Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Stupid, stupid, stupid…” was all the grey bunny could choke out through her tears while she pounds her head against the steering wheel of her parent’s pickup truck as she makes her way through the lightly falling snow.

“How could I have been so stupid?” the grey doe berates herself “One time … one time I get drunk. I pass my written exams, pass my physical, get accepted into the Zootopia Police Academy. Then … I get drunk and get taken out by some buck I’ve never met, now I’m pregnant and can’t go to the academ-”

*THUMP*

Snapping back to the present, another thought crosses the young does mind – “Great, now I’ve wrecked dad’s truck … as if the day couldn’t get any worse… I guess I’d better check the damage…”

Pulling over to the side of the road, the doe walks around to the front of the old beat-up farm truck and notices that the passenger side front fender is a bit more crumpled than usual and the headlight is broken. Then she notices with a bit of shock that there is a piece of cloth and some red fur attached to one of the broken shards of glass that still remain in the headlight housing.

“Sweet cheese and crackers”!!!

Quickly backtracking along the side of the road, the young doe suddenly sees a form sprawled out in the ditch, confirming the fact that what she had hit was indeed another mammal…

Approaching the still form, the doe notices that a couple of limbs are misshapen, no doubt broken, but most importantly, the mammal – a red fox – is at least still breathing, his quick breaths creating little puffs in the cold air.

Noticing that all the todd was wearing was a now torn dark blue windbreaker, a gaudy Pawaiian print shirt and tan slacks, the doe hurriedly returns to the truck to retrieve a thermal blanket that was kept there in case of an emergency.

After covering the fox as best she could (the blanket was only rabbit sized after all) she calls 911.

“911, what is your emergency?” comes the voice over the phone as the call is picked up.

“Yes, this is Judy Hopps and I’ve accidently struck a mammal with my dad’s truck…”

“Alright Judy, stay calm and tell me, where are you located?”

“About five miles south of the Tri-Burrow Medical Center on Highway 281.” is the by now slightly desperate response. “Please have someone hurry, he’s still alive but in terrible shape…”

“Stay with the victim, we’ll have an ambulance dispatched immediately, and … please stay on the line…”

“O-Okay… please hurry!”

…

Twelve minutes later, a Tri-Burrow ambulance pulls up to a stop directly across from where Judy is standing.

“Where’s the mammal?” asks the attendant quietly but urgently.

“Right here Ghordy!” Judy informs the red-tailed deer attendant, pointing to a snow-covered lump at her feet “I covered him with a blanked so he wouldn’t get any colder … the snow started to cover him up, sorry.”

“No, that’s fine … perfect actually. Moving him might have caused even more damage. Sheriff Justice should be here directly; you need to wait for him so you can tell him exactly what happened. In the meantime, we’ll be heading back to the hospital where the ER is prepping.”

About that time, the blue flashing light from the sheriff’s patrol car come into view in the distance and Judy tenses up for the interview that she’s been dreading.

…

Some minutes later-

“Judy …”

“Sheriff Justice…”

“So, since you’ve been training for something like this for most of your life,” begins the older brown and white buck “you know the drill. What happened … exactly?” wanting to get as many details as possible while the event was still fresh in the does mind.

“I was heading home from the hospital after receiving some rather … disturbing news,” she begins, thinking that the circumstances were none of the sheriff’s business “and while I was … distracted I accidentally got over too close to the shoulder and struck the poor mammal that’s now headed to Tri-Burrow Medical.”

“Go on…” knowing that there’s at least a bit more to the doe’s story but not wanting to push the issue, the overweight buck gently urges the young doe to continue.

“Not much else to tell actually. I stopped to check to see if the truck was damaged, I noticed that the headlight was broken and the there was a scrap of clothing and some fur on the broken headlight. I ran back along the side of the road and found the mammal lying there. I saw that he was injured. At least a broken arm and leg I think, so I ran back to the truck and called 911 while I went back to cover him up with an emergency blanket that dad keeps in all of the farm vehicles. That’s about it in a nutshell.”

“Ok. Let’s head to the hospital and finish up there. It’s closer than the burrow and we’ll go over what I’m going to have to write in my accident report, as well as whatever charges you’re going to incur.”

*SIGH* “Ok, lead the way. I guess I can call dad and give him the bad news once we’re finished.”

…

Arriving at the emergency entrance to the hospital, both Judy and the sheriff exit their vehicles and follow the gurney as far as the admitting desk.

“Do we have any information on the patient?” asks the duty nurse, a multi-colored brown rabbit doe.

Having retrieved the fox’s personal effects for safe-keeping, the sheriff quickly pulls out the todd’s ID.

“Let’s see …” he begins “Wilde, Nicholas P., red fox, species vulpes vulpes … umm … Judy, this might complicate things … a great deal actually.”

“Sheriff …?”

“Wilde, Nicholas P., Detective Lieutenant, Zootopia Police Department, Precinct One … I’ve had the distinct non-pleasure of meeting Chief Bogo a few times … this will most likely NOT go well.” declares the buck.

“Oh, my …”

“Why don’t you call your dad while I make a call to Zootopia. We can pick up the details of the accident after we’re both finished with our calls…”
…
JUDY: “Hey mom, can I talk to dad for a sec please … it – it’s kind of important.”

BONNIE: “Sure Bun-Bun … Stu, Judy needs to talk to you …. No, she didn’t tell me why … he’ll be here in a sec. Anything I can help you with?”

JUDY: “Not right now mom, but ... we do need to talk after a while.”

BONNIE: “Sure thing, here’s your dad…”

STU: “Hey there Jude the Dude, what’s so important?”

JUDY: “Dad, I – I had an accident with the truck. I’m at the hospital but … dad? Dad? Dang he hung up…”

…

CLAWHAUSER: “Zootopia Police Department, Precinct One, how may I direct your call?”

SHERIFF JUSTICE: Clawhauser, this is Sheriff Justice of the Tri-Burrow sheriff’s office, I need to speak to the Chief, it’s about one of your officers. It’s important.”

CLAWHAUSER: “Of course sheriff, I’ll patch you right through.”

CLAWHAUSER: “Chief, Sheriff Justice is on line one, he says it’s important. Something about one of our officers?”

Bogo: “Probably that damned Wilde again … put him through.”

Bogo: “This is Chief Bogo, what can I do for you Sheriff?”

SHERIFF JUSTICE: “Adrian, I’m afraid I have one of your officers here in the hospital, a Nicholas Wilde. He was wheeled into the emergency room about thirty minutes or so ago.”

Bogo: “Good Lord, what did he do now?”

SHERIFF JUSTICE: “It seems like one of our local citizens accidently struck him with a pickup. The doctors never said anything about his condition, but it doesn’t look good. From what I saw of him, he’ll be lucky to make it through the night.”

Time drug on as the sheriff told Bogo the particulars,

…

Some time later at the Tri-Burrow Medical Center:

“Jude – Judy are you alright?” asks Stu as he and Bonnie charge into the emergency room waiting area.

“I-I’m fine dad … physically at least.”

“But you said you were in a wreck and in the emergency room …”

“No dad, I said I was in a wreck and headed to the hospital. You never gave me a chance to finish telling you that-”

“Stuart, give the girl a chance to finish.” chides Bonnie.

“Fine, what happened if you’re okay?” asks the elder buck.

As Judy tells her short tale, Stu becomes more and more agitated.

“A fox? Here? In the operating room? On MY dime? No way in hell am I gonna pay for any of that!”

“Then the county will place a lien on your farm until the bills are paid!” comes a comment from Sheriff Justice.

“WHAT?” comes from the awestruck buck.

“Judy struck the victim with your truck, and that makes you liable. Besides, that’s what you’re supposed to have insurance for … you DO have insurance on your vehicles don’t you?” the sheriff asks tersely.

“Of course I do, but this’ll make my premiums go up. But for a fox of all mammals?”

“Careful there Stu” cautions the sheriff “you wouldn’t want to make any speciest remarks, things are already bad enough. As far as I can tell, the doctors aren’t too sure that Officer Wilde will even make it through the night, surgery or not!”

“Officer? Officer? Where in creation is a fox an officer of the law?”

“Precinct One of Zootopia is where!” interrupts a large bull water buffalo. “I’m Chief Bogo, and Lieutenant Wilde is one of my best detectives. Tread lightly with your remarks sir, or you’ll be making the trip back to Zootopia with me – in pawcuffs.”

“Now listen here-” begins Stu.

“Stuart Hopps, that will be quite enough.” warns Bonnie.

“But-”

“I said enough!” as Bonnie’s voice carries a hint of steel in it.

“Now then,” the elder doe continues as the bedlam ceases “what are we looking at here?” addressing both members of the police.

“Well,” begins Justice as Bogo and the three rabbits look to him “as of right now, failure to yield to pedestrian traffic and reckless driving at the very least, with possible involuntary vehicular mammalslaughter if the Lieutenant doesn’t make it through surgery or through the night.”

“But” interrupts Judy “that could mean I’d … I’d-”

“Face possible jail time, yes.” finishes Sheriff Justice.

“Like hell!” interrupts Stu “Not for a damned fox! OWWW!” as Bonnie grabs an ear and twists.

“I’ll take this one home and get his mind straight.” states the elder doe as she heads for the parking lot, husband in tow. “Judy, are you going to come along? I’m sure the sheriff won’t want you to be driving the truck with a busted headlight.”

After a moment’s hesitation: “No, I-I think I’ll stay until … until I know whether the fox … Nick, is that his name?” as she looks to Bogo and receives a curt nod “Until Nick makes it out of surgery … or not. If I don’t end up in jail, I’ll let you know when I’m ready. Besides, I really need to talk to you … privately at some point, regardless of the circumstances.”

After Stu and Bonnie leave, Judy takes a seat in one of the emergency room waiting area chairs. Several minutes later she notices Chief Bogo finishing a phone call.

“Chief?” asks the doe, curious as to why he’d be calling someone.

“Letting my pilot know to head back to Zootopia, and then letting my next in charge at the Precinct know the situation here. I’m staying until I’m satisfied with Wilde’s condition, one way or the other. Although I am curious as to why your parents are here and not your husband Mrs. Hopps.” the buffalo finishes with a touch of concern.

“Actually, it’s miss, not Mrs., Chief. No husband and no prospective mate. I am curious as to why you pegged me as a wife though.” returns Judy.

“I’m married with several calves of my own” returns the bull “and every time my wife has been pregnant, she subconsciously rubs her belly constantly, just like you have been doing.”

*SIGH* “I guess it would merit an explanation.” decides Judy knowing she has nothing to lose at this point, “Let me start from the beginning ... Most of my life I’ve been fixated on becoming a police officer with the ZPD. I’ve given up everything to learn and train to be the best officer I could ever hope to be. After I passed all of the academic tests and passed my physical, I was notified that I’d been accepted to the Zootopia Police Academy’s next full training cycle. To celebrate my success, I went out and for the first time in my life let loose and kinda got drunk. Very drunk actually.

"Unfortunately, I woke up in bed the next day with some nameless buck and just found out earlier today that I’m pregnant. So, now I can look forward to being a single mother and probably end up working for my parents on their farm for the rest of my life like hundreds of my siblings.”

“You do know that there is an alternative-” begins Bogo.

“NO! absolutely not! I will NOT have an abortion. I will NOT kill my unborn kits because of a stupid mistake that I made!” returns Judy hotly.

“While I applaud your strong moral convictions, that’s not at all what I was suggesting.” counters Bogo calmly. “There is a generally little-known program at the ZPA for smaller police forces tailored for both predator and prey heavy outlying towns and municipalities. The course is only twelve weeks long and is tailored toward the actual natural weather conditions that will be encountered. I believe that it would benefit you greatly. The course begins in just over two weeks and you could easily complete it while in your first trimester.

“After graduation you could join the Bunnyburrow PD or possibly the Tri-Burrow sheriff’s department as either a fulltime or part time officer. It may not be the ZPD, but at least you wouldn’t be giving up your dream of becoming an officer completely. Family and friends could help you raise your kits. I believe the Tri-Burrow sheriff’s department even has some sort of daycare arrangement for its officers if memory serves.”

“That all sounds very hopeful” begins a thoughtful Judy “but after all of this? How would I ever stand a chance at becoming an officer?”

“I’d be willing to put in a recommendation, and I think that Sheriff Justice is reasonable enough to give you that chance given the circumstances.”

“That’s IF your detective makes it out of this alive, which brings up another point!” murmurs Judy, ears and shoulders slumping.

“Firstly,” begins Bogo “I have every confidence that Nick will survive this ordeal. When he does, I think that once he learns all of the facts, the Nicholas Wilde that I personally know would never press charges against you.”

“Why would he not do that? Don’t get me wrong, I always hope for the best, but I’m the one who put him here after all.”

“Let me tell you a little bit about Nick Wilde – Nicholas P. Wilde was born and raised a city fox. Nick originally had a twin sister who only survived a few days after her birth before passing away. He lived with his parents on the outskirts of Happy Town. In spite of its name, Happy Town is a slum, heavily populated by mostly predators, especially foxes. I don’t know how things are around the Tri-Burrows, but in Zootopia, foxes in general are looked down upon as the scum of the earth. Sneaky, thieves, and not to be trusted by anyone, even other predators. At around age eight or nine, Nick tried to join a Junior Ranger Scouts pack. Initiation night, the rest of the pack, all prey mammals, held Nick down, muzzled him, then drug him to a trash bin outside of the meeting place and dumped him in.

“His parents went to the scoutmaster and complained, but the rest of the pack, again all prey mammals by the way, had already told him that Nick had provoked them and they muzzled him out of self-defense, so nothing ever happened to the kits involved.

“By age twelve, Nick was trying to do some small hustles just to survive. His father, John, was a tailor by trade, and a very good one from what I’m told, while his mother worked by her husband’s side as a seamstress. Nick naturally fell in with some bad company, a crime family known as the Bigs, doing odd jobs – cash drops, numbers running that sort of thing, nothing really dangerous.

“At around age twelve he hooked up with a smalltime hustler named James Finnick, Finn for short. Finnick is a fennec fox and can easily pass as a kit if a mammal doesn’t pay attention. Those two did a lot of small hustles, just barely inside the parameters of being legal.

“After that, at around 17 he finally enlisted in the military and was accepted into the Teams. Most of what then Lieutenant Commander Wilde and his group did are so classified that even I don’t have access to unredacted files. He was out-processed several years ago with an honorable discharge due to medical reasons. I’ve seen most of the scars and they aren’t pretty.

“When the predators started going savage a few years ago, Nick had overheard a couple of Bellwether’s henchmammals talking about using a concoction made from some sort of plant referred to as Nighthowlers to make a paintball sort of pellet that they were using to dart random predators.

“Nick and Finnick tried to report it but of course no one would listen to a fox, so they took it upon themselves to set up a sting. They provoked the henchmammals to chase them, then they managed to steal the darting weapon and switch the pellet with a blueberry of all things. When the mammals chasing them retrieved the weapon and darted Nick with a blueberry, he faked killing his friend and had actually recorded the henchmammals bragging about the entire scheme on a cell phone.

“When they brought the recording to the Precinct and presented it to me, I was convinced enough to order a raid on Bellwether’s home and office and the lab where they were manufacturing the poison and put a stop to the entire plan. We later found out that Bellwether was planning on introducing a sort of shock collar that would be mandatory for all predators to wear after the age of six.”

“Oh my gods!! I remember reading about that. Nick and his friend were the ones who figured that out?” remarks an astonished Judy.

“Yes, they were. I was impressed enough to offer both of them the opportunity to attend the ZPA and become officers. Nick accepted and went to the Academy, but Finnick didn’t. Finn instead accepted a position as a mechanic in the Precinct’s motor pool. In a few short years, Nick has become my best detective and excels in interrogations, while Finn is the lead mechanic in Precinct One’s motor pool.

“Nick will tell anyone that everyone deserves a second chance, that not every situation is black and white, cut and dried - whatever metaphor you want to use is applied here. So once again, I sincerely doubt that Nick would press charges against you, all things taken into account.”

“But, I don’t understand …”

“Why Nick would be where you accidentally hit him?”

“Yeeesssssss …?”

“Nick’s father recently passed away due to some rare form of cancer that is peculiar to red foxes. His mother passed less than a day later from grief – it’s a fox life-mate thing. Nick was put in an indefinite bereavement leave status to help him deal with the loss.”

“I still don’t understand why he’d be clear out here … so close to Bunnyburrow.” presses the doe.

“Nick’s mantra, so to speak, has always been to ‘not let mammals see that things get to him’ for as long as I’ve known him. When he needs to sort things out, he takes off on what has been referred to as a ‘walkabout’.

“Be that as it may-” begins a hopeful Judy.

“If I may interrupt for a moment…” begins a tan bunny doe in scrubs.

“Debra?” remarks a stunned Judy “I didn’t know that you were working here!”

“I’m not, actually.” admits the tan doe. “They called me in from the Aurora branch to work on the fox, since Aurora has so many preds. Anyway …” stretching out a small paw towards Bogo “I’m Doctor Debra Hopps-Leaps, Mr. Wilde’s primary physician. I was told to update you on your officer.”

“Let’s hear it then.” answers the bull tasking the small paw in one of his large hoofs, not at all sure of the outcome.

“Umm, Chief Bogo, are you sure that you want my sister here to hear what I have to say?”

Looking at the very apprehensive doe, Bogo makes the decision “Yes, I am. Your sister’s future is riding on how detective Wilde does, plus she’d find out in due course anyway, so let’s hear it.”

“All right then …” looking at a chart, the doe continues “Nicholas Wilde, red fox, species vulpes vulpes, … heavily bruised snout and dislocated lower jaw, reset. Broken right orbital socket, pressure set into place. Moderate concussion, we’ll need to reevaluate every six hours or so. Severe trauma to muscles on right side of neck, neck brace in place. Separated right shoulder, reset. Cracked right clavicle, reset. Right radius, humerus and ulna, broken, reset. Three ribs broken and two ribs cracked on right side, reset and compression bandages applied. Right side of pelvis cracked. Right femur broken and reset.

“Now for the internals … right lung bruised and punctured, reinflated, and right kidney severely bruised.”

As Debra looks up briefly, she sees Judy’s look of abject horror, while Bogo’s face is one of stern acceptance.

“Detective Wilde will definitely live then, correct?” asks the bull.

“Oh, yes, without a doubt.” answers the tan doe. “However, his road to recovery will be long and arduous. He’ll be bedbound for several months before he can even think about rehab. Rehab will be ongoing for months after he’s able to get in and out of bed on his own, as he’ll need to relearn how to walk let alone run. He’ll need cognitive tests to be sure there was no permanent brain damage as well. It was suggested to me that the soonest that mister Wilde will be released from our care will be around nine months, unless you’d rather that he be transferred to Zootopia Mercy. In any case, mister Wilde will need to stay here until he’s stable enough to be moved, which will need to be at least three to four weeks. We can reevaluate his condition at that time.”

“When will we be able to see my detective?” asks Bogo.

Again looking at her sister, Debra tells Bogo “Mister Wilde is currently in recovery and will be moved from recovery into room 512 in roughly forty-five minutes. That’s in the ICU ward on the fifth floor in case you weren’t aware. You can wait for him there if you wish. I’ll alert the desk nurse to your arrival.”

Looking at Judy with a question on her lips as she leaves the waiting area, Debra says nothing after Judy mouths ‘I’ll tell you later’.
…

Chapter Text

~0~

Prior to Debra’s short meeting with Judy and Bogo, the following took place:

As Nick slowly awakens, there’s an all too familiar feeling on his face – MUZZLE – trying to remove the offending device leads to another startling discovery … his limbs were unable to move! And why can he only see out of one eye?

As the todd begins to thrash around in a state of panic, a small but firm voice captures his attention as a soft but again firm paw is placed on his left arm.

“Mister Wilde, please calm down before you injure yourself even more that you already are! If you’ll just calm down, I’ll explain everything.”

As Nick attempts to force himself to calm down at least a bit and focus his one good eye on the sound, a rabbit doe comes into view.

“My name is doctor Debra Hopps-Leaps and I’m your primary physician. You were unfortunately involved in a traffic accident, not of your own doing. If you’ll calm a bit more, I’ll remove the oxygen mask that’s on your muzzle.

With relief born of the knowledge that he’s not actually wearing a muzzle, Nick calms noticeably.

“Good … good.” murmurs the doe softly as she reaches in when suddenly Nick’s one good eye goes wide as a pair of surgical scissors comes into view.

“It’s all right mister Wilde!” again intones the doe gently but firmly “I just need to cut the retaining straps on the mask so I don’t have to fight the bandages on your head to remove the mask … okay?”

Again breathing a sigh of relief, Nick again calms almost immediately.

“If you’re done panicking, I’ll remove the restraints on your left arm and leg as well. Are you good with that? Promise not to panic again?”

When Nick tries to nod, he’s once again presented with the fact that his range of motion is restricted, this time due to the neck brace, but struggles to maintain a semblance of calm.

After the restraints are removed, the doe sits closely on the bed beside Nick, and something about her scent is vaguely familiar, but the todd can’t seem to place it at the moment.

“I know that things are a bit fuzzy right now, but I’d like to at least give you the basics as to where you are and why you’re in the state that you’re in."

Seeing the todd staring at her with what seems to be the approval to continue, Debra does so.

“You are currently in the Tri-Burrow Medical Center. Earlier today while you were walking along the side of the road on state route 281, you were struck by a pickup. From your injuries, I’m guessing that you either sensed or heard the oncoming vehicle that struck you and turned at the last second. The short version of your injuries includes a slight concussion and damage to the orbital bone of your right eye, damage to your snout and lower jaw which will make speaking difficult and painful for a day or so, severely strained neck muscles, a broken right arm and separated right shoulder, a broken right leg and cracked pelvis, cracked and broken ribs on your right side and some internal damage. You are expected to make a full recovery, however the recovery time will vary from six months to a year depending on your devotion to healing and to the rehab process. Do you understand the information that I’ve given you?”

After a moment’s thought, Nick gives a shaky thumbs up with his left paw.

“Good. Now, I’m going to give it another thirty to forty-five minutes or so for you to fully recover from the sedation and to fully grasp everything that I’ve told you, then you’ll be moved into your room where your chief and the unfortunate mammal that struck you will be waiting. I’ll be checking back on you not long after that to make sure everything’s still okay. Just rest as best you can for now.”

With that, Debra exits the room and leaves Nick to his thoughts.

…

The short elevator trip to the fifth floor was one of relative silence, except for a long-drawn-out sigh from a certain bunny doe.

“Hopps?” asks a concerned Bogo.

“I can’t help it sir, it’s just … how can you be so positive that Mr. Wilde will be so forgiving?”

Pinching his snout, Bogo gives the only answer he can “I guess you’ll just have to find out for yourself, there’s nothing else I can think of to say or do to convince you.”

Exiting the elevator, the two are immediately facing the duty nurse’s desk.

“Chief Bogo and Judy” begins the attractive female skunk, “I’m not sure if you were told, but Mr. Wilde’s room is 512, just down the hall on the right. And Judy, Debra would like to have a few words with you when you have a few minutes.”

Rolling her eyes since she had just recently talked to her sister Judy answers “Fine, where is she?” with a bit more heat than she intended.

“It’s ok Hopps” says Bogo, trying to defuse the situation a bit “Nick isn’t supposed to be around for around forty-five minutes anyway. Go talk to your sister and then you can come back. Neither Nick nor I will be going anyplace soon.”

Deflating somewhat, Judy knows that she really needs to talk to Debra anyway.

“I’m sorry Elaine, its – it’s been a rough few hours.” apologizes Judy “Where’s Deb wanna meet?”

“In room 501. She asked me to tell you to wait for her there since it’s empty.”

“Thanks …” as Judy heads down towards the opposite end of the hall, Bogo can only shake his head and enter room 512 to wait for Wilde.

…

As Judy waits in the empty room 501, gets a chance to try to mull over the days happenings when she hears the door open then close again.

“All right Judes, what the hell is up with you?” pointedly asks Debra.

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“Why are you so interested in that fox? I know you were accepted into the police academy, and the Chief is here because one of his officers was injured, but why are you so interested?”

“BECAUSE I’M THE ONE WHO ALMOST KILLED HIM, OK?” shouts the gray doe.

Stunned, Debra can only stare open mouthed as Judy continues.

“I-I was headed home after finding out that I’m … pregnant …” Judy continues shakily “I found out earlier today.” she admits, looking dejectedly down at the floor, ears flat against her back. “I was busy cussing myself out and got distracted. I drifted too close to the side of the road and hit Nick.”

“Pregnant? You?” asks a further stunned Debra.

“Yes, me! … Jude the Prude, as all of you asshats like to call me!” answers Judy, anger building again. “When I found out that I’d been accepted into the Academy, I let loose for once, went out to celebrate, got drunk and ended up getting laid by some buck I’d just met that night. And no, I have no idea who it was, so don’t ask!”

“So … now what? Are you going to have an-”

“NO! Absolutely not!” as Judy pinching the bridge of her nose as she once again flatly rejects the idea “Like I told the Chief, I’m NOT gonna kill my kits because I screwed up. Bogo told me that there’s an abbreviated course for small town police forces offered at the academy, so I might just take him up on that. He thinks that the Tri-Burrow sheriff’s office has a day care setup for officers with small kits. Hopefully I can I can get hired and work there until the kits are born, take maternity leave, and drop the kits off at the care center when they’re old enough for me to go back to work. It’s not perfect, but at least I won’t have to stay and work on the farm.”

“Listen here Judes, working on the farm-” begins a now upset tan doe.

“I don’t mean to demean the farm,” interrupts Judy holding up a paw “but it’s not what I want to do, and I’d be so miserable, especially with kits in tow, that I think I’d go insane!” fires back Judy “It’s not like you’d ever go back to the farm voluntarily, so don’t even go there!

“And you really have no idea who the father is? Really?” asks Debra.

“None. All I remember is that he’s from out of town. I’d never seen him before, and you know I have a memory for names and faces.”

*SIGH* “Fine, I guess. I guess I can see why you’re so out of sorts and worried about the fox. Do you think that he’ll press charges against you?”

“According to Bogo, no. Bogo seems to think that once Nick knows all of the facts, that he’ll forgive me.”

“Nick? So, it’s Nick now?”

“Yes, it’s Nick. That’s his name. It seems a lot more respectful than ‘the fox’. What’s your problem anyway?”

“Just that you’ve always been a bit standoffish with preds, especially foxes, since Gid clawed you in grade school!”

“I know already, and I’ve been trying to work on that, especially since I was trying to go to the academy. If I’d been able to go and then get a job in Zootopia as an officer, I’d be bound to run across one every now and then. Almost accidentally killing a fox kinda helped to get my head straight!”

“You’re sure that it was an accident … right?” accuses the tan doe.

“I wasn’t even looking at the road when I hit him, I was busy pounding my head on the steering wheel if you must know!” replies Judy hotly.

“Fine, fine … it’s … it’s just so … not normal for you.” admits Debra.

“I know … I’ve been so focused of becoming a cop that I never even though about having a normal social life … kinda like you when you decided to become a doctor instead of staying on the farm …” Judy taking a slight verbal jab at her sister.

Just as Debra opens her mouth to answer, there’s a slight knocking at the door to the room-

“Yes?” answers Debra.

“Mister Wilde is lucid and Chief Bogo would like Judy to join him in the fox’s room.”

“I’ll be there in a sec, thanks Elaine.” answers Judy.

Turning her attention to her sister, Judy asks her sister for a slight favor: “Please don’t say anything to mom, I’ll tell her everything later, I promise.”

“To begin with, HIPO laws prevent me from telling her that you’re pregnant even if you aren’t one of my patients, not that I would anyway, and I don’t want to be anywhere close when the folks, especially dad, find out that you’re not only knocked up, but have no idea who the father is!”

“Me neither, actually …” mumbles Judy.

“Well, I’m otta here for now, good luck with your fox….” comments Debra, getting one last quick dig at her sister as she exits the room.

…

As she slowly makes her way to the room containing a fox todd and cape buffalo bull, Judy’s apprehensiveness grows. While hoping for the best, she’s preparing for the worst.

Opening the door, Judy is stunned by what she sees. While Bogo is sitting with a stern attitude, the fox – the mammal she almost killed – is a sight to behold.

While the right half of the todd’s head is wrapped in bandages, a neck brace in place to restrict his head movement, his entire right side is encased in a plaster cast, with said arm and leg suspended from a sort of trapeze looking device. And to top it all off, the todd was looking straight at her … and the look was not pleasant, but not unpleasant either, simply … curious?

“Miss Hopps…” begins Bogo.

“Chief…”

“Introductions!” begins the buffalo “… Judith Hopps, say hello Detective Lieutenant Nicholas Wilde. Nick, Judith Hopps.”

Wiggling the fingers of his left paw seemed to be Nick’s acknowledgement of the introductions.

“Normally, it would be difficult to get Wilde to keep quiet, but you seemed to manage that feat quite well.” smirks the much larger mammal, which earns him a middle finger salute from the bedridden todd.

“Manners Wilde-” begins Bogo a bit testily.

“No … no it’s alright,” interrupts Judy “he’s earned the right. I did almost kill him after all.”

“Yeah, about that …” continues Bogo.

“Chief?” asks a now confused rabbit doe.

“Take a seat please.”

As Judy takes a seat in a bunny sized chair, the buffalo continues.

“While I was waiting for the detective to arrive from recovery, I took the liberty of getting your full packet from the ZPA.”

“Oh, no!” thinks Judy “here we go – I’m headed straight to jail…”

“Judith Laverne Hopps,” continues Bogo, reading from the ZPA entrance packet that he had downloaded to his ZPD issued tablet. “Species Leporid - genus sylvilagus nuttallii, female. Graduated top of her high school class as Valedictorian, National Honor Society. College studies include top marks in criminal justice, criminal psychology, among others with a minor in pre-law. Top academic marks in her ZPA entrance exams and best physical shape of any recruit to ever apply to the ZPA.

“All very impressive except for one detail which I personally find disturbing …. The packet mentions a report of a scuffle between yourself and a red fox kit by the name of Gideon Gray. While you were cited for simple assault, the Gray kit was pegged for felony assault and did ten months in juvenile hall. Would you care to explain the difference to myself and Lieutenant Wilde? The report doesn’t give any specifics, but I’m hoping that there’s no anti-predator bias as to the reasoning.”

With her ears flat against her back and tears welling in her eyes, Judy fills in the missing pieces:

“When I was nine, I took part in the yearly Carrot Days festival. I participated in a skit with several other kits and was dressed as a police officer. Gideon Gray was in the audience and heckled me specifically during the performance. After the performance, I caught him bullying several of my friends and saw him steal their ride tickets. When I confronted him, he pushed me down and I kicked him in the muzzle which is where I got the simple assault charge since it was basically considered self-defense. The reason he got sent to juvie is because of this!” as Judy ruffled the fur on her left cheek, showing three faint scars. “Gideon clawed me and my parents pressed charges. I’m not particularily proud of what happened, but I’d do it again in a heartbeat!” she finishes with a bit of heat creeping into her voice.

Mildly stunned into a thoughtful silence, Bogo mulls over the new information for a few moments.

“I’ll doublecheck this new information with the local police, and if it checks out I’ll be sure that it’s updated in your packet.”

“Thank you Chief, but all things considered, I doubt if it’ll do me much good.” says a despondent Judy.

“Oh? And why is that, pray tell!”

“For one thing, mister Wilde doesn’t seem to give much of a damn about my story, and I did almost kill him. Plus, there’s that other issue to consider.” says Judy, again threatening to tear up.
“I haven’t mentioned that particular piece of information to him because I didn’t think it was my place to give out that sort of information.” admits the buffalo.

Pondering her next course of action, Judy decides what the hell – in for a penny, in for a pound and addresses her next remarks to the bed-ridden todd. “I-I also happen to be pregnant! I was so thrilled at being able to be accepted into the ZPA that I got stupid. I got drunk and … and…”

“Hopps …” begins Bogo.

“No, I – I need mister Wilde to know.” looking straight at Nick, Judy continues her confession “I was driving home earlier after finding out that I was pregnant … I was so busy berating myself for being so careless … so stupid, that I inadvertently drove too close to the side of the road and … and …”

“It ... Ok…” comes from the todd.

“Wilde…” begins Bogo.

“Fone!” the todd manages to croak out through clenched teeth, wiggling the fingers of his left paw.

After a moment, Bogo finally understands Nick’s request and fetches the todd’s phone and places it within easy reach of the todd’s left paw.

As Nick attempts to tap out a text message to the buffalo, he becomes increasingly irritated at not being able to punch out the correct letters using only his left paw.

“What’s going on here?” suddenly comes an angry voice from just inside the doorway.

“Debra!” squeaks Judy, as all eyes turn toward Judy’s sister.

“This mammal has been through enough without all of this! I want both of you gone … NOW!” as the doe stamps her right hind paw for emphasis.

“But-” comes from both Judy and Bogo at the same time.

“NO! Mister Wilde is lucky to be alive, all things considered, and you two have absolutely NO business aggravating him like this. This is what’s going to happen – Chief Bogo, you may come back
tomorrow during afternoon visiting hours for one hour. Whatever police business you may have can be conducted then and then you’ll leave.”

Turning her attention to her sister, Debra continues “Judy, you need to go back to the warren and contend with both mom and dad. You know mom’s gonna ream you a new one because of your condition and not having a husband or at least a potential mate. And don’t even get me get started on dad. Yes, he and Gideon are business partners, but that’s as far as that story goes. You already know he’s gonna lose his mind having to pay medical and rehab expenses for a fox. Besides all that, you need to figure out what you’re gonna do for a job before and after the kits are born. You know the folks won’t let you just lay around the warren even if you wanted to.”

“I already told you that the Chief said that I could probably take the shortened ZPA course in a couple of weeks if I wanted,” retorts Judy hotly “so I think I will. I will need to scout for a place to live though, ‘cause I’m sure as hell not gonna stay in the warren and listen to mom and dad all the time.”

“Then you’re gonna need to get your shit straight, and do it in a hurry.” shoots back Debra, paws on hips “You can take my pick-up and use it until you go to the academy, I’ll catch a ride home with Elaine when she gets off and use the van since Danni’s still not in any kind of shape to walk, let alone drive. You can use the time between now and then to find yourself a place and some sort of vehicle, as well as making sure that you’ll actually have a job with the sheriff’s department when you get back from the academy if you go. Plus, you might want to arrange for a way to pay for stuff until you can get financially stable on your own, because I doubt that dad ’ll be of much help, even with mom’s prodding.”

*SIGH* “I know, I know.” responds Judy “First mom and dad, then tomorrow I’ll need to see if I can even get a job with the Tri-Burrow sheriff’s office, then start looking for my own place.”

“I told you I’d put in a good word for you miss Hopps” interrupts Bogo. “I’m reasonably certain that Sheriff Justice could use someone as capable as you seem to be. Maybe we can meet up for a few minutes after you talk with Detective Wilde here in a day or so and work things out.”

“That … would be nice” admits Judy “let’s plan on that then.”

Turning her attention to the other mammal in the room “Will that be okay with you mister Wilde?” Judy asks.

With hardly a second’s thought, a still vocally challenged Nick gives a thumbs up as a reply.

“I’ll arrange a ride to the sheriff’s office for myself, then secure a hotel room for the next couple of days.” Indicates Bogo as he heads for the door. “We can meet-up here sometime on Friday afternoon.”

“Then I guess a confrontation with my folks is next on my to-do list …” admits a very apprehensive Judy as she gathers her coat and gloves for the ride to the warren.

Chapter Text

As Judy sits in her sister’s truck in the hospital parking lot, her mind races at a hundred miles an hour … her mother will be so disappointed … kits on the way and no husband or even a prospective legitimate mate to help raise and watch after the kits. No buck in his right mind is going to want to even date her with kits on the way, especially with her not knowing who the actual father might be.
Her father, already upset, furious actually, that at the very least his insurance will be footing the medical bills for a predator, especially a fox, which will cause his premiums to drastically increase for possibly the next several years. Worst case, Stuart Hopps will most likely be out of pocket for a very healthy sum.

Letting out a heavy sigh, Judy starts the truck and makes the half-hour journey from the hospital to the main Hopps warren.

As the young doe pulls up in front of the main warren entrance, her mother hurries out to greet her.

“Is-is everything alright Bun-Bun?” as the matronly doe.

“I-I don’t know mom, I really don’t! Everything is so screwed up…”

“And what about the fox?” comes the chilling question from her father as he exits the warren.

“Detective Wilde is out of danger and expected to make a full recovery.” answers Judy “Deb said it may take between six and nine months before he’ll be released from a doctor’s care, whether from here or Zootopia, it makes no difference. Deb was called in because even being in Aurora she’s more experienced with working on predators than anybunny else.”

“Bull puckey. I’ll go in there myself and have him discharged-” as Stu begins a rant.

“Stuart!” begins Bonnie hotly “If you go charging to the hospital and try to get that young mammal discharged, you’ll end up in jail and we’ll have to pay a heavy fine to get you out on top of everything else. Don’t you remember what Debra said about tampering with patients when she became a doctor?”

“And I’m expected to just sit back and let that, that FOX just laze about for a year on MY money?” rants the buck.

“Firstly, you already know that’s what insurance is for,” interrupts Bonnie “that’s been talked to death at this point. Besides, the fact that mister Wilde is a fox is entirely beside the point. He happens to be a mammal, and a police officer at that, who was injured by our daughter. There’s nothing else that can be done at this point in time, so just let it go for now at least.”

When Stu ‘harrumphs’ and reenters the warren, Bonnie turns back to her daughter. “Now dear, what did you need to talk to me in private about?”

“On … on top of everything else that’s happened today I … I just found out … that … I’m pregnant!”

For a moment, Bonnie can only stare open mouthed at her daughter, too stunned to say anything. Finally, she manages to find her tongue: “So, who’s the buck? Do we know him?”

“I – I have no idea.” Judy manages to shamefully admit.

“WH-WHAT? No idea? Really? How could you possibly have no idea?” stammers a shocked Bonnie.

Letting out another heavy sigh, Judy elaborates: “Do you remember when I got the notification that I’d been accepted to the Zootopia Police Academy?” seeing her mother nod slightly, Judy continues “Well if you remember, I went out and partied that night … and I got kinda drunk … and woke up the next morning, realizing that I’d actually slept with someone. All I remember for sure is that he had brownish fur and blue eyes. He never gave a name or said where he was from. He may have even slipped something in my drink when I wasn’t looking, I don’t know for sure.”

“And what are you going to do about it?” comes the oft asked question that Judy knew was coming.

“For one thing I’m NOT getting an abortion. This is my mistake and I’ll take care of it myself. I won’t kill my innocent kits who have done nothing wrong.”

“Well, you get points for having the sense to take that route.” responds a visibly relieved Bonnie “Will you be returning to the farm? I’m sure you won’t be able to go the police academy while you’re pregnant.”

“Chief Bogo told me that there’s a shortened ZPA course for smaller communities, and that he’d put in a recommendation for me to be able to attend that course. He also told me that he’d put in a good word for me with sheriff Justice so I could possibly work for the Tri-Burrows sheriff’s office after I graduate the academy.”

“And what about the injured officer? What did he have to say about everything?” asks Bonnie.

With a rueful smile, Judy tells her mother “Not much, his jaw was messed up so he couldn’t talk. Deb said that he should be better in a day or so, so I’m going to go back and talk to him then. At least I got the impression that he wouldn’t be pressing charges.”

“And in the meantime?” asks Bonnie with a bit of apprehension.

“Tomorrow I’ll go and talk to sheriff Justice and put in an amended application to the ZPA. Then I’ll need to try and find someplace to liv-”

“Nonsense, you can stay here, with us in the warren.” interrupts Bonnie.

“No mom, I can’t. I know you and especially dad too well. You’d be constantly pushing me to try to find someone, anyone, to marry just so the kits would have a father figure, no matter how miserable I’d be. And I refuse to be around dad, carrying on all day or night about the miserable fox whose very existence is killing him, draining him and the farm of every last penny. No, thanks for the offer but I really need to get my own place.”

*SIGH* “Since you put it that way, I guess you’re right” admits Bonnie “… Anyway, I’m sure you haven’t eaten anything lately, and you know you need to eat more now that you’re with kits.”

“You’re right, I am hungry!”

“Well, sit down and I’ll fix you something, then you might as well get some rest. It sounds like you’re going to have busy next couple of days.”

After a quick meal of stir-fried veggies and some generic vegetable juice, Judy heads to bed after a very trying day.

…

Rising just before dawn as has been her habit for as long as she can remember, Judy contemplates whether or not she should continue her normal routine now that she knows that she’s pregnant. Deciding that it couldn’t hurt since she’s only about 3 weeks into her pregnancy, Judy throws on her usual light sweat pants and hoodie and does her stretches and jogs her usual 5 laps (5 miles) around the perimeter of the Hopps compound.

After returning to the warren, Judy grabs a quick shower, several granola bars and a couple of bottles of water and heads out to speak with sheriff Justice, making a mental note to find an ob/gyn that will see her, not wanting everyone in the Hopps warren to know about her pregnancy just yet.

…

Parking in one of the few parking spaces in front of the Tri-Burrow sheriff’s office, Judy enters the building and is greeted by sheriff Justice’s son, Junior at the front desk.

“Hey Miss Judy, what kin ah do fer ya?”

“Hey Junior. I-I really need to talk to the sheriff if he’s not busy …”

“Ah’course. No problem ‘tall. Hey daddy, Judy Hopps is here ta see ya!” the young buck simply yells.

A totally exasperated sheriff Justice steps to the doorway of his office – “Junior, how many times do I gots ta tell ya ta call me sheriff while we’re around the public? And use the damned intercom instead of yellin’!”

“Sorry daddy …”

Rolling his eyes, the older buck simply looks to Judy “See what I gots ta put up with? Anyways, c’mon in Judy.” as he motions the young doe towards his office.

As he takes his seat behind his modest desk, sheriff Justice motions for Judy to take a chair, then proceeds: “Judy, I’m pretty sure I know why you’re here, but I’ll let you tell me just to be certain.”
Placing her paws in her lap with her ears flat on her back after taking her seat, Judy gets straight to the point: “Sheriff, I need to know that if I go the shortened ZPD academy, I’ll have a job with the Tri-Burrow sheriff’s office when I graduate.”

“Before I say yes, I need fer ya ta answer a question fer me … an’ I need an honest answer.” comments the old buck with a definite note of seriousness.
“Which is?” asks Judy, now a bit fearful.

“Would ya absolutely need ta be detailed ta Bunnyburra, or would ya be willin’ ta accept a patrol somewhere else in the Tri-Burrow area? The reason I’m asking’s simple – the department’s fully staffed ‘round the Burra, and I really need officers elsewhere. There is openings in Podunk, Deerbrook and ‘specially in Aurora.”

Giving the question a moment’s thought, Judy admits “Truthfully, I’d really appreciate a position anywhere except Bunnyburrow. It’s a bit too close to the fluffle. Mom would constantly push me to get married and dad … no matter what I do, dad is gonna be furious with me. Debra lives and works in Aurora, so I guess that’s probably the best place for me, at least I’ll know somebunny there.”

“Ya do realize that Aurora’s predator heavy fer residents and most of them folks is mixed species couples, right?”

“Yes sir.” comes the immediate answer “I’d need to be able to encounter predators if I was in Zootopia, so it seems like that would probably be my best fit.”

“I thought so … and so did Chief Bogo and detective Wilde. I guess thet’s why they offered ta pay yer way through the course, yer dorm fees, meals, books and all other associated expenses while yer at the Academy.”

“Th-they what? Why would they offer to do that? Especially Wilde of all mammals?” asks a totally stunned Judy.

“I guess thet you’ll just have ta ask ‘em that yerself when you see ‘em. Chief Bogo should be visiting his officer after lunch, so why don’t ya show up at the same time?”

“I guess I can do that.” pulling out her phone, Judy tries to call her sister to make sure that it would be okay, however: “That’s strange, my phone shows no service. Is yours working?”

Pulling out his own cell phone, the buck tells Judy that it is.

Coming to the only conclusion available, Judy begins to tear up yet again “Dad must’ve cut off my phone because I defended officer Wilde. Can – may I please use your computer to reapply to the academy?”

“Certainly.” as the older buck rises from his seat. “Simply input yer updated information and indicate the starting date that’s closest, which is in just two weeks from this coming Monday, and print out a copy if ya want. I’ll notify Bogo and Wilde so all tuition and other fees will be billed directly to ‘em.”

“Thank you, sheriff.” responds a very grateful Judy as she takes her place in front of the computer.

As the young doe updates her application to the ZPA, the terrible realization of just how very alone she suddenly is settles into her very being … so very disheartening for a highly communal mammal like a rabbit! No phone, no computer access, no car to get around in, no real place to go home to after the academy, no money to speak of, and worst of all … virtually no family to turn to for comfort or advice, especially with kits on the way!

After finishing and printing out her updated application, Judy says goodbye to the sheriff and his son and makes her way through the snow to Debra’s truck, dreading the trip back to the warren.

…

Arriving at the Hopps warren, Judy’s worst fears are not only confirmed, but prove to be much worse than anticipated, if that was at all possible.

Seeing her parents standing on the front porch, mother fretting and father frowning deeply, Judy exits the truck finally noticing several boxes setting in the snow as well.

“Mom … dad … what’s all this?” motioning towards the boxes.

“Well Bun-Bun-” begins Bonnie before Stu interrupts.

“This is your stuff,” begins the buck “all of it. You are no longer welcome here. Your phone and debit cards that are tied to the warren accounts are cut off. Being pregnant and not knowing who the father is is bad enough, but to take the side of a FOX of all mammals, it’s just too much. Pick up your things and leave … NOW JUDITH!!!”

“But-” begins Judy as she tries to explain.

“NOW Judith!” he demands.

As a tearful Judy looks to her equally tearful mother, the poor doe is more downcast and depressed than ever. Slowly picking up her meagre belongings (including the small paw painted wood sign that formerly adorned the door to her small room) and loads them into the bed of Debra’s pickup.

…

Pulling over just out of sight of the warren, Judy breaks down and cries until the tears will no longer flow.

Finally drying her tear-stained cheeks as best she can, Judy figures that she might as well head to the hospital to visit with Nick and Chief Bogo.

After spending several minutes sitting in the parking lot composing herself, Judy enters the hospital and makes her way towards room 512.

As she passes the fifth-floor nurse’s desk, she’s informed that Nick has been moved from the ICU unit to a room on the third floor.

Trudging down to the third floor, Judy is told by that desk nurse that both Nick and the Chief are in room 325.

Leaving the third-floor nurse’s desk, Judy turns and goes down the hall, stopping in front of the room to try once again to compose herself.

Pasting on a fake smile, Judy knocks gently on the room door and hears “Enter!” from the chief.

“Mornin’ Hopps!” Nick greets the doe, which surprises the doe to no end.

“Good morning officer Wilde, chief.” comes the half-hearted reply.

As the two males look back and forth between each other and Judy, Bogo finally asks “Okay Hopps, what’s the problem?”

“I-I don’t know what you’re talking about! I’m fine!” denies the doe.

“Hopps, you are possibly the absolute worst liar I’ve ever come across!” accuses Bogo.

“Miss Hopps,” continues a now vocal Nick “Adrian and I interrogate criminals for a living. It’s painfully obvious to both of us that something’s bothering you. Please tell us what it is. We can’t help if we don’t know what’s wrong. And yes, my snout and jaw are much better, much to the chief’s chagrin!” snarks the todd.

“It-it’s just more personal stuff, I really don’t think that you can help.” as tears threaten to well up once again.

“What could possibly be worse that what you’ve already shared?” asks Nick “We already know that you’re pregnant and the mammal that caused that has bailed. Please …”

Letting out a heavy sigh and having no one else to turn to, Judy has to share with someone.

“Fine.” the doe finally manages to choke out after a deep breath “… To start everything off, when I went to verify that I’d be employed with the Tri-Burrow sheriff’s office after graduating from the academy this morning, my phone gave me a ‘no service’ notification (making air quotes) so I had to use the sheriff’s computer to update my application to the ZPA after the sheriff reassured me that I would have a job when I graduate.

“When I got home, mom and dad were waiting on the front porch. Dad made sure I knew that he was furious with me not only because I’m pregnant with no mate, but because I stuck up for you, detective Wilde. He-he even tossed me out of the warren.

“So now, here I am … pregnant – no home, no mate, no money, no phone and no hope!” as the poor doe breaks down again.

Sitting in shocked silence, Nick and Bogo were at a loss for words.

Finally, after a few moments thought, Nick manages to come up with a plan, but first needs Judy to answer a vital question.

“Will you allow us, or better yet, ME to help you?”

“Maybe …” she answers” but why you – specifically?”

“Well, I did manage to get you into most of this mess, the worst of it at least by being in the wrong place at the wrong time.” answers the todd honestly.

“What kind of help, and … what do you want in return … specifically?” she asks warily.

“Well, to begin with … a phone, some cash and a place to stay before and after the academy.” begins the todd.

“And again, what do you need in return?” asks mildly suspicious doe.

“Let me set up a few things first, then you can either agree to or reject anything or everything, no strings attached if you agree and no hard feelings if you decide not to.”

Receiving no answer, Nick turns to Bogo: “Phone please Adrian.”

After receiving his phone, Nick begins making a few calls:

“Hello, Horizon? Yes, this is detective Nicholas Wilde, Pin 5072. I would like to add a phone to my account, full unlimited talk, text and data package. Yes, that’s correct. No, I won’t need a phone, just add another number to my existing plan. The number? wait one second please …”

Placing the device on mute, Nick asks Judy “I need your number … please.”

“… 931-555-4231.” cautiously replies the young doe.

After relaying the information to the mammal on the other end, Nick thanks her and terminates the call.

Just then, Judy’s phone unexpectedly receives an incoming call.

Answering the call, Judy is amazed to hear: “Welcome to Horizon…”

Terminating the call, Judy notices that Nick is again on his phone:

When her phone suddenly rings again, she sees it’s from … Nick?

“Now you have my number so you can call or text anytime.” comes his amused voice.

Hanging up and dialing yet again, Nick makes yet another call.

“Yes, Animalia National, this is Detective Nicholas Wilde, badge number 4494. I need to have another name added to my secondary ATM account. Yes, that’s right. Hopps, Judith Laverne. Yes, full access. Thank you.” and terminates the call.

Seeing Judy staring at him, open mouthed, he can only ask “What?”

“Full access … to one of your accounts? Really? Why?”

“My secondary account. Yes really, and as to why, you need to remember that a lot of what has happened to you the last few days, especially your being banished from your home, which is, again, mostly my fault after all. My being in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

“But it’s so much…” she protests.

“Miss Hopps … Judy” he begins “I’ve been in dark places before. This is my way of paying my good fortune forward. But I have to ask, don’t you have any family or friends you can connect with, to count on for support?”

“As far as family, probably only Debra for sure, and I hate to impose on her and her mate and kits for so much. My friends are few and far between since I dedicated almost all of my free time up until now pursuing my dream of becoming an officer. I guess there’s only Gideon Gray and his wife Sharla that I can count as friends.” Judy sadly admits.

“I see. The same Gideon Gray who clawed you and was sent to juvie?” asks Bogo, remembering their earlier conversation.

“The very same.” admits the doe. “We made up years ago … he’s also the best baker in the Tri-Burrows and Sharla … she’s been my best friend since we were little.”

“That’s it?” Nick asks.

“Yeah, pitiful isn’t it?”

“No, not really” he admits. “The chief already told you what became of my parents and … sister. Not counting the military, my only real friend since I left home at age twelve until I became a cop was Finnick, so I understand completely. Speaking of which, I need to make one more call.”

Dialing a certain number from his contact list, Nick contacts his friend “Finn! Yeah, it’s me. Listen, I need a favor. No fer cryin’ out loud definitely NOT that! I need you to load up the ’66 ‘Cuda on the rollback and bring it to the Tri-Burrow Medical Center or whatever near Bunnyburrow. No, I’m not prankin’ ya, just do it. I need it here as early tomorrow as you can get it here. Yeah, Bogo knows, he’s standing right here. Say hi to Finn boss…”

“It’s okay Finn, you can take the time and use a precinct rollback to bring Nick’s car tomorrow.” says Bogo, finally a part of the ongoing conversation.

Terminating the call, Nick turns his attention to a doe with her mouth hanging partway open.

“So much … too much … I can’t possibly accept all of this.” admits a stunned Judy.

After a few moments of thought: “Look” begins a slightly frustrated Nick, gently pinching the bridge of his still tender snout with his left paw. “I don’t know why you need to make this so difficult … how about this – if you really want to be able to pay me back, I have a suggestion, something with a bit of a personal touch.”

Seeing the combined look of dread and slight anger, Nick hurriedly continues “No, it’s NOT what you’re probably thinking. I’ve been pondering moving away from the city for a bit lately and this might be just the opportunity (which garners a side-eyed look from Bogo). I would like to request that you educate me on the goings on, the local traditions and such of the Tri-Burrow area. With the exception of my time in the military, I’ve spent literally all my life in Zootopia and perhaps it’s time to educate myself about the surrounding areas. If you’d be willing to tutor me before, during and after I’m in rehab, I’d be willing to call us even. What do you say to that as a form of repayment?”

While neither Nick or Judy catches Bogo side-eyeing the todd in surprise, the bovine keeps quiet, knowing full well that Nick has never voiced such thoughts in the past. ‘We’ll wait and see where this goes’ he thinks.

Mulling the suggestion over, Judy sees no problem with it, and if there’s a hidden agenda somewhere, she should have ample opportunity to call it off.

“Deal.” agrees the doe as she extends a paw.

With a genuine smile, Nick uses his left paw to shake with.

Almost as an afterthought, Judy asks “Are you sure there are no ulterior motives behind this idea of yours?”

“Well,” begins Nick “you are the … prettiest … female I’ve seen for a long time ...” and adds a quick wink to the end of the statement.

A slightly embarrassed and flustered Judy decides to throw a bit of snark back at the flirty todd “Don’t call me cute it’s-”

Which is exactly when Debra manages to step into the room – this is NOT a good bit of timing.

“What’s this? As an officer you should know better than to call a rabbit, especially a rabbit doe, cute!” Debra rants.

Chapter Text

~0~

Almost as an afterthought, Judy asks “Are you sure there are no ulterior motives behind this idea of yours?”

“Well,” begins Nick “you are the … prettiest … female I’ve seen for a long time.” and adds a quick wink to the end of the statement.

A slightly embarrassed and flustered Judy decides to throw a bit of snark back at the flirty todd “Don’t call me cute it’s-”

Which is exactly when Debra manages to step into the room – this is NOT a good bit of timing.

“What’s this? As an officer you should know better than to call a rabbit, especially a doe, cute!” Debra rants.

~0~

Taken completely by surprise, Nick tries to explain “But, I didn’t-”

“Don’t bother to deny it, I just heard Judy admonish you for doing it!”

“But Nick didn’t-” Judy tries to interrupt, but at this point, Debra’s rant will not be stopped.

“Don’t worry Judy, I’ve got this!” continues the irate tan doe. “I’m going to make an example of officer Wilde. I’m going to file charges of sexual harassment, conduct unbecoming and anything else I can think of against him, and if the ZPD doesn’t do something about him, I’ll sue the police department itself!” as she looks directly and accusingly at Bogo.

“But it’s not what you-” again Judy tries to insert herself into the conversation.

“I said I’d take care of this-” again interrupts Debra, this time with even more force.

Finally, not able to take the verbal onslaught, Judy hops (no pun intended) down for the chair she’s been sitting on and flees the room.

“Well, now you’ve done it!” says Debra as she tries to pick up where she left off before Judy’s untimely exit.

“THAT’S ENOUGH!” as Nick finally takes control of the conversation.

In shock, Debra stands slightly slack-jawed, staring at the todd.

“Everything was going smoothly and under complete control until you came in and screwed everything up!” accuses the todd.

“But-but I heard-”

“Part of the conversation!” Nick asserts firmly “You have absolutely NO idea what was said before you stepped into the room do you?” he asks.

“But-”

“NO! You don’t get to talk! It’s my turn now!” reasserts the todd.

“Judy and I had reached an agreement for her to tutor me on the local communities that are included in the Tri-Burrows area. I complemented her and told her she was the prettiest female I’d seen in a long time. She got embarrassed and evidentially reverted to the ‘don’t call bunnies cute’ shtick that I’ve heard several times before in Zootopia in order to cover her embarrassment. I absolutely know better that to use the ‘C’ word around rabbits. But now, thanks to your little tirade, what little self-confidence that Judy had left after the last few days seems to have been completely destroyed. If you really want to press charges, go right ahead, but just so you know, I’m going to be adding a few of my own.”

Turning his attention to the large buffalo who, up to this point has been quiet, Nick continues: “Chief, I want you to go find the facility administrator. When you find him, or her, I want to file several complaints against Doctor Hopps-Leaps here. Verbal harassment, specism, and professional misconduct should do to begin with. In the meantime, I wish to have a different primary physician be assigned to me as soon as possible.”

Turning his attention back to the doe “And you doctor, can leave the room. I do not wish to see you again, now or ever.”

“But-” as Debra tries to get a word in edgewise.

“Doctor … leave … this … room … NOW!” as Nick cuts her off with as much venom in his voice as he can muster.

As Bogo exits the room, Debra follows him – ears flat against her back, shoulders slumped and eyes looking at the floor. Taking a last peek at the still visibly upset vulpine, the doe finally clears the doorway.

Approaching the duty nurse’s desk, Debra was informed that Judy had gone in the direction of the smoker’s lounge.

“Makes sense, I guess,” the doe thinks to herself “since smoking’s not allowed anywhere in the building anymore, at least she’ll have some privacy.”

Opening the frosted glass door to the normally unused smoking area, Debra sees Judy sitting on a bench looking out at the snow-covered landscape with her ears flat on her back and shoulders hunched, shaking slightly.

“Judes?” the tan doe asks softly.

“I-I want to thank you Debra …” the grey doe says quietly, tears still rimming her eyes.

“For….?”

“My life was just starting to return to a semblance of normal, until you managed to totally screw it up … again. So … thanks for that!”

“Judy, I-”

“Just so you know,” Judy continues undeterred “Nick and the Chief had already paid for everything out of their own pockets so I could go to the academy in a couple of weeks…”

“Judy-”

Judy again continues uninterrupted. “I had worked out a deal with Nick to teach him all about the Tri-Burrows. In exchange, he had already put my phone on his plan, gave me full access to one of his debit cards, and is, or rather probably was, going to have one of his cars brought here for me to use. Nick is the first mammal to ever try and support my dream of becoming a cop. No one else ever did that. Not mom or dad, not even you … But now, thanks to you, I’m pretty sure it’s all in the toilet. I – I just wanted to share that with you. So … now once again … I’ll probably have no phone, no money, no job, nowhere to live and no transportation. I have no idea what I’ll do when the kits get here…”

“What are you talking about? There’s the burrow, and-”

“I guess you hadn’t heard yet.” interrupts Judy. “Since I’m pregnant with no actual mate, and I stuck up for Nick earlier, dad banished me from the warren and cut off my phone and all access to all of the family bank accounts.”

“I-I had no idea!”

Finally turning to look at her sister, Judy continues angrily: “Of course not, but you had to jump in and run your mouth … you never once gave anyone a chance to explain that what you heard was taken out of context even though we all tried. Nick had complemented me on how pretty I was and I froze up, never expecting that. All I could think of for a comeback was to tell him not to call a bunny cute. Then you stepped in and it all turned to shit!”

Letting out a long sigh, a now tearful Debra finally speaks “Well, I guess your fox got the last laugh then…”

As what her sister said sinks in – HER fox rather than THE fox – Judy has to ask “Wait, what? What happened?”

Taking a place beside her sister on the long open-ended bench “When Wilde finally explained everything, he told the chief to get the hospital administrator. The todd’s going to pursue complaints against me that will most likely cause me to lose my certification at the hospital and probably my license to practice medicine. I’ll be jobless, which will suck, what with Danni not able to work and the kits ready to go to school next fall.”

After several moments of thoughtful silence, Debra continues “Nick’s in love with you Judes … or at least he really likes you, that much is clear.”

“Wh-what?” comes the incredulous reply.

“How else would you explain everything he’s done for you? He could have had you arrested or at least given a ton of tickets or both. He could have simply just walked away and ignored you completely. He could have left you to the mercy of the courts. Instead, he, and his boss, have offered to do all of that for you. What other answer is there?”

“I-I-I just don’t know what to think … what to say … what to do!” stammers the grey doe. “You know perfectly well that I’ve never even really dated before!”

“I think the only thing you can do is to go and ask him. At least you’ll know for sure, one way or the other.” suggests Debra.

*SIGH* “I guess you’re right. C’mon …” says Judy as she grabs her sister’s arm, leading her towards the door.

“WHAT? Me, go with you? After the way he looked at me … after he asked … no, demanded that I leave the room? Are you crazy? Or do you just think that I am?”

Stopping just short of the smoking lounge door, Judy poses a demand “If you don’t go, I won’t either. Make up your damned mind sis!!!”

“Ugh, fine, let’s go then…” as Debra stops resisting as Judy takes her paw in her own and the two does head back down the hall towards Nick’s room.

As the two were about to enter Nick’s room, Debra spies Bogo and a black tailed deer doe coming from the opposite end of the hall.

“That’s Ms. Deerley, the director of the hospital....” Deb whispers to her sister.

“Let ME handle THIS…” insists Judy.

When Bogo opens his mouth and lifts a hoof, Judy shows her attitude “Listen up chief, Deb and I are going to talk to Nick, and we’ll let you two know when you can come in when we’re finished. You will NOT enter until I say so … got it?”

Closing his mouth and dropping his hoof, Bogo pauses for a few seconds and then answers “Yes ma’am. We’ll be in the waiting area. Come Ms. Deerley.” as he takes the protesting deer doe by the arm, leading her toward the waiting area.

...

Entering the room, the does first hear “Hey there Fluff - but you … I thought I told you-”

“Can it Wilde.” begins Judy forcefully “We need to talk … all three of us. Deb and I first and you’re going to listen, then you can have your turn … understand?”

Seeing the todd give a slight nod, Judy continues “Alright, Deb, you’re first … apologize to Nick, and you’d damn well better mean it.” she warns.

Stepping forward, ears down flat against her back and wringing her paws, Debra begins “Officer … err I mean detective Wilde, I’d like to apologize for stepping out of line and demeaning you for calling Judy cute. I apologize for not letting you, or her, be able to inform me as to the prior bit of conversation that took place before I entered the room. If you could possibly see fit to not file complaints against me and my actions, I promise to strive to do better and be more diligent in the future.”

Looking between the two does, Nick makes a beckoning motion with his free left paw.

Approaching slowly, Deb hops up on the chair next to the todd’s bed.

As Nick motions her yet again, the doe crawls up on the edge of the bed.

“Do you mean it?” asks Nick softly. Do you truly mean every word?”

“Yes, yes I do.”

“Are you married? Have kits?” he asks.

“Yes …” she breathes just as quietly.

“When we’re done here, I want you to go home to your husband and kits, hug them and tell them how much you love them. Can you do that?”

“Of course. I do it every day.”

“Then I won’t file any complaints. I forgive you since you were just trying to protect your sister as best you could. Everyone deserves a second chance. I got one, so the best thing I can do is pay it forward. I’ll still retain you as my primary physician unless you don’t feel comfortable around me. If that’s the case I understand.”

“I – I’d really like the opportunity to stay on as your primary Mr. Wilde …” confirms the doe.

“Then that’s settled. Okay Judy, I guess that means you’re next.”

Joining her sister on the very edge of Nick’s bed, Judy has just one question: “Nick, why are you doing all of this for me? I mean really?”

“I told you-” begins the todd.

“I know what you told me before and it’s all very nice, but … there’s more to it than just that … isn’t there? Please be honest with me Nick … please!!!”

“I – I’m not sure you’ll like what m - my reasons truly are …” he stammers.

“Do you like me Nick?” Judy suddenly asks softly gently taking his much larger left paw in both of her much smaller paws. “I mean truly like me, in a romantic sort of way and not just a being helpful or as a sister sort of way?”

“Mayyybeeee?” cautiously answers Nick, very unsure as to where the line of questioning is going.

Reaching out and touching Nick’s arm, Judy has a confession of her own “It’s okay if you do Nick, I – I like you as well.”

“You – you do?”

“Yes Nick, I do. I really didn’t realize it until talking with Deb just a few minutes ago. When we sat together and went over the past few days happenings and she got me to remember how I stuck up for you against my father. There’s no way I could’ve done that unless there was some sort of feelings there. And you, you sly fox, doing all of those things for me under the guise of simply helping me to become an officer. No one, and I mean no one, not even my parents, ever offered any support for realizing my dream. Only you did that.”

“Really?”

“Yes really. So … wadda ya say, wanna try and be together? At least try?”

“Umm, what do you know about vulpine relationships?” he asks.

“Not much, why?”

“In fox relationships, especially reds, the vixen always takes the lead. In everything from dating to proposals to sex and even having and raising kits. Everything… and once married and bonded, it’s a lifelong relationship. No divorce. Period. Only death can separate them.”

“Like … like your parents?” Judy asks cautiously.

“Exactly like them, yes.” sadly admits the todd “Look, I’m not saying no and I’m not saying yes just yet. I’m simply asking you to study up on what it means to be with a fox. Traditions, everything, then ask me again. Will that be acceptable? We can take it from there … slowly if you don’t mind. Besides, I’m not gonna be goin’ anywhere or doin’ anything for some time according to your sister.”
“I’ll accept that for now.” as Judy gently pads over to Nick (I know, bunnies don’t have paw pads – it’s a figure of speech) and places a gentle kiss on his jaw, which surprises all three occupants in the room, especially Judy. “And while I’m at it, I’ll pick up a couple of books on lapine dating and mating customs, for you to look over, so we’re on even ground. It should make things a bit easier down the road – fewer misunderstandings.”

Heading for and reaching the edge of the bed, Judy turns “If you don’t mind, I’m gonna get something to eat, then do some shopping. When dad banished me from the warren, I suddenly realized how few possessions I truly have. I need some new clothes and fursonal items both for the academy and for every day, as well as reserving a hotel room until I go to the academy. I promise to stop by tonight before visiting hours are up and see you again.”

“When I leave, I’ll leave word at the desk that you’ve made Judy your emergency contact and that she’s to be considered family. That way she can stop by anytime of the day or night and visit.” interjects Debra.

“Thanks Deb.” says Judy.

“Yes, thank you Doctor Hopps-Leaps.” adds Nick.

“Since you’re practically family, you can just call be Debra or Deb if you’d like … except around the public.” the tan doe adds.

“Then, thank you … Deb.”

“And while my truly mental sister is still here to hear, you have my permission to call me cute – in private – if you wish.” Judy adds.

“Thanks all the same,” comments Nick “but I think pretty or beautiful is a lot safer and much more accurate. And I guess Fluff will do in public, will it not?”

“Those are fine, as long as you mean them.” answers a now blushing Judy.

“With all my heart.” concedes the todd.

“And I’ll be back in a bit to check on you and take a few vitals.” adds Debra as she follows Judy to the door.

…

Shortly after the does leave, Bogo and Ms. Deerley enter.

“I’ve decided not to pursue any complaints against doctor Hopps-Leaps.” Nick immediately tells the two. “This was a simple misunderstanding which was easily rectified. Thank you for your time.”

With a huff, the deer doe rolls her eyes and leaves, leaving just Nick and Bogo.

“So …” begins Bogo.

“It’s just like I said chief, it was all a big misunderstanding. Once it was explained and accepted that I didn’t actually call Hopps cute, the issue was resolved.”

“Buuuut …….?” prompts the large bovine.

No real buts. However, it seems that Hopps and I are now kind of an item.”

“And?”

“And as such, I’ll do what it takes to protect her and her as yet unborn kits.”

“Meaning what? Exactly?”

“Meaning I would like for you to assign Lola to do a bit of undercover work.”

“And she’ll be happy to do … what … exactly, simply because you asked?”

“I want her to find the creep who got Judy pregnant and bailed.”

“And then what?”

“Whatever it takes short of killing him to be sure that he never comes back to harass Judy or claim the kits. Lola will be happy to do it if she knows that it’ll use up all of the favors that she owes me.”

“Really? All of them? That’s quite a bit, don’t you think?” asks a slightly stunned Bogo.

“Totally worth it for Judy’s piece of mind.”

“And you’re gonna tell Hopps all about it, right?”

“Eventually, when the time’s right, yes. One less thing for her to worry about while she’s at the academy or after the kits are born, whether we’re still together or not.”

Staring at the todd, Bogo finally voices what he’s been thinking for a day or so “You really do at least care for her, don’t you?”

Contemplating the question for a long moment, then looking his boss straight in the eye, Nick gives the only answer he honestly can “Yes, I do. and I’m absolutely convinced that she feels the same way. I fact she just admitted it to me.”

“Still, I can’t help but wonder why you two … of all mammals …”

Thinking for a few long seconds, Nick finally speaks “While we’re pretty much polar opposites, pred and prey, bitter enemies in eons past with rabbits being a fox’s primary food source, we’re more like bond mates now.”

Seeing the puzzled look on Bogo’s face, the todd continues “Life has pretty much shit on both of us in the past, me with my issues and Judy with hers. … And yet, due to certain circumstances, we both have at least a chance for happiness. I know it’ll be a long difficult road, especially in a mixed species relationship,, but we’re both going into this with our eyes open. In as much as it seems hypocritical to say, by almost killing me, Judy has most likely saved my life. With my parents gone, the nightmares and thoughts of eating a bullet were getting to be more and more commonplace. I need someone like Judy in my life and she needs someone like me in hers. Someone to bring positivity into her daily grind, especially with kits on the way.”

“Alright then,” begins the massive bull as he stands “there’s no reason for me to stick around here anymore since I know that you’re out of danger, physically at least. No telling what that doe’s gonna do to your fragile mind.” the bovine adds with a smirk.

“Har, har. Piss off Adrian.”

As a grinning Bogo heads for the door, he turns “I’ll let mammal resources know that you’re engaged, sort of, so they can begin the paperwork. That and that you’re requesting a transfer to … where exactly?”

“I guess to the Tri-Burrow Sheriff’s Office to start with. Once I, or rather we, figure out where I’ll be stationed in the area and eventually find a place to live, I’ll update you.”

“Sounds good. I’ll have Lola contact you for more info on Hopps’s attacker. Date rape should do for starters.”

“Good, nice spin. A date rape charge will deter most wannabe tough guys most times. I’ll be looking forward to her call.”

After Bogo leaves and with all of the hubbub finally subsiding, Nick begins his daily meditation and settles down to rest for a bit until Doctor Deb and Judy return.

Chapter Text

~0~
After leaving Nick’s room, Debra makes a bee-line for the parking lot, making polite acknowledgements to any mammal that she comes across.

Trying to keep her mind on her driving, the tan doe manages to make the fifteen-minute drive to her residence just outside of Aurora without incident, knowing full well that she could otherwise end up in a situation similar to her sisters.

Barely taking enough time to park her van, Deb enters her home and goes straight towards the bedroom where her (at least temporarily) disabled husband spends most of his days.

Seeing him sitting on the edge of the bed, the doe helps him stand as is his normal reaction when she gets home.

“Honey, is something wrong?” he asks, suddenly concerned as he’s gathered up into a very typical, emotional Hopps bone crushing hug “You’re never home this early!”

“I-I had an issue come up in the Tri-Burrow hospital that almost cost me not only my job there but my license as well!” she admits, gently letting her husband settle back onto the bed that has become his typical resting place since the accident that put him there.

“What in the world?”

As Debra recounts the happenings at the hospital between her, Nick, Bogo and Judy, Danni Leaps can only stare in amazement.

“So, let me get this straight … Judy accidentally tries to make road-kill out of some fox that she’s never met, said fox not only doesn’t press charges but actually offers to foot the entire bill for her to go to the academy, including turning her phone back on and giving her access to one of his debit cards? Judy, the sister that you always referred to as Jude the Prude because she never even dated in high school? And now they’re practically dating? And on top of everything else, your dad actually bans her from the warren?”

“That’s it in a nutshell, yes.”

Staring at his wife intently for several very uncomfortable (for Deb) moments, Danni finally asks “I know for a fact that Judy’s a better driver than that … what aren’t you telling me Peanut?”

“I … it … it’s … complicated. I-I really can’t say because of HIPO laws, Dan.”

“Okay, you didn’t tell me, but I can guess. Does she know who the father is?”

“No idea. She told me that after she got the good news that she’d been accepted into the police academy that she went out and celebrated and woke up having slept with some unknown buck.”

“And this fox knows about all that, including the fact that she’s with kits, and is still okay with being with Judy?”

“Yup, sure seems like it. When Wilde promised not to file any complaints against me, I … had to make him a promise …”

“Which was … what? Exactly?” asks the now concerned buck.

“To come straight home to my husband and kits, give them all hugs and tell them that I love them!” she answers, eyes rimmed with tears.

“That’s all?” Dennis asks, more than slightly astonished.

“That’s it. It’s enough to know that he means every word that he says.” answers the doe “I believe that Nicholas Wilde is a mammal of his word, fox or not. He told Judy in no uncertain terms that he likes her. She’s supposed to research fox courting rituals, mating rituals and what it’s like to be married to a fox. Then they can presumably start dating … once he’s out of the hospital that is. Oh, and he says that he’s going to transfer to the Tri-Burrow Sheriff’s Office so he can be with her full time provided everything works out.”

“Well, good for her. So, are you home for the night-”

“No such luck, I’ve still gotta make my rounds in Deerbrook, then go back to the Tri-Burrows. After it’s all said and done, I still can’t believe that Wilde still wants me to be his primary.”

“Well, you are the best multiple species doctor in the area after all.”

“Still … anyway, I’m gonna give the kits a hug and get moving so I can get home at a reasonable time. Love you, I’ll be home as soon as I can.”

“Love you too. Be safe ...” as Debra hurriedly exits the room.

Stopping only briefly, Deb hugs each of her kits, tells them how much she loves them and is off to finish her day.

…
After leaving Nick’s room, Judy is on a mission: renewing her reservation at the local motel, purchasing some new clothes, fursonal grooming items like soap, fur shampoo and conditioner and such, some ‘Vulpine Dating and Mating Customs For Dummies’ books at the local bookstore (not caring who knows what she’s getting the vulpine books for or why) as well as a couple of Lagomorph dating and mating books for Nick to read.

Once back at her room, she upgraded her laptop, took a quick shower, got dressed in one of her new outfits and set to work reading up on and cross-referencing the topics that Nick suggested. After being totally embarrassed several times even just skimming several critical topics, Judy looks up and notices that it’s almost evening visiting hours. As she’s getting ready to see her new … boyfriend? … her stomach reminds her that she hasn’t eaten since breakfast.

Finding the nearest Dairy King drive in, Judy orders a veggie burger, and thinks ‘what the heck?’ and texts Nick.

Judy: ‘hey foxy, finally gettin’ some eats u want supin?’

Nick: (after a slight delay - one pawed todd remember?)‘hey booful – sure some good cofe would be nice’

Judy: ‘booful?’

Nick: ‘booful=beautiful’

Judy: ‘silly fox’

Nick: ‘beautiful bunny’ <3

Judy: ‘k c u soon’ <3

Ending the conversation with a goofy smile on her face, Judy quickly finishes her veggie burger and orders a wolf sized coffee with plenty of sugar and cream packets, just in case, then makes her way to the hospital, all the time wondering how Nick’s going to be able to drink it having only his left paw to work with.

With visiting hours now nearly over, Judy has to have a security check with the third-floor duty nurse so she can visit with her fox. It sounds a bit strange on her lips, but in a nice way, as she silently repeats the two words – my fox.

Passing the third-floor nurse’s desk, Judy notes a strange look from the vixen at the desk.

“May I help you?” asks the vixen whose nameplate reads ‘T Redd’.

“No, it’s okay, I know my way.” answers the doe.

“And you are???”

“Judy Hopps to see Nick Wilde.”

“Wait - You’re Judy Hopps?” comes the surprised question.

“That’s correct. Do you have a problem with that?” Judy asks, her attitude beginning to show. It has been a long day after all.

“Surely there’s been some sort of a mistake!” answers the vixen “A rabbit doe to see a fox todd?”

“I can assure you that there’s been no mistake Trixie.” comes a new voice, one that Judy recognizes immediately.

“Dr. Hopps-Leaps, I meant no disrespect, but-”

“Then you really need to shut it!” responds the tan doe tersely. “Miss Hopps is here to see her boyfriend, and you’d do well to get used to the idea. Do I make myself clear?”

“Umm, yes ma’am?” answers the now slightly intimidated vixen.

“Much better. Come along Judy, we’ve got your fox to visit.”

…

As the two does enter the room they’re greeted by a slightly refreshed todd.

“And here are my two favorite does in the whole world!” he comments.

“And you would know more … how?” asks Judy paws on hips, feigning jealousy.

“I’ve been working for years as a cop in Zootown.” Nick answers honestly “Where else would I have learned not to call bunnies cute? It’s certainly not something that’s mentioned at the academy.”

When the does glance at each other, they both facepawlm, realizing that this bit of territory has already been covered.

“Nick,” begins Debra “how did you know it was us when we first entered? I know you can’t have seen us.” indicating the neck brace.

Lifting his left paw, Nick gently taps his nose “With one of the best noses in the predator world, and training I’ve had, it was simple. I’d know the scents of Hopps sisters anywhere.”

Stunned, Debra tries to debunk the todds analysis. “I might be a Leaps that married a Hopps buck!”

“You may carry the scent of a Leaps, but your base scent is exactly the same as Judy’s … hate to disappoint.” snarks the todd.

“How long have you known?” asks Judy.

“Since the first time I met Doc Deb here.” Nick informs them both “I first caught your scent when you covered me up after you tried to kill me!” Nick tells Judy.

“Nick … I didn’t, I mean-” stammers a flustered Judy.

“I know Fluff, I’m just pulling your tail!” grins Nick.

“Not just yet you won’t mister Wilde.” snarks Judy right back. “We aren’t that far along in our relationship just yet.”

With Nick letting out a heartfelt laugh, grimacing slightly due to the broken and cracked ribs (along with his other numerous injuries), with both does knowing that the exchange has never had any ill intent, but rather is simple banter between two mammals.

“You might want to be a bit more careful Nick.” cautions Debra. “The neck brace and bandages on your face and around your ribs are there for a reason.”

“I know, but right now they’re more of a hindrance than a help.” he answers. “I don’t suppose I could talk you into removing at least the neck brace.” the todd asks seriously.

“Are you trying to tell me that you don’t feel any pain there? With the concussion and other damage, we felt that the brace would help stabilize your neck muscles and help them heal better and not be as traumatized.” answers the doe.

“Seriously, I have no pain and very little soreness in my neck or face.” comes the honest reply.

After several moments of serious thought, Debora stepped out of the room for a moment and returned with the desk nurse in tow.

“Nurse Redd, help me get this neck brace off of Mr. Wilde please. Be ready to help me reattach it, if necessary.”

As the two medical professionals carefully remove Nick’s neck brace, they keep a close eye on his reactions.

Cautiously turning his head from side to side then and down, and finally slowly rotating the aforementioned extremity, Nick smiles: “A little stiff but no pain, not even a twinge.”

Settling his one unimpeded eye on Judy, a soft smile crosses the todds lips.

“If I had use of both of my eyes, I’d probably pass out from your beauty…”

“Mister Wilde, are you trying to coerce me into removing your head wraps as well?” accuses Debra, paws again firmly planted on her hips.

“Maaaaybe?”

“You’ve been told about your head trauma, and you still want me to remove the wraps?”

“Yes, absolutely, one hundred percent. Please.”

“Nick” interrupts Judy “I know that you’ve been injured before while in the military and are used to dealing with pain, but are you sure that you’re okay? I mean really okay?”

“I’m sure Fluff. I’m not gonna put my health at risk and put my hopefully being able to be with you both as officers and as possible mates. You are my world now Judy and I’m not gonna jeopardize that with a stupid mistake. I take it that Bogo filled you in on some of the earlier part of my life?”

“Only that you’d spent time in the military and couldn’t talk about what you’d done or where you’d been. And – and that you’d been injured and have some rather nasty scars.”

“Okay” interrupts Debra, “back to the subject at paw. Are you sure that you want me to remove the bandages on your head? Removing them is against my better judgement, but considering how quickly you’ve seemed to heal, I’ll go ahead and undo them. But … be warned that just like the neck brace, if I don’t like what I see, they’ll go right back on. Understand?”

“Yes ma’am.” he agrees, looking the doe directly in her ice blue eyes.

“All right then, Judy please turn the lights down to around half-way, and nurse Redd, if you’ll lend a paw here as well …”

…

As the bandages are slowly removed, Judy has to try to unsuccessfully stifle a giggle.

“What?” asks the as yet unseeing todd, who has taken the precaution of keeping his eyes closed to help minimize the light getting into his eye that hasn’t seen light in a few days and therefore would be oversensitive.

“Your bedhead is hilarious … sorry?” Judy informs the todd.

First opening his left eye, then cautiously, slowly, opening his right eye, finally sees his bunny’s bright, bucktoothed smile.

“Would you like a mirror, Nick?” asks an equally smiling Debra, with nurse Redd stifling laughter in the background.

Rolling his eyes (carefully) Nick nods in affirmation.

When Debra presents Nick with a small mirror, the todd can’t help but smile himself. His head fur is stuck out and laid down at all sorts of odd angles.

Lowering the mirror, Nick fixes his gaze on Judy. “I can’t wait to see what your bedhead looks like after the first time we sleep together…”

“NICK!!!” squeaks out the now horrified Judy.

“I’ll need a picture of that one!” rejoins Debra, eyes twinkling with mischief.

“DEB!!!” practically shouts a now thoroughly embarrassed Judy as nurse Redd tactfully backs out of the room, smile fully in place.

…

Pondering the playful(?) interaction in the todd’s room, Trixie considers the entire interaction between Nick, Judy and Debra. Two species as different as night and day, deadly enemies in the past, with one species being the primary food source of the other, carrying on without a care in the world. And two of them possibly being in love. Maybe dating outside her species isn’t such a bad idea after all…

Returning to her desk, the vixen takes out her phone and quickly dials a number: “Hello Ray?’ Yeah, this is Trixie. Umm, look, I’ve been thinking, and I’d really love to have coffee with you after shift. Yes, I know that I’ve acted like a jerk at times in the past, but … I’ve had cause to reconsider a few things lately, and if you’d like to give me a chance, I’d like to discuss them with you. No, the fact that you’re a Lynx doesn’t bother me, however it’s actually one if the things I’d like to address. You would? Great! How about we meet at Girardo’s at around seven thirty tonight? Really? Okay, I’ll see you then.”

…

“So mister Wilde,” begins Debra “what do you attribute this fantastic bit of healing to? You’re not some sort of space alien or something are you? You don’t have some sort of super power like we see in the movies do you?”

Letting out a cautious, short barking laugh, Nick confesses “No such luck. And if I’m to call you Deb or Debra, you need to start calling me Nick. Deal?”

“Fine … Nick … now, explanation if you please.”

“Well, I’ll give you the quick version for now.” he responds “when I was in the military, I was badly injured on a mission, which I’ll go into a bit more detail perhaps tomorrow. One of the attending nurses was practitioner of an ancient energetic form of healing called Reiki. It’s very common in most, if not all, of the Eurasian provinces. I was so intrigued by the technique and how I seemed to be healing faster that I quite naturally HAD to at least try to learn it. Her master agreed to train me in the art, and yes, it’s actually considered a healing art, much like acupuncture in the Eurasian communities.

“My final attunement, or learning session was performed by Sifu Rich Mooney.* Sifu Mooney travels the world teaching this form of energetic healing and only agreed to work with me because of my status in the Teams and how grievous my injuries at the time. Suffice it to say that I now have a master’s level certificate in the art, and practice it regularly although I never charge a dime for my services.”

“And this … Reiki … works on anyone no matter how large or small? What requirements does one need to go through to acquire these services and/or training?” asks a now very interested Debra.

“To receive the services, all you need to do is … ask.” answers Nick. “In fact, if you’d like a demonstration, I’d be willing to give you a treatment here and now.

“What are you talking about?” the doe asks suspiciously.

“You’ve been favoring your right shoulder, which I presume is your dominant side. I can offer my services to help alleviate the discomfort that you’re feeling.”

“And I’m supposed to just let you put your paws on me?” Deb asks suspiciously.

“Not necessarily. I can perform the actions without actually touching you, and no, you don’t need to remove any clothing, plus, just to set you mind at ease, Judy can stay an keep a watchful eye on the entire proceeding. In fact, I’d prefer it.”

“Wait a second, just how did you know that I’m having trouble with my right shoulder?” asks the now incredulous doe.

“I just told you, for one thing I’m a detective remember? Plus, I can sense that you have a restricted energy flow in that part of your body. The choice is yours; I’m simply making an offer to help you as a valid demonstration of my ability and to prove that the technique actually works. All that is required of you is to believe that it might actually work.”

“What do you have to lose Deb?” asks Judy “Nick already told you that he doesn’t even need to put his paws on you for it to work. If you’re having a problem with your shoulder, this is your chance to have a free treatment and not have to rely on drugs, and I know how you dislike any sort of drugs in your system.”

More that slightly intrigued, even though cautious Debra relents “Okay fine. What do I have to do? And remember, no touching…”

“Come and sit on the bed around my hip level, facing me. Like I said before all you really need to do is believe that it might work … oh, and keep a calm mind if you can. Think of something happy, like playing with your kits or something.”

As Debra cautiously takes the suggested position, Nick closes his eyes and meditates for a few moments, then extends his arm and paw, keeping his left paw a few inches from Debra’s back and right shoulder.

After a few minutes, Debra’s eyes pop open and her ears stand tall, as she begins to feel heat from Nick’s paw, and she turns slightly to make sure that the todd is indeed not touching her.
Calming and again closing her eyes, the doe begins to feel the discomfort of her strained shoulder gradually dissipate.

With around ten or fifteen minutes elapsed, Debra feels the warmth travel down her right arm and the bed give a slight shake.

Again opening her eyes, she observes Nick once again draw his left paw down her right arm, giving his arm and paw a gentle shake at the end. After the third repetition, Nick blows a gentle breath at her shoulder an pronounces the session at an end.

“I know you’ve got questions, so let me get ahead of you for a second if I may.” The todd suggests.

“The heat that you must’ve felt is simply an energy transference from myself to you. Just so you know and to set you mind at ease, Reiki can never be used in a negative way, it can never be used to do harm to the mammal being worked on. When you felt the energy go down your arm, I was raking any negative energy down your arm and out your fingertips, then shaking that negative energy off of my paw. I blew a gentle breath on the affected part to sort of seal the affected area. So, how do you feel? How does your shoulder feel?” he finally asks.

Gingerly flexing the aforementioned limb, Debra is genuinely surprised when there is no discomfort.

“It-it’s … there’s no pain, no soreness at all. It’s almost like it never happened! How is this possible? How does it work?”

“I actually have no clue; I only know that it works. And all I really care about, is the results.” answers the now smirking todd. “I will caution you to not overdo anything that you need to use that arm with for a few hours, so as not to overwork the muscles.”

“Is there anywhere close that I could possibly learn more about this Reiki thing?”

“You can check it out on the interwebs, and I can put out feelers to mammals that I know in Zootopia. A lot of physical therapists are required to take level one Reiki during their studies to become certified. You might inquire here and in Aurora … that’s where your normal base is right? They might be a better source of information. in the meantime, I’ll try to contact a few mammals that I know that might be willing to help.”

“If this works as good as you say and are demonstrating, my husband could really use some about now. He was injured a couple of months ago in a construction accident and seems to be slow healing.”

“Reiki is not the be-all-end-all.” Nick cautions “But when used in conjunction with regular medical procedures and medications it does tend to speed the healing process. I’m living proof of that”
“Deb” interjects Judy “… if you can get Darci to go to the house and work on Danni, maybe that would help. I know that you two have your differences, but if it’ll help Danni, wouldn’t it be worth it?”
*SIGH* “As much as I hate to agree, yes, it really would. I-I’ll talk to her tonight and see if I can mend some fences, for Danni’s sake.”

“Great!” acknowledges Judy “Now, if you’re done here, give Darci a call, or better yet stop by. She’s only a couple of minutes out of you way on the way home after all.”

“You’re right, but I think I really need to talk to Danni about all of this as well. Since I’m done here, I guess I’ll head out.”

“Thank you Nick, from the bottom of my heart, thank you …” as the doe stands and casts a questioning gaze at her sister, she sees a gentle nod, then proceeds to give Nick a very gentle and tender hug. “I’ll be needing to explain how I’ve come to smell a bit like a fox todd to both Danni and Darci I guess.”
“Have them call me, and I’ll verify what went on was legit.” suggests Judy.
As Deb leaves the room, Judy gives her todd a hug of her own with a bit of moisture in her beautiful amethyst eyes “That’s so incredibly kind of you Nick!”

“It costs nothing to be nice, and it’s such a fulfilling feeling to help someone to heal rather than to take a life, like I did so many times in the military.” he admits.

“About that …” Judy begins.

“Judy?”

“Would … would you show me your scars sometime? Please?” she asks rather hesitantly.

After a few moments pause, Nick prepares her “If we truly do get together, you’re going to see them at some point anyway, so yes, I will. But, can we wait until I’ve healed up a bit first? I think we’ve been over enough ground today. By the way, you really are beautiful, and even more so in that pretty dress.”

Looking down at the sunflower yellow sun dress that she’s currently wearing Judy accepts the complement. “Thank you, I got it just for you.”

“As I said, it’s beautiful, but” states the todd, giving Judy some pause. “you’re not really comfortable in it … are you?”

Feeling a bit uncomfortable under the todd’s gaze, Judy comes clean “No, not really. I’m a farm doe, jeans or shorts and t-shirts or crop tops are more my style to be honest.”

“Then that’s what I really want to see. The real Judy Hopps. We can both dress to impress when I’m otta here and we go on real dates or just for a change of pace. But for now, jeans and shirts or the like are the order of the day, okay?”

“Thank you … ummm … can … can I stay here with you tonight?” she asks hesitantly “I’ll sleep on a cot or something, but I really need to be around someone ... except for Deb I really don’t have anyone else…..” she shyly admits.

“Of course you may, as long as the hospital will allow it. Plus, if you stay, there’s more than enough room up here on the bed as long as you don’t mind sleeping with an invalid. It’s not like we’ll be doing anything … at least I won’t be…” he snarks.

“Quiet you…”

“Now, go ask the duty nurse if it’s okay if you can stay over, then we’ll get some rest. I’ve got a feeling tomorrow will be another long day.” suggests the todd.

~0~

Chapter Text

~0~

After the does have left the room and headed their separate ways, Nick quickly pawlms his phone and makes a call.

After several rings, the mammal on the other end picks up – “Hello?”

“Sifu Mooney? You may not remember me, but this is Nick Wilde-”

“Yeah, I remember you! Nick Wilde … Team member, shot to pieces and standing at death’s door several years ago. Don’t tell me you’re in the same mess again!” comes the amused voice from the other end of the call.

“Well,” begins the todd “not really, but sorta kinda? I’m back in the hospital again, but not nearly in as bad a shape this time. And you won’t believe how I got here!” Nick admits with a chuckle.

As Nick narrates his latest adventure, the mammal on the other end has to laugh. “So, the infamous Nightstalker is almost done in by a bunny with a pickup.”

“Yeah, that’s pretty much it in a nutshell.”

“So, if you’re not in actual need of my assistance, what do I owe the honor of this call?”

“I actually have a question and then possibly a request.” admits Nick.

“And that, or rather those, would be … what?”

“Would you happen to be in the Zootopia vicinity in the near future by any chance?”

“It just so happens that I’m doing a seminar at the main Shotokan dojo in Zootown this coming weekend. Whatcha need Nick?”

“Well, even though I’m not really in need of your talents, my girlfriend’s sister and maybe one or two more would like a level one session if you’re up for it. I’ll foot the costs for your time, travel and anything else of course.”

“So many vixens, all at once? And a girlfriend? You of all mammals?” comes the snarky question.

“Rabbit does as a matter of fact, Sifu…” replies the todd with equal snark.

“… Rabbit does? really?”

“Yeah, well, first she tries to kill me, then she steals my heart.”

“Typical female, that’s for sure,” comes the laughing reply “although it’s usually the other way around.”

“True that, Sifu, true that. So …”

“Send me the address and I’ll be there sometime later on on Friday afternoon. I’ll text you my tentative arrival time after I land at the Zootopia International airport and get a car rented.”

“Sounds like a plan, and thanks.”

With that, the mammal in the other end breaks the connection, leaving Nick with a very wide grin.

…

After leaving Nick’s room, Judy heads to the nurse’s station, almost dreading the conversation that she needs to have concerning the evenings plans.

Seeing the doe approach, nurse Redd is unsure of exactly what she has in mind.

“May I help you?” the vixen asks. pleasantly

“I hope so?” Judy replies uncertainly, slightly put off by the now friendly demeanor that the vixen is presenting.

“Umm, due to certain circumstances, I was wondering if it would be possible for me to spend the night here at the hospital. In mister Wilde’s room? Please?”

“Normally that would be against hospital policy,” begins the vixen, much to Judy’s dismay “however … Dr. Hopps-Leaps has made it clear that due to certain extenuating circumstances, it would be permitted. Will you be requiring any bedding?” asks the nurse with a slight smirk.

“No, thank you for asking.” returns the now furiously blushing doe “And with mister Wilde being in the condition that he’s presently in, I believe I can contain myself, at least for the time being. I will, however, need to take a few minutes to get some clean clothes and fursonal items from my motel room for my brief stay.”

…

After a quick trip to her motel room for a quick shower and a change of clothes, both for the night and the next day, Judy heads back to the hospital, with only a quick stop to get her fox some more coffee. Arriving only roughly an hour and a half after she left, Judy goes straight to Nick’s room where she’s greeted with a warm smile.

“Is that coffee I smell?” he asks.

“I didn’t think you’d mind.” comes the shy answer as Judy carefully makes her way to his side.

After taking a few sips, Nick has his doe place the coffee on the nightstand and opens his arm to invite a cuddle. Holding up a finger as she heads toward the room’s bathroom Judy quickly changes into an oversized t-shirt that she intends to use as a nightshirt. She then accepts Nick’s offer, quickly falling asleep.

…

While Nick and Judy are busy doing what they were doing, or not doing as the case may be, Debra had quite another issue on her paws. That being a bit of fence mending with a littermate that hasn’t spoken to her in several years.

With a true sense of dread, the doe stops in front of the entryway to the physical therapy department on the second floor of the hospital.

Figuring that she has nothing to lose, Deb takes a deep breath and enters the room, immediately seeing her sister, who is less than thrilled at her entrance to say the least.

“Just a couple more minutes and you’ll be through Mrs. Thumper.” comments the multicolored brown doe, addressing her elderly patient, all the while side eying the unwelcome intruder.

Politely standing off to one side so as not to create a disturbance with a patient, Debra waits until Darci is finished with her patient and the elder doe exits the room, blissfully unaware of the tension between the siblings.

…

“Wadda ya want Deb?” bluntly asks Darci.

“I-I need a favor.” Debra manages to stammer out.

“Really? YOU need a favor … from ME? Miss high-and-mighty needs a favor from lil’ ol’ me?” disdain practically dripping from the does lips.

Gathering her courage, Debra admits “It’s not actually for me, it’s for Danni.”

“And I’m supposed to believe you … why?”

“I’m sure you remember that he was hurt on the job several months ago.”

“And the great Debra Hopps, doctor to end all, is concerned why?”

“He still isn’t doing well … muscles are still messed up, bones not knitting the way they should. We’ve been to several specialists and no one can figure out why he isn’t doing better. In fact, he almost seems like he’s getting worse.”

“And you think that I can help how?”

“Well, I don’t know if you know that Judy was in an accident, but the mammal that she hit seems to be healing at an incredible rate. He attributes his high rate of healing to some Eurasian art called Reiki, and he said that a lot of massage therapists have been introduced to the basics. I remembered that you were a massage therapist before you advanced to physical therapy, so I figured that you’ve had the basics, and … and I thought that maybe you could put aside your jealousy long enough to at least try to help Danni. Please.”

“First off, I did hear that Judy tried to run over some mammal, a fox I believe. Maybe she thought it was Gid, it wouldn’t surprise me after the way he messed up her face in grade school.”

“Judy and Gid made up years ago, so you know damned well that wasn’t true. The fact is that Judy was distracted at the time. She at least stopped and called emergency, probably saving the fox’s life. And believe it or not, they’re gonna start dating after he gets out of the hospital and back on his feet. Plus, as an added bonus, he’s paying Judy’s way through an abbreviated ZPD academy course. She’s gonna be a cop in the Tri-Burrows instead of Zootopia.”

“Yeah, I heard through the grapevine that she’s pregnant and has no idea who the buck is that got her knocked up.”

“Already? Musta been dad that put that out, because he tossed her out of the warren, cut off her phone and credit and debit cards. If it wasn’t for Detective Wilde, Judy’d be out on the street, pregnant with no money, no phone and no job.”

“Really? Dad did that?” asks an astonished Darci. “That ain’t right, even I know that. So, this fox … he’s a detective in Zootopia? And Judy’s gonna be dating him?”

“Seems like it, yeah. Besides everything else, he turned on her phone, gave her access to one of his debit cards, and is having a car delivered here tomorrow for her to drive.”

“He’s doing that for some random doe that he never met that almost killed him? And what is he expecting in return? Some bunny butt?”

“She’s expected to teach him about the ins and outs of the Tri-Burrows because he’s gonna transfer here and be her partner, on and off the force.”

“That’s it?”

“Yup, that’s it.”

After thinking quietly for several moments, Darci has to ask “So, this fox, he says he’s into Reiki?”

“He said that he got his master’s certificate from some Sifu, Money or Moon … no Mooney, Sifu Mooney,”

“Sifu Richard Mooney?” asks an incredulous Darci.

“Yeah, that sounds about right! You know him?”

“Never met the mammal, but I doubt if there’s a Reiki practitioner alive who hasn’t at least heard of Sifu Mooney. So, what did you want me to do about Danni?” asks a suddenly interested Darci.

“All I really wanted was the name of your teacher. Then I was going to ask Danni if it was okay to have someone work on him. I would ask you to help, but I didn’t know if you’d-”

“I-I’ll work on him if it’s ok with you and Danni. I am curious though … why are you so convinced that Reiki could work when nothing else seems to?”

“Well, about a week ago I messed up my shoulder helping Danni into the tub and have been taking over-the-counter meds to help ease the pain. Wilde sensed that my shoulder was messed up and talked me into letting him work on it. Without even touching me, he got the pain and soreness to go away in just a few minutes. I figured that it was at least worth a shot if it might help Danni even a little.”

“Wait … he didn’t even touch you?” asks an incredulous Darci “That mammal has some serious skills. I’ll tell you what … if you can arrange a meeting with this fox, I’ll gladly work on Danni, since the master who worked with me on my first level of Reiki has long since moved away. That is if you and Danni are both okay with it.”

“Meeting Wilde is gonna be the easy part” concedes Deb with a big grin “He’s more than likely gonna be a rehab patient of yours before too long. Unless I miss my guess, it’ll be way sooner than the 6 to 9 months that I initially figured. You MIGHT wanna check with Judy first though … you’re the one who started the whole ‘Jude the Prude’ thing after all, and I doubt that Judy’s forgotten about that.”

“Damn” comes with the sudden realization from Darci “I had totally forgotten about that. Well, it’s totally worth a shot regardless. I guess all I can hope for is that Jude is in a forgiving mood when I ask her, huh?”

“To be honest, I think it’ll be okay,” theorizes Debra “especially if Wilde has anything to say about it. He and I had a bit of a … misunderstanding … earlier which could have cost me my job and my license but a heartfelt apology was all it took to smooth things over. Play nice, be sincere, and I think everything’ll be fine.”

Seeing the contemplating look on her sibling’s face, Deb offers one last bit of advice as she gets ready to head home “I think I’d wait until tomorrow if I was you though. Today’s been a bit trying for everyone, especially Judy. She’s supposed to be getting the car that Nick has arranged for her then, so she’ll probab-”

Being interrupted by a ping from her cell phone, Debra quickly looks down to read the brief message.

“Looks like our little sis is gonna be spending the night with her fox.” grins the doe “Normally I wouldn’t allow it, but since Nick has no living kin, and Judy basically has only Nick and her hotel room to go to, so I guess I’ll give her a pass this once. Besides, it’s not like she’s gonna be able to do anything slightly romantic with her fox outside of a stolen kiss or two, especially considering that he’s in a partial body cast.”

“That would tend to complicate things!” giggles Darci.

“Well,” continues Debra “I’m gonna head home and talk to Danni about you possibly working on him. When did you want to get together?”

“Tonight would be good if possible, I don’t have anything else planned.”

“I’ll text you if Dan’s okay with it. I guess the sooner the better is probably the best idea.”

“I’ve only got one more mammal on my schedule today, so I should be finished by suppertime.” admits Darci.

“I’ve got to make supper tonight anyway, so if it’s okay, I’ll just make a bit more and you can eat with us … I promise not to poison you, my cooking has improved since high school home-ec.”

“I figured as much with several kits and a husband … and all still living ...” snarks Darci with a smile.

“Har, har … anyways, see you in a bit …” says Deb over her shoulder as she heads out of the room.

…

During the drive home, Debra reflects on how the past week or so has changed so many lives. First, Judy accidentally(?) hits a todd while during home from a disastrous doctor’s appointment, one where she finds out that she’s become pregnant from an unknown buck. Said todd not only forgives her but offers to help her through an extremely tough time, one that has seen her totally abandoned by both of her parents. Now that todd has managed to help Debra herself reconnect with a littermate that she’s been at odds with for almost a decade, and that littermate is willing to help attempt to heal her husband, who for some odd reason is not healing properly from a work-related accident that has kept him pretty much bedbound for months.

Arriving home, Debra informs her husband of her conversation with first Nick and then Darci, and Danni considers the idea of the more than slightly questionable treatment for a few moments before accepting the offer. Nothing that they’ve done lately has seemed to help, so what does he, and therefore they, have to lose at this point, so he tells Debra that he’s fine with the suggested treatment.

As Debra begins to prepare supper, she texts Darci that Danni is good with trying the Reiki treatment.

A return text lets Deb know that her littermate will be by after she finishes with her current patient, and should be there around 6:45 or 7 pm.

…

Shortly before 7 pm, a knock at the front door has 3 young kits scrambling to answer it.

As they stare up at an unknown doe, in unison they yell “MOM!!! There’s some lady here!”

Exiting the kitchen, a smiling Debra greets her littermate “Darci, welcome.” As she remembers that there are 3 kits who’ve never met their aunt, introductions are in order “Kits, this is my sister and littermate Darci Hopps. Darci, meet Adam, Avery and Alecia.”

Squatting to be at eyelevel with the kits, Darci tells them “I’m very glad to final meet you all.”

The young bucks simply say “Hey!” and take off toward the kitchen to finish setting the table (it was their turn), Alecia asks “If you mamma’s sister, why you ain’t never been here before?”

“Alecia!!!” squeaks out a horrified Debra.

“No, it’s a valid question, all things considered.” admits Darci.

“Your mom and I haven’t been on speaking terms for a while.” Darci tells the young doe as she squats on her haunches to better look the doe directly eye to eye “It’s something that you’ll understand when-”

“When I gets older … yeah, like I ain’t never heard that before…” says the now disgruntled small grey and white doe as she heads toward the kitchen.

“Darci, I’m sorry about her-” begins Deb.

“Naw, it’s okay. To tell the truth, she looks and sounds just like a young Judy … except for the blue eyes of course.”

“You have NO idea. Anyway, supper’s ready, come sit down.”

…

After taking a few tentative bites of the vegetable lasagna, a frankly surprised Darci tells her littermate “This is really good! Your cooking skills have improved since high school.”
“Yeah, well I haven’t managed to kill my mate or kits so-”

“If I remember correctly-” was all Danni could get out before being cut off.

“Okay it took a while, but at least it’s edible now.” quickly admits the doe, side eying her grinning husband.

As the conversation continues, Darci brings up their sister “So, Judy and a fox huh?”

“I know, right? So focused on her trying to get ready to go the ZPD academy that she had exactly ZERO time for dating.” confirms Debra.

“And to be honest, how many of the bucks really wanted to date her anyway? I mean, she basically had no curves, nothing but muscle. None of the bucks I knew wanted anything to do with her.”
“Actually” remarks Debra “I think that Tommy Digger asked her out in her junior year, but when she found out that he only did that on a dare she blacked both of his eyes and even beat up both of the Sager bucks for putting him up to it.”

“I remember that!” Danni adds to the conversation “According to LeRon, she had to spend a bunch of time in one of the south fields chopping up an old tree stump to work out her anger issues. I don’t think it helped.”

“Aaaaanyway” interrupts Deb “We need to get back to the task at paw. How do you want to do this?”

“Well, after we finish eating and get the dishes cleared away, I think all we’ll need to do is have Danni moved back away from the table a bit so I can stand behind him to do the Reiki. Since I’m not nearly as accomplished as Judy’s fox, I’ll need to place my paws on his shoulders in order to try to normalize Danni’s energy.”

Seeing a slightly questioning look from her sister, Darci explains: “Energy runs different in males than it does in females, regardless of species. In males, energy generally runs down the front and up the back in counter-clockwise paths in the chakras, while in females it usually runs back to front, clockwise. Also, energy flow along the front and back sides of the body is opposite in males and females. In case you were wondering, your chi is basically located between the stomach, and belly button.”

“I … don’t understand a lot of what you just said” admits Debra “but as long as it works, I really don’t care.”

After a bit, with dinner finished and the kits having cleared the table and put the dishes in the dishwasher, Danni is moved slightly back from his position at the dinner table.

When Darci positioned herself behind Danni, Debra notices that she takes a moment to meditate and center herself, much like Nick did with her.

As she places her paws gently on Danni’s shoulders Darci tells the buck “Just stay calm, breathe normally and calm you mind. Try to think of something happy…” and begins.
After roughly ten minutes or so, the two young bucks lose interest and head outside to play, while Debra and Alecia remain seated and watch intently.

When just slightly more than 20 minutes have passed, Debra notices a slight change in Danni’s breathing pattern, he seems more relaxed and is breathing easier, like the severe pain that has haunted him for months is either gone or has significantly decreased.

Another 20 minutes later, Darci removes her paws from Danni’s shoulders and makes a few slight gestures over his head, then blows a short breath over the top of his head.
Just as Debra is about to ask her mate how he feels, a light snore escapes the buck’s lips.

Stunned, Deb quickly looks to her sister who answers honestly “Yeah, this happens sometimes. It’s nothing to be alarmed about. If you’d like, I can help you move him to somewhere mor comfortable.”

“Ummm, I guess that’d be okay. We can sit him in his recliner if you don’t mind. He used to sit there after work to relax. It has a lift function so it won’t be too difficult for me to get him out of it later and into bed.”

With that minor feat accomplished, Debra escorts her sister to the front door and takes her into a typical Hopps bone-crushing hug.

“Thank you so much sis, I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you.” Deb confesses as the hug is broken.

“Just do your best to make sure I’m introduced to Judy’s fox is all I ask. Maybe I can get him to help me with my next attunement. It’s kinda difficult to explain … kinda like when you’d do labs or on-site learning when you went to nursing school I guess?”

“No promises, I have to go through Judy after all, but I promise to do my best.”

After her sister is gone, Debra briefly stands in the doorway to the living room and gazes contentedly at her mate before going into the bedroom. The doe marvel’s that he’s still sleeping soundly in his favorite chair. She’s needed to change sheets, which has been difficult at times, what with Danni spending the majority of his days in bed due to his injuries, and with her being worn out after working long hours in one or more of the local hospitals. It’s been especially difficult since Judy has managed to put her fox in the Tri-Burrows hospital.
~0~

Chapter Text

~0~

Waking early, in the arms – well arm - of her fox, Judy is amazed at how the past month or so has had so many emotional swings – the joy of being accepted into the ZPA, the disappointment of ending up pregnant by some buck she can barely remember, the horror that she’d hit and possibly killed another mammal because of a lapse of concentration while driving, the heartbreak of being completely disowned by her parents after sticking up for a predator – a fox of all mammals, and finally the absolute joy of finding out that not only did the aforementioned fox not totally dump on her, but is actually seriously interested in her as a possible mate. The same mammal that accepts her for who she is rather than rejecting her for what she is.

For the second time in her life, Judy is lying in bed with a male other than a younger sibling. At least this time it’s a male of her choosing, one that treats her like she feels she should be treated. A male that has already shown more compassion for her than most of her family ever did, including her parents. A male that is not only willing to support but actually fund her dreams rather than make fun of them. A male that is willing to accept her and her as yet unborn kits, even though they are of a different species than him and were produced by a seeming rape.

As a gentle smile crosses the does lips, Judy’s attention is pulled from her musings by a gentile tapping sound.

Slowly opening one eye, Judy notices her sister Debra peeking around the corner of the door.

“You okay there Judes?” whispers the grinning doe.

“Yeah … all things considered, I’d have to say never better.” admits Judy softly, giving a contented smile back.

“Ummm, there’s someone here who wants to ask you something …” continues Debra cautiously.

“Who mig-” begins Judy until another doe cautiously steps into view “YOU!!! I knew that you’d probably be the one to help Nick with his rehab, but what could you, of all mammals, possibly need to ask me? You, my chief tormentor in high school! The inventor of the infamous ‘Jude the Prude’ phrase…”

“Fluff … Judy … give her a chance, at least find out what she wants … second chances, remember?” gently asks a now awake Nick.

Turning and giving her new boyfriend a quick glance, Judy sighs and turns to face Darci, with Nick giving his doe a gentle reassuring squeeze.

“Nick’s right, if anyone needs to be giving out second chances, it’s me. What do you need Darci?”

“I – I just really wanted to meet your fox. Deb told me how he helped her injured shoulder with his Reiki, then she mended fences with me and asked me to work on Danni, he’s doing better by the way. I – I really wanted to ask you if I could ask him to help me to get my level two certificate.”

“So, it is all about you then?” asks a now highly skeptical, and more than slightly jealous Judy. “And his name is Nick, not fox.” she adds.

“My apologies … Nick. And yes, it’s for me, but only a little.” admits Darci “It’s mostly for my patients. Deb made me realize that I can incorporate it more along with the rest of my therapy routines.”
“You do realize that you’ll need to inform your patients that it would be a voluntary and not a mandatory service, don’t you?” asks Nick.

“Of course. I plan to include the option in the new informational material that I actually need to order anyway, especially once I attain my new level.” admits Darci “But thanks for bringing it up and reminding me.”

“Then I have a treat for you, all three of you in fact.” snarks the todd.

“Which would be … what?” asks a now curious Judy.

“Well … anticipating the fact that Reiki masters might be in kind of short supply around here,” he continues, looking straight at Darci “I called an old acquaintance of mine, and he’ll be here tomorrow afternoon at around 12:30 or so. If any or all three of you would like to participate, schedule about a two-hour block to receive your Reiki training. That would include Judy, Doc Deb and ...” as he indicates the one doe in the room that he hasn’t a clue as to who she might be, other than another Hopps doe, according to his nose.

“Darci!” quickly answers Judy “This is another Hopps doe, Darci. Nick, Darci. Darci, Nick. Sorry about that … what?” as she notices his larger than normal grin.

“I already knew that she was one of your sisters Fluff.” as Nick points to his nose.

“Stupid fox nose …” Judy grumbles half-heartedly, folding her arms across her chest.

“Plus” adds Nick, addressing Debra “you can bring your hubby, because Sifu told me that he’d be happy to spend some time working on him.”

The reactions from the three does was a bit of a mixed bag – happy and unbelievable, but mixed nonetheless.

“Sifu … Sifu Mooney? – Sifu Mooney will … I’m actually gonna meet Sifu Mooney!” mumbles a totally stunned Darci as she very ungracefully sits on the floor.

Debra for her part, gives Judy a look that looks very much like she’s begging – which Judy gives a slight nod to - and Nick immediately receives a typical bone-crushing Hopps hug.

Judy, with eyes brimming with tears can only stare in awe at her todd.

“What?” asks a now confused and slightly concerned Nick.

“Your compassion and for mammals other than yourself, especially mammals that you don’t really know, never ceases to amaze me,” admits the doe as she tenderly lays a small paw on Nick’s cheek.

…

Shifting a bit uncomfortably, Nick continues “Fluff … Judy, I know I promised to show you my scars, at some point, especially since Doc Deb here has already seen them and Darci would definitely see them at some point during rehab, but I’d like to provide a bit of backstory for all three of you if you don’t mind. It won’t necessarily be pleasant, but it needs to be told nonetheless.”

With a slight feeling of dread, Judy tells Nick “It’s okay Nick, go ahead. Whatever you feel that I, that we, need to know and can tell us, please do so.”

Taking a moment to gather his thoughts, Nick begins: “I was born as one of a set of twins to Johnathan and Marian Wilde. Sadly, my twin sister Nicholle died after only a few days of her birth, I never found out why. Growing up as a young kit in Happy Town was not easy, nor very pleasant. As you may or may not know, Happy Town is basically the predator slum section of Zootopia. Undesirable species of predators are more or less forced to live there, especially foxes. Luckily, I guess, mom and dad had a thriving tailor and alteration business on the very outskirts of Happy Town, close to the Meadowlands District.

“Even there, I was subjected to taunting and bullying since I was a fox kit. The lowest of the low. Shady, untrustworthy … thieves and liars, that’s the cloud we all lived under.
Somewhere between my eighth and nineth birthdays, I got to join a Junior Ranger Scouts pack. Things actually looked like I was going to be accepted until initiation night. I was held down, beaten and muzzled by a bunch of prey kits around the same age as me.

“After they dumped me in the alley behind the meeting place, I somehow managed get the muzzle off and to get home and when my parents found out what happened they were furious. The next day they went and confronted the scoutmaster, who had already talked to the other scouts, who claimed that I had attacked them and they had acted out of self-defense.”

As Nick feels a light touch on his arm, he sees Judy with tears building in her beautiful lavender eyes.

Gracing his doe with a slight, sad smile and again pulling her close, Nick continues “After the Scouts debacle, I became surly and detached, even from my parents. Since the prey that muzzled me spread the incident around at school, everyone took turns mocking and teasing me so I ran away.

“No one had any idea where I was. Hell, for the longest time even I had no idea where I was. I was eventually found by some unknown busybody and turned over to Kits Protective Services. Since I refused to tell anyone my name, I was simply called John Doe or simply ‘the fox’,” as Nick made quotation marks with his free paw “and placed in the first foster home that would take me. That worked out swimmingly well – at least for the prey couple that took me in. Shut in a dingy basement 24 hours a day, fed every once in a while, a makeshift chamber pot emptied about once a week was the norm for me for about a month. I escaped from there and went back to the KPS office and let them know how I was treated. Of course no one believed me so off to anther shit foster home I went.

“This went on until I was about twelve. By then I had finally had enough of the system and tried to live out on the street on my own. That’s when I met Finn, which is short for James Finnick. For years Finn and I worked a lot of small hustles, with me doing an occasional side job doing numbers runs and money drops for a certain unnamed gangster family out of Tundra Town.

“Then, as fate would have it, one of my solo hustles got me nabbed by an off-duty cop. The cop offered me a choice – go to jail or join the military. Knowing how I’d be treated in jail, I opted for the military. The cop marched me straight down to the local military recruiting office and I signed up for the Navy. I figured it was better than being bullet bait if I was in the Army or Marines, and I didn’t figure I had the smarts at the time to go into the Air Force.

“Basic training sucked, since everyone still frowned on foxes in general, so I managed to get into plenty of fights. Some I won, some I lost. After around my fifth or sixth trip to the commander’s office, I was prepared to be booted out and would end up living on the streets again, this time with a dishonorable discharge haunting me for the rest of my life along with everything else. As I stood at attention, the commander looked up at me and called me to be at ease.”

“Wilde” ‘he began’ “I’ve noticed that you’ve been in more than your fair share of scraps. Each time you’ve made the statement that it’s because you’re a fox. Is this correct?”

“Yes sir” ‘I remarked’.”

“I’m prepared to offer you a one-time deal, that I suggest that you listen very carefully to.” ‘he told me.’

“Your ASVAB* scores are off the charts, and your willingness to scrap for the right reason has given me the impression that you would make an excellent candidate for the Teams. Do you think you’d be interested in trying out after graduation? You only have 2 weeks to go, but I need an answer right now if you’re going to be included in the next intake. I won’t sugar coat it son, the training will make your harassment during basic seem like kitsplay. The hours will be long and grueling, not to mention extremely dangerous.”

“After only a few seconds thought I told him to sign me up.”

“The mammal wasn’t lying. Hell week was exactly that! We had 118 mammals sign up for that particular intake. Hard-core athletes accustomed to winning and pretty-boys were the first to drop out. Five dropped out after the first hour, with seven more joining them by day’s end. Nine rang the bell after the first dip in the freezing cold ocean after carrying a heavy-assed log up and down the beach, pounding through the icy cold surf.

“By the time Hell week was over, only thirty-seven of us were left. After our introduction into Teams basic training, there were only 21 left.

“After I graduated Teams basic and was assigned to Team 7, I thought I was in. Wrong again! Now I was given the choice of specialties to pick up before I could go on an actual mission, so I went for light weapons, with demolitions as a secondary. After those were through, I was still waiting for an assignment so off to sniper school I went, graduating at the top of the list as the youngest ever to do so.”

Seeing the looks of awe on the does muzzles as he recounts his background, Nick has to tell them “You have to understand just how dangerous all of this is! Freshly assigned mammals and even hardened veterans are killed just during training. To put it in perspective, more Team members die in training every year than on actual combat missions.

“Anyway, my first several live missions were strictly recon, that is reconnaissance. In and out missions dedicated to gathering intelligence, with little to no contact with anyone. After that, unsurprisingly, we got into firefights, and we ended up in a lot of kill or be killed situations.”

With their expressions shifting to being stunned, Nick hurriedly adds “You have to remember, these mammals are the highest trained, deadliest mammals in the world. You fight like you train. If you dumb down the training, mammals get killed for no good reason. Which leads me to my last mission, where I got most of the scars. You also need to remember that this never leaves this room…
“The mission was supposed to be a snatch and grab, a simple extraction. We were scheduled to kitnap a particularily nasty Tailiban warlord from some no-name village in some middle-eastern shithole that I can’t name for security reasons. It was a simple mission on paper – sneak in in the middle of the night using only predator mammals like wolves and foxes because of our excellent night vision, grab the bad mammal and whatever intelligence we could find and sneak out. And to answer the unasked question, yes, there are a few prey mammals in the Teams.

“To say that the mission was screwed from the get go would be a vast understatement. We were supposed to take two teams of four on two helicopters, and enter the village from two different directions. One of the birds scheduled to go wouldn’t start so we had to wait an hour for the back-up helo to get ready. Then we hit bad weather which set us back another hour-and-a-half. Instead of landing at two in the morning as planned, we ended up being dropped of just before five, just as the sun was coming up.

“We thought that maybe luck was on our side when we managed to enter the village and found the correct building undetected, which is exactly when everything really turned to shit!”

Caught up in the telling, Nick fails to notice the faces of the three does gradually morph to abject concern to absolute horror at the telling.

“The first dude in was a newbie, this was his first live mission … he encountered a female just beginning to start breakfast. A quick burst from his suppressed rifle dropped her like a rock. When we went up the stairs, the warlord caught a glimpse of us and let loose with a burst from his AK, which seemed to wake the entire village. After we triggered a few rounds into him and bagged the body as proof of death for the higher-ups, we gathered as much intel as we could in such a short amount of time, we started back down the steps to exfil, that’s exfiltrate, meaning to leave the area.

“With both teams ready to leave the building, we heard a ‘THUMP’. The thump was grenade that someone had thrown into the room. One of my guys yelled “GRENADE” and pushed me out of harm’s way, intending to land on it with his body armor between him and the grenade. He didn’t quite make it, the damned thing exploded right in front of his face, with part of the blast tearing into my left side, arm and shoulder.”

Still caught up in the moment, Nick again fails to notice the reaction that the three does are experiencing … Debra, who has seen her fair share of mutilated bodies, from car crashes to farming accidents, is affected but seems to be handling the information overload better than Darci, who is in absolute shock. Judy on the other paw, has a slight green tinge about her face, and looks to be ready to throw up.

“Somewhat dazed, I was looking around for the source of the grenade when I saw a form move to enter the room. I let loose with a quick burst from my rifle, with the rounds zippering the mammal from left hip to his right eye, killing him instantly. It was only then that I noticed that the figure was about a ten-year-old kit.

“After we gathered up the warlord and our dead comrade, the firefight seemed to lose strength, I guess because the villagers were glad to be rid of the warlord. On the chopper ride back to the base, all I could think of before I passed out from blood loss and shock was that I had shot and killed a kit. Even after I woke up from surgery, my mind was filled with shelf-loathing … I had killed a kit.

“While I was still in the sick bay aboard ship, one of the other team members had downloaded the footage from the body cams and contrary to orders showed me a clip form the footage. The kit had been wearing a suicide vest with enough plastic explosive to have literally vaporized all eight of the team members at the time and would have totally destroyed the building as well. One of my bullets had somehow severed a wire on the vest and rendered the dead- mammal switch useless. All of that didn’t matter to me at the time, I was still lost in the moment of having killed that kit. I even contemplated eating a bullet until one of the Team members wives thanked me via video call from the States for saving her husband’s life. Now he’d be able to see his recently born son, and his son would be able to see his father.

“One of the nurses there knew Sifu Mooney, and introduced me to him, or him to me, whatever. I remember that Sifu once told me that if you can be taught to hurt someone, you should first and foremost learn to heal as well. I’ve kinda made it a mantra over the years, once I more or less learned to work out my issues with killing the kit, which took a lot of time and effort.

“So anyway, the thoughts of suicide go away, but in the meantime I’m still depressed, and the nightmares and flashbacks begin. I tried to self-medicate with booze with no luck. Never gave a thought to drugs, too easy to get hooked. I talked to a shrink a few times and the nightmares seemed to be a bit less frequent. After talking to my commanding officer, I decided to take an early full pay retirement and 80% disability from my wounds and call it quits.

“After going through the bullshit that comprises out-processing, I ended up back in the States, wondering what to do and where to go, since there doesn’t seem to be much interest in hiring a professional killer these days. Then I ran into Finn and he suggested that I get back in touch with my folks. When I asked him why, since I was sure that’d given me up for dead long ago, he had balls enough to whack me upside the head. He told me in no uncertain terms to get my ass to the house and show them that I was alive and had amounted to something after all, that I at least owed them that much.

“I resisted for a while, then Finn heard some vague, unsettling rumors about then mayor Bellwether and her henchmammals darting predators and making them go savage. We tried taking the information to the ZPD but were promptly escorted out of the building.

“Knowing that we had to do something to stop the deranged ewe, Finn and I set up a sort of sting to get Bellwether’s flunkies to chase us and try to dart us. After managing to grab the dart gun and get Dawn and her flunkies to chase us, I substituted a blueberry for the chemical pellet, ‘accidentally’ dropping the dart gun, then faked killing Finn when I got darted and got the entire thing recorded on my phone, giving the entire thing to the cops.

“Later, after a couple of days of waiting for the news to break, I finally said ‘what the hell’ and knocked on my parent’s front door. When mom answered the door she almost had a heart attack. Dad was curious when he heard mom gasp and stopped dead in his tracks when he saw me. To say they were stunned would be putting it mildly. Leading me to the living room and sitting me down, they pretty much demanded to know where I’d been all those years and what I’d done with myself.

“After recounting the horrors of the foster homes and the time I spent on the streets, then my stint in the military, the folks asked me if I’d consider staying with them, in my old room even if it was only for a while. They were so happy to finally have their wayward son home, I couldn’t possibly refuse.

“After about a week or so, there came a knock at the front door, and dad insisted that I answer it. Wondering what he could be up to, I answered it anyway. There, directly in front of me, stood the very same cop who had conned me into signing up for the military all those years ago.”

‘Wilde,’ “he begins” ‘a certain fennec fox told me you were back in town. If it’s alright, I’d like to come in and talk to you for a bit.’

Hoping that the worst is over, all three does hang on every word.

‘Unbeknownst to you-’ “begins the Chief-” Nick continues.

“The Chief!” interrupts an amazed Judy suddenly. “Chief Bogo was the officer that made you go into the military!!!”

“You get a gold star Fluff.” admits Nick, smirk on his face. “Adrian had been rookie beat cop at the time. He somehow saw the potential in me even way back then. Aaaanyways, he offered me a job as a cop. Told me it would be a waste of my abilities to just sit around and do nothing, or flip burgers or whatever. He’d managed to somehow keep track of me and what and how I was doing all that time through the recruiter. He’d lost track of me after I retired out, and somehow managed to bump into Finn, who told him where I was.”

“He had to pull a few strings to get me into the Academy since the MII was just an idea at the time. I guess my success sort of jumpstarted the process, because a year later the MII became law, opening up law enforcement to all species of mammals, regardless of their size … even bunnies.” he speculated, winking at his doe.

“Even with my being a lot older and smaller than the rest of the recruits, I managed to set all sorts of records at the academy, especially after taking out a rhino and actually knocking him out in the ring. The only hard part was learning the laws unique to Zootopia itself. The physical part was a snap after my time in the Teams, even with my various injuries and disabilities.
“A year and a half as a beat cop and then after helping to break a major murder case, I was recommended to take my detective’s exam. Two years after that I was a sergeant, then another 18 months after that I became a lieutenant.

“Staying with my parents and moving to living in the so-called mother-in-law’s cottage they had on the property seemed to quell the nightmares and the anxiety attacks. The security of finally being back home, I guess. Of course it all fell apart when first dad, then mom passed away. Bogo told me to take whatever time I needed … but it didn’t seem to help. The nightmares and flashbacks returned, worse than ever. I decided to take a long walk to try and get my head straight, when a beautiful bunny doe with her head not in the game tried and failed to kill me!” he finally finishes, smirk very evident.

“NICK! I did NOT try to kill you. I told you I was-” begins a flustered Judy.

“It’s fine Fluff, I was just messing with you.” admits the smiling todd as he places a gentle finger on his does lips.

Taking a long moment to try and absorb everything that they’ve heard, all three does are quiet.

“Listen Judy,” finally continues the now very serious todd “even considering the carnage of the military, there are things I’ve seen as a cop …… things that I truly hope that you never have to see. The victims of grisly murders, the victims of mammals gone savage, mammals that we’ve found half eaten, the messy suicides, the mammals killed in car wrecks that we’ve had to pull out in pieces, the victims of kit abuse, the horrors of drug related deaths, please count yourself lucky that hopefully you’ll never see those things in a small-town sheriff’s office.”

“All of the things that I’ve been subjected to all of my life seem so paltry now.” quietly whispers a now demur Judy.

“Nothing is paltry Judy!” says Nick just as quietly but forcefully, again pulling the doe close “No matter how large or small, good or bad, everything that has happened or will happen to you has shaped you into the mammal that you are now. The name calling, the physical and emotional violence and abuse and how you handled them has created the Judy Hopps that I have in my arms … arm … right now, and I wouldn’t trade her for the world.

~0~

Chapter Text

8 Visitor
~0~

“Listen Judy,” finally continues the now very serious todd “even considering the carnage of the military, there are things I’ve seen as a cop ……things that I truly hope that you never have to see. The victims of grisly murders, the victims of mammals gone savage, mammals that we’ve found half eaten, the messy suicides, the mammals killed in car wrecks that we’ve had to pull out in pieces, the victims of kit abuse, the horrors of drug related deaths. Please count yourself lucky that hopefully you’ll never see those things in a small-town sheriff’s department.”

“All of the things that I’ve been subjected to all of my life seem so paltry now.” whispers a now demur Judy.

“Nothing is ever paltry Judy!” says Nick quietly but forcefully, pulling the doe close “No matter how large or small, good or bad, everything that has happened or will happen to you has shaped you into the mammal that you are now. The name calling, the physical and emotional violence and abuse and how you handled them has created the Judy Hopps that I have in my arms … arm … right now, and I wouldn’t trade her for the world.”

…

“What da hell Wilde?” suddenly comes the gravel coated voice from the doorway. “Buff’lo Butt tole me dat ya gots a bunny girlfriend, but dis looks more like a damn harem!”

As all eyes turn to the new mammal entering the room, Nick has to laugh. “Ladies, say hello to my little friend, the one and only James Taylor Finnick, more affectionately known as Finn.”

“Ha, ha Wilde – dat was funny da first time, about five years ago, not so much since. Anyways, pleased ta meet y’all!” the smaller fennec fox replies “Bogo never said how cute yer new ‘friend’ was tho…” making air quotes with his paws.

Holding up a paw when three sets of angry eyes focus in on him, Finn calmly faces the oncoming storm of angry bunnies.

“Hol’ up, hol’ up, hol up!” he announces, waving his paws in the air “I already knowed dat yer not s’posed ta call a bunny cute, but all three of y’all is just too cute ta let it go. In dis case, y’all is so damned purty, dat it’s what y’all is. Y’all is purty awready, got it?”

As the three does stare in shock at Finn’s short tirade, Nick tries to calm things down a bit.

“Okay, how about a few proper introductions? Ladies, I already told you that this miscreant is called Finn. Finn, the doe in blue scrubs is Darci, the one in the white coat is doctor Deb, and the beautiful one in the skimpy t-shirt is Judy. Now, what’s up Finn?”

Striding confidently across the room, Finn uses the same chair standing next to the red todd’s bed that the does have been using. Plopping down the messenger bag that he had been carrying, Finn first pulls out two sets of keys and drops them on the bed.

“Dese is both sets a keys ta da ‘Cuda sittin’ in the parkin’ lot along wit a couple a keys ta yers an’ yer folk’s place. Da car’s sittin’ outside by a pole marked ‘D’ fer dumbass … like you.” smirks the small todd. “Wolfie an’ Fangs is taken’ care of yer place till ya gets back on yer feet.”

Pulling out a fair-sized stack of mail, Finn plops it down on the bed “Here’s yer mail so far. Fangs is gonna make sure dat da rest is put in da house, but yer gonna haf’ta figger out how ta get it from now on.”

Flipping the large flap of the messenger bag open, Finn continues. “Da rest a dis shit in here’s yer ZPD laptop an’ da case files ya was werkin’ on afore … ya tried ta git yerself kilt!”

“Yeah,” replies Nick confidently “I know. Thanks Finn, I think everything ‘ll be okay from here on out, thanks to Judy and her sisters. We’ll figure out something to get my mail. Tell Bogo I’ll get to the case files when I’m able to, he’ll understand.”

“Maybe I can help?” suggests Judy a bit timidly.

“I’ll talk to Adrian later, I’m sure he won’t mind too much considering the circumstances.” admits Nick.

Hopping down from the bed to the chair to the floor and heading for the door, Finn tells the room “As much as I’d love ta stick around a while an’ jaw wit y’all, Buff’lo Butt tole me I’d have da rest a da day off if I made dis run. B‘ides, Mona’s got da day off too an’ you know what dat means…so ciao!”

Stopping at the door, Finn turns and adds with an evil grin “While I’m thinkin’ ‘bout it … Lola’s on her way too. She’ll be here purty soon I’m sure. Ya know how dat bunny kin drive. Anyways, I’m otta here ...” as his laughter echoes while he walks down the hall.

…

“Lola? Bunny?” asks a curious Judy, now showing a bit of attitude (jealousy) as she turns to Nick.

“Firstly,” explains Nick holding up a single digit, “Yes, Lola is a bunny, a hare actually. And she’s my junior detective partner in the ZPD ...”

“Is she pretty?” asks a suspicious Judy, with both Debra and Darci quietly interested in the byplay.

“Why don’t judge for yourself!” comes yet another new voice from just inside the doorway.

As the three Hopps does turn and look at the newest mammal, they observe a very tall and extremely attractive lagomorph doe wearing a pair of dark-blue well-tailored slacks, pink button up shirt which is a bit open at the collar, and a dark blue blazer. The gold detective badge clipped to her belt was also quite noticeable.

“Allow me to introduce myself.” continues the doe as she enters the room. “My name is Detective Sergeant Lola Marie Bunnee. And yes, I happen to be Detective Lieutenant Wilde’s junior partner on the force. I’m here at the request of my senior partner to attempt to ascertain the identity of the mammal who allegedly raped one Judith Hopps. Would any of you three happen to be Judith Hopps?”

“That would be me!” responds Judy, with more than a bit of ice in her voice.

“Before things escalate, let me explain a few things.” continues Lola, pinning Judy with her gaze “To begin with, you have nothing to fear from me insofar as detective Wilde’s feelings are concerned. While detective Wilde is quite attractive, single and is, or rather was, available, I happen to be happily married with three kits of my own. My mate is not only a loving husband and father, he also happens to be a well-known celebrity as well a movie and TV star. His name is George Washington Bunny, but you all most likely know him by his stage name … Bugs Bunny.”*

With all three Hopps does staring at Lola, mouths open and eyes slightly bugged out the hare doe continues: “Due to the circumstances, please allow me to attempt to explain a few things that I would normally not do for anyone else. I get my height from my great-great grandfather, who was a Flemish giant, which is why I’m roughly the same size as detective Wilde. Bugs has roughly the same genetic background that I do which is why we’re the same size.

“I was mocked because of my size as a kit, but became very popular when I got to high school. Because of my size I was quite naturally a basketball star. Four high school championships and three collegiate championships later I was on my way to be a pro when I tore out my left knee. Forced to change directions, I changed my major to criminal justice with my minor being pre-law to become a police officer. After a few years on the force, I met Bugs and we married, but I kept my maiden name of Bunnee in order to separate myself at least slightly from Bugs’s limelight.

“When I finally was able to become a detective, I was thrilled to be able to work with detective Wilde-”

“Could you please just call him Nick.” finally interrupts a slightly irritated Judy. “We’re all grown does here, we’re all adults, so please just call Nick by his name.”

“Fine,” retorts Lola “I was happy to be partnered up with Nick, since he has probably the best reputation on the force. I was naturally a bit concerned when he lost his parents, although when he disappeared I wasn’t too worried since he’s done that before. When the chief told me that Nick had been in an accident, but was okay and had requested my involvement in a possible rape case I was intrigued.”

Just then, a light tapping at the door interrupted the goings-on.

“Excuse us,” says one of two pronghorn antelope buck attendants, “but we’re here to take a Nicholas Wilde to radiology …?”

With almost everyone in the room looking on in confusion, Debra speaks up. “Yeah, my bad. In the heat of the moment with all that’s been going on this morning, I kinda forgot that I had scheduled Nick for a CT scan to see how well his bones were knitting. Sorry?”

“That’s okay.” admits Darci “I really need to get down to rehab anyway, I’m sure I have a few patients waiting for me by now.”

“And Judith and I-” begins Lola.

“Please call me Judy…” interrupts a still irritated Judy – again.

“Judy then…” concedes Lola, huffing lightly. “Judy and I need a few private moments alone anyway.”

“If y’all will give the attendants a few minutes, they need to prep Nick for his scan.” Debra informs Judy and Lola.

Seeing the questioning looks that she’s getting, especially from Judy and Lola, Deb expands on her statement: “They need to drain Nick’s catheter bag, let him use the bed pan, then clean him up. So, unless the both of you” still addressing the other two does, especially Judy “want a very unpleasant floor show, I’d suggest that you use the smokers lounge, or at least step out of the room while Nick is readied to be wheeled out to radiology. You can reenter the room while his bedding is being changed if you so wish, otherwise … out!”

…

After standing quietly in the hallway for several minutes, the two does get ready to reenter the room after the attendants wheel Nick out of his room, followed closely by Debra.

Giving her fox a quick hug and kiss on the cheek (hard to tell exactly who’s benefit that was for) Judy and Lola reenter his room.

“Look,” begins Lola “we kinda got off on the wrong paw for some reason. I understand that you’re quite obviously in love with Nick and I don’t blame you for being … possessive and maybe even a slight bit jealous. If I perceived someone as a threat to my relationship with Bugs, I’d be upset too. I guess the fact that another rabbit doe is his partner complicates things, but I can assure you that Nick and I are partners in police work only.” finally offering the smaller doe her paw.

Taking the larger does paw for a quick (and slightly apologetic) pawshake, Judy is finally at least partially able to come to grips with the fact that Lola is NOT a threat to her budding relationship with Nick.

“Sorry … Nick’s my first real relationship … my first real boyfriend, so I was kinda…”

“I get it,” interrupts Lola politely “so how about we put all of this all behind us and get down to it. Chief Bogo relayed to me that Nick was concerned about the future wellbeing of you and your kits.”

Noting Judy’s apparent confusion, she continues “To be more specific, Nick wants me to find the biological father of the kits, and make sure that he won’t return at a later date and attempt to take custody of them, or try to blackmail you for custody or a large monetary settlement. I’m to make sure, by whatever means necessary, short of killing the mammal, that this buck, whoever he is, will be more than willing to sign over any and all parental rights that he may have to the kits, so neither you, Nick nor the kits have to deal with him in the future.”

Breathing a sigh of relief and deflating a bit, Judy finally understands.

“Again, sorry about earlier, but like I said, Nick’s my first real boyfriend.”

“With all of that behind us, let’s get down to business.” indicates Lola, first producing a note pad and pen, then laying a voice recorder down on the rolling table/tray and turning it on. “Let’s start with the basics. If I’m to understand correctly miss Hopps (again using Judy’s given name due to this being an official statement), you had gone clubbing after being accepted into the next intake of the ZPA, is that correct?”

“Y-yes, that’s correct.”

“And you believe that this unknown buck may have slipped some sort of date rape drug into one of your drinks, is that correct?” asks the doe, jotting everything down on the note pad.

“Yes.”

“Can you describe this buck, at least to the best of your recollection please?”

Giving the request a few moments thought, Judy begins: “He seemed roughly my height, athletic build, even though it seemed like he was trying to hide it by wearing a cheap, ill-fitting black suit. White shirt, open at the collar, black tie pulled loose, nasty smelling perfume of some sort …”

“Hold on a sec please-” interrupts Lola, raising her pen. “You said that you think he was trying to hide his physique? Why would you even notice that?”

“I’ve been training for years to be able to get into to the ZPA. I have degrees in criminal psychology, pre-law and forensic psychology among others. Even without thinking about it, I always look for that kinda stuff.” Judy admits defensively.

“Okay, I meant no disrespect, it’s just that most mammals don’t ever think about noticing things like that. You also mentioned a nasty perfume which was most likely pheromone laced … was there anything else that you might have noticed? Tattoos, or-”

“Ummm … now that you mention it, he looked to be wearing a really bad fur dye job. Light to medium brown, darkening as it went higher on his body and ears. But it really looked like he was trying to hide tattoos or markings or something …”

“What sort of tattoos or markings?”

“Ummmm … horizontal stripes across his face and ears? I think? Maybe? It was really hard to tell for sure how many in the dim lights of the club ... What?” asks Judy seeing the look of disbelief on the taller does face.

“I don’t believe it!” admits a slightly astonished Lola “You may have just help to solve a large number of date rape cases from here to greater Zootopia. Without giving out too much sensitive information let me explain … detective Wilde and I have been working off and on on a serial rapist case that’s been ongoing for a couple of years. While we’ve had a few leads and a good hunch or two, up to now we haven’t had anything solid to go on. Most victims, all rabbit or hare does, have absolutely no recollection of their attacker’s appearance.”

“And this helps, how?” asks Judy.

“The mammal in question, at least the mammal who is our most likely suspect, is a disgraced ZIA agent code named Jack Savage (yes, I know – she gave out the potential suspect’s name). Former special agent Savage, no one outside the agency knows his real name and the agency refuses to give us his real name, seems hell bent on spreading his ‘legacy’ as he calls it (Lola using air quotes). This piece of work has managed to impregnate dozens of rabbit and hare does over the past few years. With the information that you’ve provided, I can hopefully hunt this asshole down and at least lock him up for the rest of his natural life.”

“But, how will that help me, and eventually my … and hopefully eventually Nick’s kits?” asks Judy “I’m just guessing here, but if he’s able, I think Nick has every intention of adopting my kits and loving them as his own.”

“First, that absolutely sounds like detective Wilde.” immediately answers Lola “Next, thanks to the military experience and street creds that Nick has gained over the years and passed on to me through our partnership on the force, I’ve learned a few tactics … some subtle and some not so subtle, to work with. Trust me when I tell you that when I’m through with Savage, I’m sure that he’ll much rather sign off on giving up any and all parental rights, than to have to face Wilde one on one.”

“Well, I certainly hope so.”

“I guess my next step is to go to the club that you frequented to try to get more information from the proprietors and possibly other patrons…” suggests Lola, leaving the hint open ended.

“That – that would be The Burrow.” timidly supplies Judy “Dumb name, but considering where it is, I guess it fits.”

With that, Lola leaves Judy and heads to her recently rented motel room to do some prep work for her upcoming interviews (interrogations) with club owners and patrons later in the day when the club opens for business.

…

With a bit of time to herself, Judy reflects on her visit with Lola. ‘Why am I annoyed with myself for being jealous of the very attractive hare doe or rather … but then again why would I not? But … on the other paw … after never really having a boyfriend, and with this being in my first real relationship, one that I never in a million years would have anticipated having, why would I not be annoyed? Like I told Lola, no one had ever been as kind or thoughtful or supportive of me in the past as Nick has been in the short time that I’ve known him. Maybe things are going a bit too quickly? … But on the other paw, what ulterior motive could Nick possibly have for showing an interest in me other than actually being attracted to me as a female, species be damned? Maybe I’m attractive to some males … but with me already being pregnant, he’s got to know that he’ll be helping to raise some other buck’s kits … plus he already knows that I’m practically destitute without his help …’

Just then, Judy hears a gurney being wheeled down the hallway, interrupting her more or less self-depreciating train of thought. Seeing the hugely grinning todd, the doe’s spirits seem to be lifted at least a bit.

Following Nick and the attendants into the room, Judy watches Nick being carefully transferred onto his freshly made bed, grin still attached.

“I really can’t believe how well your fox has managed to heal!” Judy hears Debra remark as her sister enters the room. “He’s managed to do around two months of healing in just over a week! Muscle damage is almost totally healed, his joint separations are doing well, and the broken bones are knitting nicely. At the current rate, your fox will be on his feet and out of here long before you graduate from the Academy!”

Casting a hopeful glance at Nick, Judy is met with a full-on smirk.

“What Nick?” she asks.

“Looks like you’re gonna be kinda busy in the near future.”

“Really, why?” asks the now confused doe.

“Well,” begins the todd “even though you’ve made no mention of seeing an ob/gyn yet, we both know that that’s got to be at the top of your to-do list. You’re gonna need to get your stuff for your trip to the Academy, and you might want to at least scout out a place for us to live when you graduate and I’m otta here. A house or apartment with at least 2 bedrooms and at least a little bit of a yard for the kits when they get old enough.”

“JUDY!” interrupts a horrified Debra “you still haven’t seen an ob/gyn?”

Frustrated, Judy has only one thing to offer in her defense “Look, it’s been so crazy lately that I haven’t had the time or forethought to do it. Besides, I wouldn’t have any idea who to go to since we’ve always had someone in the warren to go to.”

“You know that I can’t recommend anyone,” Deb reminds her sister “but there are a number of good ob/gyn practitioners both in the hospital and around the Tri-Burrows in general. On the other paw, Darci might be able to point you in the right direction if you asked her.”

“Well, that’ll be one item off my list…” begins Judy.

“And with the use of your own car, getting your gear for the Academy and finding a place shouldn’t be too difficult.” adds Nick.

Blinking rapidly, Judy comes to the sudden realization of what Nick just said “My own car … my own car …”

“Yeah, you know, the car that Finn said that he dropped off earlier … remember?” snarks Nick “Take one set of keys that are on the bedside stand and do what you need to do. It’s a whiteish ’66 Barracuda, but be careful ‘cause it’s got a built up V-8 in it. You can drive a manual transmission right?”

“Of course I can, dumb fox,” replies the doe taking said keys “I was raised on a farm. All of the cars, trucks and equipment are manual except for mom’s van and the buses.”

“Busses?” asks a now curious Nick, cocking his head to one side in confusion.

“Yes, busses. Oh, I guess I never mentioned that I have 175 brothers and sisters did I?” Judy snarks back.

“…”

Seeing the todd’s blank stare, Judy has to giggle “Hey, we’re rabbits, multiplication is kinda our thing…”

“175 … damn …” a still incredulous Nick repeats as he gives his doe a blank stare.

“Anyway, I guess I’ll head down to rehab and see if Darci can come up with a few suggestions for a good ob/gyn.”

~0~

Chapter Text

9

~0~

Heading down from the Nick’s room, Judy’s suddenly glad that she’s had the opportunity to make up with one of her chief tormenters from her kithood.

Entering the rehab room and seeing no one, Judy looks around and notices that Darci is taking a break in the staff break room.

“Hey Darci ...” Judy greets her sibling.

“Hey Judes …” answers the brown doe. “What can I do for ya?” she asks in a curious tone.

“I – I need a huge favor. I need to find a good obstetrician. Deb can’t recommend one, so I thought that I’d see if you had any suggestions.”

“JUDY! … You really hadn’t looked for one before now? Why on earth not?”

“I know, I know. Look … things have been more than a bit hectic since I found out that I’m expecting, and it kept slipping my mind until earlier today when both Deb and Nick made a point of ‘reminding’ me (using finger quotes). Please tell me that you might know of someone … you know that I can’t use the warren’s help since dad banished me and Deb can’t because she’s on staff!”

“I don’t have anyone scheduled for a few minutes yet, so let’s sit down and we’ll see if I can come up with someone …”

…

While Judy is busy conferring with her sister trying to find a good ob/gyn, Lola is on a mission of her own.

Driving the non-descript vehicle that she drew from the ZPD motor pool for this assignment, the hare doe makes her way to the best motel in Bunnyburrow, the Howliday Inn.

Once checked in, Lola decides to use the room as her base of operations as long as her search for Jack Savage stays in the immediate area.

Taking a quick shower to refresh herself, the doe decides to continue to wear professional clothes for the immediate future – slacks, button-up shirt and jacket - for her interviews in the local areas. No sense dressing down until she can at least figure out where Jack might be.

Clipping her badge to her belt on the way out the door, Lola heads for The Burrow, the local watering hole that Judy mentioned in her interview.

The short drive from the motel to The Burrow gives the doe a first impression of the small town. Very orderly, mostly rabbits, definitely a typical farming community.

After parking her car, Lola walks the half block to the bar and enters, noticing that even though it’s past noon, there are still quite a few patrons, mostly bucks nursing beers and eating the snacks provided.

“Kin ah hep ya?” asks the barkeep, a two-tone brown rabbit with white tipped ears.

Knowing that the buck has definitely spotted the badge on her belt, and with her being nearly twice the size of the average rabbit, Lola decides on the direct approach.

“Yes … are you the owner of this establishment?”

“Owner, head bartender an’ cook. So, what’ll it be officer?

“Actually, it’s detective. I need to ask you a few questions if you’ve got a few minutes.”

“An’ if’n ah don’t?”

“Then I guess I’ll need to check your license to sell alcohol, which I see isn’t properly displayed, your food vendor’s license which is also missing, and…”

“Okay, okay, ah git the pitcher … what ‘cha need?” comes the sullen reply.

Taking out her notebook, Lola begins – “Do you know a Hopps doe named Judy?”

“A’course ah do. Ev’er body knows her.”

“And just why do you sound so disproving of her?” asks Lola, now curious as to a local townsmammal would be so adamant in his apparent dislike of Judy, a known lifetime resident.

“She wouldn’t never take time fer us common folk when she wuz younger. Wouldn’t date nobody, never gave none of us much of a chance ta date her. Then she goes an’ gets knocked up by some strange buck, then took up with a damned pelt, a fox of all mammals. Serves her right if’n ya ask me…”

“In speaking with Judy, I learned that she spent all of her time and energy from when she was in grade and high school to try to get into the Zootopia Police Department. Maybe that would be why she didn’t date?”

“Wull … maybe so, but-”

“And since you already know that she’s pregnant, which has been spread by her father from what I understand, I’m here to try to find the mammal that got her pregnant. Judy was raped, just in case Mr. Hopps failed to mention that!” interrupts Lola.

“… No … Stu did kinda lef’ thet part out ah guess …” as the buck scratched the back of his neck.

“And I wonder if Mr. Hopps also left out the part that he banished her from the warren as well, simply because she defended a mammal that she almost ran over and killed!” muses Lola out loud.
“No, I guess Stu kinda fergot ta mention thet as well…”

“And I’m guessing that Mr. Hopps also forgot to mention that ‘that damned fox’ that Judy took up with seems to be the only mammal in the area to help a then suddenly destitute Judy.”
“……”

Extending a paw, Lola tries another tactic “So … what say we start this conversation again. I’m detective Lola Bunnee from the Zootopia Police Department. I’m here at the request of my senior partner Nicholas Wilde, who is presently in the Tri-Burrow hospital here in Bunnyburrow.”

Somewhat gingerly taking the much larger hare’s paw, the buck introduces himself “I’m LeRoy Leaps, owner of this here place. Sorry ‘bout the attitude earlier, but we seldom git strange mammals in here, ‘specially big city cops.”

“Understandable. Now … would you happen to have any information for me from the night of January 13th that I could possibly use? Strange bucks in the place? Fur color, what he might be wearing, that kind of thing?”

After thinking for several minutes, “Now thet ya mention it, there wuz a buck in here one night with a suit on. We never git’s anyone with a suit on in here at night, ‘less it’s a local lawyer or sumbunny lahk thet.”

“Anything else about the strange buck that might be of help? Fur color, tattoos or other markings?”

“Nope, when we’re busy an’ the lights is low lahk they usually is, it’s hard ta tell thet kinda stuff. Sorry.”

“Okay, thanks, I appreciate it…”

“Hole up a second, mebe Alice there kin hep ya … She wuz in here thet night an’ she’s one a Judy’s susters .…” adds the buck as he nods towards an attractive, professional looking doe who had just entered the bar.

Nodding her thanks to the owner, Lola heads over to speak with the new mammal of interest.

Stopping at the table that Judy’s sister had taken, Lola extends a paw and introduces herself. “Alice Hopps? My name is detective Lola Bunnee. I’m investigating your sister Judy’s alleged rape and I was informed that you might have some information that could be of some help.”

Looking at the proffered paw as if it were a snake, the smaller doe gives an icy response “Look, I have no idea who you are for real, but if you ask me, Judy got exactly what she deserved. And the name is Alicia, officer.”

Ignoring the intentional slight, and partially taken aback, Lola’s confusion at the statement was evident to even the most casual observer.
“Why would you even say that about your own sister?”

“Lady, it’s obvious to me that you have absolutely no clue. To begin with, Judy was always too good to help with most of the chores around the warren even as a small kit. Yeah, I know focused on becoming a cop and all that … lots of us kits did other things besides work the land. I myself for instance happen to be the warren’s top tax attorney. If Judy wanted to be a cop around the tri-Burrow, no one would have batted an eye, but noooo, Miss big shot wanted to go to Zootopia to ‘Make the world a better place!” using finger quotes.

“Then she goes and gets herself knocked up by some unknown buck ‘cause she got drunk. And to top it all off, she sticks up for some filthy pelt that she runs over and nearly kills … shoulda left him die in the ditch if you ask me!”

Somehow managing to keep a suddenly white-hot anger in check, Lola manages a mostly civil response. “That so-called pelt is a highly decorated and respected detective in the ZPD, as well as my senior partner. Detective Wilde has more compassion in his little finger than your entire family seems to have. He could have thrown the book at Judy but instead had mercy and offered to fund her dreams at the academy, no strings attached.”

“Well, if you’ll excuse me, I need to eat my lunch and return to my office. In parting I will offer one bit of information to you detective …” says the doe with a sarcastic smile “Judy is not truly a Hopps. Now, if you’ll excuse me …” as she begins eating her tempura asparagus which was just placed in front of her by an attractive skunk doe.

Still in a bit of a shock because of the coldly indifferent attitude by the Hopps doe, and pondering the slightly cryptic last statement, Lola retreats to the open bar.

“Don’t mind Alice she’s always been a bit of a bitch, no disrespect to my numerous canine friends.” remarks the skunk.

“Really! Mind me asking why?” asks Lola, glad to finally meet a friendly mammal.

“I’ve known Judy most of my life, and she was always kind to me and most of my friends, even after she and Gideon had their little tiff.”

Seeing the predator doe ready to explain, Lola interrupts “I’ve read Judy’s academy packet, so I’m familiar with her set-to with a certain fox todd.”

“Well, that makes things a bit easier … my names Meg by the way-” as the opposing doe extends a black paw.

“Meg …….” As Lola draws out the seeming request, grasping her paw.

Rolling her eyes, Meg sighs and tells her full name “Megan Black … happy?”

“Sorry Meg, professional habit. Detective Lola Bunnee, ZPD. Glad to meet you. Now, what were you saying about miss Hopps there?” nodding towards a certain rabbit do who is now giving them both the stink eye.

“Yeah, Alice there has always had it in for Judy for some reason, not sure why, sorry.”

“She made the statement about Judy not being a real Hopps doe, any idea what she meant?”

“Sorry, no clue. But if the rumors about what’s going on about Judy being raped, I might be able to provide something.”

Bringing out her notebook and voice recorder, Lola prompts the doe to continue.

“I remember the night because it’s really unusual for Judy to come in here and drink. Don’t get me wrong, she’s not the lightweight drinker that you might think. Her brothers have a still somewhere and I know that she can put down the ‘shine with the best of ‘em.

“I know that that night, her being in here being social had to be special ‘cause she’d been accepted to the police academy. As usual, most of the non-Hopps bucks were hitting on her, she is cute by the way!”

Not seeing a condemning look come from Lola for the unintentional use of the ‘C’ word, Meg continues “Anyways, some strange buck buys her a drink, I go light on the booze since she’s a friend. Before long, she’s acting kinda strange, and I know it’s not from the drink so I kinda keep and eye on her, you know, to look out for an old friend.

“Before long this strange buck is guiding her towards the door and out to his car.”

“Would you remember anything about the stranger? Fur color, clothing, anything like that?”

“Yeah … average height, kinda muddy brown fur, didn’t look quite right but I couldn’t tell why, low lights and all. Wrinkled black suit that didn’t fit quite right, white button-up shirt and black tie.”
“Anything else?”

“Now that you mention it, I watched them get into his car … older black Beamer if I remember correctly. Really weird tag on the car …”

“Weird? How so?”

“Had to be a special plate ‘cause of the number. 8675309. I only remembered the number because of the old song with those numbers in it! What?”

“If I were into does I think I’d kiss you!” remarks Lola. “Thanks to you I not only have a prime suspect but I have an idea about how to find him. Thank you soooo much!”

“Could you possibly do me one or two favors?” asks Meg.

“If I can, sure.”

“First, beat him to a pulp when you find him! Judy is a good friend and I hate what happened to her. Second, please find out if they might have an opening in the Burrow sheriff’s department. I’ve gotta get otta here before I hurt somebunny. And if I may ask …”

“What?”

“Is it true that Judy’s taken up with a fox todd?”

Seeing a bit of concern on the larger doe’s face, Meg quickly explains “As long as Judy’s happy, I’m happy for her. She’s always been kinda partial to predators, so I’m just kinda curious.”

Giving the smaller doe a soft smile Lola tells her “Yes, it’s true, and in fact that same todd will soon be my ex-partner on the force. I may be kind of partial, because Nick Wilde is, or rather soon will be, my ex-partner, but they seem to be very happy with each other.”

“Wait! Is that the same todd that everyone says that Judy ran over on the highway?”

“The very same. Karma seems to affect Nick that way! I always told Nick that when he found his true love it’d hit him like a runaway truck! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get back to my motel room and do some research to try and find my prime suspect, as well as update my superiors on my progress. Thanks a ton Meg!”

…

Hurrying back to her room, Lola stops at the front desk and asks if a strange rabbit had booked a room in the last month or so. Needing to be more specific, the doe provides the license number, knowing that by law it needed to be on the check-in information. After receiving a negative answer, Lola made a note to check out the other motels, especially the less-than reputable ones, in the morning.

Making a quick conference call to both Chief Bogo and to Nick (knowing there’d be hell to pay if she left him out of the loop) giving them all the info that she’d gotten so far, Lola knew that the ZPD could and would run the tag to make sure that Jack was still their prime suspect, and check with the surrounding flea-bag motels between Zootopia and Bunnyburrow and around the Tri-Burrow area for Jack’s latest stays.

Making sure to include the Hopps doe’s snide remark that Judy wasn’t a true Hopps doe in her report, Lola decided to go to bed for the night so she could get an early start in the morning.

…

Waking early the next morning, Lola turns on her laptop and lets it load while she takes a quick shower.

While toweling off and quickly using the fur dryer, she is amazed at the quick work that had been accomplished overnight by the ZPD. The only real unanswered question was the one about Judy’s seeming questionable heritage.

Staring at the leads on the motels that Jack had stayed in, Lola knew that stopping in the last town on the list, a place called Vermillion, would be her next stop. As a college town, there were bound to be a lot of possible targets for a certain leporine male whore/serial rapist.

Settling up with the desk clerk, the large doe fuels her car and grabs a few snacks and some water for the road.

After 180 miles or so, Lola cruises slowly past a truly run-down looking motel called the Piney Rest that had an almost pristine ’81 325i with the correct tag number sitting in front of one of the rooms. ‘That thing’s definitely out of place there’ goes through her mind.

‘Glad the buck was so hung up on the song.’ she thinks to herself, wondering why he had a thing about that particular number, considering the fact that that particular 325i and the song both came out in the same year, 1981.

Quickly moving on and getting a room at the local HoJo’s, Lola considers trying a possible hook-up with Savage that evening, just as quickly abandoning the idea. With Jack being in that particular location for 3 days already, he’d be at least moving to a different motel in the next day or so. His standard MO was moving every three to four days so it would be best to wait and set up camp, waiting for an update provided by the vice squad back at Zootopia.

Making her way back to the Piney Rest, Lola was trying to figure out how to keep track of her target without watching him 24 hours a day, an opportunity suddenly presented itself.

When 3 vehicles suddenly pull in and parked in the lot, Lola quickly pulls on a somewhat raggedy hoodie and headed towards the office along with the drivers of the incoming vehicles.

Passing the rear of the little 325i, she deftly placed a small remote-control tracker that she had prepped before leaving Bunnyburrow behind the license plate and entered the office, asking directions to the nearest restaurant.

Walking back past the car, she quickly triggered the tracker, then turned it off once she was satisfied that it was working properly.

Heading back to her own motel, Lola figured she’d might as well get some rest before heading back to the Piney Rest just after dark.

…

As darkness began to fall, a large hare doe makes her way to a certain less than reputable motel to keep tabs on her suspect.

Arriving shortly before her quarry leaves, sloppy fur dye job in place, Lola manages to find a mostly comfortable out-of-the-way spot to observe Jack’s motel room.

Several hours later, Jack’s car pulls into a parking spot only a few doors down from his room.

Exiting the vehicle and moving around to the passenger side, the buck opens the door and guides his barely ambulatory victim into the motel room.

Waiting around 15 minutes, Lola has conundrum on her paws – on the one paw, she needs to go and rescue the poor doe, but on the other paw, she can’t risk a fight or a possible shootout with an innocent mammal inside the room.

Hating her choice, Lola opts to replace the previous tracker with a new one that Jack is bound to find, while placing one more remote tracker on the vehicle, inside the passenger side rear wheel well.

…

After roughly an hour, Jack emerges, appearing to be freshly showered, and climbs into his car and drives away.

Waiting a few minutes to be sure the former agent doesn’t double back, Lola emerges from her hiding place and heads directly to the manager’s office.

Flashing her badge and directing the desk clerk to call the local PD and EMT’s to report a possible rape, Lola takes a spare key card and goes to the room that Jack had just vacated.

Several minutes later 2 squad cars arrive, flashing blue lights lighting up the dingy parking lot, followed closely by a small animal EMT van.

After explaining the situation to both the cops and medical personnel, Lola swipes the key card and enters the room.

Thankful that the local PD had sent several female officers and detectives, Lola and the other females enter the room to find the poor doe naked on the bed with all of her delicate parts exposed.
Securing the crime scene (which the room now was) and hurriedly taking needed photos, the unnamed doe was covered and whisked off to the local hospital for the much-needed documentation (name, address etc. as well as the required rape kit).

Assuring the lead detective that the Vermillion PD could have dibs on the case in general and Jack Savage in particular, Lola gives her e-mail address and asks the lead detective to forward any and all documentation to her and to Chief Bogo when available, ESPECIALLY the results of the rape kit.

Returning to her rented room, Lola decides to do a quick micro-burst dump of the well-hidden tracker on Jack’s car to see his present location. Thankfully it was another seedy motel well within the city limits, meaning she could keep her present location for at least the time being.

…

After a quick shower and heading for a well-deserved rest, Lola is up reasonably early the next morning

A quick trip to the motel’s ‘continental’ breakfast offerings and filling her thermos with coffee, the doe fires off a preliminary report of the previous night’s activities to both Bogo and Nick.

Using her laptop, Lola decides to do a search of all of the bars and bistros that would cater to college students in the area around Jack’s last location.

Seeing that there were three, a determined Lepus* doe decides to take a field trip early to scout out the establishments and get a feel for the clientele before making her appearance.

With only one bar, the Den, catering to small mammals, particularily rabbits, Lola decides to prep for the next few evenings.

Setting out her all too revealing garments that she has brought along, Lola finally decides on her old college basketball trunks and jersey. Since they still fit and show as much fur as needed in this particular case, the doe decides to take one final precaution.

Knowing that her prescription for anti-date-rape drugs thoughtfully provided by the ZBI should still be in effect, Lola takes a booster dose just in case. ‘Can’t be too careful’ she thinks while painting her claws.

~0~

Chapter Text

~0~

Waiting until roughly 3 pm, when most classes are starting to let out, Lola gets ready to head down the street to her destination, all the while hoping that Jack isn’t at one of the other locations.

After sitting and sipping watered down drinks for several hours and fending off advances from older than normal college age bucks and does, Lola finally pays her tab and exits, then makes her rounds at the other two bars that seem to be catering to mostly medium sized mammals and predators at that, so she gives up for the evening.

Finally, on the next night she’s still hoping that Jack will show at the only bar in the immediate area that could possibly be his hunting grounds.

After once again sipping on very weak drinks for almost two hours, Lola is beginning to wonder if she’s been wasting her time when she suddenly spots her quarry enter.

Even keeping her ears lowered and scrunching down a bit to appear not as tall as she really is, the doe is still very difficult to miss.

After working his way through the growing crowd, Jack finally arrives at Lola’s side.

Sitting down, the buck motions to the bartender for a drink for himself and another for his intended target.

“Aren’t you a little old to be here?” suddenly asks Jack, eyeing the doe.

“I could ask you the same question …” answers Lola with a touch of sarcasm.

“I asked first …” presses the buck.

“College reunion,” admits Lola “We beat the Jacks for the Triple A title a few years ago and so the team and I are planning a little get together. Your turn.”

“Talent scout for one of the major pro teams.” answers Jack. “I like to observe the talent when they’re a bit more at ease.”

Sure that Jack has noticed that her claws are painted different colors to begin with, Lola asks Jack “Watch my drink for me please? I need to use the little does room.”

“Of course, hurry back …” the buck responds with a bit of a lecherous smile.

On the pretense of using the restroom, Lola was giving Jack the opportunity to make sure that her drink was properly spiked.

Returning to her spot, and stirring her drink with a claw, Lola notices the claw polish change color, indicating the presence of a foreign substance, obviously a drug.

Knowing beforepaw (beforehand) which polish changed color, the doe automatically knows which particular date-rape drug that Jack has used due to the color of the polish and makes sure to allow the proper timing of the drug to work on her system (if she hadn’t been prepared beforepaw) so she could properly mimic the effects.
…
Several minutes later, knowing that he’d never get his victim into his car, Jack manages to get Lola’s keys and uses it to drive her to his motel room several blocks away.

Maneuvering the much larger doe out of her car and into the room was a chore in and of itself, making the buck work up a sweat before any fun began.

Dumping the seemingly out of it doe onto the rickety bed, Jack begins to disrobe.

After getting his suit jacket and tie off and his shirt unbuttoned Jack looks up and notices his intended prey fumbling with what seems to be a tube of lipstick.

“I can assure you, you will not need that my dea-” as he is suddenly shot in the chest with a small tranq dart.

“Wha …” is all the buck can utter before he face plants on the grungy carpet.

“Hello Jack, I’ve been wanting to meet you for a long time!” utters the smirking doe as she rolls the buck onto his back.

Easily picking up the now furious buck and sitting him in the closest chair, which fortunately is made of wrought iron, Lola removes several medium mammal sized zip ties from one of numerous hidden pockets of her purse, tying his feet, legs, upper body and neck to the chair while leaving his arms free.

“Allow me to introduce myself.” begins Lola “I am Detective Sergeant Lola Bunnee of the Zootopia Police Department. Yes, I know I’m way out of my jurisdiction, and no, I am not here to arrest you.

“To begin with, the reason you are still awake and can hear me and still can feel everything but are unable to move or speak is because I darted you with a form of curare. The effects will wear off in around fifteen minutes, and in the meantime we can have a little chat without a bunch of unnecessary interruptions.

“As I said before, I am not here to arrest you, I am here at the behest of one of your many former victims, one Judith Hopps of Bunnyburrow. I’m sure that you may or may not remember her … grey doe, black tipped ears? Anyway, I am actually here to obtain your signature on documents that have been prepared, stating that you will give up any and all parental rights to any kits that she may have as a product of your nonconsensual sex with her – rape if you will. I’ll leave you to think about my proposal while the curare wears off.”
…

“I have no idea-” as Jack begins a tirade as the curare has gradually worn off.

“Jack, Jack, Jack …” comments Lola softly as she presses a finger to his lips “I have all the evidence I need to put you away for a couple hundred years, once paternity tests come back from your multitude of victims. The results from the rape kit of your last conquest here in town have already confirmed that you were her attacker. Blood tests also confirmed enough ketamine in her system to affect someone my size. And in case you were wondering, the ZBI provided me with plenty of anti-ketamine and other date-rape drugs to counteract the effects of the crap you put in my drink tonight.” Holding up a paw “Claw polish that detects drugs, pretty cool huh?”

Ignoring the daggers that Jack is staring at her, Lola continues. “But I digress, and we’re getting a bit off topic. As I stated before, these are documents indicating that you agree to forfeit any and all parental rights to any kits that miss Hopps may conceive due to your unwanted advances.”

“And you actually expect me to sign this garbage? My guess is that this doe you talk about is already pregnant with my kits. There’s no way in hell I’ll sign away my legacy …” rants Jack.

“Jack, if I don’t get your signature tonight, there’s only one other option for you …”

“You’d kill me? Helpless, bound to a chair? Hypocrite!”

“Oh no, Jack, I’d never do that! I’ll simply report back to my senior, Detective Lieutenant Nicholas Wilde, that you have absolutely refused to sign the documents.”

“Yeah, and he’d do what?”

“Before I answer that, why don’t you get some background info from one of your many contacts that I’m sure that you still have in the ZIA? Get some background on Detective Wilde.”

Digging Jack’s phone out of his jacket pocket, Lola drops it on the small computer table in front of him, just within his reach.

“Go ahead, call someone …”

As Jack begins dialing, Lola opens an app on her phone that copies the number, and then opens another to record the conversation.

“Yeah, who’s this? How’d you get this number?” asks the mammal on the other end of the conversation.

“It’s Savage, Johnny. You know damned well who it is, you’ve got caller ID.”

“Wadda ya want Savage, I ain’t s’posed ta be in touch with ya.”

“I need you to look up a certain mammal for me. I need some intel”

“… Fine, but this’s gotta be the last time. Gimme a name …”

“Wilde, Nicholas, detective, ZPD.”

“Okay, gimmie a minute …”

After several minutes, the voice returns “Is that Wilde, with an E?”

Seeing Lola nod the affirmative, Jack tells the voice “Yeah, that’s him, what do you have?”

“Listen Jack, this is a bad dude. Predator, red fox, Prior service … in the Teams … most of what I got is redacted.”

“Do what you have to do, I need more info …” presses the buck.

“Okay already, give me a bit more time ….”

Roughly ten minutes later “Okay Jack … you need to stay as far away from this dude as you can get. Like I said before this dude was in the Teams, code named Nightstalker. Lotsa black ops stuff. HALO qualified, demo expert, best sniper the Teams ever had, master of various forms of martial arts - paw to paw combat stuff, infiltration, all that. Laundry list of hot spots, especially the middle and far east. Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, shit ton of other combat ribbons ... fuck … Purple Heart with oak leaf cluster …

“Whatever you do, stay the hell away from this guy. I know you’re a bad ass with weapons and in paw to paw, but you’d be like a kit compared to this dude. That’s it, that’s all I got. Lose the number Jack, never call again, got it?”

“… Yeah, I got it …” as a now open-mouthed buck breaks the connection. Looking up he notices that even Lola is having a difficult time processing the information overload..

After a few moments, Lola swallows hard and asks “Well, what’s it going to be hotshot? Sign the papers or have Nick on your tail?”

“If this Wilde is such a bad dude, why are you here instead of him? And why is a red fox interested in a bunny anyway?” returns the buck.

“Nick is currently on another assignment that he couldn’t get away from for the time being so I got the dubious assignment of hunting you down. As for his interest in the doe, you can ask him when you meet him … if you get the chance.”

After thinking for several minutes, Jack decides “I ain’t signing shit. I’m calling your bluff. This Wilde is either made up or has nothing at all to do with this case. Now what are you going to do?” an again angry Jack confronts Lola.

Retrieving another min-dart gun from her bag, Lola simply tranqs Jack again, then cuts all of the zip ties, allowing the buck to fall face first on to the grungy carpet … again.

“Well, since you asked so politely,” she begins with a smug grin, “first I’m going to give you a little present. This might sting a bit.” as she takes s small item out of her bag.

With the doe pinching the skin on the back of his neck, Jack feels a sting.

“This little jewel is a special microchip implant that you already know about since the ZIA developed it. No range restrictions due to satellite technology, the battery is good for roughly two years and if you try to remove it, it will instantly sever your spine, so I’d caution you to leave it alone. This is just to make sure that Nick can find you when he’s finished wrapping up his current assignment.” she tells him. “Nowhere to run and nowhere to hide. Good luck with that Savage.”

Gathering her things, Lola has one more bit of information for the furious buck as she dials her phone “By the way, I’m calling the local special victims unit here in town, they’ve been waiting for my call. They’re going to be picking you up in just a few minutes and holding you for what will probably be hundreds of unsolved rape cases between here and Zootopia. With any luck, you’ll be locked away for a century or two. Without it, you’ll be out on the street in a matter of hours where detective Wilde can get to you at his leisure. Enjoy the rest of the very short time you have left Savage …” as the doe exits the room, laughing.

Driving back to her hotel room, Lola decides that her best course of action is to quickly update Nick and Bogo on the evening’s goings on as she’s packing, then check out and head back to Zootopia.

Since there's no way of telling if Jack will have enough connections in the ZIA yet to bail him out of jail. Best case scenario, he’d be in prison for several lifetimes, worst case he’d be out and on the streets in a few hours.

Logging into her laptop, Lola types up a brief description of the evenings events, promising to submit a more detailed report when she returns to Precinct 1.

After sending a copy to Bogo and cc’ing Nick, the doe logs off and gets her stuff packed up and settles her bill at the front desk.

Once on the highway, Lola calls Nick, knowing he’d answer, whether he’d been asleep or not.

“Yeah, what’s up?” comes the slightly groggy voice of the todd.

“I sent you and Bogo each an e-mail detailing the night’s activities …” she tells Nick.

“And?” comes the expected reply.

“No dice on Savage signing the papers. I left him in the paws of the local PD, but I have no doubt that he’ll be out before the day’s over tomorrow.”

“And?” comes the now slightly agitated Nick’s voice.

“He … called a contact in the ZIA, someone named Johnny, it’s in the brief report. This Johnny managed to get ahold of an unredacted copy of your service record … damn Nick …”

“Yeah, I figured that that’d be your reaction if you ever found out. Anyways, back on topic Lola …”

“Yeah, right, right. Umm, Jack thought we were pulling a scam so he still refused to sign the papers, so I kinda left him with a little present!”

“Like … what?” is the now curious reply.

“Well, I still had a dose of my hormone blockers in my bag, so I told Jack that it was one of those exploding trackers that the ZIA likes to use on their informants.”

“You what???”

“He’s gonna get a really unpleasant surprise if he tries to rape another doe for the next six months or so. The only way he’s gonna get it up is if he shoves a broom handle up his butt.”

“Why you devious doe you …” laughs the now totally amused todd.

“Just so you know, I put two trackers on his car. One he’ll easily find if he bothers to look at all, and the other is of those remote on/off jobs we got from the ZBI a while back. We can leave it off until you’re well enough to track him down and deal with him then. But you gotta promise me that you won’t kill him Nick. You made me promise not to, so now you gotta promise me that you won’t.”

“No problem, I promise. By the time I’m through with him, he’ll probably wish that I did.”

“That’s none of my concern. I’ll drop the remote for the tracker off on my way through town tomorrow.”

“Okay, I appreciate the update. Be safe and I’ll see you tomorrow.” as the todd breaks the connection.

Leaning back into the seat, Lola can only wonder what Nick could do to make a fate worse than death ……

…

Several hours and a phone call later, disgraced ZIA Special Agent Jackl Savage gathers his effects as he is released from the Vermillion PD holding area. Needing to take a taxi halfway across the college town to get his 325i out of impound did little to calm the buck’s building rage.

Doing a quick walk around the vehicle, Jack easily discovers the first tracker, but fails to find the second one, even using the wand specifically designed to find the litt devices since it happens to be turned off at the moment.

Pondering his next move for a moment, Jack decides to change direction and head south for a day or two and lay low for a bit, just in case his mammal in the inside and that damned oversized bitch of a doe were both telling the truth.

~0~

Chapter Text

11: Issues

~0~

Heading down from the Nick’s room, Judy’s suddenly glad that she’s had the opportunity to make up with one of her chief tormenters from her kithood, namely one of her sisters, Darci.

Entering the rehab room and seeing no one, Judy looks around and notices that Darci is taking a break in the staff break room.

“Hey Darci ...” Judy shyly greets her sibling.

“Hey Judes …” answers the brown doe. “What can I do for ya?” she asks in a curious tone.

“I – I need a huge favor. I need to find a good obstetrician. Since she’s on staff at several hospitals Deb can’t recommend one so I thought that I’d see if you had any suggestions.”

“JUDY! … You really hadn’t looked for one before now? Why on earth not?”

“I know, I know. Look … things have been more than a bit hectic since I found out that I’m expecting, and with dealing with the accident and Nick it kept slipping my mind until earlier today when both Deb and Nick made a point of ‘reminding’ me (using finger quotes). Please tell me that you might know of someone … you know that I can’t use the warren’s help since dad banished me and Deb can’t!”

“I don’t have anyone scheduled for a few minutes yet, so let’s sit down and we’ll see if I can come up with someone …”

…

After having no appreciable luck for several minutes, Darci has to stop looking for a while to attend to a couple of her rehab patients, and mentions to them that she will be offering Reiki treatments in the near future (explaining in layman’s terms the procedure), which seems to garner a bit of interest.

“Okay, back at it!” comments Darci as she returns to the break area and her sister to renew the hunt for an acceptable ob/gyn for Judy.

“Nope … nope … nope …” rejecting doctor after doctor for some reason or another.

“Most are your typical bunny doctors,” offers Darci, “but most are gonna reject you out of paw (out of hand) either because you’re a Hopps, or because dad has spread the word that you’re dating a fox or both. You know how speciest most folks around here can be!”

“Yeah … I understand, but it doesn’t mean I have to like it …” mumbles the now disheartened doe.

“Wait! I think I know just the one for you, hold on a sec …”

Dialing a number, Darci puts her phone on speaker just as the mammal on the other end picks up.

“Hello, Doctor Cotton’s office, nurse Brown speaking, how may I help you today?”

“Aanya, this is Darci Hopps, would Doctor Cotton have a couple of minutes free by any chance?”

“Oh, hello Darci … doctor is with a patient right now, but she should be finished in a few minutes. Can I have her call you back when she’s finished?”

“That would be great, thanks Aanya.” and closes the connection.

Looking at Judy, Darci explains – “Doctor Cotton is a multiple species ob/gyn, and by that I mean that she has patients that are not only bunnies, but other prey mammals and some preds as well!”
“And you don’t think that she’ll care that I’m dating a fox?”

“I doubt if she’ll give a tinker’s damn, no!”

Seeing the ‘look’ that Judy’s giving her, Darci asks “What?”

“Where did you ever learn language like that? Certainly not in the warren!!”

Giving her sister a crooked grin “Did you really think that you’re the only Hopps to date outside our species?”

“Darci, who-” begins Judy just as the phone rings.

Leaving the grin in place, Darci answers the call and puts it on speaker so Judy can hear “This is Darci Hopps!”

“Yes Darci, this is Doctor Robin Cotton returning your call from earlier. How may I help you?”

“Ah, Doctor Cotton. Umm, one of my sisters is in need of a good ob/gyn, and I was wondering if you were accepting any new patients!”

“I take it you would be referring to Judith?”

“Yes. Would that be a problem, given everything that’s been gossiped around town?”

“No, of course not! In fact, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to visit with your sister, especially considering the unique relationship that she is rumored to be in at the moment.”

“That’s great! Umm, Judy’s right here, if you have a spare minute or two perhaps you can work a visit in soon?”

“Certainly. Judith, are you there?”

“Yes ma’am!”

“I think the first thing I need to ask is if it’s true that you’re pregnant, do you know how far along you are?”

“Roughly three to five weeks.”

“And you’re not certain who the father is, is this true?”

“… Yes, I was the victim of a date rape.”

“I see. So as to not have this conversation being out in the public, I would like to have you stop by my office, can you do that?”

“Yes ma’am, I have transportation, thanks to my boyfriend ... I mean my fiancé.”

“What date and time would be convenient for you?”

“Hopefully early tomorrow if possible. I have a seminar of sorts that I need to attend around twelve or one pm tomorrow, and I’m scheduled to start at the ZPA on Sunday.”

“Just a second please,” (muted conversation in the background) “can you be here tomorrow morning around seven thirty or eight? My schedule for tomorrow is full, but I would like to see you before my clinic opens at nine if you don’t mind.”

“That’s perfect! Of course I can be there, please let me know the address and I’ll be there, I promise!”

“The address is 2157 Park Lane in Aurora.”

“Thanks ever so much Doctor Cotton, I’ll see you tomorrow morning.” and hangs up.

…

Turning and seeing her sister grinning, Judy asks “What?”

“Nothin’.”

“And just who are you seeing? After telling me that I’m not the only one dating outside our species, you can’t just not tell me!”

“Fine … Travis Weaselton. Please don’t say anything, please. Just like Gid got his life straightened out after juvie, so did Travis. He works full-time at Cooter’s garage on the edge of town as a mechanic. He’s working hard to stay straight and he’s really nice once you get to know him. I really need for mom and dad to not find out, at least not just yet!”

Taking her sister into a gentle hug, Judy tells her “Don’t worry sis, your secret’s safe with me. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I still need to pick up a few things that I have to have when I show up at the Academy on Sunday. Well, it doesn’t actually start until Monday morning, but we have to report in on Sunday before seven pm.”

“I understand. Now, go and get whatever you need so you can get back and see your fox before visiting hours are over.”

…

Heading out to find her new (new to her anyway) ride, Judy heads toward the ‘D’ section of the hospital’s parking lot.

Quickly spotting the correct section, the doe almost misses the little classic sitting right next to the pole.

With only the black tires with raised white letters standing out on the white pearl paint and S/S mags that almost perfectly blended in with the light dusting of snow that had fallen recently, Judy simply stops and stares in disbelief.

Carefully approaching the car, Judy has to take out her phone and make a call.

“What’s up buttercup?” comes Nicks more than slightly amused voice.

“… Umm, Nick, are you SURE that you want me to drive this car? I mean it’s beautiful!”

“Of course I’m sure. It fits you, both figuratively and literally.”

“I wish you’d have said something about the color … it was kinda difficult to see with this snow on the ground and all. And just who the hell is Buttercup?” comes the slightly amused reply.

“Well, firstly, I had no idea that it had snowed, bedbound for the past few days, remember? And secondly I just thought that it would rhyme and maybe amuse you. You still seem a little uptight, mentally speaking.”

*SIGH* “Yeah, well, I guess you probably wouldn’t know it snowed, all things considered, and I guess maybe I am a bit worried with so much going on and all, sorry.”
“You’ll be fine Fluff.”

“Ummm … Just so you know, I have an appointment with an ob/gyn tomorrow morning around seven thirty or eight, so I might be a bit late visiting, especially with Shifu visiting is that okay?”
“Great, one less thing for both of us to worry about. Now, go get whatever you need for your brief stint at the Academy, and could you bring me some more coffee please? I normally survive on the stuff and my caffeine count seems to be a bit low right now. The little bit that I can manage to get from the staff here is really kinda nasty, even worse than what we managed to get in the Teams. That stuff was strong enough to show up on a blood test!”

“I think I can manage that. Anything else while I’m out and about?”

“I’d really like some real food … you have no idea how bland this hospital food is! I’m sure it’s nutritious, but-”

“Say no more, I’ll pick you up something on my way back for visiting hours.”

“That’d be great. Get going and be safe!”

“I can do that. See you in a bit … love you Nick … I really do you know!”

“Love you too …” and closes the connection.

…

Taking her time to get used to the ins and outs of the ‘Cuda with it being totally different and more powerful than anything she driven to date, Judy heads out to hopefully taking care of obtaining her last few remaining items needed for the short trip to the ZPA, and get some actual food for Nick.

After making her rounds through the local stores to acquire the few things she needed for her brief stint at the Academy and stashing them in here motel room, Judy sets off to get a bite for herself and some coffee and take out for Nick.

Knowing just the right place to get some tasty food for both herself and her favorite predator, Judy makes her way to Gideon’s Real Good Restaurant.

As the doe enters the quaint shop, the proprietor, a portly red fox, looks up to find that his newest customer is nonother than “Judy Hopps! Bless me, I ain’t seed you in a while.”

“Hey Gid! Yeah, I know it’s been a hot minute, but things have been a bit … hectic lately.”

“I heerd rumors ‘bout yuh, but I din’t b’leve ‘em.”

“Well, most if not all of ‘em, are probably true. If you’ve got a spare minute or two, we can talk. I need to ask you a few questions anyway.

“‘Kay, no prob’em. We kin sit over here …” as the todd indicates a booth towards the back of the eatery.

After getting Judy a cup of Jasmine tea and a veggie wrap, the two get down to business.

“Okay …” begins the doe after drawing a calming breath “to begin with, yes, I’m actually pregnant, no, I really don’t know who the father is, but Nick’s soon to be former partner is working on finding him and dealing with him. Yes, I’ve been banned from the warren because I stood up for the fox who’s been more or less my savior through all of this.

“Nick Wilde is a red fox, more or less like you and a detective in the ZPD. He’s been through a lot, even more than you, and has made a very good life for himself.”

“Anythin’ you c’n share?”

Pondering the questions for a few moment and deciding that a few generalities can probably be shared. “Well, he was abused by a pack of prey kits when he was around nine, ended up in a couple of terrible foster homes run by even more terrible prey mammals, and lived on the streets for several years before going into the military. He spent most of his adult life in the military before taking a medical retirement and joined the ZPD, finally making senior detective.

“After his parents died, Nick was just out walking and I hit him with one of dad’s trucks … I thought I’d killed him Gid!” confesses the doe, tears threatening to fall.
“An’ thet’s when yer pa put ya otta the warren?”

“Well, yeah, kinda? I had the nerve to stand up for Nick and that’s when dad cut me off. He put all of my few possessions out in the yard, cancelled my phone, my debit cards that were connected to the warren’s accounts, and basically put me in the street. Gid, I had NO earthly idea what I was gonna do! Pregnant, no job, no money, no car, nothing. Nick could’ve had me charged with several felonies but didn’t. For whatever reason, he had mercy on me and we just kinda … I don’t know ... clicked?”

“Well, dang … so, whut kin Ah do fer ya Judes?”

“Gid, you know I was never into dating or stuff like that when we were in school, so I was kinda wondering … ummm, I’ve been doing some searching on the ‘net and reading some ‘For Dummies’ books (using finger quotes), but I get the idea that I’m missing some things.

“I kinda understand most of the … intimate stuff,” as the doe threatens to burst into flames from blushing so bad “but a lot of what I’d consider the little things aren’t mentioned.”
“Lak whut?” asks a confuse Gideon.

“Well, bunny bucks will give a doe tasty flowers as a token of affection when dating, stuff like that, but I have absolutely NO idea what a todd or vixen would do.”
“Whull …”

“Gid, Nick asked me to bring him some real food since he’s been eating hospital food since the accident and I have no idea what to get him, what can you get for me that he’d like?”

“Jude, yer serious ‘bout this todd, right?”

“Yes Gid, I am, why do you ask?”

“Whut yew need ta do then is ta cook him sumpin’ yersef’.”

“Gid, I never learned to cook, I spent all of my spare time training so I could get into the ZPD. But since I’m pregnant (voice shaking a little) that dream has become more of a nightmare. Nick has voluntarily transferred to the Tri-Burrow Sherrif’s department so he can be with me and the kits. He did that for me Gid, who else would do that? I need to show him that I’m just as committed to this budding relationship as he is!”

“Jude, hold on a sec …” as the todd stands and heads towards the kitchen.

Returning a few minutes later with one of her oldest kithood friends Sharla, a black wooled ewe, Gideon explains “Judy, Sharla’s gonna hep ya cook sumpin’ fer yer todd. Yer gonna do the cookin’ but she’ll be standin’ rite thur tellin’ ya whut to do an’ how ta do it. You good wit thet?”

“You – you’d do that for me?”

“A’course Judy.” affirms the ewe. “We were best friends in school, and I learned the hard way how to get to my todd’s heart, and I’m happy to help you with yours.”
…
With Sharla standing right behind her keeping a close eye on everything she was cooking and knowing that time was short, Judy managed to cook a few pred friendly items in a very short amount of time.

As she was loading the medium-sized pred to-go container into a bag, Gideon paws her a blueberry tart to add to the hastily prepared meal.

“Ah-Ah know ya din’t cook it, but Ah figgered it’d hep finish the meal!”

Giving her former tormenter (Gideon) and her best friend (Sharla) each a heart-felt thank you bright smile while grabbing the to-go bag and a medium mammal sized container of coffee and placing both containers on a makeshift tray to avoid spills, Judy finally exits the café with Sharla helping carry Nick’s food, and heads towards the hospital and a waiting Nick.

With the food and coffee resting on the passenger side floor in a special tray that prevents tipping, Judy cautiously makes her way back to the hospital.

Luckily finding a parking spot close to the main entrance, Judy struggles with the tray and gets a rude surprise when a rabbit family exits the main entrance but refuses to hold the door for her with the doe mumbling “…hat pred loving Hopps doe…” to her mate just loud enough for Judy to hear as they pass by her.

Dejected but determined, Judy had just set the tray down to open the door when “May I lend a helping paw?”

Turning and looking to find the mammal behind the slightly familiar voice, Judy is surprised to see a smiling nurse Redd.

With a slight nod, Judy picks up the tray of food and allows the vixen to open and hold the door for her.

Calling the elevator and holding that door for the doe, Trixie tells her “Look Mrs. Wilde” (which of course takes Judy again by surprise) “I know we got of to a really bad start, but I’d like to thank you and your sisters for opening my eyes to my specism and helping me to get past it. I … I’m actually dating a lynx now thanks to you three.”

“But - we’re not-”

“I know that not only are you not actually married, let alone had the opportunity to even date or even … you know … but you and detective Wilde seem to have a better connection than most of the truly married couples I know.

After the elevator doors open, Trixie precedes Judy to Nick’s room and pushes the door open for her., revealing not only Nick, but Debra as well.

Taking the tray with the food and coffee from Judy and placing it on the rolling table and moves it in front of Nick so he may partake, the vixen simply wishes the two does a good day and exits the room.

Staring at her sister, Judy has to ask “I know it’s late and you should have gone home already … why are you still here?”

“To be honest” comes the reply “we removed Nick’s catheter earlier, and I needed to let you know. While hospital staff will need to help him walk to and from the bathroom for the next day or two, you may need to help him if there is no staff available. Since you’re so much shorter than him, a lot of his weight will be on you and you need to be ready for the challenge. Plus-” a slightly smirking Deb has to add “you need to remember that he’s not wearing anything under that gown!”

“Oh!” was all that a now embarrassed Judy could think of to say at that particular revelation.

“Are you going to be up to that task? I need an honest answer here …” asks a now serious Debra.

“I – I guess I’ll have to be …”

“You’re sure? Look, while I’m confident that you physically manage Nick’s weight, your exposure to male genitalia has been limited to our brothers when we were small kits and your … unwanted-”

“I said I can handle it Deb!” comes the more than slightly irritated reply, her small fists balled at her side “Besides, at some point in the future, I’m gonna do more than see Nick’s … you know … so I guess that now’s as good a time to start as any …”

“All right then. I needed you to understand and be sure. I’m going home now and get things ready for tomorrow, so I’ll see you then.”

Giving her sister a quick hug, Debra leaves and quietly closes the door behind her.

…

As she turns towards her todd, Judy sees a slight smile cross his lips.

“What?” she asks. Still a little perturbed at Deb, a trace of attitude is still in her voice.

“C’mere Fluff …” gently prods Nick, patting the bed.

A bit reluctantly, Judy hops (no pun intended) up on the chair that has remained close to the bed for just that purpose and climbs up on the bed where Nick pulls her close.
“You know that Deb’s just looking out for you, right?”

“Yeah, I know … but I’m a grown doe …”

“One who has had limited contact with males in a physical sense from what I gather. I don’t need to make you uncomfortable doing anything like even helping me to the bathroom until you’re mentally ready for it. That would be a really bad start to our budding relationship.”

After giving Nick a long thoughtful look, Judy tells him “I’ll be uncomfortable forever if I don’t start dealing with it now. I understand that both of you are looking out for me, but if we’re gonna be together, sooner or later one thing’s gonna lead to another and just seeing your …”

“Package?” offers Nick.

Letting out a soft huff and rolling her eyes, Judy finishes her own sentence “Penis? Cock? … whatever …” seeing Nick’s slightly shocked expression she gamely continues “is something that I’m going to have to get used to. And having sex, when that finally happens, is going to be a lot more involved.”

“As long as you’re sure …”

“Only one way to find out … do you need to use the bathroom?”

“Not right now, but I promise to tell you when I do, okay?”

“Okay... Now, eat your food before it gets really cold.”

“Yes ma’am.”

…

After a few bites “Thith ith ‘eally gud!” mumbles the todd around a mouthful of chicken.

“I – I actually cooked it myself. I … I had close kithood friend looking over my shoulder telling me what to do and how to do it … do you really like it?”

“It’s practically perfect. The fried chicken is done, but could use a few more spices but I’m just nitpicking. The mashed potatoes are great and so is the gravy. The asparagus is tender and the garlic butter seasoning is something that I’ve never had before but is top notch.”

“The tart is something that Gideon threw in at the last minute, so I didn’t make that. I hope it’s okay.”

Taking a quick bite, Nick is more than pleasantly surprised.

“The – the blueberries come from my family’s farm. Gideon buys all of his fruit and vegetables from them.” she tells him.

“Gideon … is this the same Gideon that you had issues with as a kit?”

“Yes. He and I made up years ago, I have no idea why dad is so dead set against predators.”

“And this friend that helped you cook this delightful meal is …” leaving the sentence unfinished as a prompt.

“Her name is Sharla. She’s a black wooled ewe and she’s his mate.”

“Interesting …” says Nick, a very thoughtful look on his face.

“So … you actually cooked this yourself. You understand what it means, right?”

“Y-yes I do. it demonstrates to you my level of commitment to you in our relationship …” comes the (more or less) confident reply.

“Then I guess that you’ll understand why I did this …” as he presses the call button for the nurse.

Several seconds later, nurse Redd enters the room with a huge bouquet of flowers – red roses (which of course shows his love) peonies, sunflowers and tulips (which symbolize happiness, prosperity and romance).

“NICK … they … they’re beautiful and they look delicious!” which, to Nick’s credit, doesn’t surprise him in the least.

“I was kinda vague on rabbit dating formalities, so I asked Deb and Darci for some advice.”

Pulling a petal from first a red rose and then a white tulip, Judy totally enjoys the delicate taste of the flowers.

“Nick, this is so much above and beyond what normal dating customs encompass, I have no idea what to say!”

“Nothing really needs to be said Fluff. We’ve both said how we feel with our actions.”

Pushing the rolling table away a bit, Nick opens his arms for a hug, to which Judy happily complies.

…

After several minutes, Nick slowly breaks the hug and looks his doe in the eyes “Four …”

“Four?”

“Four.” As a smile moves across his lips, which then turns into a full grin.

“Four? Four what, I don’t understand!”

“You’re having four kits.”

“Four … how do you know that … let me guess … Reiki!”

“Correct. And from what I can tell, there are two bucks and two does.”

“Really?”

“Yes, really. Your ob/gyn can confirm tomorrow.”

Then he has to break the news “Fluff … NOW I really kinda need to use the bathroom …”

“O-okay. How are we gonna do this? I mean-”

“Hop down and I’ll push back the covers and swing my legs over the side of the bed. I guess I’ll just need to lean on you the best I can, so you’ll need to be ready to support whatever weight I have to place on your shoulders. I promise to do the best I can on my own, okay?”

“All right, let’s do this!” she responds in kind.

As Nick pushes the covers back and swings his legs toward the edge of the bed, the gown shifts a bit and Judy catches a quick (inadvertent) glance at his foxhood.

Hearing the inadvertent gasp, Nick apologizes “Sorry fluff, I-”

“It-it’s okay, I know you didn’t do it on purpose. Ummm … lean over a bit please?” is a request that Nick wasn’t expecting.

As he got to Judy’s height, she reached up as if to give him a hug, but unexpectedly grasping the string holding the gown tied at the top and pulled on it, causing the knot to come untied, and the gown to fall to the floor.

“Judy?” comes the stunned question.

“I … I needed to, I’m sorry, I couldn’t help myself.”

Moving in so he’s literally nose to nose with his doe, a softly smiling Nick tells her “It’s ok, I think I understand. Now, if you don’t mind, I really need to pee…”

“Su-sure thing. Here. lean on me …”

…

Standing and leaning as little of his weight on the much smaller doe, Nick (as well as Judy) is keenly aware how close his genitals are to the fiercely blushing doe, who is trying not to look, and yet failing miserably.

After using the toilet, Nick has Judy move him over to the sink so he can wash his paws, then it’s a trek back to the bed where the todd takes a seat.

“There are probably clean gowns in the stand over there, if you don’t mind.” Nick tells his doe.

Retrieving a clean gown, Judy moves to Nick’s side on the bed.

While Nick puts the gown on, Judy moves to his back to tie the strings and once again she utters a gasp, this time in absolute shock.

“My gods Nick …” was all the tiny doe could choke out.

“Judy … breathe …”

“I-I-I …” she stammers upon seeing the extent of his injuries.

Reaching around an pulling the doe into a tight embrace the todd tells her “Judy, it’s okay. It’s alright. Those are all in the past…”

“But … surely the must hurt, you must be in pain …”

“Truthfully there is some pain, but I’ve learned to live with it.”

“But there must be some medications that you could take-”

Placing a gentle finger on her lips, Nick explains “Yes, there are some meds I could take. Powerful meds, narcotics and highly addictive. That’s exactly why I chose to live with the pain instead of being a slave to the drugs. The only meds I’ve taken since I got here was one set right after my surgery, and none since. I’ve explained it all to Deb, and I must say she was none too pleased with me, but she understands my reasoning.”

Staring into Nick’s eyes for several long moments, Judy finally breaks away and moves again to his back.

Reaching out, the doe gently touches one of several large patches that are nothing but scar tissue, totally devoid of fur.

“I can feel that Fluff, and I have to admit, it almost tickles.” The todd tells her.

“Really?” she asks, astounded that he can feel anything other than the pain that he mentioned earlier.

“Yeah, it really feels good. Go on, do it some more … please.”

As the doe gently moves her paws over the various deeply scared sections of Nick’s back, she can feel his muscles slowly relax, which indicates to her that it must actually feel good and he wasn’t just trying to be kind to her feelings.

“You seem to have a natural talent Fluff. Shifu will be impressed.”

“Do you really think so?”

“I’m positive. Speaking of, I think you might need to head back to your hotel room and get ready for tomorrow, it seems like you’ve got a lot on your plate. A meeting with your obstetrician, then a session with Shifu.”

“As much as I hate to leave, I guess you’re right.”

Moving back in front of her todd, Judy gathers him into a tight hug and leaves him with a kiss that promises much more in the future.

“Good night Nick,” she says as she turns to hop off the bed “thanks for … understanding, and thanks for the umm, show? I’ll see you in the morning as soon as I get done with my doctors appointment. Love you, dumb fox!” as she blows him a kiss.

“Love you too, horny bunny …”

“NICK!!!”

“What? You know you give off different pheromones when you’re turned on, right?”

The stunned look on her face tells the doe everything she needs to know.

“And I’ve gotta go right past Redd …”

“Take a quick look and if she’s doing her rounds, her station will be empty, then you can make a run for the stairs.”

Seeing the questioning look he’s getting he explains “Just in case you might need to share the elevator with someone … especially a predator …” as he taps his nose.

“Stupid predator sense of smell!” she half-heartedly grumbles as she closes the door behind her and makes for the stairwell
~0~

Chapter Text

12: Getting Up To Speed
~0~
After biding Nick good night, Judy peeks around the doorway towards the nurses station, hoping that there is no one in sight.

Tiptoeing to the corner of the hallway, the doe sees that the coast is clear and makes a mad dash for the stairwell, which is located just around the corner.

Entering the stairs, Judy’s luck holds and she manages to get back to the ground floor, and out the front doors without anyone seeing her.

Making a beeline for her little car, she starts it up an lets it idle, with warmth filling the interior in short order.

With the drive to her motel room being uneventful, Judy parks and locks the ‘Cuda and almost makes it to her room before her curiosity get the better of her.

Returning to her car, Judy unlocks it and sticks her head inside to take a quick whiff, hoping beyond hope that Nick was only messing with her about her scent.

“Ewww, how gross! How can males even tolerate that?” she thinks aloud as the pheromone laced scent assails her sense of smell, even as weak as it is on most bunnies.

Closing and locking the door (again) she quickly makes her way to her room, where she sheds her clothes on her way to the shower.

After a more than adequate time in the shower, the doe first towels off as best she can and then uses the fairly weak fur dryer, which seems to do the job well enough thanks to her reasonably short fur.

Her next task is to take her panties (“Why are they so wet?” she wonders to herself) and thoroughly rinse them in the sink, then hang them on the small clothesline that is provided by the shower.
Heading for bed, Judy ponders the days happenings as she drifts off to sleep.

…

Waking about the time the sun starts peeking through the gaps in the motel curtains, a still tired doe carefully lifts her covers up, hoping that her issue from the previous evening hasn’t repeated itself.

Almost painfully happy that it has not, Judy heads to the bathroom and carries out her morning constitutional, taking care to do a quick spit bath anticipating at least a cursory examination by Dr. Cotton.

Finally ready, Judy exits her room and starts her little car an lets it idle for a few minutes and warm up.

Heading out, the doe makes the forty-minute trip to the small town of Aurora arriving at the doctor’s office several minutes before eight am, evidentially beating the doctor since she’s the only mammal in the small parking lot.

A few minutes before, an older but well-kept small to medium sized LTD pulls into the lot and a rabbit doe, roughly her mother’s age climbs out of the car and heads toward the front door.

“Doctor Cotton?” asks Judy.

“Yes, and you must be Judy Hopps?”

“That’s correct…” answers Judy as she exits her car and joins the elder doe at the front door of the clinic.

Entering the building and closing the door behind Judy, Dr. Cotton paws the younger doe a clipboard and tells her “Please fill this out while we talk, it’ll save time later. It’s the standard for, name, age etcetera. I take it you have insurance?”

“Okay … and yes, I’ll e mail you a copy of my fiancé’s insurance, I’m already covered on it.”

“That’s great. Now, a bit of background that’s not covered on the form if you don’t mind. So, I’ve heard most of the rumors going around, but I really need to know exactly what I’m dealing with here. You told me over the phone yesterday that you’re pregnant because of a date rape. Do you have any idea who the alleged assailant was?”

“Sorta kinda? My fiancé is – was – a detective at Precinct 1 in Zootopia, and he has his junior partner hunting down the asshole who did this. I haven’t really heard much since she left, all I have is a name and not much else, other than he is a disgraced ZIA agent.”

“Alright. So anyway, I know it’ll be a bit uncomfortable, but I really need to draw a few blood samples for analysis, to detect any diseases that your assailant may have knowingly or unknowingly passed on to you. I’m going to assume that you didn’t know him. Then a brief exam to see how both you and the kits are doing. I’m also going to assume that all of your vaccinations are current and up to date since you’ve indicated that you were going to attend the police academy before becoming pregnant!”

“I … understand, and yes, all my shots are up to date. I’ll get you the records as soon as I can manage to get them from the warren’s infirmary. I’m pretty sure that Debra can get them for me.”
“And your fiancé, are his? No offense, I’m simply trying to be a bit proactive here.”

“Nick is prior military and, as I mentioned before, a respected detective in the ZPD, so I’m sure that his shots are up to date. I can talk to him when I see him in a few hours and have him have his medical records sent to you.”

“That will do. Now, let’s get that blood draw and exam over with …”

…

After taking 4 vials of blood, Dr. Cotton paws Judy a gown and tells her to get undressed and slip on the gown so that the exam can take place.

Removing her gloves, the elder bunny exits the room and tells Judy to go ahead and get dressed.

Returning to the exam room “Do you have any questions for me?” the doctor asks.

“Ummm, yeah, I think so.” Judy tells her “Is it too early to be able to tell just how many kits I’m having and their genders?”

After thinking for a moment, Dr. Cotton tells the younger doe “I think I can probably tell you the number of kits, but it’s way too early to identify their sex. Is there a particular reason why you’re so curious so early?”

“Well … Nick told me that I’m having four and that there are two bucks and two does.”

“And he would know this … how?” comes the expected question.

“Well, he’s a very adept Reiki practitioner and hasn’t been wrong about anything yet. In fact his master is going to be giving a seminar to myself and a couple of my sisters this afternoon, that’s why I needed to have the appointment so early. Well, that and the fact that I’m going to the academy on Sunday.”

“Reiki huh? Now that you mention it, I do remember that Darci has Reiki in her background, I’ll have to have a talk with her sometime about it. Back to the number of kits … while it’s still too early for me to be able to tell their sex, I will probably be able to let you know how many you’ll be having. A new technology has been developed so that I can give you an accurate sonagram without needing to shave your stomach. You can go ahead and finish getting dressed while I go get the machine.”

A few minutes later, Dr. Cotton wheels in the portable sonagram machine, plugs it in and turns it and allows it to warm up.

After having Judy move the bottom of her top up, Dr. Cotton sprays a special lube on Judy’s stomach and places the paddle on her stomach and begins moving it around. Calling the younger doe’s attention to the monitor, Dr. Cotton begins counting “Let’s see … one … two … three ……… four! It seems your todd was correct, I see four fetuses.”

Unable to contain a slight smirk, Judy asks “Would it be possible to have a copy of that?”

“Of course, I’ll copy it to a flash drive and you can take it with you. In fact … there!” as the doe presses a button on the machine “I just sent a copy of the last frame, which shows all four kits, to the printer and you can take that with you as well. Show it to your fiancé and see what he thinks.”

“I definitely will. Thank you so much for seeing me doctor Cotton.”

“You are definitely most welcome Judy. Stop by and have Aanya schedule your next appointment. You told me earlier that you’re going to start at the police academy on Sunday, is that correct?”
“Yes. I’m supposed to have the second weekend off since I won’t be participating in the full academy regimen.”

“Good to know. We can monitor yours and your kits health closely for the next month or so, or at least until we can see what your bloodwork turns up due to the unknown health status of your assailant. We should have the results in a few days and I can e-mail them to you and/or call you if we find any negative results … or even if we don’t.”

By all means, please notify me in either case.” Suggests Judy.

“All right then, I guess we’re done here.” indicates the elder doe.

After pausing for a few seconds, the elder doe asks “Judy … does your fiancé know about a doe’s extra breasts?”

“Ummmm, I’m not sure? I never even thought about them to be perfectly honest, thanks for mentioning them. I’ll … bring the subject up when we have a few moments alone sometime today. I guess I’ll need to figure out how many extra will develop before they get large enough to notice so I can get the proper maternity bras.”

“Since you’re having four kits you’ll need at least a four cup and possibly a six cup.”

“As if things aren’t weird enough, springing this on Nick will be a bit uncomfortable, for both of us!” sighs Judy.

“If he’s as good a mammal as you say he is, I doubt if it’ll bother him very much. I’m sure it’ll make things a bit … interesting in the bedroom though!” Dr. Cotton adds with a sly smile.

Seeing Judy’s suddenly heated blush and slightly shocked face the elder doe quickly adds “Sooner or later you know you’re going to end up in the throes of-”

“I get it doctor!” as Judy quickly cuts off the good doctor’s statement.

“Anyway,” continues a still smiling Dr. Cotton, “stop by the front desk and get that next appointment made, I’ll see you in a couple of weeks …”

Stopping by the receptionists desk, Judy shows the pronghorn antelope her insurance card (digital image sent to her by Nick) and scheduled her next appointment for late on Friday in two weeks.
…
A still blushing Judy gets in her car and starts it, hoping that she isn’t giving off the same amount of pheromones that she did the previous evening.

After letting the car warm up for several minutes, Judy steps out, takes several deep breaths and reenters the car, relieved to notice that while it does slightly smell of excited doe, it’s barely noticeable and definitely tolerable.

Her first stop is again Gideons diner, where she immediately seeks out Sharla.

“Would you please help me cook something for breakfast for Nick?” she basically pleads.

“Of course …” giggles the ewe. “You’ve really got it bad, don’t ya?”

“Yeah, I guess so. So …”

“So ... what?” asks Sharla.

“Suggestions?” asks Judy.

“He’s your todd and he’s a pred, so what does he like?”

“I … actually have no idea! It’s not like we’ve been going on formal dates or anything, so I’m open to any suggestions you might have!” responds the slightly miffed doe.

Rolling her eyes, Sharla grabs Judy by the paw. “C’mon, we’ll think of something.”

…

Without screwing up anything this time, and under Sharla’s close supervision, Judy manages to quickly cook some medium mammal sized country turkey sausage patties, country fries (potato wedges) and 4 over easy jumbo eggs. Topped off with Gideon’s special brew coffee, Nick’s breakfast is ready.

After making herself a breakfast wrap (again with Sharla’s help) made with grilled veggies with some Jasmine tea to complete her breakfast and placing all of the items in a special insulated bag, Judy is heading out of the diner with full paws.

After Sharla opens the passenger’s side door and Judy sets the two meals inside, the two best friends hug and Judy is finally headed to the hospital.

Arriving at the hospital, Judy is again met with the dilemma of needing a bit of help to get the front door open.

“Mind if I lend a helping paw?” comes a slightly familiar voice.

Turning, Judy sees someone who she previously thought might have been an unwelcome rival.

“Lola, I mean detective Bunnee?”

Yes Judy … and it’s Lola, please. I don’t know what more it would take to convince you that I have no interest in Nick except in a professional capacity. In fact, the only reason I’m here today is to leave a remote off with Nick. I promise to explain when we get to his room.”

“Fine …” returns Judy with still a bit of attitude.

Entering the lobby and advancing to the elevators, Lola presses the up button and a minute later one opens up.

With Lola pressing the button for the proper floor, the two does are both quiet during the brief ride.

Exiting the elevator and both does pass the head nurse’s station, Judy notes that a certain vixen is nowhere to be seen.

As the does enter Nick’s room, Judy sees that not only Debra and Darci are already there, but so is “Mom? What … are you doing here?” a bit of attitude showing.

“Judy … I … I have something that I need to tell you … and your sisters. It’s important Bun-Bun.”

As Judy opens her mouth to admonish her mother for calling her a kithood name that she was never all that fond of, Bonnie continues.

“I’ve wanted to tell you for a long time but never had the courage, but with everything that’s happened lately, it’s time you knew … Stuart Hopps is NOT your true father…”

“WHAT???” comes from all three of the other does in the room, including Lola.

“It’s true.” continues a more than slightly embarrassed Bonnie. “A few years after Stu and I were married, I had an affair with one of his distant cousins, Ronnie. Ronnie was a hare, that’s why your father, I mean Stu, knew right away that your particular litter wasn’t his.

“Think about it for a second … you’re all slightly taller than your other siblings, have longer ears and fluffier tails. It’s why none of you wanted to stay around the warren, to go out into the world and have unconventional careers.”

“I guess that’s why dad was so quick to throw Judy out of the warren …” comments a now angry Debra with Darci agreeing.

“Why mom?” asks a tearful Judy “Why bother to tell me now, after all these years?”

Nodding towards Lola, Bonnie tells the rest of the room “When Alice started telling it around the warren, evidentially after having a confrontation with the detective here, I figured you’d find out sooner or later after that, and I thought it would be best if you heard it from me. I have no earthly idea how Alice found out, and while I’m not proud of what I did, I never figured that Stu would go so far as to expel you from the warren.”

“So … now what?” asks a still upset Judy.

“I – I needed for you to know. I’ll understand if you never want to speak to me again, but-”

Bonnie was suddenly interrupted by Judy but not in a way that she’d expected.

Gathering her mother in a tight hug, Judy tells her “Even if dad, I mean Stu isn’t my father, you are still my mother. I really wish you’d have told me sooner; I think I’d have understood!”

“Nick, Lola, you two have a bit of explaining to do …” comes an accusatory tone from Judy.

Taking the initiative, Nick attempts to explain “Fluff … Judy … it’s true that we had out suspicions after Lola’s little chat with one of your sisters, but think about it for a second … what would’ve been your reaction if we’d ‘ve offered up that bit of information without a shred of proof?”

Seeing not only Judy, but her sisters suddenly mulling over that tidbit, Nick continues “While Lola has been chasing down your attacker, I’ve been trying to find some real proof to back up what Lola got from your sister. To be clear, I had no idea your mother would be here today.”

“It’s true Judy, even Deb and Darci had no idea I was coming today,” adds Bonnie “I came because I figured that you’d want to spend as much time with the love of your life before you went off to the academy. I … I guess I’ll leave now, so you-”

“No mom, please don’t go … at least stay for a bit. We’ve got a … thing going on in a bit and you can leave if you want, but I’d really like for you to stay.”
“A thing?” asks a slightly confused elder doe.

“A Reiki seminar,” volunteers Nick. “It’s energetic healing. Non-invasive stuff. You’re welcome to sit in if you’d like. I’m sure Shifu won’t mind.”

Seeing the pleading look in Judy’s eyes, Bonnie readily agrees “If you don’t mind …”

“Please …!” Judy pleads softly.

Giving her daughter on last quick tight squeeze, Bonnie relents. “Okay.”

Finally parting from the extended hug, a still slightly tearful Judy tells Nick “Y-you need to eat your breakfast before it gets totally cold.”

Seeing the heated bag sitting on the rolling table, the todd opens the bag and pulls out the contents.

“And you did this by yourself again?” he asks.

“Yes, with Sharla’s instructions of course. I – I hope you like it, I have no real idea what you like and-”

“Fluufff,” Nick interrupts around a mouthful of egg yolk-soaked sausage “I’ss guud!”

“Go to your mate Judy …” whispers Bonnie.

“MOM! We … we haven’t-” begins a now horrified Judy.

“I know Bun-Bunn, but you will soon enough. You two were meant for each other, and don’t let anybunny tell you otherwise. The heart wants what the heart wants.”

As Judy goes and climbs up on the bed to join Nick and eat her own breakfast, Darci leaves to check on her department and make sure things are lined up for later and Deb leaves to pick up her mate for later.

“You two look really great together.” observes Bonnie.

“You really do.” admits Lola, who has been an unnoticed spectator for most of the interactions.

“Ummm …” Judy manages to try to address the elephant in the room.

“Mrs. Hopps, I take it?” asks the large doe.

“Yes, I’m Bonnie Hopps, Judy’s mother. And you are …?

“Detective Lola Bunnie ZPD. I’m Nick’s soon to be former partner on the force. I just stopped by to leave this …” as the doe steps forward and place a small remote on the nightstand close to Nick’s bed.

“I’ll be on my way, I have a mate and kits to get back to in Zootopia. Nick has most of the details of my assignment in an abbreviated report which I’ll update first thing on Monday morning. Good to meet you Mrs. Hops, Judy, please take care of yourselves.”

With that, the large doe exits the room, leaving Nick, Judy and Bonnie alone for the time being.

~0~

Chapter Text

13 Meeting Shifu

~0~

With two does staring at him, Judy being curious and Bonnie being slightly(?) suspicious, Nick begins a rather lengthy explanation.

“Okay … Fluff … Judy … you already know that I asked Lola to find and deal with your assailant-”

“Alleged …” corrects Judy with the arms crossed over her chest, ever mindful of the regulations.

“Yeah, yeah, alleged, whatever.” reluctantly admits Nick, rolling his eyes while deciding to cut to the chase with the explanation. “That said, the remote she left is for a remotely triggered GPS tracking unit that’s been discretely attached to a certain suspect’s car. I’ll need to trigger it to hunt him down when I’m well enough to be out of the hospital. I already have the frequency for it on a specific app on my phone. When triggered it emits a microburst transmission that’s basically undetectable to anyone except me.”

Addressing Bonnie, Nick continues. “As previously mentioned, Lola was my junior partner when I was at Precinct 1 in Zootopia. As we’ve already told Judy, Lola is fully mated with kits of her own and is as loyal to her mate as anyone I’ve ever met!”

When Bonnie again becomes extremely uncomfortable, Judy has to ask “What mom???”

“It … it’s strange that that particular subject has come up since I came here …” admits the elder doe.

“Mom???”

“I, … Judy … the … the real reason I came here today was to set the record straight.”

“Mom, we just covered that …”

“I know, I know, but I just feel so terrible that it took me so long to tell you!” she laments.

*DEEP SIGH* “So … with all of that out of the way, I actually have a few questions … for both of you.” Bonnie hesitantly continues.

First addressing Judy. “Judy, from what I’ve gathered, you cooked this breakfast for Nick, correct?”

“Actually, both of our breakfasts, but yes.” answers the younger doe.

“But you were never interested in cooking when you were just a kit. In fact if memory serves, you could mess up simply boiling water!”

*SIGH* “Yeah, you’re right. But since Nick was hoping for some decent food after his prolonged stay in the hospital, I stopped by Gideon’s a few days ago and Sharla volunteered to help me cook for him. Gid told me that it’d be needed if Nick and I were truly going to be together.”

“Sharla … Sharla … you mean that black wooled ewe that you used to hang around with when you were a kit?”

“That’s right. Didn’t you know that Sharla and Gid were married, mom?”

“Really?” asks an astonished Bonnie “I had no idea. I thought that she was just working for him!”

“You REALLY need get out of the warren more mom!” said Judy with a bit more force than she meant to use.

“I know, but raising kits takes up all of my time …” she bemoans. “Speaking of raising kits, do you have any maternity clothes yet?”

Casting a quick glance at a now keenly interested Nick, Judy tells her mother “Yes, a few, but …”

Hopping down from the bed where she had been snuggling with Nick, Judy whispers in her mother’s ear.

“What? Really?” glancing at the todd on the bed, Bonnie tells her daughter “Isn’t that something that Nicholas might need to know?”

“Yeah … and I guess that now’s as good a time to tell him as any.”

Climbing back on the bed, Judy gives her soon to be mate a bit of space and begins. “Nick … ummm …”

“It’s okay Fluff,” he tells her “just spit it out.”

“I – I know I don’t have much of a figure to begin with, what with all of my training and all, and don’t have much in the way of … breasts … but … ummm, you see, it’s not common knowledge but especially prey females actually have more than one set of breasts. The extra breasts are hidden beneath a thin membrane of sorts until we get pregnant. Then, as the kits grow inside us, the extra breasts gradually work their way out so we can nurse more than two kits at once.”

“Okay … and?” prompts the todd.

“Since I’m confirmed to having four kits, I’ll … I’ll probably have at least one or even possibly two extra sets of breasts to deal with until the kits are weaned.” quietly adds Judy while looking down at her paws in her lap, ears flat against her back.

“So, where’s the problem?” Nick asks.

“It – it doesn’t bother you that I’ll look like a freak?” she asks, a bit unsure why he’s having such an unexpectedly positive reaction to the news. She also fails to notice the literal smirk that crosses her mother’s face.

Reaching out and placing a finger under Judy’s chin so can gaze into her beautiful amethyst eyes “It just means that the kits are gonna have to share them, all four or more of them with me!” he tells her, a slightly lecherous grin in place.

“NICK!” comes a horrified response.

“What? Would you deny your mate the honor of being able to pleasure his mate?”

“But … MOM! … A little help here?” the younger doe begs, all the while trying to hide behind her ears.

A still smiling Bonnie informs her seemingly clueless daughter “Judy, believe it or not, Nick is actually correct. Once your extra breasts appear, the pleasure you’ll receive from the added attention paid to them shall we say … will be immeasurable. You might even be a bit disappointed when they disappear after the kits are weaned.”

“But you-”
“Sweetie,” continues Bonnie “the reason mine haven’t completely disappeared is because I’ve birthed over 200 kits. I’ve come to expect the fact that they’ll always be there. The fact that your fath - err, Stu doesn’t complain is an added bonus.”

Again letting out a sigh, Judy asks her mother for a favor. Now that she’s totally embarrassed, what could it hurt?

“Ummm, since I’m gonna be kinda busy for the next day or two getting ready to go to the academy, would you please pick up a few extra maternity bras for me?”

“I sure will Bun-Bun, say a couple of each? Four and six cups?”

“Yeah, I guess … and you had to drag up my old nickname from when I was six … again … really?”

“It’s a mother’s duty to embarrass her kits when they’re about to be mated dear. Sort of a tradition you might say!” returns Bonnie with a smirk on her lips and a twinkle in her eyes.

…

Finally turning her attention to Nick, Bonnie asks him “Now Nicholas, I’d like to know a bit about my daughter’s prospective mate …”

“… As long as you don’t mind a greatly condensed and highly edited version for the time being, I guess I can indulge you.” Nick answers a bit hesitantly.

“Where to begin … I was born and raised in Happy town, which happens to be the predator slums of Zootopia, just in case you weren’t aware.” he added, seeing the uncertainty in Bonnies eyes and on her face.

“We lived on the border between the Meadowlands and Happy Town, where my father was tailor. Mom helped out with the bills working as a waitress in a decent café just up the street called Mel’s, along with my aunt Alice.

“At around the age of about nine, I tried to joining a Junior Ranger Scouts pack, but was summarily beaten and muzzled by the other kits in the pack, all of which were prey mammals. When confronted by my parents, the scoutmaster figured it was because I was sure to be the one who caused the trouble – what with being a fox and all!”

“My word!” exclaims Bonnie, paws flying to her muzzle.

“After that,” Nick continues “my attitude gradually got worse until at the age of 12 I ran away from home. I was picked up buy Kits Services but since I wouldn’t tell them my name I was bounced from foster home to foster home until I ran away again and started living on the streets.

“I managed to hook up with another fox who was older than me and had been living on the streets for years. His name was and is Finnick. He’s a Fennick fox and even fully grown only looks to be around nine or ten years old.

“Finn and I managed to eke out a sort of living until at the ripe old age of 17 I got caught by a rookie cop while I was doing a solo scam. The cop gave me a choice – straight to jail or the military. I knew jail would probably be a death sentence, so I opted for the military.

“I was basically recruited by special ops after my basic and before my advanced training was finished. Hell week as it was called was exactly that, and the advanced training wasn’t much better.”

“Jump ahead more than a few years and countless missions to my final mission – things went south and I lost one of my best teammates and was myself grievously injured. Things weren’t going well with my recovery until one of the nurses contacted a healer. Shifu Mooney was his name. Under his instruction and with his ministrations I not only recovered but did so in record time. Shifu will be here shortly in case you’re interested in participating in a short healing seminar.

“Okay, back on point … while I was healing, and afterwards, I was in a terrible mental state, Judy and her sisters know why and they can fill you in later if you’d like. When I was given a more or less forced medical retirement I went back to Zootopia and just wandered around for a bit when my friend Finn pushed me into reconnecting with my parents.

“Being with my parents managed to bring me out of a very dangerous frame of mind and I actually became the first fox officer in the ZPD. Years of being on the beat and plenty of experience later I ended up becoming a detective lieutenant in Precinct one.

“Just when I figured my life was finally on track my father passed away from a form of canid cancer, with my mom following him in death less than a day later. It’s a kind of fox life-mate thing. In my grief, I just started walking and ended up being struck by Judy in one of your farm’s trucks.

“It may not seem like it, but Judy actually saved my life that night … I would have probably simply kept walking until I laid down and died ….”

Hearing a quiet sob, Nick looks up and sees Bonnie with tears in her eyes. “Mrs. Hopps, I’m okay now, I promise.”

“Such … such a sad tale. I – I don’t understand how one mammal can take so much abuse and still be sane.” she admits softly. Nicholas, I-”

“Please Mrs. Hopps, please call me Nick.”

“NO!” she replies with an amount of conviction that Nick has rarely heard. “You have a powerful name and have earned the right to be called by it fully. If you insist, I’ll honor your request, but I would dearly love to be able to call you by Nicholas! And I would request that you call me Bonnie … please!”

“Well … Bonnie, I would be honored to have you call me Nicholas if that is truly your preference. If you have the time, please stay for the seminar with Shifu Mooney. If nothing else, it can give you a brief respite from raising so many kits. Judy, Darci, Debra and her mate will be here so you’ll be in good company.”

“Not to mention a certain vixen if the invitation is open to anyone.” comes a familiar voice from the doorway.

“Trixie?” comes from a slightly confused Judy.

“Ummm, my real name is Theresa. I – I’d really appreciate it if you’d call me that … really!” quietly asks the now slightly embarrassed red fox vixen, now dressed in civilian clothes.

“Only if we can as well!” responds Debra and Darci as the two does and Debra’s mate enter the room, followed closely by Danni, Debra’s mate.

“I – I’d really like that, actually …” responds the vixen.

“Ummm, aren’t you scheduled to work today?” Deb asks Theresa.

“Yeah, but I managed to get Derpy to cover for me until I’m done with the seminar.” Theresa answers.

“Derpy? Who on earth is that?” asks a now bewildered Deb.

Laughing, it’s Darci who answers “Derpy, whose real name is Dianna Hoofs, is the young mare who keeps dying her mane and tale different colors, usually a light purple. She usually works swing shift but will pick up an occasional day shift for extra money!”

“Yeah,” adds Theresa “She looks and usually acts kinda goofy, but is top notch when it comes to patient care.”

…

When Nick’s phone suddenly pings he reveals the substance of the text message to those gathered in the room.

“Shifu says he’s about 30 minutes or so out, so I guess we need to head towards wherever you’ve go set up for us to meet.”

“You’re not going anywhere without washing up first!” firmly states Deb.

“I … I think that maybe I need to help him?” shakily suggests Judy.

“Are you sure Fluff?” asks a concerned Nick.

“No, not really. But at some point we’re gonna see each other naked and … and since I’ve already seen your ummm…”

“Package … male genitalia …” suggests the now amused todd.

“Yeah, that … what you said.” murmurs a now furiously blushing Judy. “I kinda already kinda saw it the other day when I helped you to the bathroom.”

Looking around at the other occupants of the room, Judy sees only faint smiles of acceptance, not the judgmental looks she was expecting.

“We’ll leave you two alone …” says Bonnie as the other females head for the door.

“We’ll be in conference room one on the main floor. You can let Shifu know and join us when you’re finished here. I’ll send a wheelchair and a set of size appropriate scrubs for Nick while you two are … occupied. Patients must be moved from location to location by wheel chair, hospital policy.” adds Debra, who secretly enjoyed seeing Judy blush - again.

…

“So …” begins Nick.

“C’mon, I’ll help you to the tub,” begins a still more than slightly embarrassed Judy.

“Fluff … Judy, you know you really don’t have to do this, right? You can help me into the tub and-”

“Nick, please … let me do this!” the young doe practically begs. “We both know there won’t be any … umm … you know …”

“Fooling around … amorous activity …” suggest Nick.

“Yes, that … at least for a while yet, but I really need to do this, please!

“All right then, let’s get to it.” as Nick leans against his doe for support.

…

Entering the bathroom, Nick sits on the edge of the tub while Judy first places a small stool in the tub for him to sit on and begins to run some water “How hot can you stand it Nick?” she asks “I don’t wanna have to worry about burning you with so much exposed skin on your back …”

“Just make it so you can tolerate it Fluff, I’ll be fine, I promise.”

When the tub gets full enough, Judy turns off the water and tells Nick “Okay, turn a bit so I can untie your gown.” which the todd does, and the garment slip to the floor, revealing him in all his naked glory, scars and all.

“Fluff, are you gonna be okay?” asks Nick as Judy is a bit stunned at seeing him completely naked for the first time.

“Ye-yeah, I guess …” comes the barely discernable response from the furiously blushing doe.

“I’ll just-” begins Nick as he turns slightly, trying to give his doe a bit of privacy.

“N-no, please Nick …” Judy pleads as she reaches out for his arm, stopping him from turning away.

“If you insist Fluff.”

“Let me help you into the tub, then I – I can … undress.”

“You do realize that you don’t have to undress to do this, right?”

“Nick?” asks the now confused doe.

“Look … I can do most of my bath myself. You can do my back while sitting or standing on the little seat, stool, whatever. Less embarrassment for you, at least for now. When I’m finished, you can help me out of the tub and help me towel off, then I can use that severely underpowered fur dryer to finish up. okay?”

“I – I guess. Are you sure?”

“Yes Fluff, I’m sure. I’m a lot stronger that y’all are giving me credit for, but I still need help with my back.”

“Fine then, let’s get this over with so we can get downstairs in a reasonable amount of time.”

…

After a fairly uneventful (albeit more than mildly embarrassing time for a certain doe) Nick is bathed, dried and dressed in a properly fitting set of scrubs (green bottoms and purple top) our pair hurriedly sets off to join their little group, hopefully before Shifu Moody arrives.

Passing by the nurses station, Judy has to smile as the young multicolored mare truly lives up to her name by giving the couple a goofy smile and wave.

After leaving the elevator and making their way to the aforementioned conference room, Nick and Judy hear “As I live and breathe … the infamous Nightstalker, in a wheelchair again, this time with a bunny as a nursemaid!”

While Judy freezes, not recognizing the voice, Nick is hardly surprised.

“Shifu, it’s about time …” the todd replies, turning so he can greet his mentor.

“Nicholas. I’d ask how you’re doing, but it’s a bit obvious.”

“Har, har. Anyway, introductions – Shifu Mooney, please say hello to my beautiful mate-to-be, Judy Hopps. Judy, Shifu Rich Mooney.”

Trying and failing miserably to not blush, the young doe quietly tells the new arrival “Shifu, welcome.”

Looking the apparently middle-aged coyote up and down, even as he removes his light jacket, Judy observes nothing out of the ordinary about the mammal. But as she reaches to take the proffered paw, the energy he possesses is almost palpable.

While the smile that Sifu gives her seems to be genuine, there is also a slightly quizzical look to it.

Quick to understand, Nick intervenes “Ummm, we can talk later if you don’t mind. I know the look but it’s Judy’s tale to tell and no one else’s … respectfully …”

Quickly looking between the todd and doe, the coyote knows better than to push the matter. “As you wish. Onward then shall we?”

“O-of course,” responds Judy as she resumes her course towards the conference room.

…

As the trio enters the conference room, all of the rest of the participants take notice and stand.

“Everyone, your attention please!” announces Nick. “I am honored to introduce the mammal who will be conducting the seminar, as small as it is! Please say hello to Shifu Richard Mooney. Shifu Mooney is one of the foremost instructors and practitioners of Usui Reiki in the world. He is a member of the Reiki Association, a tenth-degree red belt in White Crane Gung Fu, and is a charter member of the Dragon Society which includes Torite Jutsu.

“Shifu, the mammals here to take part of the seminar are from left to right, Darci Hopps, who is a level one Reiki practitioner, Dr. Debra Hopps-Leaps and her husband Danni Leaps, Theresa Redd, Bonnie Hopps who is the mother of all three Hopps does, and finally Judy Hopps, who you have already been introduced to. As you might guess, Darci, Debra and Theresa are all professional caregivers.”

“You may want to include Mrs. Hopps as a professional caregiver as well, as I detect a certain energy about her that tells me that she has taken care of a great many kits during her lifetime. She has the energy of a well-practiced user of Reiki, even though she may not have had any formal training.” responds the coyote with a gentle smile, causing the elder doe to blush slightly.

~0~

Chapter Text

14 Road Trip

~0~

“Okay, everyone please, have a seat.” begins Shifu.

As everyone starts to get comfortable, including Nick who shifts to a regular medium-sized mammal chair, the coyote withdraws several sheafs of papers from a well-worn messenger bag.
“I would normally have Nicholas paw these out, but since he’s managed to be disabled – again-” which draws laughter from everyone except Nick “I would like a volunteer to-”
“May I Shifu?” as Darci raises a paw and instantly inserts herself into the seminar.

“Of course … Darci is it? You are the level I practitioner, is that correct?”

“Yes Shifu, it is, and thank you.”

“You’re very welcome. Now,” as he paws the doe several small sheafs of papers “the top sets of papers are the level one introductions to Reiki, and are instructions for the new students. The second set are introductions for the expectations for level two in case anyone here might be interested in continuing the course of instruction in the future. Please give copies of each to everyone in the room, including Nicholas and yourself.

“The third set of papers are to be given to yourself and to Nicholas. I will explain that in just a second.” noticing Nick’s slightly confused look.

“If you-” indicating Darci “choose to continue your training toward master’s level, you will need to study these level three instructions for guidance. As for Nicholas …” pinning the todd in a steely gaze “I expect him to assist anyone here with their transition to level two if they so desire. I will also instruct Nicholas on proper methodology for completing attunements and I will expect him to do this as an integral part of being a true master of the art.

“Do you accept this responsibility Nicholas???

Sitting straight in his chair, Nick has no choice, and has actually anticipated this challenge for some time.

“Yes Shifu I do. I give you my solemn word that I will do my utmost to honor the task that which you have bestowed upon me.”

“Excellent. Now … now I will give each of you roughly fifteen minutes to study the level one papers that you were given. Darci, please study thoroughly the level two papers. Nicholas and I will retire to a quiet corner so that I may give him instruction on proper form and procedures to give attunements.”
…
Twenty minutes later, Nick and Shifu return to the group.

“Has everyone looked through the papers you were given?” the coyote asks.

When everyone nods the affirmative, the coyote announces that. “Nicholas will assist in performing attunements later on today. He will practice with his mate to be, while I work with Mrs. Hopps. Debra, please pair up with your mate while Darci and Theresa please work together.

“If you need to refer to the information sheet you were given, that is perfectly fine to do so and is to be expected, especially considering that you need to memorize the kanji to be used when working on someone and do your best to balance their chakra’s.

“Everyone will most likely feel warmth where contact is made,” Nick begins, now acting under Shifu’s tutelage as he steps behind Judy “and possibly a slight tingling or some other sensation. This is all normal and a part of the procedure. Try to picture the mammal in front of you filling with energy, and the mammal being ‘treated’ please try to think happy thoughts.”

After a bit, Nick continues “When you feel that the mammal you’re working on is as full of energy as he or she can be, you may break contact and seal.”

When everyone seems finished, they’re told to swap, with the one that was previously the patient being the deliverer except for Judy and Bonnie, who simply watched with piked interest.

When the training exercise is complete, Shifu Mooney observes Nick attune Judy and has him assist with attunements for the rest of the gathered mammals, with Shifu giving Darci her second level attunement.

As the seminar comes to a close, Nick asks Shifu and Judy to stay for just a moment.

…

“Where to begin …” begins Nick a bit uncertainly.

“At the beginning perhaps?” snarks Shifu, while Judy simply facepawlms at the byplay.

Rolling his eyes, Nick asks “Shifu, would you mind giving Judy a ride to Zootopia?”

“Of course not, it’s no problem at all.”

“And I would be needing a ride to Zootopia … why?” asks the slightly curious doe.

“Firstly, I fully anticipate being discharged from this lovely facility while you’re attending the Academy.” Nick tells her with a touch of snark. “Because of that, I will be needing my own transportation so I would like for you to bring me my other car.”

“You have another car?” she asks, slightly amazed.

“Of course, doesn’t everybody?” he answers, already knowing that it further antagonize her slightly.

Not getting a reply, but seeing the ‘look’ that he was getting from his doe, Nick continues to explain. “Look Fluff, yes I have another car. Besides, it’ll give you a chance to get acquainted with the me that you don’t know and haven’t had a chance to meet yet. All that you really know is what’s been out there for years. Everyone has a side that’s never seen until you get to really know them.

“You’ll get a chance to look around my place and see the private me … the me that not everyone gets to see. I give you permission to look everywhere and check out everything there. You can scope out my parent’s home if you wish as well. I simply ask that you exercise caution at my place because things can get … dangerous ... there’s still some lethal stuff around – military and SWAT stuff in case you were wondering, and yes, it’s perfectly legal for me to possess. And please be careful in my parent’s home, some things there are easily broken and are irreplaceable. Finn has already modified my second car so you can drive it, so that won’t be a problem.

“I also need to get my ZPD laptop and case files back to Bogo soon so he doesn’t have an aneurism, as well as the fact that I can use my personal laptop, tablet and portable printer.

“Besides all of that, I’ll have time to find and deal with the prime suspect in an important ongoing rape case, as well as trying to find a suitable place for myself, my intended mate and our expected kits to live in the near future, so I’ll need my personal laptop and portable printer as well as a few clothes and things.

“Look … I know it’ll be kinda late by the time you get to Zootopia so you can spend the night and poke around in my personal life to your heart’s content. I know that you’ll probably have a ton of questions about … well a lot of things, so please write them down as you go and try to ask them all at once. In the morning you can go the precinct and give Bogo my laptop and the files, then drive back here and drop off my car. We can spend the rest of the day together and be together for as long as we can on Sunday before you have to report to the academy. Easy, peasy.”

As Judy’s face undergoes the transformation from being a bit perturbed to wistful to downright sad(?), the doe slowly makes her way to where Nick is sitting (on a regular chair since the seminar had started remember). With her now crawling up and standing on his lap and looking the todd with direct eye to eye contact, her eyes now brimming with tears, the todd can’t help but be a bit concerned.

“Fluff … Judy …?”

Suddenly grabbing him in a bone crushing hug, the doe can no longer contain her emotions, with deep, heartfelt sobs racking her small frame.

Not knowing what else to do, Nick gently hugs her back with one arm and paw while stroking her ears, which are laid flat against her back, with the other.

After several minutes, the sobs slowly subside, and Judy manages to allow herself to relinquish her hold somewhat.

“Sorr-sorry. Stupid bu-bunny emotions …” she hiccups as she apologizes.

Taking a deep breath, she continues “Sorry … it’s … it’s just that … no one has ever supported me like you have.”

“I guess you’re just gonna have to get used to it, ‘cause I don’t intend to stop anytime soon. While we’re on the subject, you might wanna start by going back to your room and gathering up all of your dirty clothes as well as any fursonal stuff you might need for your stay. No sense in not using my laundry while you’re at my place. You do wanna make a good impression when you get to the academy, right?”

“Yeah, I guess …”

“While you’ll be wearing Academy uniforms during your training, I’d really prefer to spend the weekend you get free after the first two weeks training just being together and NOT have our time taken up with your wasting our time by doing laundry.”

“That … makes a lot of sense actually.”

Standing and moving back to the wheelchair for his mandatory ride back to his room, Nick prompts his doe and his former mentor “Well, lets get moving so you two can get on the road, shall we?”

As Judy prepared to push Nick, Nick grabs her and sets her on his lap with her uttering a surprised (Eeeppp!”, while Shifu grinned at the byplay between the two as he pushes Nick’s wheelchair as they head to the elevator.

…

The short ride to the third floor was very uneventful.

Exiting the elevator, the trio passes the nurses desk and observe Theresa (Trixie) and Dianne (Derpy) in an animated conversation.

With both mammals giving them a quick nod as they pass by, they proceed to Nick’s room.

After arriving back in his room, Nick adds a few final instructions after he slides back into his bed “Okay … I’m gonna text you both my Zootopia address and Judy will get the codes to the driveway gate and the codes to both mine and my folk’s security systems. Judy, you already know that there’s a key to the physical lock to my place on your keyring, and there’s a key to mom and dad’s place in the glove box of your car.”

Climbing on the bed, Judy gives Nick a hug like he’s never had before.

“I-I really don’t wanna leave …” admits the again tearful doe.

“I know Fluff, but I really need for you to do this. Besides, after Sunday, you’re gonna be gone for two weeks, so let’s treat it as a short practice run, okay? You know that we’ll be together for good before too long anyway, right?”

“I guess … but I still don’t like it!”

“Me neither to tell the truth, but …”

“Shall we….?” prompts Shifu, trying to move the process along.

“Yeah, I guess …” admits a still sad Judy.

“I’ll be calling Bogo to let him know that you’ll be stopping by tomorrow morning so he’ll be in the station, and I’ll probably let Wolford and Fangmeyer know that you’ll be showing up tonight. We wouldn’t want you to get arrested for trespassing now would we?”

A rapidly blinking Judy clearly had not considered that single point.

Stepping up and shaking Nick’s paw, Shifu tells the todd “It’s been a pleasure Nick. let’s try to get together a little sooner next time okay?”

“I’ll try, but no promises Shifu.”

With that, with that, Shifu Mooney and Judy finally take their leave and head towards the parking lot.

Passing the nurses station and noticing that no one is currently there, the odd pair enter the elevator and take the short ride to the main floor.

…

Giving Shifu and Judy several minutes to be on their way, Nick picks up his phone and dials.

After 3 rings, he gets and answer: “Zootopia police department Precinct One, how may I direct your call?” comes the cheery voice.”

“Hey Ben, this is Nick Wilde, is the Chief busy?”

“NICK! I was so worried about you! Lola said you’d been in and accident and were in the hospital in some little town, and -”

“Ben, slow down, I’m fine … more or less. I really need to talk to Bogo. Is he busy?”

“Umm, I think he’s in a conference … hold on, I’ll buzz him and find out …….”

“What is it Wilde? I’m busy!” comes the buffalo’s gruff voice over the device.

“Nothing drastic boss. I just wanted to let you know that Judy is going to be bringing you my ZPD laptop and my completed files sometime tomorrow morning. I should be by sometime in the next couple of weeks to personally paw you my request for transfer to the Tri-Burrow sheriff’s department and turn in my equipment.”

“So this really gonna happen then?” he asks.

“Yup, I’m afraid so.”

“I hate to admit it Nick, but I’m actually going to miss your sorry butt.”

“Yeah, I know what you mean Adrian.”

“So I guess I’d better start looking for a new partner for Bunnee then …”

How about Silverstien? He’s top notch. Plenty of experience, good skills.”

“Silverstien … the silver fox? … yeah, I guess. If you think he’s ready, I’ll give him a look.”

“See ya in a week or so boss…” and Nick breaks the connection.
…
Quickly dialing another number, his call is answered on the second ring.

“Wilde? What the hell Nick?” comes Wolford’s voice, the relief evident.

“Take a chill pill Mike. I was basically calling to let you know that Judy is gonna be showing up there tonight and I didn’t want you and Liz to get all bent out of shape when you see lights on in my place or mom and dad’s place.”

“So it’s true what Finn has been letting on, you’re hooked up with a rabbit doe for real? Any idea as to the time frame as to when they’ll arrive?”

“Yeah, it’s for real. We’re probably looking at about three and a half to four hours from now, maybe a bit more ‘cause of traffic. She’s riding with Shifu, but she’s gonna be going by her motel room to pick up some fursonal stuff, then it’s about a three-hour trip to Zootown plus at least another half hour to an hour to my place.”

“You want us to swing by and make sure everything’s okay?”

“If you don’t mind, please do.”

“We can do that, gods know we owe you enough to do that small favor.”

“If it ain’t asking too much, could you do a bit of shopping? I know that there can’t be much food left at my place, and what is there is NOT prey friendly. You might call Lola and get a few ideas as what to get. I really appreciate you two looking after the place while I’m gone, you know that, right?”

“Next time you decide to do a walkabout, how about not trying to ger yerself killed? And at least let us know what you’re up to. okay?”

“I’ll do my best, but no promises. Holler at ya later, you guys behave …” and breaks the connection again.

…

For his last call, Nick presses an unmarked app and is directed to a secure line, then dials code and a preset number.

After 5 rings: “Wadda ya want Nightstalker?”

“And hey ta you too Sparks.”

“I know this ain’t no damned social call, so again, wadda ya want.”

“Straight to the point as usual. I need some intel, intel that only you can get for me.”

“Zoogle it, I’m busy.”

“Too busy to hack into the ZIA servers?”

“…. You could a said it’d be a bit of a challenge ta start off with, asshole!”

“Now what’s the fun in that? So, ya up for it or not?”

“Info – gimmie …”

“Okay … code name Jack Savage. Hare buck. Horizontal stripes on face and ears. Terminated in disgrace, not sure how long ago so go back at least a couple of years, maybe longer. I want everything you can find, no matter how insignificant.”

“Hmmm … gimmie a few.”

Several minutes later …

“Stalker, ya still there?”

“Yeah, I’m here … give!”

“Ta start with, I really had ta dig, ‘cause a lot of shit was redacted so I had to work around some really shitty firewalls ta git what ya needed. There’s a lot of info here, ya want me ta send it ta yer secure e-mail or do ya need it asap?”

Taking a second or two to think about it Nick tells the mammal on the other end “Naw, e-mail it. I can’t act on it right now anyway and I’ll wanna print a hard copy. I seem ta think better if I’ve got hard copy in front of me ta mess with. I can quick scan with my phone if I need some quick intel, otherwise I can wait a day or two ta print it.”

“You got it ‘Stalker. Laters!”

With that connection broken, Nick can’t help but smirk as he thinks to himself “I’ve got your ass for real now Savage!”

…

With the drive to Judy’s motel room being so short, all conversation mostly consisted of Judy giving directions rather than needing to plug the address into Shifu’s GPS.

Less that five minutes later, Judy had gathered up her laundry and the few fursonal items she’d need for her overnight stay in Zootopia and they were on the road.

Finally on the road to Zootopia, a comfortable silence fell over our pair – until:

“Shifu …”

“Yes Judith?”

“Can I ask you a question?”

“I believe you just did …” he deadpans with a very Nick-like smirk fully in place.

Mouth slightly agape, Judy rolls her eyes, takes a breath and resets: “May I ask you something about Nick – about when you knew him when he was in the service?”

“Of course Judith. Nicholas figured that you’d ask and instructed me to answer any question that you may have honestly and truthfully to the best of my knowledge.”

“H-he did?” she asks in a minor state of disbelief.

“Of course. Nicholas thought that you might ask questions of me to get an unbiased opinion of him after I met him.”

“Okay … ummm …”

“Let me lead off by saying that while Nicholas had suffered severe wounds during what was to be his last mission, not all injuries were to his body. That is hardly surprising in and of itself. While severe, except for some massive scaring issues, which I understand you’ve been introduced to, the problem was not the physical wounds, but the wounds to his psyche.”

“I-I don’t understand!” admits the doe.

“I was never privy to the details of the mission or its outcome, but I gathered from conversations that I overheard, that Nicholas lost one of his team members.”

“Yes, Nick told me, and my sisters and mom, that one of his team covered a grenade with his body and was killed doing it.”

“There must be more to it than that, because I understand that loss of one’s team members is an occupational hazard among the members of the military, so that in and of itself shouldn’t have been as traumatic.”

“… Nick also told us that after he was wounded by the grenade, he perceived another threat and killed the threat without really looking, I guess on pure instinct. By instinct I guess. The threat turned out to be about a 10-year-old kit.” Judy informs him.

“That … that would unsettle anyone I would imagine!” admits Shifu.

“Nick also told us that he was presented proof that the kit had a suicide vest on and would have killed Nick and his entire team except that a lucky shot from Nick had severed one of the wires making the vest useless.”

“And yet, Nicholas has carried the guilt of killing the kit with him to this day.”

“So it seems, yes.” the doe answers.

“If I may, I would like to make a fursonal observation …”

“Go ahead …”

“During our conversation within the training session, I noticed that Nicholas was much more at ease than at any other time since I’ve known him. Whatever bond you two have formed has managed to calm his mind. While I know that he meditates almost daily, he seems to be much more at peace with himself now, and I suspect that you are the cause of that peace.”

“Me? But-”

“Judith, whether you believe it or not, you have quite literally saved Nicholas’s life. I have seen many predator veterans with PTSD do a ‘walkabout’ as a form of suicide. I believe that you unknowingly interrupted Nicholas’s walkabout and set things right.”

Stunned, all Judy could do was sit back in her seat, draw her knees to her chest and pause to think.

The rest of the trip proceeded in relative silence, with Judy managing to fall asleep for most of the way.

Waking as they entered the city limits of Zootopia, Judy managed to put her thoughts aside (at least temporarily) and marvel at the sights that the large city offered.

…

Pulling up to the address that Nick had given them, both Judy and Shifu noticed a medium mammal sized ZPD cruiser parked in front.

When Shifu exited the vehicle and approached the cruiser, a wolf and tigress greeted him and pleasantries were exchanged, so they obviously knew one another.

Exiting Shifu’s car, Judy came face to face with the two offices, both wearing welcoming smiles, thus setting the doe at ease.

“Judith,” began the coyote “I would like to introduce you to officers Michael Wolford and Elizabeth Fangmeyer, two of ZPD’s finest.”

“H-Hi …?”

“Michael, Elizabeth, please say hello to Judith Hopps.”

“Hello Judy!” comes from both officers.

“Alright, introductions are complete and I need to finish heading to my hotel.” says Shifu “Do you two think you can handle things from here?”

“Yes Shifu.” returns Wolford as he heads toward the trunk of Shifu’s rental. Grabbing Nick computer and files, while Liz takes possession of Judy’s laundry bag. “Come on Judy, Liz and I will give you a quick tour of both places.”

“Ummm, if it’s all the same to you, I – I’ll take a polite pass on going through Nick’s parent’s home. It just wouldn’t feel right going there without him.” states the doe.

“All right then, no problem we understand.” admits Fangmeyer “Carrying on, we’ll go straight to Nick’s place.”

After punching in the code to the mammal gate, the trio walks up the driveway to the quaint, not quite so little, (what used to be) mother-in-law’s cottage Mike and Liz lead their new acquaintance to the front door where Mike shows Judy how to quickly unlock the front door, then leads her over to where the security keypad is and punches in the correct code.

“I probably would never have been able to do everything in time to avoid setting off the alarms. Thank you!”

“Happy to help.” admits the canine.

“So … let’s give you the nickel tour so Mike and I can get back to work.” prompts Liz.

“As you can see, this is his living room,” then moving to her left “here’s the kitchen. We stocked the fridge with a few bunny friendly foodstuffs as per Nick’s request.”

Opening the fridge, Judy sees a small but fairly complete selection of leafy veggies, with several containers of pomegranate juice in the door.(*)

“We did have the foresight to call Lola so we’d get the right stuff, especially the pomegranate juice and the broccoli, cabbage, parsley, watercress, celery leaves, kale and even some dandelion greens.”(*) admits Liz.

“Yeah, most mammals think that carrots are a staple for rabbits, especially pregnant does,” she admits “but the opposite is actually true.” admits Judy. “Carrots and fruit are high in sugar and should only be eaten in small amounts as occasional treats.”(*)

“Huh … well, good to know I guess! admits Mike.

“Mike, why don’t you put Nick’s ZPD stuff in the trunk … wait, put it on the floor of his car. That way it won’t be such a chore for Judy to get it out tomorrow when she meets with Bogo.”

“Good idea, I’ll be right back.” as he opens the door to garage.

“Speaking of, have you called Nick to let him know that you’ve arrived safely?” Liz asks.

“Damn … thanks Liz!”

After sending a brief text to Nick letting him know that she had gotten to his place safely and Mike and Liz were showing her around, Judy got a quick thumbs-up from him, letting her know that he got the text.

Finally peeking through the door, Judy is openmouthed dumbfounded when she gets a first look at Nick’s pride and joy.

What she sees is a fully restored, pristine, midnight blue ’67 GTO hardtop. In the dim garage lights it almost looks to be black, with the 5 spoke chrome Cragar mage wheels setting the car off nicely.
“Oh … my … gods!” was all the doe could manage to say.

“Yeah, cool as shit, huh?” comments Mike – just before he’s not-so-gently elbowed in the ribs by Fangmeyer.

“OW! What?”

“Language dummy!” as Liz berates her partner.

“Umm, yeah, sorry about that!” he apologizes.

“It’s ok, I’ve heard worse.” admits Judy.

“Still, it’s not appropriate.” grouses Fangmeyer as she gives Wolford a well-deserved stink eye.

“Onward?” prompts Judy, hoping to calm a still slightly irate Fangmeyer.

“Sure-”

Leading everyone back into the house, they head towards the next room which happens to be Nick’s ‘office’.

“This is kinda Nick’s inner sanctum if you will.” comments Mike “Nick’s kinda picky who he lets in here, and we were told to give you a complete tour, and you are supposed to be his mate, so I guess you’re as privileged as a mammal can get!

“I need to get his laptop and a portable printer? I’ve never heard of one of those!” admits Judy

Gathering up Nick’s personal laptop and stowing it in a case, Mike picks up a smallish device and shows it to Judy.

“This is a portable printer. They don’t take up a lot of space and all of the detectives and some of the beat cops use them at home and on assignment.” as he stows it in an appropriate sized transport bag. “Anything else?”

“Some clothes? I’m not sure what to take, but he’ll need some clothes for when he gets out of the hospital.”

Taking a quick look around (since she’ll likely be sleeping in her tonight) Judy notices that its sparsely decorated.

Moving to a walk-in closet in Nick’s bedroom, Liz slides the door open and gazes inside. “I guess at least one or two of these hideous outfits.” she suggests “Nick loves to wear them when he’s in the office, I guess because it annoys the hell out of the Chief.” earning a giggle out of Judy and a semi-stifled snort from Mike.

“Here,” she says, pushing out a fairly large suitcase into the bedroom proper “we can put his stuff in this.”

Turning back to the closet, she paws out two sets of green Pawaiian shirts with ugly green and red stripe ties and tan slacks, which are quickly folded and backed in the suitcase.

Pawing out several sets of common blue jeans, old rock band t-shirts, followed, then a couple sets of sweat pants and tops.

Studying the selection for a few moments, Liz then pulls out a very becoming suit, pale blue with a black silk button up shirt and a green tie that closely matched Nick’s eyes.

“This has got to go. When he finally get to take his bunny on a proper day, he’d better wear this or I’ll sic Lola on him, and he definitely don’t want that!”

“Doesn’t!” corrects Mike.

“What?” asks Liz.

Nick doesn’t want that.”

“That’s what I just said!”

“No, you said don’t, and that’s not correct. It should be doesn’t”

“So now you’re a speech expert?” as Liz takes the argument up a notch. “Why can’t you get it right when we’re doing our reports?”

“Umm, can we just get back to the task at paw?” interrupts Judy, hoping to quell a full-blown argument.

Shooting her partner a ‘this is not over’ look, Liz says “I guess so.”

“So, more tour?” quietly asks Judy.

“Umm, sure, follow me.” comes from Mike.

Exiting the bedroom, the trio passes by a closed door which Mike opens for a quick peek by all then closes it “And last but not least, Nick’s laundry room.”

Passing through the living room on their way out, Liz remembers “I almost forgot, there’s a small package on the coffee table for you. Lola sent it.” As she motions to the small package, delicately wrapped in vivid purple paper tied with a brilliant green ribbon and bow.

“I know this is kinda hurried and all,” says Liz “But there is a decent sized back yard if you just take the door to the right of the TV. It gets really nice once the sun goes down. I know the view and atmosphere won’t as nice as it is out in the country, but it makes for a good place to let down your fur after a long day.”

“Thanks, I’ll take that under consideration. Thanks for showing me around and trying to make me feel at least a little bit at home, I really appreciate it.”

“Anything for Nick, so anything for his mate.” comments Mike as he allows Liz to exit before him.

As Judy watches the pair get back into their cruiser and drive off, she thinks to herself “Those two act like an old married couple. I’ll have to ask Nick if they’re mates. They do fit well together …”

Closing and locking the door, Judy turns her attention to the small package on the coffee table.

Carefully unwrapping the item, Judy pauses for just a moment when she realizes the colors of the wrapping and ribbon closely match hers and Nicks eyes.

With the item unwrapped Judy sees a very expensive wood presentation case with the logo and script declaring that it came from an exclusive lagomorph only store in the city.

Opening the box, Judy sees several different varieties of natural flavored chew sticks. Apple, ash, birch, hawthorn, hazel, juniper, maple, pear, poplar, spruce and willow.

Tearing up, Judy manages to find the card that Lola had given her and sent a text thanking her for the much-needed items that she had forgotten to bring with her, not wanting to call and disturb her if she was at home.

Very surprised when her phone rings, she sees that it’s Lola on the other end.

“Hello? Lola?”

“Yeah, hey Judy. I thought you might like to be pampered just a bit so I thought I’d get you those chew sticks.”

“And I appreciate it a lot, but … they’ve got to be super expensive and-”

“Actually, I get a big discount because some far-flung relative is owner of the place. Besides, with what you’ve gone through and are still going through, I didn’t mind. It’s the same thing that Nick would do if he was there. Enjoy them and let me know how things work out later, okay?”

“I can definitely do that. And thanks again.” as the smaller doe breaks the connection.

Sitting for a moment and reflecting on the past several weeks, Judy can’t believe the support that mammals that she had never known before and a few of her relatives have shown, she’s almost brought to tears.

Taking a deep breath and grabbing an apple chew stick, the doe first heads to the laundry room to start a load of her (by now fairly ripe) clothes, then to the kitchen to make a leafy salad topped off with some creamy cucumber dressing and finished off with a bottle of pomegranate juice.

Roughly and hour and a half later, laundry finished, meal finished and dishes done, a very tired doe heads for the bathroom in Nick’s bedroom for a quick shower and then heads to bed for a very well-deserved rest.

Chapter Text

15

~0~

As tired as she was, and as comfortable as the bed seemed, (slightly a bit harder mattress than she’s used to, but it’s Nick’s after all) Judy can’t seem to fall asleep.

After roughly 45 minutes of tossing and turning, a still very tired doe sits on the edge of her betrothed’s bed, trying to figure out why she can’t fall asleep, which is not normally an issue.

Just then, her attention is drawn to her phone charging on the nightstand close by, as it lights up and chimes, signaling an incoming text.

Picking up the device, Judy reads the message, knowing that it can only be coming from one of three or four other mammals. Of course it’s Nick.

‘R U ‘sleep?’ it reads.

Instead of sending an answering text, Judy pushes the ‘dial number’ icon.

“Nick … is everything … okay?” she asks, trying not to panic.

“Yeah, I’m fine, no problems. I just got the strangest feeling that you were still up and not able to sleep. The question is are you okay?” comes the return question.

“Yeah … no … I don’t know? …” comes her honest answer.

“What’s up Fluff? … Judy, you know you can tell me anything … right?”

“I … I honestly don’t know Nick. I’m tired, worn out physically and mentally from … well pretty much everything that’s happened lately, but I just can’t manage to fall asleep. The bed’s fine and I guess Fangmeyer, that’s her name right? I guess she must’ve changed the sheets because they smell freshly laundered, but I just can’t manage to get to sleep.”

After a few moments of silence from the other end, Nick has a suggestion.

“Tell you what … I know that you said that Wolfie and Liz helped you pack up some of my clothes, but if you go to the closet, I think that there’s an old ZPA t-shirt that I wore for like an hour in the garage before I … started my little … trek.”

Getting down of the bed, Judy plods over to the closet and opens the bifold doors. Spotting a slightly rumpled bright blue ZPA t-shirt, she asks “I found it, now what?”

“Since I’m not sure if you sleep in the fur-”

“NICK!”

“Oooor a night shirt” as the todd quickly continues “or whatever. Try putting the t-shirt on and take a few deep calming breaths.”

After a bit of hesitation, Judy manages to take a short hop and grab the mentioned item, pulling it off the thin metal hanger.

Pulling the previously worn item over her usual sleep attire (bra and panties), Judy take a couple of deep calming breaths and immediately notices that she’s calmer and is about to ask a question when-

“Feelin’ better Fluff?” comes from her phone.

“Matter of fact, yeah, I am. What …”

“I thought that maybe you were missing a certain charmin’ todd,” (as Judy rolls her eyes) “and that maybe my scent would help put you at ease in an unfamiliar place.”

‘SIGH’ “Yeah, it did … thanks Nick. and … if you don’t mind … can … can I keep the shirt? If not, I understand, and-”

“It’s fine Fluff, I can get more whenever I need ‘em. I am, or at least have been, a part-time paw-to-paw and tactics instructor at the academy.”

“Umm …”

“I doubt if I’ll be there anytime soon, considering my current physical status and with my transfer to the Tri-Burrow Sheriff’s Office and such, so I doubt if you’ll see me in a professional status until we’re both on the job.”

“Okay, good to know.” ‘YAWN’ “I’ve got a few questions-”

“That can wait until tomorrow or whenever.” interrupts the todd. “Get some sleep, and you can call in the morning. Call anytime, it’s not like I’ll be going anywhere for the next few days at least.”

“Fine, I guess that’ll work. G’nite Nick … I love you, you know that, right?”

“Do I know that? Yes, yes I do. And I love you too Judy. I’ll talk to you in the morning.”

Ending the call, a very tired doe, slips back into bed and falls asleep almost immediately.

…

Waking around 5:30 (her usual get-up time) Judy performs her daily ritual, including grabbing a quick second shower, just in case, and decides to check her wardrobe to try to decide what to wear to turn in Nick’s stuff to Chief Bogo.

As the now naked doe passes the full-length mirror in the closet door, she notices a bit of a … bump … “Damn … starting to show a little already! Maybe if I wear something other than my jeans and plaid shirt …..”
Still standing before the mirror, Judy riffles her fur from her belly to just under her petite breasts “Well,” she thinks “at least my extra breasts haven’t started to make their appearance … yet. Hopefully they’ll hold off until I at least get through the Academy …”

Disappointment reigns as she checks the outside temperature on her phone “Drat … only 19 degrees out! I guess it’s gonna be jeans and my usual button-up plaid shirt.”

Just then, her phone signals an incoming call, startling her and causing her to almost drop her phone.

“H’llo?”

“Fluff … are you okay?” asks a slightly concerned Nick.

“Yeah, I was just checking the temperature outside on my phone when you called and it kinda spooked me … sorry.”

“As long as you’re okay, I guess it’s no big deal. Anyway … there are a couple of reasons why I called. First, I’m pretty sure that there isn’t much left to eat, and what is there needs to stay cold. If you go out into the garage, there are several coolers. Pick a small one and get a couple of gel packs out of the freezer, put what food is left in the cooler and put the gel packs on top, then put the cooler in the trunk of the GOAT.”

“GOAT? What goat? What are you even talking about?” asks the now puzzled doe.

Clearly amused, Nick tries to explain the term without actually laughing. “Okay Fluff, sorry. For whatever reason, a GTO is commonly referred to as a GOAT. I don’t know why, but it is.”

Again rolling her eyes, Judy tries to keep the conversation on track “Okay, fine. What else, dumb fox?”

“Well, for one thing you’ll probably need the keys. If you go back out to the kitchen, there’s a small white board for leaving messages …”

“Okay …” she says as she locates the item.

“Place a paw on the right side of the board and pull it gently towards you.”

Doing as instructed, Judy is amazed to see the small message board swing open, revealing a set of hooks, with several holding various sets of keys.

“Huh! … how about that!” was all she could muster.

“Yeah, way cool huh? Anyway, there should be at least 2 sets of keys there for the GOAT, grab ‘em both. I always try to carry 2 set with me, just in case I manage to lock one set inside the car.”

“Okay, what else?”

“Well, if you haven’t eaten yet-”

“I’m not really hungry, to be honest.” comes the slightly embarrassed admission.

“Judy,” he quickly interrupts “it doesn’t matter if you’re hungry or not, you’re eating for five now. You need to start remembering that … please!”

“I know … sorry …” sighs the now partially despondent doe.

“Judy, listen,” as Nick hopes to avert a mental crisis from the doe. “part of my responsibility as a good mate is to help you to take care of yourself and our kits. I know that you’ll do the same for me when the situation warrants. Okay? You good now?”

…. “Yeah, I think so … thanks. I could really use a good hug about now.” she admits.

“I know sweetheart, me too. We’ll just have to make up for lost time when you get back.”

“O-okay. That sounds … nice.”

“Back to the subject at paw … have you eaten this morning?”

“N-no, not yet …”

“When you get ready to head out to the precinct, go up the street in the direction that you were headed when you and Shifu arrived. There’ll be an old-fashioned diner on the left side of the street, stop there and get some breakfast. I’ll call ahead and let them know that you’re coming. The folks and I used to eat there all the time, so I know they’ll treat you right.”

“Nick? …”

“It’s okay Fluff, I have a purpose in life now … you and the kits … our kits, to look after. I’m fine, I promise. After you eat you can go to the precinct. There’s a GPS unit in the GOAT, and the address is locked in, all you need to do is call it up and you’ll, be fine. When you get there, you can park in front of the building in one of the ZPD only spots if you want. Everyone knows the car and there’s actually a special sticker on the windshield as well as military handicapper tags. Trust me, no one will bat an eye. Call me after you get to the precinct, I’ll make sure you get in to see the chief without any undue delays … like a certain overemotional and easily excitable Cheetah at the front desk.”

“Well … if you’re sure … I really don’t wanna lose you because of something as simple as that.”

“I wouldn’t have suggested it if it wasn’t okay, okay?” comes the gentle reply. “Anyway, I’ll hang up and let you get going, just … be careful and stay safe. I don’t think I could stand it if I lost you and the kits …”

“I promise. Love you, see you soon …”

“Love you too …”

As Judy breaks the connection, she can’t help but shed a single tear – here is a male, not of her species, that has shown more love and compassion towards her and her unborn kits, kits conceived as a result of a single case of poor judgement on her part, than the mammal who she thought was her father for over 20 years of her life.

…

After making a quick tour of the small dwelling to make sure she hadn’t forgotten anything (and finding a pair of panties in the dryer that she’d missed), she jotted down a few notes for questions to ask Nick and headed to the car.

Beforte starting the GTO, Judy looked around for a remote of some sort to open the garage door and found 2 attached to the sun visor above the driver’s seat.

Pressing the first remote several times seemed to do nothing, so she tried the second.

When the garage door started to open, she noticed through the rear-view mirror that the gate across the driveway was closing.

It then dawned on the doe that the first remote had to be for that gate, while the second was for the garage door. That made sense knowing Nick.

Starting the car and allowing it to warm up for a few minutes, Judy found the GPS and programmed in the address for Precinct One, already knowing the address by heart.

As Judy backs the beautifully restored car out of the garage, she first presses the remote to open the gate, and at the same time presses the other remote to close the garage door.

After backing onto the street, Judy closes the gate (making sure it’s fully closed before leaving) then proceeds up the street, noting a small diner, proudly proclaiming itself to be ‘Mel’s’ coming into view almost immediately.

Pulling into the small lot, Judy parks noting two other small to medium cars already occupying spaces.

As the young doe enters the eatery, as small bell jingles alerting the employees to her presence.

“Be right with ya Hun …” comes from a vixen, who has her back to the service area as she checks an order at the kitchen window.

When the vixen turns with two paws full of food, she shoots Judy a pleasant smile and sets the food down in front of the badger sitting at the counter.

Returning to the window, the vixen grabs a large platter and moves to set it down in front of the zebra mare two spaces down from the badger.

As the two aforementioned customers engage in polite conversation (somewhat amazing Judy) the vixen’s attention is turned to the newest customer.

“What kin I git ya Hun?” comes the pleasantly polite query.

“Well, umm, Nick Wilde sent me here, and I-”

“Wait … y-you must be … Judy?” stammers the slightly confused question “Nick called a few minutes ago and told me that a grey bunny named Judy would be stopping in. I’m sorry I was kinda looking for somebunny …”

Taller?” comes the mirthful question.

“Ummm, yeah? Kinda? I mean, Nick and his partner on the force used to stop by on a more or less regular basis, so I kinda figured …”
“That maybe this Judy that Nick mentioned might be one of Lola’s sisters or something?”

“Exactly …”

Giving the as yet unnamed vixen an understanding smile and a gentle laugh, Judy tells here “I understand. I’ve met Lola and can see where you might think that.”

“OH! Where are my manners?” suddenly exclaims the vixen “I’m Alice and the grump behind the counter is Mel.”

“I heard that, and I ain’t no grump!” comes the slightly muffled reply.

“Pay him no never mind Hun. What can I get ya?”

Picking up a menu, Judy is slightly amazed to see the diversity of the items, both pred and prey, that’s offered.

“Ummm, the breakfast bake, with shredded potatoes and veggies looks good, and could I get a small side order of sorghum with some Jasmine tea to drink please?”

When Judy looks up, the slightly confused look on Alice’s face begs for an explanation. “It’s … complicated? If you have few minutes I can explain.”

“Only if ya want to Hun, I try not ta pry inta things that ain’t none of my business ...”

“I don’t mind, honestly.”

“Okay. Lemme give Mel yer order an’ I’ll be right back.”

…

By the time Judy’s order is ready, she has given Alice a quick rundown of the last several week’s events, and what has led her to be in Zootopia at the present time.

“My word … and Nick is all right with everythin’? That’s amazing!” as Alice retrieves Judy’s meal.

“Seems like. And knowing Nick for even such a short time, I’m afraid that as soon as he’s released from the hospital, he’s going to go after the buck that’s responsible for my current … situation.”

Seeing Alice trying to form a comment, Judy quickly adds “Nick has already promised both Lola and I that he won’t actually kill the buck unless it’s absolutely a matter of life or death for him.”

“Judy honey,” begins Alice after yet another moment’s thought “there are actually fates worse than death, especially for someone as despicable as the mammal that you’re talking about.”

Noting a lack of understanding on the doe’s face, Alice continues “Putting yerself in this other mammal’s place, kin ya imagine what it’d be like ta be paralyzed from the neck down for the rest or yer life? Or mebe missin’ a limb er two, er three? Or be permanently blind? I’ve knowed Nick all of his life, and I kin assure ya that he’s quite capable of all of that … an’ more.”

Seeing the look of absolute horror on Judy’s face, Alice finishes “Look, ah’m not sayin’ thet Nick ‘ll actually do any of thet, just that he kin. Look, ah don’t know whut Nick’s told ya, but I’m his auntie … ah’m Marion’s younger sister, an’ probably the only livin’ relative lef’ on his momma’s side.”

With only a few bites of her breakfast left uneaten, Judy suddenly has no will to finish what’s left on her plate.

“Judy, Nick’s typical of a red fox todd in some respects – family means everythin’ ta him. When Johnathan and Marion passed, Nick was lost and on a path of self-destruction. He had no reason to live. You gave him a reason. Don’t waste that, please. Nick ‘ll do anything it takes to protect you and yer kits, whether it’s to take a life or to give up his own. That’s what Nick has done all of his adult life. That’s who Nick Wilde is. Selfless to a fault”

“Alice … th-thanks for everything. The meal,” as she reaches for her small wallet “the information, all of it.”

Gently taking Judys much smaller (and trembling) paw in her own much larger one, Alice tells her “No Judy, thank you. Thank you for saving Nick. the world is a much better place with him, and you, in it. and your money is no good here. We never charge family here.”

Giving the vixen a tearful smile, Judy suddenly reaches out and draws the much larger female into a tight hug.

Then, quickly getting down from the counter, Judy heads for the door and the two females exchange knowing nods of the head.

…

Getting into the GTO again, Judy starts the car and again waits a few minutes for it to warm up.

Following the GPS to the precinct, the short 20-minute trip goes without incident, and the doe observes several parking spots right in front of the massive building.

After hesitation for only a few seconds, Judy pulls the car into a ‘ZPD ONLY’ spot and exits the vehicle, noticing a few officers with slightly confused looks on their faces.

As the doe opens the passenger side door to retrieve Nick’s messenger bag, a familiar voice greets her.

“Mind if I lend a paw?”

Turning, Judy notices the only other grey and white doe (to her knowledge) that has been a part of her future mates life to this point.

“Morning Lola!” greets the younger doe “If you don’t mind …”

“Not a problem. Good to see you again Judy. You’re here to turn in Nicks files and laptop I see.”

“Yeah, I guess he’s gonna turn in the rest of his stuff after he’s released from the hospital.”

“Makes sense. I doubt if they’ll let you into the male’s locker room to get his stuff. Besides, ya never know exactly what a mammal might find in a male’s locker …” adds the larger doe, smirk fully in place.

Failing to hide a blush, Judy simply nods in agreement.

“Here-” prompts the larger doe as she paws Judy a set of earplugs.

“What are these for?”

“Just put them on and you’ll find out.” Lola tells Judy as she hefts the large messenger bag.

Doing as she’s told, Judy follows Lola into the large lobby of the ZPD.

As the pair of does enter the lobby, they are instantly assaulted by an earsplitting “EEEEEEEEEEEEEE!”

And just as suddenly “CLAWHAUSER!” comes front the third-floor balcony.

Clamping both meaty paws over his mouth, a certain overly plump cheetah turns a brilliant shade of red.

Removing her earplugs, Lola advances steadily to the receptionist desk and stares at the now fearful occupant.

Reaching over and pulling the feline closer by grasping his tie, Lola keeps eye-to-eye contact and asks “What have I told you about that Benjamin?”

“Ummm … to not to?”

“And?”

“Sorry, I’m sorry, but seeing you and another bunny that looks so much like you, and you look so cute that-”

“And exactly what have I told you about using the word cute?”

“I-I-I-I’m sorry detective I thought that you and your sister were-”

“My sister? Really Benjamin?” comes the disbelieving question.

“……..”

“Bunnee leave Clawhauser alone and show Hopps to my office … NOW!” comes Bogo’s deep voice yet again.

Releasing Clawhauser, Lola starts towards the elevators with Judy in tow.

Looking back over her shoulder, Lola tells Ben “I’m not finished with you Clawhauser …!”

As the pair enter the elevator, Judy has to ask “What was all that about? I mean, I think you scared three lives out of that poor feline!”

Punching ‘3’ on the board, Lola explains “Clawhauser gets so overly excited when he sees certain things that he lets out that blood curdling screech that you heard. Certain officers and several civilians have needed to visit the ER with hearing related issues because of it. And I doubt if I need to explain the use of cute.”

“Yeah, no, that one I get.” Judy admits.

Exiting the elevator, Judy sees the closed door straight across the hallway that reads ‘Chief Adrian Bogo’.

When Lola taps lightly on the door, the does hear “Enter!”

Entering the office, Judy immediately notices that the office is relatively spartan, yet cluttered at the same time, with a single oversized chair facing the chief’s desk.

“Detective, I will need a word with you before the end of the day. Until then, you may go down to your desk and assist Silverstien with finishing yesterday’s reports. Any questions?”

“No sir.” comes the curt answer, and with that Lola places the messenger bag containing Nick’s case files and laptop on the chief’s desk and leaves the room closing the door behind her.

…
“Have a seat Hopps.” Prompts Bogo. indicating the vastly oversized chair.

As Judy climbs onto th chair, Bogo rises from his chair and moves to the front of the desk ad sits on the front edge crossing his arms in front of his massive chest.

“I know you probably think I was a bit harsh on Bunnee, but let me explain.” he begins. “Back in the day, Clawhauser was as good a beat cop as any I’ve ever known. One day while on patrol, a drunk driver broadsided the cruiser he was riding in. Ben was messed up to the point that he would never be physically able to pass the fitness tests and Mammal Resources was simply going to give him a medical pension and push him out the door.

“The chief at the time, Burghoff was his name, was a firm but kind-hearted soul. Anyway, Burghoff talked MR into letting Ben stay around and handle reception and dispatch. Everything had been going smoothly until we started getting smaller officers in the precinct, and as the resident gossip, Ben started getting carried away, emotionally. While Clawhauser is excellent at dispatch, you’ve witnessed how carried away he can get at the reception desk.”

“Three of the current conference rooms are currently being renovated to be the new bullpen area, and the current bullpen will be turned into an updated dispatch center complete with enough staff to handle the workload, with Ben receiving a promotion to sergeant and will be in command of the unit.”

As Judy begins to raise a paw, Bogo continues “Don’t worry too much about my statement to Bunnee. At least once or twice a week I have to have a session with any number of officers about going off on Clawhauser. I chew them out, tell them if it happens again I’ll drop a permanent letter of reprimand in their jackets, and conveniently forget to do just that.

“So, if there’s nothing else, I have a few forms for you to look over and sign … you are still planning on marrying Wilde, right?” as the large bull sets a steely gaze on the doe.

“Y-yes sir!”

“Good. The forms are simply a continuation of what Nick started when we first talked in the hospital, insurance forms, emergency contact number and the like. I’ll give you a few minutes to look them over, and then you may ask any questions about anything you’re either not sure of or are uncomfortable with. Just a quick note; you might mention to that clown that you two need to be legally wed before he officially resigns from the ZPD, or transfers as it were, for the insurance to stay valid.”

“Ummm, I really wasn’t expecting that, but okay, thanks chief.”

Several minutes later, Judy begins reading and signing the various forms “I don’t see any problems here,” she remarks “the forms are basically the same as the ones I had to sign to attend the academy. The only difference is adding Nick as my emergency contact rather than Stu.”

Noting the slightly confused look on the bulls face, Judy tells him “My mother recently confessed to having an affair, and I and the rest of my litter were the result of that affair. That’s why the mammal that I called father for most of my life tossed me completely out of his life.”

“I’m … sorry to hear that Hopps, I truly am.”

“I know chief, but now I have Nick and I know that Nick will do right by me, no matter what.”

“If I know Wilde like I think I do, you are one hundred percent correct. Now, if there’s nothing else I can do for you, you are free to go. I might suggest that you stop by the detectives squad room and say your goodbyes to Bunnee, and the cubicle farm to give your regards to Wolford and Fangmeyer. I heard that they did a fair job at making you comfortable yesterday and last night.”

“That they did chief, that they did.” remarks the doe as she hops down from the chair and makes her way to the door.

“Take a right turn after you exit the elevator on the first floor.” Bogo tells her “The detectives bay will be halfway down the hall on your right and the regular squad bay will be across the hall from that.”

“Thanks again chief for … everything.”

…

Exiting the elevator on the first floor, Judy makes her way to the detectives bay, where she immediately sees Lola and a silver fox todd talking together.

“Hey Lola!” begins the smaller doe, immediately noticing the todd’s eyes bouncing from doe to doe.

“If you’re smart, you’ll keep whatever you’re thinking to yourself …” Lola cautions the todd.

“I just popped in to tell you thanks for everything.” begins Judy “The groundwork on my case, the chewsticks, the friendship as short as it’s been, all of it!”

“No problem. Look, I know we got off to a kind of a rough start, but, things eventually worked out.”

“Yeah, sorry about the whole jealousy thing.”

“I told you before, I understand, and we does need to stick together, especially with males like Wilde around!”

“He’s definitely one of a kind … I don’t know what I’d ‘ve done without him.”

“I’m sure you’d have managed. So … how’re things?”

“Well … I found out what that … asshole … sister of mine was talking about. It seems like my mom had an affair, my litter was the end result of that affair, Stu found out about it and waited all this time to use it against me.”

“Really? Wow!”

“I know, right? Anyway, things are moving on and I’m heading back to the Tri-Burrows as soon as I stop by and visit with Wolford and Fangmeyer for a few.”

Gathering the smaller doe up into a typical bunny hug, Lola whispers, “Give that big dummy my thanks for everything that he’s done for Buggs and myself please.”

“I can do that!” Judy whispers back.

…

After breaking the hug, Judy makes her way across the hall to the cubicles where the patrol officer's desks are and thankfully misses a short but heated conversation between Lola and her new charge.
“So,” snarks the todd “that’s the best that the great Nick Wilde could do for a mate? OWWWW!”

Still holding and twisting the todd’s ear, Lola leaves him with a terse warning “Listen and listen good Steve … you have no idea what either of those two mammals have gone through in life, not everyone was born with a silver spoon in their mouth like you were. Wilde was abused as a kit and shot up several times in the military. You heard some of Judy’s issues, so I’ll leave you with a bit of information and some advice … I’m not the only mammal around here that owes Nick Wilde a huge debt of thanks, not only for my position, but for my, and our” as she looks around the room, noticing that a lot of eyes and ears were focused on the two of them at this moment “very lives. Trust me when I tell you that you do not want to make enemies either here or across the hall, and especially not of Bogo himself. Do I make myself clear?”

“Y-yes ma’am, perfectly clear.” admits the now properly chastised todd.

“Now, if we’re done here, I’m expected back in Bogo’s office for a bit of an ass chewing. These reports better be finished by the time I get back, because the chief’s probably finished looking over Wilde’s case files and we’re going to need to go over them and do some perp chasing. Got it?”

“Yes ma’am.”

…

Entering the cubicle farm, Judy can’t see her intended targets, so she asks a porcupine office where they might be.

Not at all sure who Judy is or why she’s looking for the pair for, the officer stalls for a few seconds until a burley rhino intercedes.

“You’re Judy … Nick Wilde’s fiancé, right?” he asks.

“That’s right, and you are?”

“Names Brian McHorn. I’ve known Wilde since he started here. matter of fact, I was his TO (Training Officer).

“Pleased to meet you officer McHorn.” says Judy as she puts out a tiny paw for a pawshake.

Choosing to do a makeshift fist bump due to the immense size difference, McHorn smiles at the tiny doe.

“The honor is mine. Nick’s a real stand-up fella, I doubt if you could find a better mammal for a prospective mate. I, ummm heard you were looking for Wolfie and Fangs.”

Seeing the confusion on the doe’s face, he clarifies “That would be Wolford and Fangmeyer.”

“Oh, I see … yeah I can see why you’d give them those nicknames. Yes, I wanted to thank them for meeting me at Nick’s place when I arrived in town yesterday, they were very helpful. Do you have any idea where they might be?”

Wearing a bit of an evil grin, McHorn imparts a well-known secret to the doe “Unless I miss my guess, they’re probably in the janitor’s closet making out … again!!”

Stunned, Judy can only stare open mouthed at the megafauna. “W-what? But … why …? Never mind … umm-”

“Wanna have a bit of fun at their expense? It’s something that Nick wouldn’t hesitate at for a split second!” he suggests.

“Like what … exactly?” asks the now curious doe.

As Judy is led to the closet, she can pick up some rustling sounds with her radar dish like ears.

“Are they … you know?”

“More than likely, yup.” McHorn answers, grinning from ear to ear.

“So …?”

“Just bang on the door real hard and in a loud voice yell ‘Vice raid!’ and wait for the fun to begin!”

Taking a moment to thing it over, Judy has to admit that this is something that Nick would probably do, so-

Standing next to the door, Judy pounds on the door three times and yells ‘Vice Raid!’ like she was told and hurriedly steps back away from the door, just in case it would swing open forcefully.

More rustling ensued, along with a crash and some curses that Judy had never heard, and two disheveled mammals stumble out of the closet.

With the entire squad room in an uproar, two panicked mammals look for the culprit, and immediately focus on the smallest mammal in the room – Judy.

“Judy, really?” accuses Fangmeyer.

“You two really need to get a room … well a different one than the one that you were just using!” Judy tells them. “Look, I’m sorry, but it was just too good to pass up!”

When the feline suddenly advances on the much smaller mammal, Judy couldn’t help but worry … until Liz picks her up and gives her a sisterly hug.

“It’s ok Judy, really. I guess that we as a couple are the worst kept secret in the precinct.”

“I’ll be heading back home in a few minutes. I really stopped by to tell the both of you thanks for helping me yesterday before I left.”

“We were glad to help.” admits Mike. “Any friend of Nick’s is a friend of ours … or whatever…”

“Mike …” begins Liz “shut it!”

“Yes ma’am!” comes the slightly teasing reply.

…

Waving good-bye to the entire squad room, Judy makes her way to the front lobby, where she suddenly remembers that she’ll need to go past the chubby cheetah on her way out.

As she enters the lobby, she makes eye contact with Clawhauser. Putting on a ‘Don’t try me’ face and pointing 2 fingers first at her eyes and then at Clawhauser, Judy walks (seemingly) calmly to the front doors.

Once out of the precinct, Judy enters the GTO and starts the classic and lets it warm up for her trip home.

Taking note of the fuel gauge, Judy stops at a service station ‘why do they call them that when no real services are provided?’ she wonders as she tops of the tank with premium fuel.

With the radio set on an oldies station playing songs that she heard her parent(s?) listening to when she was just a kit, Judy concentrates on driving, not wanting to have yet another incident on the highway.

…

Pulling into the parking lot at Tri-Burrows Memorial, Judy hurriedly turns off the car, locks it and literally runs into the building and up the stairs (the elevator was going to be way too slow for her liking) into Nick’s room, where she finds her mother, Darci and Debra in conference with Nick.

“What’s going on here?” she asks, slightly out of breath, and a bit perturbed to find that Nick was not alone like she was hoping/planning.

“Well” begins Bonnie “it seems like Nicholas here received a phone call from his boss in Zootopia, and was informed that you two kind of needed to be married so his insurance would continue to cover you. We were waiting for you to show up so we could finish last minute plans for your wedding!”

“What???”

~0~

Chapter Text

Pulling into the parking lot of Tri-Burrows Memorial, Judy hurriedly turns off the car, locks it and literally runs into the building and up the stairs (the elevator was going to be way too slow for her liking) into Nick’s room, where she finds her mother, Darci and Debra in conference with Nick.

“What’s going on here?” she asks, slightly out of breath, and a bit perturbed to find that Nick was not alone like she was hoping/planning.

“Well” begins Bonnie “it seems like Nicholas here received a phone call from his boss in Zootopia, and was informed that you two kind of needed to be married so his insurance would continue to cover you. We were waiting for you to show up so we could finish last minute plans for your wedding!”

“What???”
…

Quickly looking back and forth between her mother and sisters, Judy’s eyes fall on her todd, who simply holds out his paws in a ‘I had nothing to do with this!’ gesture.

“Again, what-” Judy begins again but is interrupted by Debra.

“Judes, just stop for a second, okay?” begins her sister “Darci and I were here scheduling an appointment in physical therapy for Nick to be evaluated to see how much work he’d need before he could be released from the hospital.”

“Nick got the phone call from his boss, told him he’d talk to you about it, and hung up.” adds Darcy.

“Then Darci kinda got otta control and phoned mom-” interrupts Deb-

“It was your idea!” shoots back Darci.

“I only said that mom would probably like to know-”

“Enough, both of you!” commands Bonnie after tolerating the argument for long enough.

“It doesn’t matter who said or did what, the point is that Nicholas’s boss has indicated that you two really to be legally wed for you to continue to be carried on his insurance. I take the blame for attempting to set up a wedding with minimal goings on.” the matronly doe finishes addressing Judy.

“For y’all’s information,” Judy tells the assembled crowd with a bit of attitude, Nick included, “Chief Bogo told me the same thing when I talked to him earlier this morning. I was all set to talk with Nick about getting married when I got here, but it now seems a bit unnecessary on my part. You all know how I hate getting pushed into things like this …!”

A single soft word “Judy …!” from Nick, halts Judy’s oncoming tirade in its tracks.

When the todd holds out his arms, the doe doesn’t hesitate for a second, she immediately launches herself into his arms.

Holding on to Nick with a virtual death grip, Judy can’t stop apologizing “I’m sorry … so sorry, I’m so sorry, please Nick-” continues the muffled apologies.

Wanting to give the couple some privacy, Bonnie and Judy’s sisters begin to back slowly out of the room, but are stopped when Nick gently shakes his head ‘No’ as he gently strokes Judy’s laid-back ears.

Several tense minutes later, Judy finally comes up for air, tear-stained fur and all.

Holding his love just far enough away that they can look eye-to-eye, Nick tells her “Fluff … Judy … everything’s gonna be all right. I know it may not seem like it right now, but it will.”

“Bu-but, I’m such a mess, and you’re so … calm! I don’t see how you can be so calm right now!”

“Is that what you think? That I’m calm? That I’m not torn up from missing you? Really?”

“……”

“Growing up in Happy Town as a kit, I had to hide my feelings all the time. Never let them see that they get to you was a mantra that we all had to wear. Same thing when I was hustling, a mammal can’t smile or show any sort of emotion, it would be too easy to lose a mark. Showing emotions in the military would get you or someone else killed in a heartbeat. It’s not that I don’t have feelings, it’s just that I’ve had to learn to either suppress them or at least control them. Like I said, emotions can cause you to make bad decisions and in the military, bad decisions will get you killed quick.
“Judy, I missed you terribly, but I knew that you’d be back and so I tempered my anxiety with that knowledge. Yeah, when your mom and sisters overheard my conversation with ol’ Buffalo Butt they got a bit carried away, but they meant well, you surely know that!” as the todd gently wipes tears from Judy’s cheeks with his thumbs.

“Yea-yeah, I guess …” and she suddenly is aware that the other 3 does are still in the room.

Turning, Judy manages an apology to them “Mom … Deb … Darc … I-I’m sorry I went off like I did, it’s just-” and suddenly the younger doe is smothered by her family in a huge group hug.

“It’s okay Bun-Bun,” Bonnie tells her daughter “we get it. We … I … took a lot for granted that I shouldn’t have, knowing you like I do. We were all concerned when we learned how quickly it seemed like you’d need to be wed to maintain Nicholas’s insurance on you and the kits, we just kinda wanted to help speed things up a bit. We’re sorry we did so without talking to you first!” with Deb and Darci nodding their heads in agreement.

“Plus, there’s something that Bogo didn’t mention, most likely because he didn’t consider it …” Nick tells the does.

“And that would be … what Nicholas?” asks Bonnie.

“The fact that according to Animalian law, in order for me to legally be able to adopt the kits, Judy and I would need to be married before I would even be considered worthy of adopting them! And that’s after I somehow manage to get Savage to sign the form surrendering his parental rights!”

“My stars, I hadn’t even thought about that!” exclaims the elder doe, with Judy, Deb and Darci simply staring at Nick, open mouthed in shock.

After finally getting over her temporary shock, Judy turns and snuggles against her todd, and addresses the group “Okay … so, what’s the plan?”

“Well,” begins Bonnie “Theresa and Dianne (Trixie and Derpy) have gone to pick up a few things, food mainly - just a few snacks really. I need to go back to the warren to pick up a couple of items …”

“I … managed to talk to Reverend Black,” pipes up Debra “and found out that he’s still in the hospital for whatever reason.”

“Wait a second!” interrupts Nick “Black? Is this Reverend Black a skunk by any chance? I remember Lola mentioning a skunk doe with the last name of Black in one of her initial interviews …”

“Yeah, that’d probably be Megan or Megs as some of us call her,” offers Darci “she works at the Burrow … a bar in town, so it kinda figures. She’s the Reverend’s daughter by the way.”

“So … what else?” asks Judy.

“Well, Darci and I are going to give Nick a preliminary assessment on his mobility and physical well-being today, probably as soon as mom leaves to get whatever she plans on getting from the warren.” Debra informs her sister.

“And just why would you need to do that?” asks the now confused doe.

As a knowing grin comes over her older sisters face, Judy was not prepared for the answer “Because you and Nick are not going to be using a hospital room for your honeymoon suite, however brief it may be. I will not subject the hospital cleaning staff to the goings on and pheromone laced smells that they would have to endure if you stay here. You and Nick can do what married mammals do on their wedding night in your motel room. That’s what their staff gets paid to clean.”

Open mouthed in shock, Judy can only turn beet red at Debra’s unfiltered reference to marital activities during honeymoons.

A slightly amused Nick manages to steer clear of the conversation up to this point but “Fluff … are you okay?” he asks as he notices Judy’s minor predicament.

“I-I-I-ummm …” stammers the poor doe.

“With that, I’ll make my exit and return to the warren to pick up a few things.” briefly interrupts Bonnie as she heads for the door.

“And now … let’s get down to business!” firmly declares Darci. “Nick, you need to go to the bathroom before we begin!”

Catching the hidden meaning behind the seemingly innocent comment, Nick tells the doe “Umm, yeah, that’d probably be a good idea.”

As the todd stands a bit unsteadily, Judy moves to help. “It’s okay Fluff, I really need to do this by myself.” he tells her gently.

“You’re sure?” she asks a bit concernedly.

Giving his betrothed a quick smile and nod of his head, Nick begins his unassisted journey to the bathroom, his gait improving with each step.

“Judy, listen,” begins Darci “Nick needs to prove to both Deb and I that he can move about on his own, without any assistance. If he can’t, there’s no way I can certify that he can leave the hospital, even for one night. He has to satisfy both Deb and myself that he’s okay to leave. This is going to be a temporary preliminary evaluation, with the full-blown evaluation taking place on Monday.”

As the bathroom door opens and Nick emerges, Debra tells him “Nick please walk to the bed with your best stride, and please don’t brave up and mask any discomfort or pain. Darci and I need to evaluate you on an honest level. Do you understand?”

“Yeah Doc Deb, I get it. That said, you do need to understand that even my normal walking has a bit of a hitch to it. Prior injuries and all …” he tells her.

“We ... we’ll take that into consideration, I promise.” comes the honest reply.

As Nick walks slowly back to his bed, Darci has him then walk backwards to the bathroom, and return to his bed walking backwards again.

After having Nick sit on the bed, Deb checks his vital signs as usual.

“Any dizziness or nausea, headaches or muscle weakness? she asks.

“Nope, none of the above!”

“Okay then, give us a few minutes to talk things over and we’ll give you our decision.” Debra tells them.

As Deb and Darci confer in the hallway, Nick and Judy (mainly Judy) wait nervously.

…

Several minutes later, the door opens and Deb and Darci reenter the room, followed by Trixie and Derpy, with the latter pair being loaded down with various bags and boxes.

“You guys must really rate!” exclaims Trixie as she sets her load down on a spare table “Gideon actually donated all of this!”

“Yeah,” adds Derpy after setting down her packages “what’s up with that anyways?”

“I guess Gid’s still feeling a bit guilty over our little dust up from back when we were kits.” Judy admits somewhat ashamedly.

Seeing the questioning looks that the vixen and mare are giving her sister, Deb intervenes “Story for another time, okay? We’ve got more important things to address right now!”

Turning her attention to Nick, Deb tells the todd “Nick, after talking things over, Darci and I are willing to give you a limited pass, good for tonight only, but it comes with a restriction. You need to be back here and ambulatory by no later than five o’clock tomorrow afternoon or we’ll keep you here for at least 3 months, regardless of your condition, is that clear?”

“Crystal!” answers Nick, with Judy nodding her understanding as well. “However, I’d like to make a small request.”

“And that would be … what?” asks Deb.

“Judy has to report to the academy by 7 pm tomorrow night. If I make your time line and am in good enough shape, I’d like to be able to accompany her in separate vehicles to see her off at the academy fursonally. I promise to be back here by not later than 8 pm.”

After a moment’s thought, both Deb and Darci agree to his terms.

While Trixie and Derpy continue to set the food down in various unused spaces around the room (not a lot of room in a single patient room usually reserved for bunnies) Bonnie makes her appearance with another small doe in tow.

“Cotton?” exclaims Judy as she sees the tiny off-white furred doe “What are you doing here?”

As the tiny doe leaps into Judy’s arms, Bonnie tells her “Well, she was missing you, and when she heard that you were getting married she kept pestering me until I had no choice but to bring her along. I thought that maybe you could use her as a ringbearer?” she adds hopefully.

“That’d be nice, but … we seem to be a bit short on rings as it were.” responds Nick glumly.

“Why Nicholas,” says Bonnnie “I thought that maybe you two could use these!”

As the elder doe produces and opens a black velvet covered box, Judy can only gasp “MOM! Those … those are-”

“Your Gramma and Grampa Thumper’s rings? Yes, yes they are.”

“But-”

“When mom passed, she told me to give these to whoever I thought might best deserve them. I honestly can’t think of anyone more deserving than you two.”

“Umm one small point …!” begins Nick.

Pulling a silver chain out of a pocket, Bonnie interrupts the todd “All taken care of Nicholas..”

“Judy,” interrupts the tiny bunny “momma said that you was getting’ married, but I don’ see nobunny here, just a fox!”

“Well …” begins the doe-

“Wait!” suddenly clowns Nick “Just wait! I’m a fox? Why did no one tell me?”

Looking at Judy he continues “And I suppose that you’re secretly a vixen? OOOOFFFF!”

After (not so) gently elbowing her soon to be mate, Judy shoots him her best evil eye.

Turning to the smaller doe, Judy attempts to explain.

“Cotton, mom has always told us that the heart wants what the heart wants, right?”

As the small doe gently nods her head Judy continues.

“Well, my heart wants Nick. I love him and he loves me, so that’s why he and I are getting married.”

“But … pappa says that you is gonna have kits. I din’t know a fox and a bunny could have kits!” the now fully confused kit tells her sister.

“It’s … complicated, but you’ll understand when-”

“When I’s older … yeah … I’s heard that before …” comes the reply, laced with attitude.

As everyone tries (mostly unsuccessfully) to hide grins, another duo enters the room.

“Have I missed something?” asks a skunk buck in a ministers frock.

“Nothing important Reverend,” Bonnie says behind a veiled grin “just some kit curiosity.

“I see …” comes the guarded reply.

“Hey y’all, do ya mind if I join in?” asks a black and white doe.

“Hey Meg, of course not, how goes it?” Judy tells her.

“I’m good. I had to come when I heard that you were gettin’ married Judes.”

“Well, you are most certainly welcome.” Judy tells her old friend and she moves to give the larger doe a big hug.

“Not to be a stick-in-the-mud, but I do have other places to be…” comments the Cleric.

“Of course, Reverend, of course!” apologizes Bonnie.

“And the betrothed are …..? comes the open-ended question.

“Judith Hopps and Nicholas Wilde.” supplies Bonnie as she points to the pair.

“I see ...” is his noncommittal reply.

“Is there a problem?” asks Nick.

“No, not at all, just a bit unexpected.”

“All right then, let’s get to it.” interrupts Bonnie, eager to avoid any sort of confrontation.

“Nicholas and Judith, please stand together.”

As the couple takes their place in the rather smallish room, the preacher continues.

“Who gives this doe to wed?”

“I, Byonica Hopps, mother of the bride, give Judith to wed.”

Pausing for only a few seconds, and having heard rumors of the split between Judy and her father, Reverend Black continues.

“We gather here today to join Judith Hopps and Nicholas Wilde in the bonds of holy matrimony. Do you have vows prepared?”

“Ummm …” begins a taken off-guard Nick as he looks at Judy “Not really, but as long as we can speak what’s in our hearts, I guess we can have a go at it!”

When he gets a slight nod from the preacher, Nick begins.

“Judy, Karma can be a strange mistress. I was basically on a path of self-destruction when we met. You know enough of my past to know that there was nothing at that time to hold back the demons that had been pursuing me for years. I had set out on a path from which there seemed to be no return. The accident that brought us together saved my life. I was at once smitten by your beauty and empathy. I could identify with the situation that you were in. I now had had something … someone to live for. I vow on my life to honor and cherish you in this life and the next.”

Not bothering to hold back the tears that were filling her eyes, Judy tells her soon to be mate “Nick, I agree that Karma can indeed be a strange master. I was at the lowest point in my life. The dream that I had worked most of my life towards was totally shattered, with no plans for the future. Standing up for you against Stu made matters even worse. No home, no job, no money and kits on the way left me with no hope. Your act of kindness at first left me with suspicions, but I soon realized that you did so from your heart. I went from feeling totally destitute and unloved to knowing that I now had a future for myself and my … our kits. I vow on my life to cherish and honor you in this life and the next.”

After hearing the heart-felt vows, the Reverend realized that a lot of the rumors he had heard (and for the most part discounted) were true.

Gathering himself, Reverend Black continues “With the vows complete, does anyone here have any good reason why these two mammals should not be wed? If not, you may exchange the rings.”

Prompted by Bonnie, Cotton presents the rings to Nick and Judy.

As Nick slides the ring on Judy’s finger, re Recites “With this ring, I thee wed. to have and hold, in sickness and health, ‘till death do us part!”

As Judy places the ring and chain around Nick’s neck, she recites the same pledge “With this ring, I thee wed. to have and hold, in sickness and health, ‘till death do us part!”

“I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may …” and he is cut off and the new couple share a very intimate kiss.

“I’ll be sure to drop off the marriage certificate at the clerk’s office first thing on Monday morning.”

…

As Reverend Black and Megan prepare to leave, Megan paws Judy a small box wrapped in shiny gold foil and tied with a purple bow.

Seeing the unasked question in Judy’s eyes, the larger doe tells her friend “This is for you for him. You’ll understand when you open it later.” and ends the statement with a wink.

“Nicholas,” begins Bonnie “take good care of my daughter please. I know that you’re a good mammal, and that Judy can be a bit … impulsive at times.”

“I promise to do the best I can.” is the honest answer.

“Judy …” starts a tearful Bonnie.

“I know mom, I know ….” A tearful Judy tells her mother as the two hug tightly.

“Okay you two, pack it up and get otta here!” Debra tells the newlyweds. “Take the food with you, I think you’re probably gonna need it! Nick, you can just wear the scrubs, but make sure you drop them in the laundry when you get back, and make sure you get back by 5 tomorrow. Either Trixie or Derpy will be here to log you in and back out. And … don’t do anything I wouldn’t do …”

As the two exit (with Judy blushing furiously) followed closely by Trixie and Derpy (Nick needing to be in a wheelchair to the front door) the remaining does stand for a moment and look at each other.

“Well, I don’t know how things could’ve turned out and better, considering the circumstances!” declares Bonnie.

“At least dad didn’t show up to ruin everything.” observes Darci.

“Oh, I had Reggie create a disturbance between several of the older kits that would require your father’s attention, just in case he had gotten wind of what we were going to do today!” Bonnie tells her daughter with a bit of a malicious glint in her eyes.

“MOM! You didn’t!” exclaims Deb.

“Yup, sure did, and proud of it! You wouldn’t believe the amount of support that those two have in the warren.”

“Well good, glad to hear it.” admits Darci.

“Momma, can we go now?” asks Cotton. “I’s hungry and you promised ice cream if I did good.”

“Of course dear.” replies Bonnie as she leads the tiny doe out the door, with Darci and Debra looking on in amusement.

…

After saying their goodbyes to the ever-helpful vixen and mare, Nick and Judy head to the cars, trying to figure out which one to take.

Finally agreeing to take the GTO since it had more room for the food, the pair set off to Judy’s (and now Nick’s) motel room.

Parking in front of the room, Judy went to tell the clerk at the front desk that there would be another occupant in the room and another car in the parking lot, she got back to the car with Nick waiting outside the door.

Seeing the questioning look on her face, Nick simply smiled “I need to carry you across the threshold don’t I?”

“I-I guess so?” was all she could think of to say.

Entering the room, which was slightly in disarray, Judy hastily apologizes “I-I wasn’t expecting-”

Stopping her apology with a passionate kiss, Nick tells her “It’s okay sweetheart, I understand. I really do. it caught me off-guard too.”

After a brief pause “So……?” begins Judy.

“Look, “says Nick “if you’re uncomfortable with this-”

“NO! I mean … no. it’s just … except for my brothers when we were all younger, I’ve never really been around a naked male before. And even when I peeked and say your … your …”

“Maleness?” asks Nick gently.

“Yeah, that. And since I really still don’t remember what happened with that asshole buck that night-”

“We can take this as slow as you’re comfortable with.” Says Nick “Why don’t I go ahead and take a good shower, then you can take one and we can sort of ease into whatever you’re okay with, okay?”
“That … sounds good.” As Judy plants a small kiss on Nick’s cheek.

…

Sitting nervously on the edge of the bed, Judy ponders opening the small present that Megs gave her at the hospital but eventually decides against it, waiting to open it when she takes her shower, or bath, whichever.

Sometime later when Nick exits the bathroom fur all brushed out and his coat shining in the now dim light, Judy gives him a quick hug and enters the bathroom, closing and locking, the unlocking the door.

“What’s the point of even locking it, especially after …” she thinks to herself.

Finally deciding to take a quick bath, then a quick shower, Judy’s curiosity is piked as she stands under the fur drier. As she begins to brush out her short fur, she finally decides to open the present that her lifelong friend had given her.

To her immense embarrassment, the small package contains what was meant to be a sort of baby-doll set. The top was so see-through tha it would leave absolutely nothing to the imagination, and the panties were of course crotchless.

With her cheeks and ears threatening to burst into flames, Judy takes several deep breaths to settle her emotions. She remembers her sisters talking about such things when she was younger, talking about how much it would mean to their bucks, how much it would turn them on and be that much better in bed.

Finally getting the nerve to at least try the set on, she had to admit it actually accentuated her figure, even as small as her breasts were … and as narrow as her hips were. Now she was sad that she had always been so fit and trim, lacking the soft and gentle curves that her mother and all of her sisters had.

Deciding to leave the outfit on, Judy exits the bathroom and immediately sees the stunned expression on Nick’s face.

“I-I’m sorry Nick-” she begins.

“Sorry about what?” he asks “You’re beautiful! You’re perfect!”

“But … my breasts are so small and my hips-”

“You are absolutely the most beautiful creature I’ve ever seen in my life!” counters Nick “you are who you are and I couldn’t happier or more proud of you.” as the todd holds out his arms to his wife.
Quickly falling into his arms Judy has to ask “You’re sure?”

“There’s nothing that I’d change, even if I could.” he answers, nuzzling her.

“So ….” as the doe pulls away far enough to be able to look directly into his beautiful emerald eyes.

“Yeah …” as Nick pulls his new bride into a very passionate and heated kiss.

~0~

Chapter Text

~0~
Sunday evening at 4:55pm, a very worn-out fox todd and bunny doe couple appears in front of the third-floor head nurses' desk at Tri-Burrow Memorial.

“Well, I see you two managed to make it on time … just barely.” smirks a certain red fox vixen.

“Under protest …” quietly replies the rabbit doe.

“It looks like Nick is in good enough shape to make it to the ZPA academy and back without too much trouble, so I guess you two can go ahead and make your way to academy. I was told to remind Nick that he still has to be back here by eight or else!” Trixie tells the pair.

“Yeah, yeah, we’ve got it, okay?” replies Judy a bit surly.

“Fluff, it’s okay, she’s just reminding us, you know that. Darci and Deba are the ones who set the time, and they didn’t even need to do that.”

“I know, it’s just …”

“We’ve still got several hours to be together, sort of, but we really need to get moving so you’re not late reporting in at the academy.”

*HEAVY SIGH* I guess …”

With that, the couple heads back down and prepare to head down the road.

Managing a slightly tearful hug and kiss, Nick and Judy each get into a separate car. With Nick in the GTO and Judy in little ‘Cuda, Judy hears her phone ring.

“Nick?”

“Yeah, I thought we could maybe talk a little while we drive, especially since both cars have paws-free connections for our phones. It won’t be quite so boring, and it might help take your mind off of being apart. You know how bad of a driver you are …”

“Hush you,” Judy tells him with a slight chuckle “it was just that once.”

“Still, better safe than sorry. do you want to lead, or do you want me to?”

“Well, I guess you probably know where it is, but don’t get too far ahead, ok?

“No worries. I’ll make sure to keep an eye on the rear-view.”

…
As the couple make their way down the highway, the small talk eventually leads to “Do you have any ideas on naming the kits?” asks Nick.

“I’ve been running a few through my head, but nothing solid yet. When I get farther along I’ll run them by you and see what you think, okay?”

“Sounds like a plan. Okay, we need to turn right at the next intersection, then it’s only a couple of miles to the academy.”

…

Pulling to a stop in the designated parking lot reserved for visitors, Nick tells Judy “As you can see, the main gate is just ahead. I’ll ride with you to the gate and then to the recruit parking spots.”

“Okay …”

Stopping at the gate, the large Black bear guard asks for credentials and addresses the pair. “Miss Hop-excuse me, Mrs. Wilde. I see you haven’t had time to get your license or ID changed yet. I think that Major Friedkin should be able to handle that in a day or so. Nick, err Detective Wilde, good to see you again. I didn’t see your name on the assignment sheet, will you be instructing this intake?”

“Hello Smokey. Nope, not this time, and by the way, by the time my beautiful wife graduates, it’ll just be Deputy Wilde. I’m transferring to the Tri-Burrows sheriff’s department.”

“I was wondering about that! Glad to see someone finally managed to reign you in, no offense.”

“None taken. Well, we’d better get moving, wouldn’t want Ursela to get her fur in a fluff.”

After parking in the spot dedicated for new recruits, Nick and Judy make their way to the administrative office.

With the antelope doe receptionist giving the pair a bit of a side-eye, major Friedkin makes her appearance.

“Red, good to see ya. And I see you’ve brought me some fresh meat!” as the overly large polar bear gives Judy a bit of a malicious grin.

“Good to see you again as well major. Ursula, may I present my darling wife Judy, Judy, Major Friedkin. The good major here is the chief instructor of this charming facility.”

“M-major …” stammers an unsure Judy.

“Mrs. Wilde.” turning to Nick the major continues “I can assure you that I will treat Mrs. Wilde here like any other cadet under my purview Wilde.” she begins “No special privileges nor will I be any harsher towards her than any of the others simply because she’s you wife.”

“As I would expect.” responds Nick.

Kneeling to take his new bride into a highly emotional hug, Nick quietly tells her “There won’t be any phone privileges for the first few days, but I’ll text and leave voice mails whenever I do anything, just to keep you up to speed. If anything were to happen, the academy has systems in place to inform you, but I promise not to have to have them use them okay?”

A small nod on Judy’s part indicates that she understands.

Giving his doe a light kiss between her ears, Nick stands.

“First thing tomorrow I have to convince your sisters to release me from their care. Then I need to go to the Tri-Burrow sheriff’s office and give Justice a tentative start date for myself and for you, knowing that you’re going to do well here. then on to Zootopia and turn in my equipment and say my final goodbyes.

“And after that?” asks Judy.

“After that, It’s off to wrap up my last case. And I think I can make sure that I keep my promise to you in that regards.” referring to a promise made to both Judy and Lola that he wouldn’t terminate Savage unless absolutely necessary.

“Just … be careful and be sure that you come back to me, regardless … okay?” Judy pleads.

“I promise. See you soon Fluff. Love you.”

“Love you too, dumb fox!”

…

As another staff member shows Judy to her barracks, Friedkin and Nick talk.

“So … you finally got hustled Wilde?”

“What can I say Ursula, she stole my heart.”

“Well, all I can say is that it’s about time. You needed someone like her in your life.”

“Yeah, I know, but there was never anyone like her before.”

“This last case of yours … I’m guessing it has something to do with the fact that she’s pregnant?”

“First, your nose is too blamed good. Second, yeah it does. Lola and I had been working a serial rapist case off and on for a long time. When I found out about Judy’s predicament, it just sorta clicked that she and other victims might have something in common. So I asked Adrian if he’d assign Lola to do a bit of investigating and sure enough, she found a link.

“She managed to track down the main subject, a disgraced former ZIA agent code named Jack Savage. This Savage character is a hare buck that seemed to think that he was the gods gift to all does by date raping them and getting as many of them pregnant as he could.

“Long story short, Lola found this jerk, and even though she couldn’t persuade him to sign papers giving up parental rights to Judy’s kits, she first name dropped me, then left him with a little going away present.” he adds with a snicker.

Seeing the deadpan expression on the major’s face, he finishes “She popped him with a dose of her cocktail of hormone suppressants and birth control in an implant. Suffice it to say that he won’t be raping anyone for the next 5 or 6 months.”

At first stunned, the major suddenly breaks into a huge grin. “That devilish doe. You did a wonderous job corrupting her. Congrats Nick, she needed that dose of Wilde cunning to make a great detective.”

“Well, she’ll be needing it, I tapped her to be my replacement as leader of the detective squad.”

“I’d love to stand here jackjaw with you all night, but I’ve got a large batch of cadets to get rounded up. Take care and good hunting Wilde!”

…

After the two fist bump, Nick makes his way to the GTO.

Starting the machine and listening to the throaty sound of the unmuffled engine as it warms up, Nick reflects on his promise to the two does. He decides that there’s only one way that he knows of that he can keep that promise and makes a series of calls on his drive back to the hospital.

Arriving back at the hospital in a much better frame of mind, Nick waves at both Trixie and Derpy, who for some reason, both occupy the nurses station.

“You look none the worse for wear!” smirks Trixie.

“I’ll have you know that I held up my end of the affair rather well …” Nick smirks back.

“Ummm …” begins a slightly confused mare.

“It’s just honeymoon night stuff Derp, just let it go, okay?” hints the vixen, with a certain mare suddenly becoming embarrassed.

“I’ll just grab a fresh set of scrubs and head to bed – alone. See you tomorrow.”

…

Bright and early on Monday morning, Nick awakes to the rustle of someone in his room.

“So, how is the freshly married mammal today?” smirks Debra.

“Looks kinda worn out to me!” enjoins Darci wearing a similar smirk.

“You’re here a little earlier than I expected.” The still tired todd sleepily tells the two does.

“Yeah, well we figured you might be in a bit of a hurry to get otta here.” Darci tells him

“Not that I don’t enjoy your company, but I do have plans.” Nick informs them.

“Anything you’d care to share?” asks Deb.

“I think that plausible deniability comes into play here.” Nick informs them “It’s probably best that you not know everything. I do however, need to stop at the Tri-Burrow sheriff’s office before I head to Zootopia to turn in my official notice. After that …”

“I think we get the picture. Anyways, as soon as we get someone in here to give you a push, we’ll go down to physical therapy to give you a proper evaluation. If we decide you’re good to go, we can release you as early as lunchtime.” Deb tells Nick.

“Sounds like a plan.” agrees Nick, just as an elderly lioness attendant enters the room with a wheelchair.

…

Roughly and hour and a half later, a physically drained todd sits impatiently waiting while two bunny does, who happen to be his sisters-in-law confer.

“We really thought you’d have better stamina than what you showed here today!” comments Debra with a very solemn look on her muzzle.

“Well,” begins Nick, “in my defense, it’s not my fault that I’ve been stuck in this bed for so long, not to mention the fact that your sister tried to-”

“We get the picture Nick.” interrupts Darci. “Besides, Deb is just messing with you. considering how recent your injuries were, and the fact that you’re fresh off your honeymoon, you’ve surpassed our expectations by far.”

“That’s right.” adds Deb “All you need to do is check out at the main desk and you’re free to go do whatever you need to do. just take it reasonably easy for the next couple pf days and you’ll be fine. I’d prescribe some pain killers for you but I know you wouldn’t take them anyway. I would, however, like to have you take a few days’ worth of antibiotics, just for safety’s sake.”

“I guess I can deal with the antibiotics.” admits Nick.

“And … it would be nice if you’d stop and pay Gideon Gray a friendly visit.” suggests Darci. “Yes he and Judy had a tiff when they were in grade school, but they’ve been friends since he got out of juvie. Plus, he did donate that food for your wedding.”

“I guess that would be a good idea.” again admits Nick “If for no other reason to show him that there is no malice on my part for past goings-on.”

“That’s the spirit!” says Debra “Now, get dressed and get out of my hospital, malingerer!”

Blowing a raspberry at his sister-in-law, Nick smiles and makes good on her suggestion.

Several minutes later, the same lioness attendant knocks gently on the door to make her presence known, and Nick is wheeled down to the main lobby where he is out-processed.

…

Walking to his car, Nick decides to follow up on Darci’s suggestion, Nick first returns to the motel room to change clothes, then makes his way to Bunnyburrow, and asks directions to Gideon’s café.

Entering the quaint establishment, Nick is amused at the tiny bell tinkling above the door.

When a black wooled ewe enters from the kitchen area, Nick has to smile ‘Judy really does have a rather dyslexic taste in friends.’ he thinks to himself.

“May I help you?” the ewe asks him.

“Yes, I’d like to have a word with the owner if I may …” says Nick.

“And you are?”

Please tell Gideon, that’s his name I believe, that Nick Wilde would like to have a moment or two of his time.”

“You – you’re Judy’s todd!” responds a wide-eyed Sharla with a note of worry in her voice.

“Yes, I’m Judy’s husband. I am not here to cause trouble, I would simply like to thank Gideon, and you, for helping Judy in her time of need.”

“I-I’ll be right back …” as the ewe makes her way to the kitchen.

After a few minutes, the portly Gideon makes his appearance, with Sharla following close behind.

“Ah-ahm Gideon Gray …”

Extending his paw, Nick introduces himself “I’m Nick Wilde. As you already know, Judy and I are married. I wanted to stop by and fursonally thank you and your wife for being true friends, and helping Judy when she really needed friends. Just so you know, I know about your past history and want to assure you that I’m a firm believer in second chances. If there’s ever anything that you may need in the future, please give me a call. While the job description on the card isn’t right, the phone number will remain the same.” as Nick paws Gideon one of his business cards.

As a stunned Gideon looks between Nick and his card, his relief is evident.

“Ah – ah certainly is glad ta meet ya mister Wilde. Me an’ Judy has had ar dif’rences in the past, but we’s good now. Y’all stop by anytime.”

“I’d really like to stay and chat, but I need to stop by the sheriff’s office while sheriff Justice is still on duty, since I’m going to be one of his deputies, as will Judy when she graduates from the academy.”

“Jude’s still going to the academy?” asks Sharla.

“Yes, she’s taking a shortened course that’s tailored towards smaller communities and jurisdictions such as Bunnyburrow and the Tri-Burrow area.” Nick informs the ewe.

“And when the kits come?” asks Sharla.

“Yet to be decided.” admits the todd “We have plenty of time to discuss what she wants to do before they arrive. And before you ask, yes I’m aware of her situation.”

“But ya married her anyways!” says Gideon, slightly in awe. “Yew seems lak a reel good mammal Mr. Wilde.”

“Please, call me Nick. Mr. Wilde was my father.”

“Nick then, and you kin call me Gideon, or just Gid if’n you’ve a mind ta.”

“And you may call me Sharla, Nick.” adds Sharla.

“As was stated earlier, I really need to be going, but I promise that I’ll be back. Again, my thanks for helping Judy …”

…

After departing the café, Nick sits quietly in his car for a few moments before firing it up and heading to the central sheriff’s office for a short meeting with sheriff Justice.

Entering the office, Nick observes a young, well-groomed but slightly … off looking rabbit buck.

“Kin I hep ya?” he asks.

“Yes, I’m Nick Wilde. I would like a few minutes of Sheriff Justice’s time if he’s in.”

“Daddy!” yells the buck “Thur’s a fox here an he wants ta talk to ya!”

Stepping out of his office, sheriff Justice, a rather out of shape older buck tells his (obviously) son “Junior, how many times do I got’s ta tell you ta use the intercom and ta not call me daddy?”

“Sorry daddy!” as the younger buck sits back down at his desk, seemingly oblivious to the chewing out that he’d just received.

“My apologies mister Wilde, sometimes I think his momma dropped him on his head a time or two.”

“It’s all good sheriff. I simply stopped by to firm up a few things. Firstly I need to be sure that both Judy and I will both be employed by the Tri-Burrow department, and that our assignment will be what was agreed upon previously. Both Judy and I will be assigned to a satellite station in the borough of Aurora if memory serves.”

“Yes sir mister Wilde, those are correct statements.”

“At the current time, I have a few things that need to be taken care of, but I anticipate being able to report for duty in two weeks’ time. Is that agreeable to you? And if so, I would imagine that Judy will be available immediately after her graduation from the Academy.”

“Thet sounds about right.” responds the sheriff.

“Insofar as how long Judy will be able to work, I believe that will depend on when the kits arrive and how soon she feels comfortable returning to work. Is that all agreeable with you and the commissioners?”

“I’ve spoken to the commission and with only one negative vote, it is.”

“Let me guess, that vote would belong to Stuart Hopps.”

“That would be correct. That being said, the vote passed with a count of 12 for and one against. You and Judy are good ta go, especially since you received such a glowing recommendation from chief of the ZPD.”

“That’s extremely good to know, thank you for the information.” admits Nick.

“If it ain’t too much to ask, what are yer plans fer the next couple a weeks?” comes a concerned question from the buck.

“First I need to return to Zootopia to take care of some fursonal business concerning my late parent’s estate, then a formal resignation from the ZPD and equipment turn-in.”

“And then?” comes the actual question.

“To be perfectly honest with you sheriff, I need to track down a certain mammal and elicit a signed document from him. The document is the forfeiture of all parental rights to a certain doe’s as yet unborn kits.”

“Mister Wilde, I ain’t gonna beat around the bush here … how is you gonna manage that?”

“Sheriff, I won’t lie, I intend to obtain former agent Savage’s signature on that document by hook or by crook. While my methods will probably seem questionable to some, I give you my word that my methods will be more or less inside the law and that he will still be breathing when I’m finished with him and he will be relatively unharmed. Although he will most likely be needing a clean pair of underwear.”

After staring at the todd for several moments, the sheriff tells Nick “Aw’rite, I believe ya. I’ve always admired Judy’s spunk, way back ta when she was just a kit, wantin’ ta be a cop in the big city. I’m glad she finally hooked up with you, even if it wuz under bad circumstances.”

Offering his paw to the todd, the sheriff tells him “Good luck mister Wilde, I’m lookin’ forward ta havin’ yuh on the department.”

After shaking the sheriff’s paw, Nick heads back to the motel to get ready for his trip to Zootopia.

~0~

Chapter Text

After returning to the motel room, Nick takes mental stock of his plans for his return to the big city and beyond.

First, he’ll need to stop at home. Not a particularily pleasant thought, but definitely necessary.

Next he needs to check the mail and take care of his parent’s estate, and he has a few thoughts on how that might play out. Then he needs to gather up all of his ZPD equipment and return to the precinct to turn in that and whatever he has in his locker.

Then the formal resignation.

Then the goodbyes.

Opening the tracking app on his phone, Nick checks the whereabouts of a certain disgraced hare.

Noting that it seems to be in yet another college town, Nick jots down the location and looks it up on Zoogle. Seeing that it’s really only about 250 miles west of his current location, he makes tentative plans to update the mammals that he spoke to earlier.

With all of that out of the way, Nick texts Judy to inform her about how his evaluation went, his meeting with Gideon and Sharla, and his meeting with sheriff Justice.

He then called and left a voicemail telling his doe how much he loved her and that he’d call and text tomorrow after his meeting with Bogo.

After that, a still tired todd lays down and goes to sleep, dreaming of his new bride and whishing he was with her now.

…

Up before the sun the next morning, Nick dresses in his signature green Pawaiian shirt, red and green tie and tan slacks and puts the GTO through its paces, opening up the powerful machine for a short distance. When the speedometer hits 140, Nick slowly backs it down to the posted limit of 70, still marveling at the total piece of junk that he had purchased for a song, and the good times that he and his father had together restoring it.

‘It’s all about second chances!” he mused.

…

Finally rolling up to the gate across the driveway, Nick thumbs the remote and drives forward to stop in front of his garage. Dreading what was coming next, but keenly aware of the necessity, he uses that particular remote to open the garage and drive in.

After turning off the car, he closes the garage door and enters the now empty dwelling.

Looking around, Nick is amazed to find that it really doesn’t feel like home any more. Not like it used to at least.

Going through every room of the house, Nick carries item after item to the car and places them in the trunk.

Nick then rummages around in the garage for items that he knows will need to be returned to the ZPD and loads them into the trunk and back seat.

With that task done, Nick reluctantly moves to his parent’s home.

Slowly entering through the back door, Nick looks around, taking in the emptiness that he feels in his heart. ‘Gone.’ he thinks solemnly ‘Gone but never forgotten.’

Moving slowly and quietly through the only home he had ever truly known that now holds only memories and quietly wonders what he should do with the place. It would be too far to drive to very often. He didn’t want to try to move back. Besides, Judy and the kits deserved better.

He knew he’d never want to rent it, which left only one option, and he knew just the right mammals to sell it to. He’d talk to them about it when he got to the precinct.

Grabbing the mail, mostly junk mail which was immediately put in the trash, the rest he placed in a small plastic grocery bag. Moving to the living room. Nick tenderly took a few pictures (mainly his parents and a few of him and them) down from the walls and off of a coffee table and placed them carefully in a small box.

Returning to his car, Nick places the mail and the box of pictures on the floor of the car, started the GTO up and opened the garage door and the gate and left after closing both.

…

Pulling up to a parking spot that was still reserved for him, Nick greeted the day shift officers that had become close friends over the years.

Entering the main lobby, Nick was surprised that Ben was reserved enough to NOT emit the ear-splitting greeting that he was expecting. Obviously Lola’s threats were starting to have an effect on the chubby cheetah.

“Nick!” he exclaimed “it’s so good to see you again. Are you okay? I heard you have a girlfriend!”

“I’m fine Ben,” the todd tells him “and no, I don’t have a girlfriend (which gave the feline pause), I got married instead.”

“You what!” comes out a lot louder than anticipated from the totally stunned cat.

“Benjamin!” comes from the balcony, in Bogo’s deep commanding voice.

“Sorry sir, sorry …” Ben apologizes.

“Wilde – my office – now!” again comes the booming voice, alerting everyone in the building that Nick was back, and possibly in trouble … again.

After taking the elevator to the third floor, Nick taps on the chief’s office door and enters after hearing a gruff “Enter!”

Closing the door behind him Nick takes a seat in the usual spot.

Coming around his desk, Bogo sits on the edge of his desk and stares at the todd thoughtfully for several moments.

“So, you finally got married huh?” he asks gently (for him anyway).

“Yup. It was a bit sooner than unexpected, but I’m not complaining.”

“I take it you’re here to paw in your formal resignation and turn in your gear?”

“That’s the plan. I’ve already talked to Mammal Services, my insurance on myself and Judy is already transferred to the Tri Burrows sheriff’s department, and will automatically cover the kits when they’re born once I get Savage to sign the forfeiture of parental rights form.”

“And you plan to manage that … how?” as the bull quirks an eye.

“It’ll all be legal … more or less.” replies the todd with a shrug. “I have a few former associates that are on board to help me … convince Savage to sign. I’ve already had to promise both Lola and Judy that I won’t kill the little shit unless it was down to my life or his, and I also had to promise them that I wouldn’t goad him into that situation.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, really. It’s truly amazing how pitiful the IT security is at the ZIA …. or so I’m told.” Nick admits with a smug grin fully in place.

“Hmmmm. I was going to ask for a few details, but never mind. It’s probably best that I don’t know. Moving on, make sure you stop by the squad bay and give your regards to the team before you leave.”

“I was planning on doing just that after I turn in my gear.”

Standing on the chair so he was almost the same height as his boss, Nick puts out his paw “It’s been a pleasure and an honor working for you Adrian.”

“The honor is mine Nick. If you ever need anything, don’t be afraid to call, there are a lot of mammals here who’ll be glad to assist you or lend a helping paw.”

Hoping down from the chair, Nick makes his way out of Bogo’s office and out to his car, where there are plenty of helping paws to aid him in transferring his gear to the quartermaster’s area for turn in.

After answering a ton of questions put forth by concerned officers, Nick assures them that he’s indeed leaving, but on very good terms both with the department in general and other officers specifically.

Finally making his way to the detectives squad bay, the todd is greeted with a thunderous ovation.

With almost all of the detectives offering congratulations and best wishes, Nick singles out Lola for a short private conversation.

“So, ya finally did it, huh Nick?” she asks.

“Yeah. It was kinda sprung on me by Judy’s mom and sisters, and Judy was sorta pissed when she first found out, but it’s all good.”

“Glad to hear. And you’re really gonna move to the sticks?”

“Yup. When I get done dealing with a certain buck, I’m going to nose around a place called Aurora and try to find a suitable place for us to raise the kits.”

“About Savage …”

“I’ve got a plan. And a back-up plan. You’d be amazed just how much that little shit actually doesn’t know about himself. Once Judy and I get settled, you and Bugs should bring the kits out to our place and I’ll clue you in while your kits go crazy over the little ones after they’re born.”

“I’ll hold you to that. My only other concern is ... what about your place here in the city? And your parents place?”

I’ve got a plan for that too. I’ll need to talk to a few mammals first, but I think I may just sell it to a really nice couple.”

“You’ve gotta be talking about Wolfeyer. Admit it.”

Guilty as charged. I still have to talk to them about it, but I don’t see a problem with it and I’m sure they won’t. I already know they love the place and they have the means to be able to afford it, especially with Wolfie’s parents being pack leaders.”

“Well, give Judy my best, and get yer butt otta here, I know you’ve still got things to do and mammals to see.”

…

After Nick leaves the bay, Lola’s new junior partner make a comment that immediately lands him in hot water!

“I heard that Wilde married a rabbit. Pity, I thought that he had more brains than to marry a mammal that’s probably a pro at bed hopping!”

Infuriated, the large hare doe proceeds to put the silver fox in his place “Listen here you speciest prick, Nick Wilde is a better cop and judge of character than you’ll ever be. He grew up in Happytown and was abused by prey mammals when he was just a kit. He went into the service and was almost killed multiple times. He never grew up with a silver spoon in his mouth like your sorry ass did. If you wanna continue to be a part of this unit, you’d better change that attitude of yours really quickly or you’ll not only be out of the detective division, but you’ll likely be out of a job. Now, get out of my sight before I do something that I promise you that I WON’T regret!”

As the todd slinks out of the bay, he is keenly aware that every eye in the place was on him.

…

Making his way from the detectives squad bay, Nick has one more stop to make.

Stopping by a certain cubicle, he manages to surprise a pair of mammals that looked like thew were about to engage in a bit of PDA.

“Excuse me, are you two busy right now?” he asks in a voice a bit louder than needed, startling a certain couple!

“Damn it Wilde …!” comments Wolford.

“Did you have to do that Nick?” asks Fangmeyer.

“Did I have to? No, no I did not. Was it funny? Yes, yes it was.” comes the amused answer.

“Not that it’s a big deal, but what do you want?” asks a now thoroughly annoyed Wolford.

“I have a unique proposition for you two.” says Nick.

“And that would be … what … exactly?” asks Liz.

“I want to sell you my place, or more precisely, my folk’s place. I’m planning on moving to a small town called Aurora since I’m transferring to the Tri-Burrow sheriff’s office there, and I thought that you two would like to buy my old place. I won’t be needing it, I know you love the place and mom and dad wouldn’t mind me selling it to you …”

“Nick, would you mind holding it down a bit, mammals-” asks a slightly nervous Wolford.

“Mike ... Dude … everyone here knows about you two, it’s the worst kept secret in the precinct. Ben even has a pool going as to when you two ’ll finally go public.”

“Wait, what? You’re kidding, right?” asks a now frantic Fangmeyer.

“Nope, everyone’s in on it, even Bogo.”

“Well shit …” declares Wolford.

“So,” interrupts Fangmeyer while looking at Wolford “I guess the real question here is … do we want the place.”

“If you’re interested, I’ll talk to my lawyers and get the process at least started. I need to see them to settle mom and dad’s affairs today anyway.”

Shrugging, Wolford makes the decision that he knows that both of them really want anyway “Yeah, I don’t see why not. What the hell!” and immediately gets a giant hug from his mate.

“Judy gets the weekend off from the academy in a couple of weeks, she’ll wanna see the folk’s place, I’ll need to go through it and decide what to take and what to leave. That’ll give you two time to start getting finances together. Hopefully by the time Judy graduates we’ll have found a place to live in Aurora, you can have it financed and close on the place, and we can all get started moving stuff. Sound good?”

“Sounds puurrfect!” states an obviously overjoyed feline.

“Then it’s settled. You two need to head to Mammal Resources and get the process started to get married while I head to the lawyers. Then a quick trip home to gather a few items and a quick trip to visit with mom, dad and Nicki before I head out to finish up on my last case.”

“Take care and be safe Nick.” cautions Mike.

“I’ll certainly do my best.” answers the todd as he leaves the two in their cubicle.

…

After leaving the precinct, Nick spends a couple of hours at his attorney’s office settling his parents estate and starts the process of possibly selling his folk’s home, then heads home to gather some specific tactical supplies for his hunting excursion.

Leaving the lawyers office, Nick makes a trip to Pinehurst Cemetery, on the way stopping by Otterton’s Flowers to make a quick purchase.

Making his way up a slight rise, Nick stops and kneels before 3 small markers.

Placing a single yellow rose on each of two of the larger markers, Nick empties his heart …

“Hey mom … dad …I-I guess you probably know why I’m here, but I gotta … I need to talk to someone before my heart breaks. I know I was really stupid by starting my walkabout … but … it … it really worked out for the best. I met this wonderful mammal, a rabbit doe. Things didn’t start off too well, since she kinda almost accidently killed me, but it got better. She had just found out that she was pregnant, a victim of a date rape. The mammal she thought to be her father for all of her live disowned her and banished her from her warren. No home, no job, no money, no car, no nothin’. Adrian and I offered to pay her way through the academy, and for some reason, we just … clicked.

“You already know my past issues, but when I heard some of the things that she’d gone through, I guess I found a kindred spirit. Anyway, right now she’s at the academy taking a shortened course for small jurisdictions and should graduate in about twelve weeks. After which hopefully we’ll have found a suitable place in a small town called Aurora to settle down and raise her kits … I guess I should say our kits, because I plan to adopt them as my own. Which brings me to the subject at paw … the buck that got her pregnant is a disgraced ZIA agent and had been more or less on mine and Lola’s radar for several years, leaving a trail of date-raped and pregnant hare and rabbit does in his wake. I’m going to find him, well, actually Lola did most of the legwork for me already. I plan on putting him in a position where he has no choice other than relinquish custody of at the very least Judy’s kits, and, if I can work it out, all of the kits that he has sired.

“When it’s all said and done, he’ll be breathing, even though he’ll be so much the worse for wear. I’ve enlisted the help of a few of my old teammates to make sure I don’t step over the line and do more damage than I need to.”

Moving over to the last slightly smaller marker, Nick places a single yellow rose that’s accompanied by several sprigs of baby’s breath on the marker.

*SIGH* “Hey Nikki. I – I really wish I could’ve known you. I know I’ve told you that a thousand times over the years, but now it really hits home. I think that you and Judy would’ve enjoyed teasing each other about me, and trying to get under each other’s fur just for the fun of doing it. I think you two would have really hit it off, ya know?”

Standing, Nick relays a parting message to his departed loved ones “I’m gonna make sure to stop back with Judy … heck, she’ll probably insist on it anyways. I love you all and we’ll be back soon …”

As he returns to the GTO, Nick’s mindset goes into overdrive as he makes a conference call after checking a certain app on his phone.

…

After arriving at the college town of Rapids City, Nick manages to book a suite at the local HoJo’s in anticipation of his ‘associates’ arrival.

As the small group assembles in the shared room, Nick takes stock of the very odd collection of three very ‘hard’ individuals.

First, there’s the most diminutive member and primary air asset, a female vampire bat, code named Radar.

The shoulder of the mammal that she’s currently perched on is commonly known as a civet, code named Sparks, who is the IT and commo genius of the group.

The final member of the group is a sniper, a dark tan Dingo code named Reaper.

“So Stalker, you got a plan or not?” asks the dingo, whose eyes feral looking yellow eyes would pierce the soul of an intended victim, shortly before one of his rounds would.

“Of course I have a plan … or two …” replies Nick. “Now, listen up, here’s what I wanna do …”

~0~

As a thoroughly frustrated dark brown hare makes his way across the parking lot of the run-down motel, he passes by a dark room, noting that there’s a single strand of fur still balanced on the door latch, and the small strip of so-called invisible tape along the edge at the top of the door was still intact, he makes way to the vending machine area where he purchases a large bottle of water.
Making his way back to the room he’d just passed, the buck mumbles “Damned shitty luck. Nothing has gone right since Vermillion. That crazy assed doe did something to me that I can’t figure out. I can still get the does, and get ‘em in bed, but can’t finish the job. SHIT!!!”

Once again making sure that his make-shift security measures hadn’t been compromised, Jack Savage eased into his dingy room, failing to notice the strange ‘click’ as the door closed.

As he reached to turn on the light, he immediately noticed that it didn’t work.

Just as he tried to open the door just a bit to let in a little light, he noticed that the door wouldn’t open.

“Having issues seeing Jack?” asks a voice somewhere in the room.

“Who’s there?” asks the buck, reaching for the hare sized Walther PPK in his shoulder holster.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you!” comes the voice as a desk light suddenly comes on, the dim light revealing a red fox in black tactical garb relaxing in one of the room’s chairs.

The item that most caught Jack’s attention was the very large looking Sig P229 Pro that was pointed directly at him, the bright red dot of a laser sight centered on his chest.

“You can finish drawing the pea-shooter,” remarks Nick casually “just do it very slowly, drop the mag and empty the chamber. Then toss it under the bed.”

As Jack follows the instructions, Nick keeps talking “Now do the same thing with the derringer in the holster at your left ankle, you can keep the folding karambits, you might need them later.”
That done, Jack asks “Now what, are you just going to shoot me?”

Laughing, Nick stands and steps to the tightly closed curtains, opening them slightly.

“First, if I’d wanted you dead, you’d already be dead. Second, sit the fuck down in that chair and you might want to take note of the other little red dot on your pretty white shirt while you’re at it.”
Looking down at his shirt, Jack pales a bit by watching a second red dot dance around.

Just as the buck sits, he hears a soft ‘pfut’ and feels something hard and wet hit his neck, just before he loses all voluntary muscle function and falls forward out of said chair to face plant on the dingy carpet. Again.

“Shit” he thinks, “not again!”

“Yeah, is the same thing that my associate hit you with before.” admits a grinning Nick “but this batch will only last about five minutes.”

After picking the buck up and placing him back in the chair, this time securing him to the chair with a special purpose zip tie around the buck’s torso, Nick sits back down and activates his throat mic.
“All call signs, all call signs, sitrep, this is Stalker actual. Subject is secure and compliant, report to my AO asap. How copy.”

Even though Jack couldn’t make out the incoming conversation, heard three distinctly different voices reply.

A few minutes later, there’s series of three taps on the room’s door, and Nick presses a remote, which unlocks it.

As three more mammals enter, Jack immediately that all are clothed more or less the same as the fox – black combat fatigues, body armor and appropriate sized weapons, except for the … bat?
“In case you were wondering” begins Nick “I’m Nick Wilde, otherwise known as the Night Stalker. My friends here are Radar, our eyes in the sky,” (as Radar is a vampire bat who lifts a wing in acknowledgement) “Sparks, our IT guru,” (a civet who winks at the unlucky hare) “and Reaper,” (a dingo who has what appears to have an AR10 style sniper rifle carried across his chest as well as a pistol of some sort on his hip) “I think you can guess his specialty.” (the dingo’s yellow gold eyes send an involuntary shiver up and down the buck’s spine).

“What-” as Jack tries to make sense of his now perilous situation.

“What we’re doing here,” Nick interrupts “is basically to get you to more or less voluntarily sign a couple of documents.” Nick supplies.

“And those would be … what … exactly?” Jack asks, even though he has a very good idea as to their purpose.

Placing a set of papers on a small end table just within the buck’s reach, Nick continues. “Therse are what amounts to your surrendering any and all parental rights to any and all kits that you may have produce during your little date rape escapades over the last several years.”

“You will NOT deprive me of my legacy!” yells the angry buck. “I am the greatest special agent that the ZIA ever produced!”

“Yeah, let’s talk about that for a minute, shall we?” Nick counters softly as he lays a paw on a thick manila folder, that Jack instantly recognizes as official ZIA material.

Opening the folder, Nick begins reading out loud to reinforce what his team already either knows or suspects. “Special Agent Jack Savage, birth name Xio Zuian, is actually a native of North Vietnam along the Cambodian border. He is what is known is an Annamite striped rabbit (Nesolagus timminsi).

“At the age of approximately four, Zuian, his parents and an older sister emigrated to Zoo York City. While the parent’s small food business did well, Zuian and his sister were constantly harassed because of their striped fur. After Zuian was brutally beaten and the older sister raped, the family moved to Zootopia where things were much better.

“When in high school, Zuian led a basically normal life, and excelled in declamation, or declam for short, and debate. He also seem to be quite a hit with the ladies.

“After graduation, Zuian tried his paw at politics, and although he seemed to garner a lot of followers, he failed spectacularly at the polls.

“When the MII became law, Zuian was recruited by the Zia in the hopes that his charisma would garner him attention as a more or less secret agent of some sort.

“When his test scores and physical prowess were put to the test, Zuian was deemed borderline at best, and actually scored well below par in several subjects.

“Not wanting to admit defeat, the ZIA convinced Zuian to take the code name Jack Savage in order to avoid the otherwise inevitable stigma of hiring what would have turned out to be a gigantic failure of the MII system and being made a laughing stock of all of the other alphabet agencies.

“When given his first assignment, something simple really, Jack failed miserably. A simple snatch and grab of an unknown hare’s daughter, that had been kitnapped by a rival warren. At first the mission was a success, but Jack let his dick get the better of him and he raped the poor 14-year-old doe. The father was, of course, furious. The agency ended up forking out millions in the cover-up.
“After that, unknown to him, Jack was always shadowed by at least one or two other agents, to make sure that his hits went as planned or other support as the need arose.”

“BULLSHIT!” yells the now incensed buck “LIES, ALL OF IT!”

Picking up the entire folder, Nick walks the folder over and lays it on the small table withing easy reach of the hare. “Here it is, all of it in black and white. All of it in the official files which the agency gladly provided. That’s how badly they want you out of their fur.”

As Jack begins to look over the files, Nick sits back down and continues “Just so you know, all of your bank accounts have been locked and are being emptied. The money will go to the does that you raped and the kits that you have so egregiously produced. All of your property, both real estate and fursonal, everything will be sold at auction and the monies raised will join the rest of the funds in a special account for use by the rape victims and their kits.”

As Jack listens to Nick and reviews the unvarnished and unredacted reports, tears begin to form in his ice blue eyes.

“So … I have nothing?” he asks.

“If you sign the papers giving up all claims of parentage for any of the hundreds of kits, the government will supply you with a passport and a one-way ticket back to your home village. You will also be given a stipend of one thousand dollars a month, quite a lot for someone in that part of the world, so you’ll be well off enough.

“Be warned Jack,” continues Nick “thanks to Sparks here,” (who waves and again winks at the buck) along with cooperation from the ZIA, ZBI, and most of the rest of the alphabet agencies, you’ve been entered into the facial recognition database. It you attempt to leave the Viet Nam, Cambodia, or Laos region, you will be considered a threat to international security and will be terminated without warning, do you understand?”

A now broken and weeping hare can only stare at his captors, one by one.

“There … there are no other options?” he asks between sobs.

“There’s one, which I would fursonally not recommend.” admits Nick, even though the gleam in his eyes indicate that the statement is untrue.

“And that is … what?”

“One on one fursonal combat. You and me, to the death. You sign the papers, we battle to the death. If you win, you get to tear up the papers and go your way. There’s roughly a million dollars in cash in the trunk of your car, and the team has promised to not interfere in any way. If I win … well, I guess even you can figure that one out on your own.”

After pondering the situation for a few moments, Jack makes his decision –

“First a question,” the buck begins.

“Okay, what?” answers Nick.

“Well two, kinda related to the situation. Where will this take place and aren’t you worried about outside interference?”

With a sly smile Nick’s answer actually startles the buck somewhat.

“We’ll do the deed right outside in the parking lot, it’s pretty much empty in case you hadn’t noticed. The reason it’s empty is because we bought up all of the rooms. The management as well as the cops have been notified that we’re planning on doing a rehearsal for an action movie that’ll be released at some point in the distant future so there should be no interruptions. Sparks and Reaper will provide security for any curious civilians while Radar keeps an eye on things from above.”

“Weapons?”

“You’ll have your two custom karambits and I’ll use just a single claw on each paw. I won’t bite unless you bite first.”

After furiously signing both documents, which just happened to be already notarized, Jack paws them to Nick and tells him “Cut me loose and let’s get this over with …”

“You’re sure you wanna do this?” asks Nick.

“At this point, what do I really have to lose?” comes the steadfast answer.

~0~

Chapter Text

“You’re sure you wanna do this?” asks Nick.

“At this point, what do I really have to lose?” comes the steadfast answer.

…

Using a single sharp claw, Nick cuts the restraining strap holding the hare to the chair.

As Jack stands, a quick glance toward the bed assessing his chances at grabbing a magazine and weapon is just as quickly stifled, as he realizes that with four basically professionally trained killers at close proximity, he probably wouldn’t make it two steps before he would become nothing more than a pink mist.

As his attention returns to a certain todd in the small room, his suspicions are confirmed. The now ice-cold gaze of Nick’s tells Jack that he was just waiting for him to try something that stupid.
As Reaper holds the door open, everyone waits for Jack to exit the room, no one wanting the untrustworthy buck behind them.

Stepping into the now basically empty parking lot (the only cars are Jack’s close to the room, with Nick’s GTO and a nondescript van that brought the rest of the team sitting in a far corner of the lot), Sparks and Reaper make their way to the driveway entrance as Radar takes a quick perch on Nick’s shoulder, whispering something into the todd’s ear that the hare couldn’t make out.

Flapping to a spot just above the motel’s main façade, Radar pulls up a song on her cell phone and plays it through the devices speaker … “Let the bodies hit the floor …” blasts out over the parking lot, slightly unnerving the buck.

After allowing the bat time to take her perch, Nick slowly turns to survey the surrounding area, which is exactly when Jack decides to open his custom folding karambits and attack – just when Nick has his back to him.

Just when Jack thought that he had Nick, the todd spins to his right and kicks the cowardly buck on his hindquarters sending him sprawling face first onto the filthy tarmac.

Giving the astonished hare a lopsided grin, Nick tells him “I figured that you’d try something as cowardly as that, so I was ready for you. Glad you didn’t disappoint.”

“Screw you, you filthy pelt!”

“Sorry Jack, I’m not a doe and I haven’t been drugged, so I’m basically not your type.” is Nick’s tauntingly sarcastic reply.

“Aaarrghh!” as the deceitful lagomorph quickly bounds up and renews his attack, hoping to catch Nick off-guard this time.

Quickly spinning to his right again, Nick again propels the angry hare sprawling several feet further into the empty parking lot with yet another well placed kick.

Sprawling once again face first onto the pavement, Jack’s suit coat and pants become mired with grime and oil, with a slight tear in one of the sleeves of his coat.

“C’mon Jack, where’s all of that super special, special agent training?” mocks Nick.

“MOTHERFUCKER….!” screams the now totally enraged buck as he again jumps up and attacks, wildly slashing continuously with both karambits.

Easily backing away and sidestepping from side to side to avoid Jack’s frenzied attack, Nick adds fuel to the fire that now consumes the striped buck “Well, since Judy and I are legally married, and we did have a hell of a honeymoon night, and since she is pregnant, I guess technically I am exactly what you just described …”

“Stand still and fight you damned pelt-” Jack demands when suddenly Nick simply sends a front straight kick to the inside of one of Jack’s knees, again putting the buck on the pavement, yet again face first.

“Having problems standing are we Jack?” Nick again taunts.

As the buck attempts to stand, he’s met with a hard right paw slap to the face, hard enough to spin him in a complete circle before again falling down.

“What’s that, I didn’t quite hear you!” laughs Nick.

Again attempting to stand, Jack is met this time with a left paw slap to the face.

“You’re gonna have to speak up Savage, I’m having a bit of a hard time hearing you!” taunts Nick again, with the other team members now laughing at the formerly overconfident buck’s predicament.
“You don’t seem to be so tough when you don’t have other agents in the background actually doing your dirty work, do ya Savage?”

“When I get my paws on you-” begins the buck as he regains his feet, only to be met with a front kick to the chest, just hard enough to propel the hare backward onto his butt.

“You see, therein seems to be the problem Jack.” says Nick, slowly advancing “You don’t seem to be able to do that, even when you’re cheating, like attacking me when my back is turned. You’re a legend in your own mind Savage. Always have been, always will be. GET UP!”

As Jack again stands, Nick tells him “I guess it’s time for me to show you just how helpless you really are!”

This time when Jack again attacks, he tries a different technique.

Using crossing motions with the karambits, very similar to the patterns used in arnis fighting, the humiliated buck finally manages to get Nick to back away carefully, the todd making sure to deflect the now deadly blades while actually taking a few very minor, and only skin-deep cuts to his paws and forearms.

When the renewed battle unexpectedly lasts more than a few minutes both Sparks and Reaper glance at each other, not exactly sure what’s going to happen next until-

When Nick suddenly emits a very loud growl (I know, foxes don’t actually growl) a stunned Jack’s attack stops dead and Nick quickly attacks – placing two gentle strikes on Jack’s left front shoulder and one on his shoulder blade, causing the arm to go limp.

“What’s the matter Jack, having issues with your arm?” mocks Nick.

“What-” begins the astonished buck.

“It’s a nerve blocking technique that I picked up a few years ago while in the far east. It causes a temporary paralyses of the limb when applied. Like it?”

“But-”

“Yeah, I know, you can use one arm but not the other, so how about a matched set?” says a very sarcastic Nick as he applies the technique to the stunned bucks other side, rendering both arms now totally useless.

“Since the effect only lasts about five minutes or so, what say we add another element to it?” suggests Nick as the todd applies what is basically the same technique to one of Jack’s hips, causing the astonished hare to collapse onto the blacktop once again, this time with a total of three temporarily disabled limbs.

“Just so you know Jack,” continues Nick as the buck flops around like a fish out of water while trying to regain his feet “applied correctly using acupuncture, or simply one of my claws, the effects can be made permanent. They can’t be undone … period. Not by me and not by any of the known medical sciences. Maybe instead of killing you I could just paralyze all voluntary muscle movement … how about it Jack, would you like that? Not able to move a single muscle on your own? Not even speak?

“Only your involuntary systems would be working. You could see, feel and breathe, digest food - even though you wouldn’t be able to chew so that would mean IV fluids only. Which means you’d piss and shit yourself all the time so a nurse would be needed 24/7. Sound like fun?”

A now horrified Jack could only stare at Nick.

“Not to worry,” announces Nick to not only the horrified buck, but to the rest of the team, who by now was wondering if Nick had stepped over the limit “I don’t plan on doing that, but it is something to think about. You should be back to your old treacherous self in a minute or so, and we can have at it again okay?” as the todd backs off a comfortable distance, giving Jack time to fully recover.
By the time three more minutes pass, the hare has full use of all of his limbs.

…

Upright and ambulatory again and palming both of his blades, Jack again cautiously advances on Nick, again weaving his twin karambits in a deadly pattern.

With Jack basically repeating the same mistakes he made previously (using a patterned attack which is easily predictable), Nick is able to perfectly time Jack’s knife attacks and land several soft punches, just hard enough to keep the buck at bay but with enough power to let him know that each one could have devastating circumstances if landed at full power.

As the pair continue to do their deadly dance around the parking lot, Jack gradually begins to tire, and pretty soon, when a real opening presents itself, Nick strikes, landing an almost full power punch to Jack’s mostly unprotected face, knocking the buck out cold!

…

Sometime later, as Jack slowly wakes, he’s keenly aware of several things – first, he’s definitely NOT dead, second, he’s actually laying down on a bed, third, his entire head feels like it had been put in a vise and squeezed, then hit several times with a sledge hammer. And lastly, when he tries to open his eyes, they would barely open, and what little he sees, or thinks he sees, doesn’t make any sense.

Through bleary and dimmed vision he thinks he sees a blurred upside-down head in addition to hearing various voices in the background.

“Hey, that stings!” was one voice.

“Shut it ya bloody Shiela!” answers another.

“Hey Nick, I think he’s awake … sort of!” comes a more or less recognizable female voice, one that Jack is sure he’s heard at least once before.

“Sit him up guys …” comes Nick’s voice through the haze.

After the buck is set up more or less straight and propped up with pillows so he doesn’t fall over, Nick pulls his chair over, turns it and sits on it with the back of the chair facing Jack.
“Why-” the buck manages to croak out.

“Why aren’t you dead?” asks Nick leaning on the chair back “Because unlike you, I wouldn’t kill an incapacitated opponent, even though it was tempting. But then, you never were much of an actual threat to me.”

“Why-?” comes the next question.

“Why does your head hurt so much?” asks the grinning Fox.

Getting nothing but a glare from the now very perturbed buck, Nick elaborates. “When I punched you, I hit you so hard that I not only knocked you out, but both eyes are now very swollen which is why you probably can’t see very well, you look to have a broken nose so that’s a bit difficult to breathe, several loose teeth, a concussion and probably whiplash, so you must have a nasty headache.”

“Wha-?” asks the stunned buck.

“What next?” again finishes Nick. “I’m going to offer you the same deal as before, except for the signing the papers deal, I already have those. No, actually, while you were out, Sparks here found something very interesting in your files that I completely missed – neither you nor any of your family ever applied for citizenship to become legal Animalian citizens. You are basically a foreign national and because you were working for the ZIA you are therefore considered a spy. Now even Interpol and several other global law enforcement agencies will be looking at trying to find you.”

As the truth of his real predicament actually hits Jack, his mind actually goes in quite another direction “My – my family-”

“We’ve already smoothed things over for your family Jack.” Nick tells him indicating the rest of the team “The State Department has filled out the proper forms and backdated them so your parents and sister are fine. You, however, are not. Since the ZIA failed in doing their due diligence when recruiting you, they’re willing to do whatever it takes to quite literally bury the entire thing, especially you. Luckily for you, I managed to convince them to just dump your mangy ass in your old homeland instead of putting a bullet in your head. The last thing I want is for Judy to think I had a paw in your death after I promised her that I wouldn’t kill you myself.”

“So-”

“So here’s the deal …” continues Nick uninterrupted “you can accept the free ride to your original homeland and village just like before, but this time with no passport, you will be considered and international fugitive after all. Or you can face me in the parking lot again. However there’s a new twist. If we face off in the parking lot again, it will truly be to the death, and I will do everything in my power to drag it out as long as possible and make you suffer as long as I can. Then I will quite literally cut you into tiny pieces and we’ll flush the pieces down the toilet, with no one but us ever knowing where you disappeared to.

“On the upside, Sparks has taken a liking to your little Beamer and is willing to pay a fair price for it, should you be inclined to sell it, … and providing that you’re still alive of course.
“So, what’s it gonna be Savage? Life … or death? There’s not an in-between this time …”

After only a short moment’s thought, Jack decides “I – I guess the only thing I can do now is to take the ride to the land of my birth, especially now that I know that at least my family is safe. And yes, your team member can buy the car, I just ask that the money go to my sister. She’s a struggling artist in Zootopia and could really use the cash. You can tell her it’s a grant or whatever.”
“What a hypocrite – it’s really too bad you didn’t think of the families that you ruined with your little rapescapade!” dead pans Nick. “Some of the does that you raped actually committed suicide because they couldn’t handle the shame!”

“…..”

“Meanwhile …” interrupts a certain bat.

“Meanwhile,” continues Nick after the prompt “Jack, you can take a quick shower and change into some decent clothes. Sparks and Radar, watch the little prick. Reaper, you might as well go ahead and leave if you want. You can take the van back to the motel and either pack up and leave or feel free to stay for a bit, the room’s paid for through the weekend. Radar and Sparks are evidentially gonna show up in Jack’s Beamer after they drop him off at the airport.

“Do you want me to e-mail all of the raw footage from tonight to your secure account?” asks the bat. (Remember her whispering into Nick’s ear shortly before the fight in the parking lot?)

“Yeah, I guess. send a copy to the ZIA while you’re at it, and I’ll give a copy to my current and former bosses. Just make sure to remind the ZIA agent at the airport that I need to have proof of life all the way until he’s dropped off at his little village so I don’t have to make a trip after some unnamed newbie agent who manages to get an itchy trigger finger between here and there.”

“No problem, Pepé and I ‘ll be sure to remind them.” the bat assures Nick.

“Damn it Mavis, you know I hate it when you use my real name!” whines the civet.

“Hey, it ain’t my fault your parents had a wonky sense of humor!”

“I know, but I mean really? Name me after a damned skunk?”

“I hate to break up this little lovers quarrel, but just … keep an eye on the hare, okay?” interrupts Nick as he drags a paw over his face “And make sure he gets his knives back when he gets home.”

“Those ain’t knives,” drawls the dingo as he reaches behind his back and draws out a custom version of a Bowie knife “THIS is a knife!”

With that, very other mammal in the room does an eye roll except Jack who almost passes out from sheer terror after seeing the huge knife’s seven-inch long blade.

“Will do boss.” as Pepé gives the todd a strong warriors pawshake.

Flapping over to Nick, Mavis simply give the tod a quick nuzzle. “I guess this ‘ll have to do.” she tells him.

“Tell Jonathan and your kit hey for me when you get home, ok?” he tells her.

“I can do that!” she remarks.

Turning his attention to the dingo who has yet to make his departure “Mick, old friend, give your Sheila my regards okay?” the todd snarks.

“Yeah, yeah, laugh it up Nick. It ain’t my fault that me mate’s a Sheila and her name’s actually Sheila.” he grouses.

“Look Dundee, just be safe on the way home okay? Sheila ’d have my pelt for a rug if anything would happen to you.” Nick admits.

“I c’n do that I recon.” admits the dingo on his way out of the door after giving Nick a warrior’s pawshake and shoulder bump.

Just then, Jack emerges from the bathroom, freshly showered, this time in his normal whiteish fur with his signature black stripes showing.

“If ya don’t mind, I’ve got a few bits of friendly advice for ya.” Nick tells the buck.

“And that would be …. what?” comes the slightly surly reply.

“To start with, you might want to wear something a little more … local.” comments the todd, pointing at the fresh clothes. “I doubt if a suit and tie will impress anybody in that particular neck of the woods.” Nick fires back “Then, stop being a prick and try to act more like a normal mammal, being stupid won’t make you and friends there, and I’ve got a feeling you’ll need a few.”

“I – I get your point …” admits the buck “Anything else?”

“Settle down, take a nice doe as a wife, have some kits you can claim and raise as your own. In short, settle down raise a family. If you make a lot of enemies there you’ll just end up as another corpse rotting somewhere in the jungle.” advises Nick.

A now slightly demur Jack tells Nick “Th-thanks, I’ll try to remember that.”

…

Exiting the room, Nick heads towards the GTO and notices that Mick is still in the parking lot, leaning against the nondescript white van that the team arrived in.

“Problems?” a concerned Nick asks the dingo.

“Nah, I just wanna make sure that you’re okay, mate.” comes the honest answer.

At first slightly confused, Nick pauses for a few moments before answering.

“Ya know, I really think I am.” a thoughtful Nick replies “Jack’s getting his second chance at life, just like the rest of us have had, and I guess that it’s up to him to make the most of it – or not.”
“Then I guess we’re done here?” asks Mick.

“Yup, kinda looks like it. You go ahead back to the motel, I’m gonna send a quick text to Judy letting her know that I’m still alive and so is Jack. Then a quick voicemail, then I’ll be along, I promise.”
“Roit, got it.” then the dingo gets in the van, fires it up and leaves the lot.

…

As Nick picks up his personal phone, he notices a voicemail form a certain polar bear.

“Wilde, when you get this, call me, no matter the time.”

Taking a few minutes to compose his thoughts, Nick sends Judy a quick text, not knowing for sure when his mate will be able to see it and respond.

Quickly dialing Major Friedkin, the Ursidae picks up on the first ring.

“Major,” begins a now concerned Nick, “What’s-”

“Shut up and listen Wilde” interrupts Friedkin forcefully “There’s been a bit of an incident here at the academy concerning your mate. She’s fine and has done nothing wrong, but that being said, we, as in you and I, need to have a short talk. In furson, face to face!”

“I’m still out of town, but I can be there by-” looking at the time on his phone “nine or ten if I push it I guess. I’m around 450 miles or so out”

“Have you been up all night Wilde?”

“Yeah, more or less, why?”

“It’s just past three now, and it’ll take you at least five hours to get here with little to no sleep. Tell you what, be here around one, we have a general assembly in the auditorium planned for that time slot. You can at least get a few hours’ sleep and not be dead tired by the time you get here. Get some rest and be here by one, got it?”

“Yes ma’am.”

“Good. See you around one.” and the line goes dead.

Staring at the phone for a long moment, Nick’s mind starts to go into all sorts of bad places until he remembers that Friedkin told him that Judy was fine and not in any trouble.

Forgoing the voicemail to Judy, Nick heads back to the motel.

…

Once arriving at the HoJo motel, Nick enters the room and gets a questioning look from Reaper.

After a quick change of clothes, Nick starts gathering his things and starts stuffing them into a large duffle bag. Nick tells the curious dingo “I got a message from the commandant of the academy that there had evidentially been some sort of issue involving Judy. Supposedly it’s not anything that’s overly serious, but the commandant wants to have a face to face with me asap. I need to get a few hours of shut-eye before I hit the road. Wake me in like three hours or so if you’re still gonna be here, okay?”

“No issues mate!” Mick tells him. “I’ll just stick ‘round and make sure yer up.”
~0~

Chapter Text

~0~

After getting just enough sleep to make sure he could pull off the four-to-five-hour drive ahead of him, Nick finishes loading his gear and himself into the GTO and begins the long drive back to the ZPA academy.

Pulling out of the parking lot of HoJo’s, Nick has to fall into a mindset that he’d needed to adopt when he was in the Teams - Block out his feelings and concerns for Judy temporarily and concentrate on the drive ahead of him. He knew that it would do no one any good if he was to get in a wreck because he was distracted by concentrating on her.

…

After a long and mostly boring drive, stopping only for gas, food and a bathroom break, Nick finally pulls up to the outer gate of the ZPA and is only slightly amazed to find that his old instructor’s key card was still valid.

“I guess my instructor status is still in force!” he comments to himself.

Pulling into an empty instructors parking spot and entering the building, Nick exchanges pleasantries with the rather attractive Saluki canine receptionist whose nameplate on her desk that reads S. Hill on his way to the Major’s office.

Just as Nick was about to knock on Friedkin’s door he hears “Enter!”

Opening the door and entering the office, Nick observes the large polar bear standing in front of and staring out of the large picture window that makes up one wall of her office – it overlooks the large common area that is the academy’s courtyard that is currently covered in a light layer of fresh snow.

“In case you’re wondering Wilde,” begins the Major without turning “there are at least three times the number of cameras scattered throughout the building and grounds than before, mostly thanks to your shenanigans from when you were here as a cadet.”

As Nick opens his mouth to reply, Major Friedkin continues “That plus the fact that Suki alerted me to your presence.”

“Of course she did …” responds Nick, not a bit surprised or perturbed by the information.

Finally turning to face the todd, Major Friedkin tells Nick “Before I get into specifics, let me provide a bit of background. Ever since day one, one of the new fulltime cadets has been hitting up on a lot of the female cadets. We’ve had numerous complaints, but like we always have to tell them, we need visual proof of wrongdoing.”

Turning her laptop so Nick can view the screen, the Major continues “As you can see by watching the clips from the various cameras, all that we could see was the perp in normal conversation with all of the different females. Notice that they are of different species, so we couldn’t tell who he was actually targeting until …”

Suddenly Nick observes a male jackalope approach Judy from behind. Without warning, the jake grabbed the doe and swiftly began to try to ‘chin’ or scent mark her, getting Nick’s protective posture up – hackles rising and a warning growl coming from his chest.

That’s when Judy spins around and lets loose a roundhouse kick that catches the offending mammal on the side of the head and sends him flying out of frame.

An amazed Nick can only stare at the screen.

“Yeah,” comments Friedkin “that’s the same reaction we all had.”

“Remind me to never piss her off …” suggests Nick.

“Before you ask, yes, sexual harassment is one of the first topics that’s presented on the first day of orientation, so it’s not like the jake never knew about it.” Friedkin informs Nick.

“So …”

“So. The jackalope in question is currently in the infirmary with a broken left orbital socket, broken and dislocated lower mandible, one missing and three loosened teeth and a grade two concussion. He is due to be remanded to the ZPD in less than an hour”

“And Judy?”

“Cadet Wilde is physically fine and is facing no charges,” confirms the Major “as her actions were considered to be in self-defense. Former cadet Lopes on the other paw faces arrest for sexual harassment, felony assault, felony attempted scent marking without consent and anything else that may crop up by the time he’s released from the infirmary. I might also make mention of the fact that he has been released from his full-time position in the sheriff’s office in Bailey in the Mountain district. The district has also waved any attempt to block extradition if he's released on bond and returns to his home district if we decide to prosecute, which we fully intend to do.

“I mainly called you in here to give your mate a show of emotional support. As you may have guessed, she’s a bit torn up over the entire ordeal, which is understandable and all things considered.”

“When-” just as Nick begins to ask a question, he is interrupted when the Major’s phone lights up.

Picking up the receiver, Friedkin listens for a few seconds and responds “Send her in.” and hangs up.

When the office door opens, a stunned Judy freezes for a split second, starts to advance towards Nick but again freezes when she suddenly realizes that Fredkin is in the room and doesn’t want to tempt fate.

When the polar bear lets a small smile touch her lips and gives an almost imperceptible nod, the doe launches herself at her mate.

Even though Nick was prepared physically for Judy’s anticipated action, he was NOT prepared for the emotional outburst that followed.

“I’msorryI’msorryI’msorry …” comes the slightly muffled emotional outburst into Nick’s chest fur.

“Fluff-Judy, what-”

“I’m so sorry for creating a scene Nick, PLEASE don’t be mad at me. Please don’t leave me …” pleads the doe as she clutches her mate for dear life.

While this was all happening, Major Friedkin quietly slips from the room and closes the door, giving the couple a bit of privacy.

Holding his doe close, Nick pets her ears and softly tells her “It’s okay Fluff, it’s okay. I’m here and I’ll never go away, you’re stuck with me for the rest of your days.”

After several minutes, Judy pulls back just far enough to be able to look her todd in the eyes Judy has to ask “For real?”

A gentle, reassuring smile is all Judy needs to grab Nick into a more typical hug, only to be interrupted by a gentle knock at the closed door.

“SIGH”

“I know Fluff …”

At the second short set of soft knocks, Judy releases her hug and turns to simply sit on Nick’s lap.

“Enter?”

As the door cracks open just far enough, Suki sticks her head through the opening.

“I really hate to interrupt, but the Major wanted me to remind you two that there is an assembly in in the auditorium a few minutes and that you are both required to attend.”

“Please tell the Major that we’ll be there.” Nick tells her.

…

Leaving the room paw in paw, the couple strolls past a smiling Suki at her desk and heads for the elevator.

Entering the elevator, Judy has to ask “Umm, I hate to ask, but how do you know Ms. Hall?”

Giving his mate a knowing smile Nick tells her “Suki used to be a talent scout for a major agency that unfortunately went belly-up a few years ago. She and several entertainers were in a real pickle so Lola, I and few others helped to find them decent jobs.”

“I’m actually kinda surprised that you never tried to hook up with her, she is really pretty!”

“How do you know I didn’t?” Nick asks with a bit of a smirk.

“… Nick?”

“No, I really didn’t. she just didn’t seem like a good fit for a mate.”

“So you settled for a bunny instead?”

“No Fluff, I didn’t settle for anything. I simply found my life mate quite by accident and married her. And that, my beautiful bunny, is you.”

Blushing lightly at the mention of the accident that brought them together, Judy’s answer was cut off when the elevator doors open and the ever-imposing visage of Major Friedkin comes into view.

“Cadet Wilde,” she begins looking at Judy, “please take a seat in the front row with the other cadets. Inspector Wilde,” indicating Nick “please take your place on the stage with the rest of the staff.”

“Actually it’s just deputy Wilde now Major.”

“Semantics. Now get moving, both of you.”

As Judy takes her place in the one single spot left on the front row of cadets, Nick lines up with the instructor staff on stage.

Finally making her way to the podium, a very serious Major Friedkin begins.

“Ladies, gentlemammals, staff and cadets. The reason for this academy wide gathering is unfortunate. In the past, fraternization amongst cadets was generally frowned upon but not exactly discouraged either. Cadets were believed to be honorable and mature enough to police themselves.

“Unfortunately, a recent action has caused the institution to rethink this policy. Because one of our now former cadets took it upon himself to assault another cadet by intentionally try to scent mark said cadet without her expressed consent, fraternization has been suspended for at least this intake.

“Study groups will be restricted to groups to a minimum of at least six individuals and must be conducted either in your barracks common areas, the dining hall, the quad or the auditorium. The same rules apply to the gym. Workout groups are to be no smaller than six members and must be of the same sex unless otherwise authorized and observed by academy staff.

“Are there any questions?”

Standing, a male mountain lion introduces himself “Cadet Frizzard. I fursonally don’t see an issue with what happened. From what I heard it was simply two rabbits doing what rabbits do, constantly breed!
I seriously doubt if her mate would bat an eye!”

As Nick’s hackles begin to rise, a sharp look from Friedkin stops him cold.

“Tell me cadet Frizzard,” says the Major “do all felines go around marking everything in their path? Do they all play the field, much like you’ve referred to rabbits and breed anything handy? Since you applied a stereotype about rabbits, I would assume that the same stereotype would apply to felines as well, correct?”

“Of course not Major, felines are much more refined than to stoop so low.” comes the slightly offended answer.

“So … what would you say to cadet Wilde’s mate if he was here?” asks the polar bear, already knowing how this was going to go, only hoping to be able to minimize the damage that’s sure to come.

“In fact,” she continues “why not say it to his face right now! Deputy Wilde, please step forward …”

As Nick walks off the stage and continues until he’s face to face with the now suddenly uncomfortable feline, Friedkin keeps a close eye on the todd.

“So, begins Nick with what seems to be hate oozing out of his every pore “what do you got to say to me?”

“Yo-you’re the rabbits mate?” stammers the now less intimidated feline.

“Obviously …”

“A rabbit and a fox? Bullshit!”

“You seem to be having a problem with interspecies relationships here!” Nick accuses the feline through clenched teeth and slitted eyes.

“I have no issue with like species, even different species as long as the mammals are either both predator or both prey. What I do have an issue with something as against nature as a fox and rabbit!” counters Frizzard heatedly.

“So you would condone something like rape as long as it’s someone of like species, like say Leporidae?”

As the feline considers his next comment, Nick adds “Be very careful of what you say next …”

“Ar-are you threatening me?” asks the astounded mammal. “In front of everyone?”

“Of course not!” answers a grim-faced Nick, “I was simply adding a bit of caution, anything you can and will be used against you.”

“But … this isn’t a court of law!” counters Frizzard.

“But your answer may determine whether or not you are allowed to continue at this institution!” interjects the Major, much to the big cat’s astonishment.

“What?” comes the incredulous question from the feline.

“The inscription on your badge will read ‘Trust – Integrity – Bravery’ if you graduate from this academy!” espouses the Major. “These are the cornerstones of our philosophy. You cannot pick and choose who you want to protect and serve, it applies to everyone equally regardless of their species or their relationship status, regardless of your fursonal feelings.”

“But … a fox and a rabbit? That doesn’t make a bit of sense!”

When a sudden low-pitched growl escapes Nick’s throat, the feline has to take a surprised step backwards.

“You are very lucky that I’m not back in the military right now!” declares a furious Nick. “Insulting my mate would get you very dead very quickly!”

“A fox … killing me?” asks a totally blown away Frizzard.

“Do you really think that your size gives you an advantage over me?” asks the todd.

“Of course. You’re maybe one third my size and weight if you’re lucky.” answers the now confident cat.

“Maybe you’d like to put that opinion to the test, as misguided as it is!” challenges Nick.

“WILDE!” interrupts the major, concerned for her cadet’s safety.

“No, if this idiot wants to fight me, I’m all for it.” insists Frizzard “Someone needs to teach this clown a lesson! Don’t worry, I won’t hurt him too bad!”

“I’m not worried about Wilde’s health,” indicates the Major solemnly “I’m concerned about yours.”

Seeing the confused look that the big cat is giving her, the Major explains “Wilde spent decades in the military, serving his country in special ops units. If you’re lucky, I can keep him from killing you or injuring you really badly. You insulted his mate, so whatever happens, it’s on you. since you basically issued the challenge, under our rules and guidelines I’m basically helpless to stop the fight.

“That said, you both have fifteen minutes to meet in the MMA octagon in the gym. A no-show is an automatic DQ. Do you both understand?”

Getting short nods form both males, the fight is scheduled.

…

With Nick heading for the staff locker room and Frizzard going to the cadet locker room, Judy is understandably nervous.

Minutes later when Frizzard enters the octagon, he’s wearin a set of MMA trunks that he probably got off the interwebs.

Nick, on the other paw, is wearing only an old pair of faded dark blue ZPA trunks, his many scars in plain sight for all to see.

While most of the staff have seen Nick like this several times in the past, all of the cadets, even Judy, are taken a bit back when seeing the todd in fighting trim, scars and all.

Everyone except Frizzard it seems.

When both males are ready and meet in the center of the octagon, Friedkin goes over the few rules.

“This will be what amounts to a street fight. Pretty much everything is legal except there’ll be no biting and no usage of claws. Do not make me intervene. Are you both clear about that?”

When both participants nod, Friedkin separates them and tells them “FIGHT!”

Easily anticipating the feline’s opening move (a kick to the groin) Nick quickly steps to his own right side and pounds the advancing cougar in the ribs with a right fist – hard.

With the big cat stunned and doubled over slightly in pain, Nick quickly lands a left footed semi roundhouse/wheel kick to the larger mammal’s head while it’s within easy reach.

Intentionally giving the stunned cat an opportunity to recover, the todd give him a look that should frighten any mammal with even a lick of common sense – steely eyes and a very self-serving grin.
Undeterred, Frizzard hunches down and this time advances cautiously on the much smaller opponent.

Now wanting to end the fight quickly, especially against a much larger opponent, Nick plants a very hard right footed kick to the inside of the big cat’s right thigh, which is his lead leg.

Trying to switch stances because of the pain does Frizzard no good when Nick applies a solid left kick to the inside of the feline’s left thigh, causing him to wince once again in pain.

With the cat stunned, Nick applies a very hard and solid rising front thrust kick to his opponent’s midsection, causing the cat to double up again in even more pain.

Maintaining his pose and putting most of his considerable strength into a perfect rising side thrust kick to the big cat’s head (opponent’s head coming down and his kick going up) Nick turns the feline’s lights out.

With even the staff being stunned at such a quick and violent ending (not to mention how absolutely shocked the cadets - including Judy) are, Nick simply turns and heads for the cage opening and straight to the staff locker room while the Major checks the downed fighter to make sure he’s all right other than being unconscious.

Straightening, the Major tells the crowd “I think that Frizzard is going to be okay, but he needs to go to the infirmary for a complete check-up just to be sure.

“With all the hubbub, and since I doubt if anyone will be able to concentrate on their classes, classes are suspended for the rest of the day. Cadets are free to pursue leisure activities for the rest of the day if they wish. Dismissed!”

…

Exiting the locker room after changing, Nick finds Judy sitting on a bench just outside the facility door.

Seeing the look on her face that seems to be part adoration and equal parts concern, he has to ask as he sits next to her –

“Fluff … Judy …?”

Taking her time to form her conflicting thoughts into words, she final replies “I … ummm … I more or less know what you did while you were in the military. I know that you did what you did because you had too. I’ve seen and felt your scars that are a product of all that, but … I never realized the level of violence that accompanied it all.”

Seeing the concern on her todd’s face, she continues as she places a small paw on his leg “I’m not faulting you for it, I just never realized exactly what it took until just a few moments ago!”

Taking her small paw in his much larger one, Nick looks deeply into his does eyes and admits “What you saw in there was me actually holding back. In combat, especially paw to paw, you literally have milliseconds to decide how much force to use. To disable an opponent, or how badly to injure or to actually kill them. The cougar was never a danger to me, regardless of his size and weight advantage. He may have been a good fighter on the street, but that’s still a world of difference between fighting that cadet and life and death on the battlefield. Even in my anger, I had to hold back so as not to kill a mammal that was never my equal in a fight.

“I wouldn’t blame you a bit if you’re concerned about being with me, especially now that you can at least partially realize the level of violence that I’m capable of.”

Standing, Judy moves from her seat on the bench to standing on Nick’s lap so she can stare directly into his eyes “My darling Nicholas, I have no fear that you’d ever harm me because I will never give you cause to. Do you understand that you’re stuck with me for the rest of our lives, regardless of what may come?” she asks in a very serious voice.

Nick’s only reply was to take his doe into a very tight and tear-filled hug,

After several minutes, an “AHEM” is heard, bringing the couple back into the real world.

While Judy wanted to step off of Nick’s lap, the todd simply turned his doe around to face the Major and again allowed her to sit in his lap.

Simply quirking a single eye, the Major informs the pair. “Frizzard is fine and suffers only a mild concussion. I’m glad that you held back a bit Wilde …” which simply adds credence to Nick’s earlier statement to Judy.

“He’s also considering resigning from the academy after having a ‘mere fox’” using finger quotes “as he put it, handing him a whipping like you did.”

Holding a steady gaze at the much larger mammal, Nick asks a simple question “And? There’s no way you’d purposely find me just to tell me that! “What’s on your mind Major? … Wait, let me guess … regardless of the previous events, Frizzard shows promise and you want me to talk him into staying, right?”

“Your ability to read mammals can be very annoying at times Wilde …”

“Yeah, well, what can I say …”

“Nick,” says Judy softly as she lightly touches his arm “it’s all about second chances … right?”

Looking down at his mate, he quietly asks her “You’re sure about this?”

As Judy turns just enough to look directly at her todd “Yes, I am. Everyone deserves a second chance!”

“Even Lopes?” Nick asks in almost a whisper.

Taking a moment to consider the question, Judy tells her mate “At the risk of being a hypocrite, no, not him. While Frizzard was wrong with his speciest attitude, Lopes tried to physically mark me as being his mate, even while fully knowing that I’m already married.”

Sighing, Nick relents and tells the Major “Okay, fine, I’ll talk to Frizzard, but I make no promises.”

“I’ll accept that.” remarks the Major. “Come on, I’ll set things up for you.”

...

Arriving at the door to the infirmary, Friedkin asks Nick to wait outside until she has a chance to first speak with Frizzard, informing him that Nick would like a word or two with him.

When she exits the infirmary, the Major tells Nick “He’s agreed to talk to you, but take it slow, okay?”

Nodding slightly, Nick enters and closes the door.

“No telling how long this is going to take …” the Major hints to Judy.

“That’s okay, I’m not going anywhere until Nick comes out …” the doe says as she tries to make herself comfortable on a bench beside the door.

Knowing it would do no good to try to dissuade the doe, Friedkin simply shrugs and heads back to her office, knowing that Nick would let her know how things work out when he’s finished.

…

After a while, a napping Judy is awakened by a gentle nudge from her mate.

“C’mon Fluff,” he tells her “the three of us need to go to Ursula’s office for a minute.”

Just now noticing that the male cougar was standing next to her mate, Judy takes a quick step backwards.

“Cadet … Mrs. Wilde,” he begins tentatively “I sincerely apologize for my attitude and statements earlier. I now know how difficult it can be for a female of your, or any other species, to make a decent life … and … to find a good mate, regardless of their species. While I may not deserve it, I humbly ask for your forgiveness on that matter.”

After thing for a few moments, Judy approaches the larger mammal “I … forgive you. My being with Nick is all about second chances, and I believe that you deserve one.”

“Thank you Mrs. Wilde. I will truly strive to earn the trust you have put in me.”

“See that you do …”

While there seemed to be no actual threat in her words, they did carry a note of foreboding in them, should Frizzard fall back into his previous train of thought.

Arriving at the Major’s open office door, Nick knocks gently, just loud enough to alert the mammal within.

Glancing up from her desk, the ursine says “Grizzard, come in and close the door behind you. Wildes, you’re both dismissed.”

Giving the odd couple a thankful glance, the feline enters the polar bear’s lair and closes the door.

“So … now what?” asks Judy.

“Well, it’s about dinner time,. What say I buy my favorite bunny a meal?” Nick snarks.

“Doofus, you know we don’t have to pay for our meals here …” replies Judy, softly elbowing her mate in the ribs.

“Really? When did that start?” deadpans Nick.

“Niiiiick!”

“You may not know it Fluff, but the staff and visitors do have to pay for their meals, and you will be eating with me at the visitors table.”

“But-”

“Yes, you have a nice one, but that’s not important right now …” he interrupts with a grin.

“NICK!”

“What, I can’t admire my mate’s backside?” he snarks.

“Not the place Nick, you know that …”

“And?”

“You are-”

“Handsome? Suave? Devil-may-care?”

“More like incorrigible I think.” she answers.

“I can accept that.” he counters with a typical Nick-ish grin.

…

Making their way to the serving line, Judy choses the vegetarian lasagna and when Nick reaches for the same item “Nick … what are you doing?”

“Ummm, getting some food?”

“Look … I know that predators need protein, so you need to stop pussyfooting around when it comes to things like eating. I’m already comfortable being around you when you eat meat. And how will I ever learn what you like to eat, and how to cook it if you choose nothing but veggies and vegetarian food when you’re around me? Now, reach over there and get a double portion of that lasagna with the turkey sausage and make your mate happy, okay?”

Slightly surprised by Judy’s insistence, Nick can only offer a soft smile and tell her “Okay, fine. And once you’ve graduated and we get settled in our own place, I’ll be happy to teach you how to cook anything you want. Happy?”

Patting her mate on the paw as they find an empty table and sit side by side, the doe tells her mate “Yes, at least for now.”

…

After finishing their meal, the couple realizes that it’s time for visitors to make their way out of the facility.

“So …” begins Nick.

“To answer your question, yes I’m in a much better frame of mind since the attack, thank you.”

“While we both wish that I could stay longer, you can take solace in the fact that I’ll be back next Friday around five to pick you up for the weekend. With Savage dealt with, I’m going to try and find us a place to live in or near to Aurora. Any special requests?”

“Just someplace nice that we can actually afford, with at least three bedrooms for when the kits get big enough. A good-sized yard would be nice too.”

“Price shouldn’t be an issue, I’ll be selling my folk’s place.”

“Nick, really?” she asks with mild concern.

“Yeah, really.” he responds “Look sweetheart, it makes no sense to be an absentee landlord, and I don’t want to let it stand empty. I already have buyers lined up that I know will take good care of the place. In fact, it’s the couple that you met the night you stayed there. Mike and Liz love the place and will respect the fact that my folks and I lived there. I’ll be getting a fair price which will be way more than enough to buy something in Aurora since the housing market is so much higher in Zootopia. We won’t be rich, but we’ll be well enough off.”

“You’re sure?”

One hundred percent, yes!” he admits as he kisses Judy.

Taking each other into a tight hug, neither wants the let the other go, but as a bell lightly chimes in the background, they both know that Nick now has to leave.

“I’ll see you next Friday.” Nick tells her.

“Five o’clock … don’t you dare be late!” Judy warns him.

“I wouldn’t dream of it!” he tells her as the door closes.

Trudging through the now accumulating snow, Nick takes a quick look behind him and sees a slightly tearful Judy still at the doors, waving.

Waving back, Nick blows his mate a kiss just before entering the GTO and starts the engine.

While the engine warms up, Nick takes a small snow broom and clears the snow off the car and makes himself a promise “Three bedrooms and a good-sized yard. I don’t care what it costs, that’s exactly what we’ll have …”

~0~

Chapter Text

21 Copperhead Road

~0~

After arriving back at the motel, Nick opens his laptop, turns it on and takes a quick shower as he waits for it to load.

Returning to his laptop after a prolonged session with a vastly underpowered fur dryer, Nick starts perusing all of the local realtors.

Wanting to do business with realtors local to Aurora rather than ones located in Bunnyburrow, Podunk or even Deerbrook, Nick jots down the name, phone number and address of Native Realtors from their website on a notepad.

With pertinent information in paw, Nick heads to bed, wanting to be mentally sharp when he gets up in the morning.

…

First thing in the morning after his usual routine, Nick decides to pay a certain café a visit since it’s still too early to visit his chosen realtor.

As he enters the empty eatery, Sharla recognizes the todd from earlier and seats him in a booth close to the counter then quickly disappears into the kitchen area.

Moments later, Gideon comes out to greet the other todd fursonally.

“Muster Wald, is thur anythin’ wrong?” he asks, more than a little concerned.

“Quite the opposite Gideon,” comes the answer “I’m just very early heading to Aurora to visit with a realtor. I’m looking to get Judy and I a decent place to live before she graduates from the Academy. I figured that since I’m as early as I am, I’d stop and get some breakfast.”

“Well, you is shore ‘nuf welcome. I’d recommend the pred sample platter. Lots ‘a dif’rent proteins.”

“Then I guess that’s what I’ll have. And coffee, plenty of coffee.”

“Comin’ right up. Sharla, please git the mammal some coffee while I git ta cookin.”

While Nick nurses his coffee, Sharla keeps busy by cleaning an already spotless counter area.

Several minutes later when Gideon brings out a platter loaded down with various items – hot buttered toast, turkey sausage and bacon, fried potatoes, fried eggs and pancakes, Nick can’t help but ask “Gid, I know you serve both predators and prey mammals alike here, but … the café should be full of folks. What’s up, if you don’t mind my asking.”

….. “Wull …. It weren’t too bad when ah first started. Folks still ‘memberd the tussle thet me ‘n Judy got inta back in grade school. After a bit things picked up and got really good fer a spell, ‘specially when Sharla started werkin’ fer me. Things slowed down a bit when folks found out we wus datin’ and even got werse when we wuz married.”

“But … but the place is empty Gid, the food is top notch, so that can’t be why you don’t have any business!” Nick comments as he pushes just a bit.

“Ummm …”

“It’s because of Judy and me isn’t it?”

“Wull …”

“Straight up Gideon, Stu Hopps is behind all of this, isn’t he?” Nick asks, struggling to keep a boiling anger at Judy’s ‘father’ under control.

“Ah … ah cain’t prove nuthin’, but ah’m purty sure thet he’s prolly behind it all, yeah …” admits a now despondent Gideon.

After a few moments thought, Nick asks “Gid … have you ever thought about moving to a more … socially acceptable location?”

“Whure? Ah ain’t got a clue where thet might be! ‘Sides, we ain’t gots a lot ‘a money ta move nowhere no way.”

“I told you when I first got here that I was heading to Aurora to find a good place for Judy and I to live and to raise our kits.” Nick explains “Why don’t you come along and at least check out a few locations that might be a good place to relocate your business. I understand that Aurora is multi-species family friendly, that’s why we’re considering moving there!”

“I – I think he’s right Gid!” interjects Sharla. “We’re about broke staying open here, and we’ll have to close eventually if business doesn’t pick up. Go on, go to Aurora with Nick and at least check it out. With so few customers, I can more than manage the café until you get back.”

“Ya sure? Ah mean … ummm,”

“Go Gid. At this point, what do we have to lose?” Sharla asks him.

“Ah guess yer right …darn …”

“It’ll be okay Gideon. You just need to have a little faith.” Nick tells his fellow todd.

Finishing his meal and coffee, Nick sets a $20 bill on the counter. “This is for the excellent food and my contribution towards your moving fund.” Nick tells the couple.

“You is a lot more confident than ah is!” Gideon tells Nick.

“Sometimes, a little faith is all we have Gid.” Nick admits “Sometimes a little faith is what it takes to get things rolling.”

After removing his apron and putting it in the back, Gideon joins Nick as they head out.

“Ah’ll folla you in mah old truck if’n ya don’ mind.” Gideon tells Nick.

Giving Gideon a thumbs up, Nick gets in the GTO and fires it up, then heads toward aurora.

…

The forty-five-minute trip was as uneventful as Nick hoped it would be, and the two vehicles pull into the realtor’s parking lot.

Exiting their vehicles, Nick at least appreciates the unusual (for the area) décor of the building.

With the structure having a flavor of the old southwest region, the todd is a bit unsure about the trip.

Entering the building, Nick and Gideon are greeted by an attractive older female coyote.

“Hello, welcome to Native Realtors. Do either of you gentlemammals have an appointment?”

“I’m afraid not.” Nick admits “Will this be a problem?”

“Of course not, we’re quite used to mammals simply walking in. How may we help you today?”

“Well …” as Nick begins, the brief pause is all the hint that the coyote needs –

“I’m sorry, apologies. My name is Emma Leaphorn. Now, how may we help you today?”

Extending a paw, Nick tells her “I’m Nick Wilde, and this is my friend Gideon Gray.”

After a short pawshake, Nick gets down to business - “I’m looking for a nice home either in or close to Aurora for myself and my mate. Judy is a rabbit, so I need to know right away if this is going to be an issue!”

“Of course not. In case you weren’t aware, Aurora prides itself for its diversity of species.”

“I actually was aware, that’s why we were looking to settle here.”

“And you mister Gray?” Emma asks Gideon.

“Wull, ah guess ah’m lookin’ fer a vacant business place.” Gideon tells her “Mah mate ‘an’ ah have a café in Bunnyburrah an’ it ain’t doin’ too well so we thought thet meebe … meebe we needed ta change places … locations.”

“I see,” answers a thoughtful Emma. “So a location for a café … Aurora really needs a good café. And perhaps a place to stay as well?” she asks.

“Y-yeah, I recon thet’d be a good thin.” Gideon admits.

“Just a moment if you don’t mind …” Emma tells the pair as she steps back and has a word or two through an open doorway with an unknown and previously unseen mammal.

As a male coyote steps into the hallway, Emma introduces him to the two todds “Gentlemammals, this is my husband and business partner Joe Leaphorn. Now, mister Gray, if you’ll have a seat we’ll look into available properties for you while Joe attends to mister Wilde.”

…
Following the elder coyote into his small office, Nick sits across from him.

“So mister Wilde, what can I do for you today?”

“I’m looking to purchase a home for myself and my mate. She’ll be having kits in a few months and I’d like to find a good place for us to raise the kits.”

“I see. If I may ask, what brings you to Aurora? I’m sure that there are plenty of places closer to a larger city to settle down, not that I’m trying to miss a sale but it seems a bit odd for a pair of foxes and their kits to come to this small town.”

“Actually, as I told your wife earlier, my mate happens to be a rabbit, so Aurora is where my sister-in-law has recommended to buy. Judy and I will both be working for the Tri-Burrow sheriff’s department until she gives birth to the kits, and I plan on staying with the department while she raises the kits until they get to be school-age.”

“Please pardon me for asking, but ... just how is it possible for a fox to impregnate a rabbit?” asks the coyote.

Seeing the todd’s hesitation, Joe apologizes “Forgive me, it’s really none of my business.”

“It – it’s okay. I’m just surprised that considering everything that’s happened that the news hasn’t reached here.”

“I … I don’t understand.”

“Let’s take care of business, I can explain in a bit if need be.”

“Okay. So, what kind of place are you looking for mister Wilde?”

“…. Normally, I’d tell you that mister Wilde was my father, but considering everything, I guess it really kinda fits now!” Nick says with a slight laugh.

“What we’re looking for will be a place either in or near to Aurora, at least three bedrooms, plenty of space, like a large lot or possibly a small acreage.”

“Any particular price range? I’d rather not suggest or show you something that you might not be able to afford, I’m sure you understand.”

“Of course. I’m actually selling some property in Zootopia, so price won’t be an issue. Let’s see what you have and work from there.”

“In that case, I have three properties that I think you might be interested in. Two are in town, and the third is about five or so miles out. All are three bedroom, although the two in town have rather small lots, comparatively speaking.”

“And the one in the country?”

Looking at his notes, Leaphorn reads the particulars to Nick “Three bedrooms, two baths, split level with a full basement. It has an attached two car garage and a three-bay shop. It sits on seven and a half acres with just over one full acre being a fenced in and the rest is sown to bluegrass to my understanding.”

“Sounds about perfect.” Nick tells Joe. “And what size mammals was it built for? Rabbit sized might be kinda small for me to live in, even though it’d be okay for Judy and the kits.”

“Ummm … wolf size according to my notes, so you should be fine.”

“When can we go look at it? I’d like to have everything taken care of before Judy graduates from the ZPA academy.”

“Are you sure you don’t want to wait until your mate can look at the property?”

“I’d like to at least look at it and get the process started. Judy has next weekend off from her training; I can bring her out and show her around and get her okay then.”

“That sounds fine to me. Let me tell Emma that we’ll be stepping out of the office for a bit and we can head out.”

After Joe tells Emma that he and Nick will be out of the office, they take the coyote’s older but well-maintained and slightly lifted Jimmy 4X4 out to look at the out-of-town property.

…

“So, you’re in law enforcement then?” Joe asks rhetorically.

“Yeah. I spent more than a couple of years in the military. After I got out of the military I spent some time in the ZPD and made detective before I met Judy. I transferred to the Tri-Burrow sheriff’s department rather than have to raise the kits in the city.”

“Big city cop huh? Sounds stressful.”

“It wasn’t too bad,” Nick admits “Like I said earlier, I actually spent a good deal of my adult life in the military. Got out after a career ending injury. I was more or less steered into the ZPD by my parents and a friend or two.”

“And if you don’t mind my asking, just how did you end up out here in the sticks with a rabbit, of all mammals, as a mate?”

“We met quite by accident!’ Nick tells Joe with a short laugh.

Seeing the quizzical look he was getting, Nick expounds on his remark “About a month or so ago my parents passed. Dad from a form of canine cancer that’s peculiar to red foxes, and mom … well, there’s that life bond thing the we red foxes still have …”

“Sorry to hear about your folks, my condolences.” Joe tells Nick.

“Thanks, I appreciate that. Anyways … after mom and dad passed, I lost my anchor. They grounded me, helping to keep the ghosts of my past life in the military away. I – I was actually on a walkabout in my grief. Then along came a tiny rabbit doe with her own life issues and she managed to run me down with one of her fath - family’s pickups. We more or less took a liking to each other; we both had our issues and somehow managed to find the one mammal to help each other stay sane.”

“I used to be in law enforcement myself, back in the day.” comments Joe.

“Really?” says a slightly surprised Nick.

“Yeah, back on the rez. Emma and I are both Diné– Navajo, from the Southwest Region. I was an officer and later a lieutenant with the reservation police and retired out as a captain. After that I did a short stint as a PI (private investigator) but I finally had enough of that and moved here. It’s a lot quieter and easier on the spirit.”

“I can relate to that. One of the guys on one of my teams was a Lakota, so I understand a lot of what you must have gone through. Lawrence Grey Eyes … great guy, hell of a fighter. He actually honored me by allowing me to participate in an Inipi, a sweat lodge ceremony. Very spiritual.”

“I guess we have a lot more in common that anyone might have guessed!” Joe admits.

“Seems like …”

“Anyway, we’re here …” Joe tells Nick as they turn of the main road onto a short gravel driveway.

Nick has to smile as they pass the mailbox.

“What?” asks Joe.

“1313? Really?”

“Yeah, and the best part is that we’re on Copperhead Road!” Joe admits with a smile and a short laugh of his own as a song by the same name plays on the radio.

“Judy’s gonna love that!” admits Nick.

…

Stepping out of the vehicle, Nick is immediately impressed despite the slightly unkempt appearance of the snow-covered property.

“Sorry about the appearance of the place,” apologizes Joe “but I haven’t had time to come and spruce the place up because of the weather. If you decide to buy it I can promise it’ll be up to my usual standards and hopefully yours and your mates as well before you move in.”

Leading Nick to the front door of the house, Joe continues “The electricity and water have been kept on, so there’s running water and heat so there’s no chance that the pipes would freeze up.”

Keying the property’s lock box on the front door, Joe leads Nick into the living room.

“As I mentioned earlier, everything here is wolf sized, so you can get new appliances if they’re too large for you.” Joe tells Nick.

Moving through the house, the story was the same … bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, laundry room, then on to the basement, everything was in great shape, just a bit larger than fox and bunny sized.

“I have furniture in my place in Zootopia we can use until Judy can figure out what she really wants. We do have some time until she graduates from the ZPA and until the kits arrive.” Nick tells Joe.

“That works. Shall we move on? There’s still the basement, garage and the shop to check out.”

As Nick and Joe inspect the basement, the space was fully open with only a thin layer of dust and a few cobwebs evident. Floor joists seem solid and there were no cracks in the walls of floor.

Exiting the basement and heading towards the garage, Nick notices a section of the kitchen wall paneling that seemed … off.

With Joe wondering what was happening, Nick patiently looked for … something?

Finally just pressing lightly on a far section of the panel, a soft ‘click’ was heard and the panel moved just a bit.

Catching a claw on one side edge of the panel, Nick simply pushed it sideways and it slid quietly into a what was a hollow space between the walls of the two rooms.

Stepping into a decent sized room, it was plain for anyone to see that this used to be a hidden and private office space. While there was no actual equipment of any kind present, the set-up of the room led Nick to believe that a lot of time was spent here by someone. The desks and chairs were in fair shape but well-worn.

Turning and seeing the astonished look on Joe’s face, Nick can only ask “What?”

“I had no idea this was here …!” was all Joe could say.

“While I can’t help but wonder why it’s here, I’m actually glad it is.” Nick admits. “With a few changes, it’ll make a great private office for Judy and I.”

“Changes such as …?” prompts Joe.

“A window or two, and take out the sliding wall panel and replace it with paned glass door or something a bit more transparent. I’d hate to lose a kit because we couldn’t find it and having it locked inside that room.”

“Let me talk to the current owners and see if we can get those changes worked into the price of the home.” suggests Joe.

“That sounds good to me. Now, on to the garage?”

…

Stepping through a door on the far side of the kitchen, the garage was a typical two stall garage that has a mammal door between the two stalls and an extra deep set-up on the back wall for tools and the like.

Moving to the shop, again there was nothing remarkable. Three wide and extra deep bays, industrial grade air compressor with air lines and drop lines run to all three bays. A small enclosure housed a toilet and sink.

There was a floor drain in the far bay and when Nick noticed a small water heater that serviced another sink and a pair of faucets.

Something that Nick also noticed (and appreciated) was the variety of yard tools that was assembled in a corner of the shop – a small zero-turn mower, rakes, shovels, a gas-powered string trimmer and a few other odds and ends.

“Looks well equipped” suggests Nick.

“I’m sure it all goes with the property.” Joe tells him.

“Probably.” agrees Nick as the two pass through a door at the back of the shop that opens into the large fenced in back yard.

Walking slowly into the snow-covered yard, Nick has to smile. The peace that he finds by simply walking through this small bit of open space, with the clean, crisp air, the birds singing (as few as they are at this time of the year) and a general feeling of well-being that he had so infrequently enjoyed in decades, was immeasurable.

Reaching the edge of the fenced in section, Nick leans quietly on the top of the chain link horizontal bracing and looks at the remaining five or so acres that comprise the rest of the property.

“What about the woods that surround the house and field?” Nick asks, indicating some of the dense woods in a sweeping motion with one arm.

“What about it?”

“Would any of that be for sale as well?”

“As a matter of fact, the entirety of the woods is for sale.” Joe tells him “Are you suggesting that you might be interested in purchasing that bit of property as well?”

“I guess I am. Even this far out in the country, urban sprawl can creep up on a mammal. It happened where I grew up in Happy Town in Zootopia. My parents bought their house for practically nothing because there was nothing around it for blocks. Within a few years more and more houses went up and it got more and more crowded and became less and less private.

“With the woods most likely not be suitable for farming, the next consideration would be to cut them down and put up condos for folks wanting to escape the city. I’d like to sort of head that off and buy the woods just to use them as a barrier against civilization for as long as possible.”

“Unfortunately, that makes perfect sense.” Joe tells him. “When we get back to my office, I’ll look into a sort of a package deal for both properties if you’re truly interested in both.”

After heading back to the Jimmy and making sure that everything is locked up tight, the two head back into Aurora.

Partway into the short trip to town, Nick’s cell phone pings. Taking a quick peek at the message, Nick can’t help but smile.

Noticing the coyote’s inquisitive glances, Nick fills him in “That was from my lawyer … the mammals that I have planned on selling my Zootopia property to have gotten a low interest loan approved for the entire asking price and closing is estimated to take place in around two or three weeks or so. It looks like I … that is we … will have more than enough money to purchase both properties if Judy finds the place attractive.”

Pulling up to the front door of the realtor’s office, Joe tells the todd “In that case, we’ll start the paperwork on both of the properties. I’ll give you a spare key for the lock box and you can show your mate the house and the rest of the buildings at your convienience.”

“Good, let’s get started then.” agrees Nick.

As Nick and Joe enter the office, Gideon is on his way out, so the two todds hold a brief conversation.

“So, how’d it go Gid?” Nick asks.

“G-great Nick, thanks fer the su‘gestion. Ah got’s ta kum bak wuth Sharla ‘an finish git’n sum papers dun, but it looks lak we’ll be movin’ ta here. Ah cain’t thank ya ‘nuf fer su’gestin’ this.”

“Don’t mention it Gid, just doing my part of trying to make life better for whoever I can along the way.”

Watching Gideon get in his old bakery’s delivery truck, Nick can’t help but be amazed at how far he’s managed to come after his parent’s passing. From a basically suicide walk, to finally having a real family of his own – a mate, kits, a home with plenty of space and fresh air ….

“Nick, is everything all right?” he hears Joe ask him in the background.

Wearing a huge grin and not afraid to face to older coyote, Nick tells him “More alright than you can possible imagine!” is his only reply.

~0~

Chapter Text

22
~0~
As Nick watches Gideon get in his old bakery’s delivery truck, he can’t help but be amazed at how far he’s managed to come after his parent’s passing. From a basically suicide walk, to finally having a real family of his own – mate, kits, a home with plenty of space and fresh air ….

“Nick, is everything all right?” he hears Joe ask him in the background.

Wearing a huge grin and not afraid to face to older coyote, Nick tells him “More alright than you can possibly imagine!” is his only reply.

…

While in the process of reading over and signing papers, Nick makes the ultimate decision to commit to purchasing both of the properties, all the while hoping that Judy approves.

After signing his intent to purchase both properties and leaving a very sizeable deposit, Nick leaves the realtor’s office in a major good mood.

After starting the GTO, Nick works up a short text message as the car warms up, detailing the commitment to buy not only the house and included property, but the several acres of woodland that surround the home on 3 ½ sides.

Finally satisfied with the contents of the text, Nick hits send and throws the vintage muscle car into gear, being careful with the gas since there’s new fallen snow about and he really doesn’t want to go sliding around into something or someone.

By the time Nick has gotten back to the motel he has several texts and more than a few missed calls to answer.

Taking a deep breath, Nick decides to make a conference call to three of the four mammals that he sent his initial text to, knowing full well that Judy still doesn’t have access to her phone until later that day.

With Bonnie answering first (being more or less free to answer), then Deb and finally Darci, Nick tries to explain the happenings of the previous day.

“Okay, if you’ll all just keep the questions to a minimum, I’ll try to lay everything out for you …” Nick tells the three.

After going over the happenings that Judy had to endure with first the overzealous jackalope jake, then necessarily needing to gloss over the fight with Frizzard, Nick finally gets to the part about possibly finding a suitable home for himself, Judy and the kits.

“So,” begins Bonnie “the homestead you found is just outside of Aurora?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“And you say it’s on Copperhead Road, correct?”

“Again correct … where’s this going?” Nick asks as he picks up a slight hint of amusement in Bonie’s voice.

“Well, it seems that you’ve unknowingly stepped on Stu’s toes by purchasing that place!”

“Really? How so?”

“I seem to remember him saying something about trying to purchase some prime bluegrass property over there, but the realtor stipulated that the house and outbuildings had to be included in the initial sale with no provisions made for splitting the property up even after the sale. He was NOT happy!”

“So which of the eleven elves was he then?” asks Nick, trying to bring a bit of levity into the conversation.

“They were dwarfs Nick, NOT elves!” interjected a giggling Darci, with Deb snorting laughter in the background. “And there were seven NOT eleven.”

“Tomato, tomahto, whatever …” answers the todd.

“Aaaaany way,” continues a still amused Bonnie, “Stu is probably gonna have an aneurism when he finds out that you, of all mammals, are going to buy that particular plot of land.”

“And there are several acres of woods that surround the property on three and a half sides that I included in my offer as well.” states Nick proudly.

“Really?” asks Deb who finally joins the conversation.

“Yeah,” Nick admits “I’d like to keep any potential neighbors at a long arm’s length as long as I can.”

“Sounds like a good idea,” pipes up Darci “I’ve heard rumors of some development outfit wanting to build condos or a subdivision or some such thing out that way.”

“You’ll be glad to have the woods for protection from the weather as well,” admits Bonnie “some of the storms we get can get really nasty!”

“Glad to hear that. During my travels” Nick puts a touch of emphasis into the word travels, hoping that the does would understand) “I had to tolerate some really vicious weather from blistering heat in the desert to sub-freezing temps on the Sibearian steppes. This should help keep Judy and the kits a lot more comfortable.”

Speaking of, why isn’t she in on this call?” asks a curious Bonnie.

“She won’t get access to her phone or laptop until tomorrow after training hours, around 5 pm, and she won’t be released from the academy for the weekend until NEXT weekend. I’ve sent her several items that she’ll be able to access later tomorrow.”

“Stuff besides what you just sent us?” asks Darci.

“My … umm conversation with a certain hare buck that you three ‘d be better off NOT knowing.” Nick admits.

Picturing in his mind’s eye the confusion that the three does were probably having, Nick expounds slightly “It’s kind of a security thing – only a few mammals need to know exactly what went down, and you are really better off not being in the loop.”

“Umm, Nicholas…? begins a slightly concerned Bonnie.

“Yes, he’s still alive … well at least he was last I heard.” Nick tells his mother-in-law, which relieves her to no end.

“So,” begins Deb “when can we all go and take a quick look at your new home?”

“Well,” begins Nick “I’d really like to show it to Judy first, because if she doesn’t like it, there’s no real point in everyone else seeing it.” Nick tells her, even though he’s fully committed to buying the property and surrounding woods.

“That’s … really the most responsible and sensible thing to do I guess.” admits Bonnie “I guess we can wait a few more weeks.”

“Or … you three can tag along next Saturday when I take Judy to see the property and the four of you can have a field day deciding what you all want done to the place so we can hopefully have it finished by the time Judy graduates from the Academy.” Nick suggests. “I’ll be happy to show y’all around, and maybe you can help me get the place ready for us to move in … you know, clean and stuff!”

“I think that we can do that, and I’m pretty sure we can get the rest of the ‘J’ litter to help. Dad pretty much outed the entire litter, as I’m sure you’ve probably already figured out.” admits Darci.

“That would be extremely helpful,” admits Nick “and it’ll give me a chance to meet a few more of Judy and y’all’s family.”

“We’ll get busy putting the word out to anybunny who we think is open to you two being together, find out who might be available for cleaning duty and for helping to move stuff from your place in Zootopia or whatever new stuff you two might get.” Darci tells Nick.

“I’m sure Judy will be okay with that. Now, it sounds like we’ve all got plenty on our plates, so I’m gonna hang up and get to it on my end.” Nick tells the does.

“And we’ll all start gathering help here. We’ll give you a call when we get things more or less put together so we can coordinate everything.” Bonnie suggests.

“Sounds good to me!” Deb says and Darci agrees.

With everyone hanging up, Nick starts to make a list of what he thinks he wants to move to their new home in Aurora, knowing that all the while that he’ll need to run it all by Judy before coordinating with Bonnie and whoever else will end up helping and setting it all in stone.

Looking at his list, Nick decides to make two columns, one for stuff from his place and one for stuff from his parents’ home.

After finishing his initial lists, Nick decides to order a pred special pizza from a local pizza place.

While waiting for his pizza, Nick decides to open a new Zoogle maps app on his laptop – one that shows property lines of any properties, his intended purchases in particular.

As he enters the lot numbers for both the house property and the woods surrounding the property, Nick makes a startling discovery.

While the app shows the property lines for the land that is included with the house, the lines extend around 45 feet past the outside of the tree line.

Since it’s fairly early in the afternoon, Nick makes a quick call to Leaphorn to confirm the property lines for the woods and tells Joe of his concerns.

When Leaphorn tells Nick that the property is being surveyed as they speak and that he’d get back to the todd as soon as he learns the results, Nick forces himself to calm a bit.

Roughly 45 minutes Joe calls back with some disturbing news – the field adjoining his property line has encroached exactly 41 feet as of the last Zoogle maps download. The fence had purposely been removed and trees, shrubs and other vegetation and been cut down and cleared out. The coyote also told Nick that he’d e-mail copies of the survey to him for his records.

Thanking Joe, Nick immediately made a call to his lawyer in Zootopia informing of the ongoing situation, and forwarded a copy of the survey results as well.

His next call was to sheriff Justice, appraising him of the ongoing situation, and asking the bunny to please find out who owns the adjoining farmland and to try to find out why they were either intentionally or unintentionally taking his property.

…

While Nick is finally trying to chill for a bit, his phone rings and to his amazement it’s Judy!

“Fluff … Judy, is everything okay? Are you hurt, is-”

“Nick, please stop, I’m fine, everything’s okay I promise.” she says calmly.

“Then why-”

“I’m able to call today because of all of the drama here earlier. The major decided to allow me to use my phone to let you know that I’m fine and to make sure that you are too.”

“… So …”

“So, do you miss me yet? I sure miss you!”

“Yeah, of course I do! Have you checked any of your text messages yet?”

“Nah, I figured that I’d call you before I did anything else. What’s up?”

“Well … I found a really nice place around Aurora for us and the kits.”

“Great! Details please!”

“They’re actually in my last text, but the short of it is this … the place is about seven miles out of Aurora, with about an acre under fence so the kits have plenty of room to play when they get old enough. There’s a fair-sized bluegrass patch on the back part of the property and it’s surrounded by a fairly large wooded area on three sides.”

“That sounds wonderful, I can’t wait to see it! Do mom, Deb and Darci know about it?”

“Of course. I texted them the same time I texted you. They wanted me to take them and show it to them, but I told them I wanted to show you first. If you don’t like it, I won’t buy it.”

“Niiick …” was all a now partly choked-up Judy could say.

“Fluff?”

“Nick … if … if you think I’ll like it, go ahead and buy it, I can help pay for it after I start working.”

“Judy, when I sell my place in Zootopia, the new place will be paid for, and we’ll have plenty left over.”

“But ... I want, no … I need to help. I don’t want to be a burden. You’ve already done so much for me and the kits.”

“Judy, it’s always been a male’s responsibility to provide and to protect his mate and kits, while traditionally it’s the female’s responsibility to keep the home and raise their kits. Yeah, I know you wanna work when you can and I have no problem with that, you know that. We’ll work something out so you don’t feel like you’re not contributing, okay?” Nick tells her.

… “Nick?”

“Yes?” he asks, not quite sure where Judy’s going with this.

“I really wish you were here right now; I could really use a good hug!”

“Soon sweetheart, soon. Next weekend ‘ll be here before you know it,”

“I know, but still …”

“Chin up Fluff. In the meantime, I’ll head back over to the place and take some pictures for you. Maybe that’ll help a little.”

“Okay … ummm, before I forget, I talked to the major, and I’ll be getting off at around three next Friday. Fredkin said I could leave early so I would have plenty of time to make my doctor’s appointment.”
“Good to know, I’ll be sure to be there on time.”

“You’re gonna go in with me, right?”

“If you want me to, of course.”

“Of course I want you to, why wouldn’t I?”

“I don’t know, just making sure.”

“Okay. Well, I’d probably better get going now, I’ve got an exam tomorrow morning and I need to be able to max it.”

“One quick word before I hang up,” Nick tells her “there’s a certain video that I forwarded to your laptop. I’d seriously suggest that you wait until Saturday to watch it. It’s my … discussion with a certain hare and I’d hate for you to mess up your test because of it. And before you ask,” he hurries to mention “yes as far as I know he’s still breathing, but he was a bit the worse for wear by the end of it.”

“I’ll … try to remember that. Anyways, I’m gonna hang up now, love you and can’t wait to see you next weekend.”

“Love you too. Get some studying done and get some sleep. G’nite!”

…

After hanging up, Nick feels a tiny bit remorseful that he didn’t tell Judy about the issue with the property boundaries. Tempering his guilt with the knowledge that they’ll be talking again tomorrow, he decided to come clean with the information, but at least she won’t be worrying about that particular detail while taking her test.

With his pizza finally arriving, Nick settles back to enjoy a few slices, when he gets a call from sheriff Justice.

“Hello, Nick Wilde here …”

“Yeah Wilde … I’ve got a bit of info for you on the property line thing.”

“Okay, shoot!”

“The owner is a bunny named Woody Harellson, and he is disputing your claim that he has tried to encroach on your property.”

“I’ll call my lawyer first thing in the morning and turn him loose on this Harellson character. I sent him a copy of the survey results and I’m sure he’ll make short work of that clown.”

“Something else that you should know.” adds Justice “Stu Hopps is a cousin of Woody’s, and he’ll fight tooth and claw to be able to retain the property. Stu carries a lot of weight in the Tri-Burrow area.”

“Well, the firm of Dewey, Cheatem and Howe have taken on the worst of ‘em all in Zootopia and won, so pardon me if I’m a bit enthusiastic!”

“I guess we’ll have to see how things shake out.” admits Justice.

“I’m gonna head over to the property tomorrow and take a bunch of pictures to send to Judy. I’ll scope out just how much of the tree line that Harelson has tried to steal.”

“Try to not create too much of a ruckus please. Let the lawyers take care of this.” asks Justice.

“I’ll do my best, but since Harellson has probably been alerted by Hopps, he’ll probably be keeping an eye out for anyone poking around.”

“Well, I’ll leave you to it then, let me know if anything happens … oh, and before you head there, stop by the office for a few minutes.” as the sheriff breaks the connection.

After going to the motel’s refreshment center (vending machines) Nick gets a couple of bottles of water and returns to finish his pizza, then heads to bed.

…

Up early, Nick takes care of his morning routine, then heads to Gideon’s for breakfast, which seems to be a normal thing now, before heading to the sheriff’s office.

Entering the sheriff’s offices, Nick is directed to Justice’s office buy Junior.

Tapping on the door, Nick is motioned in by the overweight buck.

“What can I do ya for sheriff?”

“Well, I figured that since you’re going to be nosing around at that property today, you might as well do so in a more or less official capacity.” he tells Nick as he paws the todd a badge.

“Really? I’m not going to complain, but I really don’t start until Monday.”

“Stop by the supply room and pick up your new uniforms and gear on your way out. If Stuart Hopps or Harrelson try to give you a hard time, let them know that they’ll be messing with the Tri-Burrow sheriff’s office. It might give you a bit of an edge up. We really don’t have a patrol vehicle for you yet, but I’m sure that you’ll make do with your civilian vehicle for a couple of weeks.”

“Weapons?”

“You’ll be given pepper spray and a stun gun. We haven’t gotten your lethal in yet but it has been ordered. Since you were authorized lethals when you were in the ZPD and were a member of the military, you’ll be allowed to carry your own personal one until then. I would advise you to be overly cautious in using it though.”

“Thanks. Since I know that you were allowed access to my ZPD records, I’m sure that you already know that I was more than judicious in using one. I appreciate it.”

“I expect you to file and official report on whatever you find out there as well.”

“That I can do.”

“Nick …” begins Justice tentatively.

“Sir?”

“While I don’t quite understand the attraction of two entirely different species to each other, I absolutely respect what you especially have done for Judy, especially considering how Stuart has treated her. If everything that’s out on the streets is even remotely true, you and she have my undying support.”

“Thank you Buford, I appreciate it.”

“Now, get out of my office and check out that property boundary dispute …”

Entering the males locker room, Nick quickly changes into his new uniform, impressed that it actually fits. Donning his duty belt and other newly issued equipment, the todd decides to make a slight detour back to the motel room to pick up his lethal and holster, simply because it feels more natural to carry it as part of his normal uniform.

Picking up his Sig P229 Custom and belt holster in leu of the shoulder holster he normally wore as a detective, Nick knew that he’d probably better let Judy know about the lethal when he talked to her tonight so she wouldn’t be taken by surprise by finding out later.

…

Arriving at his (hopefully) soon to be new home, Nick first takes a few pics of the front of the property, then he walks around the house and shop.

Heading inside he takes a ton of pictures of every room, then the inside of the garage and finally the shop before heading out back to take a few of the roughly 5-acre plot of prime bluegrass.

Activating his new (to him) body cam, Nick takes several pictures of the wooded area that surrounds the property, then moves through the woods to find out just how much land has been intruded on by Harellson.

As he exits the tree line, Nick sees that there’s actually more damage than the Zoogle maps showed.

A quick estimate revealed that at least 50 feet had been intruded into the tree line judging by his glances to where the corner posts that once held the fence indicated where the boundaries used to be.

As a beat-up pickup neared him, Nick got an uneasy feeling and popped the snap on the retaining strap on his lethal pistol.

When a vastly overweight buck rabbit climbed out of the truck, Nick noticed that he also had a shotgun in one paw.

“Whadda want pelt?” was the greeting he got.

~0~

Chapter Text

As he exits the tree line, Nick sees to his dismay that there’s actually more damage to the property than the Zoogle maps showed.

A quick visual estimate revealed that at least 50 feet had been intruded into his property judging by his glances to where the corner posts that once held the border fence indicated where the boundaries used to be.

As a beat-up pickup neared him, Nick got an uneasy feeling and popped the snap on the retaining strap on his lethal pistol.

When a vastly overweight buck rabbit climbed out of the truck, Nick noticed that he also had a double-barreled shotgun in one paw.

“Whadda want pelt?” was the greeting he got.

…

Having drawn his pistol while his right side was out of the buck’s view, Nick now turned to face the rabbit front on with the pistol pointed off to one side, in a less-threatening position.

Seeing the lethal caused the bunny to freeze momentarily, eyes open as wide as dinner plates.

“Mister Harellson, it would behoove you to carefully unload the shotgun and replace it into your truck!” cautions Nick, his voice as cold as ice and his eye narrowed.

“I – I ain’t gonna, not fer some pelt playin’ dress-up in a sheriff depities uniform!” comes the unsteady reply.

“I can assure you that I’m a Bonafide member of the Tri-Burrow Sheriff’s Department!” Nick tells him.

“As if!” responds Harellson heatedly.

“Easy enough to verify,” Nick calmly tells him “I’m sure that you already know the number to the sheriff’s office - call and find out for yourself if you’d like.” suggests Nick.

Pondering the suggestion for a few moments, Harellson finally decides to do just that.

Fishing his phone out of a pocket of his coveralls while making sure to NOT accidentally point the shotgun in the todd’s direction regardless of his actually being a deputy or not, Woody figured rightly that a mistake like that could be fatal.

After dialing the sheriff’s office, the buck’s call is put on speaker when answered and– Tri-Burrow sheriff’s office, this is-”

“I know who you is Junior, put yer dad on the phone!”

“…… Daddy, you got a phone call!”

“Damn it Junior, what do I keep tellin’ you, use the damned intercom!”

“Sorry daddy!”

“Just transfer the damned call, monkey nuts!” which makes it extremely difficult for Nick to not smile, while Harellson has to roll his eyes.

“This is sheriff Justice.”

“Sheriff, this is Woody Harellson. I got a fox here who says he’s a depity of yers.”

“Wilde, you there and okay?”

“Yes sir. Upright and in one piece … so far.”

“I take it there’s a of issue bit of some sort or ‘nother?”

“Yes sir.” replies Nick “Mister Harellson currently has a shotgun in paw. Yes I have my lethal drawn but am at this time holding it in an at-rest position.”

“Good job Wilde. Now, listen to me very carefully Harellson … deputy Wilde is a new hire to the Tri-Burrow sheriff’s department. He is a military combat vet and a former member of the ZPD. Do not, I repeat, do not under any circumstances antagonize him. You will treat him with the same respect that you treat any of my other deputies. You will carefully unload your shotgun and toss the shells into your truck. You will then disassemble the shotgun and place those parts on the seat of your truck, are you with me so far?”

“But-”

“No buts Woody. I have no doubt that Stuart Hopps has put some sort of a bug in your ear about deputy Wilde, and I would highly suggest that you give Wilde a few minutes of your time to explain a few things before you try to go off half-cocked and somebunny gets hurt. Do you understand?”

“… Yes sir!”

“Good!” With that the connection is broken.

Carefully eyeing the todd, the buck first unloads the shotgun as suggested by Justice, then carefully takes the weapon apart into three pieces and stores everything in his truck.

Turning back around to face the fox, Harellson notices to his relief that Nick has already reholstered his pistol and is carefully eyeing him.

“Okay fox start talking!” says Harellson, with a bit of attitude still showing.

“To begin with, it’s deputy Wilde,” Nick comments icily “and I think you’d do a lot better if you lose the attitude, or this little peace thing we’ve got going on right now isn’t going to last very long!”

Contemplating the todd’s statement and considering the sheriff’s information about the fox, Harellson relents.

“Okay depity Wilde,” he begins with considerably less attitude “let’s hear it!”

As Nick relates a greatly condensed version of the latest happenings, Woody suddenly calls a halt to his narrative.

“Wait! … just … wait a second … do you mean to tell me that Stu simply put his daughter out just like that? Why on the creator’s green earth would he do that? I mean, Judy’s not the first doe in his family to get pregnant out of wedlock!”

“Maybe – maybe you need to ask Bonnie. I could say, but that part really isn’t my story to tell.”

As the buck scrolled through the contacts list on his phone, Nick figured that he absolutely has Stu’s number (cousins after all) but probably not Bonnies.

“Here,” interrupts Nick as he pulls out his phone “I’ll dial, I know that she’ll answer if I call.”

After several rings, Bonnie picks up and Nick places the phone on speaker. “Hello? Nicholas? is everything all right?”

“Yes ma’am, so far. Ummm, I know that this is more than a little fursonal, but … I’m presently … ummm holding a conversation with a mister Woody Harellson. And he can’t quite understand why Stu banished Judy from the warren. I was wondering if you’d be up to enlightening him?”

“With most of the Tri-Burrows in a state of uproar no thanks to Stu, it’s hardly much of a secret anymore, so sure. Woody, are you listening?” she asks.

“Yeah, I’m here, go ahead!” replies the more than slightly astonished buck.

As Bonnie reveals the fact that she did indeed have an affair that resulted in the ‘J’ litter, Harellson begins fidgeting uncomfortably. When she tells him that Stu actually banished Judy from the warren, not so much because she was pregnant, but because she had the nerve to stand up for Nick, the buck began to get irritated.

When he learned that Judy had been left in the cold (quite literally) by Stu with no money, no car and no job and with kits on the way, he became downright angry.

After learning that Nick was the only reason that Judy was again able to attend the academy, albeit a shortened course, and she had married Nick, who had not only already taken care of the (to the majority of bunnies) unknown assailant but had pledged to adopt the as yet unborn kits as his own, he could only look at the todd in amazement and a new found admiration.

As Bonnie finishes her narrative, Woody thanks her and both bunnies hang up at the same time.

“Depity Wilde,” begins a now demur Harellson “I want to ‘pologize! What you an’ Bonnie has told me ain’t what Stu’s been sayin’. While it’s wrong for Bonnie ta have cheated on him, there ain’t no way he otta be takin’ it out on the kits, on any of the kits. So, whut can I do fer you today?”

Taking a few moments to choose his words carefully so as to not antagonize the buck, Nick begins “The mammal who is purchasing both the homestead and these woods has noticed a discrepancy between the survey that was just completed yesterday and the Zoogle maps depiction of the property lines. Can you explain how that can be?”

“Wull … ummm … sev’ral years ago, not long after the former owners moved out, my cousin, Stu Hopps, wanted to have one of his kits learn how to plow. Since all of his farmland was already turned, I offered ta let the kit practice on this here field.” as the buck swung and arm to indicate the field behind him.

“Little kit got too close to the fence and tore out like a hunert or so feet of it before we could get him stopped, so we just figured ‘what the heck’ and finished tearin’ the entire fence line down. At the time it seemed like a kind of a waste ta not finish plowing that entire extra row, so we did. The next year Stu told me we might as well keep plowing right up to the tree line since everything else was mostly thorns and weeds anyways.”

“You do realize that if the new owner wants to, he or she can press charges, right? Destruction of personal property and theft of property for starters …” Nick tells him.

Seeing the shocked look on the older buck’s face Nick continues “Luckily for you, I happen to know the mammal that purchased not only the homestead, but the woods as well.”

“You do?”

“Yup … it’s me!”

“Ummmm …”

“Relax Harellson, if you’re of a mind to I’m sure we can work something out.”

"Thet'd be good I recon."

“For starters, I’d be inclined to dismiss a lawsuit that’s being written as we speak if you’d consider planting some trees and whatever you think might thrive in this portion of the woods and replace the fence line.”

“You-you started a lawsuit?”

“I wasn’t sure who was trespassing or how they’d react to my trying to get my entire property back, so … yes.”

“But … you’ll drop the lawsuit if I simply do as you propose?”

“I will. Now, if you don’t mind, walk with me for a bit, I have a couple of questions for you.” Nick tells the buck.

“Okay, I don’t see what it’ll hurt.” agrees the buck.

As the two make their way through the woods and exit on the homestead side, Nick stops and surveys the edge of the woods and the supposed bluegrass field that is currently under a good deal of snow.
Taking a few moments to gather his thoughts and formulate a plan, Nick then begins with his tentative plan “If this was yours, what would you do with the bluegrass field?” he asks.

Taking in the field and the tree line, Woody tells the todd “First, come spring I’d take out this here fence line (indicating the fence that separates the field from the tree line) and I’d plow right to within five or six feet of the trees. Then I’d disc the entire field including the fresh plowed part. Plant you some trees that’ll serve a purpose as well as be useful like maybe some sugar maples or oaks and maybe a few blackberry bushes fer the kits ta raid when they git older."

“Sugar maples … oaks?” asks Nick.

“Yup. They’s where ya get maple syrup from. Plus they leaves turn lots ‘a purty colors in the fall, the kits ‘ll love it! And the acorns thet the oaks drop when they gets older ‘ll be great fer the kits ta nibble on.”

“Okay, anything else?”

“Now thet ya mention it, yeah I got a suggestion or two. You’ll prolly need ta plant sumpin else in thet field fer a year er two.”

“Like … what? I’ll confess, I’m no farmer and with Judy not available right now, I’m at a total loss.”

Giving the todd a look that partially admires him for his honesty (Stu told him several times how dishonest foxes are) Woody continues.

“If’n it wus me, I’d plant sorghum or sunflowers there fer a year er two. They’d put back nutrients thet the bluegrass used up after several seasons. Ya got’s ta rotate yer crops in order ta keep the minerals in the soil in balance.”

“That’s … actually quite useful!” admits Nick. “In fact, I think I have a proposition for you!”

“An’ thet’d be … whut?” asks the now slightly confused buck.

“If you’d be willing to come in here, take up the fence and plow and disc all of this like you suggested,” as Nick indicates the weed and bramble choked edge of the wood line and the field “I’d be willing to give you whatever crops you’d put in there, just for working the land. When the time comes, if you’ll take care of the bluegrass, I’ll split the profits of that with you 60 - 40, with you getting the 60 percent since you’ll be using your equipment and fuel.”

“You’d do thet?”

“Sure, why not? I’ve already looked in the garage and the shop, and there is really nothing much in them except a mower and a few paw (hand) tools. It doesn’t make good financial sense for me to buy a bunch of expensive equipment that I’ll only use occasionally, when I can find someone like yourself that might consider doing it for me. So, what do you think?”

“Sounds good ta me. Any preferences as ta what ya might want in there?”

“I think your suggestions are all solid, and unless Judy has any different ideas, I guess the sorghum and sunflowers will work. I plan on bringing Judy, Bonnie and few other folks out here next Saturday to look at the place. If you don’t mind and can find the time, you can stop by and discuss it with them then …”

“I … I think I can do that.”

Sticking out a paw, Harellson tells Nick “While we started out kinda rough, I’m really glad ta have made yer acquaintance, depity.”

After shaking the buck’s paw, Nick tells him “Likewise Harellson. And just to keep things low-key, Nick will do fine as long as the sheriff isn’t around and I’m not in uniform, especially since we’re basically neighbors.”

“Only if’n ya call me Woody.” shoots the buck right back at the todd.

“I can do that. Now, I guess I’ll let you get back to whatever you were doing before I interrupted you.”

As the buck makes his way back through the woods to his truck, Nick makes a few calls. The first is to sheriff Justice, informing him that everything went well and that he’d file his report on Monday when he gets to the office to start his tour officially. The next was to his lawyers in Zootopia, telling them to go ahead and finish the lawsuit but to keep it active and not file it unless he calls them again and asks them to file, not knowing for sure if Harellson will keep his word or not. The last is to Bonnie, letting her know that everything turned out fine, and that Woody would possibly be joining the rest of them at the homestead next Saturday.

Heading back to the motel, Nick rolled over the recent events in his mind and thought about the e-mail he was going to send Judy later.

After returning to his room, Nick first pulls the microSD card from his body cam and downloads the footage onto his laptop, then does the same with the pictures on his phone.

Satisfied with that, Nick returns the unaltered microSD card back into the body cam and sets it aside along with the rest of his uniform and gear.

Finishing the narrative, Nick sends the photos to Judy’s laptop and settles down to wait for her to call.

…

Having dozed off for a bit, Nick is woken up when he hears his phone ring.

As expected, it’s a Muzzletime call from Judy, and Nick smiles at the time - exactly 1702. (5:02 pm for all of you non-military types)

Answering the call, he sees the smiling face of his beloved doe, but there’s something that doesn’t look quite right …

“Hey Fluff, what’s shakin’?”

“Is it a bad time? I-I just wanted to call as soon as I could!”

“No, there’s never a bad time to talk to my favorite wife!” he snarks.

“Nick, since when am I your ‘favorite’ wife?” she asks, a bit unsure why he greeted he like that.

“Relax Fluff,” he tells her “you’re the only one for me, past, present and future. Now … what’s the problem?”

“What problem?” she asks a bit nervously.

“Judy, there’s something bothering you, please tell me what it is! Are more mammals getting pawsey or something like that?”

“No … just … just the opposite actually.” she finally admits.

“Ummm, ya wanna explain a little, I seem to be missing the point here!” he admits.

“Well … ever since I had to pound some sense into Lopes and you beat the snot out of Frizzard, everyone here has been giving me a very wide berth, I can’t get into a decent conversation with anyone, and even when I’m going through the chow line mammals are standoffish.”

“I think I understand. I think we both know that talking to the Major would only make things worse, so just give it a few more days or at least until the end of next week and I think things will gradually go back to a reasonable semblance of the way it was before. Mammals are bit skittish because of everything that went down a few days ago, so it’ll take a bit for them to settle down.”

“Well, I hope so …”

“Me too. So … have you looked at the pictures I sent of the place we’re looking to buy yet?”

“Ummm, no? I haven’t opened my laptop yet, I’m still walking back to the barracks.”

“You do know that your phone is synched to your laptop right? All you need to do is check your apps for the e-mail app and click on it, it’ll pull up all of your e-mails.”

“I – I never had to do that before, so … thanks?”

“You’re welcome. I’ll give you a minute to look them over and then you can tell me what you think.”

After several minutes, Judy tells her todd “Nick, it’s absolutely perfect! Big house, plenty of bedrooms, a huge fenced in back yard … the kits will have a ball when they’re big enough to go out and play!”

“The field at the back of the property and the entire tree line are also part of the deal as well.”

“Really? That’s great I … just hold on a sec, mom’s calling ….”

“It’s okay, just answer her call and it’ll conference call the three of us.”

“Wow … okay just gimme a sec …….. okay, mom, are you there?”

“Yes Judy, I’m here … and Nicholas, are you here too?” asks the elder doe.

“Actually no, I’m not there, I’m here!” he snarks.

“NICK!” begins Judy.

“Yes?”

Judy’s attempted scolding of Nick was interrupted by a giggling Bonnie.

“Judy honey, it’s okay!” Bonnie tells her still a bit uptight daughter.

“Mooooom!”

“Look Fluff,” begins Nick “I’m sure things ‘ll settle down by next weekend.”

“Why, what on earth happened?” asks Bonnie.

After taking a deep breath, Judy recounts the happenings of the last few days to her mother.

“I agree with Nick, Bun-Bun,” she says Bonnie “things will calm down in a few days.”

“Mom, do you have to keep calling me that?”

“It’s a mother’s prerogative Judy. Embarrassing our kits is a mother’s right.”

“Okay,” interrupts Nick “now that that’s more or less settled, what’s up Bonnie?”

“Well, I was just going to ask if it would be alright to bring a few extra mammals along to see your new place next Saturday.” She tells both Nick and Judy.

“Like … who?” asks Judy.

“Well, besides me, Darci, Debra and Danni and their kits, there’s the entire rest of the ‘J’ litter along with their significant others and their kits. Everyone wants to meet the male who finally caught your attention.” Bonnie begins.

“Really? Just kill me now … please!” asks a now dumbstruck Judy again.

“Yes, really. Then there’s that skunk girl from your wedding, Megan I think her name is? And one of her friends, a mink girl I believe. I don’t remember her name. And of course Cotton.”

“Cotton wants to come along?”

“Of course! She’s been wearing me out wanting to see her big sister and her new boyfriend. Yes I told her that you were married like me and your fa … I mean Stu, but she doesn’t seem to be able to grasp the difference just yet.”

“Well, she is only seven, so …”

“I know, I know, but it’s still cute.”

“Sooooooo …” interrupts Nick “I take it there’s gonna be quite a crowd at our new place next Saturday?”

“Sounds like.” admits Bonnie.

“Well, we can add one more name to the list.” Nick tells the does, mainly Judy since he’s already informed Bonnie that the buck might show up “A Woody Harellson, who owns the land on the other side of the woods will be stopping by to chat with you two about planting different stuff in the bluegrass field.”

“Crop rotation.” comments Bonnie “Smart.”

“Okay, let’s wrap this up for now, we’ll all get together next Saturday, and Judy …”

“Yes?”

Let me know tomorrow what you thoughts are on the two videos that I sent you, as well as copies of the Lopes incident and my little tussle with Frizzard.”

“I … I can do that. and Nick …”

“Yeah?”

“Thanks and … I love you SO much …”

~0~

Chapter Text

~0~

After the phone calls, Nick lays back on the room’s bed and has to wonder how everything is going to shake out in a week. Next Friday he needs to be at the academy no later than 3 pm. Then a frantic trip to Judy’s doctor’s office. What is he going to do while Judy’s there? Will he need to be in the exam room while she probably has to have another exam?

Then there’s the large contingent of mammals that plan on going to see the farm on Saturday if you want to call it that, which it sort of is.

Getting up, Nick figures it’s about time to get something to eat, but just as he gets ready to head out of the door and go to Gideon’s for a quick bite, his phone rings.

As he goes to answer it, he notices that it’s Debra calling.

“Hello, Deb? Is everything alright?”

“Everything’s fine Nick, I just thought that maybe you could use a good homecooked meal for a change.”

“Well, it’d be hard to turn down a good meal, most all I’ve had lately is stuff from McD’s, Burger Queen, or even Gideon’s or the like. Don’t get me wrong, Gid’s is good, but it can’t beat good old-fashioned home cooking”

“Then get your fuzzy butt over here. I’ve got a nice veggie lasagna in the oven, and if you leave right away I have some really nice fresh caught walleye and bluegills that I’m getting ready to fry up.”
“Fish? You guys eat fish?”

“Don’t act so surprised Nick. As strange as it may seem, rabbits and most other prey mammals have evolved enough that protein in small quantities won’t hurt us. Danni and I and the kits have fish every so often to kinda help it along.”

“Well, if my primary physician and sister-in-law has fresh fish on the menu, I guess I’d better listen to her advice.”

“Great. I’ll text you the address and hold off on starting the fish until you get here, just in case something happens. Bad weather, snow, ice and what have you and all that.”

“Sounds like a plan. Give me a few minutes to get ready and I’ll head your way!”

…

While Nick is alone with his thoughts, Judy has a few of her own.

‘How can Nick and mom be so sure that things will work out?’ she can’t help but wonder.

Just as the doe was about to turn into her barracks bay, she hears “Ummm … cadet Wilde?”

Turning to see who might be calling her and what the mammal might want, Judy is a bit surprised to see a female serval.

“Can I help you?” she cautiously asks the feline.

“… Maybe? I – I was in the infirmary when Lopes was brought in, and just missed the other ruckus a day or so ago. I had heard through the grapevine that you were involved in whatever happened to Lopes and I thought that you might shed some light on what happened … mainly because there are several different versions about it floating around, with several indicating that you initiated whatever happened with Lopes, and I wanted to hear your side of the story.”

“And you are?”

“Oh, sorry, Lorraine … Lorraine Wren …” as the feline reaches out her paw.

After shaking the serval’s paw and thinking about the request for several moments, Judy makes up her mind.

“If you can wait a bit, I think I can tell you about it, but first … let’s get some dinner. They finish serving in about a half hour and I’m hungry. After that we can ask one of the staff if we can use a classroom or conference room for a quiet talk.”

…

With Judy refusing to talk about anything specific while eating, the conversation was relegated to typical classes.

As the pair finishes with their meals, Judy spies one of their staff, a male lion.

“Excuse me sir,” she begins “but we’d like to use one of the conference rooms if it’s ok …”

“Any special reason you can’t use the quad or your barracks room?” he asks.

“Well, the quad is cold and snowy, plus it’s … fursonal?” was all the doe would say.

“Fine,” the big cat finally tells her “the door code to conference room three is 2705. Be sure to mark it as in use while you’re there and be sure to make sure the door is closed when you’re finished.”
With that he turns and leaves.

“You head to the conference room, I need to go get my laptop.” Judy tells Lorraine.

Several minutes later, Judy joins her new ‘friend’ in the conference room after setting the ‘IN USE’ sign.

“Okay,” begins Judy “give me a few minutes to call up the right videos, somehow Nick managed to get the videos and sent me the video footage of my assault, and of the sparing match that he had with Frizzard.”

Setting up her laptop, Judy scrolls through the new video files that Nick sent, noting that the first one in line is marked ‘SAVAGE’, the next is marked ‘HOME’, then ‘JUDY KICKING’ and finally ‘SPARRING MATCH’.

Queuing up the video of her encounter with the jackalope first, Judy first includes a bit of narrative as a prelude “I’m not sure if you’re aware, but the buck in this video had been coming on to a lot of the females here since day one. Watch this and tell me what you think …” she tells the serval as she starts the clip.

As the scene unfolds, they both observe Lopes as he approaches Judy from behind, turns her slightly and tries to chin, or scent mark her. Almost faster that the eye can follow, Judy spins and roundhouse kicks the buck on the left side of his face, literally blasting him out of frame. The fury in Judy’s eyes, even in the slightly grainy video, is evident.

“That was … intense, and well deserved!” remarks Lorraine.

“Yeah … I thought I was gonna be kicked out for that …” Judy quietly admits.

“But with the video footage it was ruled as self-defense?”

“Yes.”

“Okay, so do you by any chance have footage of the other thing?” Lorraine asks.
With a bit of a smile, Judy tells the feline “You mean the one of my husband pounding a speciest prick in the sparring ring?”

“Wait … just wait … I thought that a fox beat up a wolf …”

“Yeah, that fox is Nick Wilde, my husband.”

“You’re married … to a fox?”

“I am ... do you have a problem with that?” says Judy, with a touch of attitude showing.

“Absolutely not! But … I thought that I heard that you’re pregnant! Just how in the world did that happen?”

“I kinda figured that that’d come up!” softly admits the doe. “I – I was a victim of date rape a couple of months ago.” noting the incredulous look on the muzzle of the feline, Judy continues “Yes, I was raped and became pregnant because of it.”

As Judy recounts several of the worst moments of her life, she reveals the joy she felt when she was finally accepted into the ZPA, the heartbreak she felt when she found out she was pregnant and the circumstances that led to that particular issue. Then how horrified she was to have accidentally (and quite literally) run into Nick on the highway.

Fast forward to the circumstances that involved her being forced out of the warren that she had lived in all of her life. Then the deal she made with Nick to subsidize her admittance to the ZPA – again – and finally them being married.

As the feline takes a quick look at Judy, she sees that the doe is sniffling and trying to hold back the tears that are rimming her eyes!
“Judy, are … are you okay?” Lorraine asks.

“Y-yeah, I think so.” the doe manages to choke out “Nick once told me that the only way to truly move on to the future is to let go of the past. It’s … difficult, but I’m working on it. Besides,” she manages to say behind a slight smile “you don’t seem to be in any better shape yourself!”

Reaching up, the feline is a bit surprised to find out that she has to wipe a few tears away herself.

“Stupid onions …” she manages to say.

“Anyways, before I start this video,” she finally tells Lorraine “I need to tell you that even I haven’t seen it yet, I only know that Nick has told me that this particular buck is still alive but is absolutely out of my fur for good.”

“How about I get us some popcorn and some drinks?” suggests the serval.

“Really?” asks Judy. “We literally just ate!”

“Sure, why not … movie night!” answers Lorraine with a wink as she exits the room.

…

Roughly ten minutes later, the feline returns with buttered popcorn and drinks and Judy prompts the first video.

As the video begins, both females are surprised to see that the laptops screen is divided into 4 different views, evidentially one for each mammal there.

Experimentally clicking the mouse on a single view, it immediately isolates that particular view.

Going back to the 4-frame view, and freezing the video, Judy and Lorraine can distinctly identify 3 of the 4 mammals by species - a bat of some sort, a Civet and Nick. The fourth mammal was wearing a black uniform of some sort, combat fatigues most likely (it was dark out after all) like everyone else, but it was wearing a hood so only it eyes were visible. Both females also immediately noticed the sniper rifle that the mammal was carrying. With Judy again hitting play, the video resumes -

“Okay,” begins Nick “everyone has their assignments. Radar” (as he looks at the bat) “post at the top of the motels sign and act as a lookout. Sparks” (the civet) “inside the van with your commo shit and Reaper” (the sniper) “on top of the building across the parking lot. Questions?”

With all mammals shaking their heads no, Radar flaps toward the motel sign and Reaper jogs toward the building across the parking lot as instructed.

“Sparks,” says Nick “hold up a second, I need a paw.”

With the civet giving him the ‘look’ Nick explains “I’m gonna defeat this clown’s half-assed attempt at room security, so I need a helping paw for a second.”

Since the other two mammals were taking up their positions, Judy isolates Nick and Sparks.

“I’m gonna need you to replace this on the door knob,” indicates Nick as he removes a single piece of fur that has been balanced on the top of the knob “and reapply this.” as he carefully pries a small piece of tape loose that’s stuck partially on the top of the door and to the door sill.

“Got it?”

“Got it Stalker.” is the short reply.

…

After Nick uses the keycard that he had obtained from the desk clerk earlier, he quickly enters the darkened room and the video feed turns a luminescent green which surprises both females.

“Night vision cameras!” remarks Lorraine “I’ve seen them used in a lot of movies and TV shows.”

“Makes sense I guess!” Judy tells her “Every one of those mammals has night vision of some sort.” (Echolocation for Radar) “so it makes sense that it’d be needed for the cameras!”

As the pair of females watch, Nick unplugs the lamp that would turn on when the room’s occupant would hit the light switch by the door.

Nick then positions himself in a chair where can watch his intended target as he enters.

“Comm check!” Nick’s quiet voice suddenly comes over the speaker.

“Radar, five by five.”

“Sparks, five by five.”

“Reaper, five by five.”

“Night Stalker,” intones Nick quietly “five by five, all comms good. Radio silence until the tango is in sight how copy?”

Three distinct short bursts of static sounds come from the speaker.

With absolutely nothing going on, Judy fast forwards almost fifty minutes until the laptop screen moves just a little, so the doe stops the fast forward and backs the video up just a bit.

“Stalker,” comes Radar in a quiet voice, “Tango in sight!”

A short burst of static is Nick’s only reply.

Making his way back to the room he’d just passed, the buck is heard mumbling “Damned shitty luck. Nothing has gone right since Vermillion. That crazy assed doe did something to me that I can’t figure out. I can still get the does, and get ‘em in bed, but can’t finish the job. SHIT!!!”

Once again making sure that his make-shift security measures hadn’t been compromised, Jack Savage eased into his dingy room, failing to notice the strange ‘click’ as the door closed.

As he reached to turn on the light, he immediately noticed that it didn’t work.

Just as he tried to open the door just a bit to let in a little light, he noticed that the door wouldn’t open.

“Having issues seeing Jack?” asks a voice somewhere in the room as a dim lamp is turned on.

“Who’s there?” asks the buck, reaching under his jacket for what would presumably be a hare sized pistol in a shoulder holster.

…

As the females watch the video, they are both totally enthralled with the goings on.

When all of the mammals finally gather in the room and Reaper removes his hood, neither Judy nor Lorraine are surprised when they see that the sniper is a dingo, especially when they hear his accent.

Watching intently, Judy especially is surprised by the interchange between Nick and the striped furred buck, especially when they move out in the parking lot for the winner take all fight after Savage actually signs the document that removes him from all parental rights.

When Jack tries a surprise attack on Nick when the todds back is turned, Judy almost loses it, but calms immediately when Nick is not the least bit surprised and after toying with the buck for several minutes, knocks him out cold, which earns cheers from both females.

When the buck is hauled back into the room and allowed to recover, the females are astounded, and even more so when Jack is offered a final fight which he promptly declines ...

To her surprise and amazement, Judy feels absolutely no jealousy when the bat known as Radar gives Nick a quick nuzzle then flaps off to land near the Beamer, which Sparks opens the door for her so she can enter.

…

As the video closes, both Judy and Lorraine sit back in their chairs and take a short breather.

“So …” remarks a stunned Lorraine.

“Yeah, same here!” is all that Judy can utter.

“Did you know …?” asks the feline

“That Nick was prior military yes.”

“So, when he defeated Frizzard so easily sparring …”

“Even I was surprised at that!”

“Just … wow!” was the only thing that Lorraine could think of to say.

After several minutes, Judy takes a quick look at the laptop and is reminded that there are some pictures (which she has already seen) and a shorter video that she decides to share with her new friend.

“Ya wanna see the place that Nick and I are thinking about buying?” Judy asks.

“Sure, but lemme go to the bathroom quick please.”

“Okay, but hurry back so I can go too.”

…

Some ten to fifteen minutes later, Lorraine returns and the two become totally engrossed in the photos of the inside and outside of the house and outbuildings.

The fairly short video of Nick’s interaction with their soon-to-be neighbor warms Judy’s heart, knowing that Nick can be subtle when he needs to be.

After both gals take their time again using the restroom, they head to one of the female bays in the barracks area.

With the female bay normally requiring the large door to be open most of the day, Judy is a bit surprised that it’s now closed.

As Lorraine opens the door, Judy take a tentative step into the darkened room, which is normally brightly lit when suddenly the lights come up and –

“SURPRISE!!!”

As a flabbergasted Judy stands in partial shock, eyes, bugged out and mouth partially open, Major Friedkin makes her presence known. “Okay everybody, listen up! No alcohol and no smoking in the building. I want the noise kept to a minimum and it’s lights out before eleven, got it?”

“YES MA’AM!!!” comes the enthusiastic answer from everyone in the bay.

After Friedkin departs, Judy is still in a state of partial shock.

“I – I don’t understand …” comments the still confused doe.

“Ummm, after watching the first video, I realized that you weren’t the privileged doe that a lot of us thought you were, you were just another victim of circumstances. We weren’t really trying to ostracize you we just weren’t sure how to take you after dealing with the Lopes accusations, then your hubbies’ beatdown of Frizzard.

“So, I gave a quick call to Lavonda there,” indicating the sand cat standing by a bed, looking slightly embarrassed “to help get this little shindig approved by the Major.”

“And this is … what, exactly?” asks the doe.

“Well, I guess it’s kind of a combination bridal shower and kit shower, all things being considered!” answers the serval.

“But …”

“The Major allowed a couple of us to go out and get a few things while Lorraine kept you busy.” admits Lavonda.

“Not that I wasn’t actually interested or impressed in the videos, and the pictures of your new place are truly amazing!” quickly says the serval.

After staring at the room full of females and studying each of them briefly, Judy decides that they’re all being truthful and honest with their attempt to bring a bit of joy into her life.

“Okay then,” she tells the room, “let’s get to it!”

With that, a bit of gossip ensues, mostly involving Judy, how she met Nick, and the sort. When the rest of the room is curious about how a fox got a bunny pregnant, Judy withdraws for a few moments, worrying the rest of the females that things might have been taken a step too far.

When Judy finally decides to share her misfortune, everyone in the room is instantly taken aback.

After her narration, and her revelation that the buck that impregnated her had been properly dealt with (without revealing any details that might question Nick’s integrity) the madness that is a hen party resumes.

By the time it was all said and done and the time for the party to be over has arrived, the bay quiets down and the gals from the other bay leave, Judy uses the quiet time to take stock of the evening.
Now, not feeling like an outsider, the doe checks out the various presents that have made their way to her. There are lots of items for the kits – diapers, onesies, and swaddling blankets and the like, to a few maternity items for her, plus an item or two that made her blush with embarrassment, while secretly wanting to try the couple of outfits that left very little to the imagination.
Soon, a tired but happy doe manages to finally heads to bed, and lets sleep take her. She has so much to talk to Nick about tomorrow ….

…

Chapter Text

~0~
While Judy’s adventure is ongoing:

Not long after Nick hangs up, he gets a notification that he’s received an anticipated text message.

Noting the address, he gets in the GTO and starts it and lets it warm up while he programs the GPS on his phone to the address that Deb sent.

45 minutes later he’s greeted at the door by three rambunctious kits.

While the small bucks, Adam and Avery, charge into the kitchen and living room yelling “MOOOOOM, there’s a fox at the front door!!” to tell Deb and Danni that Nick has arrived, Alecia asks Nick where Judy is.

“Is you my aint Judy’s boyfren’? An’ where is my aint Judy?” the tiny doe asks.

When Nick tries to explain that Judy is his wife, Deb tells him “I’ve tried to explain the difference between being married and being boyfriend/girlfriend, but they’re both the same to her at this age.”

“No problem,” Nick tells the doe “a lot of times the only difference is a ceremony and a piece of paper!”

“I guess that’s true enough.” she admits.

Squatting on his haunches so he’s closer to the young doe’s height, Nick tells her “Your aunt Judy is going to school right now to learn how to be a sheriff’s deputy like me when she’s through.”

“Yer a depity?” asks the tiny doe.

“I sure am. And when Judy graduates, she’ll be my partner.”

“Does you gots any kits? Kin I play wif ‘em?”

“Judy has some kits in her tummy and they’ll be born in about five months … when the grass turns green and the flowers bloom. Can you count to five? Can you show me how many five is? That’s how long before the kits are born.”

When Alecia nods and holds up five fingers, Nick smiles and pats the doe on top of her head.

“Good girl. If it’s okay with your mom and dad, maybe you can see Judy next weekend.”

“Really?”

“Yep, there’s a bunch of folks coming out to our new house to help get things together.”

With that, Alecia is evidentially satisfied with the answer and heads toward the dining room to help her brothers set the table.

“Just a bit of FYI, the doe is Alecia, and the bucks are Adam and Avery. Avery is the slightly taller one with the tan marks on his ears.” Deb tells the todd.

…

After everyone sits at the table, Deb brings out the main course of vegetarian lasagna.

As everyone has waited for her to sit at her place, Deb tells Nick “There’s plenty here, so dig in. Let me know how you like it.”

After taking a sizeable portion (Deb had made two large dishes of her lasagna) and tasting it, Nick tells his hostess “It’s really good, almost as good as my mom’s.”

“Well, thank you, but I can’t help thinking that there’s a ‘but’ in there somewhere …”

“The only real difference is the fact that mom always used some country sausage (turkey sausage) in the sauce. Other than that, it’s almost the exact same thing.”

“Well then, the next time I make this, I’ll be sure to add some. Like I mentioned before, mammals seem to be evolving to the point where everyone may become omnivores.”

“Like foxes already are. I guess we kinda beat the curve …” Nick remarks slyly.

“So it seems. And … after supper while the kits are doing the dishes-”

“MOOOOOM!” comes from all three kits.

“Nope,” sternly responds Deb “you three are going to do dishes just like every other night. Besides, we grownups need to have a private conversation, away from prying ears.”

After the main course is served, along with the side salad that everyone seemed to enjoy, even Nick, Deb went back into the kitchen and with Danni’s help, fried a large platter of freshly caught walleye and bluegills.

When the last of the fish is consumed, Deb HAS to ask Nick “Well …..?”

“The fish were excellent.” he tells her “It was fried perfectly and was really tasty. If I may, I’d like to give you a few of my mom’s spices that might even make it even better.”

“No problem. I’m still learning how to properly cook protein, so any advice is truly welcomed.” she admits.

Getting up from the table, Deb asks Nick “I don’t suppose you have some room left for dessert?”

“I’m not su-” he begins.

“It’s blueberry cheesecake …”

“Yes, absolutely, bring it on!” he enthusiastically admits “If there’s anything that I truly love besides Judy, it’s blueberries!”

Wearing her own version of a smirk as she brings out the overly large cheesecake from the kitchen (where on earth did she ever get a bigger springform pan that size?) Deb sets the rich dessert on the table, then proceeds to give each member an appropriate size piece, saving one last piece for herself.

As everyone enjoys the decadent dessert, Deb admits “In case you were wondering, I managed to get Sharla to sell me one of Gideon’s pans to make this, otherwise I’d have needed to make two or three cheesecakes in order to get the same amount of desserts. It just seemed to make more sense to me.”

“Thith ith gud!” Nick tells her through a mouthful of dessert.

“The blueberries came from mom and dad’s farm,” a smiling Deb tells him “but don’t worry, the kits and I probably ate a third of what I had gotten while I was making it.”

“Hopps blueberries were always a treat that I craved after I got back to Zootopia when I got out of the service.” he tells everyone “They were kinda hard to find a lot of times.”

“I’ll get you whatever you want when it comes to blueberries, and some strawberries for your mate as well. Judy loves ‘em.”

“Good to know …”

As Nick finishes his last bit of cheesecake, knowing that his actions won’t be misinterpreted, he makes a show of licking his chops which exposes all of his very sharp teeth.

While Deb rolls her eyes and doesn’t bother to hide a slight smirk, Danni simply ignores the action. But the kits on the other paw ... while the young bucks simply stare wide-eyed and open mouthed at the todd’s actions, Alecia asks “Kin I see yer teefs agin?”

“ASHLEY!” remarks a stunned Deb.

“No, it’s okay,” Nick tells his hostess as he gives the young doe a tooth filled smile.

Jumping down from her chair and walking over to Nick, who leans down so the doe can get a closer look.

“Wow! I wish I had teef like that!”

“So ….” says Danni as he joins the conversation “Shall we retire to the living room away from prying ears while the kits clear the table and do the dishes?”

“Yes, let’s.” confirms Debra.

“Mom, please-” comes from Alecia/Ashley?

“Nope, not happening. Hop to it, chop, chop!” comes the stern reply.

…

As the trio of adults makes their way to the living room and gets comfortable (a little less so for Nick – rabbit sized furniture after all) Deb begins the conversation:

“Now … I wanted to keep this between ourselves, at least for now.” she begins. “As I mentioned earlier, all mammals seem to be evolving, some at a faster rate than others. Predators are able to eat and actually digest more plants and vegetables and prey mammals are able to better tolerate eating and digesting protein. As a doctor and family member, I’m a bit concerned that Judy and especially her growing kits aren’t getting enough protein. I think I heard that she has an ob/gyn appointment after she’s released from the academy for the weekend next Friday, right?”

“That’s correct,” Nick confirms “and she wants me to be there with her, which is fine. And all of this is going … where???”

“Again, as a physician and a concerned family member, I’d like for you to try to get her to do a full blood workup. If she has a protein deficiency, it’ll show up in a full screen. If you wanna try to deflect, you can tell her that it was my idea. It might also be good to know if she got any diseases that might have been transferred to her from her rapist!”

After taking a moment to ponder the suggestion, Nick tells his sister-in-law “While I appreciate you volunteering to take all the blame for the suggestions, I’ll take full responsibility for voicing it. And while it’s true that you brought up your concerns and suggestions, the final decision is mine and mine alone. As a good mate, I will bear the responsibility to bring your, and now my, concerns to her doctor. It seems to be a valid concern, so what could it hurt?”

“You know,” interjects Danni “this is one of the reasons that we and others that Judy fell in love with you, and one of the reasons that so many of us believe that you are the perfect mate for her. You actually care.”

Seeing the quick look of surprise that crosses Nicks muzzle, Deb expands on her husband’s statement.

“It’s true Nick. Between Danni and I, we’ve talked to a lot of our siblings and other family members on both sides, and most of them are on your side. There are a few outliers, like Alice who’ll probably be on dad’s side regardless of whatever happens. You already know that mom’s on your side, and a lot of the townsmammals feel the same, especially in Aurora, but even in the Burrow as well.”

Stunned, Nick’s amazement is very plain on his normally stoic and/or neutral face.

“I … I had no idea!” was all he could say.

“It’s true,” asserts Danni “lots of folks around these parts are finally aware of dad’s issues with the ‘J’ litter and are quite frankly appalled over it. Some businesses are even threatening to drop the farm as their primary supplier for fresh fruits and vegetables.”

“Interesting and very informative.” admits Nick truthfully. “Ummm, I know that it’s kinda off topic, but I have a question …”

“Go ahead.” a curious Deb tells the todd.

“When you first introduced your daughter, you said her name was Alecia. But when she asked to see my teeth, you called her Ashley. I’m confused …”

Letting out a short sigh Deb explains “I know you know my sister Alice from before, and I’m sure you know that her real name is Alecia. Alice wasn’t always the heartless bitch that she is now, she was actually very thoughtful and kind.

“When Judy and Gideon had their little spat as kits, Alice turned hateful towards all predators, especially red foxes. When my Alecia was first born, Alice had seemed to have mellowed a bit so we decided to name my daughter after her.

Then, later on when Judy and Gid made up and actually became more or less friends, Alice included Judy on her little list of who to hate. The kicker seemed to be when Judy confessed to liking you. Ever since then, my Alecia decided that she didn’t want to be named Alecia any more so she picked a name of a famous mammal that she had seen on TV, Ashley Simpsom. Now, everyone calls her Ashley.”
“That’s kinda deep, especially for someone her age!” admits a stunned Nick.

“Not all of the Hopps clan are mindless twits, just a few who take everything that dad and PopPop say as gospel.” Danni tells Nick.

“PopPop?”

“That would be my dad’s dad.” Deb tells him.

“I see. I guess that sometimes the apple truly doesn’t fall far from the tree.” says Nick sadly.

“Unfortunately …”

“Well, if there’s nothing else at least for the moment …” begins Nick as he stands.

“Nothing that either of us can think of.” confirms Debra as she and Danni stand as well.

“I’ll head back to the motel. I seem to have quite a bit to think about between now and next weekend, and I’ll probably make a trip or two to the house and nose around a bit more on my own. It you think of anything, please don’t hesitate to call, I know you have my number.”

“Same here. and don’t forget to tell the kits that you’re leaving … I think that Ashley seems to have taken a bit of a shine to her new favorite uncle.”

Showing a large smile, Nick agrees “Seems like, and I wouldn’t dare to disappoint a fan!”

When Nick heads towards the front door, all three kits make it a point to see him off, with Ashley being sure to give him a pint sized Hopps like hug.

…

With a light snow falling, Nick is careful driving on his way back to the hotel, where he takes a good hot shower and texts Judy to let her know how the evening went.

Just as Nick is ready to head to bed, he gets an expected call.

“BRRING’!

“Hey Fluff, what’s up?”

“Not much here. So, what ‘cha been up to?”

“As if you don’t already know …”

“Nick …?”

“I’m pretty sure that you’ve already talked to Deb before you called me, or you would’ve called earlier.”

“Stupid detective stuff …”

“It’s okay Fluff, I really don’t mind, she’s your sister after all.”

“Okay, fine … how did you enjoy being at Debs?”

“It was really nice. I gave Deb a few pointers on her cooking to help please the predator palate, and the kits … I swear, Ashley seems a bit smitten with me.”

“That happens sometimes. I’m afraid there might be a bit of a showdown between Ashley and Cotton when we get together at the farm next weekend. Anything I really like, Cotton has a tendency to pick up on and like as well!”

“I guess we’ll just have to wait and see, won’t we. Besides, I think that there’s more than enough of me to go around for two young bunny kits.”
“And if I don’t want to share …?”

“Ummmm …”

“Relax Nick, I am NOT gonna be jealous of a couple of five- and seven-year-old does.”

“Well, that’s a relief I guess. Ummm … there’s something that I really need to tell you …”

“Nick …?”

“… Most of the time I … I normally carry a concealed lethal …”

“… I … I know, or I had at least figured it out at some point. You spent so much time in the military, and were put in dangerous situations when you were a detective, that it just made sense to me that you might. While I never actually saw you with a lethal, I never felt threatened by the fact knowing that you were probably carrying one. Does that make sense?”

“Yeah, I guess… Look, I’m sorry, I should have said something earlier.”

“It’s okay, I promise. In fact … I’d really like to have you teach me how to shoot. I never really learned growing up, never really had the need to learn. The short course here at the academy only covers the basics, and even then only book learning, laws and such, with no actual paws on shooting.”

“That’s actually a good suggestion, one that I’ll happily teach. So, what have you been up to?”

As Judy recounts the night’s activities, Nick has to smile.

“So I guess that you and mom were right,” Judy finally has to admit after wrapping up the evening’s activities “everything seems to be working out just fine.”

“Live and learn Fluff, live and learn. Unless there’s something pressing, I think I’m gonna get some shut-eye.”

“Big plans for tomorrow?”

“Sorta … I think I’ll head back out to the farm and nose around a little more before next weekend. I wanna make sure I know as much about the place as I can in case I missed something before. I really didn’t really get much of a chance to scope out the house or outbuilding last time since I had my little set-to with Harellson.”

“That makes sense. Well then, good night, I love you and I’ll see you soon!”

“Love you too, see you in a week.”

And with that the call was terminated.

…

Rising with the sun, Nick quickly dresses and sends a short text to Judy, no wanting to disturb her just in case she managed to sleep in. Her immediate return text lets him know that she was already up as well. Then he heads to Gideon’s to grab a quick breakfast and a wolf sized to-go order of coffee – black and strong enough to walk on its own.

Arriving at the farm, Nick quickly noticed a couple of old pick-ups sitting in the back of the property, near the fence line between the field and woods.

Proceeding cautiously at first, Nick was relieved to see that it was his neighbor and what turned out to be a couple of his sons.

Parking near the shop and exiting his car and walking out to the fence line, Nick was greeted by the elder buck.

“Mornin’ depity …”

“Mornin’ mister Harellson.” returns the todd.

“I thought-”

“That we could dispense with the formal greetings?” finishes Nick “You started it …” he adds with a slight grin.

“Yeah, yer rite … anyways, these here is two of ma boys, Samuel and George. Say ‘mornin’ to ar new neighbor. Nick Wilde.”

With each of the young bucks giving a cautious yet polite nod, introductions seem finished.

“I brung these here two out with me ta hep pull up this here old fence thet we figured could git gone, thet okay with you?”

“It’s fine, and whatever you want to do with the posts and wire is alright with me as well.” admits Nick.

“Great, ah kin use it ‘round my place then. Now … we kin clear out a bunch a the brush through here as well if’n it’s okay with you as well. We kin burn it in the old bluegrass field if’n thet’s okay, it’ll actually help whatever we plant there next year grow better.”

“Do whatever you feel like needs to be done, I already told you that I really know nothing about farming. And just to remind you, I’ll be bringing Judy and some of her family out here this coming Saturday, and you and your family are still invited to come and make an appearance if you so choose.”

After a moments thought, Woody tells him “Me an’ the wife an’ meybe a few of the youngin’s might make it, I still gots a farm ta run y’know.”

“I understand completely. Well, I’ll leave you to your work. I’m going to check out the property a little closer, now that I have the time and inclination. Take care and I hope to see you next Saturday.

…

Walking back to the driveway, Nick begins his more detailed tour of the property, starting at the shop.

Taking a casual walk around the building, everything seems to be fine – the foundation was solid, resting on a well poured and maintained cement slab. All of the siding and gutters and downspouts also seemed to be in good shape. While there are a few weeds that will need to be dealt with in the spring, everything else seemed fine.

Unlocking and entering the building then closing the door and looking around, Nick could tell that there were no visible holes in either the sides or roof thanks to the dim lighting provide by curtains drawn across the half-dozen windows.

Moving to the light switches mounted beside the mammal door (man door) Nick turns on the lights to get a more detailed inspection of the interior of the building.

The slab floor was free of cracks, with only a few grease and oil spots marring the otherwise nearly perfect surface.

While the building was basically empty, Nick decides to inspect the few contents a bit more closely than the cursory inspection that he was privy to on his visit with the real estate agent.

The few simple paw tools leaning against a wall seem to be in good shape – several brooms, a few different shovels, rakes and such, a string trimmer and a push mower off to one side. Under a light tarp Nick finds a zero-turn mower that looks to be almost new.

Finally there’s a small enclosed bathroom snuggled in a back corner, with a medium sized mammal toilet, sink and a few cleaning supplies contained therein. The small electric space heater ensures that the water doesn’t freeze, even though the temperature in the room is less than comfortable.

…

Exiting the shop, Nick takes another detailed walk, this time around the house proper.

As with the shop, the foundation seems in great condition, with only a few weeds that will be easily taken care of come spring.

The thing, or things, that catch his eye are a few small, seemingly well-placed and cleverly disguised windows along the foundation.

After unlocking the main entry door, then entering the house, Nick is now on a mission.

Armed with the knowledge that there’s a basement, he knows that there has to be an entry point somewhere!

Moving to the most likely area, a spot somewhere where the kitchen and garage join, Nick spots a panel that’s slightly different than the rest in the kitchen area.

Running a paw around the outside edge of the panel, Nick finds nothing resembling a catch or switch. Giving the panel a push didn’t work, but the todd wasn’t surprised because even an accidental nudge would open it.

Knowing that the release had to be somewhere close, Nick stepped back and surveyed the areas to either side of the panel.

To the left of the panel, mounted on the door frame, was a sort of key rack. Knowing that even slight downward pressure would probably unlock the panel, Nick gently pried the bottom of the device outward.

With a soft ‘click’ the right edge of the panel opened inward slightly.

Drawing his lethal, Nick opened the panel and reached to find the light switch and turned on the lights.

Cautiously proceeding down the steps, Nick warily entered the basement proper, relieved to find it pretty much empty, with only a few empty shelving units standing against one wall.

Taking a closer look, Nick observed that the windows he had observed on the outside were covered with steel slats of some sort.

With that knowledge in mind, the todd then noticed that the walls were not just cinder block, but reinforced concrete, as was the ceiling above.

Turning back and moving to take a closer look at the entry panel, Nick was amazed to notice that it was actually heavy gauge steel and could be securely locked from the inside!

‘THIS IS A SAFE ROOM’ he surmised.

Turning back to look at the windows, Nick’s military mind went to the fact that they could be used as gun ports in an emergency if needed, or simply to be used as observation ports.

Heading back upstairs to the kitchen, Nick closed and properly latched the panel.

Looking around and finding one of the houses thermostats, Nick observes that the temperature is set at 50, which while it keeps the house above freezing, it will be less than comfortable for a fluffle of rabbits that will be arriving in less than a week, so Nick bumps the temp up to 60.

“I’ll turn it up a bit more just before I go and pick Judy up on Friday.” he thinks to himself.

After going and doing a thorough and detailed search of the house, the only thing that Nick could notice is that the does would have a field day remodeling the inside. New paint, wallpaper and drapes would probably top the list, along with all new appliances and of course, furniture.

Deciding to only share the discovery of the safe room with Judy, at least for the time being, Nick knew that he had a few more stops to make on Monday morning, with the first being the local building codes department and then his realtor.

Heading back out to his car after locking up, Nick goes over his findings in his head, already trying to decide how to inform his mate of his interesting find, and how to outfit the saferoom.
But first, pizza at the local pizzeria and some beer is in order ……

~0~

Chapter Text

26: New Job, New Friends

~0~

After finishing the small pred special pizza and his single beer, Nick takes a quick shower and heads to bed.

Rising early to get a jump on heading in for his first day at the Tri-Burrow Sherrif’s Department, Nick waits until Judy calls to make small talk, then the two hang up and both prepare to go about their respective days.

After stopping at Gideon’s for a quick turkey sausage, egg and cheese breakfast roll (even though Gid and Sharla are trying to get things packed up for the big move) and a wolf sized black coffee, Nick finally makes his way to the sheriff’s office and checks in at the front desk.

“May I help you?” asks the black tailed deer doe, whose nameplate reads ‘F. Deerley’.

“Yes,” he replies “deputy Nick Wilde reporting for duty.”

Looking slightly bewildered, the doe punches a button on her intercom “Sheriff, there’s a Nick Wilde here claiming he’s a new deputy …”

“It’s okay Deerley, send him back to my office please.” comes the expected answer.

Giving the doe a polite smile, Nick heads back to the sheriff’s office.

Even though the door is open, Nick taps gently on the sill, alerting the buck to his presence.

“C’mon in Wilde.”

“So …” begins Nick noncommittally.

“The quartermaster has several sets of uniforms ready for you,” begins Justice “glad that you left your sizes earlier. There’s also a patrol car waiting for you in the motor pool. You can coordinate with Fawn and Junior on getting your personal car to wherever you need to get it to, and you can draw the uniforms and change before you leave.”

“Okay … I guess the smart thing to do is to have them follow me to my new place so I can store my personal vehicle there … that is if I’m allowed to use the patrol car 24/7.”

“Yeah, you can use it alla the time, that way if’n there’s ever a ‘mergency you’ll have an official vehicle to use.”

“I appreciate that. Let me go and change quick, then I’ll coordinate with Junior and … Fawn? On storing my personal vehicle.”

…

Several minutes later, after gathering his new uniforms and changing, Nick reappears in the front office.

“Umm,” he begins, getting the doe’s attention “the sheriff said to coordinate with you and Junior about being able to store my personal vehicle at my residence …”

When Fawn looks up, she is pleasantly surprised at the figure before her.

Nick cuts quite the figure. Naturally lean and muscular, the more or less form fitting uniform, medium tan with dark brown vertical stripes down the pant legs and dark brown pocket flaps and epaulets on the shirt really go well with his red coat and black paws.

Expertly reading the doe’s eyes and body language, Nick gently tells her “Sorry, Fawn is it?, but I happen to be happily married.”

With a heavy sigh a partially deflated Fawn replies “Well, you can’t blame a doe for hoping …”

Giving the young doe an appraising glance, Nick asks “Surely an attractive doe like you has plenty of suitors.”

“Sorta … lots of males seem to want to date me, but most only seem to want one thing, and I’m not that kind of doe.”

“Good for you. but if I may offer one bit of advice … stop looking.”

Seeing the confusion on her face, Nick continues “The harder you look, the more likely you’ll miss the one mammal that will actually love you for who you are. My life mate is a rabbit doe, and I can promise you that I was definitely not even looking for a mate. We sorta met by … accident.” he adds with a bit of a self-depreciating smile.

When realization suddenly dawns on her, Fawn emits a short gasp and has to remark “You – you’re him! You’re the fox that married Judy Hopps!”

“Guilty as charged.” the todd admits, smile widening.

As the doe tries to formulate her next question, Nick gently (and tactfully) cuts her off. “How about we figure out a plan to move my civilian vehicle to my place in Aurora and continue our conversation there, rather than in the middle of the office?”

“That … sounds like a good plan. Follow me to the motor pool and we’ll get things going … C’mon Junior …”

Looking up from whatever he was doing on his computer (Nick suspects either a video game or something similar) the younger rabbit buck stands and heads toward the door at the back of the station.

Arriving at the motor pool, Nick observes that most of the vehicles are older Crown Vicks, that seem to be in really good shape.

“They’re not new, but Cooter keeps ‘em in top condition” Fawn tells Nick, reinforcing his assessment of the vehicles.

“That one is yours,” the doe tells Nick pointing to a clean car, numbered 113.

“Since we’re both more or less the same size, I’ll drive it, with Junior following me. Give us a second and we’ll meet you out front and follow you to …” leaving the sentence open for his reply.

“Just the other side of Aurora, since that’s going to be our patrol area and assigned duty station.”

“Our?” asks Fawn, slightly confused.

“Yeah. My mate will be joining me there after she graduates from the Academy in around ten weeks or so.”

“So Hopps is still gonna to be a cop huh?”

“Again, we can talk more once we get to Aurora if you don’t mind.” Nick gently reminds her.

“Of course, sorry.”

“No problem, really. Some things are simply better off being discussed out of the public’s eye and earshot.”

With a polite nod, Fawn gets into the patrol car and starts it up with Junior following her example.

As the two official vehicles follow Nick to the front of the station, Nick climbs into the GTO and fires it up, letting it idle for just a minute or two to let it warm up a bit before heading out towards his new (and hopefully soon to be occupied) residence.

…

After 45 minutes of casual driving, the trio passes through the small town of Aurora, and then onward for around ten minutes to Nick and Judy’s new (and yet to be occupied) home.

Pulling in front of the shop door, Nick exits the car, unlocks the overhead door, then drives in and parks the GTO, closes the door and locks the shop.

“So,” begins Fawn as Nick joins her by his new (to him) patrol car as she looks around the property, “This is your place huh?”

“Yeah,” he answers “not much to look at yet, but Judy and her littermates and her mom are gonna all be here this weekend to make it more livable. Furniture, curtains, beds, sheets, all that kinda stuff.”

“Happy wife, happy life and all that?”

“Yeah, more or less. I’ve never really been into the domestic stuff, military career, ZPD and all.” Nick unashamedly admits.

“I understand I think. So, umm …”

“Okay, condensed version, and the main reason I’m telling you what I’ve been through is because you need to know that you can trust both Judy and I.

“I had a rough kithood, mostly my fault, hard headed and all. Spent time in the foster cares system, which did not go well. I was on the streets for several years before I managed to get pinched while screwing up a con, so it was either juvie or the military, so into the military I went.

“I was more or less forced to retire medically out of the military due to injuries sustained in combat. While I had a stellar career in the ZPD, I transferred to Aurora because Judy was and is more important than any job.”

“That’s … a lot to take in for one mammal!” the doe admits frankly.

“It is what it is, and I wouldn’t trade any of it for anything on this earth.” quietly admits Nick with a gentle shrug.

“Umm … I know we really don’t know each other very well, but if things work out for you both here, maybe you could put in a good word for me? Things are not going badly for me at the Tri-Burrows station, but I have twin sister in Aurora and I’d really like to get a transfer and be partnered up with her.” requests Fawn.

“I won’t make any promises, but I’ll see what I can do when the time comes.”

“That’s good enough for me.”

…

When Fawn and Junior leave (Fawn is driving not exactly trusting Junior’s driving), and Nick follows them to Aurora, wanting to get to know the town better and introduce himself to the citizenry.

But first, Nick figures that it might be a good idea to check in with the local sheriff’s department personnel, since this is where he’s been assigned. Probably be a good idea to at least meet a few of his new co-workers.

Pulling up in front of the sheriff’s office, the building has an old school vibe, sort of like the building on an old tv show might have. (think Mayberry RFD)

Stepping into the building, the same vibe continues – wood floors and furniture, waist high wood railings and a couple of open 8x10 cells are in plain view, nothing like the more modern offices he was used to in the big city.

And to his surprise (not really) at the reception desk was sitting an exact copy of Fawn Deerley, with the name plate reading D. Deerley.

With a slight smirk, the tall doe stands and addresses the newcomer. “You must be the new deputy, Wilde is it?”

“That’s me,” admits Nick as he extends a paw “Nick Wilde.”

Taking Nick’s paw in her hoof and giving it a sturdy shake, Dawn tells him “I’m Dawn Deerley. Fawn texted me to let me know that you’d most likely be showing up. She failed to mention that you were so …”

“Handsome? Sexy?” responds Nick, playing the part.

“Nope … tall …” grins the doe “and unavailable – pity.”

“I’ve been hearing that a lot lately.” smirks Nick.

“Anyway, as you can tell, we don’t generally get a lot of action around here. The cells that you can see are more or less for show. We have large, medium and small sized mammal cells in the back. Most of the time we get a few drunks in here, occasionally a few kits like to get into fights, that kind of stuff, no actual crime … so far, and we’re really hoping to keep it that way. It really is kinda nice to know that we’ve finally got someone here that would be able to handle anything serious that might crop up though. Welcome to Aurora Nick.”

“It’s actually nice to be here.” he admits. “I never figured that I’d actually like being in the country, remote, away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, but it really has grown on me in a big hurry. With so much of my life having been in turmoil, I honestly love it here already.”

“Well, enough chit-chat for now, follow me please …” Dawn tells him.

Leading Nick to one side, Dawn stops in front of a glassed in office and taps gently.

“Yes?” comes from the impressive male mountain lion seated behind a mahogany desk, apparently doing paperwork.

“Excuse me sir,” begins the doe, grin in place “Deputy Wilde has decided to finally grace us with his presence …”

Meeting her grin with one of this own the senior deputy, whose name plate reads T. Rex, responds “Thanks Dawn.” as he waves for Nick to join him.

“I know you’re wondering, so to start with, no, my name is not actually T. Rex. Thomas Bartholamew Rexall at your service. T. Rex is a lot shorter and easier on the tongue don’t you think?” as he extends a paw.

Taking the proffered paw, (a very strong one at that) Nick gives it a hearty shake and tells the mammal “It is at that sir.”

“No sir here unless it’s needed, please. Let’s get down to it shall we?” he asks in all seriousness.

“Yes, of course.”

“To begin with, you are not stepping on anyone’s toes here Nick. I’m only in command here because I was next in line when the last commander retired. I never really wanted the job, but I’ve never been one to shirk my duty. You being here is a blessing, at least to me and I’m sure to most, if not all of the rest of the staff.

“We have a very diverse staff here, but every single one is here because they’re qualified and believe, like I do, that the job is important.”

“I’ll admit that I was a more than a little concerned about joining the staff, being a pred and coming from the city and all.” Nick tells Thomas.

“I understand that your mate will be joining us when she graduates from the academy.”

“That’s correct. Judy has been training to be an officer for most of her life, and due to … circumstances, she’s attending the short course.”

“About those circumstances …”

As Nick explains the previous happenings, Thomas simply sits quietly and absorbs the information.

“And this Savage mammal?” the feline asks point blank.

“Last I heard, he is in his home country and still breathing.” Nick responds flatly.

“I see … alright then, let’s get you squared away then …”

The next hour or so, Thomas shows Nick the patrol area that this particular station has, explains a few of the local customs that the todd may not be familiar with and a few of the less used duties that the deputies may have occasion to use.

After the briefing, Thomas rises “Follow me …”

Heading out to the main part of the office, Thomas begins “Everyone, let me have your attention please!”

As the present staff gathers around, Thomas introduces Nick “Everyone, this is deputy Nick Wilde. He will be your new commander for this station. He is more than qualified for the position. Y’all know that I never really wanted to be in command, so I have exactly no problem stepping down. Nick is a military combat vet and served with distinction with the ZPD as a beat cop and senior detective for a long time. I expect y’all to give him the respect that y’all gave me, because I know that he will give y’all the respect that you deserve. That’s it, now get back to work.”

Before the mammals got back to their duties, each and every one went to Nick and introduced themselves and shook his paw, really making him feel at home.

Returning to the office, Thomas begins to straighten up his desk.

“You know …” begins a now thoughtful Nick “unless you would have an objection, I can always use a good second-in-command.”

Noting the slightly confused look on the feline’s face, Nick continues “I’d go stark raving mad sitting behind a desk all day, I had enough of that while being a senior detective in Precinct One. Besides, I need to be on patrol with the rest of the deputies for several reasons.

“For one, I need to show everyone that I’m no better than anyone else. I need to get to know the community and the rest of the county, and you never know when I may be unavailable, especially with Judy being pregnant and all. Besides, everyone here and in the community knows and respects you, so you’d be perfect as my second in command, assuming that you’d consider it.”

As Thomas studies the todd for a few moments, he decides that Nick is not offering the position to simply placate him and/or the rest of the staff, but the offer is genuine, he thrusts out a much bigger paw.

“I’d be honored Nick. As you can see, there’s plenty of room in the office for two desks, so I propose we have a second desk moved in and arranged so we can work either independently or jointly.”

“That sounds like a plan.” as he heads toward the door, Nick stops and turns.

“I’ve had a request from a couple of the other deputies-” he begins.

“Let me guess,” Thomas interrupts “Fawn and Dawn want to be partnered up.”

“That’s … correct.” The todd admits, not exactly sure if this was going to be a problem or not.

“Fawn and Dawn went through the Academy together, but the powers that be at the time didn’t think that they should be put together as partners.” The larger male admits.

“And your thoughts?” asks Nick.

“I certainly have no problem with it! As a matter of fact, both Buford and I were both wondering why it’s taken them so long to request it.”

“I’ll let Dawn know that there’s no problem on this end, and she can let her sister know so she can start the paperwork with the sheriff on her end.”

“Sounds like a plan. So …”

“If there’s nothing else, I’ll just mosey around town for a bit and get acquainted with the townsmammals … just to let them know that I’ll be around.”

“I’ll see about getting another desk and computer set up in here, there’s plenty of room after all.”

Giving the large feline a quick thumbs up as he leaves the office, Nick heads over to the young doe at the front desk.

“Dawn,” he begins “I talked to Thomas-”

“Rex.” She politely interrupts.

“Excuse me?”

“Rex … that’s what we call him, and he doesn’t seem to mind, so ...”

Smiling, Nick continues “Rex then … I asked Rex about your sister’s request for a transfer and he told me that there should be no issues either from him or from the sheriff, so she can go ahead and submit the paperwork anytime.”

The beaming smile and nervous energy told Nick that an unsolicited hug was on the way – and he wasn’t disappointed!

“Ooofff!

“Umm, sorry?” comes the embarrassed apology.

“It’s okay,” the todd tells her “as long as Judy doesn’t find out, we’re good.”

Seeing the slightly stunned reaction that that simple statement has had, Nick quickly explains his comment.

“Not to worry,” Nick tells her with a small smile “I honestly believe that Judy would understand because of the circumstances, just … let’s just not make it a habit, okay?”

“Yea-yeah … umm, okay.”

After exiting the building, Nick makes his way down the street, taking in the various shops and stores.

Litewack’s Arcade, Burger Queen and McDougals fast food joints, an Ace’s Hardware store and finally Nick’s attention is drawn to a small crowd gathering if front of a freshly painted sign announcing that a store would be opening soon.

“Excuse me,” begins Nick, gathering the crowd’s attention “Is there a problem here?”

Finally noticing the todd, the crowd comprised of both predator and prey species parts.

“Umm … no … deputy?” answers ground hog who is a little unsure of the todd.

“Deputy Nick Wilde, at your service.” Nick informs the crowd, wearing a genuine smile.

“We’s jus’ tryin’ ta git a look-see at whut’s gonna be in there!” a Billy goat tells him.

About that time, the front door cracks open just wide enough for Sharla to poke her head out.

“Ni-De-deputy Wilde,” she stammers “Gid and I were beginning to be concerned …”

Stepping forward, Nick tells the crowd “If you’ll all bear with me for a few minutes, I’ll do my level best to give you some answers, okay?”

With the crowd mummering their ascent, Nick slips into the building and Sharla closes and locks the door behind him.

…
“Th-thank the gods yer here depity …” begins Gideon.

“We were getting concerned, we had no earthly idea why that crowd was out there …” admits Sharla.

“Just from the little while I was there, they were simply curious as to what he store is going to be.” Nick tells the pair.

“Thet’s it?” asks Gideon.

“Seems like.” Nick tells him.

“Well … I guess it’ll be okay then,” says Sharla. “Do you suppose that it’ll be okay if I step out for a second and let them know that we’ll be opening a restaurant in a week or so? I mean, we still have a bit to set up and we really don’t have much food in the place, just something for Gid to work with to get the stove and fryers set up and going.”

“An’ we really ain’t got a name figgered out yet either.” admits Gideon.

Thinking for a moment, Nick has a suggestion “Is the food that you do have ready to cook?”

“Yeah … why?” asks Gideon.

“Well, how about if Sharla goes out and lets the crowd know that you’re going to be opening a sit-down restaurant, and you’ll be offering free samples of whatever you have in stock here now? Mammals can sample the food, and you can take suggestions from them as to what they might like for a name!”

Blinking rapidly and looking at one another, Gideon and Sharla quickly admit that this is a perfect idea to introduce the restaurant to the town.

“Thet’s – thet’s perfect!” admits Gideon.

“What can we ever do to repay you Nick?” asks Sharla. “The suggestion to move our business here, and now how to win over the townsmammals …”

“Is pizza going to be on the menu?” asks Nick.
“A course,” Gideon tells the todd “we gots a right nice older oven thet’s jus’ right fer pizza.”

“Judy and I are going to be going through our new place on Saturday, and some of her kin folk are going to help. I’ll gladly pay for you to deliver a bunch of pizzas and some soft drinks, water to my place around noon or one o’clock.” as he writes down the address for the delivery.

“Any perticular toppin’s?”

“Of course a couple of prey friendly topped ones, but I think several for preds would be called for.”

Staring directly at Sharla Nick adds “I happen to know that some prey mammals can enjoy meat as well as all preds.”

“Ummm …”

“It’s okay Sharla,” Nick tells the now totally embarrassed ewe “I know that prey mammals are evolving to the point that they can enjoy meat without and adverse side effects. Judy’s sister Debra has clued me in.”

“Right …” Gideon politely interrupts “We’ll be sure ta have ya sum stuff at yer place on Saturday, I promise.”

“Well, we’ll see you then. Sharla, I’ll introduce you to the crowd and you can let them know what’s happening, okay?”

“S-sure.”

As Nick opens the door and steps outside, he notices that the once small crowd has grown to be quite large.

“Attention everyone!” Nick says to get their attention “This is Sharla Gray. She and her mate Gideon have moved here from Bunnyburrow. She will inform you as to what the store will be. You may ask anything from her and her mate, please be patient. Thank you ….”

…

As Nick heads out to price some items that he’s planning on using to outfit the safe room (with Judy’s okay of course), he makes his way to the local Builder’s Depot, and checks more shelving off of his list, along with a fridge and stove, a microwave, a couple of small freezers, table and chairs, sofa and some cots and writes down some prices and their availability.

Wanting to include a safe or two for not only weapons and ammo, but to store important documents and the like, Nick makes a note to contact at least one of his former team members for that particular item so at least he wouldn’t have to worry about wagging tongues from locals.

With the day being slated as a success, Nick heads back to the hotel, knowing that he and Judy would have a lot to talk about tonight.

~0~

Chapter Text

27 Doctor Cotton

~0~

At exactly 5:02 pm, Nick’s phone rings.

“Hey beautiful, how goes it?” as he answers the call.

“Much better now, thanks.”

“So, how’s the trainin’ goin’?”

“It’s okay, but boring to the point that I sometimes have trouble staying awake!”

“Well, you’re probably the only one in your intake that’s been preparing for this most of your life.”

“True. So, how was your day?”

As Nick recounts his day, Judy becomes more and more quiet – unnaturally so.

After finishing his narrative, a very pregnant (pun intended) and uncomfortable silence filled the airwaves.

“Fluff? … Judy?”

“… Nick … do … do I have any reason to be concerned?”

“About what?” asks a now bewildered todd.

“About all of the females who have suddenly become interested in you!” comes the slightly tense answer.

Taking a moment to collect himself, Nick finally answers “… Judy, until the kits are born, there is one and only one mammal that has my full and undivided attention and all of my love, and that is you and you alone. Yes, Fawn and Dawn would have liked to have had me be available to date, but the both understand that you are my wife and mate and thus the center of my world. The only mammals that will ever get to share my love for you is the kits. You do realize that, right?”

“Nick, I-I’m sorry, but-” comes the now shaky and tearful voice over the connection.

“Judy … Fluff … it’s okay, I understand, I honestly do. We’ve both had issues in our past that will pop up occasionally that we’ll need to work through. As long as we can sit down and have a quiet and thoughtful conversation about those issues, we’ll be fine, I promise.”

‘SNIFF’ “Promise?”

“Of course I do.”

“Stupid bunny hormones …” comes softly over the phone.

“Pregnant bunny hormones …” offers Nick, trying to lighten the mood.” which actually draws another strained silence from the doe.

“Judy …?”

“I … I’ve been thinking … wondering …”

“About … what? Specifically?”

“Nick … what … what if one or more of the kits look like … him?”

“……”

“…....”

“I guess that that’s just something that we’ll have to deal with if or when the time comes.” comes the todd’s thoughtful yet stern reply.

“You do know that bunny kits are born furless, right?” Judy asks.

“Yes, I’m aware. Their fur starts to come in about the same time that their eyes and ears open, right?”

“That’s correct. Nick, I don’t know how I’ll be able to handle seeing or thinking about … him every time I look at one or more of the kits if any of them have those damned stripes in their fur.”

“We’ll get through it … together Fluff. I’ll be there with you no matter what. We’ll deal with it together.”

As Nick’s hearing catches a muffled sob, Judy asks “What did I ever do to deserve you Nick? No one, and I mean no one, has ever been this good or understanding with me!”

“Like I’ve told you before,” begins Nick as gently as he can “we’ve both had our issues in the past. We understand each other so we can relate. I know that you’ll be there for me when I need you, gods know that except for my parents I’ve never really had anyone to lean on for most of my life either.”

“Speaking of …” begins a thoughtful and slightly hesitant Judy “would … would it be okay if we visited your parents sometime?”

“I don’t see why not.” comes the answer. “In fact, if you’d like we can spend all day Sunday at my place in Zootown before you have to go back to the Academy. We can go there after everyone else leaves the house on Saturday and spend the night if you’d like. We can visit my folks first thing in the morning and I can give you a full tour of their part of the property and we can decide what to take with us and what to leave for the mammals who intend to buy the place.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

“Nick I’d love to do that!”

“Then it’s settled. Doctor’s visit on Friday, visit the new house and property on Saturday and Zootopia on Sunday. We have a busy weekend scheduled, so-”

“So I guess we’d better call it a night a bit early so I can get my studies done and rest up!” remarks the now super excited doe.

“I guess so!” responds Nick, not bothering to suppress a large smile.

“Love you much, talk to you in the morning!” as kissing sounds accompany the words.

“Love you too.” as both break the connection at the same time.

As Nick showers and gets ready for bed, a small smile still remains on his face.

…

Waking at 5:30 like usual, Nick picks up the phone just as Judy’s call comes through,

Spending just a few minutes on Muzzletime while he gets ready for work, the call is short and he heads out while Judy starts her abbreviated morning run, which she has intentionally begun to cut short so as not to stress the kits.

While Nick drives to work in his ‘new’ patrol car, Judy receives a short text from Deb, who is simply inquiring about her sister’s routine and general wellbeing.

Judy takes a short breather from her morning jog to answer a short call from Debra and assure her sister that everything is fine so far and reminds Deb that she still remembers that she has an ob/gyn appointment on Friday afternoon, and that yes, Nick will be there with her.

After finishing her run, Judy takes a quick shower and trudges off to yet another boring class on small town rules, regulations and laws.

…

Arriving at the station house early, Nick makes a quick detour to Gideon’s café for a sausage (turkey sausage) egg and cheese wrap and coffee.

Entering the building, only Dawn and Rex seem to be in the building.

“Am I late, or-” the todd asks, slightly puzzled.

“Nah, just early. Most of the shift won’t show up for another 15 minutes or so.” the deer doe reassures him.

“Next time bring enough for everybody!!” comes gruff Rex’s voice from the shared office.

“I can do that … umm, I never really noticed before, but … no coffee machine? asks the slightly bewildered todd.

“We used to have one,” comments Dawn “but it kinda died a couple of weeks ago and we just haven’t gotten around to replacing it! Sorry?”

“No problem,” says Nick “after assignments I’ll go pick up a new one. Can’t be having a coffee shortage in the prec - I mean station house.”

“Not being in Precinct One is gonna take some getting used to I see.” says Rex with a knowing grin.

“Yeah, I guess.”

“Anyways, your assignment for the rest of the week is to simply get to know the town and surrounding areas. Introduce yourself to the townsmammals and cruise the countryside. You never know when technology will fail and you’ll be left to your own devices out here in the sticks.” Rex tells the todd.

“I can do that.” says Nick as he finishes his breakfast. “I’m gonna slip over to the hardware store and pick up a new coffee maker, get it running and then I might as well get moving.”

“And coffee …” remarks Dawn “please. When the coffee maker broke down, everybody just kinda split up the little bit of coffee we had left and took it home.”

“Okay … coffee maker and coffee. Should I pick up some water and electricity while I’m at it?” Nick snarks in jest.

“We’ve got the ‘tricity,” comes Rex’s slightly amused voice “but since the water fountain’s broke you might want to pick up some water. Tell ‘em to put it all on the sheriff’s bill.”

“Anything else as long as I’m out and about?”

“No, I think that’ll do.”

…

As expected, Nick’s purchase of the aforementioned items was met with a bit of skepticism from the mammals at the hardware store. A quick phone call and heartfelt apology later, Nick was back at the station house and coffee was brewing.

After refilling his coffee cup, Nick headed out, slow rolling up and down the streets of Aurora, memorizing the street names and observing how the house numbers worked, then he headed out of town.
Spending the rest of the day roaming the main highways in and out of town and a few of the backroads as well, Nick heads for the motel room that he will hopefully NOT be occupying for much longer.
By the time Nick had gotten comfortable, he gets a Muzzletime call from Judy.

After the exchange of mostly boring details from both mammals, the call was finished and another day was in the books.

As the rest of the week unfolded, a casual pattern had developed, and both Judy and Nick were looking forward to the anticipated weekend.

…

Although Friday morning started with a bit more anticipation, the expectation of the weekend’s activities were on both mammals collective minds.

By the time lunch rolled around, Nick was finishing some paperwork from an automobile accident that he had ‘investigated’ earlier when the front door of the station opened.

Of course Nick’s attention was immediately drawn to the less-than-normal activity and what he saw was extraordinary, at least to him.

The mammal entering was what appeared to be a very disheveled middle-aged beaver buck who was totally intoxicated!

Said mammal stumbled through the door, and, for the most part across the lobby, tipping his hat to the deputies in attendance.

Stumbling to one of the normally unused medium mammal cells, the mammal simply opened the cell door, went inside, closed the door and plopped down on one of the two cots, fast asleep!

Standing and walking across the room, Dawn simply went inside the cell and picked up a blanket off of the unused cot, unfolded it and laid it across the passed-out beaver, then left and returned to her desk.

Noticing the todd staring at the now occupied cell, Dawn has to giggle.

“What?” was all that Nick could think of the say at the moment.

“That’s just Ottis!” she remarks casually “He’s more or less the unofficial town drunk. Every Friday afternoon around this time he stumbles in here, totally plastered, and passes out in that cell.”
“But …!” begins a now confused Nick.

“Ever since he lost his wife to cancer a few years ago, he’s been like this.” calmly states Rex as he joins the conversation. “He works at the furniture factory just down the road on the outskirts of town. When he’s finished at around noon, he goes to Joe’s bar and ties one on. Eventually he ends up here until around six am on Monday morning.”

“He doesn’t drive, so there’s never a threat of getting a DUI or getting into wreck and injuring anyone, he simply takes a cab wherever he goes.” finishes Dawn.

“Okaaay!” was all the todd had to say as he turned his attention back to finishing his paperwork, knowing that he had to get it finished before he left to pick up Judy for her doctor’s appointment.

…

Judy, on the other paw, was having issues of her own.

“-nd so the universal 10 code for officer in distress is what, Mrs. Wilde?”

“MRS. WILDE!” as a ruler is slammed onto her desk, startling the doe!

“I-I’m awake!” as the doe almost jumps out of her fur.

Just then the bell rings marking the end of class.

As everyone rises to leave, the miniature hippo instructor tells Judy “Mrs. Wilde, a word before you leave please. If you have another class after this one, I’ll give you a note explaining why you were late.”

“N-no, I have a study period next, then lunch.” comes the embarrassed reply.

Moving across the room, the instructor quietly turns the placard that now states that a conference is in session.

Returning to her desk, the instructor sits on the edge and addresses Judy. “Look Judy, you’re normally one of my best, most attentive students, and are definitely up for valedictorian of this abbreviated intake, but lately your mind seems to be elsewhere … is there anything I can do to help?”

“NO! … Yes? I don’t know …”

“…”

“It’s complicated?”

“Okay … care to share? I can’t make you tell me anything, but-”

“You know that I’m a date rape victim, right?” Judy asks quietly.

“Yes, I’m aware.”

“My … my attacker was an Annamite striped rabbit, and had horizontal stripes across his face and ears.”

“Okay, I’m following you so far …”

“I … I’m afraid that one or more of my kits may have stripes, and I’m not sure how I’ll be able to handle being reminded of him on a day-to-day basis!”

“And your mate is aware of the situation?”

“Yes, Nick is aware of who and what my attacker is, and yes, he’s aware of my concerns about the kits.” Judy states as tears form in her eyes.

“And what has he told you?”

“Basically to take every day as it comes and that we will handle the situation together should it arise.”

“Look Judy, while I’ve never had to face a situation like you have, and while I don’t really know you all that well, I do know Nick quite well. I know what kind of mammal he is, and I’ve seen how he’s treated other mammals, and if he says that you can handle anything as long as you do it together, you can bet your life that he means every word of it. As long as you constantly communicate your concerns to him, I’m sure that everything will turn out as well as it possibly can.”

“Thank you Ms. Beshte, “I’ll keep that in mind. And the answer to your question is a 10-33 in the Tri-Burrow area.”

“That is correct. While you didn’t seem to be paying attention because of your … dilemma, at least you heard and processed it on a subconscious level. Now, go get something to eat, I know you’ve got the material down pat so I’m not the least bit concerned about you needing to do any studying.”

“Yes ma’am.”

As Judy exits the room and heads to the cafeteria, she makes a quick call to her mother.

…

At precisely three pm, Nick rolls to a stop in front of the main doors of the Zootopia and finds Judy standing in the doorway.

Ever being the gentlemammal, Nick gets out and goes around the car to open the door for Judy, only to be physically assaulted by his overzealous mate who literally leaps from the top step of the building into his arms!!

“I’m really glad to see you too Fluff … but we really need to be going ….”

“S-sorry?”

“It’s okay, we can pick this back up later if that’s alright with you ...” which brings up the promise of marital escapades later in the evening.

Although Judy is slightly unwilling to relinquish her hold on the todd she allows him to place her in the passenger seat of the classic car “Fine … but I’m gonna hold you to that …”

“Fluff, I would never say something like that and not mean it!” as he enters the car and reaches across the console to plant a quick kiss on his beloved’s lips.

During the trip to Judy’s appointment, the pair discusses how their days went since they talked earlier.

While Judy had to laugh at Nick’s day, Nick on the other paw was taken slightly aback on Judy’s partial melt down.

Seeing the concern on Nick’s face, Judy quickly tells him “Nick, I’m … not exactly fine, but … better. Yeah, definitely better, okay?”

“Okay, but you do know that I’m still going to be concerned, right?”

“Yeah, I know, and I’m good with that. And quite frankly I’d be very surprised if you weren’t.”

As they pulled into the parking lot, Judy is only slightly surprised that Nick knew where to go. But, on the other paw, he had been patrolling the small town all week, so it made sense.

…

Entering the small clinic, Judy goes to the receptionist and checks in while Nick takes a seat in a medium sized mammal chair, with Judy joining him.

After a few minutes, the receptionist steps out “Mrs. Wilde, doctor will see you now.”

“Thank you Aanya, come along Nick.” as Judy takes the todd’s paw and follows the doe to exam room 2.

“Please take a seat and wait, doctor will be with you shortly.”

Again taking a seat on a medium sized mammal seat, Nick is pleasantly surprised when Judy sits on his lap.

“I think that this will be more comfortable!” remarks the doe as she gets settled.

After a short time, the elder doe enters the room.

After Judy removes herself from Nick’s lap, Dr. Cotton introduces herself, extending a paw to the todd.

“I’m Doctor Robin Cotton, and I assume that you are Nicholas Wilde?”

“That would be correct.” admits Nick, forgoing his usual snarky reply about assumptions.

“If you would pleas step into the hallway for a few moments mister Wilde, I need to give Judy a short examination, I will let you know when to reenter.”

Stepping out and closing the door behind him, Nick only has to wait a few minutes before he’s called back into the room.

“Everything seems to be normal with Judy up to this point, although I do have a few questions and a request for you mister Wilde.”

“Okay, fire away Doc.”

“I have obtained your medical records from the ZPD and find no items of interest, but I need to ask you … have you had relations with anyone since your last full workup?”

“Only with my mate.” comes the honest and slightly embarrassed answer.

“Alright. I have Judy’s answer, but I still need to ask you directly, you are aware that she is pregnant as a result of a date rape, is that correct?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“And you are comfortable in that knowledge … the knowledge that you will be responsible for raising another mammal’s kits?”

“Yes, absolutely.”

“Please, I hope that both of you understand that I’m required by law to ask these questions. It is for the benefit of both of you to be sure there is no misunderstandings when it comes to these matters.”
Looking at each other Nick and Judy both nod to indicate that they understand.

“Good. Now, Judy your bloodwork indicates that you picked up no diseases because of your encounter with your attacker.

“On an unrelated subject, I need to ask you … have you felt alright lately Judy? No unexplained tiredness, weakness, anything out of the ordinary?”

“I have been a bit more tired lately, but I just chalked it up to being pregnant.”

“The last few years I’ve noticed that many of my patients have had the same symptoms. Unexplained tiredness or weakness, even doing normal mundane tasks. This even includes does and other females who have been pregnant multiple times before.

“The underlying cause seems to be a protein deficiency in prey mammals and essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, folate, iron, magnesium, and vitamin K, as well as anemia (from a lack of iron or folate), weakened immune function, and impaired bone health in predators.”

As a shocked Judy can only gape in open mouthed shock, Nick is partially stunned as well from the information.

“You’re basically telling me that I need to eat meat?” asks Judy, almost angrily.

“While some meat or seafood would greatly benefit you, you should not just jump off the deep end and consume massive quantities of either all at once.” quickly espouses Dr. Cotton. “However, you should already know that there are many plants that will give you added protein from your grade school and high school plant husbandry classes, but I would seriously encourage you to begin to at least try to consume small amounts of meat and seafood. I can have Aanya give you a list of different proteins that will be beneficial for you and more importantly for your kits especially if you and your mate can actually have kits of your own.”

As both Nick and Judy take in the information, Dr. Cotton make a request of Nick “Mister Wilde, if you will allow it, I would like to take a blood sample from you today.”

“And the purpose for this would be … what … exactly?” asks the todd, more out of curiosity than concern.

“With the uptick in cross-species pregnancies, I would like to know the possibility that you and Judy would be able to produce offspring of your own naturally as I referred to just a moment ago.”

With the confusion plainly evident on both mammals’ faces, Dr. Cotton explains further.

“While I’m fairly certain myself that you very well may be able to, there is a factor that we should all consider here, if for no one else’s safety think of Judy and the kits.”

With the confusion plainly still evident on both Judy and Nick’s faces, Dr. Cotton continues.

“There is a condition that, while not common, can place Judy and her kits in deep peril. That condition is called Superfetation*. Judy, you should know this from your freshman year reproductive health classes. I need to be sure that if you can naturally produce your own kits that this doesn’t happen.”

A now thoroughly intimidated Judy can only shrink into Nick’s lap.

“So, what steps can be taken in the meantime to eliminate this possibility?” asks Nick, as serious as he’s ever been in his life.

“Using protection first and foremost.” comes the immediate answer. “I understand the hesitancy since you’re just recently mated, but this is serious. Mister Wilde, I can also give you a prescription for a spermicide that you can use until we know for sure about your … compatibility. It will not take effect immediately, as it takes three to four days to take full effect, so condoms or abstinence would be best in the short term.

“All of that being said, since Judy is far enough along it shouldn’t be possible, even if you’re compatible. Still, better safe than sorry.”

Slowly, Judy stands in Nick’s lap and turns to face him, grabbing his cheeks and looking him straight in his eyes “I guess we’ll need to make a stop at Greenwall’s Pharmacy when we leave, because I am not going to go without my mate for another … single … night!” declares the doe forcefully.

“Got it!” was all Nick could say, as a slightly worried look crosses his face much to the amusement of Dr. Cotton.

“So,” as Dr. Cotton seeks to break the rising sexual tension between Nick and Judy “do either of you have any questions for me?”

“Ummmm … I – I guess not … wait, yes, I have one … make that two!” answers a now slightly frustrated Judy.

“And that would be what?”

“With the biological father of my kits being an Annamite striped rabbit, what are the chances that one or more of the kits will carry his striped fur?” comes the more than slightly concerned answer.

“I’m afraid there’s no possible way I can answer that with any degree of accuracy Judy, I’m sorry. It’s just something you’ll have to find out and deal with after the kits are born.”

“I see …” answers a still concerned Judy.

“And your other question?” asks Dr. Cotton.

“Would another ultrasound determine whether or not I would be at risk for having Superfetation?”

After a moment’s thought, Dr. Cotton answers “Ummm … I guess it couldn’t hurt.”

“Let’s do this then!”

“Are you sure? Considering your recent … physical condition?”

Nick would find out tonight at any rate, so, yes. And Nick, I want you to stay here for the ultrasound … please.”

“Okay, if that’s what you want.”

After Dr. cotton retrieves the ultrasound machine and prepares it for use, Judy slowly undoes her top. When she opens it, Nick can only stare.

There, poking ever so slightly through the white fur of her belly, are four small pink nubs!

“Nick, you can stop staring … for now!” Judy shyly admonishes her mate.

“Ummm … I … ummm!” stammers the now uncertain todd.

“Let’s do this shall we?” interrupts the elder doe, who now sports a knowing grin.

After several minutes of slightly tense observation by three very interested sets of eyes, Dr. Cotton tells the couple “From what I can tell, everything appears normal and you’re NOT at risk of any sort of issues that could be associated with Superfetation.”

“Thank you very much Dr. Cotton.” Judy tells the physician.

“So, if there’s nothing else you may leave. And mister Wilde, you may pick up your prescription from Aanya on your way out and have it filled wherever you go to have your meds processed if you so choose.”

Stopping briefly at the receptionists desk to pick up Nick’s prescription (just in case), Judy pulls Nick hastily towards their car wanting to get on the road and take care of some waiting ‘married mammal’ activities.

~0~

Chapter Text

28 Setting Up A New Home
~0~
“So … are we going to stop at the pharm-”

“NO! If Dr. Cotton says there’s absolutely no chance of me getting pregnant again, I’m willing to take that chance. I trust her!”

“Okaaay. Something to eat then maybe?”

Raising a paw to object, Judy suddenly stops short! “That … that’s probably a good idea; I think that we’re gonna need all the strength we can get before we need to leave for the house in the morning.

Stop by Gid’s when we get back to the Burrow, we can get anything we want there.”

“Ummm, Gideon and Sharla moved their shop to Aurora a week ago.”

“NICK! is there anything else that you might have forgotten or neglected to tell me?” Judy asks, with more than a little attitude showing.

“Easy Fluff, I forgot is all! We’ve both had a lot going on lately and it just slipped my mind.”

Staring at her todd intently for a few moments, Judy realizes that he’s right and relents.

“Okay, fine, I get it. So, just where are they?”

“Just a short ways from here, right on the main drag. Besides, I’m sure that Gid and Sharla would love to see you, even if it’s only for a short while.”

“That’s … good. Yeah, it’s a good plan. I’m sorry that I snapped at you …”

The few minutes that it takes for them to get to Gideon’s is traveled in a thoughtful quiet.

Stopping in front of Gideon’s new café, Judy notices the name – ‘Aurora Eats’. Gone is the rather dated name that Gid had in Bunnyburrow. As nice as the old place was, Judy has to admit when she enters the nearly full eatery that Gid and Sharla have really stepped up their game!

Open floor plan with multiple seating arrangements from cozy 2 mammal tables to space for 6 or 8 medium sized mammals.

The tables were topped with bright red and white checkered table cloths and the chairs were covered with soft tan cushions.

“Bless mah soul, Judy Hopp - I mean Wald!! It’s so good ta see ya agi’n!”

“Hey Gid, good to see you again too!”

“An’ depity Wald, great ta see you agi’n too.”

“Gid, I was just in this morning … and I see you got the place named finally.”

“Yeah, an’ ah gived the mammal thet came up with the name a gift card fer 20 dollars.”

“That’s great. Now, if it’s not too much bother-”

“Right, right, where’s mah manners? You two jus’ sit ovah here,” as the portly todd escorts the pair to a comfortable spot “an’ ah’ll have Sharla git ya a couple a menus.”

“We’d actually just like a couple of things to go if it’s not too much of a bother …” requests Judy.

Seeing the quizzical look that the couple is given, Nick elaborates “Judy has the weekend off from the academy, and-”

Quickly realizing where the conversation is heading, Gideon makes a quick decision “Right, right, sorry, whut wuz ah thinkin’? A’ve got a nice spicy shrimp scampi cookin’ fer you Nick, and a garden salad fer Judy won’t take no time ta make!”

“Actually … we’d appreciate it if you could double the order of the scampi.” shyly admits Judy.

Seeing the confused look on Gid’s face, Nick tells him “Judy has learned that she has a slight protein deficiency, and her doctor has indicated that at least a little more protein would be good not only for her but for the kits as well.”

“And, please throw the garden salad together, with that raspberry vinegarette that I like!” adds Judy.

“Whull ah’ll be! Ah’ll send Sharla out ta visit whall ah git yer order ta-geder.”

Shortly after Gideon disappears into the kitchen, Sharla hurriedly makes her way to the Wilde’s table.

As the two lifelong friends share a hug and finally sit down, Sharla shares – “Judy is so great to see you again! And Nick, we can’t thank you enough for suggesting that we relocate here! as you can see, the business is so much better … we’ve actually done better this week than we did most of the rest of the year in the Burrows.”

While the doe and ewe try to catch up in just a few minutes, Nick simply sits back and watches them.

Finally casting a sideways glance at her mate, Judy see one of the biggest smiles that her todd has ever had has managed to plaster on his face.

“What?” she manages to ask.

“Nothin’,” he tells her “just watching two old friends enjoying each other’s company.”

About that time, Gideon comes out of the kitchen with two large to-go bags.

“Here ya go, sorry ta be so slow …” Gideon apologizes.

“No problem Gid,” Nick tells him, with a slight unasked question on his lips.

Almost like he was reading the younger todd’s mind Gideon tells the couple “Ah gots a couple a Judy’s sibs hep’in in the kitchen! Ah sure is glad thet yer maw taught her kits ta cook!”

“Gid, did you really think that mom could cook and feed almost 200 of us all by herself?” Judy asks. “When the does and some of the bucks got old enough, she taught all of us to cook.”

“Judes, you and I both know that you could burn water tryin’ to cook!” the black wooled ewe reminds her “That’s why I had to give you lessons earlier.”

Now, more than slightly embarrassed, Judy admits “Yeah, you’re right, I kinda forgot … sorry?”

Giving her fiend a tight hug, Sharla tells her “It’s all good Judes. I’ll be happy to help you anytime.”

“I’m going to hold you to that …”

As Nick and Judy prepare to leave, Nick reaches for his wallet “Yer money ain’t no good here depity.” Gideon tells Nick, steadfastly refusing the money.

“While I appreciate the thought, it would be highly inappropriate for me, as a deputy, to be given special treatment in any place of business, regardless of the circumstances. It might be misconstrued as a bribe by the wrong mammals.” Nick gently and quietly informs his host.

“Ah … ah hadn’t thought ‘bout thet, but ah guess yer right.” admits Gideon.

…

As Sharla takes the money and goes to the register to ring up the purchases, Nick and Judy exit and return to the GTO.

“You know, I really hadn’t thought about the bribe thing either.” Judy admits.

“I’m a bit surprised that you hadn’t come across that in your studies or at the academy!” Nick tells his mate.

Simply giving a slight shrug, Judy opens the bag holding the shrimp.

“This really does smell terrific!” she comments.

“Go ahead and try a bite or two if you want.”

“You’re sure?”

“Of course. At least we’ll know right away if you at least like it or not. Go ahead Fluff.”

Deciding to forgo the chop sticks, at least for now, Judy opens a container and uses a fork to grab one small shrimp and pops it into her mouth.

After chewing slowly, her eyes widen and she looks carefully at Nick, who has been keeping a sort of cautious side-eye on his mate, just in case he needs to stop or whatever as they make their way towards Bunnyburrow and their motel.

Seeing him give a short nod and a genuine smile, Judy takes a full mouthful and enjoys the decadent (at least to her) protein rich dish.

Sensibly only taking one more small mouthful, Judy closes the container and the bag.

“That should do me until we get to our room.” She admits, even though a small pout remains on her mouth.
…
Entering the room and with Nick setting the food on the small coffee table, Judy helps set the food out. Placing the shrimp dish on one end and the salad on the other, one highly amused todd and one enthusiastically hungry and now very pregnant bunny doe begin devouring each dish.

Knowing that she still needs her veggies, Judy jumps back and forth between the two dishes and eventually begins to slow down.

“You might wanna call it quits, at least for now Fluff.” cautions Nick.

“But it’s so good!” she admits, which almost sounds like she’s whining.

“Yeah, I get it. We still don’t really know how the shrimp’s gonna affect you, especially so much of it at one time. I’d hate to see you get sick or even worse … diarrhea!” says the concerned todd.

Stopping mid chew, Judy suddenly realizes just how right Nick is.

“Damn it …”

“I know Fluff, but never fear, we can keep the rest, it’s not gonna go to waste.”

“But there’s no fridge in the room Nick!” comes the half-hearted complaint.

“Have you forgotten that it’s actually cold outside Fluff? I’ll just put it in the car for later. We can take the leftovers along in the morning and leave them in the fridge at the house. There’s a microwave there as well so we can heat them up anytime.”

“And breakfast?”

“We can stop somewhere and pick something up anyplace, we’re not expecting anyone at the house ‘till around nine or so.”

“Okay, fine. Put the food in the car and get your shower, I’ll take mine when you’re finished.”

“Or you can start yours while I take the food out.”

“You first … please …” she asks, with a smile that promises much more than words will ever convey.

Catching the obvious hint, Nick relents “As you wish my dear.” and heads out to the car.

…

After taking his shower, Nick emerges from the bathroom wearing only a towel around his waist and is rewarded with a very heated kiss from his mate as she enters the bathroom with a small package in one paw.

When Judy emerges from the bathroom several minutes later, Nick is absolutely stunned at the scene before him!

Wearing a ‘baby doll’ nightie that was given to her by one of the other female cadets at the academy, Judy is a sight to behold with the small amount of fabric that she is wearing that actually covers – nothing!

The top, what little is there, has exactly nothing covering her petite but now slightly swollen breasts, with her extra four small pink nubs now showing as well, was hiding nothing. The panties on the other paw, were covering nothing as well, with the does ‘delicate parts’ exposed completely.

“Do … do you like it?” she asks shyly, almost failing to notice the steadily rising towel that covers Nick’s lap.

Finally fining his senses, Nick stands, abandoning all pretense of trying to act even slightly indifferent.

“You-you’re absolutely gorgeous … not to mention sexy as hell!” admits the todd.

“Even … even though I’m starting to show?” she asks, unconsciously placing both paws on her small belly bump.

“Absolutely, one hundred percent!” was all Nick could say as he gathers his mate up in his arms.

…

0530 Saturday morning:

Not needing an alarm clock, both mammals wake at roughly the same time.

“Nick …”

“….. Hmmm?”

“I need to pee … I’ll be right back, I promise …”

“Okay, I’ll need to go when you’re done, then I’m thinking we’ll need to get a shower.”

“Don’t wanna. I wanna just stay here all day …” playfully whines the doe.

“I know, so do I, but we both know we’ve gotta go to the new house ‘cause your litter and your mom are gonna be there.”

“… Still …” as she leaves the warmth of the marital bed to answer nature’s call.

After Judy makes it back to bed, Nick takes care of his morning constitutional, then turns on the shower and motions to his mate to join him.

“You know …” Judy comments, more to herself than Nick without really thinking “I’m gonna really miss this when I get halfway through my second trimester …”

“Hmmm?”

“Oh, sorry, just thinking out loud I guess.”

“And you’ll miss it … why? I mean, considering …”

“Considering the fact that last night was just my third time, and only the second time that I can remember? I’m gonna miss it because firstly I really enjoy it, and even though that know is a bit much, I know I’ll get used to it!”

“And …….?”

“You’re so much bigger than the average buck, I’m not sure how I’ll be able to get you inside me with the kits getting bigger …”

Seeing Nick’s questioning gaze, Judy expands the explanation “I do have brothers you know, and nudity is pretty common in a burrow full of bunnies, at least until they’re almost school age.”
“Right, I guess I hadn’t thought about that.”
…
After a quick shower with minimal fooling around (much to both mammal’s dismay) a fox todd and bunny doe are off to their new home, hoping to arrive before anybunny else.

As they arrive, they notice two things – one, they actually are the first to arrive, and second, the clear sky means the day should be comfortable enough for rambunctious kits to be able to play outside.

Figuring they still have a few minutes to spare, Nick pops the leftover food from last night in the microwave.

“It’s not much but it’ll do until Gid brings the pizza at lunchtime.” Nick thinks to himself.

As our duo begins to chow down, Judy hears someone pull up in the driveway.

Peeking out of the kitchen window, she tells Nick “It’s mom … and she’s brought Cotton with her!”

Greeting her mother at the front door, Judy is almost bowled over by a small furry missile!

“Judy, where ya been, I missed you soooo much!” declares the kit, spreading her arms out as wide as they will go.

Letting out a small giggle, Judy gives her mother a quick glance and tells the kit “It’s kind of a long story, but Nick and I were seeing each other and we got married.” Wanting to spare the young doe the unnecessary details of her being banished from the warren.

“Is you gonna come back and be wit us agin?”

“Ummm, I really can’t because …”

“Your pappa doesn’t like foxes in the warren, remember?” Bonnie quickly but gently reminds the young doe.

“Oh, yeah, sorry.” Cotton pouts.

“It’s okay Cotton, you can visit Nick and I here anytime!” Judy tells her sibling.

“Really?” Cotton asks as she turns slightly to get a better view of the todd.

Giving the doe a toothless smile (so as not to unnecessarily frighten the kit) “Of course Cotton, you can visit anytime you like.”

“Does you gots any teef?” she asks. “I used ta see Gidun alla time, but he gots teef.”

Feeling better knowing that the doe won’t be uncomfortable around him, Nick gives her one of his best full smiles!

“Of course I have teeth Cotton, I just wasn’t sure if they’d frighten you.”

“You ain’t gonna bite me is you? Pappa says foxes jus’ bite bunnies …”

Letting out a short laugh Nick tells her “No Cotton, I promise I am NOT going to bite you.”

After thinking for a brief moment, the young doe asks Nick “Is you my uncle? When everybunny gets married I gets new aunties and uncles.”

“If you’d like me to be, of course I’d be happy to be your uncle.”

Suddenly launching herself at a very surprised Nick, Cotton latches onto the todd and give him a typical Hopps hug.

“I loves you uncle Nick!”

“And I love you too Cotton.” Nick tells the young doe, tenderly returning the pleasantly unexpected gesture.

“I think I hear somebunny else coming …” states Judy, as she looks out of the kitchen window. “It’s Deb and her little fluffle with Darci right behind her.”

While Nick greets the newly arriving guests, Bonnie paws Judy a small package and whispers in the younger does ear.

As Nick catches a quick glimpse of Judy being slightly embarrassed and relieved at the same time, Judy quickly disappears into the bathroom.

Just as Nick was going to ask Bonnie about the package, Deb remarks that there are a couple more cars in the driveway.

“Looks like Jerome and his bunch are here with Jasmine and her mate and Jannelle and her kits right behind them.”

As introductions take place, yet another car pulls up to the house, with an older Hopps farm truck following close behind.

“Jacob!” begins Darci “It’s been a while, good to see you again.” as the two share a typical Hopps hug.

As a lone buck enters the house, Nick senses a bit of tension arrive with him.

“Jason …” begins Deb “You’d better be on your best behavior here …”

“Or what Deb?” comes the very malicious reply.

“JASON …” comes Bonnie’s stern rebuke.

“What mom? I only came here to warn Judy to stay away for this … pelt!”

SMACK!!!

“What the hell?” declares a stunned Jason who reels back from a very hard blow.

“Who do you think you are, coming here and insulting my husband with my name coming out of your mouth?” demands a very angry Judy!

“I thought that dad said that you’d married that damned pel-”

SMACK!!!

“Damn Judy …” as Jason this time picks himself up off of the floor.

“Say it again … I dare you!” taunts the now furious doe.

“Are we having a bit of trouble here?” asks a newly arrived but unnoticed guest.

“Meg!” declares Judy, eyes never leaving her sibling who is just now slowly getting up off of the floor.

“Jason, you have ten seconds to explain yourself,” says Bonnie “you know damned well that Stuart is not your biological father!”

“So where is my real father mom? As far as I know, he’s never been around all these years to check up on us!”

“He doesn’t know about you Jason, about any of you. I was so ashamed of what I did that I couldn’t embarrass Stu any further by letting him know or having him come around. That’s on me, not on him.”

“How can you call Stu dad after how he’s treated all of us, knowing that we weren’t his kits?” asks Jacob.

“That’s right,” pipes up Jannelle “Stu treated us all like shit all of our lives. Once I found out how he kicked Judy out of the warren, and after mom’s admission I’ll be damned if I’d ever call him dad ever again!” with the rest of the ‘J’ litter nodding in agreement.

Wiping the blood from is now swollen nose, Jason rants on “You’ll all be sorry, just wait and see. Especially after this, this … fox kills and eats Judy …”

“Well, at least you’ve got part of it right,” admits a still furious Judy But you’re also mostly wrong … he hasn’t killed me …” suddenly letting the rest of the statement hang.

As Jason stands suddenly frozen to the spot, eyes wide and mouth hanging open, reactions by the other adults are varied – the other bucks are almost as stupefied as Jason, while most of the does (including Meg and excepting Bonnie) found it difficult to restrain their only slightly embarrassed laughter.

A totally horrified Bonnie, on the other paw can only stare at her daughter and exclaim “Judith … Laverne … Hop-Wilde!!!”

Paws flying to her face after trying unsuccessfully trying to hide behind her ears, “Shit!” was all that the now totally embarrassed doe could say.