"Just my luck!" a feminine voice complained. "Just my rotten fluffing luck!"

She stood in the shelter an overhanging roof a shop provided. The shop had already closed, she reminded herself meaning that she couldn't go inside and get warm or be shielded further from the rain. And since she was always so absentminded and more obsessed with being punctual than prepared she had ran off that morning completely forgetting about the forecast for the day. Now she was paying for it, a good portion of her small form soaked and shivering in the bite of the Autumn wind as she put her arms around herself in an attempt to keep warm. The downpour had reminded her of something straight out of the Rainforest District sans the heat that was constant there.

It was heavy, cold, and sadly natural so there would be no automated system to turn it off here. But briefly she let herself smile knowing that back in Bunnyburrow her folks wouldn't have to water the plants that day. The rain shower and approaching thunderstorm along with it had come in from that direction meaning her folks crops had gotten plenty of water. At least that was one thing that they could relax on and one thing that put her own mind slightly at ease. She worried for them constantly even though she tried to keep her mind from straying on them and often reminded herself she was one bunny. One bunny of two-hundred and seventy-five siblings. They wouldn't be hurting for her help too much if at all, her older brothers and sisters would take care of their parents and the farm. And some of the younger ones should be of age to start helping now too.

She lived in Zootopia now, had graduated the Police Academy valedictorian and top of her class and now she was an outstanding officer of the law who had recently got off work and now stood soaked and freezing when she was taken by surprise by the sudden downpour. Sadly because she was a workaholic she missed the last bus that would take her back to her hole in the wall apartment too where she could have at least gotten out of her wet clothes. So now here she stood, small form freezing, teeth chattering as she curled into herself as much as she could to keep some warmth. If only she had remembered it was going to rain, she could have gotten a ride from Clawhauser or one of her other friends from the ZPD.

But alas she hadn't and violet eyes stared enviously out at the cars on the road, jealous of their heaters and the shelter from the rain and cold. A few mammals also walked by with umbrellas, a few giving her sympathetic looks, but continuing on their way. Some didn't even pay her a passing glance as they idly chatted with a friend or significant other with them. Still others gave her a look of amusement and then whispered to whoever was with them and both began to laugh. She wondered if they knew that if the rain hadn't been so loud she would have heard whatever they said easily with her big ears.

She conceded that she probably did look quite the sight, a water drenched, shivering police bunny standing under an awning. Probably long ago an ancestor of hers would have done something similar to get out of the rain sans the clothes of course. Back in the primitive days she imagined that other bunnies would head for the first available shelter they could find while also being aware of the dangers around them. They would either seek shelter or hightail it toward their little burrows.

Oh who was she kidding? Back then predator and prey were both all about instinct, they would have known the rain was coming and got out of its way long before it could start. Great, even the primitive mammals were smarter than her.

"Ac-Ac-Achoo!"

Now she had to worry about getting sick too it seemed... it was truly no surprise though, a mammal like her...small and without her winter coat coming in just yet would fall victim to the cold rain. She really didn't want to miss work, especially not for being dumb enough to forget a umbrella in her rush out the door that morning. But her wants clearly didn't matter, nature was doing it's job and she would be lucky to escape with just a cold. Which she certainly wouldn't if she didn't get out of the cold as well as the rain.

She leaned forward, looking out past the awning and the shelter it provided, looking first in the direction of her apartment which was still a good five miles away and then towards the direction she came from. The ZPD was easily another few miles away that she'd already walked and then ran from when the rain started. Next she turned her eyes skyward, looking up into the dark clouds holding all the rain and cursed them for being there. And as if hearing her curses, the sky suddenly let out a deafening rumble followed by a long white streak of lightning. Oh why not? She was already caught in the rain, why not add lightning and thunder to the mix?

"Why me?" she mumbled softly, blinking in surprise when the wind shifted and suddenly the cold rain was blowing on her again. No matter how far she moved back against the wall and window of the shop to escape the rain, no matter which way she turned to avoid it, she was getting more and more soaked as time went on. And again she cursed herself as she sneezed and then coughed when a tickle started up in the back of her throat.

It was her own fault, her absentmindedness had caused this. But even so, she really needed to find a way home and running out into the storm simply wasn't an option. Soaked as she was she would be a running lightning target without the shelter of an umbrella and she was sadly too broke after paying rent and getting groceries to hail a cab. That meant she couldn't just call one either and she didn't want to call up one of her co-workers who had probably already gone to bed after a long shift.

"Think Judy.. There's got to be some other way to get back.. Oh who are you trying to fool? Of course there's not aside from making a run for it.."

And she couldn't just stay there with the awning offering no more protection to her, for more than one reason. It made no sense to be there anymore for one thing and secondly she highly doubted the shop owner or workers would be thrilled to find an unconscious, sick bunny there the next morning. If she ran really, really fast she may be able to make it to her apartment before too long and while she'd be more soaked and cold than she was now, at least she would be able to change and get into her heated room.

She was getting soaked just standing there anyway.. So with her mind made up and trying to judge the approximate time it should take her to get back as well as how much distance she could cover before she got winded, she stepped out into the rain. Only to cower a second later when a flash of lightning and the enraged growl of thunder sounded overhead. It seemed some things about instinct just wouldn't change. Sudden and unexpected noises still made her jumpy. Her small form became smaller as she squatted down and her nose twitched, ears pressed as tight against her back as she could get them.

And oh did she ever curse herself even more when she realized what she'd done. If anyone saw her now they would certainly get a good laugh. She, Judy Hopps, the one who took on animals more than half her size without hesitation. The one who ran into danger head on to save people or apprehend a suspect was scared of a storm! Of all the dumb things that she could have done and in the middle of the downpour at that, she had to crouch down and act like a primitive rabbit!

"Get it together, Ju-"

Again, big violet eyes blinked when suddenly she was more shielded from the rain and the sound had quieted just slightly. She could still feel most of the cold of the downpour against her back, legs, and feet but the rain no longer hit her. Slowly her head lifted and she looked up first at the green umbrella held over her then to the brown-black furred paw holding it. She followed the length of the arm clad in a simple, blue, zip-up, jacket and finally up to the face of the one who had been kind enough to see her and decide to help. Red and white fur was what her eyes found first, a long snout tipped with a black and almost plum colored nose. His mouth was forming a smile, but not the amused, mocking sort. This looked softer, sympathetic even. And his eyes, the most stunning shade of green she'd ever seen which was truly saying something as she had grown up on a farm mirrored, that softness and sympathy.

She was stunned immediately, a red fox was helping her!

"You...looked like you could use a helping paw.."

She wondered what her expression must have looked like as she looked up at him to make him suddenly lose the smile and look away. But she couldn't help the sheer disbelief she felt at seeing him. He was so different in mannerisms than, Gideon had been, more softly spoken too and though she knew that she couldn't make judgement from first seeing him.. She also instinctively knew he wasn't doing anything, but trying to help her. And really wasn't it dumb of her to label all foxes? She had gotten onto her parents about that when she was about to board the train to Zootopia and now here she was doing it. And to a fox nice enough to stop to help her unlike anyone else had so far.

"Th-Thank you, I've been out here a while," she replied and slowly stood up. She smiled at him apologetically when he turned his head back to her. She didn't even realize she'd stuttered from the cold or that she was still quivering, but he certainly noticed.

"I thought so, you're drenched and shaking," he replied then held out the umbrella. "Here, hold this."

She did as he asked, making sure to hold it with both paws as she was all to aware that things light to taller mammals like him were very heavy to slightly smaller mammals like her. Surprisingly it really wasn't that heavy, but she had to be extra careful when settling it anyway when the wind picked up and tried to blow it away. The bite of the wind made her shiver all the more, teeth chattering all over again and a tickle in her throat was her only warning before she had to turn her head away and cough. The last thing she wanted to do is get the fox helping her sick and wished she could have covered her mouth, but that would have required letting go of the umbrella with one paw. And she really didn't want to chance it blowing away.

As she was catching her breath, she noticed again that she was suddenly warmer than before and her eyes popped back open after closing from her coughing fit. She felt just a slight bit heavier too and the reason why was revealed when she seen blue on her shoulders and hanging down on either side of her. He had given her his jacket too! She gasped and looked up at him again, her surprise clear, but he simply shrugged and took the umbrella back, his smile returning.

"I dress in layers when it starts getting cold like this so I'm fine without it," he told her and then bent down and opened his arms. "I'm not trying to embarrass you, but I may need to carry you if we're both going to be protected by the umbrella. I'm a bit taller so it may not shield you very well."

She knew he was right and didn't hesitate to agree, but just as he went in to pick her up there was another flash and loud clap of thunder making her whimper and squat down again. Unfortunately the timing had been all wrong and he moved back again, likely thinking it had been because of him. Or at least that was likely his first thought until he looked upward and understanding dawned over his features. That was right, he had found her in much the same position.

"Thunder is hard on your ears huh?" he asked and extended an arm.

She nodded silently, nose still still twitching from the left over adrenaline of the scare, but didn't hesitate to stand again and step into his embrace, smaller paws going up and arms locking around the back of his neck. He held her close and waited a few moments as they both adjusted and then began to walk again. He figured this was the way she had been trying to go before when he'd seen her staring that way for quite a while as he sat in the coffee shop across the street. He didn't know why she hadn't just came inside there, but then relented that it may have been that she didn't know it was open. The windows were tinted after all.

"So where to?" he asked, smile growing as he watched her burrow further into his jacket. She was really cute he had to admit.

"Its the Grand Pangolin Arms, apartments," she replied and turned her head, holding a paw over her mouth as she coughed again. Uh-oh she was getting sick.

"Well that's lucky for both of us then, I pass there every day on my way home."

She smiled again once her coughing fit had passed and leaned against him to soak up more warmth. He made a soft sound that sounded like slight surprise, but didn't say anything about it as he continued to walk. Thunder still rumbled overhead every once in a while and every time she would cower again, this time burying her head against his shoulder as she trembled. He would always hold her just a little tighter when it happened and his thumb would stroke her leg gently.

But five miles had been walked fast, almost too fast in her opinion, quite a change from her usual impatience. Her sudden patience wasn't what caused her to be surprised though, it was the reason why she wasn't excited to get out of the storm anymore that took her by surprise. She simply didn't want to leave and say goodbye to him. Why did she feel that way though? She had just met him and didn't know a thing about him, not even his name! And yet even knowing this her arms were reluctant to move from around him when he walked up the three steps that separated them from the door and stepped into the entrance.

She forced her arms away however when he removed his own from around her to close his umbrella. At first she let herself believe that he was waiting for an invitation into her apartment, but his green eyes flicking away from hers and to his jacket still around her squashed that hope quickly. Of course he was just waiting for his jacket to be returned! Why did she even entertain the thought of inviting him in? She had said it herself...well more like thought it herself, she didn't know anything about him!

With a barely concealed sigh, she shrugged out of the jacket that was much too big on her, but still warm and surprised herself when she discreetly sniffed it as she was handing it back. He had a scent she really liked. Coffee was among them with a hint of vanilla as well as the scent she guessed belonged to most if not all foxes. She had smelled something similar from Gideon after all.

"I guess I should get going and let you get changed before you get sicker," he said softly. The tone however almost sounded as reluctant as she had felt before and he seemed to notice as he awkwardly cleared his throat. "Since I come this way everyday though we may run into each other again, miss...?"

She certainly hoped so, but wouldn't say so aloud.

"Judy Hopps," she replied with a returning smile. "Thank you for your help mister..?"

"Nick. Nick Wilde," he replied and held out his paw.

She put her smaller paw in his thinking they were going to shake, but suppressed a gasp when he lifted her paw to his lips and planted a soft kiss to it. She didn't need a mirror to know that she was blushing below her fur, the heat in her cheeks and ears were very telling. But if he seen it he didn't comment on it and instead turned to the door after releasing her. Her paw stayed in the same position as she stared after him, mouth slightly agape.

"Hopefully the next time we meet its under better circumstances," he said over his shoulder.

He gave her a wink that somehow made her blush intensify then he was opening the door and heading back into the storm. But she really wanted to ask him to stay, getting the feeling that if she didn't ask, she may not see him again. And that to her surprise was simply unacceptable. But before she could say anything..

"See you around, Carrots."

That was the last thing he said before the door was closing and she heard the "thunk" of his umbrella opening. The door latching shut again was what made her snap out of her daze and finally turn to head up the stairs to her apartment. But the heat in her cheeks and ears remained and in spite of the slight lethargy she was beginning to feel, both from her workday and the approaching sickness, she noticed a new spring in her step. She decided she wouldn't analyze it tonight though and would simply let the warm feeling wash over her. So when she reached her apartment and changed into some fresh clothes, she fell to her rickety bed with a happy sigh. Only to remember moments later her phone was still in her other pants pocket.

She sighed at that and stood up to retrieve it. But the phone she pulled out wasn't hers..

The small rabbit frowned in confusion, wondering if she had perhaps picked up one of her co-workers phones by mistake. But no, there was no one on the force with her that was her size or smaller and thus they had bigger phones than hers. So then who..? A swipe at the screen and a little note on the home screen gave her, her answer. She wasn't angry by what she found, if anything she was surprised and even almost giddy. How had he managed to get his phone out, write this little note, and then switch the phones without her noticing? Had he done it when she was told to hold the umbrella or when he picked her up?

Either way he was a sly one and the smile on her face felt like it would burst her cheeks if held there too long. She didn't care if it did though and flopped back onto her bed with a girlish sounding giggle she had never made before then.

He was a sly one, that fox. No, not that fox. Nick. Nick Wilde was most certainly a sly fox and equally charming. She couldn't help herself and read the note several more times while imagining his kiss to her paw again and again.

Its called a hustle sweetheart. If you want your phone back, meet me at Remi's tomorrow evening and wear something nice.

Soon after reading it what had to be fifty times, she finally gave into temptation and knowing he had her phone she texted her number.

{Very smooth, Slick. You're on and now you have my number. Use it wisely. ;)}

The answer came quickly.

{Smooth is my middle name, Carrots. See you tomorrow evening, 7pm.}

{Its a date.}

She sighed happily and let the phone drop beside her on the bed as she closed her eyes until a familiar and annoying tickle made her cough again. She had to get rid of that if she was going to see him tomorrow evening. So after choking down some cold and flu medicine and making herself some herbal tea she laid in bed awake for only a few more minutes. The abyss of sleep was quick to greet her, gifting her with dreams of blue jacket wearing foxes and she welcomed them with open arms.

~FIN~

Disclaimer: I don't own Zootopia, Nick, Judy, or any other characters associated with it. This is purely a work of fanfiction and I make no profit from it. I simply write for myself and other fans to enjoy. ^^

Note from the author: I've been wanting to write something for these two every since I first watched the movie. And now I finally have and I'm pleased with how it turned out. WildeHopps fans I hope you enjoyed this. And to my faithful readers I hope that this makes up for the long wait between chapters. If you enjoyed please leave a review~ ^^ Thanks~

Dedication: This story is dedicated to my son figure on Tumblr (nicholas-piberius-wilde-hopps) who I promised I would write a story. This precious boy has encouraged me in this among other things and I'm very glad every day that I met him. Love you, son!