It was rare that he had to stay out this late. He was surprised it had taken Chief Bogo this long to dish out some punishment for his snide remarks. He wondered if it was the chief's admiration for Judy's work that had let him get away from so much, but it seemed that everyone had a breaking point. The chief knew that assigning him extra paperwork would drive him up the wall—it was a mindless task, Nick hated it.
Still, if having a late night every now and again would allow him to keep up his current lifestyle, it was worth it in his eyes. He remembered the days before he had joined the Zootopia Police Force. Yes, he had been bringing in quite a bit of money, and there was fun in the hustle but this—this was something more. He was able to make a difference, and what was more, he was able to do it with the bunny that he loved.
He walked up the pathway leading to their house, ears perking up ever so slightly at the realization of crickets. He always did enjoy the summertime. Maybe during one of these weekends he could take Judy for a picnic in the park. He knew it was cheesy, but it was the little moments that he spent with her, whether they talked while on patrol or at lunch that made his day.
The keyring jingled as he found the one to enter their home. He was careful to make sure he had closed the door softly behind him. As he hung up his hat on the rack, he heard the sound of snoring from their living room. Walking several steps from the entrance, a small smile graced his features, unlike the smirk that one could swear was forever plastered on his face.
She had fallen asleep on the couch, her favorite pink plaid shirt and jeans still on. She had most likely waited for him to come home until she had fallen asleep. He made his way closer until he was leaning just above her. Taking off his jacket, he draped it over her, his smile settling itself more firmly.
He had called her a dumb bunny when they had first met—even now he used it as a nickname. In truth though, she was the smartest animal he knew. She had believed in him when no one else had. She had loved him, even when he was unsure if he could love himself. She was the first person he had let in—the first person he had allowed to see the real him. He never regretted it. He would never admit it, but every day, he felt his love for her grow that much more.
