Hey guys! Just finished up this chapter. Flashback time. Enjoy.
Chapter 7: Blame
"If only. Those must be the two saddest words in the world."
- Mercedes Lackey
Judy muttered desperate prayers under her breath. Nick wasn't responding. His heart remained stopped. She pounded meaninglessly on the glass and she choked on tears.
"Don't do this to me, you dumb fox!"
She sobbed against the window. It was her fault. She should have never asked him to become her partner. She should have kept him out of harm's way. She should have never let him go alone up onto that balcony. It was her fault.
Judy closed her eyes, letting the heat of desperation and torment rise within her. Her face was flushed with pain. Her ears laid flat against her head.
She wished he had never accepted her offer.
2 years ago
Nick sat alone next to his mother's bedside.
She had not been awake in years. The doctors didn't expect her to wake up. The elderly fox was in a permanent coma.
Nick never talked about his mother, even to Judy. His father had died when he was a cub. His mother was the only thing he had left in this world.
Nick shook his head. That wasn't true. There was another who had come into his life in the past year. He grinned a little.
He never expected that a bunny would affect him in the way she did. She had singlehandedly turned his whole view on life around. He owed her for that.
Nick's emerald eyes looked at the ZPD application form in his paw. Judy had given it to him after they had solved the Missing Mammals case. She had given it to him one other time, and that was at the press conference after they had found the missing mammals. He had returned that form to her. He had been angry at her. He had felt like he would have gone savage from the pain and anger that had afflicted him, but he had contained it, stayed coolheaded for the most part. However, it had been a different story once he was alone.
When he got back home after he had walked out on Judy, Nick had let lose all his emotions. He had torn up what little furniture he had in his ratty apartment. The fox hadn't acted like that since before his childhood. The fact was, he hadn't been so coolheaded. After the cruel stunt that the prey animals had pulled at the Junior Ranger Scout initiation, Nick had become violent and angry, especially when his father had died. He had participated in many fights during his childhood. He became quite good at it, but his mother finally had enough with his attitude. Nick's mother had been the only one to ever talk sense into him. She made him see that he couldn't go through life fighting everyone in sight. Instead, he turned to the art of the con and a suave persona. He needed to make money someway when his mother fell ill.
Nick looked at his mother. Most of his money had gone to paying for her medical treatment. He had paid for so many experimental medications and treatments for her over the years while being a con artist. It was the reason why he still lived in one of the worst apartments of the city. Judy thought hers was bad. Hers was luxurious compared to his.
Nick practically was homeless. Yeah, he had an apartment, but he mostly used it for the mail address and as storage anyways. He rarely slept there. Rarely stayed there. All in all, his life was like that of a homeless mammal.
The fox took his mother's paw in his own.
Nick resembled his mother but took after his father in personality. His mother had the same color fur as he did, although much duller than his and speckled with white due to her age. His father was a businessman at heart, and Nick seemed to have inherited that trait.
Sometimes, Nick wondered if there was anything going through her head. He wondered often what it would be like to be in a coma. He may never find out, but he imagined it was different than what people told him. Nick had always pictured being in a coma as like one long continuous dream, caught between reality and the great unknown.
He sighed as he gave his mom one last squeeze of the paw. He picked up a pen and turned his attention to the form.
He will do it.
Someone had to have that crazy rabbit's back.
Nick finished filling in the last of the information but hesitated at the signature line. He wondered what a life of a cop would be like, the troubles he and Judy will face, the cases they will solve. It made him nervous but excited.
He grinned and held his breath as he signed the application.
There. And it is done, so I did do that…
Nick chuckled at his own humor.
He looked at his mother.
"Well, mom. Looks like your boy is going to be a cop now. Hope you're proud."
He took a moment to stroke her head fur.
"Well, I got to go."
He gave her a quick kiss on the forehead as he got up to leave.
"Love you, mom."
Nick took one last glance over his shoulder when he left the room. He had to go tell Judy about his decision.
He took out his sunglasses as he walked outside of the medical facility. It was a beautiful day to be alive.
The place was in the countryside, away from the hustle and bustle of city. The tall skyscrapers soared high into the sky in the distance.
Nick took a deep breath of the fresh air. It was nice to come out of the city occasionally. He went to see his mother at least twice a month. Again, he never told Judy this, or anyone this for that matter. Nick didn't know why he didn't tell anyone about his mother. He guessed it was one of those things he felt uncomfortable talking about because it would make him seem soft and caring, which…
Nick sighed. Why did he put up a mask? What was he afraid of? Was he afraid that the world would see him for what he truly was? A troubled, sad, and pathetic fox who only wanted to be loved and seen as a… good, trustworthy person. He had received a lot of hate in his childhood. Heck, he still received hate. Zootopia was no Utopia. It was broken. Predators against prey. Prey versus preds. When will it end? Perhaps, he could be the catalyst for change by becoming a cop. Perhaps, Nick could make a difference.
The fox grinned. He was beginning to think like Judy now. If only that rabbit knew, really knew, how much she had affected him, worn off on him, made him… feel the strangest emotions that Nick didn't know he could have.
Nick strode towards the train station. It took him about thirty minutes on foot to get from the institution to the station, but he was fine with it. It wasn't often that he could come outside the city. All the days he was not visiting his mother, he had been out hustling people. Nick had needed the money. He made about $75,000 a year, but that wasn't much when you consider the medical bills, the considerable donations to promising looking medical research, and donations to St. Bernard's Orphanage.
He had been placed in that orphanage for a time after his mother couldn't provide for him anymore. That was about the time he met Finnick and they became friends and 'business' partners. It had been Nick's idea to sell 'Pawpsicles.' Finnick scouted out for the locations to sell the merchandise and where to get the elephant-sized popsicle they needed. Nick, though, was the master planner behind the operation. He designed it to maximize profit. Get the Jumbo-Pop for as little money as possible. Get massive amounts of popsicle sticks for a discount. Use the coloring from the Pawpsicles to stain the wood and then hustle someone into buying the load of colored sticks. It worked flawlessly. Nick covered all his tracks, obtaining the right permits to do what he was already doing. He hustled in other ways as well. For instance, he sold that rug to Mr. Big, which… was probably not his brightest idea, he had to admit. But, hustling was his life, until he met Judy.
Judy turned his life around in a way that he couldn't have seen coming. He owed her for that. So, why not accept her offer and become her partner in crime? Or will it be partner against crime? Yeah, that was a better description: against crime. 'Officers Wilde and Hopps in pursuit, kicking butts and taking names.'
He wondered how much he will be paid. Perhaps there was some medical insurance that can be offered to pay for his mother. Maybe he will be able to move out of his ratty apartment into a better one. He knew one thing though. He had to pay off his unpaid taxes. Nick had some money saved up, quite a lot of it, but he didn't use it. That money had been for emergencies only. Emergencies as in 'he owed Mr. Big a debt that he needed to pay off quick or be iced' emergencies. It was a lot of money. Plenty, if Nick wasn't mistaken, to pay off his debts, taxes, and a down-payment for a much nicer apartment.
He wasn't dumb enough to use that money to enrich his life with luxuries, although it was tempting given his current lifestyle. It acted like a get out of jail free card, and Nick knew that you just don't use that willy-nilly in a wasteful manner.
The train pulled up to the station as Nick arrived. Next stop, Zootopia. He and Judy had planned to meet for dinner.
Nick checked the time. His eyes widened as he realized he may be late, so he sent Judy a text.
Judy's phone buzzed. She looked up from the book she had been reading.
She swiped the screen and read the message.
Nick: May be late. go ahead get table
The rabbit's eyes widened as she looked at the time with a gasp. Judy had forgotten all about that. She hopped off her bed, only to clutch her leg in pain. She winced.
She forgot about that also.
Her leg still hadn't healed from when she had injured it at the museum the night that she and Nick blew Bellwether's operation wide open.
Yeah, this leg feels like it blew wide open also.
She grabbed the crutches leaning against the wall, and made her way to her dresser.
What to wear?
She ruffled through her clothes and decided on her usual off-duty attire, a button down purple shirt and jeans. Although…
Judy pondered the bandaged wound on her leg. No, jeans probably won't be a good idea. She settled for shorts.
She pocketed her things and hopped out the door. Yes, hopped on one leg as she fumbled with her keys.
Locking the door, she mounted her crutches and proceeded down the hallway. Then she stopped in front of what had been the bane of her existence the past week. The stairs.
Judy carefully made her way down, step by step. It was painful. Oh, not from the leg. No, it was painful for the rabbit to move this slow. She normally would run up the stairs, skipping steps in that energetic way she went about her day.
When she finally made it down and was out onto the street, she waved down a cab.
It didn't take long for the taxi to get to the restaurant.
After paying the driver, Judy moved to the entrance.
The restaurant was located in Savannah Central. A sign hung above the entrance that read: 'Freddy's.' It was a popular hangout spot. Nick has been there before, but Judy hadn't. But, judging by how some of her friends reacted when she asked them about it, it was going to be good.
Judy told the host that her friend was on his way. Table for two.
She let out a sigh when she sat down at the table that was away from other people. There was a clear view of the door. Perfect.
Judy was glad to rest her leg for a while. She wondered what Nick was doing. Why would he be late?
She shook away the thought. He probably got tied up doing something. Although, what? It isn't like he had a job.
Judy froze for a moment with a frown. Was Nick still hustling people? She thought he would put that behind him after the case. If he was, she and him would have a talk.
She picked up the menu and looked over its contents, ears perking up when she noticed something that she may like.
The rabbit didn't notice Nick walk through the door.
It had not been a long train ride. The train had arrived ahead of schedule at Nick's stop. From there it was a short walk from the station to 'Freddy's.' Easy as one, two, threesy.
As he walked into Freddy's, he spotted Judy at a far table and strolled over. She hadn't seen him yet.
This was perfect.
Judy was still distracted by the menu. She was intently looking at the prey mammal's food section.
Nick silently padded up behind her.
She still didn't notice.
The fox grinned as he leaned down to look over her shoulder.
Hmm, let's see. What's she looking at? Ah, a vegetable cake and mashed potatoes with gravy. Nice choice. You should get it, Carrots. It seems pretty tasty. What's that? You'll buy? Oh, why thank you, Carrots! Very kind. Now, let's see…
Amused with his mental jokes, he patiently waited for the opportune moment. He leaned forward a bit, still waiting for that perfect moment he had planned on. Almost… almost…Now.
Nick whispered in her ear.
"Hey, Carrots."
He laughed as Judy spit out the water she had been drinking, gaining attention from the other diners.
"Nick! Don't do that! Ugh! Look what you made me do."
The surprised rabbit had dropped her cup onto the table, where it had spilled its contents.
Judy was wiping a napkin against her wet shirt, annoyed at Nick.
Nick smiled with amusement as he sat down and helped her clean up the mess.
"Sorry, Carrots. I saw an opportunity and took it. You should have seen your face!"
The fox laughed, clearly amused at his stunt. Judy gave him a smirk. Her friend wasn't going to get away with it that easily.
"Hey, Slick."
Nick turned his attention back to Judy. His smile disappeared as the rabbit sent a splash of water into his face and down his shirt.
He blinked as he wiped the water from his eyes.
"Okay, I may have deserved that."
Judy grinned, no longer mad at Nick after her revenge.
"Yeah, you did, ya dumb fox."
Nick grinned back.
"We probably should clean this up."
"Agreed."
After they had wiped up all the water from the table top and floor and had dried themselves reasonably well, they ordered their meals and ate for a while, before resorting to conversation for the rest of the time.
"So, Carrots, how's the leg?"
Judy groaned.
"You have no idea how much it's killing me."
Nick gave a mock look of deep concern.
"It's that serious? Oh, Carrots, we need to get you to a hospital. You are too young to die!"
The rabbit rolled her eyes with a grin.
"You are such a dramatic."
"Ha! You're the one to talk. Whose idea was it to pull off that fine bit of acting at the museum? Oh, that's right! It was yours."
Judy waved away the remark.
"Point made. Seriously though, it still hurts when I put my weight on it, but it's getting better."
Nick nodded.
"Well, better's good. Still haven't returned to work yet?"
The rabbit shook her head as she took a drink.
"Nope. Give it another week, when I can actually walk, then I will be back on the job. Hopefully not on parking duty. Oh, please not parking duty!"
Judy turned her attention back on the fox sitting across from her.
"So, how about you? Have you thought about my offer?"
Nick breathed a sigh as he took out the paper from his pocket.
"Yeah, I have."
Judy looked at him eagerly.
"And?"
Nick handed the application to her with a grin.
"What do you think? Someone needs to have your back, you crazy bunny. Might as well be someone crazy enough to believe your crazy ideas. So, yeah, I will do it."
Judy looked at the paper. Her black tipped ears stood straight up. She smiled a big smile. Her amethyst eyes glowed. It melted Nick's heart.
Was it just him, or did she look beautiful just then?
Judy nearly jumped from her seat.
"This is wonderful, Nick! You're going to be a good cop. I just know it!"
She folded it back up and stowed it away.
"I will make sure it gets to the right people. I am so glad you said 'yes!'"
Nick smiled.
"Yeah, well, I wasn't sure at first, but it grew on me, Carrots."
He waved his paw in the air.
"Officer Wilde. Has a nice ring to it. 'Officers Wilde and Hopps reporting for duty.'"
Judy grinned.
"Okay, Slick, you aren't an officer yet. You still have to go through the academy. It is going to be hard. Stronger guys than you have gone in and failed. You think you're up to it?"
Nick leaned back in his seat.
"Carrots, you will be surprised what you don't know about me. If you can make it, I can."
Judy raised an eyebrow.
"Mhm, well I hope you make it. I want someone I can trust to be my partner."
Nick raised an eyebrow with a grin.
"You trust me?"
Judy smirked as she lifted a drink to her mouth.
"Did I say that? I don't think I did."
"You implied it."
"Did I?"
"Carrots, I know you did."
"Really?"
"Yes!"
"Hmm I don't recall..."
She gave a feigned look of deep thought.
Nick grinned. He liked it when she played sly. It was adorable. He shook his head with a chuckle. Boy oh boy did he like this bunny!
"Carrots, you are so cu- err… uh, never mind."
The rabbit glared at him.
"What? What were you about to say? Come on, Slick. Tell me."
"Uh, well! Will you look at the time—"
"Oh no, you don't! What were you going to say? I am what? Come on, spill it."
"Uh, you... are... soo... um, c...comical sometimes. That's all."
"No that wasn't it. What was it?"
"And how will you know that it wasn't? I don't seem to recall—"
"Oh, really? You're just going to do that? Flip the conversation, hm?"
"Yes, yes I am."
Judy rolled her eyes. It was useless. The fox wasn't going to admit it.
"Ugh, dumb fox! You're impossible…"
Judy banged her head on the table and left it there, much to Nick's amusement.
"You know you love me."
A muffled sigh came from the rabbit's hidden mouth.
"Yes, yes I do, Slick Nick… But that still doesn't change the fact that you're the most annoying fox I have ever had as a friend."
"Uh, Carrots? I am the only annoying fox you've had as a friend."
"Sly fox," came the muffled remark.
Nick leaned back in victory, a smug satisfied look on his face.
"Dumb bunny."
"Nick, come back. Please! It was my fault! I should have never asked you to join the force. I can't… Come back, please?... Please?"
A rabbit sobs. A fox's life is again in peril. Two hearts. One tormented. One stopped. Both in love. But will that love be shattered with the end of the one? Will the pain ever end? Or will a rabbit continue to weep tears for a fox?
Don't hate me! I know it's suspenseful to the point it is painful. Don't worry, next chapter will have answers to your questions. 'Is Nick going to live or die?' I bet is one such question on your minds. Promise you that the answer will be coming, but will it be the one you hoped? ;) Stay tuned to see!
Thanks for reading Tears for a Fox, it means a lot. Speaking of tears, let me know how well I am tormenting your hearts with the suspense. I have already been called evil. (Yes, you know who you are.)
New chapter may take a few days. I have a couple of papers to write. Ugh, school is fun isn't it? Anyways, pretty much don't expect another one tomorrow basically.
Well, until next time!
StoryCrusader