Judy's P.O.V.
My stream of conscious flowed. My hearing was accompanied with the sound of crackling. My cognitive mind tried to decipher the noise and I realized it was the sound of a burning fire. It felt warm in front of me but behind me was rather chilled. I stirred a bit feeling something draped over me and I decided to open my eyes to immediately shut them again due to the light of the fire in front of me. Opening them again, I squint and I see a fireplace alive with flames, accompanied by bricks around it. The floor was made of wood planks that seemed old and worn.
Where am I?
Sitting up, I wince at the pain shooting through my body with my muscles screaming at me to stop. I was sore and felt drained with a cold chill. I decide to ignore the pain and sit up fully.
My eyes open and they then widen as they laid upon a familiar fox sitting at a table. He was shirtless and was using a knife to lacerate through his forearm with his face wincing as he dug in a gash wound. The sound of flesh churning and moving filled my ears and he opened his mouth as he dug and with a final loud rip I see a piece of metal fall out of the wound with blood pouring out again. He covered the wound with his free paw and winced as he stood up and turned towards an arrangement of cabinets in a small kitchen. He opened up the cabinets looking through before I heard him give a grunt. He pulled out white cloth before he walked back over to the table, shutting the cabinet behind him. He didn't spot me since he was too busy attending the wound and I was just barely peeking over the couch. He began to wrap it around his forearm and he tightened it with a wince. He inspected his forearm and wiggled his fingers admiring his work.
I begin to scan his shirtless body to try and see any other wounds. I notice his lean physique. He didn't seem much different from the academy but I've never seen him shirtless. Maybe he has underlying muscle. Sort of like me.
I snap from the thoughts.
No wounds were to be seen or deep bloodied fur. He should've waited for a doctor to help the wound.
Looking back to his face, I see him staring blankly at his opened paws; a frown accompanying his face as he just opened and closed them. He closed his eyes and he put his paws to his face and rubbed at his cheeks.
I try to recall what happened and it snaps within in instant.
The crash and the fog and he.. carried me.
Finding some strength, I slowly get up. I pull the blanket from my body and slide off the couch. My feet creaked on the floorboards slightly and I begin to walk towards him from the side of the couch. His ear twitches in my direction before he opens his eye with his paws still covering his face. His features change to a smile as he brings his paws across his snout off his face.
"Hey Carrots, how'd you sleep?" he said lightly.
I held my bicep with my paw, rubbing it lightly avoiding eye contact looking at the floor. I eventually look at him and decide to speak up with my tone being croaky and uneasy.
"I slept… fine."
"Good," He said, amending a smile before he looked back towards the table and looked at his paws again falling silent.
The fire crackled and popped in the background filling the silence. I decide to take a seat at the small table. I hopped up and I wiggled my fingers in a wave pattern on the table and looked to the floor.
"Thank you," I say lightly breaking the silence.
He just smirked before replying.
"No need to be sincere Carrots, I know I'm amazing," He said closing his eyes and placing a paw to his chest in an admirable fashion.
I can't help but give a light smile at his dorkiness before I look to his arm and he follows my gaze to look at it too.
He sighs.
"Yeah. In the crash I kinda took some glass shards to my arm and maybe broke my leg," He says lowly.
"Are you.. okay?"
"For the most part yeah," he said showing his forearm with the bandage wrapped between brown and red fur.
I didn't know what to say. I felt at a loss of words.
He spoke again.
"I checked outside and if we want to leave we probably have to wait for the weather to calm because it will practically kill in under twenty minutes. Everything is snowed over at the moment."
"More than usual," He said finishing lowly.
Popping of the fire filled the air once more and my eyes gazed around the room. It was small. Almost as small as my apartment. The living room and kitchen were connected and two doors which I assume was the bedroom and the bathroom, were past the kitchen behind Nick. The kitchen was just a little section in the corner of the room and with nothing more than a sink, a mini fridge, and a few cupboards. The rooms shape was basically an L with the front door being at the top part and the two other rooms being at the bottom end. We were sitting in the middle of the bottom section with the couch facing the fireplace in the corner or right angle of the L. Behind me was a window which was black which indicated night has fallen.
We might be here for a bit I guess
I look back to the fridge and decide to grab something to eat. Maybe a quick snack. Though, this isn't my home.
"Is anyone home?" I ask him.
His eyes avert slightly before he inhaled deeply and exhaled before speaking.
"No. Probably won't be for a long time."
The snow probably will prevent them for a while.
I slide off the chair and walk over to the fridge and opened it to scavenge through its contents.
My eyes were assaulted by the light so I had to squint to view the contents. Celery, Tomatoes, Strawberries, Blueberries… You know, I wouldn't mind having those right now and Nick probably could eat some too.
I grab the plastic box of blueberries and shut the fridge with my other paw gently.
I kept my eyes to the floor until I made it to the chair to which I place the box on the table before hopping up. Nick looked up at me to which I gave him a sad smile before I began fumbling with the plastic top before it popped off, revealing an ocean amount of blueberries. I grabbed a couple and placed one in my mouth, popping it on my buck teeth and taking experimental slow chews. It tasted straight out of a market but not up to par with my families blueberries which is Nick's favorite type I assume. My family.
Feeling in my pocket for my phone, I pull it out and I try to click it on but to no avail.
"Relax Carrots. You have a couple days to wait," He said in a positive reassuring tone.
I feel myself exhale the breath I didn't know I was holding.
He was right.
"Thanks."
I put more than one blueberry in my mouth and chew.
I looked to Nick again and wondered where his uniform was since he was shirtless.
"Hey, where's your uniform?" I asked sounding concerned.
He smirks before he replies.
"Enjoying the view?" he asked raising his brows.
I just roll my eyes bored at his attempt to tease me.
"To answer your question, I used it to keep you warm when I carried you. You're smaller than me and you have less fur and body heat," He said.
I just digested what he said and eventually nodded and waited for him to continue.
"But it's currently ripped and a little bloody,"
I listen to the fire crackle again and looked at the table like it was the most interesting thing in the world. I grabbed a few more blueberries and put them in my mouth. It was like that for a bit before I hear Nick speak up.
"Hey, are you gonna eat all of those or are you gonna share?"
I smile and decide to push the tray over and he lets it slide into his paws before opening it up and grabbing a handful and shoving it in his mouth.
"You're such a pig," I say holding back a laugh.
"I don't think you've learned much," he said with his mouth full which he then swallows and continues to speak.
"That's considered offensive," He said looking at me with a mock stern expression.
It was true. But I didn't mean it and it was joking banter just between the two of us.
"True. But that's coming from the one that calls me cute," I shoot back.
He chuckles before he continues.
"On the contrary, how was I supposed to know that the word "cute" was an offense to bunnies when it doesn't apply to any other mammal," He shot back just as easily with a smirk plastered on his face.
"You knew what it meant."
"Did not," he simply said still smirking.
I just smile and put the last few blueberries in my mouth. As I chewed, I held my paw out and waved over, signaling I awaited more. He held his smirk before reaching in and grabbing a few.
"What's the magic word?" he said his eyes half lidded.
"Please."
"Hmmmm," he scrunched one side of his face and looked up in thought.
"Neh."
He shrugged before throwing them in his mouth.
I gave a look of annoyance before he looked at me and picked one blueberry from the bunch. He held it in his paw and bent his wrist as if he was about to shoot a three pointer. I eventually got the idea and just gave him an 'are you serious' look before he replied back.
"Do you want it or not?" he said with a fake stern look.
A sigh escaped my mouth before I opened it wide. He tossed it in the air and I tilted my head back to follow it. I ended up tilting to the left a little before I felt it enter my mouth. I chewed to be satisfied with the berry exploding in flavor.
"Nice catch Fluff," He said as he put a couple more in his mouth.
I gave a smile with a glare and continued to chew.
"So are you gonna sleep in the bedroom tonight? It's got some nice comfy blankets and you'll be warm," He explained.
"Where are you gonna sleep"?
"Don't worry, I got the couch and the fire will keep me warm," he simply stated.
He pulled out another handful and put two in one paw and held it up like before.
"Ready for a challenge?"
I opened my mouth again and he let both go one after the other. I caught the one to the left and quickly tilted right to feel it land in my mouth.
"Bravo," He said sounding impressed.
I roll my eyes 'cause I knew he was half serious and even if he was fully serious it was a ridiculous feat.
I hope he'll be okay considering no power or heat because of the whiteout.
"You sure you'll be okay sleeping out here?" I said with concern.
"Aw, does Carrots care about me?" He says, looking up to drop a pawful of blueberries in his mouth.
"Oh hush you."
He just chuckles before he speaks again still chewing.
"I'll be fine," He muffles now shutting the container with blueberries in it.
"Speaking of which," he said now clearly.
I'm going to bed."
He began to scoot off the side of the chair.
When he touched the floor he winced and limped forward a step before grabbing the table for support. He then began to limp towards the couch and he gave me a light smile as he passed me.
I felt my face contort to a frown.
To think, I only got knocked out in the crash and he suffered greater injuries.
I slide off the chair and Nick just sat down as I made my trek to the bedroom.
"Hey Carrots, you still sore?" he asked looking at me.
I was still sore but I didn't know how to respond but he spoke up instead.
"Here, I'll give you a massage before you go to bed."
I smile as a shoot back a witty comment.
"What do you want?" I ask crossing my arms over my chest and raising a brow, smile still on my face.
"You wound me Carrots," He says placing a paw to his chest and the back of the other to his face as he looked up at the sky with his eyes closed in a dramatic gesture.
I roll my eyes as I begin to walk over. I sit next to him on the couch and I feel him scoot over as I look at the fire. His paws travel over my shoulders and lower to my back and rest there before slightly gripping it. He gently menstruates and my back instantly feels like it's getting treated to heaven. My eyes are heavy but not shut as I revel in the feeling. He starts to apply more pressure getting to the more tense deep spot in my back. My muscles begged for treatment on my shoulders.
"Can you move up on my shoulders?" I ask and wince wanting to scratch the itch.
He moves up immediately and he adjusts his paws a bit before pushing my shoulder muscles up to my neck. He continued following the trail over and over. I couldn't help but be vocal.
"Yeah," I sigh.
He gyrated the tense muscles and I could feel the release in all the tension and aches. I shut my eyes succumbing to relaxation.
A little later I could feel sleep's embrace and the cusp of my consciousness shutting off. I needed to get to bed.
I hummed a bit before I spoke up.
"Mmmmmm, thanks Nick."
I feel his paws lift off my shoulders.
My eyes open and I miss the feeling but I was drowsy enough that sleep would suffice. I sit up slowly and I slide off the couch.
"Night Nick," I say without looking over my shoulder; a yawn threatening to escape my mouth
"Night Judy," I barely hear him say under his breath with a lot of serenity.
That made me feel really warm and made my stomach flutter.
I open the first door and got lucky. The bed was big but only because I'm a bunny but hey, more room for me! I grab the sides and kick my back legs a bunch to gain proper grip. I eventually climb up and I crawl on my paws and knees the rest of the way to the lip of the puffy blanket. I lift them up and cocoon myself in them and try to cuddle into it and generate heat. I close my eyes but I feel something I can't explain. An internal cold feeling or hollowness I've never felt before and it coursed through me on the comfortable mattress. Well, not really comfortable I was just relaxed because of the massage Nick gave me. He actually did really good too. I wonder if he conned by giving massages. That would explain the use of expert techniques to make me melt.
I close my eyes and curl to my side getting ready to let sleep overcome me. But I felt my hip go uneven and I realize it's my utility belt.
I groan and I sloppily sit up to undo it. I was too lazy to pay it any respect as I just ripped it off my body and placed on a nearby nightstand. I thought about taking off my vest but it wasn't really that much of a nuisance since it hugged at my chest. I laid back down and curled up and awaited my slumber.
Time seemed stuck and inert. Like me. Sleep seemed on the horizon but my body refused.
I turned over grunting and I squeeze my eyes a little tighter almost begging for sleep to come. It wouldn't.
I let out a frustrated groan and I turn over on my back and I lay annoyed. I grab a nearby pillow and plop it on my face over and over.
I need to sleep.
I'm in bed comfortable and… not that warm I guess.
I sat up on the edge of the bed and put my paws over my face thinking of what to do. Actually it was getting rather chilly. Okay maybe really cold.
There was a fire out in the living room and maybe Nick was still awake.
My breath clouded in front of my face and I make my decision final as I scoot out from under the covers and land on the floor.
Nervousness overcame me but I suck it up and pull my ears down before opening the door.
I peek out and see that he was curled up on his side on the couch and the fire was still popping with a soft orange hueish glow bathing the couch. His upper body rose and fell in rhythm with his steady breathing.
He must be asleep. Surely he wouldn't mind if I wake him?
I hesitantly stepped forward and continued at a normal pace. Eventually, I was in front of the couch and saw his face. He looked really calm when he slept. His face was so neutral. I decide to speak up in a whisper.
"Hey Nick?"
He didn't stir or move and I whisper yelled instead.
"Nick!"
His face contorted as he slowly moved a bit before it faded into calmness.
He was tired from work and the events from earlier. Mentally and physically. So he probably isn't going to wake up unless I rudely do so.
I bit my lower lip as I decide what to do.
He was laying at the back of the couch and I could lay down in front of him towards the lip of the couch.
He wouldn't get mad right? I was cold after all and I didn't want to wake him up so it should be fine but then again, I'm pretty sure he doesn't like to be close to mammals. But maybe since he trusts me? Surely he must understand. He's my best friend.
I step forward and I climb up and lay my side on the lip of the couch. Nick's arm blocked me from anymore contact with his body. I could immediately feel the heat radiating from the fire. The whole front of my body felt nice especially my face but it was a little too hot for comfort.
I scoot back a bit and my back nudges Nicks paw. I tense up when I feel Nick begin to slowly stir and it was quite a bit. I hear him hum and then stir even more and I shut my eyes hoping to just fall through the floor. I hear him give a questioning "huh?" but really low and mumbled. The moving stops and so does my heart. I feel nervous as if I somehow hurt him or something. I hear silence. After a bit, I hear a sigh. I was anticipating him to "wake me up" and tell me to go to the room but he stirred a bit then it stopped. The fires crackling filled the rooms ambiance and it almost felt hotter.
Maybe he went back to bed? But before I could ponder longer, a pair of paws travel over my hips and go to my stomach.
After my initial shock, I felt sort of strange. actually started to feel comfortable and.. safe. I scooted back and felt my back touch his stomach. I was beginning to feel relaxed at the body heat he was giving off.
There was something about this feeling of Nick holding me. I can't place my finger on it. I couldn't describe it. I think I feel really good because of the fact Nick trusted me enough to even show any display of this sort.
I felt the comfort of his arms around me and his paws on my stomach. I felt the affection he was giving off. I felt safe like nothing could touch me.
Leaning my head back into his chest, I feel his steady breathing calming me and soothing me away.
But that's when it hit me. This feeling. The feeling of being safe, and loved. The feeling I haven't felt in a long time and I missed. The feeling of home.
...
I awaken bare. It feels like I'm lying in the open. I stir and try to find comfort on the oasis of the cold.
Wasn't there something behind me that was nice and comfy?
I turn over and reach out and try to grasp at something and find nothing but air. I open my eyes and find the room lit in a morning silver.
I fell asleep on the couch? When did that happen? I try to recall last night then I remember I came out here from the cold room and I slept with Nick by the fire. Nick. Last night he… cuddled me? I can't really recall, it was too vague and blurry. Where is Nick?
I then scan the room and find it was empty.
Where was he?
"Hey Nick?" I call out dryly in a morning voice.
"Yeah, Carrots!?"
My ears turn like sonnar panels to the bathroom and relief washed over me.
"Nothing! I just wanted to know if you were here," I finish off weakly as I sit up and begin to stretch.
Nick did a fine job on that massage I must say. My muscles felt calm and relaxed. When I finished extending my arms and pushing my chest out, I felt nice and limber.
Looking up toward the bathroom, I see Nick stumble out holding one side of the doorframe. He was still shirtless with his uniform pants on and he still had a bloody cloth on his forearm. He looks towards me and puts on his usual smile.
"Sleep well?"
I felt a little tense and I didn't know how to reply so I decided to come clean.
"Yeah. Listen, Nick. I'm sorry I slept on the couch with you last night. It was just cold in the room and I didn't want to sleep on the ground."
I look for an expression past his façade grin.
He seemed to look the same but I swear there was a sadness leaking through his visage, past his smirk. Maybe it was a faded real smile?
"It's fine Fluff."
It seemed like there was something more behind him but I put on my best smile at his understanding.
"Alright, now let's go check the room," he said, nodding his head across the hall at the door.
Sliding off the couch, I walk over with my eyes averted from him
Entering the room, I analyze it and find little to nothing out of the ordinary. I walk in a little scanning before I hear Nick limp behind me into the room as I looked around.
The bed was about the size to fit three of me and it's sheets almost looked made and straightened now. The walls were bare of anything and no windows were in sight.
"Well, it looks fine to me."
I eventually turn towards him.
"I swear I was really cold in here. I could practically see my breath!" I exclaim.
"Well, you know what I think?" he said.
I didn't really like that. I raise my brows and pop out my hip and cross my arms over my chest, with a smile on my face.
"Oh, what do you suggest Detective Wilde?"
He looks at me with a devious expression.
"Look at the time," He states.
He pulls his phone out of his pocket and puts it up to my face, turning it on to reveal the time. Wow I slept for a long time. His phones battery life was at thirteen percent which meant he was saving power. Smart fox. But I still didn't understand where this was leading to and how it could possibly interlink with how I was cold last night. Maybe because it was in the time of darkness when I tried to sleep?
"Three Fifty One?"
"Close, but I think it says something differently," He states with a sleepy smirk accompanying his face.
Now I'm really confused.
"Then what time is it?"
He begins to put his phone away and stumbles a bit to get the proper angle to put it in his pocket.
"It's Burrito Bun time."
Before I could question what he meant, he pushes me onto the bed and I feel a wave of shock go over me.
"Nick!"
I see him take a corner of the blanket and that's when it clicks. Burrito Bun meant he was gonna roll me into one with the blanket. I feel myself get into a giggle fit as he drapes it over my stomach and begins to roll me across the bed.
"Nick stop!" I exclaim laughing.
I begin to try and get away from his paws pushing my upper and lower back, but the blanket guided me into my fate even more.
Oh he was going to get it.
I try and crawl out from the top but before I knew it, I was constricted into the "Burrito Bun".
I hear Nick laugh and I begin to squirm my way out of the top. My head eventually pops out from the top of the burrito and I see Nick with his phone blocking his face. He then put the phone in his pocket.
"Delete it," I state with an annoyed look on my face.
"Wow, look at my work. You look good enough to eat!" He exclaimed ignoring my comment.
"Nicholas P. Wilde, delete the photo this instance," I say raising my voice.
"But you look so adorable," He states to which I reply with a deepening scowl and crossing my arms over my chest.
"Alright, alright," He said pulling out his phone.
He swiped and clicked before showing me the picture.
I had a mid laugh expression with my eyes closed as my upper body popped out of the pile of blankets. My ears were flung in the air due to the velocity at which I exited the blankets. My badge on my vest caught the silver dimly lit room just right so it gave a glossy look and shone proudly.
Before I could study it any longer, he clicked the garbage can in the top mid corner of the screen and it asked if he was sure to which he clicked yes. Then he swiped right which revealed a selfie of him at work. Then again which showed a picture of Clawhauser making puppy dog eyes and scrunching his cheeks at the Gazelle concert which happened 2 months ago.
"Gone," He said as he put the phone away with a smirk on his face. I glare at him but I could feel a smile threatening to come through and just decided to ask what this had to do with me being cold last night.
"So what does this have to do with me being cold last night?"
"Well, I was suggesting maybe you weren't actually under the blankets."
I punch his arm and he rubs the spot and keeps his smirk still on his face as I jump off the bed and go out to the living room. I go over to the couch and plop down and think of what to do with this "free time".
Nick limps out with a smirk still on his face. As he passes me, his tail swished past my face causing me to spittle out hairs that enter my mouth. I glare at him which he was just sitting down looking up at the ceiling with his eyes closed. He seemed to be relaxing. Might as well join. I tilt my head back and close my eyes.
Silence falls over us as we sit with our eyes closed. We had two more days to go including this one before we could leave and I didn't even know what to do. Maybe a shower? But I'm still in uniform and don't have any spare clothes. This sucks. I can't wait to take a shower once I get back home. Speaking of which I should call my parents and my phone's dead so Nick's will have to do.
"Hey Nick, can I use your phone?" I ask.
"Yeah, gimme a sec," he sighed out.
I hear him turn on his phone and I open my eyes to look at him. He was sliding and pressing the screen until he eventually presses the corner of the screen at which I wonder what he's doing.
"What are you doing?" I ask.
"Making sure I save your innocent bunny eyes from the wrath of my history," He says plainly.
I raise a brow and give him a deadpan look. Then I get an idea of how to tease him.
"My innocent bunny eyes? Oh but what could possibly be on your phone that I can't see," I say with half lidded eyes and a smile.
"Porn. And nudes."
I roll my eyes at his bluntness.
"Your such a perv."
"Oh so you've never watched that stuff?"
I think back to the time I first heard of it and I didn't bother to look it up because I was told it was bad when I was a kid. I only know as much as Sex Ed taught me and that was just for rabbits. And I've never had sex so that was off the list but who's to say Nick has?
"Well no, but I know what it is!"
"Ten bucks says you've never had sex."
How did he know?
"Well maybe I have, maybe I haven't, what's it to you?" I shoot back to maybe gain some ground.
"Your parents are pretty strict on settling down with one bunny. I doubt you've been looking since you've been after your dream job, and I haven't seen any evidence of you having a quickie with another rabbit recently," He listed out.
He was right but one thing struck my attention.
"I wouldn't ask any rabbit for a "quickie" Nick," I say using my fingers to emphasize my point.
"I don't know that Carrots. For all I know you could be hanging out with a rabbit and next thing you know, you guys go at it. After all, bunnies are good at "multiplying"," He said, emphasizing it with his fingers.
I roll my eyes and was agitated at how easily he could play me.
"Well, at least I don't ask for quickies," Is all I say reluctantly.
"That's because you're smart and a good moraled bunny. Now here's my phone," He finishes off fast and has the phone extended towards me.
I take it from him to see him smirking at me for a second before he looks back up at the ceiling with a blank expression. I didn't know if I should say something but I just look to the phone and back to him before I slide off the couch and make my way to the kitchen table.
I hop up, sit down and turn on the phone. It's four forty three so they should be starting dinner soon for my three hundred siblings. I slide my thumb across the screen to open it and notice something. He saved the Burrito Bun picture as his wallpaper before he deleted it. Sly fox. I click the app, call them, and turn on the screen so they can see my face when they answer. It immediately cut short.
What the.
I call once more and it didn't ring again.
I get off the couch and go over to the table. I jump into the seat and click call again.
Nothing. Maybe the phone is on silent for some reason. Or maybe it's where we are. Where exactly are we?
"Hey, Nick?"
"Hm?"
"Where exactly are we?"
It was silent for a few seconds before he spoke.
"To be honest, I don't know."
Strange. It's odd to think we have no idea where we are. Not a clue.
I slide off the chair and notice it's getting darker in the room. I click the side button on Nick's phone and read the time saying six o' nine and he had nine percent left. I turn it off and make my way around the front, past Nick and hop up on the couch. I sigh and put my head back and close my eyes with a smile on my face.
I lay there and just let my thoughts drift until Nick spoke up a while later.
"Can I have my phone back?" he asks.
I reach into my pocket and stretch my arm out to have it taken from my grasp.
Nick's side of the couch shifted and I open one eye to see him limping around the couch towards the kitchen. I close it again and just relax. I hear a cabinet open and then silence before I hear rustling of packets and the cabinet shut again. Then I hear him limp again for a second before I hear another cabinet open and then I hear what sounds like plastic cups being placed on the countertop. I then hear him limp for second again before the faucet turns on and keeps running for a bit. Finally I hear what sounds like a metallic object being filled with the water. After the noise goes down in pitch, the faucet was turned off and then put on the counter. I hear him limp towards the couch but passes it and stops in front of it. I hear wood being salvaged from the pile and placed in the chimney. He was gonna start a fire for tonight. After I hear what sound like the ignition of a lighter and then I hear it stop with a click. Then the sound of fire begins to rise in volume. I hear him blow into the fire to feed it oxygen and it was steady. Then when the fires volume was at a crackling and popping rate he then stopped. I heard him begin to limp back over to the kitchen and he grabbed something before he began to limp back over. He stops in front of the fire again and I hear him sit down on the ground. I open my eyes lightly and see he was holding the metallic pot over the fire with nothing but water in it. He was boiling water? I feel the fire's heat wash over me and feel my face get bathed in warmth. I close my eyes again to revel in the feeling.
...
"Hey Carrots, sweetheart," I hear a soft familiar voice and a paw shaking my shoulder gently.
I stir and feel myself come back from the almost blind calm state. Opening my eyes slowly, I see a pair of emerald colored iris' on the face of a red fox who had a sad smile on his face.
"Hm?" I ask.
"Sorry Carrots but you need to stay awake a little longer so you can wake up in the morning," the soft voice spoke.
I begin to fully awaken and look to Nick worried.
"Nick?"
"What is it?" I ask now fully awakening.
"Just stay up with me a little longer okay?"
"Okay," I say and give a warm smile.
"He reaches over and grabs a steaming cup from the little table next to the couch.
"Hot chocolate?" he says with a smile, presenting it to me.
I look to it then him and deepen my smile.
"Thank you," I say softly.
His smile deepens as well before he turns and limps towards his side of the couch.
"How's the limp old mammal?"
"Hey now, this is torture. And I'm only thirty three."
Smiling at his quip, I look in the cup and see the brown mixture with the spiraling steam rise from the top of the cup. I put it to my lips and sip and sure enough- it was some good creamy hot chocolate. I smack my lips a bit to enunciate the taste. It was really good and refreshed me.
I look next to me to see him staring into the fire. He was hunched over, holding the cup by the top below his legs staring intently.
"Nick are you okay?" I ask concerned.
He seemed to notice he was zoning out because he blinked rapidly a few times before his eyes began looking around the fire.
"I'm fine," He said with a sigh.
I felt really curious as to what's bothering him but I didn't want to push.
The silence overcame the room. The fire's aura being the only source of light and crackling being the only sound.
I felt like I should say something but what? I'm sorry you feel this way? Is it something I did?
I begin to feel hollow again and I rub at my bicep with both arms crossed around my chest. I felt like I needed that feeling I got with Nick again and I can't explain it. Maybe I should visit my parents when this is over.. Me being home might rejuvenate me. But I had job to do.
"I think I might go home and visit my parents when this is over," I say lightly.
"You could use more vacation time."
I felt like I should explain myself but I felt conflicted as to what I would say.
"I- I just.."
I try to find and conform words but feel at a loss.
"I feel lonely."
I look to him and he was just staring at the fire still with a distance in his emerald eyes.
"You need to feel loved…" he says lowly.
I need to feel loved? I'm lacking affection from others? Why? That's so… odd. Why now.
I look to him and I can feel my eyes glaze a bit.
"Why?"
He doesn't speak for a bit before replying after taking a sip from his drink.
"It's because you're around a lot of depressing stuff…"
Zootopia can be saddening. Plus police work in some cases. Maybe he was right and I hated it. I don't like being sad and I usually can suck it up but….
I feel myself begin to tear up and I sniffle. I try to contain it as I wipe my eyes and they just get replaced by fresh tears. I sniff to get rid of the building mucus. I feel out of breath and I try and keep my eyes open but they become blurry with each second.
"Hey-"
I look over to see him with open arms and a sad smile and I can't help but feel like it's a gateway to safety. I put the cup down and I scoot over to him with my head down in shame. He puts his arms around me and pulls me closer.
"Hey, it's okay, you got me," He said lightly above me.
"I'll be here for as long as I can."
That did it, I can't hold back anymore and I can feel a sob growing in my throat.
I begin to sob and I try to shove my face into his chest to muffle my wobbly tears.
"shhhhhhh shhhh shhh."
He placed his lower jaw on my head.
It was actually really soothing and I couldn't help but feel the sadness slowly eb away.
The sobs died down to sharp random inhales and heavy exhales.
Nick began to stroke my ears gently and he guided them through his paw before letting them gently fall to my back and repeating.
I loved it when he stroked my ears. It soothed me even more.
I then feel calm enough to be breathing normally again. Nick's paws travel down to my lower back. He leans back to look at me and he had a smirk on his face.
"You bunnies, so emotional."
I can't help but laugh and punch his arm lightly at the familiar phrase. As I pull out of his embrace, he rubs my back as I get out of reach. Grabbing the cup, I sip it again and found the taste despite my mucus filled mouth.
I feel a lot better now that that's over. I guess I needed to let it all out at some point. Though I rarely cry, I guess I just couldn't hold back. It was strange. It sort of just happened.
I sat in silence for a bit just enjoying the fire and it's warmth; watching the flames dance and spiral around the wood.
My eyes started to grow heavy and I can't help but let them close eventually. I lay down on the couch and I feel ready to fall asleep. It was so perfect and nothing could ruin it. I've never been so calm in my life. Then I feel the couches weight lift up above my head. Nick was leaving?!
I reach out and find I grabbed his wrist perfectly once I squeezed.
"Carrots, can you let go? I need to go to bed," He said whispering.
"Mmmmnnnnnnnooooooo," I whine and mumble.
"Carrots I have to sleep."
"Mno."
"What am I supposed to do?"
"Sleep with meeee," I whine.
I hear him sigh before he spoke up.
"Carrots- mno."
"Judy- mno."
He goes quiet before sighing in defeat.
He sits down in front of me before he gently lays down to which I grab his arm and snuggle it. It feels nice. He turns towards me and slides his paws over my hips again, holding my lower back near my tail and butt. I could care less because I've how warm I felt. I nuzzle into his chest to get comfortable and show my gratitude. He emitted a warmth I loved that I can't describe as I feel sleep just around the corner.
"I luf you."
...
Cold. That's all I felt. I need warmth. Where is it?
I reach around trying to grasp.
Nick. Nick was here wasn't he?
My eyes ease open and I look next to me and find nothing.
Again?
"Nick!" I call.
No answer came.
"Nick!" I call again.
But to no avail.
Oh no.
I shoot up, hop off the couch and creep around slowly. Something was wrong. It was quiet and if an intruder was here it's not a good idea to give away my position as I walked around.
I steel my nerves and my hand slides down my hip to find my dart gun on my belt. My belt. I left it in the room when I tried to get comfortable.
"Sweet cheese and crackers," I say under my breath which is fogged in front of me.
I creep around in a crouch stance and use my ears to listen out for disturbances in the environment. It was colder than normal in here.
I look to the fireplace and see it was out.
Maybe that's why. I swear it wasn't this cold.
Leaning on the doorframe of the room, I try and listen to find any signs of life. No sound, time to peek.
I lean around the corner and find the room is abundant of anything and I see the belt still on the nightstand. I begin to creep past it and I slide across the frame and side step to avoid knocking into the ajar door and causing noise. Then my tail scraps something and it makes my heart leap in my throat. I open my eyes wide and look towards my butt to find that it was just touching the door frame. I sigh in relief and roll my eyes and get my concentration back to normal.
The sheets were still clumped up from that incident with Nick but nothing seemed out of place.
I reach for the underside of the belt and pull out the tranquilizer and find it had no clip. I lift it up slowly and then bring it to my waist before clipping it on. I grab a clip from the strap. I check the top and turn it in my paw to see its dosage. Depending on the mammal I'll take a mid ranged capacity dosage. I look at the small opening line down the middle and see it was a full magazine. I hover the clip below the entrance of the handle and slam it in, and slide the rack before putting it in neutral position pointed at the ground. I get ready to sweep the whole house.
I enter back out in the living room and point the gun up and keep my finger in front of the trigger as I scan the environment. I breathe quietly and see my breath evaporate before me as I enhance my senses to keep on full alert. I look to my right and see the bathroom door closed. I get next to the doorframe and get ready to breach. I count in my head getting more in position to open the door with one paw while the other keeps the gun to my waste pointed towards the door. Three…Two….One.
I open it and pull the gun to attention in front of my face and let my arms dart around the room looking for a target. Nothing. No evidence of any trouble or struggle in here.
I exhale and fog emits from my mouth as I turn around looking for more options.
I steadily approach towards the kitchen and lean around the corner with my gun pointed up. Nothing.
I look past the bedroom and see the outside door slightly open and all I could see is white.
Oh no.
I sprint over to the door opening it and was put in the presence of a deathly wind and chill of the frigid snow. Scanning outside, I see the snowy trees and a complete whiteness ahead of that. Nothing was of my sight considering I had to squint. But before I can close the door from the wrath of the cold, I look down and see an unconscious Nick Wilde on the porch and he didn't seem to be breathing.
"Nick!" I shout.
I immediately go to his side and I check his vitals. No. He didn't have a pulse.
"Oh no! Nick!" I plead as I shake him.
He needed to be in the house.
I put the gun in its holster and I grab his arms by the wrist and begin to pull him in the house. I dragged him out to the living room before I let go and I rushed to his side again. I leaned my head down and used my ears to listen for his heart beat again. Nothing.
"No! Nick!"
I push into his chest as hard as I can since I had small paws.
"Stay with me!"
I lean over and listen again. Nothing.
"Nick! Please!" I begin to feel tears cloud my vision.
"Don't go," I say to myself in a whisper as I feel tears congeal then fall.
I bent over again and listened intently.
"No."
I lift my head up and look to his face.
He had his mouth slightly open and his eyes shut with his head tilted to the side.
I feel myself break as I speak.
"Don't leave, I need you," I say hoping to somehow resuscitate him with my words.
Nothing.
I was in shock. I never thought it would end this way. All of our time together seemed to be so little and like nothing. But it was something I will cherish.
I contort my face and I fall onto his chest as I cry into his fur. This was it. And I didn't even get to say goodbye. I didn't get to see his stupid smirk anymore. His quirky jokes. His eyes. His…. Everything…. All of it gone and just nothing but a figment memory of him.
I hear a noise that resonated life.
Thump. Thump.
That had to be a mistake. I stop and try to listen as hard as I can. I feel another sob coming before I hear it.
Thump.. thump…… thump.. thump.
It was slow but still powerful as my sensitive ears picked up his blood being pumped through with each beat of his heart.
"Nick?" I ask quietly.
Silence.
It was unbearable as the silence lasted for what seemed to be hours. Then a dry voice spoke above me.
"Ugh, Carrots?"
My head immediately pops up and I see Nick with his eyes squinted open and he had a confused look on his face while he looked around then looked to me.
He's alive!
I slam into his chest and cry tears of joy and I feel overwhelmed with happiness as I hug him tightly so I couldn't lose him again.
"What's wrong?" He stupidly asks.
"I thought I lost you," I sob.
"You were outside in the cold and…"
I can't continue as I choke up.
He is silent.
After a while, I feel his paws travel over my upper back, under my ears. He puts his head down so his jaw rested on top of my head and he speaks quietly.
"I'm sorry."
It sounded so sincere and wholesome. Like he was apologizing for so much more than just his almost tragic incident.
He was shaking.
"We need to get you warm," I state fast.
I move away and wipe my eyes as I observe my surroundings. I hear Nick grunt and jitter as he begins to try and stand up.
"Nick, hold on," I say softly as I try and grab his shoulder.
His exhale was shaky and he hissed at the pain he was enduring as he tried to stand.
I let him lean on me crouched down, and I firmly walk over to the couch with his arm slung over my shoulders. Leaning far forward, he collapses onto the couch and lays there breathing irregularly and shaking.
His fur was all mangled and he looked to be suffering in an almost hyperthermic state which led me to then speed walk over to the fireplace and crouch down. There was little wood left and I just hurriedly placed the rest of the planks in a pyramid type shape and scanned for an igniter of some sort. I see a long barreled lighter and decide it will do. I pull the trigger and a dim flame sparks at the end. I let go and look for something to help get the fire started.
I can just use the napkins on the table. I look to Nick and see him shaking with his eyes squeezed shut. I put on a look of confidence and run over to the napkins and grab a bunch and jog back over to the fireplace. I stuff them into the heart of the structure and I ignite the lighter in my paw and I shove it in the napkin nest. It lights and I blow into it gently to feed it and let it thrive. The flames started to attack at the planks and eventually succeeded in trying to enveloping them.
Standing up, I feel at a loss. I pull my ears back with my paw before I look over my shoulder at Nick shaking and holding his body facing away from the fire.
He needs to be a little closer so I drag my feet over to the back of the couch and begin to push. It doesn't work at first so I turn my back to it and use my feet as leverage instead which worked. Observing him, I see he's asleep and breathing calm heavy breathes. I'm not going to wake him. He needs to rest. And I need to watch him.
I make my way over to the table and hop up and think of what to do.
I don't want to think about me almost losing Nick right now so I try to push my mind somewhere else. Nick is alive and that's all that matters.
I pull out my pistol and jerk my paw as I press the release to make the cartridge fall out of the handle and into my open paw. I put it on my belt again and pull back the slider making sure it was dry. I turn it in my paw and examine it.
The ZPD upgraded recently and this model was superior to last but only in its design and feel. It still shot the same and didn't have much else when it came to use, but it did have a new design to hold micro tranquilizers in the cartridge that gave more round size. Reloading was easier and felt a lot more smooth and less choppy because of the clips shape. It was more thin and the actual tranquilizers were lined up horizontally in it and could be seen by the line going up the clip. It's weight was well suited for me as a bunny and I didn't really like the old one considering the one round reload system and it's bulkiness.
The ZPD was working on a new weapon to disarm targets. It was a pistol that shoots a wire that when it makes contact, it wraps around the targets body disabling them. A shot to the legs would be ideal as it would stop a running target by wrapping around their legs.
I put the gun down and look to Nick and see him still steadily breathing.
Instead of putting my pistol on my belt, I take it off and lay it on the counter.
I really want to take a shower. I don't have any spare clothes but it would give me time to myself. The last time I was relaxed recently; aside from Nick's massage, was when I rested on a bench in the sun on my day off.
Making up my mind I slide off the chair and begin to walk over to the bathroom. There probably is not much hot water at the moment but I shouldn't take long since I need to check on Nick when I'm done.
I open the bathroom door and flick on the light and gently shut the door behind me. I look and examine the bathroom.
It was just basic and had normal mirror with cabinets below and a shower with brown curtains. The floor was tile but not anything fancy. There was a sink just below the mirror as well as a toilet behind the counter. But a peculiar pipe jutted out from near the toilet which was odd but plumbing I guess is more complicated than I know.
I walk towards the shower and pull back the curtain to see a plain white bathtub with a shower head above. I look to the shower mechanism and see it's just a plain handle with right for hot water and left for cold. Reaching out with my paw, I turn it right but the bathtub hose was emitting water so I pull the pin up and water hisses out of the shower head. I pull the curtain back and walk towards the center of the bathroom.
I grab my badge off my chest and hold it in my paw. I observe my name engraved into the gold. I rub it with my thumb feeling it's almost placoid texture. Admiring the fact that I did the "impossible" and got the job I've always wanted. Even if it wasn't what I thought from the beginning, I still find I'm happy where I've ended up. I look up and see a familiar bunny with amethyst eyes holding her police badge with a sad smile on her face. I look back down to the engraving and place it gently on the counter, sliding my hand down it one last time.
Lift up my forearm and begin to take off my braces and tear off the Velcro which releases them. I toss the first one on the counter and move on to the next and toss that on the counter as well. I then rip my knee pads off and toss those up. I look down to my vest and begin to take it off. I place it on the counter and move on to the light blue neoprene hugging my body. I pull the upper half of the suit in front of me, making my ears flop. My eyes dart to the mirror for a second noticing the fog of condensation rising and seeing me in my sports bra and uniform pants still attached. I pull my pants down my legs and step out of them and toss the whole suit on the counter. I then move into my underwear and I step out of those as well and toss them in the assortment of clothes. I unclasp the sports bra and cover my chest with one arm and hold the bra in my other paw. I toss it in the pile and hug my chest with both arms and walk over to the shower curtain.
I pull it back and hold out my paw under the cascading hot water still embracing my chest. I step over the rim and step inside the portal of water and bask in its warmth. Closing my eyes, I absorb all I can get. I pull my ears behind my head and lift my face up to the water.
It wasn't long when my mind decided to guide me through the whirlwind of emotions. My first thought was how I far I've come. I was raised on a farm and had the impossible dream to be a police officer and help those around me. My first day was maybe not the best but at least Clawhauser was a nice officer to see when you walk in the precinct lobby. He was really jovial and I was glad I talked to him first. But unfortunately, my policy on giving everyone a chance and being friendly no matter their species was put to the test when I met Nick. He was really deceiving and condescending which was really frustrating especially when he used me, but he definitely didn't like to be bothered for long because he instantly stomped me down to get away from me. How he knelt down to tell me how it "was" and to think he got under my skin so easily. But I couldn't help but feel he was right and that I really didn't belong here and that it wasn't how I thought. But when I met him again I was prepared but I still gave him a chance at being friendly. But I must say, the look on his face when I "hustled" him was priceless. I don't really know what caused him to open up to me more, but it seemed to happen when I saved his life. But I can't help but feel like he witnessed something that caused him to reveal his past and revive my career. Not just because I saved his life. But, to think, we came so far and now he works with me.
I wonder what he actually thinks of me. He doesn't display much emotion since he hides it all behind a mask and he just fakes everything. When he gives a genuine smile it's really rewarding for me to see. What about the night I was cold and he snuggled me? Was the one after a dream? The first felt real but had a blur that just felt elusive for some reason. Probably because I convince myself he never did that. He's just been through so much and it's hard for me not to feel sad for all of that pain endured. I got through some of his walls and I will never take advantage of that for as long as we're friends. And since this recent incident, I realize how important he is to me and how this fox I know can have such an impact on me because of all we've been through.
I feel cold and I realize that the hot water is probably running out and I need to check on Nick. I quickly turn the handle and feel the last of the water cascade through my fur before leaving me cold. I slide the curtain back and step out of the shower and look to my right and I pull a white towel off the rack. I knew it would take me longer to get dry manually so I just vigorously rub my face and ears before wrapping the towel around my body. I hold the towel to my chest as I make my way to the bathroom door. I could care less if Nick sees me with a towel hugging my body, I just cared to see if he was still breathing.
I open the door and walk out to see Nick motionless on the couch facing towards the fire. I walk over to him with a little bit of worry but when I get in front of his face, I see he has a calm expression and he breathed lightly. I felt a small smile tug at my lips at his peacefulness but still feel bad.
I reach one arm towards his neck and I gently place my paw on the back of his neck under his ears and begin to caress. His fur was soft but wasn't wavey as I let my fingers drift through, his fur just moved back to its place like it naturally spiked that way. I repeated the motion and let my finger trace around the back and side of his neck. I then go under his ears and itch gently and find his eyes had opened and he squinted looking at me up and down before looking me in the eyes. I give a light smile before I continue my drifting. But before long I look to his arm and find it's a deeper shade of red than normal. He lost his cloth for the wound.
"Nick?" I say softly getting alarmed.
"Let me see your arm," I say firmly but not angry.
I hold hi arm and see the flesh was becoming too dry and needed to be cleaned of infection.
"Sit up."
He obliges by sitting up slowly.
I'm gonna need to find something to clean this.
I hold the towel to my chest and make my way over to the array of cabinets. I begin to open them and scan them quickly due to their size. Something catches my eye behind some dish soap. I move the contents to the side and examine the label. Rubbing alcohol, perfect and convenient.
Speed walking back over to where the white cloths were, I grabbed a sheet and made my way back over to Nick. I crouch in front of him and look up to his eyes and speak the next words softly.
"This is gonna hurt okay."
He just lifts his head up to the ceiling and stares blankly. I assume that he's bracing so I open the lid and begin to hover it over the wound, taking aim. I let it pour out a bit and he immediately tenses and I look to his face to see a stern expression. His arm shook at the pain and he then finally spoke up while I looked for another spot to aim.
"I don't know why you're doing this, I can do it- because I care."
"You care about everyone. Somehow."
"Yeah well, " I say pouring on the wound again sighing.
"I have a big heart."
I pour a bit more on a scarcely brown haired spot, with some flesh peeking through the scrape.
He doesn't speak for a bit but eventually does.
"That's good considering how much your parents want you to date," He says wincing and rasping.
I give a half laugh and roll my eyes and speak again with a smile on my face as I attend the wound.
"My parents are not going to be seeing me with anybody anytime soon," I say lowly with a smile.
"Well it shouldn't be hard for you."
"And you still have time left," he finishes.
I remember what Nick said about his last girlfriend and how he was done looking. It dampened my mood but I still decided to reply.
"Well, I'm not interested in that at the moment."
He gives a light chuckle before wincing again and hissing through his teeth.
I begin to tie the cloth around his forearm with precision and ease. Once I finished I look up at him to see him looking down at the bandage. He glances at me for a second before looking back at it. He sighs and turns away from me and lays down.
"Are you feeling okay?"
"Same as always," He responds dryly.
I feel a little uneasy but decide to just respond.
"Okay," I say lightly.
I hope Nick understands he can tell me anything. He's my best friend. Surely he knows that.
I internally sigh.
I still don't have my clothes on. I better get dressed.
I make my way back to the bathroom and enter inside, shutting the door behind me.
Finishing putting my clothes back on, I walk out in the living room to see darkness is on the rise with dusk dying. The fire was now the thing that mostly illuminated the room and I can feel the sadness coming back. I hated being this way and I didn't exactly know why. I just felt like Nick was hurt in more ways than one. Last night and the morning, something changed in the atmosphere. Like he seemed to act normal but just seemed less open. He saved my life and broke his leg, gashed his arm, and I don't even have any serious injuries.I don't
I feel myself inhale and exhale loudly as I look to Nick and see him motionless again. I walk over and see was indeed fine and just sleeping. I have to figure out what's wrong. He's my friend and I don't want him to feel like I'm not here for him. I'll ask him tomorrow when he's awake and I'll get to the bottom of why he went outside and most of all, why he's so distant towards me recently.
I close my eyes for a second and exhale through my nose. I turn and walk towards the bedroom and open the door to shut it gently behind me.
I drag my feet over to the bed and hop up in it and take off my belt and place it on the nightstand. I stare up at the ceiling for a bit before turning on my side and curling up and letting sleep take me.
Author's Note: I apoligze if there are any sentence or grammatical errors as some of it is because of my ignorance in writing and the other is because of the problems with the copy and paste. It was odd. Anyway. Thank you if you've made it this far!