Hey guys! Before I start with the new chapter I want to say that I am sorry. Sorry for being absent more than a month. I am truly sorry. School got complicated, so did life and I had one week of definitely needed relaxation. But those are just excuses. I really hope that you guys didn´t lose your faith in me. I will try to update faster, school is still complicated. But I promise that I won´t leave you guys for an entire month. I promise. And seriously, sorry. Also, thanks to everyone that stayed and keeps following my story. I´m gladly continuing this, so don´t think it´s either over or cancelled. We still have a lot of ground to cover. Anyhow, here is that new chapter. I really hope you enjoy it. Here we go!
Things become steadier
"Nick! Wake up you dumb fox. Come on." Nick´s ears caught the sound of Judy´s voice. As his senses started coming back to him he opened his eyes, only to find an unexpected scene in front of him.
"We…we are at the apartment?"
"Yes. I had to ask the guys to help me bring you here."
"The guys? Please tell me no one has any photos or vid-"
"Oh they have. A lot of them actually."
"Oh sweet cheese n' crackers." Judy chuckled as she heard her mate using her same cussing words that she uses. "Carrots, what happened?"
"Well, as it is obvious by now, you fainted."
"Yeah. I remember that you asked for time off for the both of us, but only if…we go to…" Nick gasped as the memories returned to him. Quickly the fox was sitting on the bed and staring at Judy. "We are going to BunnyBurrow!?"
"Yup. Tomorrow at noon."
"Tomorrow!?" Nick´s breathing started to get erratic once more, so Judy quickly started to soothe the fox.
"Nick, Nick! Calm down. Relax. It´s going to be fine."
"Fine? Carrots, I am going to meet your parents. Those parents that sent you here with a fox repellent. And I am a fox. And not only that I am your mate, we hid our relationship from them! This smells like troubles Judy."
"Nick, nothing bad is going to happen. Trust me. My parents have changed a lot."
"I know. But, it is different than whit that Gideon guy."
"Gideon Grey."
"Whatever." Judy rolled her eyes since she knew that Nick was not on board of having another ox to be so close to her family, for his own crazy reasons. "What I mean is that I am your mate. The mate of one of their daughter is a fox. That´s totally different than being an associate."
"I know that. But trust me on this Nick. I know nothing bad will happen. Just have faith in me." The bunny placed her paw over his and gave it a squeeze. Nick looked at her pleading amethyst eyes and faltered instantly. With a sigh he kissed Judy´s forehead and gave her a smile."
"Very well Carrots. So, I guess we have to start packing." Nick stood up and popped his back. His head hurt a little bit since it was the landing spot of his recent fall.
"Not yet Nick. We are going to have dinner at your mom´s house. That way we can tell her the news."
"Oh…" Nick inhaled deeply as he turned to look at Judy. "Now I know why I fainted at the precinct."
"What does that mean?"
"It´s nothing Carrots. Come on then. We might be late to have dinner with…my mom." Nick turned and grabbed the cruisier´s keys from the red bowl.
Judy stared at him confused as he opened the door and left the apartment. Shaking her head the bunny followed him, closing the door behind her. When she arrived downstairs she intercepted Nick before he could open the SUV. Nick looked at her with a curious face, until she extended her paw in front of him. With a huff the fox dropped the keys on the rabbit´s paw. Judy smirked at him just like when she had hustled him and quickly got in the driver´s side. Nick got on his and took his seat, mumbling something among the lines of "I can drive" and "Please don´t crash". Judy turned on the engine moved the automobile from where it was parked. During the ride towards Valerie´s house Judy kept thinking about why Nick hesitated about his mom and their dinner today. She turned to look at the fox, who was booping his own nose with one of his claws, gaining a giggle from the bunny. Nick turned to look at Judy and smirked at her. She returned the gesture, but adopted a serious one immediately. Nick caught on to what was about to happen.
"Nick, why-"
"You´ll learn soon Carrots."
"I´ll learn? What? I didn´t even finished the question."
"You want to know why I am not a fan of meeting my mom right now, to the point I even fainted. Believe me, when we get there and she gets ahold of our scent, you will know." Judy was left even more confused by Nick´s statement, but knew that she was going to get nothing from the fox at the moment. So she opted for a nice small talk.
"I am tired of you knowing what I am going to say before I say it."
"That´s before I am quite good at deciphering you, Fluff."
"What!? That´s not true!"
"Do I have to remember you how I instantly narrated your entire life when we met?" Judy knew that, as a matter of fact, Nick was pretty good reading other animals. And it seems that specially her. But she wasn´t going to lose this round.
"You mean when you were a jerk to your now mate?"
"Ufff. Low blow Carrots. And…about that. Look, I have never really apologized for it."
"Nick, it´s fine. It´s in the past and-"
"I know. But I need to apologize. It was not a personal grudge against you or anything like that. It´s just that, when I was hustling I always had to be in a defensive stance. Always having the need to say the right words to either achieve the goal or tear an obstacle apart. And, unfortunately for you, you were an…obstacle that day. And the next day well, things started getting better between us because I was no longer focused on the daily hustle and that´s when we got to know each other a little bit more. So, I hope that you don´t save any grudge towards me inside yourself."
"Nick. I told you. It´s in the past. How can I hold any kind of grudge against you? Thanks to you I was able to do all the things that, on my own, would have been impossible. And you know that I will always be grateful to you. Nothing that you did that day is bothering me. Now, stop worrying about past events."
"Fine. Thanks Carrots."
"For what?"
"Being so perfect." The bunny blushed and turned to look at the fox, who was staring out of the car´s window.
You charming loveable dummy.
"Sly fox."
"Beautiful bunny."
"Nick! Stop that!" She said as she tried to punch his shoulder while driving.
"Wow. I should have known that you don´t like a compliment Fluff." Chuckling he turned to look at the bunny, who had a sheepish smile on her face. "Do you have any idea of what are we going to do tomorrow Judy?"
"What do y…Oh. Well, honestly I don´t know."
"But, when your mom offered you that we could stay at BunnyBurrow, didn´t you tell her that we were something? Or did she find out?"
"Uhm…no. No one back at home knows about us Nick. And it´s not because I didn´t want them to know. You know, things moved quite fast between us and, whit all that has happened to you, I was too worried for you and the idea of talking to my parents didn´t cross my mind."
"I understand. But, Carrots, what if-" Nick was suddenly interrupted by the ringing of a phone. Judy moved her paw to her pocket and saw the caller´s ID.
"Speaking of the devil." She moved her paw to her ear and answered with a simple "Hey.".
"Judy! Gosh I am so glad I can finally talk to you!"
"Thanks Dad, but why-"
"Are you okay?" Her father´s question took Judy off guard and was not able to answer right away, making the buck on the other side of the line nervous. "Jude? Jude can you hear me? Bon I think this thing broke or some-"
"I can hear you Dad. And may I ask why are you asking if I´m okay?"
"Because your mom just told me about what happened with your partner the other day." Judy´s throat formed into an immediate knot and she turned to look at Nick, who was looking at her with a concerned face. Stu´s voice brought Judy back into the moment. "I thought something bad really happened to you and when she showed me the video I-"
"Dad, I gotta stop you right there. First I want to say that I am totally fine. The one that actually was in trouble was Nick. And well, thanks for caring and worrying, but everything is fine."
"I know that sweety. I know."
"And please don´t think that I was in any kind of danger or whatsoever. Nick would never hurt me and-"
"I actually wanted to ask you how is he?"
"Huh?"
"Your partner Jude. How is he? After all that has happened I would like to know how is he doing and if he is all right."
"Oh. Well, he is fine."
"Thanks God."
"Dad, why the sudden concern over Nick?" His name being mentioned made the fox to change his entire focus towards the bunny, who had a confused face over her.
"Oh, right. I was telling you that I saw the video where he was shot by the NightHowler and saw how he fought the toxin so he wouldn´t hurt you. And I am thankful of what he did."
Judy´s face was in a complete shock. She was surely not expecting that. Stu´s interest in Nick´s wellbeing was surprising, since the buck didn´t even know the fox. She turned to look at Nick who, by the look of his face, wasn´t getting any idea of what was happening.
"Everything okay Judy?" Nick spoke to her.
"Is that him? Jude could you please put him on the line?"
"What!?"
"Carrots, something wrong?"
"Jude, is everything okay?"
"Uhm…yeah. Yeah, everything is okay. Here." She extended her arm towards Nick and signaled him to take the cellphone, which was a tad small for the fox. "He wants to speak to you Nick."
"What!? To me? Whhhy would he want to speak with me!? WHY?" Judy urged the phone to the fox, who picked it up hesitantly. Before answering he covered the phone so that he couldn´t be hear. "Does he know about us?"
"No. Just answer the phone, you chicken." Gulping Nick placed the cellphone on his ear.
"Hello?"
"Hi Mr. Wilde."
"Hello Mr. Hopps. Nice to talk to you, well for the first time."
"Likewise. Uhm, well I wanted to thank you."
"T…Thank me?"
"Yeah. I wanted to thank you for what you did for Judy. I can´t imagine how hard it must have been for you to fight the effects of that toxin. And all for my Judy."
"It was nothing sir. I was doing my job."
"Nick, can I call you Nick?"
"Of course."
"Nick, I know you weren´t just doing your job. During that time when the savage attacks were happening there were a couple of officers that got shot and they didn´t fight that toxin for their fellow partners. But you did. For Judy. I know you care about her really much and that is the reason you saved her." The fox´s throat was dry as the words from Judy´s father sunk in. "I am thrilled to meet you tomorrow here and I can assure you that you can relax here at BunnyBurrow. Oh listen to me rambling on and on. I´ll leave you know and thanks once more Nick. Bye." And just as fast as the call had started, it finished. The fox had his jaw hanging since he was astonished by what happened, his eyesight glued to the front of the car. No words came from him since his brain was still trying to understand what had just happened.
"Nick? Nick? Nick!" Nick´s attention was brought back by Judy´s voice. He handed her the phone and blinked several times. "You look like if you had just seen a ghost. Something wrong?"
"I…Your…Well…I mean…It´s kinda…I…I think your father likes me."
"What?"
"I…I think he likes me. And he is eager to meet me. And he thanked me a lot."
"That´s great! That will make everything easier tomorrow!"
"Yeah. Oh, and he probably has a little catch on us."
"What? What do you mean?"
"He insinuated that I like you. But not with those words. But…he´s kind of following the trail."
"So, you think he will be on board?"
"I…don´t know. It´s a guess."
The SUV kept moving swiftly through the streets and in a matter of minutes both of the small police officers were getting out of the car. Judy grabbed Nick´s paw and gave it a small squeeze when she saw that the fox was hesitating on moving. Nick turned to look at her and her smile. That smile that made the fox feel warm in his chest. That smile that always told him that everything was going to be alright. That smile that showed him the support he always wanted and needed. That smile, which told him that she was going to be with him every time he felt like this. It was the smile of the one he loves and it made all of his days with confidence and happiness. He shot her back a smile of his own and then turned to look at the door of his childhood´s home. Inhaling deeply he started moving forward and knocked. A couple of seconds passed before his mother had opened the door. First there was a cheerful face, but at the moment Valerie gave her first sniff her face changed.
Nick was received by the intense glare of the vixen, making his own eyes to dart towards the floor with shame. Judy was not understanding the interaction and suddenly she felt as Nick´s paw was squeezing hers too hard, but she didn´t mind since it seemed that he was having a hard time right now. With a forced smile Valerie greeted Judy and invited them both inside, Nick not even daring to lift his gaze. Judy moved forward, feeling how Nick was walking slowly and strongly. Once both of them were sitting on a couch Valerie sat on her own couch and kept glaring at Nick, who stayed with his eyes on the floor. Judy couldn´t resist another moment like this.
"Uhm, Valerie? Is everything all right?"
"All right? No Judy, things aren´t all right. And I am sure that you haven´t told her why I would be this angry at you, right?" Nick simply shook his head, shame making his gaze unable to lift. Judy grew worried and scooted closer to him. She took his tail and placed it over her, petting it so that he could gain some composure.
"Is something wrong?"
"Yes Judy. Look, I am really happy that the two of you are mates. Really, really happy. But here´s the deal. For foxes mating is not only forever, but also unique and special. When a fox wants to mate a vixen he has to do two things. First of all he has to ask for permission from the female´s parents. And if denied he has to keep trying to earn that permission. Second of all, the male has to ask his own parents for permission, to know if they approve his mate."
"You don´t approve me?"
"Honey, of course I do. But I am angry at Nick because I am quite sure he did none of those thing. He didn´t ask for my permission and, as far as I know, he doesn´t even know your parents. Don´t get me wrong, this is absolutely wonderful, but Nick didn´t not act as he should have. Both of you were actually on a pretty strong fight for some days and almost broke up. And after making you go through such a hard time he decides to mark you? Those are not the actions of a proper gentlemammal." Nick´s head only lowered more at that last statement.
"But Valerie-"
"Don´t try to defend him sweetheart. He knows what he did. That´s why he is so silent."
"It wasn´t him who marked me first." That last statement made Nick´s head to bolt up immediately and stare at Judy. Valerie´s confused gaze was plastered on the bunny´s figure, who continued speaking. "I marked him first. I took the plunge."
"You marked him first?" She turned to look at Nick once more, who gulped when he saw the fire in his mother´s eyes. "You let her mark you first? What a male you are!"
"I…I-"
"With what excuse are you going to come up now?"
"Valerie stop it. You are attacking him for no reason. I am sure th-"
"She´s right Judy."
"Huh?" The bunny turned to look at the face of her mate, who was staring at her with a defeated look.
"She´s right. Never before had a fox been marked by the female. And since you were the one who marked me first and I didn´t do all the things that I should´ve I basically…failed you."
"Nick, don´t say that. You haven´t failed me at all."
"But, I wasn´t supposed to let you mark me first. And I should have spoken to my mom and your parents."
"Nick, I don´t care about that. And you shouldn´t either." She cupped his chin so that he could look straight into her eyes. "Those are traditions that foxes have between each other. Between foxes and vixens. But I am a bunny. None of those applies with me. You don´t need my parents´ permission to be my mate. You don´t need your mom´s approval, although it´s nice hearing we have it." She turned quickly to see that Violet was relaxing. "And for me it doesn´t matter that I was the one who marked you first. I love you Nick. I love you and I want to be with you forever. And that´s what matters. You have not failed me at all. You are the best thing that has happened to me. There is nothing I would change about you. Thanks to you I found happiness that I would have never imagined. So Nick, stop believing things that are not true. You are the best mal I have ever met. You are the best mammal I have ever met." A tear escaped from Nick as he quickly enveloped Judy in a strong hug, his tail doing the same with the bunny. Judy returned the hug and felt Nick´s breathing starting to regulate.
"Thank you Carrots. Thanks. I love you very much." He instinctively started marking her cheek, but stopped when he heard his mother coughing. "Uhm, mom."
"Yes Nicholas?"
"I am sorry. I know that I kind of screwed things up. Sorry. But I love Judy and I wouldn´t want anything of what has happened to change."
"Well, maybe the past two days." Nick chuckled at hearing Judy, who smiled sweetly at him.
"I am sorry too Nick." That made both mammals turn to look at the vixen. "Judy is right. Those are fox and fox traditions and since she is a bunny well, things are different. Anyway, as I said, I am extremely happy for you guys."
"Thanks Valerie!"
"Thank you mom."
"Now, I think some kind of celebration is due. You are lucky I have some cake leftover."
"That would be nice."
"Do you need any help?"
"No thanks Judy. It´s fine." Valerie stood from the couch and entered the kitchen. Judy turned to look at Nick and was caught by his arms pulling her into another hug. She chuckled as she returned the embrace.
"You were having some trouble, Slick."
"Ha. After being chastised by my mom I think I ain´t no longer slick. I am more like a scrub now."
"Scrub…I like that."
"Don´t." Both snickered and moved a bit away so they could see each other.
"So that´s what you meant."
"What do you mean Fluff?"
"In the SUV you said that I was going to see why you were hesitating to see your mom today."
"Like I told you, she can be scary."
"Yeah. I never thought I could see her actually…angry."
"But at least she is happy with our decision."
"Yeah, and that makes me happy." Judy rested her head on Nick´s chest as the fox started passing his paw over her ears. They sat silently in the couch for some minutes, enjoying the company of each other, until Valerie came with the cake. Nick was the first to serve himself some of the dessert, devouring the lemon cake quite fast. Judy chuckled as she served her own slice and even poured herself some of the tea Valerie had brought. The three of them chatted for some time until the day had turned into night and Nick and Judy had to leave.
"Judy, could I talk with Nick for a little second?"
"Sure Valerie. It was nice seeing you." Both females shared a hug before Judy went towards the SUV, Valerie turning her attention towards Nick.
"Mom, I-"
"It´s fine Nick. I overreacted."
"Yeah, you did."
"I was not asking for your opinion, Nicholas." Valerie chuckled as Nick´s smirk evaporated instantly, but became serious once more. "Be careful Nick. After all that has happened you will need to take care of yourself and of Judy."
"I will mom. I won´t let anyone hurt her. And, I´m sure we haven´t told you yet, but tomorrow we´ll be going to BunnyBurrow."
"BunnyBurrow?" A small gasp escape from Valerie as realization struck her. "You are going to meet her family!"
"Yup. All the Hopps clan will be there."
"Oh Nick, do you think everything is going to be alright?"
"I don´t know mom. But hey, as long as I have Judy by my side, nothing bad is going to happen."
"I hope so sweety. Have a safe trip and come visit me when you return, ok?"
"Ok mom."
"I love you son."
"Love you too mom." With a final hug Nick left his mother and joined his mate. Both parted and went towards their little apartment.
"That went well, right?"
"Could´ve been worse Fluff. So, tomorrow at noon?"
"Yup. The train parts at that time, so we have to be there like fifteen minutes earlier."
"Sounds good. I shouldn´t have unpacked my case from last night, right?" Nick chuckled and turned to look at Judy, who was shooting daggers at the fox. "Too soon?"
"Too soon. Anyway we can prepare our things and hit bed. I could really use some sleep."
"Samesies. Oh, by the way, what did your mom say when she offered us this?"
"Well, she said that you could have somewhere to relax and experience tranquility back there. And since I told her all that has happened since the day of the stabbing she offered it immediately. I kind of think that she wants me too relax too and she saw an opportunity to meet the mammal I work daily with."
"Now we are together 24/7. How is it that you aren´t sick of me?"
"Because I love you."
"Awwww, Carrots. That´s so cute."
"Don´t tempt your luck Wilde."
"Why? Because I called you cute? Come on Fluff! We are mates now."
"It´s still uncomfortable hearing that Nick."
"Okay, okay. I will only call you cute when you are extremely cute. Deal?"
"Deal."
"You´re so cute."
"Nick!"
"What?"
"We literally just made a deal!"
"But for me you are always extremely cute! So I can call you cute anytime!"
"That´s cheating!"
"It´s called a hustle sweetheart."
"You…you…ugh." She turned her head towards the road and pouted all the way to their apartment and even all the way up the stairs. When she opened the door she found herself being carried by the fox, who was chuckling at her attempts to break free. Finally he settled both of them on the bed and cuddle with Judy, who was still trying to break free. After a couple of minutes she stopped trying and just cuddled with Nick.
"I just wanted to hug you for a little while Carrots. We haven´t had much time to cuddle and nuzzle as mates, you know?"
"I know. It´s been kind of a rocky day. And let´s not talk about tomorrow."
"I´m sure everything will be fine." Judy moved her head so that she could see her fox.
"From where has this sudden positive attitude come from?"
"From you, rubbing on me."
"Awww Nick. That is c…adorable."
"You were going to use the c word."
"Nu-uh."
"Yeah-hu."
"Nu-uh."
"Oh, Carrots. Forgot to ask. How much time are we staying over there?"
"Oh, right. The Chief gave us two weeks. But if you want we can come back after that."
"Nah. It´s fine. More time to bond with all the Hopps."
"Yeah. About my family Nick, I know I told you that things are going to be fine and, believe me when I say that it will probably be that way, but there are members of my family that aren´t as open minded as me."
"Relax Carrots. I can deal with a couple of death glares and curses."
"The thing is that, probably it will be more than fifty of those."
"Fifty you say? Huh. That´s not even half of what I am used to."
"Huh?"
"Remember Carrots. Us foxes have it rough here in Zootopia. So I think I can handle some bunnies. And I know everything will be all right because I have you by my side. And you are the most incredible bunny out there, which assures me that you can kick all of your siblings´ butts if necessary."
"Yeah. Let´s hope it doesn´t come to that."
"Fingers crossed."
"We have to get our things ready Nick."
"But I want to cuddle."
"We can cuddle when we are finished. Come on, we have to have some energies for tomorrow."
"How is cuddling draining our energies, Fluff?"
"Because we need to have a good night of sleep, so we can wake up at a good hour in the morning and have our things ready so we can simply go to the station."
"Oh. Well I can´t argue with that logic." With that both of them started putting together their luggage for their long trip. Nick packed a great number of his Pawaiian shirts, all of them with different colors. He took several slacks and some shorts, plus some ties. When Judy saw all his clothing she couldn´t help but laugh since he was practically copying his everyday outfit, making the fox shot her a mocking glare. Meanwhile Judy packed lightly, since a lot of her clothes where still back at BunnyBurrow, which made some thoughts to roam through her head.
Why do I still keep clothes over there? I mean, I have been living in Zootopia for basically six months since we wrapped up the NightHowler case for good. I should bring my stuff here and…hold on. We can barely fit here. Even before Nick came the placed was a little bit cramped and now, well we barely have any space. How about…no. I don´t think he wants to. I mean, we have only been living together for what, two or three months? That is a big step. Wait, what am I saying? We are mates for crying out loud! We already took one of the biggest steps out there. Ugh, just ask him Judy, stop overthinking this.
"Uhm, Nick?"
"Yes Carrots?"
"Uhm, I kind of had an idea. What about….we, uhm, search for a bigger place?"
"Bigger place?"
"Yeah. I know it´s soon, but we could really use some space and furniture. Ugh, never mind. It was a dumb idea anyway."
"Hey, hey hold up. You didn´t even let me answer Carrots. I think it sounds lovely."
"You do?"
"Yeah. We can start looking for places when we come back."
"Excellent!"
"Now, you have got to finish packing Carrots."
"But I´m done packing."
"Done? Good. Then come over here!" He picked the bunny up once more and started tickling her neck with the tip of his muzzle. Judy laughed out loud as she tried to move his muzzle away from her.
"Nick you have to stop that!"
"What? My demonstrations of love?"
"I mean that you need to stop picking me up into the air." Nick sat down on the bed and placed Judy in front of him, a smirk always present on the fox´s face.
"But it´s funny. And that way we can be eye leveled."
"Funny for you, maybe."
"Definitely is the word you seek Fluff." He bowed and placed a kiss on her forehead.
"Nick, why are you acting like this so suddenly?"
"Like this? What do you mean?"
"Well, ever since we became mates you have been way more attached to me and even more loveable. I do have more longing for you now Nick, but you seem to be craving my presence."
"Oh. Well, it does have to do with the 'recently became mates' thing, but it mostly is because…well since I was a jerk towards you for some time I missed hugging you an being with you. Showing you how much you mean to me and, now that we are mates, I can do it freely. But it´s mostly because I missed your presence and the feeling of having you by my side."
"Aww Nick." Judy moved on the bed and sat on his lap, embracing the fox and placing her head on his chest. "I didn´t know that. Don´t worry, now we are going to be together for basically all the time. And we can hug and nuzzle and cuddle as much as we are able to."
"I like how that sounds." He carried Judy and placed the both of them in their sleeping positions, where he enveloped Judy and covered her back with his tail. "I love you Fluff."
"Love you too, Scrub."
"Oh dear lord, no."
"Just kidding. Love you Nick."
"Love you too Judy."
Next day-11:15 a.m.
PEEP PEEP PEEP PEEP PEEP *CLONNK*
"Ugh, good morning Carrots."
"Mmm, morning."
"Do we really have to go? I am pretty sleepy."
"You can sleep during the ride, lazy." Judy moved from the bed rubbed her eyes. "I can´t believe we slept in our uniforms."
"Meh, it was time to wash them already. You said I can sleep on the train?"
"Yup. It´s a two hours long ride to BunnyBurrow."
"Two hours? I can´t fall asleep on a train for so little time."
"Don´t be such a whining baby and start getting ready. The train leaves in forty five minutes."
"Ugh, fine." The fox stood up and smacked his lips, gaining a distasteful reaction from his mouth. "Gross, morning teeth." He moved towards the bathroom and started washing his canines. Judy entered quickly after him, already wearing a different outfit, and stared at the fox.
"You know, I am never going to get used to see that."
"Do tsee wut?" Said Nick while brushing his fangs.
"The entire extent of your teeth. It´s quite mesmerizing."
"You afraid of them?" He said after finishing his task.
"Afraid of how they might smell during mornings, yes."
"Hey!" Both chuckled as it was Judy´s turn.
"But afraid of them? Never."
"Glad to hear that Fluff. Wouldn´t want you to be afraid of the big and scary fox!" Jokingly he placed her head in his jaws. The rabbit followed the joke and faked death. After some seconds both of them were snickering and playfully pushing each other.
"Get ready you dumb fox. We still have a train to catch."
"I´m going, I´m going. Geez Carrots, it´s just a train. It´s not like we are missing any kind of family introduction."
"Har har." She heard as the bathroom´s door was closed and she stared into the mirror. With a smile she started brushing her own teeth and, once done, she got out of the bathroom, just to be received by the image of Nick wearing a bright orange shirt whit a blackish tie and some black shorts. "Going to the beach Slick?"
"Hey, respect the outfit Fluff. It´s the most stylish model of 2010´s summer."
"So, it´s already seven years old?"
"Yup. And still shinning with style." Chuckling Judy went for her case and started heading outside as she heard Nick doing the same.
"Nick, it´s already March, right?"
"Yup. The second day of March. Oh, Logan comes out tomorrow. Anyway, yeah it´s March. Why the sudden question?"
"It is almost one year since we met each other."
"Hey, you are right. May from last year, right?"
"Yup. I didn´t think that so much could happen during a year span."
"I know. Heck, we haven´t known each other for a year and we are already mates."
"Ha, that´s true. Well, what a good year it will turn out being."
"It sure will Fluff. Now, if I am not mistaken, we have a train to catch."
"Yeah, you are not mistaken. Let´s go Nick."
"Let´s go Fluff." They left the apartment and went towards the train station. They couldn´t take the SUV to the station since other officers would have to use it during the two weeks that they were going to be off. So they took the bus that would leave them right in the station´s doorstep. Since the moment they entered the bus Nick noticed the strange looks that some of the mammals where giving them, especially the bus driver. He sighed and thought that this was going to happen sooner or later. When they sat down at the middle of the bus most of the mammals´ eyes were glued to them. Nick turned to look at Judy and was relieved that she was doing something on her phone and wasn´t paying attention to all the criticizing looks that were shot towards them. Thankfully the bus ride was quick and Nick moved quickly towards the bus exit, but a mammal´s voice made him turn his head in surprise.
"Congratulations!" He looked at the lynx that was giving him a courteous smile.
"Sorry?"
"You two became mates recently, right?"
"Yes we did." Judy said cheerfully. Most of the bus´s population was staring surprised at the lynx, who kept smiling at the small couple.
"Well then, congratulations."
"Thank you!" Judy said cheerfully while Nick stared dumbfounded at the lynx. With a wave Judy said her goodbye, but Nick turned to look at the lynx. He mouthed a thank you and gave the mammal a nod before exiting the bus.
"Ahh, good old fashioned love right there everyone." The lynx said out loud, gaining some frowns from the passengers, but some chuckles from others that nodded at him.
Nick and Judy headed towards their gate and once there they only had to wait for a couple minutes. During the wait Nick kept looking at the mammals that stared at them oddly and could only feel his hackles raising as almost every passing mammal had a confused look on their faces. But then he felt Judy´s paw grabbing his.
"Nick, you don´t have to worry about them."
"Huh?"
"Don´t worry about the other animals and what they think."
"I…I´m sorry. I was worried that it might get to you."
"Hey, I don´t let them see that they get to me. And you taught me that."
"I know. I know."
"There is always going to be someone that won´t accept this Nick. Today it might be a lot of animals, but maybe later is just a handful of them. And the ones who´s opinion really matters is the one of those who are kind to us. Like that lynx in the bus. His opinion was way more powerful than almost all of the others combined. Why? Because those are the kind of opinions we have to focus on. The ones that are supportive, caring and warm. Not the ones that try to hurt us or humiliate us. Words only have the power that we give to them and it´s on us how we empower those words and which words we empower."
Nick couldn´t be prouder of Judy right now. He had just seen how she used his own motto against him and then turned it into a hopeful and inspiring speech. With a fond and warm smile he bowed down and placed a sweet lips on her lips. Some "ewws" were heard, but there were also some "awws", but none of them mattered to Nick. He was way too focused on the mammal of his life.
"I love you and you are perfect. Thanks Carrots."
"It´s nothing Slick." The train arrived and the doors opened in front of the couple. "So, ready for our next adventure Nick?"
"Are we ready?"
"Yes, yes we are." Both said in unison and entered to the train.
CONTINUES IN CHAPTER 11!
Hey everyone! I hope you enjoyed the big tenth chapter! I mean big because it´s the tenth, I don´t think I can ever write something as long as the first chapter, jejeje. I want to apologize once more to everybody. Total jerk move leaving all of you for such a long time and no notice. Hope you can forgive me. And thanks again to all those who stayed and those who returned and those who are new. Heck, thanks to everyone! We still have a lot more to see, so hang on to your seats! (No, no, inner me please no! *smack*) [It took you more than a month to update you moron!] (I´m sorry *smack*) [It better not happen again!]
Artificial Python: Thank you very much! I am glad to see that a Fluffy Stories veteran also reads Breaking Point! Hope you like this new chapter and thanks for the continuous support!
FanficFan920: Not BunnyBurrow yet…but we are getting there! I hope you enjoyed this new chapter!
Have a nice day everyone!