A short hiatus, and I do apologize. For those who are still with me, hello and thank you! We're moving onward, a bit of a skip since Nick was shot. Please continue to read and review, we have so much more to cover!

Chapter Twenty-One: Three Months Later

The shooting had felt like ages ago. With physical therapy, Nick was up and walking. It had been a struggle, and many tears had been shed between Judy, his mother, and himself, even Finnick who saw the horrors and victories of recovery. How helpless Nick truly was for what seemed longer than split second. This wasn't the kind of wound he could just shake off. No matter how he tried to hide it, in the beginning Nick could barely sit up by himself, let alone feed himself.

There were days Nick's brave mask had slipped off, revealing to everyone the pain he tried with every ounce to conceal. His howls of pain carried through the halls when drugs wore thin or off entirely. The bullet wounds radiated with stabbing sensations and there were many a sleepless night. All the while, his loved ones were by his side.

Rhonda thought it best to remain with her son and help Judy until he was back on his feet. The Hopps family had helped with the funding. A recent letter had been issued to the apartment, addressed to Nick, explaining that his benefits would soon kick in and they would be reimbursed for any monies that had been thus far paid out. This was a relief for all of them, despite Bonnie insisting they keep the money when it was returned.

Rhonda had never thought she would find such kindness in others, especially prey. Prey normally looked at her like some vile cretin looking to destroy, then again, that was also during the time of Bellwether's reign. Rhonda continuously thought to herself how she would have to find some way to repay the Hopps Family for their kindness.

Once Nick's levels were stabilized, he was released and toted back to the apartment where he was placed on restricted bed rest. Physical therapy would continue on the scheduled dates that hung on the fridge and a lineup of medicines and pain relievers in the bathroom cabinet that would dwindle with his recovery. Nick strongly doubted he would end up hung up on his medicine. He anticipated returning to work in the very near future. Being home all day, as much as he loved the cuddle hours with Judy when she returned from her shifts, he was going stir crazy with his ever doting mother.

He also learned that Cat Nip Kravitz was snuggled tight in a security prison under the influence of none other than Mr. Big. Once Big caught wind of what had happened, and who he happened to attack, he felt it most appropriate to intervene. Especially how his granddaughter's godmother was strongly attacked by this bastard. He sent some of his men undercover to give Kravitz a special visit and nearly beat him within an inch of his life. The inmates roared and cheered and the guards turned the other way. Nick and Judy were e-mailed pictures of the satisfactory beating from Paul and Kevin. Judy had felt somewhat justified, as death was too good for Kravitz and the hell he created for her and Nick.

When Nick awoke one morning, Rhonda and Judy had left to shop. Groceries had been running low since Rhonda was accustomed to feeding an army back home. It was only the three of them, and the pop in of Finnick to visit, which he had arrived just as the ladies were leaving. Nick was propped on the couch after slowly making his way from the bedroom. He tapped on his phone screen to retrieve the e-mail in his inbox from Chief Bogo.

To: Officer Nicholas P. Wilde

CC:

From: Chief Bogo

Subject: Home Stay

Greetings, Wilde,

I'd like to begin, again, by commending you on your bravery in this ramshackle of a case. Well done, you will be handsomely rewarded upon your return to the department. Please keep us informed on your progress. Secondly, you will be reinstated to your partnership in Investigations with Hopps.

Take as long as you need to recover, although do inform me as to when you think you might be back.

Congratulations, Wilde. You've done us proud.

Sincerely,

Chief Bogo, ZPD

Nick grinned to himself as he read the e-mail on his phone. Old Chief Hard-Ass himself had messaged him, he was surprised Clawhauser didn't sent it on behalf of him. But, this was a good sign. There was respect now, especially towards foxes. Nick had never thought he'd dream of this day coming. No more being shooed away from eateries without having someone explain for him, or conning someone, putting the guilt on another so he could get by. Well now, no more of that.

Finnick, meanwhile, raided the fridge, gathering as much as his arms could hold to construct the perfect sandwich. The smaller fox climbed onto the stool, glancing at his assembly line on the counter before him. An assortment of meats, cheeses, lettuce, tomato, his mouth salivated at the thought of what this sandwich would become.

"So, you're like, a hero to foxes everywhere," Finnick commented as he began to piece together the cold cuts upon the bottom half of the roll. "So, what'cha planning to do now?"

Nick laid on the couch, tossing a small box up and down. He played catch with himself, the velvet feeling smooth and luxurious against the pads of his paws. He took in his friend's question, measuring how to answer that accordingly. Marriage was legal, foxes now had a place in society, and anything was possible from here on in, just as Zootopia's slogan promised. The next step, the next thing for him to do was a very important one.

"I plan to put something in this box," Nick replied to his friend's question. He sat up, glancing over at the other who had managed a sandwich that was just about as large as him. He was even up on the counter now with a large grin plastered on his face. He leapt up and stuck a knife in the center to hold it all in place since he didn't happen to see large toothpicks anywhere in the vicinity of the kitchen.

Nick blinked before shaking his head. He rose from the couch to inspect this monstrous masterpiece of his dear friend. Nick wasn't all that surprised, even when he first met him, he had a large appetite; whether it was vixens or meals, Finnick didn't hide what he enjoyed. Everyone especially thought it was cute when he posed as an elephant, carrying a Jumbo Pop. He learned early on it really attracted the ladies.

"What'cha need to put in the box?" Finnick inquired, staring at the small, black, velvet box. It took him a moment to process before his ears flicked back and his eyes widened in realization. "Ya gonna propose?"

"Shhh," although just as Nick had hushed, he wondered why he did that, probably in case Judy and Rhonda were moments away from unlocking the door. He paused before continuing. "Before we had any idea where this…bullshit was going to go in, I was planning on getting a ring for Judy, anyway. What do they call them? Promise rings?"

"What in the hell could you possibly promise her?"

Nick leaned against the counter, staring at the box again. "I can promise her that I'll forever protect her, no matter where the roads may shift. I can't promise her a fortune, or a palace, but I can assure her a good life with me. The life that I promised my future wife I would give her. So long as she said yes to be Mrs. Wilde, I could take away her doubts, and her worry. Every morning would wake with a smile, a kiss, and a reminder of how much I loved her…"

Nick picked his head up to see Finnick standing in place, with a hiccup, and eyes bubbling with the threat of tears. "That was beautiful, man. Fuckin' poetic." His thick, deep voice was choked from the lump in the back of his throat. "I never thought you were capable."

"Do I sense ice cracking on Mr. Tough Guy?"

Smirking, Nick ruffled the fur atop his friend's head before turning on the television, planning to apply some Pawdora and let some music flow into the emotional room. Just as he had, the news reporter had an image of Gazelle and William Sanderson plastered on the flat screen. William had his arms around Gazelle as she was tucked beneath his chin, a picture perfect image of a happy couple attending a red carpet event.

"Breaking News, pop icon Gazelle and back up dancer William Sanderson have confirmed their wedding details, the celebration will take place towards the end of the month in Sahara Square. For further details, please visit…" and the reporter trailed on with the web address to view pictures of the venue, flowers, and all kinds of details Gazelle pieced together.

Nick wore a small smile, those two deserved it, and while he was surprised they were taking their time, he was glad they did. The right wedding needed proper planning and Gazelle was a classy lady, Will was a respectable guy. They sent him flowers for every month he was in the hospital. He hadn't told Judy yet, but they had received an invitation to their wedding. Nick wanted to tackle one thing at a time, and he wanted Judy to show off her happiness at the event, not to necessarily outshine the bride, but Judy deserved just as much, if not more.

"So what say you best man, come down with me to pick out a ring while the girls are at play?"

With his cheeks filled with sandwich, Finnick plopped down on the counter in surprise. He figured he'd be invited to the wedding, but he didn't give any thought into being Nick's best man. Finnick stared at Nick, considering in his mind everything they had been through together. He always had been a loner, making ends meet on his own until this red fox offered him a partnership he couldn't refuse and it hadn't failed him, just as Nick had promised. He remembered being part of Nick's plan for Wilde Times, a protection sanction for predators and Finnick was to co-own. Unfortunately Wilde Times had sank faster than the Titanic when Nick couldn't procure a loan and the two settled for popsicles, instead.

They ran from police, chased peddlers that attempted to swindle them. The old times were good and Nick always had protected his friend, always had his back, and that he couldn't deny. In time, he learned to trust the larger fox completely. As much as his antics and humor often annoyed him, he was reliable and Finnick would forever be grateful for that. That was something he had never before had.

Finnick stood up straight and held out his paw to Nick's to shake, allowing a rare genuine smile to show itself. "I'll be your best man."

With a small smile, Nick took his smaller paw into his own. Giving a light tug, he pulled Finnick to him in a hug. The smaller fox gave weak restraint before settling and returning the affection. He knew he had a true friend in Nick. He also had to admire the other, although would never say it out loud, his manhood was on the line, after all. He had come a long way from his days as a sole conman, practically yodeling the goods he was selling on a street corner, and now was he established and getting ready to settle down.

Nick cautiously stepped into the jewelry store with a tinkle of the door to signify someone had entered. Out of habit, he held his breath as the jeweler stepped out from the back room, a cat wearing a rather expensive grey and pink three pieced suit. The store was encased with rich cherry wood, silver lining along the glass casing with dozens upon dozens of glinting diamonds. The cat stared at Nick momentarily, Finnick at his calves, ready to put up a fight. When the antelope smiled, Nick released his breath and Finnick stepped away once the sense of danger had passed. It would take some time to release themselves from the discriminatory mindset they were under for the majority of their lives.

"Can I help you gentlemen?"

Nick cleared his throat, taking several slow steps as he waited with each for any pain. He had taken his medication, but he now found himself in the habit of taking precaution. He approached the glass case, eyes scanning the gems beneath. The cat allowed him some time, although kept what he felt was an appropriate eye regardless. Upon the clearing of his throat, Nick's head shot up.

"I'm looking for a ring. An engagement ring." The words felt good on his tongue. This was deeper than any promise ring, although it would have borne meaning just the same. It couldn't be any regular diamond, though, Nick refused to be that kind of traditional.

"I see, and tell me about your intended. Their personality helps in choosing the perfect ring. This will be her accessory, but the ultimate accessory, it should complement her." He purred.

"Well, she's incredible." Just as Nick began, this earned a chuckle from the cat and he leaned into the glass case, tail swaying gently.

"Everyone thinks his partner is incredible. Tell me more."

"She's feisty, determined, doesn't know for the life of her when to quiet and get the hell out of a desperate situation. But, she's there for everyone. Such a passionate individual, with a heart like you wouldn't believe."

As Nick was describing Judy, the jeweler sized the rings and scoured the various cases of shapes, cuts, and colors. He urged Nick to continue, Finnick rolled his eyes and glanced over to the other side of the jewelry store as Nick gushed, although he had a few gems in mind himself. He led them to a case, large, gaudy rings stood out and Nick's face scrunched. This didn't seem right to him.

"For such a special lady, she deserves a very special ring. These rings here are my finest, they suit her personality and will make her the envy of Zootopia. I pledge to you that my rings are guaranteed."

Finnick's ear perked at this, he tapped on the glass to gain Nick's attention. When Nick appeared to be lost in the sea of gems, he cleared his throat. "Man, you must think we're dumb. Nick, come over here. I've found a ring that'll make Judy wanna jump you right there and then."

Nick began to unfurl himself and erect his spine, wincing only slightly. He began to speak directly to Finnick. "Now, now, we can't be rude to this swindler." Nick smirked at the cat's face blanched. He recovered, but only slightly before his face contorted to anger.

"How dare you call me a swindler, I-"

"You thought I was some Average Joe who would buy into your psychological ploy. Talk me straight into buying your little Zircon without me realizing. Your sale would be final, and I would be stuck with a vending machine replica, whoopsy. Nice try."

Turning his back to the cat, he strode over to Finnick, who, by then, had toddled his way over to the other seller who had been shaking her head. He was slightly fuming from the attempted hustler, while he was trying to make an honest purchase. Somehow that cat trying to take advantage of someone's happiness just tweaked him the wrong way. Some would do anything to make a dime, he would know. A snow leopard stood by the counter, clad in a skirt and blazer, paws clasped together.

"Welcome, welcome, do come in. I wish you had seen me first. He's been struggling for business. He'll do anything, and I mean anything to get someone to make a sale."

"And how do I know you're not like him?" Nick asked. He wasn't surprise that they shared half a store space. Plenty of people did that to save on the rent. It looked as though she had been pulling the weight since Mr. Pussy back there wasn't making any business.

"Come here and see."

Finnick pointed to a black band with amethyst encasing the ring, a moderately larger stone on top, but nothing to consider gaudy. She retrieved it from the case and allowed Nick to hold it. "It's all real, all gold, and all amethyst. From what your friend described, it'll perfectly match her eyes." The square cut of the design attracted him, he didn't want a round ring for her and the black gold would standout against her grey fur. It was almost too perfect. The attendant offered Nick and magnifying lens to inspect the pristinely cut ring, stamped to prove its worth. Nick held the ring and twisted it from front to back. True, a ring like this would certainly match Judy's eyes.

The snow leopard glanced over at the cat and he hissed. The leopard smiled and glanced back down at Nick and Finnick. "Well boys? What do you think, will our lady in question say yes to this?"

Nick thought about getting down on one knee at the restaurant where they professed their feelings to one another, where it all began. He pictured himself opening that box and exposing to her such a beauty. And it was true, he hadn't seen a ring like this before. Such a unique ring would be the talk, and Judy deserved to be ambushed with complements and bombarded with questions over her ring. Finally, he imagined placing the wedding band to compliment that ring, complete the set and his mind was made up.

"I'll take it."