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Judy knocked on the van frantically. The backdoors burst open with Finnick wielding a baseball bat and a murderous expression.
“Who is it?”
“I need to find Nick,” Judy pressed her paws together. “Please”.
Finnick’s grip on the baseball bat slackened as he saw Judy. He tilted his head with wide eyes.
“Judy?”
“Yes. I need to find-”
“What did you do to Nick?” Finnick raised the baseball bat again.
“What? I- I - ”. Judy’s ears flattened.
“Ever since I saw him, he’s not said a word. Never seen him like that,“
“Have-have you seen the news?” Judy twiddled her thumbs. She reached into her back pocket to grab her phone. She typed in "Judy Hopps interview". Judy winced and felt like her throat was going to close and she was about to press play on the first result.
She remembered-
“Do you think I might try to... EAT YOU?!”
He lunged forward. She couldn’t help but flinch. For a brief second, she caught hurt flash across his face. But as quickly as it came, it disappeared. Nick’s eyes grew carefully blank. She felt like her stomach turned into lead watching the shields come back up.
“I knew it. Just when I thought somebody actually believed in me, huh? Probably best if you don't have a predator as a partner.”
He stalked off.
“You don’t have to tell me. You can keep that to yourself. All I know is that you messed him up good. And you best fix it! Immediately." Finnick waved the baseball bat. It swung close to Judy and her ears flattened where it gently grazed it.
“Is he- Has he been okay?”
“Oh yeah, besides the fact that he hasn’t eaten or slept and made any jokes for the past 72 hours…. Yeah he’s fine.” Finnick shrugged.
“Look I really messed up. I ruined ....”
Finnick shook his head.
“Whatever it is - you need to work it out between the two of you.”
Judy sighed and looked away pressing her paws together.
“I don’t think he’ll really want me to see him again.”
“Girl, don’t be nervous. I haven’t seen him this heartbroken over anyone in my life. Trust me. And I think he definitely wants to talk.”
“Really? Wait, did you say heartbroken?”
“I don’t know - mopey. I don't what's going on with you two. But you should probably talk to him. But you know him - doesn't like to get all fuzzy wuzzy with all the feelings. But I’m sure if you go to him and tell him you’re sorry, he’ll come round. He’s honestly a softie at heart.” Finnick seemed to get bored with conversation and started rummaging through the crates in his van. Judy didn’t know what to say to that.
Judy peered into the van. It was dark and covered in an assortment of cardboard boxes and what looked like a hodgepodge of stolen merchandise. A dusty cot sat in the corner probably for the fennec fox to nest. There was nothing on the walls of the van. But Judy caught a glimpse of a polaroid of Finnick and Nick over the headboard. The two posed in front of a graffitied wall of Wolfy’s Pub. A plastered a giant caricature of a fat sheep on the glass storefront. Finnick was dressed in a fluffy sheep onesie and Nick was covered head to toe in black skin suit and clutching the neon pink spray paint. Nick had a big grin plastered on his face while Finnick had his usual frown. His elbow was resting on the Finnick fox head.
“Has he ever had… someone?”
“Not as far as I know. He’s kind of a loner”
“Aren’t you his friend?” Judy asked.
“Accomplice.” Finnick said as he dropped the bat and found a lollipop on the ground and shoved it in his mouth. “I tolerate that fox.” He followed Judy's gaze and smirked fondly at the photo before turning back to Judy.
“Why are you still here? Go find Nick!” The fox grumped.
“Uh.. I don’t know where he is.”
Finnick pointed behind Judy.
“Go to Hoof & Wooly and turn right. And go under the bridge. You’ll find him.”
Judy didn’t want to ask why Nick only had the bridge to live in.
“Oh thanks! I really appreciate-”
Judy wanted to say more. But Finnick slammed the door. Judy blinked fast as she recalled the picture. Maybe everything was going to be okay.