-Knocking at the cabin door-
What little of Zootopia Nick had been missing had begun to vanish after the VIMs had finally figured out about a certain ranger and park supervisor.
While it wasn't obvious at first there had been a bit of an opinion shift in the group when they found out the fox was dating a bunny.
Clive seemed rather happy about the situation, still oblivious to what he had done.
Nick couldn't really be mad at the old armadillo. After all, he didn't seem to know any better and if anything seemed rather supportive of Nick and Judy.
In between moments during the tours, he would sometimes ask how Nick and Judy had met. The ranger was willing to open up to the armadillo and when he explained how the romance blossomed thanks to the Firewatch job he had taken Clive smiled.
"So her pickings were pretty slim eh?" He teased which got a smile from Nick who nodded.
"Probably the only reason she puts up with me," The fox managed to joke which would earn a laugh and pat on the arm from the armadillo.
Al was a different story. He had grown a little distant from Nick. Glancing over at the ranger on occasion before returning back to his duties of gathering information about Fairfax and its offerings.
Nick picked up on the change right away and felt his heart sink. Al had seemed so kind and friendly when he arrived.
He had been the one to give Nick hope that this was all going to be alright. Now though the koala didn't seem to know how to handle dealing with Nick. He now seemed to purposefully direct his questions to Lily who did her best to answer but on occasion, she had to ask Nick for assistance. The koala wouldn't even look at the fox.
In fairness, it was probably a little bit to process. While not illegal in Zootopia it was still apparently a bit of a taboo. It being such a large city though if a mammal didn't appreciate something like this they could just avoid the issue. Now though the issue was right in the koala's face and he was obviously trying to just skirt around the problem.
Al and Clive's reaction though paled in comparison to Debbie.
If this was a war then Debbie had just been given all the pinecones for ammo. Something she obviously knew and took advantage of constantly.
When in the presence of the others she would only make quick comments here and there.
Each of them though felt speciest but there was little Nick could do.
When they passed a flower shop on their way to another destination Nick felt a tug on his arm. He glanced back at Debbie who nodded over to the flower shop.
"You could take Judy to the buffet," The vixen said with a wink.
When a group of bunnies passed by on the sidewalk, "Those relatives of your girl?"
When no one was looking though that's when the real jabs began.
During a quick snack break, Debbie nodded over to a menu board where the picture of a beetle burger was on display, "You could date that next ya know since your into dating food."
Nick gritted his teeth with each insult and jab.
He hated her even more with each whisper. Not only that though he hated himself a little more.
The reason was that memories from Zootopia played over in his mind. Everything Debbie joked about was something he would have laughed about in the past. Maybe make a comment himself when no one was looking.
He closed his eyes and shook his head.
Did I use to talk like that?
The thought of making such a speciest comment as Judy walked by made the fur on his arms stand up.
Debbie wasn't just making mean little jokes. She was reminding Nick of what he used to be. How he would have probably just walked right by Judy or even Trisha and make a jab under his breath as Debbie laughed.
No...thats not me...not anymore.
The day seemed to just drag on but eventually, it was time to drop the VIMs back off at the lodge.
Nick hopped out of the SUV after finding a parking spot near the lodge's entrance stairs. He waited on the driver's side as everyone clambered out but eventually made it to the other side so he could discuss the next set of plans with Lily. He watched as the others clambered out of the SUV and stretched before heading towards the lodge.
"That was a fantastic day," Clive said happily as he smiled at Lily and then Nick who gave the older mammal a nod.
"Well if you like we have some things on tap for tomorrow as well," Lily explained as she pulled out her phone and scrolled through some notes she had typed out. "I know that the plan was to rest tomorrow and let you all wander but we missed a few tours that are more than willing to host you all tomorrow."
"Oh I am game," Clive said excitedly as he looked at Al who nodded.
"Will you all be joining us?" Debbie asked as she looked from Lily and then smirked at Nick who kept a neutral expression on his muzzle.
"Well I have some things to handle and so does Ranger Wilde. However, I have arranged for another Ranger to help as a tour guide."
Nick blinked a few times in surprise but did his best to hide his shock. He began to piece together the events of the day when it came to Lily. He remembered her being rather busy on her cellphone right after the moonshine distillery.
"Oh probably for the best, think Nick has had enough of us," Al said with a chuckle.
Nick felt his heart lift a bit, knowing the koala was willing to joke around meant he hadn't completely written Nick off.
The Ranger and VIM made eye contact and exchanged a set of friendly nods.
"I know I have had enough of us," Clive joked which got a laugh from the group. "So who are we meeting tomorrow?"
"Ranger Delta," Lily said with a smile. "He and someone from the parks department will come to collect you after breakfast, the same spot as this morning."
Nick let out a sigh and made a mental note to call Delta as soon as he could. The way Lily glanced at Nick and smiled gave the fox a hint as to who had arranged this short break from the rollercoaster the week had turned into.
"Ranger Delta?" Debbie asked as she tilted her head.
"Don't worry," Lily said with a smile. "He knows who you all are and will make contact with you in the morning."
With that the group went there separate ways, well almost...
Debbie sauntered over to Nick, her tail swishing from side to side in a way that made Nick's stomach knot.
"Listen, Nick," Debbie said as she stopped right in front of the Ranger. "I hope you know I am just teasing you about being a prey chaser."
Then why did you use that name?!
Nick simply nodded.
"I won't lie it has been really nice seeing you," The vixen said with a slight flutter of the eyes.
Nick remained silent as he studied his ex bond mate.
"And let's face it, a bunny?" Debbie began. Nick could immediately tell he didn't like where this was going. "I am sure she is fun but if you're looking for something with a little more bite…"
Just walk away Wilde...don't even let her finish.,
For some odd reason though his feet didn't get the message and he remained standing close to Debbie. Her intoxicating scent filling his nostrils.
Debbie then produced a room key and reached out, placing it above the pocket on Nick's chest and sliding it down, letting her paw linger for a bit.
"Room 313," Debbie said with a wink. "It has been a while since I have had a good...well you know. And you always did have a talent of making my paws curl."
With that the vixen gave Nick a wink and turned away, throwing a little extra sway into her hips for her ex to enjoy. She didn't look back but if she had she would have seen a sight that would infuriate her but make Judy jump for joy.
Nick reached into his pocket, pulled out the room key, and tossed it into the plants next to the SUV.
Not in a million years….
Nick shook his head and collected his thoughts as he leaned against the parks department SUV. His mind was racing over what had happened over the past few hours.
He wanted to call Judy up but he had someone else he needed to contact first. Nick scooped up his ranger radio and clicked it over a few channels till it was on the ranger's general frequency.
After waiting for a second to make sure the channel was clear he keyed up.
"Ranger 16 this is Ranger 23 you there?"
After a few seconds, Delta's voice came over the radio.
"Don't try and talk me out of Wilde, it's done."
Nick chuckled and closed his eyes, "You didn't have to."
"Oh, gossip!" Came a female voice over the radio that Nick recognized as Jenny.
"I knew these two would run off together as soon as the girls left for Wewa," Came another voice.
Eventually, Delta got control of the frequency, "Now stop chatting with us and call Judy."
"This conversation isn't over," Nick grumbled over the frequency.
"Ranger 7 for Ranger 16," Delta said which brought silence over the frequency.
"What trouble are you lot causing now?" Trisha's voice came over the radio.
"Tell Wilde to stop flirting with me and call Judy," Delta said simply which Nick knew was causing a lot of laughter over the region.
"Hey, Wilde! What did I say about running off with my painted plaything!?" Trisha practically shouted over the radio.
Nick chuckled and clicked down on his mic, "Sorry, but can you blame a fox for trying?"
"Anyone else lost?" Came a groggy male voice.
"You're always lost Zack," Trisha shot back. "Now Wilde I better not hear another transmission from you unless it's coming from Judy's radio and I will know because she is currently laying right next to me."
"Why is Judy laying next to you?" Delta asked.
"None of your business."
"I swear I was just taking a nap and she just plopped on the bed," Judy's voice came from Trisha's transmission.
"Oddly enough that is kind of believable," came Jenny.
"Yea."
"Agreed," Came another voice.
"Keep it up the lot of ya and I will pinecone you all, you know I can," Trisha barked.
Nick lowered the volume on his ranger radio and clipped it to his belt and scooped up his personal one before pressing a button on the side of the device.
"She seems to have a habit of curling up with sleeping mammals and using them as pillows doesn't she," Nick said with a chuckle.
"Can't get a moment's peace with her around," Judy responded with a chuckle. "Won't lie though, she is good at cuddling. She isn't as floofy as a certain someone though."
"Your talking about my tail right now aren't you?" Nick chuckled.
"I miss you floof," Judy giggled.
Nick smirked as he made his way through the parking lot reserved for park department vehicles. His own faded pickup truck was waiting at the end of the lot underneath a weathered street light. The bulb inside casting a low orange glow as it clicked on thanks to the sun setting in the sky.
"So guess who figured out you were a bunny today," Nick began as he unlocked his truck and hopped into the cab, fumbling with the keys before starting the truck's engine.
"Oh, no...she did?"
"Well she did when Clive accidentally spilled the beans," Nick grumbled.
There was a heavy sigh over the radio before Judy responded, "How did he even know?"
"Well unlike my old tower we actually have fast internet here and he went onto the Parks website," Nick responded before pulling his truck out of his parking spot.
"Oh cheese crackers…" Judy groaned over the radio. "Nick I...I mean they were going to find out eventually but still."
"Oh I know," Nick said with a sigh. "It's just different because you're not here."
"I wish I was," Judy said softly. "I have been wishing that ever since I got here. I just- What?" Judy's conversation was interrupted with one occurring with the doe back at Wewa. Nick could only sit and listen since Judy still had the frequency controlled. "No, you don't have to. No seriously Trisha…. I know but you need to wait. Gosh, why are you so stubborn?"
Nick blinked a few times as he tried to piece together what was happening on the radio but Trisha was apparently just out of range for the radio to pick up her voice. Eventually, though Judy returned to the conversation.
"Sorry about that Nick. Trisha was...well… she was being Trisha."
"Which could mean just about anything," Nick chuckled which earned a laugh from Judy in the next transmission.
"At least you have tomorrow off right? Did you manage to get all the tours in?"
"Yes, and No," Nick began as he stopped at a stop sign. He glanced in his rearview mirror and saw the lights of the large lodge through the trees. Somewhere there was a vixen probably staring at her hotel room door, waiting for a certain ranger to cave to some carnal weakness. She was going to be very disappointed which made Nick smirk. "We ran over on the tours but Lily arranged for Delta to cover for me tomorrow. She is also taking the day off but we have someone from the parks department meeting them."
"That Lily works quick," Judy said with a sense of pride for her fellow parks teammate. "I will have to tell Trisha to warn Delta."
"Oh I think he has been updated," Nick said with a chuckle.
"Did you two go for drinks yet?"
Nick winced, "sadly we have been a bit busy here. So...no…"
"Its ok Nick," Judy said sweetly. "I am sure he understands. You should probably pay for his first-round though after this though."
"You kitting? I am paying his whole damn tab," Nick corrected.
The rest of the drive back to Nick and Judy's cabin at Camp Curry was actually rather smooth. Neither of them really discussed a certain vixen but instead talked about the tours Nick got to take all on the park departments dime.
"I could really get used to this," Nick said playfully.
"Well don't," Judy laughed. "When I get back you aren't leaving that cabin for at least a week."
"Why Carrots, I know I am good but even I can't go that long."
There was a pause of the radio before Judy responded, "I meant cuddling! Oh my gosh! Two Forks! Seriously?!"
Nick trotted up the old wooden steps to his cabin and made his way inside. Placing the moonshine that the VIMs had bought him and Judy on the kitchen counter.
He eyed the old mason jars and was half tempted to pop one open. He could seriously use a drink after the past few days. He decided against it and preferred the idea of saving it for when Judy came back from Wewa. Of course, the thought crossed his mind of sneaking up to the camp.
Instead of popping open a jar Nick made his way to the bedroom and fell onto the bed, closing his eyes as he raised his radio up so he could send out another transmission.
"So when we get the VIMs to Wewa do you have someone who can show them around?"
"Well I was planning to act as tour guide actually," Judy admitted.
"Not gonna happen," Nick said as he closed his eyes, his muzzle curling into a smug smile.
"You think its a bad idea?" Judy asked, sounding hesitant.
"Yes," Nick responded. "Because after being gone from you for so long I am going to need at least 2 hours of holding you again before I am letting you loose."
There was a pause over the frequency but eventually, Judy returned.
"How is it you can still get me to blush like this?"
"It's pretty easy actually."
"Shut up," Judy chuckled.
Nick kept his eyes closed as the minutes turned into hours. He remained in his bed and took in the occasional deep breath. Breathing in Judy's scent that still lingered around the room.
He let his mind drift back to his days as a firewatcher and felt a great weight lift off his body.
Nick's mind slowly cleared all thoughts out until the only one was of Judy. While previous memories from his summer had been put into jeopardy because of a certain vixen there were many she would never be able to touch.
Nick curled up in bed and listened to Judy's transmissions. Remembering their first night together in the Thorofare tower. The adorable gray bunny wrapped up in his arms. Her head buried into his chest as she clung close to him. Nick keeping his arms around her as they drifted in and out of sleep.
There was a sudden banging at the front door of the cabin and Nick's eyes shot open. He squinted as the morning sun crept through the blinds.
It took him a minute or two to figure out what was going on. He looked around and groaned, realizing he had fallen asleep while talking to Judy.
As his brain booted up he looked over at the radio still in his paw. His eyes went wide but felt a wave of relief when he saw a little red light blink on the side of the device. Signaling that it still had power but was fading.
Nick placed the radio on a small charger on a bedside table as his mind went to last night. He didn't even remember wishing Judy a good night but in fairness, it wouldn't have been the first time. There had been an occasion or two when the two just talked for hours and hours till they just simply fell asleep mid transmission.
There was another banging at the front door and Nick's ears twitched as he stared through the bedroom door towards the hall that would lead to the front of his cabin.
The ranger slowly stood up from his bed and brushed his shirt slightly, trying to rid it of wrinkles but failing.
He decided that a wrinkled uniform was better than no uniform and proceed to walk from the bedroom and towards the front door.
"I hear ya," Nick barked as another bang came from the wooden entry. He unlocked the door and pulled it open. "Wheres the fir-"
Nick scanned the porch. A pair of thick black-tipped ears were in front of him. He looked down to see the small mischievous bunny attached to the ears. A pair of bright blue eyes shimmering up at Nick.
Trisha and Nick stared at one another for a moment or two. Both of them remaining silent as they took the sight of the other in.
Nick was surprised to see Trisha was a little disheveled. Sure she had been out at Wewa but from all the various leafs and small twigs sticking form her fur one would suspect the bunny had been sleeping in a bush.
Trisha was the first one to make a move. She let her hiking pack fall from her shoulder as she took a step forward. Nick didn't need any other prompting as he took a knee and opened his arms.
The fox and bunny embraced and Nick felt like the poison he had been dealing with over the past few days was draining out of his body. He held the small brown bunny close as the doe closed her eyes and wrapped her arms around the fox's neck. She closed her eyes as she nuzzled her cheek against Nick.
He could feel her trembling in his arms and smiled. He began to gently run a paw down the bunny's back, comforting his friend.
Eventually, they parted. Trisha smiled up at Nick as he still tried to process the sight of the little ranger standing on his porch.
"Aren't you suppose to still be at Wewa?" Nick asked with a smile.
"Yeah," Trisha said with a smirk. "Heard a friend was in some trouble though so I snuck out early."
Nick let out a sigh and gave a slight shake of the head.
"Trisha you are…"
"Amazing?"
"Well-"
"Beautiful?"
Nick rolled his eyes.
"A charismatic doom bringer?"
"That one is actually pretty close," Nick said with a nod.
"Ooooooooh, Trisha?" Came a slightly garbled voice from Trisha's backpack. Nick recognized it as Judy and his ears twitched slightly as he stared at the bag before looking at Trisha who suddenly looked a little nervous.
"In trouble…" Trisha said with a hesitant smile.
"Oh this is going to be good," Nick said as he crossed his arms.
Nick watched as Trisha flipped her pack over and unzipped one of the many pockets. She then produced a light blue radio Nick didn't recognize. The brown bunny took a deep breath and then looked up at Nick with a kind of nervous smile. She then clicked a button down on the walkie talkie.
"Good morning cutie," Trisha said sweetly.
"How is your morning run going hmmm?" Judy asked, from the sounds of it she probably already knew the answer.
"Oh it's great," Trisha said with a chuckle. "Got a little lost though."
The brown bunny glanced up at Nick and gave the fox a playful wink as she scooped up her bag and proceed to invite herself into Nick's cabin. The russet-colored canine stepping to the side as he smirked down at his fellow ranger.
"Yeah you must be really lost," Judy came back over the radio. "Seeing as you normally don't go on jobs this long….say we seem to be missing one of the ATVs. You wouldn't know anything about that would you?"
Nick began to chuckle as he watched Trisha toss her backpack onto a chair in the living room.
"Oh you're in trouble now," Nick said as he crossed his arms and leaned against the entry to the living room.
Trisha held up a digit, silencing the fox for a moment before she spoke.
"That's weird, I'll keep an eye on it during my hike," Trisha said playfully.
"I know you left Wewa, you little trouble maker!"
Trisha winced but kept a smile on her lips none the less.
"I mean...technically I was going to leave it sooner or later to come collect Nick and the others so if anything I am just early."
"I swear if you weren't so cute…" Judy grumbled. "So how far are you?"
Trisha grinned and held up the radio and pointed it towards Nick, clicking the button on the side as a signal for the fox to speak.
"Morning Carrots," Nick said with a smile.
There was a pause over the frequency for a moment before Judy came back.
"Good morning Nick," Judy didn't actually sound too angry when she realized just where Trisha had gone. "Sorry, I tried to keep her out of your fur but you know how she gets."
"Want me to call the sheriff? I am sure he could help return your lost bunny."
Both Trisha and Judy laughed at Nick's comment.
Trisha lowered the walkie back so it was in front of her when she sent the next transmission.
"Listen cutie, I know you wanted me to wait to come down here but you know how I am," Trisha explained as she trotted around the living room before plopping down on the couch. "I heard one of my rangers was in trouble so I had to come and take care of him."
The brown bunny looked up at Nick and gave him a wink.
Nick gave Trisha a grateful nod as he watched.
"Thanks, Trisha," Judy came back over the radio. "How does he look?"
Nick was a little taken aback by the last part but it was understandable. Judy was probably worried he wasn't eating or something.
Trisha looked Nick up and down before sending her response, "Meh, like he always does. Smug smile, floofy tail, and disheveled. I mean his uniform is completely wrinkled. His trainer should be ashamed."
"Your one to talk," Nick grumbled as he eyed the twig and leaf sprinkled bunny on his couch.
"I was driving through the woods all night to get my cute little butt back here!" Trisha shouted from the couch.
Nick blinked a few times as he realized she must have been telling the truth. Wewa wasn't exactly close but on an ATV it would just take aa couple of hours. Trisha must have snuck out very early that morning before the sun even rose and beelined it back to Fairfax.
"Is it weird to say I actually miss his smugness?" Judy said in a dreamlike state over the radio.
"Yes," Trisha shot back. "The fact you love him so much is very weird and has made us all concerned."
Nick chuckled at the bunny's antics and shook his head.
"Now if you excuse me," Trisha said as she hopped off the couch and trotted towards Nick.
The bunny walked around as if she owned the place, making her way past nick and walking down the hall towards the bedroom.
"I am currently covered in all sorts of forest and need a shower," Trisha said as she began to unbutton her ranger top. Nick watched in stunned silence as the doe made her way towards the bedroom. "So I am going to take a shower and then borrow an outfit while your fox takes me to breakfast."
There was laughter coming from the small walkie in Trisha's paws as the bunny continued to undress.
"Here, keep her company," Trisha said as she turned towards Nick who looked away suddenly, realizing Trisha had already unbuttoned her top all the way down, revealing her cream-colored fur.
The bunny tossed the light blue walkie back to Nick who managed to just barely catch it. He glanced back at Trisha in time to see her turn away and remove her ranger top, revealing her bare back as she vanished into the bedroom. A few seconds later he heard the water in the shower turn on.
"There is a naked bunny wandering around our cabin," Nick grumbled.
"Wouldn't be the first time she wandered around that place naked," Judy chuckled.
"Wait...what?"
"Long story, involved some moonshine and a dare," Judy answered with a laugh. "So how are you? Sorry, I didn't say goodnight, kind of dozed off."
"Same," Nick responded. "I woke up to a certain someone banging on the front door and only just had enough time to pop my walkie on the charger."
Nick studied the light blue walkie in his paw for a moment before transmitting again.
"Speaking of which, I didn't know you and Trisha had your own secret walkie."
"Well we do and we don't," Judy began. "Is it a light blue one?"
"Yup," Nick said as he made his way into the kitchen.
Since he was now awake and had a certain troublemaker getting ready for the day he decided it would be best to make some coffee. Nick had a feeling that he wouldn't be going back to bed anytime soon.
"That one is for Wewa operations. We brought a bunch of new equipment up here with us. After the VIMs leave we plan to get the camp back into full swing. If we time it right we may even make it in time for cold weather camping season and Wewa would be a great first step."
Nick let out a laugh as he sent out another message, "who the heck came up with the name Wewa anyways?"
"No idea, but it sure is fun to say," Judy said sweetly.
Eventually, a certain troublemaker finished getting ready. The bunny skipping back into the kitchen looking refreshed.
Nick looked at the doe's outfit and was slightly confused.
Trisha was in a bright blue checkered top that had a few extra buttons open, her chest, however, was covered by a bright white shirt. A pair of short jean shorts clung to the doe's figure and revealed a lot more leg than Nick had ever seen Judy show off.
"I have never seen Judy wear that before," Nick chuckled at the doe who grinned and struck a pose, running a paw over her ear for added effect.
"I hope not," Trisha said playfully as she skipped over and scooped up the walkie talkie before transmitting to Judy. "Two things."
"Oh this is going to be good," Judy chuckled.
"I love that new campfire scented fur wash," Trisha began. "I mean at first I thought it was kind of silly you had that because I mean...look where we are."
"That's actually Nick's," Judy corrected which caused Trisha's eyes to widen as she turned her head at the fox who smirked.
"Wait...so now I smell like?" Trisha began before she gagged. "Oh, gods I smell like a smug fox? Ew!"
Nick's eyelids drooped as he stared at the bunny, deciding to keep his mouth shut and just sip at his coffee.
"I bet you smell really nice Trish," Judy laughed. "What's the second thing?"
"You remember the blue checkered shirt I thought I lost?" Trisha asked as she puffed out her chest and inspected her outfit.
"Oh my gosh, that's right. I forgot to mention I found it a while back, along with some shorts."
"Why do you have a bunch of my clothes?" Trisha asked.
"Why do you leave a bunch of your clothes lying around my cabin?"
Trisha thought for a moment or two before transmitting, "Good point."
"Exactly."
"Should I be concerned?" Nick asked as he raised a brow.
"Very," Trisha said with a teasing wink which just made the fox roll his eyes.
Trisha looked Nick up and down, giving him a somewhat questioning look.
"You're not taking me out like that are you?"
Nick closed his eyes as he finished his coffee and set the empty mug on the counter. He took the hint and left the kitchen and headed back to the bedroom where he could clean up real quick and change.
"Try not to take to long," Trisha shouted from the kitchen. "I am feeling Lynn's for breakfast!"
"You are always feeling Lynn's!" Nick shouted back.
"No! Her husband won't let me!"
Nick stopped midstep and his eye twitched for a second before she groaned and put a paw to his forehead. He couldn't help but smile though. While he was missing Judy something fierce, having Trisha back had already brightened his day. He proceeded to head into the bathroom to clean up, secretly excited to take his friend out for the most important meal of the day.
Oh my gosh, Trisha is back!
I know lots of you are probably like "Ugh Blue! When will Nick and Judy be back in one another arms?!"
Soon my firewatchers soon. In the meantime, it's going to be fun to have Trisha back. Especially because let's face it. Seeing Judy go at Debbie is one thing. Letting Trisha loose...well...its Trisha so you know it's going to be good.
I originally had other plans for this chapter but its just so much fun writing this new version and I decided to split some stuff up.
I have recently got a ton of messages on fanfic and discord and I have to say "Wow." Thank you all for the kind messages and reviews. I know we are all kind of stuck indoors these days and each of us is facing our own hardships. Your messages of positivity are reaching me and I thank you all for the continued support.
Stay safe out there!
Pinecone!
-Blue