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The clock ticked slower and slower, the closer it got to 5 o'clock. Fridays were always like this. But this was no ordinary Friday. Judy Hopps sat anxiously at her desk, foot tapping, in rhythm with each passing second. 2 Minutes. 1 Minute. 30 Seconds. Freedom grew ever closer. The clock struck 5, and the rabbit began to excitedly hop her way out of the precinct, to her patrol car. Nick Wilde, her fox, her partner, was awaiting her at their shared studio apartment, which rested in a nice, cozy, high rise part of Savannah Central. Nick had left work early that day to pack both of their bags, and tidy up the place. The two of them would be taking a well deserved weekend vacation to their shared happy place. A private bungalow the two of them managed to save up for in one of the outer districts of Zootopia.
~
Judy arrived at their apartment building, almost forgetting to throw the cruiser into park due to excitement. In the lobby, she decided to take the stairs over the elevator. "Whatever gets me there faster," she thought to herself. At the door, she was surprised when it open as she fumbled with the keys. "I could hear you thumping down the hallway, Carrots," Nick said. "I'm sure you could, Slick. C'mere."
She jumped up to her fox, who happily received her with open arms. There they stood, frozen in time for a moment, in one another's embrace. That feeling never got old, never faded. Every time they got the chance to hold each other, it was like the first. There was an inseparable bond between the two, and both of them knew it.
"So, place is all clean. Finished our laundry, did the dishes, bags are ready to go; Whaddya say we get this show on the road?"
Judy responded, head still buried in the orange fur on Nick's chest, "Sounds like a fantastic idea. Give me 5 to change out of my blues and I'll be ready to go."
~
Nick loved driving. So much to the point that he often drove the patrol car when he and his bunny were at work. This also applied to anytime they took road trips. He was always laser-focused on the road. But not too much as to where he was unable to acknowledge Judy. His goal was just to keep her safe. Their road trip conversations were some of his favorites. They would go on and on about their niche interests with one another. An activity that never got old, all these years later. This time however, Nick was left to himself and his own thoughts. Judy had fallen asleep, her head resting in his lap, while she lay extended on the front bench seat of the cruiser. Having her there kept him calm. Kept him aware. Kept him focused. Focused on her, and how much she meant to him. Her presence brought him peace. Something that he so desperately needed at one point in time, and now kept him sane day by day. With some low-volume Vaporwave tunes on the cruiser speaker and the reassuring presence of his bunny, this would shape up to be a very relaxing drive.
~
The sun was about halfway done setting by time the pair had arrived at the bungalow. Judy had awoken when they were mere minutes away. Awake, yes, but chose not to move from her spot. She knew how much Nick loved things like this, so she simply remained, and snuggled in for the last bit of the trip. Upon arrival, Nick glanced down to see the smiling face of his bunny looking up at him. "Well hello, sleepyhead. How was the nap?" Judy grinned, and said "Comfortable, as always. You know I can't resist a good lap nap. Your scent is like a blanket in its own way." "You always had a way with words, Carrots. One of the many reasons why I love you." Judy blushed, and went to grab her bag to head inside. Turning on the lights, doing a brisk check to make sure everything was how they left it a couple weeks prior. Their time in the bungalow would not be long, as they both had an internal desire to watch the sunset from a spot at the hill adjacent where they were. They had watched so many sunsets there before, each becoming another core memory. Sharing moments like those meant so much to the both of them.
"Darlin lets worry about unpacking later. Don't want to miss the sunset."
"Right behind you, Slick."
~
This was perfect. The colors dancing across the sky. The cool, slight breeze. The embrace of a lover. Nick's back rested against a lone tree atop the hill. Nestled into him was Judy, wrapped in his police jacket she brought from their cruiser.
"Carrots, can I ask you something?"
"Of course, Nick. You know you can talk to me about anything."
"I don't ever want us to stop doing things like this. Regardless of what the world throws at us, I want us to still have our time together. Content is an understatement. I would remain at this hilltop with you forever if it were possible."
"I know you would, and I the same."
Judy turned away from the sunset to look at her fox. He had a tear rolling down his cheek. She responded with a nuzzle and kiss on the chest.
"You saved my life Judy. To say I was lost without you wouldn't even tell the whole story. I could never repay you for everything you did for me, purposeful or not. I love you. I love you so much."
"Oh you foxes, so emotional."
"Haha, got jokes do you? I taught you well, sly bunny."
"You know I love you too Nick. More than I can put into words."
The two shared a long, passionate kiss, and then returned to their embrace. The fox's nerves were slowly getting the better of him, but he managed to calm himself down, and prepare what he was about to say. Maneuvering his arm from out from around his bunny, Nick reached into the zipped side pocket on his police jacket. He gripped the square shaped velvet box that was inside, and removed it. Nick slowly brought the ring into view, as the two were still cuddled warmly against the tree. Judy slowly realized what was happening.
"I meant it when I said this should be a forever thing. So, that leads me to a very, very important question."
Judy gasped, which turned into tears and a smile, as her body was flooded with serotonin. She had dreamed of this moment for so long. So long. She couldn't imagine it with any other person. No one other than her fox.
"Judith Laverne Hopps, will you marry me?"
Judy responded, through many happy tears...
"Yes. Yes I will."