"In a family argument, if it turns out you are right, apologize at once." - Robert A. Heinlein

Judy

One time in my life I wanted to be punctual but no I had to be blessed with a fox as a partner. And especially today I had to deal with two of them, which meant double the problems I had normally just with Nick. I knew it was just 8:30 am in the morning...on a saturday...after a week of academy but today was the day where Nick will met my parents and the rest of my family. Oh god this could just end in a catastrophe, I meant it is Nick, I love him but...

"Nick, Stella come on our train is soon arriving!"

"Is she every time like this?"

"You ain't seen nothing yet…sorry fluff, we are coming."

"I knew that Nick had problems standing up today but I didn't thought you would be the same Stella?"

"Oh, I'm okay I just walk so slow because I like to see him suffer and by the way Judy we have plenty of time, so relax."

"And they always say we red foxes are made by the devil…"

I look again on my watch and see that we still have 20 minutes till our trains arrive. Okay Judy come down, everything goes according to the plan. So I stand still and waite for those two lame ducks, to catch up.

"So Stella excited about the first trip to Zootopia?"

"Nah I'm okay, I was there for a short time when I arrived from the North. I'm more interested about the guide Nick choose for me. Hope it's none of your ex gangster friends."

Nick grins at himself and put on his sunglasses, whom did he asks for a favor? He don't told me…

"Believe me Stella you will love her."

"Wait! Her? There is no guy available for this job?"

"Are you afraid of a girl?"

"No, no … I mean pfff who could this be a old girlfriend of yours. Can't be worse than Trevor..."

"Mmmh, well there was a time in the past where we both shared a bed but girlfriend is not the right word for what we are… I would say we are even closer than this."

My confusion grow with every word Nick tells us but in the same way grows also his smirk and honestly I don't know which woman he could mean.

Yes I don't know everything about him but someone so close to him… Judy stop being jealous again, he is your fox and no one else.

"Even I don't have a clou, whom you could mean."

"Oh don't worry carrots you know her. Well I would even say you know her very well. I would go so far to say she is like a sister to you."

Nick leans down to me and give me a little smooch on my head, from which Stella starts to giggle. Now I understand whom Nick calls to show Stella Zootopia but I don't know why.

"I really have to say you two are also the cutest couple I ever saw."

"Oh oh she used the c-word, what are you gonna do now carrots?"

"Ehhm nothing, she said we are cute Nick not I am cute. There is a huge difference and that was a compliment."

"WHAT? I can feel a conspiracy against this handsome fox here."

We make our way through the little town of Woodbury, that is located right besides the academy. All in all is the train station not more than 2 miles from our starting point away, so even I could have taken this train from time to time during my training a year ago to visit Zootopia or my parents but I didn't. I was simply to caught in the training and in the learning, that I missed everything else. It is crazy how many friends I made since Nick is by my side. Maybe I missed really something in that time but hey the time with Nick compensates this more than enough.

"So and what is with you two? I mean I can clearly see how nervous Judy is and when I see what you two wanna do, huh...maybe you want to rethink your plan and come with me? And why the hell do you take your guitar with you Nick?"

"Lovely idea Miss Conroy to have a nice day in Zootopia but this fox here made a promise and he is going to fulfil this request. Besides that, I lost a bet, which is shameful enough for me. And to the guitar, you know those zombie movies where they come from all sites trying to take you done, right? Well I need at least something to defend myself from the bunnies, if they want to skin me alive."

"Haha Mr. Wilde, if you go one making fun of my family, I consider taking serious action against you!"

"And what will that be? Wake me on saturday extra early to hijack me into the wild of Bunny Burrow? Oh wait."

"Maybe I rethink that skinning alive thought from you and give that to the fluff army."

Stella looks confuse about my last point and well I can't blame her, I mean it is a typical Hopps joke that no one outside of the family could understand. Nick on the other hand looks now a bit more frightened.

"What in the name of the holy blueberry is the fluff army carrots?"

"Well in the Hopps home, all bunnies under the age of 10 are counted to the fluff army which is basically an uncontrolled mob of my siblings."

"What? And why do you call it army when you have no control over them? Would be horde not the more appropriate term whiskers?"

"They listen! Well… sometimes. At least to me, mum, dad and a little bit to Jimmy. Oh Jimmy you will like him, he and his girlfriend have the same music taste as you."

"Try not to distract me! Great so basically I will not survive this day right? Wait wasn't it your dad who gave you the fox repellent spray? And didn't you said something about a fox taser? Oh shit, this will not end good…"

"That is basically correct but I still have the hope that they will like you? Maybe?"

"Judy do you know what happen when I'm nervous?"

Nick is now already on the edge to get hysterically, I really hope he get a hold of himself. Really I never see him like this and I don't believe that there is a method to get my fox out of control.

"What happens when you are…"

"Bullshit, I will talk bullshit. And I mean stupid jokes and all of that. It is rare but sometimes even things get to me and, and that is not good. I'm not used to be insecure or not in control of myself…"

"Wow Judy I think you did it, I think you broke him."

"Oh no, not today! Nick take a deep breath, everything will be okay. I'm here with you…"

I take his paw in mine and try my best to comfort him. We can already see the train station but Nick just stares on the ground in front of him and shakes slowly with his head.

"275 bunnies, fluff army, fox taser, parents in law … this will really be my end… and that even before I tried to work in the force..."

5 minutes before our trains arrive at the station, we make it to the railway platforms. I gave Stella a last hug, which she replies just light and wish her just the best for the day, Nick stands just there and gave her a little salute with two fingers, he still looks very frustrated. Well it is Nick, we shouldn't think too much about it. She is on her way as her train arrives even a little sooner at the station, when she realises something and shouts from her platform over to us.

"WAIT, HOW DO I KNOW HOW SHE LOOKS?"

I shout back to her because Nick is still in a state of confusion and upcoming madness. No smirk no nothing, just an expressionless face and I don't like it.

"DON'T WORRY STELLA, I SEND YOU A PICTURE OF HER."

"THANKS JUDY AND GOOD LUCK YOU TWO! AND TRY TO FIX THE FOX!"

"I WILL DO MY BEST!"

And with those words she disappears in the train in direction of Zootopia.

I hope she will have a good time with Patricia. If Nick tries to pair them up? I know that Pati is interested in both sexes, so why not? I mean I am into a fox, how am I to judge? Mmhmm the more I think about the two the more I can imagine them as a couple.

I stood a little bit closer to Nick and try to listen to his heartbeat, during the time he needs to come down I think it is the best to search for a picture of Pati. The difficult part was to find one where she is not silly or childish, I don't want that she instantly has a bad first impression of the red vixen. After 10 more minutes he has slowly calm down and I think he is now ready to talk with me again.

"So Stella and Pati, huh? Alone in the city? Just the two?"

And there he is again the hustler and conman with his good mood, the site I loved so much about him and of course his characteristic smirk. But I know most the mood he displays is just a play to trick the mammals around him, well old habits die hard.

"You are maybe a little bit confused why I asked especially Pati for this, right?"

"Oh I know that she is into both male and female, she told me. Well she told me a lot of things about her. You maybe thought that they both would made a good couple?"

"Almost, Pati has the great ability to make you talk about the things that torture you internal, even if the last thing in the world that you want to do is to talk about those things. I don't know how she does it but somehow it works."

Nick's expression is again very dark and gloomy. He know something about Stella, he wouldn't have done something like that for nothing. This fox… he would do everything for a friend even if he also wouldn't admit it.

The growing rumble of the train is coming nearer and nearer, we knew it is time. With loud squeaking of the brakes holds the train right in front of us. Nick couldn't move, he just stares at the train and I believe that he imagine how great it would be if it just drives on without the two of us.

"There is no way around right?"

I give him my loveliest smile and try to comfort him the best way I could by taking his paw into mine.

"Sorry slick, not this time. Just tell yourself that you are doing this for me."

He lowers his glasses a little bit and looks deep into my eyes, he don't even need words to seduce me. A smile of him and I am fallen head over heels for him again.

"Judy, why do you think I'm in the academy?"

And maybe Sentences like those. Why? Because I know they are the truth. A indestructible one just between the both of us, that will stand till our death or maybe even beyond that.

"Oh come on Mr Ladykiller, we have a family to meet."

"Yes, your bunny highness."

Again one of his little salutes and his smiles to me and we both enter the train of the Zootopia Railroad company into the south. 3 hours till we arrive in Bunny Burrow and the train is rather empty, basically a perfect situation for a predator-prey couple. We sit ourselves down at the end of a row with two seats, just to have minimal contact with other passengers and a little bit of peace before we enter a place with so many bunnies that the word peace is only known to the oldest ones.

I sit myself at the window and Nick takes his place at the corridor. 10 more minutes of silence and I could feel that Nick wants to speak but he seems not to find a real starting point for the conversation.

"Let it out Nick, I know something is bothering you."

"Sorry, I had some thoughts in my mind and didn't know how to start, carrots."

He needs me and I know that, I lay my paw on his and stroked softly over his fur. He comes down, slowly but he do. I know that I demand a lot from him.

I mean one fox has to introduce himself to his parents in law and to two hundred seventy two siblings of mine. His whole life he witnessed prejudice against his species from all sides and now he felt in love with a bunny. The species which should has the most prejudices against foxes. Like everyone said we are two sides of a coin maybe we are not meant for each other. But this is something I can and will not accept, I will never leave him, even if this means abandoned an old family for a new one...but this is just the worst case scenario, we will see what the day will bring to us…

I could see that he is finally ready to speak with me. But the topic seems to be very critical.

"Do you remember the links I send you?"

"Yes, some articles and reports about a crime in the north, where the main suspect wasn't punished. I mean those are tragic events but I can't see the connection to anything, so…?"

My gaze is pretty puzzled because he starts right after one hint to give me the solution and that is normally not his thing, he likes to tease me and check my abilities.

"I let Elliot dig a little bit in the past of Stella because I found it strange that she started a new life so far in the south, without any relatives near by. Well yeah those are the results…"

"No…, don't tell me."

"Yes Stella was the victim of the crime."

My mind is going crazy, I mean how could someone do something like this? Yes, I am a police officer but it is completely different if a crime happens to a friend, no matter how long you know the mammal.

"Do you know the name of the guy?"

With one jump I am on Nick's lap and try to start my interrogation, there must be something and I have the feeling Nick knows the name of that guy.

"Wowowo Lady what do you want to do? Interrogate me, leave the train, get the next one into the north and beat the shit out of this piece of crap? In the moment Stella doesn't need another friend she got to worry about, she needs someone to talk about this besides this whole thing lays two years in the past. I know how you feel but you have to come down. Okay Judy?"

He gives me a short moment to think about his words and yes he is right, I am to impulsive maybe I should work on this. Oh Judy you and your overreacting And with a smile on his face he continues his explanation.

"I know you only want the best for the mammals around you but sometimes things need their time. And I bet she never talked with someone about it and yes if she had talked to you, you had tried to make things right but justice did not served her right and even you my little perfect bunny can not undo all the bad in the world. I'm sorry."

He is right and I have to acknowledge that. And so we sit there for maybe twenty minutes, a bunny on the lap of a fox, which slowly and softly strokes over my ears to calm me down but even after some time I had my fist clenche to his shirt. I have to chuckle a little first he needs and then I, we are a strange couple... And well sometimes things just had a bad timing.

After a short stop in the countryside, to be precisely we were at the railway station in Kingsguard, the train starts moving as a deer and her two children enter our section. The closing door forces her to look in our direction. I could feel how those judging eyes make me angry but they don't look with a devastating gaze at me, for me there is nothing more than pity, no they are looking directly at Nick.

You really try to judge my fox? Are you insane? Do you want to provoke me? I will show you something for what you will pity yourself! And believe me, I'm not in my best mood today.

One more second and I would have jump at her, if Nick hasn't hold me back.

"Disgusting!"

Okay that's it! She's done, she crossed the line and she will now pay for it.

But again it is Nick who answers before me and throw himself in the first line of defense. And of course he do this with his typical smirk and a plan in the back of his mind.

Why Nick? I can handle this situations, why do you have to interfere and protect me? Do you think I can't do this on my own?

"If you are talking about your clothing ma'am, than yes."

The deer is for a short moment in shock about Nick's words, she doesn't seem to await any reply for her statement. He is still holding tight onto me, he knows that when I have the chance to slip through I would do it. But he is there holding onto me and his smirk, not letting the deer out of his gaze for one moment.

Her confidence is fast back and this time Nick is the main aim of her verbal attack.

"What did you say fox?"

"I don't know Ma'am, what did you say about me and and my girlfriend?"

I know I should be angry about her and I am but the way he mentions me in front of everybody else is something, that let my heart feel a little bit lighter and that shows that he really loves me.

I mean I know that he loves me but there was still this little doubt in my head, why he don't want to make it official

"I said you two are disgusting! The bunny because she lets herself trick by a 'fox' like you! But you! You are the worst of this tainted and loathsome unnatural couple! You both should go to hell and never come back! Because mammals like you make the world a dark and shady place!"

And there it is, all her disgust, all her hate and all her stupidity are thrown at us and we can't do anything. My paws are shaking from the anger about this mother but I can't move. Instead I felt how Nick's paws get a tighter grip on my shoulders, he is not hurting me but I could feel him clear as day. Nick seems cool and concentrats as if he is trying to hustle her but this here is different.

"Are you done Ma'am?"

"What?"

"I asked if your done shouting at us? Because your kids look terrified to me and honestly I don't think we are the reason for that."

Nick is right, the kids both not older than 6 look at us and don't understand what her mother is getting at. They just see a bunny cuddling with a fox. But beside the little family, one thing is sure we have the attention of all other mammals in this part of the train.

"In the end we did nothing illegal, I just comforted my friend for hearing a bad news and you can't blame someone to feel bad or do you? So the point is you try to set your, excuse me to say it like that stupid thoughts into your children's minds as if we are two criminals on the run from the law."

But she doesn't come down, no she is ready to launch the next attack and there it comes.

"What you two do is maybe not illegal but it is unnatural…"

"Yes and so is clothing, technology, a society of predator and prey living in peace and everything else that exists in this modern days. So if all of this 'unnatural' things bother you so much, than step back, go into the woods and live a simpler life but stop bothering us with your shit, okay?"

I could see the hate in her eyes but I could also hear the chattering around us and that is the surprising thing, they are on our site.

"Did you see how that deer outraged on those two, sick I tell you! And that with two kids!"

"And look how frightened her kids are."

"...you don't have to agree with the fox completely but he is right when it's about leaving them alone, they do no harm and do nothing illegal."

"How can someone like that be a mother!"

It seems that the emotion in her vanish a little bit and her mind kicks back in. Why? Well she seems to recognize the talking around her and that she is standing on lost ground but I havn't thought of the upcoming reaction. And wouldn't Nick's grip on me be so tight, I would do something, children or not. It can't be that she talks in such a way with us or better with Nick.

Without a further warning she slapped Nick in the face and left the part of the train dragging her children behind her. I have enough and try to escape Nick's paws but he hold me tight but without hurting me. I see a little bit of blood on Nick's muzzle. But he just keeps his smirk and wipes it away.

"Why Nick? Why don't you let me do anything? It is not fair how they treat us!"

"I know carrots but you can't always solve problems through action. Sometimes it needs a stoic mind that lets you keep walking on your path. And I know that it hurts you but this behaviour is the reason why I want to keep it down in Zootopia."

"But, what she did was not fair. She hurt you and you let her just go!"

"Judy listen, she will never accept us. She and her thinking are out of our reach. This whole thing wasn't about her, it was about the mammals that listen to the conversation and for her children. It doesn't matter how right we are, in the end it is just about how much they like and accept us. And unfortunately this is just a question of time not action."

I give my fox a big hug because even when he doesn't say it, he is hurt and that badly. He also slowly replies the hug from his side.

"I'm sorry Nick that you had to endure that."

"Don't worry whiskers I'm used to it. I just don't want that she gets at you, this is where I draw the line. And hey? Maybe I really tricked you into something?"

I could just smile about this stupid suggestion.

"Dumb fox. I think you earned yourself some cuddling."

For a short moment I want to leave his site and sit down on my own place but hey if they can't stand the sight seeing a bunny with a fox, they can go to the holy blueberry! And with that words in my mind I snuggle myself into Nick's site look up to him and reply his kind smile. For the rest of the ride we cuddle together and wait for the train driver to announce Bunny Burrow. I think I even fall from time to time asleep during the last 2 hours of our drive, in my lighter sleep moments I could feel how Nick was watching over me with a smile on his muzzle.

This dumb fox...always watching over me…come on...show me that smile again...

But too late, I am already asleep to the tock-tock sounds of the train and Nick's warm fur. I don't dream anything, well at least nothing I can remember.

"Hey carrots, I think we reached Bunny Burrow."

I slowly wake up but in the opinion of my fox it is not fast enough. Why you ask? Well I can feel his warm and wet tongue going over my whole face, I think I don't need to mention that this wake me up instantly?

"NICK, why?"

"What? Since when did you have something against a good morning kiss from your prince?"

"Maybe I should overthink this whole relationship."

"Oh come on whiskers, you know you love me."

"Do I know that?"

Nick waits for the rest of the practiced reply but now is my part of teasing him.

"Honey, I think you forgot something?"

"Do I know that? Yes, yes I do."

And with that words and still a wet face Nick and I leave the train to the Bunny Burrow train station but with one or two swipes of my paws I could remove the most of Nick's saliva. Nick was now totally back to his old self, with a big grin on his muzzle and his sunglasses covering his eyes, he watches his new surroundings and what for new things he discovers here.

A quick look over the train station reveales that no one besides the old Jenkins is here. He is the booking clerk who sells tickets to you and yes Bunny Burrow still has no electronic ticket vending machine… and yes I know future arrives slowly in the countryside. But I recognize that my fox is fascinated by another item that made this train station unique and that is the huge panel with the 'real time' birth rate of Bunny Burrow. Nick chuckles and almost started to laugh.

"What is so funny Nick?"

"And I thought for a long time you are just a bunch of innocent, fluffy creatures with a cu-...adorable, I-I meant adorable little tail but it seems you are hustlers like some of us foxes. I mean this is really big trickery, a huge panel in the sight for every mammal that drives through this town?"

We still have some time, so let's tease him a little bit.

"What makes you so sure that it is not real, I mean you know the stories about our multiplying abilities?"

I come close to him and pull him down to my muzzle, whispering the next words to him and I can see how his grin is growing almost immediately.

"And I think you even witnessed some of those abilities, am I right my little red friend?"

"Maybe? But just to be sure can you show it to me in a quiet minute again? You know we foxes have our problems remembering things."

"Okay, maybe tonight."

A quick kiss between the two of us and we stand there staring at the huge panel with the numbers that don't stopped changing.

"Surrounded by two hundred of your brothers, sisters and oh I almost forgot your parents? Sounds great… I think then I will die for sure through the fox taser, well at least I had some intimate cuddle time shortly before...there are worse ways to die."

"So how do you know it is just a joke."

"First thing I am a hustler, that is something even you can't change Carrots. Second, everything here is made out of wood. You still have a guy who sells tickets to you if you want to leave this place. So you want to tell me, you can track your birth rate in real time? No way that this fox believes this story."

"One time a hustler, always a hustler right? But you're correct, it is just a joke from the town oldest mammals."

I look around us, it is almost noon but still a very sunny and warm day. The golden september try to show his best side. Under all his coolness my fox is still terrified, I can feel it but there is no way around the upcoming meeting.

"Come on slick we have to go."

"Mmhmm."

Probably the best reaction, I can get from him. We make our way through the train station, greeting Mr Jenkins and start to walk on the dusty road.

He exhales deeply, preparing himself for the upcoming events. I have still the unpleasant meeting with the deer in my mind.

"So anything I need to know about the Hopps or some special characters?"

"Yes you should be careful about my sister Jessica, she is into everything."

"What does that mean?"

"Well… she would take every mammal male or female but besides that she likes her clothing light and her makeup thick."

"And?"

"And she looks like me and I mean exactly like me, even mom had her problems to differ us sometimes…"

"Wowowo hold your wild horses. So you basically saying there is a hooker version of my bunny which likes to bang everything she sees?"

"Basically...yes…"

"Oh great, somebody who is on my side or do I really need my guitar and I don't mean to play on it."

"Yes, yes of course. My brother Jimmy and his wife Cathy know about you and I think they like the same music as you which could be a great starting point. She is a black bunny and he is a typical Hopps but I think a little bit more open minded… and besides her open lifestyle, Jess is also interested in you but don't get second thoughts! You have choosen your bunny."

"Good, at least somebody and don't worry I think I can differ you two because of my good nose. Another advice carrots, you would give me?"

"Yes please be honest with them, I think it is at least what they deserve."

"Honesty? Okay I never tried that one but there is for everything a first time…"

"Hey you were honest with me?"

"Mostly but there are still things I can't tell you and besides that where did it brought me? Directly on the countryside, there is no better place to hide a dead fox...auhh?"

I must say the punch is pretty, maybe a little bit too hard. But I think he will survive it.

"Dumb fox, it's sometimes not easy to love you."

"Sly bunny, but for me it is every time easy to love you."

A hug from the side and my fox was smiling again, okay it is a painful smile but at least better than nothing.

We are passing along of fields and other little Bunny houses and I see how Nick is watching his surroundings.

"Maybe 5 more minutes till we arrive. How are you doing?"

"Don't ask. But I'm trying to pull myself together."

I give him a last smile. In some distance I can already see the Hopps burrow. It was like a gigantic hill but with the difference that there are hundred of windows all over it and some smoking chimneys. On some places there are also little balconies instead of the windows, mostly for the bigger bunnies like me, Jessica or Jimmy who have also bigger rooms for them or a partner. The side to the yard has even a wide range balcony over 3 floors with stairs which lead directly in the yard. Besides the burrow there are also some barns for the vegetables, corn and other things we cultivate on the fields or the machines we need to do so.

In the middle of the yard stands like ever a huge oak tree and I can't even remember how often we climbed on that old buddy. It is almost a part of the family and besides that, the stump of the second oak tree which is destroyed because of a storm years ago, when even I was a child. Around of the stump we arranged tree trunks to sit and celebrate, if we found an opportunity to do so. And everywhere you look, there are little bunnies running, playing and laughing around the burrow. Nick looks at this with an open mouth and widened eyes, he even took down his sunglasses for this great look.

"Don't tell me that huge thing is the burrow…"

We slowly walk into the yard and in the distance I could already see my parents and Jess walking up to us. Mum and Jess waving her paws at us.

"Yes it is and now is the time to show your best side Nick."

My parents need some time to arrive at our place, I can hear them already chattering but it seems like Jess could hold her mouth at least for this time.

"Judy."

Oh no that is not good, he used my real name…

"Yes Nick."

"I get nervous…"

"Oh no please not now, please get ahold of yourself..."

"I try my best carrots but please don't hate me after that."

But it is too late to talk to him. Mum, dad and Jess stood already in front of us, my parents both with a big smile in their faces and my sister with a grin that told me she is just here for the show. Mom seems slowly to get the situation and the constellation in which we are standing here but my dad seems not really to understand what happens at all and so he starts the conversation.

"So hey Judy and… Nick, right? It is nice to see you. But I ...more we thought we would met today your friend?"

I take a quick look to my fox but he is totally paralyzed and I doesn't even need to concentrate to hear his heartbeat, it was way out of the norm.

"Look dad that is the thing… well Nick is my friend."

"Yeah sure he is your friend, I mean why would he be here if not but I mean your friend friend. Oh come on Jude you know what I mean."

It is mum who tries to explain it to dad.

"Steward, Nick IS Judy's friend there is no one else here, okay?"

"Ohh...oh….ooohh. I get it at least I think so."

They both look puzzled but not angry or sad, maybe a little bit disappointment in their gaze. Even to my surprize Nick take a step forward and is standing now in front of both to shake their paws. I can see a unsecure grin on his face, he doesn't know what to say.

"Mr. and Mrs. Hopps, I-I am a great fan of your work."

And with two little nodes in my direction from him, I could just facepalm myself…

The eyes of my parents widened and I could already hear what they thought…

"You didn't really said and did that Nick, or did you?"

He is embarrassed and that was something I never sae from him before. And the only thing he could do was to facepalm himself too, I could also hear that he was in a state between laughing and crying…

"I'm sorry."

I exhale deeply and try to make him feel a little bit comfortable by stroking over his back with my right paw.

"At least you tried…"

And that was the moment where my sister can't keep it any minute longer together. She burst into laughter and also needed moms help not to fall over.

Okay Judy think, Nick is no use in the current situation. I have to clear this mess alone with them under clear conditions and the best place for this should be the kitchen. Geez not the best start I can imagine...

Without hesitation I take my parents by their paws and walk with them in direction of the burrow but not without giving some last instructions to my sister and Nick.

"Nick I will have a talk with parents inside under six eyes, make yourself comfortable. And Jess, please keep an eye on my fox and yes I said my fox so paws away from him. I know you!"

It is strange but as soon as I say 'my fox' both of my parents turn with an amaze gaze to me. They will get used to it, at least I hope that. Without further discussion outside we enter the kitchen on the first floor, I let them both in and close the door behind me.

"Soooo, you two maybe ask yourself why I have such an idiot as friend but I can assure you that he is not every time like this."

"You think that is our main problem with Judy? So he is not every time a fox? In reality he is a bunny and just likes to dress up as one to fool other mammals?"

"No mum he is a fox and there is nothing that will change that."

"But why Jude, why a fox? What did he do to you that you are so fallen for him?"

"What do you mean dad, what did he do? Do you think he has hypnotized me so that I fall for him? Do you think he wants money from me or do you think he wants to have some of my stupid fame that the media gave me because of the Nighthowler case?"

"Maybe? What do we know he is a fox! Maybe that is his thing to take out young innocent mammals and then go one to the next one!"

"That is not really what you think dad? Mum?"

But my mother stand still there, her paws folded in front of her with a gaze that only told me 'Please Judy tell me this is all just a joke'. Her concern and worries about me couldn't be clearer displayed on her face.

"Judy listen you were always special, from the first moment I saw you I knew that you will be the one who I have to worry most in my life and I accepted it long ago. But this...he...for a mother it is hard to understand why you want to destroy your own future."

"What do you mean with that mum?"

I already knew what was her point but I want that all the things they have in their mind are at least for one time spoken out and not suppressed in their minds for the next years, till some other argument brings them back to the top. I know that will hurt more.

"Judy you can never have children of your own."

I know what she will say but still I became slightly angry and my voice also sounds harder as I want.

"Don't you think I know that? And beside that don't you think I know that we will never be accepted from society? And don't you think I know what I give up when I will be together with him? And before you ask I choose him, I wanted him as badly as he wanted me. He tried to say no to me, just to protect me but I didn't let him. This is no one sided thing, this is serious business and do you know why?"

My parents stand in the middle of the kitchen behind the table and holding each other in the arms as if they have to fear what would come next. Well maybe their fear is not so far from the truth…slowly it turns dark in here and I already felt gloomy being alone with the two in here. I need my fox around...

My thoughts were drawn back to that day, to the club, to Void and to… Nick. And besides all the terrible information I get on that day it is still one of the best in my whole life and this just because of him. I can feel how I am relaxing and also my voice is now more soothing and far away from the harsh tone I had just seconds ago.

"The day we became what we are now, was also for us the day where we had to make a difficult and dangerous decision. And no I can't tell you more because then dad would lock me up in my old room and never let me out again, like you did when I told you that I would beat up the neighbour badger for mocking Gerald."

"Jude, what…?"

"Please dad, just listen. This is important and I think you deserve to know a little bit about this. And one last thing, I've made my decision it doesn't matter what you say, I will not change my mind on this topic no matter what it costs me."

I lean on one of the little chairs we bunnies use and exhale deeply.

"On that day Nick and myself get information about a crime organisation and how this city really is. I was confused at first and didn't wanted to believe what this person told me but to my bad Nick could confirm most of this information from his time on the streets and his old work. To be honest, I was devastated and even I thought about leaving the city and coming back home. But I couldn't. If I do nothing, if I stand aside and just watch what they do without interfering, I would be as guilty as everybody else who knows about this. And I couldn't live with that sin in my mind."

Both of them look at me with widened eyes and something I don't know from them and that is fear. Just fear about my life and don't get me wrong I see them scared in the past but nothing in comparison to this. I don't like to frighten them but at least they deserve a little bit of the truth, just enough to understand when something happens to me and Nick. And why it happened.

"Nick was free to go, he knew better than I did what lay ahead of us. He knew the mammals, he knew the laws they use and most important he knew their power and influence over the city. But he also knew that I could never let it go, I have to do something. And he knows me too well and that after this short time..."

A single tear was rolling down my cheek but I don't care and besides all that bad memories I am still smiling and I knew why, it is because of him. Mom stands up and comes around the table to comfort me, she always know what to do when the mood of one of her kids is down. But she doesn't interrupt me, she just takes me into her arms and tries to be there for me.

"Like I said he had the chance to go but he didn't, he said he would stay with me to the end and I believe him. I am the main reason why he attend the police academy, just to know that I am save. He got beaten up because I had the great idea he should clear up his past and some of his old friends didn't like it. But he did it. And if you believe it or not he had a band and with them he played every sunday in the Zootopia central park and he left them for me, he even gave away his precious guitar."

Dad looks ashamed to the ground, he knows what he said about Nick was not fair. But I want them to understand how important this whole thing with Nick is.

"I'm honest with you. I don't plan so long in the future to think about children, a family or even a wedding. Maybe Nick does but not I. And dad you mentioned sooner that he could leave me and go to another innocent mammal…"

"Jude please, that was the stupid talk of an old bunny who didn't know that he gave up so much for you…"

"No, you two have to understand this about fox relationships, when once decided they don't leave their partner, they stay with them. And even if their partner… dies, they will not search for a new one. Mostly they stay heartbroken for the rest of their lives. So..."

Both are now silent and look at each other but like ever mum is the one who understands the situation faster. Dad seems not to be sure what it means and so he does what he ever does when something was over his mind, he asks mum.

"So… Bonnie, what…"

"He truly loves her Stu, no matter how the outcome of their work is or what happens Nick wins nothing. He does this all just for our daughter Stu."

"I don't demand that you love or even like him, the only thing I wish for is that you give him a chance. And believe me you will not regret it."

I wipe away my last tears and can finally smile again because they are not completely against us and I think they understand the situation we are in, well at least a little. As always dad tries to lighten up the mood in the room. Maybe in a clumsy way but hey that is dad.

"So a fox heh? So ehm how do foxes live? Like we in a burrow, I mean is that even possible in the city? And do you live together there?"

Mum and I chuckle about dads assumption.

"No dad, Nick owns an apartment in the city. And yes we are living together. But at the moment he is in the academy, so if you like you two can visit me sometimes."

"But isn't it his place? I mean it is nice of him to let you life there but you can't do as if you own it Judy."

"Well...basically...I found one day during a cleaning session the deed of ownership and no I was not looking for something, anyhow it looks like he had sign me in without telling me. So technically we both own it…"

Again they both exchange a quick look but this time they start to smile at each other.

What was that now? Have they now a surprising change of mind or what is going on?

"What do you think Jude will the rest accept him in the family?"

"I hope so, I mean I don't know for sure. You have not met his best side, he was very nervous the whole day. But I know that this meeting would go as smooth as the one with his family..."

"Wait Judy? You already know his parents? Who does this happened?"

"It was part of the task I gave him to clear up his past. And one night, at this time we were not together, he invited me to his mum and sister. They both assumed that we are already a couple and to be honest retrospectively we were already one but couldn't admit it. Anyhow they both welcomed me into the fox family without second thoughts, till now they have not once mentioned or highlighted that I'm a bunny. They both don't care."

"Wow Jude, I never thought it is so seriously...and Nick's father?"

"That is... difficult, he left the family when Emilia, Nick's mum was pregnant with Patricia. And she will not talk with anyone about him, so maybe not the best topic."

"Oh no… the poor thing. How is she doing with that?"

"Oh she is doing fine, she has her own restaurant in the city. And I wouldn't pity her, she had handled all by herself very well. I mean Nick had made her some trouble but this times are over…"

Mum ears suddenly go straight up and after some seconds dad and I do the same thing.

"Do you hear that? Is that music?"

"Oh that could be Nick, he has taken his guitar with him. Like I said he is good at playing and singing. Maybe he is giving a little concert."

I take my mum by her paw and give dad a sign to follow us. With both bunnies behind my back we enter the balcony on the first floor to have a better sight over the yard. As soon as I open the door, I can already hear my fox playing but there is also the sound of multiple bunnies. And finally in sight of us we all three stand there with an open mouth. What we see?

Well Nick stands on the old oak stump a little black bunny on his head which was weaving like crazy with his arms and he is singing one of his songs. He is surrounded by every other bunny in my family and all of them are dancing, laughing and singing around the oak tree. Just the older ones like Jess, Jimmy or Cathy are sitting on the tree trunks clapping to the rhythm of the music and chattering. I have no idea how he did it but it seems he could win the rest of my family with his smirk and some songs.

He ends his song and makes a little bow, in shock mum put her hands in front of her mouth as she sees that little Tommy, the black bunny on Nick's head is falling to the ground but of course my fox has the situation under control and catches the little bunny, just to put him back on his shoulder, where he sits, giggles and waves with his little arms.

But as soon as the song ends all the little bunnies around the oak stump shouted to him.

"Uncle Nick, uncle Nick another song please. PLEASE."

The fox replies with a friendly laughter and says to the crowd.

"You greedy bunnies, you seem not to know when to stop heh? But okay you wished for another song, you will get another song."

I turn my head with a smile on it to my parents, which are still standing there with an open mouth and it seems they can't believe what they see.

"I think we don't need to worry about the rest of the family, he seems to has them pretty good under his paw."

And without further chattering I close my eyes and concentrate just on the voice and the play of my fox.


I hope you like the new chapter, if so I would be honored if you leave a comment. Thank you ;)