A/N: And here is the final chapter! I hope you all enjoyed this little slice of life.

Can anyone guess what inspired this little bit? ;)

Enjoy!

~Star

Disclaimer: Zootopia not mine!

~o.8.o~

"This is a bad idea." Judy muttered to herself as she hugged the sweater closer to herself. She was currently making her way to a club called La Rosa Negra, dressed in a dress she was completely uncomfortable in, all at the suggestion of her dance instructor.

"Obviously you watch too much ballroom dancing." The tod had said after the nth time she'd managed to get them to tumble to the floor. "While that's good, it's making you too stiff; too unnatural. Meet me at this club, and wear something spicy. Let's see if I can't make a dancer out of you yet."

That had been a week ago. At first she had been against it, but after another week of no progress and the Gala right around the corner, she finally acquiesced to the fox's request, and agreed to meet him at the Latin club that night around six. It was her day off, so she's had all day to regret her decision.

'I'm Judy Hopps.' She thought stubbornly. 'I never give up!'

She began to rethink that declaration as she finally came upon the entrance of La Rosa Negra. It was a rather spacious establishment, set up between a twenty-four hour dive restaurant and a Jazz night club that she didn't bother to get the name of. She could hear the Spanish music flowing from the building, overpowering anything else. Above the doors was a sign shaped like a rose, it's color black, and nothing else. No words, but she knew it was the club, because she'd Zoogled what the name meant.

"The Black Rose." She said to herself as she gazed up at the sign. Nervous amethyst flicked to the bouncers-a male tiger and male black panther-who were giving her a curious eye. Giving herself a mental shake, she forced her nervousness to the side as she made her way to the doors.

Once inside, Judy felt her eyes widen by what she was seeing. There were mammals everywhere, and they were moving in ways she'd never seen before. In ways she never thought were possible. In ways… A gazelle couple caught her attention, and Judy couldn't help but tilt her head to the side.

A large paw on her shoulder had her jumping, her cop training kicking in as she grabbed a hold of said paw and hauled the larger mammal over her. With a startled yelp from the mammal, she was left with a surprised Nick looking up at her from the floor.

"Nick?" Judy asked in surprise, before she let out an embarrassed meep. "I'm sorry!"

"Cop. Right." Nick grunted as he slowly sat up. "I forgot." He rubbed at his back from the floor, his emerald gaze rising to meet her worried eyes as he gave her a genuine smile. "I also keep forgetting how strong you are."

She barely heard him over the loud music, but it was enough to get a blush out of her at the hidden compliment. 'Stop it.' She quickly helped the tod up from the floor, trying to be as unnoticeable as possible. While they did garter a few glances from the other dancers-she had just flipped someone-the various couples in the club were too busy enjoying themselves to really pay them more than a cursory glance.

As the tod dusted himself off, Judy took a moment to take in what he was wearing. It was not his usual sweats that he wore to practice. Instead, he wore fitted, tan jeans, and a green Hawaiian button-up shirt without a tie that oddly seemed to fit the whole vibe of the club. Overall, it made the tod very attractive.

Once he was sure there was nothing on him, Nick turned his attention to Judy, and quirked a brow at her. "Cold?"

"What?" She nearly shouted.

He gestured to her sweater, and leaned in closer to her. "It's hot in here, Carrots. Take it off, or you'll overheat."

Flushing slightly at his proximity, and the idea of removing her sweater, but the doe ultimately complied as she removed the article, revealing the dress underneath. It was something Fru-Fru-an arctic shrew she had saved from a runaway tiger-sized basketball-had gotten for her as a gift at her one year anniversary at the ZPD, and the doe had been too embarrassed to wear it. Until now.

The dress was made of soft material, the color a pale blue. It was a sweetheart neckline held up with thin straps, the bodice accentuating the subtle curves of her upper body with a ribbon around her middle emphasizing her small waist. The skirt flowed loosely around her generous hips, the material flirting with her knees as she walked. It was revealing without being indecent; innocent almost, yet completely out of her comfort zone.

Nick couldn't help the grin that stretched his maw as he took her in. "You clean up nicely."

Judy rolled her eyes, even as her ears flushed at his perusal. "Let's just get this over with." She said as she made to venture further into the club. She was stopped by a paw on her smaller one. She paused and turned just her head to look back at the tod.

"I mean it." Nick said as he leaned in closer to her ear, his breath warming the fur there. "You look beautiful."

The doe's ears flopped down against her back at the sincerity in Nick's face and tone, and found herself speechless. Since the near incident that first week, the fox had gone out of his way to present a professional atmosphere between them. She had been both grateful and frustrated by the fox's efforts. The two feelings did not mesh well, and she found herself staying up late at night, her thoughts plagued by the talented tod.

With him being so close after a week of distance, she didn't resist it when the tod took a firmer grip of her paw, and led her further into the club and onto a section of the dance floor reserved for mammals their height. It was cramped, it was hot, and Judy would've felt claustrophobic if her focus wasn't on Nick. She nearly let out a squeak of embarrassment as the tod drew her in closer; closer than they'd ever been during one of their sessions together.

Nick leaned in close so he could be heard once more. "You see how they feel the music?" He gestured to the mammals around them as he placed his paws on her hips. "Let the music guide you. Feel it in your body, and let it move you."

It was with determination that Judy tried to do as instructed, giving it her all. The result was Nick yelping slightly in pain as she stomped on his feet. "I'm sorry!" She blurted, completely embarrassed. "This is useless. I don't know why I thought I could learn to dan-"

"Hey, easy, Carrots." Nick shouted to the humiliated doe. He placed a paw on her cheek to coax her gaze to meet his. Normally he would never do such a thing, the attraction between them dangerous to his current job; but the music made his blood sing in his veins, and he couldn't bring himself to care in that moment as their eyes met. "Let's try something else. Trust me?"

Searching his eyes, Judy gave a hesitant nod. She was confused when the fox then made his way behind her, and turned to ask him what he was doing when she felt him press his chest to her back. It effectively shut her up, her ears popping up in shock as Nick once again placed his paws on her hips. She felt the warm puff of his breath against the base of her ear as he leaned in close to be heard.

"Don't think, Carrots. Just move with me."

It took a moment for her limbs to unfreeze from the shock, but Judy managed to get out of it and start to mimic as best as she could the movements of the tod behind her. His paws remained where they were, gently guiding her hips from side to side. Once she mastered that, they moved to her arms, leaving behind a trail of heat up her sides. Taking hold of her paws, he guided her through some motions. It took her a bit to manage moving her hips at the same time as her paws, but once she got it, she couldn't help the giggle that escaped her.

"Look at that, Carrots." Nick said into her ear as he continued to guide her through a few additional moves. "You're dancing."

Indeed, she was. There was no toe-stepping, and they had yet to tumble to the floor-a new record for her. It filled her with a sense of giddiness, the same feeling she had felt when she had read her acceptance letter into the ZPA.

She had done it.

"Nick-!" She twirled around to thank the fox for helping her achieve this much. It may have been miniscule to other mammals, but to her, it was one step closer to her goal that didn't seem so far away now. In her excitement, she didn't take into account how close his muzzle was to hers, and their lips collided as she turned her head.

Both their eyes widened at the contact, amethysts meeting emeralds amidst the moving bodies around them. For an infinite second, they stared at one another, unsure of what to do. Unprepared. Then, a slow heat spread from her lips, and Judy found her eyes fluttering close just as Nick's eyes darkened slightly.

'Finally…' Judy thought as she tilted her head to the side to deepen the kiss. Once she had gotten passed her initial attraction to the tod, she had thought that had been it. That that was all she'd like of the fox. She had been so very wrong. He was witty, intelligent, and with a sense of humor that knew no boundaries in regards to how many bad jokes he could dish out. Underneath it all, she had found a caring mammal with a passion that matched her own.

The crush had turned into something more for her.

The sudden absence of his lips against hers had her eyes flying open. Nick had the back of a paw pressed against his muzzle, his ears pinned down against his skull as he looked down at her with wide eyes.

"Nick…?" She asked, confused.

"I'm sorry, that was unprofessional of me." The fox blurted out, suddenly unable to look at her. He glanced at his watch. "Oh! Look at the time; it's late. I better get going, bye Carrots!"

"Wait, Nick!" Judy called out at the fox's rapidly retreating form, but he was quickly lost within the sea of moving bodies. In a matter of seconds, Judy was left confused, hurt, and alone.

~o.8.o~

Breath coming out in pants and heart pounding, Nick quickly made his way to the alley next to La Rosa Negra. Pressing his back firmly against the wall, the tod brought a paw up to clutch at his chest.

'That was so stupid!' The fox closed his eyes as he pressed the back of his head against the wall. Amethyst eyes, grey fur, and a bright smile danced across his mind's eye, and a low whine left his mouth. Ever since she first came tumbling into his life, the bunny had been consuming his thoughts. He had already admired her prior to their meeting, her tenacity and the strides she had made as the first of her species in the ZPD inspiring a tentative hope within him. Then he met her, saw that determination in action as she tried to learn how to dance, how her passion for it grew, and he was a goner. 'No, you're not.' He thought vehemently.

As soon as he had realized he was attracted to Judy, Nick had done his best to keep things professional. This was one of the better jobs he'd ever had, and his profession was something he took very seriously. To possibly lose it because of a lack of professionality…

"Damnit…" Nick muttered as he gently bumped the back of his head against the wall, his gaze staring straight up. Despite his reservations, he shouldn't have acted like that. It was poor manners to leave a female by herself, especially in a nightclub.

Resolving to go back inside to find her, the fox pushed himself off the wall and made his way to the mouth of the alley and back into the club. After spending more than thirty minutes looking for her, Nick cursed to himself.

She was gone.

~o.8.o~

It was the night of the ZPD Charity Gala, the avenue for the event the Palm Hotel's extravagant ballroom. With its opulent decor, high raised ceiling, and exquisite catering, it was fit for the wealthy mammals of Zootopia who desired to show off as they broadcasted the "good" they were doing by donating to the charity of choice for that year.

All looked as if they belonged there, save one grey rabbit doe.

Judy was a bundle of nerves as she bounced on the balls of her feet, dressed in a dress she felt entirely uncomfortable in, waiting outside the ballroom for a buck her parents insisted she take as her plus one despite her protests. Dressed in a dark violet evening gown with a low back Fru-Fru had forced upon her, the doe felt exposed and kept the matching shawl tightly around her shoulders as she waited.

Scanning the crowd, her eyes landed on a rabbit buck heading her way, and she suppressed the need to roll her eyes outwardly. He was handsome, she supposed, with dark brown fur and striking blue eyes. He was dressed in a blue tuxedo the same shade as his eyes, and had a cockiness about him that was the source of her inner eye roll.

Jonathan Leaps. While she had never truly interacted with him during their high school years, she hadn't need to. The rumors about him, as well as the tales her sisters told her, were more than enough to paint the buck in a negative light. A fact that went right over her parents' heads, as they were only focused on the fact that he was in Zootopia for the weekend, and single.

"It's been a while, Judy. I hope I didn't keep you waiting long." He said as he adjusted the bow tie that was only slightly darker in color.

"Of course not, Jonathan." She lied as she forced a smile on her face. Judy felt like punching him as his eyes slowly glanced over her form, not liking the gleam in them at all.

"You look beautiful." Jonathan said as he finally met her eyes, and she noted that the words did not incite a blush like they had coming from another mammal's mouth.

"Thanks!" She smiled, even as a bit of saddened at the thought of emerald eyes and orange fur. "Let's head inside." Judy quickly suggested, before leading them into the ballroom without bothering to take Jonathan's paw. Having already taken a look while she had been waiting, they arrived at the table with her name plate on it, and took their seats.

"So, how have you been?" Jonathan asked as he took a look at menu the catering company had provided.

"Oh, I've been well." Judy answered as she also perused the menu. "You know, keeping the city safe. Making the world a better place. Cop stuff."

"Yes, I had heard that you managed to make your childhood delusions a reality." Jonathan said as he set his menu down. Judy raised an incredulous brow at him. He didn't seem to get it as he continued, not acknowledging her reaction. "While it is admirable, it is not suitable for a fine doe such as yourself to be in constant danger. If something were to happen, your fine breeding stock would die with you." Throughout the dinner portion of the event, the buck went on about how it was important for extraordinary does like herself to pass on their genes with equally fine bucks, and then went on to embellish on his own accomplishments, outlining why he would be such a buck for her.

By the time it was time to dance and mingle, Judy was just about done with the evening.

"Would you like to dance?" Jonathan asked as he watched many couples take to the dance floor.

"No." Judy said without thought, her mood souring further at the thought of dancing. Ever since the kiss at La Rosa Negra, Judy had not seen Nick. While she had been hurt by him leaving her alone, after she had cooled down, she could understand why he'd reacted the way he had. Dancing was his life, his first love, and his passion. Just like her own career was to her. Because of their mutual attraction, she was a threat to his dreams. Dreams that could be put to a halt if he had unprofessionalism attached to his records. So, out of respect for him and his dreams, Judy had called in to cancel her last week of lessons, but had declined a refund. After stepping on his feet so much, he had managed to teach her something, so he deserved the full pay.

She just didn't think she could ever dance again, not when it reminded her of the fox.

Ignoring the buck's irritated grumblings, and resigning herself to further torture, Judy watched the mammals on the dance floor. It was different than the type of dancing she had seen at the club, but it was graceful, and she longed to be a part of it. She barely noticed Jonathan leave the table as she continued to watch the other mammals dance, nearly mesmerized by their movement.

Movement in her peripheral snapped her out of her slight trance, and zeroed in on a large, familiar, reddish brown paw in front of her. Her eyes slowly trekked up the arm connected to the paw, finding it covered in a black material, until her eyes met apprehensive and hopeful emeralds.

"May I have this dance, Ms. Hopps?" Nick asked, paw outstretched to her as he kept the other behind his back. He waited with baited breath for her decision, knowing full well she had every right to deny him. After he had found out she had cancelled their sessions, he hadn't been surprised. But it did not stop him from longing to see her again. Terrible as she had been at dancing, there was a chemistry between them that he could not fight against, even if he tried. Which he had, and failed completely in the process.

Little as it may amount to, this was his way of apologizing. When she slipped her dainty little paw into his, he felt his heart speed up a bit as his smile softened.

Gently leading her out onto the dance floor, the two settled into the frame they had managed to make work for them despite their height difference. When Nick went to take a leading step forward, something miraculous happened. Judy did not stumble, nor did she step on his foot. Instead, the doe was able to follow his lead, and let the soft musical notes guide her. Admittedly, they were dancing at a much slower rate than the other mammals on the dance floor, making it seem as if they were walking to the music flowing around them. However, it was more than enough for them.

"I want to apologize." Nick said softly, his eyes trained on hers. "For leaving you that night." He explained when Judy had sent him a questioning glance.

Understanding softened her gaze. "It's okay, I understand. Dance means everything to you."

"It does." He nodded. "It still doesn't excuse how I acted. I went back in to look for you, to apologize, but...you were already gone." Nick looked away as he whispered the last part.

Judy's sharp ears caught it, and she stopped dancing, making Nick stop. Reaching up on her tiptoes, she placed a paw on his cheek to get him to look at her. She gave him a gentle smile. "You're here now. That's all that matters."

Searching her eyes, he gave her a smile, which she returned. It then morphed into one of a teasing nature. "You're just glad I saved you from that dud over there." The fox said as he jerked his head behind her.

Confused, she turned to see who he meant, and groaned. Jonathan was watching them with an expression that was simultaneously livid and fearful. It was obvious he wanted to storm right over to the couple and give them a piece of his mind, yet his obvious fear of Nick kept him at bay.

Turning back around to face the tod, she gave him a sheepish smile. "Maybe."

The two resumed their slow dancing, content to do so in silence, when Nick spoke once more. His ears were red as he spoke. "So, now that you're no longer my student, I was wondering-"

"Are you asking me out on a date, Nick?" Judy interrupted with a growing smile.

"No," Nick deadpanned. "I was stating a fact until you interrupted me." That got a giggle out of her, and he smiled. "Impatient bunny."

"Shy fox."

Nick glanced away, not denying her statement. "So, will you? Go out with me?"

"Only if you kiss me." Judy said softly, her ears flushed red as they laid limply against her back.

His own ears burning up at her words, the fox couldn't help but grin as he faced her. "Who am I to deny a lady?" He murmured as he leaned in slowly, closing the gap between their lips.

FIN

~o.8.o~

Soooo, if you guys guessed Dirty Dancing, you would be partially right! If you Guessed Dirty Dancing Havana Nights, you would be right on the dot! And if you read the What If AU before this, well, you already knew xp lol I absolutely adore that movie, and that is why I wanted to write a story based off of it, I've just never had the motivation. Cimar finally gave it to me, and it was an interesting ride trying to keep it small XD

I hope you all enjoyed it!

Until next time,

Ja ne!

~Star