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Nick and Judy get coffee in the morning before work like they normally do.
“All I’m saying is that if you want your parents off your back, just lie and say you’re dating someone,” Nick tells Judy after she lamented that her parents have started talking to her about her ‘biological clock.’
“They’ll only ask to meet him. Not to mention they’ll expect it to be a buck.”
“I’m sure they’ll accept a doe,” Nick smirks. Judy rolls her eyes.
“Not what I meant and you know it,” Judy sighs. “There’s just no rabbits here that can keep up with me physically and intellectually. Not to mention clicking with me personality-wise. Where’s the ambition?! The sense of adventure?! The banter?!” she gestures with her hands.
“And in bunny burrow?”
“10 times worse.”
“So…” Nick starts tentatively, “Does that mean you’re willing to date other species? Even predators?”
“Well, yeah. This is Zootopia after all. I don’t really care as long as the size difference doesn’t make it impossible to you know…” Nick blushes.
“Yeah, I got you, Carrots. But you don’t think you’re parents will accept it.
“Well, it won’t matter if they do or not if I can’t find someone in the first place. If they don’t? Sucks for them. If they do? Great.”
“So why don’t you just go on a couple dates?”
“I have no idea how to even go about dating. I’m busy enough as it is with work. Putting effort into finding a date that’ll probably be a flop anyway and figuring out the intricacies of its social norms seems like a hassle. I just wish there was some way to get my parents off my back without me having to actually go through that right now.” Nick opens his mouth to say something and closes it again. “What?”
“Nothing.”
“No, that look on your face says ‘I have an idea, but I don’t wanna say it.”
“That’s because it’s a bad idea.”
“Tell it to me anyway.”
“I don’t know, Fluff.”
“If you don’t, they’re gonna set me up with some souther buck with no personality when I visit this weekend and I really don’t need that.” Nick sighs again.
“Fine. But I want to preface with, I repeat, this is a bad idea.”
“Ok. Cool. Bad idea. Tell me!”
“What if you got someone to pretend to be your boyfriend this weekend
“Who’s crazy enough to do that? One, it’s super last-minute. Two, my family is pushy and surprisingly intimidating believe it or not, not to mention all the brothers and sisters that’ll be excited about a newcomer, and-” Nick just stared at her and then it dawned on her. “You meant…you?”
“As I said: bad idea. Forget I mentioned it.”
“No, it’s perfect. We’ve known each other for a long time. It’ll let them know I’m also into predators, and I could trust you to make an amazing impression with all of them so they’ll be reminded that good guys of all species are out there…You’d really do that for me? On such short notice?”
“We’re partners; we get the same days off, Fluff. Plus, an annoyed-by-parents Judy is less fun than a chill-with-parents Judy.” Nick says getting up. “We’d better be on our way. Don’t wanna be late for work.” She gets up and throws her arms around him.
“Thank you!” He’s surprised at her sudden affection but returns the hug.
“Don’t mention it.”
The next day, they’re on the first train to Bunnyburrow.
“So, did you tell them you’re bringing your boyfriend?”
“Yup.”
“Tell them that he’s a fox?”
“Nope.”
“Great.”
“It’ll be fine.”
“Uh-huh. What part of ‘bad idea’ did you not understand yesterday?”
“The part where neither of us could come up with anything better!”
“Touché.” Judy sighs.
“Thanks again for doing this for me, especially cause you know how intense my parents can be…It means a lot.”
“Yeah, well, I don’t like to see my partner and best friend distressed. So if I can help out, I’m happy to.”
Once Judy and Nick got to her parents’ house, they were hesitant to go inside.
“Wait,” Judy says, “What do we do? How do we walk in? I don’t know what someone in a relationship would do? Do we hold paws? Will-“
“Breath, Carrots,” Nick says taking her shoulders, “I got this. Just act like we normally do, but replace best friend and partner with boyfriend. Hell, you could still just say parter and they’ll understand by context clues. Leave the rest to me and follow my lead.” Judy nods and takes a deep breath. Nick takes her paw in his and she’s finds that she likes it. It’s warm and it grounds her. With Nick next to her side, she can do this. She opens the door with her free hand.
“Judy! So great to see you!” her mom, Bonnie, says.
“Hey, Jude, so where’s the boy-…friend?“ her dad, Stu, says from further away seeing that a fox is in the doorway with her.
“You guys know Nick from when you visited Zootopia. He’s-He’s my boyfriend now,” Judy says nervously. Her parents look hesitant, especially her father.
“It’s great to see you both again. I’m sorry we didn’t mention anything before. Judy was a little worried that you would disapprove of her dating a fox, but I know how reasonable you are as one of the most progressive families in Bunnyburrow. I just hope by the end of this weekend, you’ll see just how much I care about Judy.” Judy’s parents seems to relax a bit and her mother smiles.
“Come in, dear. I suppose Judy’s had a good influence on us, and if I’m correct, your influence on her was part of that too, so thank you.” says Bonnie warmly.
They soon hear multiple shouts of “Judy’s home!” by kits of all ages. About 100 bunnies pile in through various doors to see Judy and her new boyfriend. Nick’s eyes widen.
“Judy we missed you!
“Who’s he?”
“Is that a fox?”
“Mom said you were bringing your boyfriend!”
“Glad I’m not the only doe into predators,” says one of the older sisters.
“Those are such cool teeth, dude!” Nick clears his throat and calms himself.
“Hello!” He yells to both address and quiet the crowd. “Hi, I’m Nick, Judy’s partner in the police force but also in life. You heard right. Judy is my girlfriend, and I care about her very much.” The younger ones run up to hug him and feel his fur. Though a little uncomfortable, he takes it in stride, understanding that the little kits aren’t used to foxes or new people in general.
“Guys, give him a little space, please,” Judy says.
“You’ll have to forgive the younger ones,” says Bonnie to Nick, “they’re just a little over-excited. Kits, spread out so that we can make a path to Nick and Judy’s room. The kits immediately part like the Red Sea. Stew and Bonnie lead them to their room.
“Now, don’t think about any funny business just because we’re short on space,” says Stew sternly. Nick and Judy look mortified. Nick recovers first and replies.
“We wouldn’t dream of it. I respect Judy far too much to try to rush into anything until both of us are sure we’re ready. And even if the both of us were at that point, we would respect your wishes and refrain from doing so in your house.” Stew squints his eyes and Nick fears that he said the wrong thing.
“We’re gonna have a talk later, capeesh?” He says.
“Yes, sir.”
“Then, I’ll let you guys unpack. Lunch will be ready in about 20 minutes.” Bonnie and Stew leave the room.
“Wow, it’s like you know everything you’re supposed to say.” Judy says once they’re out of earshot.
“It’s almost as if I was a charismatic con-fox for most of my teenage and adult life,” Nick replies. Judy rolls her eyes.
“That doesn’t mean you’re automatically going be likable for my parents…I think they really like you”
“Then, I guess I’m doing my job in showing them that a fox can be worthy of their little girl, and to prove to them that you have good taste.” Just hugs Nick suddenly so forcefully he almost fell backwards.
“Thanks again! I appreciate everything.” Judy pulls back to look at him “I really do.” They stare into each other’s eyes for a bit before a loud bang is heard in the hall.
“Sorry!” Says one of the middle school kits. Judy and Nick retreat from their embrace blushing and start putting away their stuff. They go to lunch that’s the equivalent of a giant buffet with three different options in bulk.
“Wow, Carrots, this is something.”
“Well, with this many kits, you just make due. I’ve known this all my life.” They sit down with their food next to Judy’s parents and some of her siblings who were closer to her in age.
“Oh my gosh, Judy, he is so cute! Where did you find him?” says her sister Sarah. Judy blushes.
“Well, though he is attractive, it wasn’t his looks that drew me to him.” Judy says. Nick blushes. “In fact, I didn’t like him at first. But after getting to know him and lots of banter, I found out how funny and kind-hearted he was. How much he just wanted to be seen as the good guy he was on the inside.”
“You’re too kind, Carrots.” Nick says, “She brought out a lot of good in me that was hiding. I…didn’t always have a good head on my shoulders, but she saw the good in me to the point where I was able to not only see it, but believe it. Not to mention she coached me through police training through thick and thin. She never gave up on me…ever.” Judy looks at him in awe like no one had ever thought that much of her. They both had been through a lot. Despite his past, she saw him as a good mammal. And despite what people told her growing up, he knew she was more than just some dumb bunny. They had a nice lunch and Bonnie asked Judy to help with the dishes while Stew asked Nick for some help with the farm.
“Are you not worried at all? Dating a fox?” Bonnie asks once they’re in the kitchen. Judy rolls her eyes.
“Mom, he’s my best, I mean, he was my best friend before we started dating. I trust him with my life, literally. He’s more than earned that trust.”
“I just wanted to make sure. If you trust him, I trust him.” Judy relaxes a bit.
“Thanks, Mom. So you don’t….disapprove of me dating a fox?”
“I’m not entirely thrilled at the idea. I would’ve liked grandkids-“
“Mom, you literally have grandkids,”
“From you, but overall, I’m very happy you’ve found someone you really care about. I can see it in both your eyes, the love, the affection. I’m so happy that you’re happy.”
“I am happy. I really am.”
“So when are going to tell him you love him and actually wanna date him instead of this fake crap?”
“WHAT?”
“Hunny, I’m your mother. I know these things. You both have obviously feelings for each other, but are too scared. You’re so comfortable with each other but not in a sexual way.”
“I-I, uh.”
“You can talk to me, Judy. I completely approve of Nick.”
“…How do you-? I’ve barely acknowledged those feelings myself. I try not to because we’re just friends and I can’t ruin that.”
“You won’t.” Her mother says simply.
Meanwhile, Nick and Stu were having a good time joking around while working.
“So what do you really think about my daughter?” Stu says, the mood immediately shifting. Nick, nervous as hell, stammers a bit.
“Well, I-uh. She-she means the world to me. She makes me laugh. She’s passionate about everything she does. She’s kind and beautiful. She sees me for me instead of what everyone else does. She inspired me to become a better mammal, to create a life for myself that I can be proud of. I love her…I would do anything for her.”
“Including pretending to be her boyfriend to her parents’ house despite the detriment it could cause you if she doesn’t feel the same?”
“…”
“We’re not as stupid as you think.” This made Nick nervous.
“I-I didn’t think-“ Stu smiled.
“Most kids think they can pull one over on their parents. We’re not mad. I do wonder why you haven’t told her though. I can tell you care for her deeply. From how she talks about you, you two are attached at the hip.”
“I…just don’t know if she feels the same.”
“Then you must be blind, son.”
“So-so you approve of me dating your daughter?”
“You’re a good guy, Nick. I’ll admit, I used to be pretty scared and suspicious of foxes, but after becoming business partners with Gideon Grey, and hearing how Judy talks about you, we’ve realized it’s not about your species, but who you are as a mammal. But first, you gotta stop being an idiot and talk to her.”
“Thank you, sir.” After their time spent alone with Bonnie and Stu, Nick and Judy unpacked the rest of their things.
“Nick, I-I think mom knows we’re not actually a couple.” He faces her.
“Yeah, uh, you’re dad definitely knows we’re not a couple.”
“Oh cheese and crackers, is he mad?!”
“Uh, no, surprisingly.”
“Mom didn’t seem mad either.”
“That’s good.”
“Ugh, this is a disaster. Being caught is so embarrassing, and all of it for nothing!”
“Hey, hey, hey. It’s not a complete loss. I…I found out from your dad that he’s not opposed to you dating predators, even…even foxes, if you ever find one that you’re interested in.” Nick is sweating. He’s so nervous. He’s not even sure if he’s gonna say anything else. This information alone was nerve-wrecking to share. Judy blushes.
“Mom said the same thing.”
“Developing a crush on me, Carrots?” he teases desperately trying to shift the mood to something more fun. Judy looks away. His teasing smirk falls as both guilt and hope begins to rise in his chest. “Oh, shit. Carrots?” She turns her away trying to blink back her tears.
“It’s fine. I’m just a dumb bunny who reads things wrong.”
“Carrots-“
“And you just have a flirty personality and that’s fine. Mom was wrong too”
“Carrots-“
“You don’t feel that way, and I couldn’t just shrug off your comment. No, I had to reveal my feelings and ruin everything. And-“
“JUDY!” That got her attention. He rarely uses her given name. “After everything we’ve been through, you still don’t think that I love you?”
“What?” Judy says.
“Judy, I flirt with you because I’m testing the waters. I work with you and yet I still hang out with you after work most days because I enjoy your company that much! I came down here to an unfamiliar place where everyone could very well have hated me just so you wouldn’t have to deal with pushy parents. I use pet names for you almost every time I address you. I haven’t been subtle in the slightest…I’ve just been too scared to say it outright.”
“Don’t be. Say it.”
“I love you, Carrots.”
“I love you too, Nick.” He tentatively cups her face and kisses her gently before pulling back. They smile sweetly at each other, warmth inside, excitement bubbling for where the future will take them.
Epilogue:
One year later.
“I still can’t believe we of all people had to help our daughter get together with a fox,” says Stu says to his wife as they sit in a cafe in Zootopia with Judy and Nick.
“Hey, we would’ve gotten there eventually,” says Judy.
“Sweetie,” Bonnie starts, “you pushed your feeling down so far that Mr.Molerton could burrow for days and still wouldn’t have been able to find them.” Judy blushes. Nick smiles.
“Well, I couldn’t be more thankful. This fox is the happiest mammal alive thanks to your daughter and by proxy, your meddling.” he says.
“I have always been a meddler. It’s where Judy gets it from.” Bonnie says.
“Mom!” Judy says embarrassed. Nick just smiles. He honestly couldn’t be happier with how his life has turned out. He has been with Judy through thick and thin and couldn’t wait to see what life still had in store for them. He knew one thing though. They were in this together and that would never change.