Boilerplate Disclaimer: The various characters from Zootopia are all owned by Disney the great and powerful. Any and all registered trade names property of their respective owners. Cheap shots at celebrities constitute fair usage.

Paul Simon recorded 'Still Crazy after All these Years?' in 1975.

Still Crazy after All these Years

As they drove out to the oasis to retrieve Jay and Min, Nick chuckled, "Well, this was a lot more exciting than we planned."

"It certainly was. Can I get the full story from you? I expected you to handle Xander. You must have been in the trick cuffs – you got out when Skip grabbed the gun. But how did he get his paws free?"

"Well, Xander couldn't very well cuff us both, whoever was free could have grabbed him. So I nobly offered to cuff Skip and he was smart enough to play along and complain about the cuffs being way too tight when I left one loose."

"So, you had fun working with him?"

"Is it possible to have fun when a killer has a gun pointed at you?"

"Let me rephrase, it was good to work with him?"

"Uh, not sure I'd say that. That was a really bad place to jump Xander."

"He couldn't exactly ask you for advice."

"That's it, take his side."

"I'm not taking his side! I'm just pointing out the obvious. And he wanted to protect any animals out on the streets. There was no way to clear the route to the South Gate in time."

"Okay, okay. I am happy no one got hurt. And I learned something important."

"And the lesson was: Skip Tracer: Bounty Cat is a nice animal?"

"No, the lesson was, we never take Jay anywhere with us again. Danger happens. When I saw that picture of Xander I felt sick, knowing we brought her here and–"

"Thank goodness there is no crime in Zootopia. Everyone is safe. You can take a stroll through any neighborhood at any time of the day or night, and can accept candy from strangers."

"Candy from strangers," Nick snorted. "Sarcasm does not become you. But point made."

"Nick, we thought we'd have more quality time to spend with her here. This turned out a little more difficult than we–"

"A little?"

"Okay, a lot more complicated than we anticipated. But it was an adventure for Jay. It was an adventure for Min. They loved it. We did get some special time just with her, and we'll have all tomorrow."

"Too much adventure. It seemed like a good idea... We never know what's going to come up when we're out on a case. This was a mistake. Never again."

"I'm not saying you're wrong," Judy told him. "But recognize risk is part of growing up. She's not a child anymore. She's becoming a young adult and is learning to take care of herself."

"I'll say. Did you see the way she knocked the snot out those three animals who were fighting with–"

"I wasn't talking about brawling. She'll start looking at college soon, and deciding what she wants to do with her life. She'll–"

"That's years away."

"It'll be here before we know it. I'm glad we got to spend some time with her without the other kids. And, I will point out that it was your idea to bring her along."

"A rare occasion when I was wrong."

"A rare occasion indeed," Judy concurred. "Only I mean the fact you admit making a mistake. Although I'm of the opinion you were right this time, not wrong."

At the oasis Min decided to wait and complain of the sleeping mat not being as comfortable as the hotel bed. Both Min and Jay had loved being introduced to Timon's daughter, Dalila, and both had stories to recount to friends in Zootopia when they got back about the local cuisine and staying at the oasis. Timon promised to bring both Djimon and Dalila when he and his wife came to the anniversary party the next night.

Nick retold the story of the arrest on the drive back. There was more humor, and less danger, in the retelling of the story than there had been in the actual events. And there was no word of Nick's resolution to never again take Jay along on a case.

The four enjoyed dinner that night at the most expensive restaurant in Casablanca – still cheap by Zootopia standards. Nick noted they actually had two menus, one for locals and one for tourists. A fast check of prices revealed tourists paid 30% more. Knowing Judy and Nick were police officers with experience in the town they received the menu for locals.

"Can Jay and I perform tonight?" asked Min. "We could use a little money, and advice."

"I can give you the advice part," Nick offered. "What's the question?"

"We've been buying some gifts for family," Jay explained. "Got some stuff for friends–"

Min broke in, "But we haven't found anything for Sam. What would a male panther like?"

"Ummm," Nick mused. "A female panther? Not sure you could afford one though, and I'm pretty sure slavery was outlawed a long time ago."

"Daddy," Jay complained, "Min was being serious. C'mon. We figure his mom wouldn't let him wear an ear-ring. Would he want to wear one?"

"Jay and I think he'd look cool with one," Min continued. "What do you think? Maybe regular ring? Maybe some chain to wear around his neck?"

"I would never guess another male's views on wearing an ear-ring. But, word of warning, be very careful about buying someone a ring in Casablanca. That was how I ended up marrying Jay's mom."

"Nick, dear?" said Judy.

"Yes, my love?"

Judy glared. Nick administered a level one dope slap to himself, since he was across the table from his wife and hence out of reach of bunny arms.

Min giggled and told Judy, "Sam's mom says everyone at the police station thought you'd hit Mister Wilde with a tranq gun and drag him off to a wedding drive-thru."

"I thought about it," Judy told the raccoon. "He was the last animal at the First to realize he was madly in love with me."

"And yet, here we are together, twenty years later," Nick pointed out. "A lovely daughter and her friend with us, and two adorable children back in Zootopia."

"When the light bulb goes on for your father, he's actually a wonderful husband. Just a little slow on the uptake. Still, Sam's mom knows the story of our engagement ring. I'm not sure what she'd think of any ring from Casablanca, even if you bought it from a lion jeweler. I thought I saw some nice mancala boards when–."

The teens squealed, "Perfect, Mom. You're the best. Dalila and Djimon were teaching us the game."

There was a relaxed atmosphere at Rick's that evening. The tension that had gripped the city after the attack on the police station had ended. Chance had a crowd gathered around him as he told of the interview they had taped with the zebra who had been held hostage for a day.

The zorilla waved to Nick and Judy who were wearing normal street clothes, "You're out of uniform. You are not performing?"

"The junior set hopes you'll let them perform this evening. Judy and I just want to take it easy tonight. Long day. A long couple days."

Nick waved at Skip, who made his way over a bit nervously. "Look, I really had no idea when you–"

"Don't worry about it," Nick told him. "Judy reminded me that you couldn't read my mind. I was blowing off some steam. Too much adrenaline pumping through the system right that second. I shouldn't have yelled at you. Sorry. Apology accepted?"

"Sure. I was a little pissed with you just then for yelling at me. Probably had adrenaline going too. Hey, if you don't mind, how did you get out of those cuffs? I can't believe Xander would have left them loose on you. I was sure I'd be need to handle him all by myself and then, *BAM*, Nick Wilde to the rescue."

"Nick Wilde, to the Rescue," the fox mused and glanced at his wife. "Think that would make a good title for a reality program?"

"No."

"Everyone's a TV critic," Nick muttered. "Sorry, Skip, but a good magician never reveals his tricks."

"Or even a mediocre magician," Judy added. "Carnac gave us some special cuffs for some show we did with him once. Nick?"

"Yes?"

"Have them on you? You could cuff Skip and let him see that they appear normal unless you know the secret."

"Could you?" Skip requested.

Nick shrugged. "Sure. But don't tell me that they're too tight." He put them on the feline as they would be put on a criminal. "Okay, try and get out."

Skip was a patient animal. It took him almost ten minutes before he admitted, "Okay, I can't get these off."

Nick started to reach for the cuffs, then hesitated. "I think I put you in the wrong cuffs by mistake." He felt his pockets, "Oops, key is back at the hotel."

"Stop playing around," advised Judy.

"Okay, okay," the fox agreed and removed the cuffs from Skip. He handed Skip the cuffs, turned his back on the feline, and crossed his paws. "Cuff me." Skip put the cuffs on Nick. The fox turned to face the feline, and handed him the cuffs – he'd removed them while turning around.

"Okay, that's impressive," Skip complimented. "Can you do that again for the camera?"

"Rather not. We've needed that trick once or twice before. Show it on TV and I'd probably never be able to use it again."

Skip nodded in understanding. He held up a fist, "Still, great working with you."

Nick exchanged a fist bump. "And it was a lot more fun working with you than I thought it would be. Something to be said for keeping your expectations low."

It was a low-key evening. Although some of the regulars, or at least Chance, would have preferred listening to Judy, Min worked the crowd – kept animals laughing and did well with the tip jar. Nick deserted his family briefly for a low-stakes poker game in the back. He would have been willing to desert his family longer but his luck hadn't gotten notice of his current location in Casablanca and was still looking for him in Zootopia. An otter from the television crew, a sound tech, was winning when Nick rejoined Judy to watch Jay and Min.

The rabbit and fox would have been happy to sleep late the next morning. Their work was done. But after two days without spending time in the market, and still needing to pick up some presents for friends, Min and Jay felt it important to start their shopping early. Judy picked up some jewelry for Julie – the number two daughter. Nick tried to think of what William might like. The obvious answer was something sharp. "You don't always get what you want," Nick reminded himself, and bought candy for their son. "If Judy complains it's bad for him I'll say I could have bought him a scimitar."

They shared a large tagine of spicy chicken, vegetables, and preserved lemon served over couscous at the second most expensive restaurant in Casablanca before preparing for the party.

Nick put on his dinner jacket, and Judy donned her evening gown.

"You're going to perform?" Min asked in disappointment. "I thought you were going to talk to animals at the party."

"We did great with tips last night," reported Jay. "Of course, Min was, like, way too much in everyone's face."

"Was not! And why do you think we did great with tips?"

"Were too!"

Judy coughed gently to gain attention. "This is supposed to be a party for Nick and me," Judy reminded them. "Not your personal cabaret show. I would like to do a couple songs we did twenty years ago, the first time we were here. And I may have something special for him."

Nick patted his wife on the rear, "I'm hoping for something special when we're back at the hotel."

Jay felt herself flush, "Dad! Don't embarrass me!"

A sign outside of Rick's announced, "Closed for private party."

Jay whispered to Min, "If it's closed except for us, you shouldn't be asking mom and dad's friends for tips."

Min sighed in disappointment, but recognized Jay was right.

The sign did not appear to have affected the number of animals in the bar. Apparently being a regular who had heard Nick and Judy perform at any time over the last twenty years would serve as an invitation. A large cake stood to one side, still untouched, with a banner over it reading 'Still Crazy After All These Years'.

"It is good you are here," 'Rick' told them when they arrived. "Not sure how much longer I could have kept them from cutting the cake."

"I'm kind of surprised Skip and company are still here," commented Nick. "Thought they'd be back in Zootopia putting their program together."

"It is good they have not left."

"Why?"

"They offered to pay for the drinks."

They were also filming. Paying for drinks bestowed the privilege.

Nick and Judy spent an hour chatting with friends, old and new. Min dragged Dalila and Djimon to the piano to sing something, and embarrassed the brother and sister.

The entertainment paused as the cake was cut and animals helped themselves.

Judy often expressed hesitation about singing, but almost pulled Nick to the piano soon after they finished their slices of cake.

"This is so unlike you," he told her as he sat down on the piano bench.

"I want to do a couple of the things we did the first time we were here." She called out, "How many of you remember us being here twenty years ago?"

A number of animals raised their paws.

"Then you'll probably remember this," she turned to Nick, "He Played his Ukulele as the Ship Went Down."

Nick nodded agreement and began playing 'The Wreck of the Nancy Lee'.

"Here was one I kind of remember hearing when I was a kid," Judy told the guests. "Nick had me learn it the first time we were here. He's a little older than me. He might even remember it when it was new, 'The Wedding of the Painted Doll'."

Nick gave her a mock growl, "I'm not that much older than you," and started playing.

At the end of song she announced, "Okay, if you don't mind, I'm going to pretend none of you are here, and just sing this to Nick." Judy turned back to her puzzled husband. She waved a paw in front of her face like a fan. "Whewww," she murmured. Judy stopped, leaned over and loosened Nick's tie. "Is it hot in here, or it just you?" She then kissed the tip of his nose.

Nick managed a grin, and she requested, "Play 'I Want to Be Loved by You'. Not the original, the one from the movie about liking it hot."

She gently stroked his muzzle as she sang. She rubbed her hip against him, being careful not to disturb his piano playing... She put an arm on his shoulder. He found it difficult to concentrate as Judy managed a sultry,

I want to be loved by you,
Just you and nobody else but you
I want to be loved by you alone

The rabbit was not a great singer, but every animal in the bar realized Nick was a very lucky fox.

Every animal at the bar but one. At a small table where teens were drinking ginger ale, Jay put her head down on the table and wished she were dead, "How could my mom embarrass me like this?"

Judy and Nick ended the song with a long kiss. When it finally ended Judy looked at the television crew, "You may not broadcast that."

Nick called over, "Any way I can get a copy of the tape? I want to remember that."

"Like you're ever going to forget it?" Skip called.

Everyone laughed.

"We may be able to work out some kind of compromise," Chance suggested. He was definitely getting a copy of Judy singing for himself. "Maybe you can do a guest shot on the program or something."

Negotiations took almost an hour.

The party lasted until two. Timon took his family home at midnight, and Jay and Min were starting to nod off when they finally left for the hotel.

In the room Judy observed, "It's been great to spend some time just with Jay."

"Well, we had to share her with Min."

"You know what I mean, Nick. Great being with her without Julie and Bill around. I mean, we love them all, but it's nice to have some time with just one."

"Yeah."

"So, have you told Jay we'll never again take her along with us on something?"

"Uh, no. I was thinking maybe she wouldn't notice if we never ask her along when we're going out on something that could turn dangerous."

"Like a trip to the grocery store. Remember what happened last year at–"

"I will never forget that. Yeah, she can't go shopping with us."

"You're being silly."

"I want to keep her safe."

It wasn't easy getting the teens out of bed the next morning. Fortunately the bus from Serengeti to Zootopia arrived late in the morning, allowing Min and Jay time to bring order to the chaos of their room and get everything packed.

Nick's left paw was cuffed to Eric Smalls' right. Once on the bus the cuff would be fastened to a seat. It seemed unlikely that the fennec would jump from a bus into a desert, but, as Judy always said, "Procedures were made to be followed."

As they waited for the arrival of the bus Jay came over and gave her mom, and then her dad, big hugs. "Thank you for bringing me and Min along with you! This has been the greatest week of my life. It was great just having you to myself... Am I selfish for saying that?"

Nick patted his older daughter with his right paw, "Not selfish at all."

"No," Judy assured her. "Your dad and I were just telling each other this morning how nice it was to spend some special time with you."

Jay returned to talk with Min. Judy suddenly had a puzzled look. "Did you hear that?" she asked Nick.

"Hear what? Your ears are better than mine."

"I'm not positive, but it sounded like a resolve of steel in some father's heart was melting. Could that possibly have been what I heard?"

"Your lovely ears are too damn good."

_The End_

"I Wanna Be Loved by You" was written for the musical Good Boy in 1928. It became Helen Kane's most popular song. Kane's version (and Kane herself) influenced the development of Betty Boop. Marilyn Monroe slowed down the fast, bouncy tempo somewhat in the 1959 movie Some Like it Hot, which was the version Judy attempted.