your mother, so I'm willing to put this whole mess behind us. For now. Nick, you're going to make sure the bathroom is sparkling everyday for the next week. And, Skye, you got the kitchen."

Sighing, he set his kit down, keeping a grip on his paw. "Now let's go eat."

Greg grinned and headed for the info booth, where Vivian would be waiting, his father moving to follow. But Nick and Skye stayed where they were. Skye looked over at Jack, who smiled at her as he set his little sister down.

"Thanks for helping us Jack," she said with a smile back.

"Thanks for helping me." he said. "It was nice meeting you. Maybe, next time we can actually talk. Not just run around, looking for kits."

"I'd like that." came her enthusiastic reply.

Matthew looked from his daughter to the buck eyeing her, protective indignation rising up.

"Let's go, sweetheart. Mom's waiting."

She looked over to him and blushed. Jack was given another wave before she followed after Greg. Starting to walk again, he was brought to a halt by Nick. The little kit tugged his paw free from his father and walked over to Judy. She watched as he pushed his hat from his head and untied his mask. He smiled at her before holding it out, her eyes wide as she took it in her paws. But he didn't release it, much to her confusion.

Without warning, he pulled it forward, bring her with it and pressed a sweet, chaste kiss on her lips.

Pulling back, he smiled and let it go, running back to his father and grabbing his paw. Dragging his dad, the foxes vanished into the crowd, leaving two very stunned bunnies

"Yup," said Jack, breaking the silence. "That sounds about right. Tell you what."

Judy looked up at him, still holding the mask, her cheeks and ears bright red. "Let's never tell Mom and Dad about tonight. Agreed?"

Smiling, she nodded. "Agreed."

Shaking his own head, Jack reached down to take her paw, guiding her back to their own family's meeting spot.

….

The car ride back to Zootopia was quiet. Skye and Greg hadn't witnessed the kiss and Vivian was none the wiser about the events of the carnival. Something the rest of her family hoped would not change. Greg had surrendered the window seat to Nick, he and Skye falling asleep leaning on each other.

With Vivian asleep in the passenger seat, that left just him and Matthew to enjoy the ride in darkened silence.

"That was bold, Nicky."

He looked from the window to his father.

"Females like bold." The older todd smiled over at Vivian. "It's what helped make your mother fall in love with me."

"Do you think I'll see her again, Dad?" he asked quietly.

Matthew smiled at that and nodded. "Yes, I do, son. Yes, I do."

…..

TEN YEARS LATER

"A co-ed dorm, Nicky?" Vivian rolled her eyes as a pair of females looked over at her son and giggled. "Really?"

"It was my only option, Mom," Nick explained with a box in his arms. Pushing the door to his room open he grinned at his father counting the boxes already brought up. "And this is the best dorm on campus. It's not going to be all partying. My last dorm was awful, anyway!"

The older todd nodded. "It really was, Vivi. Besides, we're just here to help him switch. Not judge, remember."

"I know, I know!" She walked over to her son and wrapped her arms around him. " And I know you're going to party tonight."

"It is Halloween." confirmed Nick with a grin, earning a poke from his mother.

"Just be safe, be smart, and-" She looked over to her husband, whose face lit up and paw vanished into his pocket. He tossed the contents to his wife, who caught and passed it to Nick. "Use protection."

"Mom!" his ears burning as they flattened against his head.

"A word I love hearing and I'm not ready to hear Grandma yet." She patted his cheek and moved to the door.

Matthew followed and gave him a hug. "Have fun. We'll see you this Sunday for dinner."

"Bye, baby."

"Bye, guys." Once he was alone, he looked at the condoms in his paws. "Like I'm going to need these."

They were tossed on the bed before he turned to pull out his costume for the night.

"Is it weird I'm going as Maui?" Smiling as he laid it out, a light knock at the door distracted him.

Though not as much as the costumed bunny on the other end. Taking in her cream colored skirt and orange top, with a blue shell necklace around her neck, there was something achingly familiar about her. She glanced up at him with big purple eyes and grinned. Pulling a flyer from the stack in her paws, she held it out.

"Hi! I'm Judy Hopps, you're new neighbor!"

And just like that, Nick was eight years old again, running away from a bully covered in blackberry pie. With the bunny in front of him.

"I'm Nick, by the way." he said softly, eyes moving across her face to take in every inch of it.

Her expression morphed from friendly stranger to stunned recognition.

"No, your not." she whispered with a shake of her head. He frowned only to have her throw her arms around his neck and press her lips to his. His confusion lasted only a moment, before his paws landed on her body, pulling her closer. When their kiss ended, she pulled back to look him in the eyes. "You're my Zorro."

"Actually, tonight I'm Maui."

Laughing, she nodded. "I can live with that. And after tonight?"

"Would you be ok with me just being Nick?"

"Bet your ass I will be." He grinned at her response and kissed her again, before pulling her into the room and slamming the door shut.

…

A/N: Nick and Judy's costumes are a shout out to Cimar's pic, The Masked Fox. Put another chapter out, Cimar! I can't wait much longer :)!