-Bonded-
"We really should be getting back to our duties," Judy whispered before letting out a soft purr.
"5 more minutes," Nick whispered as he buried his muzzle into the fur between Judy's ears and tightened his grasp around her waist.
After Nick and Judy had officially bonded they had excused themselves from Trisha and Supervisor Kris. Hurrying to Judy's cabin with the excuse of dropping off Nick's hiking gear.
That had been 20 minutes ago.
Nick had simply tossed his backpack in a corner before grabbing Judy and dragging her to a small bunny sized bed.
The fox had to curl up slightly in order to fit but frankly, he didn't care. All he cared about at that moment was holding his bond mate close and breathing in her sweet scent.
Judy had not protested in the slightest, happily curling up in her mate's arms and burying her head into his chest.
The sound of distant thunder and the steady drops of rain played like some kind of calming song as the two nestled close.
Nick began to think about how much he used to find rainy days annoying. Back in Zootopia, it meant no scams or maybe having to move to another district to make money.
Now though it was his favorite sound because it reminded him of the time when he and Judy became more than just two mammals in some rustic town who were dating. They were now so much more.
"I really should be spending some time with the VIMs," Judy whispered as she burrowed into Nick slightly.
"I am sure Kris is very capable," Nick whispered back as he glided his nose up one of Judy's now erect ears, the doe shivering in delight.
"Yeah, but she also has to keep an eye on Trisha."
"Trisha is a grown bunny, she can handle herself," Nick responded with a smirk.
"Oh I know she can, the only problem is when she gets bored."
The two shared a light laugh before Nick let out a long sigh.
"We are sharing this cabin right?" Nick asked firmly.
"Oh you know it, I told Trisha she has to bunk with Kris or maybe one of the other girls while she is here."
"And how did she take that?"
"Pretty well actually, in fairness, she had me all to herself while you played tour guide."
"Explains why her scent is on your sleeping bag."
"You know her, she is a great alarm clock."
"She just curled up and fell asleep with you didn't she?" Nick asked knowingly.
"Yeah, I may have hit the snooze button a few times."
Nick let out a snort before slowly opening his eyes. While it pained him to admit it, they still had a job to do.
Getting the VIMs was only half the challenge, now they had to ensure everyone had a fun time at the camp.
While Judy had said they needed to get out of bed she was the opposite of help when it came to this task. The doe clung to Nick as he tried to get up, burying her head against him once more.
Eventually, Nick just stood up, Judy holding on tight as the ranger took a second to stretch.
By the time they had managed to pry one another paws away from each other, they had been away for over half an hour.
Judy hurried over to an old smudged mirror and made sure her fur wasn't sticking out at odd angles. She took a second to glide her paws down her parks department shirt, fixing one of the buttons that had come undone and smoothing out any wrinkles.
"What?" Judy asked with a smirk as she glanced at Nick who had been watching the bunny. "I don't want to look like I just rolled out of bed."
"Even though you just did," Nick teased.
"Oh, hush that doesn't count."
Even with Judy standing on the other side of the cabin Nick could still smell her as if she was still in his arms. He reached up and slowly ran a paw through the spot the bunny had marked him.
Judy took note and smirked, "So did I really do it right, or was Kris being nice?"
"Oh no you did," Nick chuckled. "Your scent is just a little more potent."
"Well, Kris suggested my natural scent so I haven't exactly bathed in a few days."
"So now I have to smell like stinky bunny?"
"Oi!" Judy laughed as she reached over and scooped up a small cloth that was hanging on the mirror, she tossed it over at Nick who laughed. "I smell like flowers."
"More like moss."
Judy let out a snort as she turned to face Nick.
"Kris said you and I would have to do that a few times to make sure the scent stays."
"It's a common practice," Nick began. "I mean the scent thing is more of a formality, what matters is we both took the plunge."
"Wait till mom and dad hear about this," Judy giggled as she sauntered over to Nick who immediately wrapped his bunny up in a warm hug.
"Ahhh, yeah," Nick said hesitantly.
"Don't worry, mom already knows about you," Judy whispered.
"She does?" Nick asked in surprise.
"Yes, she even saw the picture of you and that ranger scout."
"Oh geez, did you really send that out?"
"You two looked so handsome," Judy giggled.
Eventually, Nick and Judy made their way out of the cozy cabin and into the brisk wet air that surrounded the camp. Judy having grabbed a parks department jacket before stepping outside.
"So is this weather going to be a problem?" Nick asked hesitantly as he and Judy made their way through the camp, passing several different cabins on various shapes and sizes.
"Yes and no," Judy said with a sigh that still held some confidence. "We won't exactly be able to take anyone canoeing thanks to the water levels and several of the jogging trails are off-limits due to corrosion from the river. However, Wewa still has a lot to offer. We even built a campfire last night."
"Yeah?" Nick asked in a bemused manner. "How did that go."
"It was really fun actually, the fire was nice and toasty."
"Almost as toasty as that sleeping bag of yours," Nick chuckled at the now flustered looking Judy who blushed.
The fox and bunny pair made it to the main camp building in just a few minutes. One of the doors had been left ajar and they heard excited voices coming from inside the main mess hall.
Judy took a moment to make a last adjustment to her parks department jacket. Trying her best to look professional.
"How do I look?" The doe asked as she glanced at Nick.
"You look like my mate," Nick said which caused Judy's eyes to water.
"Awwwww," The bunny let out as she put her paws to her chin. The doe closed the distance between her and the fox, wrapping her arms around his waist. "Trisha was right, you are super gross."
Nick snorted and rolled his eyes but gave Judy a gentle pat on the back regardless.
Once they had both mentally prepared themselves for what was ahead they proceeded into the main mess hall.
Nick was impressed with the sheer size of the space. It made sense though since Wewa had to cater to mammals of all shapes and sizes.
There were tables spread out all over the large lamp illuminated hall. Several large windows made up the far wall which allowed the light from the outside to pour in and brighten the room. Most of the tables were still folded up and pushed against the walls.
The rest of the tables sat in rows by the windows, offering a rain covered view of the camp. Several checkered table cloths had been laid out on the tables with old train lanterns as centerpieces.
The whole place had a nice rustic charm that surprised Nick. He had been expecting some rundown building, instead, he felt like he was back at the lodge in Fairfax.
Debbie and Clive were both seated at a circular table, chatting amongst themselves. Al though was standing by one of the large windows, enjoying a coffee and the view.
Both Trisha and Kris had joined the VIM table while several others were filled with park employees who were enjoying their own breakfasts or chatting.
"I convinced the others to push their own meals back so the hall didn't seem so empty," Judy muttered to Nick.
"Good thinking," Nick commented.
Judy had a point but even with the additional mammals, it did feel like the hall was rather vacant.
Trisha noticed Judy and Nick approaching. She made a playful kissy face at the two followed by her signature wink.
Her actions though didn't go unnoticed.
"There they are," Clive exclaimed as Nick and Judy arrived. "Please pull up a seat and join us."
The armadillo stood up and motioned to the vacant chairs spread around the table.
Nick noticed that the spacing was staggered, unfortunately, there were no two seats together currently available.
His eyes fell on Debbie who smirked, also noticing the seating situation.
"Here Judy please take my seat," Clive, being the gentlemammal he was, offered the lovely doe his seat so Nick and Judy could sit together.
"Such a gentlemammal," Trisha said with a wiggle in her seat.
"Only around pretty mammals."
"Oh I like him," Trisha beamed, Nick noticed a slight blush going up the doe's ears.
As they took their seats Nick noticed a platter of what smelled like freshly-baked muffins and various pastries. Several small jars of jams and butter were spread out around the table.
The fox reached over and managed to scoop up a blueberry muffin for himself before looking at Judy to see if she wanted anything. The doe smiled and shook her head.
"Already ate," the doe mouthed.
"Was just filling them in on some activities," Kris explained with a smile. "But think you better give them the whole spiel."
Al made his way back to the table but did not take a seat, choosing to stand and enjoy his coffee as he placed a paw on one of the chairs.
"If I have to bunk with Clive then I am making a formal protest to the camp counselors," The koala said jokingly.
"Oh come on now, we can stay up late and tell ghost stories," Clive chuckled.
"Save those for the campfire tonight," Trisha said excitedly.
"Oh, a Campfire?" Debbie asked as she turned to look at Judy, giving the bunny a warm smile that didn't fool Nick in the slightest.
"Yes, we planned to have one every night."
"Gonna eat so many smores," Trisha exclaimed.
"More of what?" Al asked as he looked over at the ranger.
"Smores," Trisha said slowly.
"But of what?"
"Oh my gosh, do you not know what a smore is?!" Trisha barked as she waved her paws about.
"So guess we know what Al will be eating tonight," Clive chuckled.
"What is a smore?" The koala asked, looking around for an answer. His eyes fell on Nick and he gave the fox a pleading look.
"Don't worry, I am sure Trish will show you all the ins and outs of making a proper marshmallow," Judy finally spoke up.
"It's not a marshmallow, it's a smore," Trisha grumbled as she folded her arms. She did however look up at Al and give him a playful smile which put the koala at ease.
Judy cleared her throat and folded her paws on the table, putting on a professional demeanor.
"First off let me welcome you all again to Camp Wewa," Judy said with a warm smile as she looked around the table at the new arrivals.
Nick felt a sense of pride swell up inside of him. To see his mate like this-
He blinked a few times as he realized what he had just felt.
My mate.
It was strange at first but in a good way. Judy was no longer just some doe he was dating, they were bonded together which meant the world to Nick.
"I hope the hike was enjoyable," Judy continued.
"Well, it was for us," Clive chuckled as he nodded at Al. He then glanced at Debbie, "Someone though got a little muddy on the trek."
"Oh gosh really?" Judy asked in genuine surprise.
"It was nothing really," Debbie grumbled. "Already toweled it off."
"Well after a brief tour we can show you your cabin along with the shower facilities. We don't really have anything big planned till this afternoon so you all can rest up after your hike."
"Then it's off to the ropes course," Trisha teased.
"Oh, ropes course?" Clive asked excitedly.
Judy chuckled and waved a paw, "You don't have to run it, Clive, not in this weather. Besides that is for tomorrow."
"He has to run it if he wants to eat," Trisha continued, giving the old armadillo a flirty wink which was met with a laugh.
"I am assuming at this point you know how much of a tease she is, so I don't have to say anything," Judy said with a smirk over at Trisha who stuck out her tongue.
"Oh we are all well aware of Trisha's antics," Debbie chimed in.
If Nick had blinked he probably would have missed the flash of fire in those bright blue eyes of his fellow ranger. He gave Trisha a concerned look.
The doe's eyes went to Nick's and softened somewhat but it was still obvious to the fox that Trisha wanted to say something.
With the slightest of headshakes, he managed to signal the ranger to keep quiet for now.
Trisha simply rolled her eyes and looked back across the table at Judy.
"After we tour the camp we can have lunch, then there are one or two scenic spots I would love to show you all. Even with the cloud cover, it is quite a breathtaking sight. Then it should be time for dinner," Judy continued, laying out the group's plans.
"What seasons is Wewa normally open?" Al asked before taking a sip of coffee.
Nick glanced at the koala and then back to Judy. This was actually to be expected. Al, Clive, and Debbie had all been sent to Fairfax to see if it was really worth all the funds the parks department was asking for.
"Well Wewa was originally designed as a summer camp," Judy said as she sat up a little straighter in her seat. "However over the years, the Parks Department has modified it to have extended seasons. Right now it isn't exactly rated for the snowy months but there have been proposals to modify the cabins and water system so we can be open during the winter season."
"Is there a demand for that?" Al asked as he raised a brow.
Nick was secretly glad Judy was the one answering these questions. He was also rather impressed with how the doe handled it all.
Judy didn't seem caught off guard at all, in fact, she seemed eager to answer these questions.
"It has always been a side project for our department. There were ideas of making this a kind of winter retreat location. Offering mammals the opportunity to truly get away from it all and just enjoy the snow. Wewa doesn't have any ski lifts or other winter activities so it was really going to be sold as a quiet getaway location."
Al thought it over and nodded in agreement.
Debbie, however, had to put her two cents in, "That could work, but I am guessing you would advertise it to mammals from Zootopia?"
"That was the plan," Judy said as she looked over at Debbie.
"Well, why would they do that when they could rent a cabin in Tundra Town back in the city?" Debbie asked with a slight smile. "I mean no offense Judy, I am merely asking the tough questions that some of your tourists may ask."
Nick couldn't tell what infuriated him more. The nerve of Debbie to ask that or the fact that she had a good point.
Judy, however, didn't even hesitate, "Do you know how much those cabins cost?"
Debbie hesitated for a moment and shook her head, "Not off the top of my head no."
"Well we did our research actually," Judy said with a confident smile as she nodded at Kris and then looked back at Debbie. "Some of them are reasonably priced. But the views are always of the city. It's pretty much just like renting a house covered in snow."
Nick thought it over and realized Judy had a point. Sure Tundra Town was enormous and there were whole sections devoid of buildings. Those spaces however were normally to remain clear or owned by some rich mammal that paid a fortune to have space. There were cabins available to rent out but the ones that really felt away from it all cost a year's salary in some cases.
"Besides its like I said, that was one of our original ideas," Judy said with a smugness that made Nick smirk. "We currently have three groups interested in renting out Wewa in the winter. Two of which plan to do so without any winter mods."
"Might get a bit cold," Clive chuckled. "Who are they if you don't mind me asking?"
"Well we contacted a few adventure groups when we were looking for sponsors and were connected with a mammal who runs a survivalist program," Kris piped up, looking rather proud.
"The other is the Military."
Nick's eyes widened slightly as he turned in his seat and looked at his bunny in surprise.
"They want it for the same reasons," Judy said as she smiled up at Nick knowingly.
"Don't they have bases for that?" Al asked.
"Yes, but nothing this far from civilization," Judy said as she glanced across the table. "Apparently they were having trouble keeping recruits away from the bars and since this one is either a days hike or several hours drive it is the perfect distance."
"We can also provide emergency services via the Areotak unit in Fairfax so while they are a distance away they aren't too far in case of an accident," Kris added.
"Brains and beauty," Trisha said from her seat which got everyone's attention.
"Thanks, Trish-," Judy began before being cut off.
"Oh I was talking about Kris," Trisha corrected which caused almost everyone at the table to burst out into laughter.
One mammal, however, remained rather silent.
Debbie was staring at Nick with a rather intense gaze. Her nose twitching as she started to pick up an odd scent.
Once everyone had had their fill of freshly baked goods they put on their coats and jackets and headed back outside.
Kris excused herself, however, explaining that while Judy acted as a tour guide she would be getting things organized at Wewa.
"So the camp isn't fully prepared?" Debbie asked, trying her best not to sound too snarky.
"Well yes and no," Judy began to explain as she reached the bottom of the stone steps and turned to the rest of the group. "The camp required just a few repairs, now though we are in a touch up phase. Fixing minor problems and clearing out cabins for them to be refurbed later. Kris also has to make sure our campfire will be ready for tonight."
Judy began to walk backward, holding out her arms out to either side and beamed at the VIMs, "So how about a tour of Wewa?"
The tour revealed just how large Wewa really was. While there was a large cluster surrounding the mess hall several activity cabins sat spread out around the perimeter of the main camp.
There were different kinds of arts and crafts cabins. All of them were able to house even the largest of campers. Each one had a different kind of craft to it.
The walls of one of them were covered in different colored paw prints. Judy explaining how it was a tradition for campers to leave their paw marks.
This actually excited the adventurous Clive who asked if he could leave a paw print. Judy was surprised at first but smiled and nodded happily.
It took the doe a few minutes but she managed to find some paint bottles that still contained the different colored liquids. She poured several different colors out on some paper plates and stepped aside.
"Blue is my favorite color," Clive said excitedly as he hurried over, setting his camera down on the paint-splattered crafts table.
"He is like a big kid sometimes I swear," Al chuckled but after some prompting joined in on the fun, placing his paw in some green paint before making his way to the wall.
"When you are done the sink in the corner works just fine, be ready for some cold water though," Judy chuckled as she watched the others put their paws in the paint.
Nick was more than content just watching but someone grabbed his wrist.
The fox looked down and chuckled as he noticed Trisha leading him over to the table with the paints.
Rather than try and stop her Nick knew it was best to just let Trisha have her way. The brown bunny took hold of Nick's wrist with both paws, rolling up his sleeve so it didn't get paint on it. She then made the fox press his paw in some purple paint.
Trisha then left Nick and scurried over to Judy who was chatting with Al.
"Sorry, just got to borrow this one for a second Al," Trisha said, not waiting for a response as she grabbed Judy by the paw.
The koala laughed as he watched the two bunnies head over to the paint table.
Trisha looked around at the different plates until she spotted the color she was looking for.
She moved Judy over towards the plate as Judy rolled up her sleeve.
"Its almost as green as his," Trisha said softly as she glanced at Nick and then back down at the green paint on the plate.
Nick tilted his head slightly until he realized what Trisha had meant.
He glanced down at his own paw which was covered in purple paint. When he looked up he noticed how Judy's paw was now being pressed into green paint by Trisha.
That cheesy bunny.
"Go find a spot now," Trisha instructed Judy who was blushing at her friend's antics. She let out a surprised squeak when Trisha gave her a firm pat on the rear.
Judy walked over to Nick and smiled sweetly, holding her paw so it faced the ceiling and didn't drip on the already paint-covered floor.
The two made their way over to one of the walls and as one they pressed their paws to the wood so they were barely an inch apart.
They only needed to apply a slight amount of pressure and after a second they pulled their paws away and inspected their work.
A purple fox pawprint sat close to a green rabbit one, almost as if they were holding one another.
Judy stared at the pawprints and let out a pleased sigh, her ears falling behind her back before she glanced at Nick, her eyes shimmering.
"Ok excuse me!" Trisha barked as she squeezed between Judy and Nick, both her paws covered in liberal amounts of blue paint.
"Trisha wha-?" Judy began as she stepped backward.
Trisha stuck her tongue out to one side, a look of concentration on her face as she stood up on her tiptoes.
The playful ranger then began to slap the wall rapidly, leaving blue pawprints that began to make a shape around Nick and Judy's pawprints.
After a few seconds, Trisha finished her work and took a step back and inspected the wall with a satisfied smile.
"Awwww Trish," Judy let out as she took a step closer to the smaller bunny and rested her head against Trisha's.
"You bunnies are so cheesy," Nick chuckled as he looked at the new image on the wall.
Nick and Judy's pawprints now sat in the center of a blue heart made from Trisha's pawprints.
There was a quick clicking noise that made Trisha and Judy's ears stand up as they turned to the source of the new sound.
Clive had finished washing his paws and was now aiming his camera at the three park employees, a smile on his face.
"I want a copy of that," Judy said softly.
"Put mine on a t-shirt," Trisha teased.
Nick let out a laugh.
"A fox sized t-shirt and then give it to Nick," Trisha continued as she turned and winked at the fox who laughed even harder.
The rest of the tour went rather quickly and without any major hitches.
A slight problem though had started to form though, one Nick took notice of rather quickly.
Debbie had grown somewhat silent as they continued to look through the cabins and various facilities Wewa offered.
She would occasionally glance at Nick and then Judy before looking away.
Nick was starting to grow concerned. He had learned a while ago that a silent con mammal was the most dangerous kind. Nick would have been able to gage Debbie better if she spoke up but as it was the vixen wasn't really giving him anything to go with.
Shes obviously jealous, but something else is up.
The group eventually arrived at a small makeshift culdesac of cabins. There were several of these areas set up on the southern side of the camp.
"When Wewa is in summer camp mode these are used for staff, counselors, and mammals with special housing needs," Judy explained as they trudged along a wet gravel path towards the cabins. "We have recently cleaned them up so when summer camp is over they can be rented out as we discussed earlier."
The cabins were spaced in a way that one did not feel cramped or boxed in by the surrounding wooden structures. The way the trees spread out one would actually have to look rather hard to see their neighbor, adding to the seclusive feel Judy had been going for.
Once inside the cabins, everyone was pleasantly surprised as to the cozy interiors.
After serving a season as a Firewatcher Nick had expected something similar when it came to the cabins. A bed, maybe a dresser, and at the most a reading chair. Instead, they were met with a fully furnished setting.
Large beds with dark green blankets. Dressers and drawers with enough space for a year-long stay. Each of them had a table with a small welcome basket filled with snacks and bottles of water. They even had restrooms all to themselves.
"Oh this is very nice," Al said as she made his way through the cabin.
"Each of you has your own, as you can see we already brought your luggage in," Judy explained, nodding at several bags placed by the bed.
"This one is mine then?" Clive asked as he walked over and inspected his luggage.
"Yessir," Judy said with a nod.
"Good," Clive chuckled before looking at Al. "You sure you still don't want to bunk with me?"
Al rolled his eyes and shook his head.
"What about showers?" Debbie finally spoke up.
"The long wooden building we just passed is this blocks comfort station," Judy began as she turned to the vixen. "I am sure you noticed it wouldn't even take a minute. I made sure to pick out the closest cabins."
"What does the comfort facility have exactly?" Al asked as he finished inspecting Clive's cabin.
"Showers, sinks, private changing rooms, and even washers and dryers for any clothing you may need to be cleaned," Judy continued. "Not all of them have those though but we have proper signage explaining where to find them."
"Coed?" Debbie asked with a sly smile.
"No its a split facility," Judy said without looking at Debbie.
"Yeah so no peaking," Trisha teased as she looked over at Clive and Al who let out a laugh.
They spent a short while showing everyone their cabins before Judy announced that they still had plenty of time before lunch. So the park employees would be leaving the VIMs to relax in their cabins or explore the camp on their own.
Nick and Trisha were waiting outside of the cabins as Judy spoke to Clive and Al.
"So far so good," Trisha said in a low voice.
"Let's hope it stays that way," Nick sighed.
"Trisha maybe you can help me with this," Clive said, waving a paw and getting the doe's attention.
Trisha smirked as she trotted over to the others, putting her paws on her hips as she stood next to Judy and listened to Clive's query.
It was at that moment Nick was reminded just how stealthy Debbie could move.
He didn't realize she was close until he heard a strained sniffing noise coming from right behind him.
Nick turned around quickly and found himself looking right into Debbie's serious eyes.
The vixen took in a few more breathes before stepping back, her tail flicking from side to side.
"You bonded didn't you?"
Nick remained silent and simply glared at the vixen.
"I mean I knew you would smell of her after we arrived, and when you two disappeared I could only assume it was for a little morning fun," Debbie said as she looked down at her claws and then back at Nick. "But to actually bond with prey."
"Don't you dare call her that," Nick said in a low growl.
"Why? That's what she is, after all, she is a prey species, and a frail one at that," Debbie continued.
The vixen did have a point. While predators no longer looked at prey species as food some still held the weaker mammals in low regard. Nick had always been mistreated as a fox back in Zootopia, most foxes were. That didn't stop them from looking down on others though.
"What would your mom think if she knew you bonded with a bunny?"
Nick's nostrils flared, "Don't you dare talk about my mother."
"Does she even know?"
"That's none of your concern now, you made the choice to leave my life," Nick said, trying his best to maintain his composure. "Now I wish you would just stick to that choice because frankly Debbie I want you gone."
"You and I both know you don't mean that."
"Oh, I really do."
"You sure about that?" Debbie asked, her lips curling in a wicked smile. "You know Nick your probably the first fox that has ever sunk so low as to bond with a bunny, not only that you are probably the quickest one to ever re-bond with a mate. I mean how long have you been out here? Not even a year and already bonded?"
"Shut your damn mouth," Nick growled.
"Just saying," Debbie continued, glancing over her shoulder and smirking. "Sounds more like a rebound than a re-bond. Besides, not like a bond with her even counts, just a little bunny rubbing against a fox, and that's about it."
With that Debbie turned and sauntered to her cabin.
Nick closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to keep his anger in line.
He then turned around and froze, his eyes falling on Judy who was standing just a few feet away.
Trisha was standing next to Judy, a look of shock mixed with anger on her face.
Judy's expression though made Nick's heart stop. His mate's eyes were shimmering as she held back tears. She wasn't staring at Nick but a spot just behind him, most likely watching a certain smug vixen walk away.
After a few seconds of silence, she looked into Nick's eyes and spoke, her voice shaking slightly.
"Are we really bonded?" Judy asked.
"Hey Jude," Trisha whispered as she took a step closer, putting a paw on Judy's shoulder. "How about you two talk about this back at-"
Judy shrugged off her friend's paw and stepped closer to Nick.
"Was Kris just being nice? Saying we were so I wouldn't get upset?"
Nick immediately remembered one of his old sayings as a con mammal.
Never let them see that they get to you.
He remained silent as he stared at Judy.
After a few moments, he gave the doe a confident smile and stretched out a paw towards the bunny. Judy stared for a moment and blinked before letting out a sigh. She reached out and took Nick's paw.
"Come on Thorofare," Nick said in a smug fashion. "Think we have time for a quick nap before lunch."
Judy blushed slightly as Trisha made a gagging noise, "Think we have some work to do Two Forks."
"Oh gods, your nicknames are so dorky," Trisha grumbled as she followed behind the fox and bunny.
Together the three park employees made their way down a worn dirt path towards another series of cabins.
Once Nick knew they were clear of the VIM's cabins he glanced down at Judy and smiled.
"Kris wasn't just being nice you know?" Nick began as he gave Judy's paw a squeeze.
Judy looked to the ground as they walked before glancing up at her fox.
"I mean if she was then how did Debbie pick up on it?" Nick pointed out.
Judy blinked a few times before glancing over her shoulder at Trisha who had a calculative look on her face. She looked as if she was putting two and two together before beaming at Judy.
"The only reason Debbie said the things she did was because she knew that I was bonded with you and that it actually means something," Nick continued.
As he said the words he noticed how both the bunnies seemed to get a slight skip in their steps.
"Now I could go on and on about how we are bonded but I think a certain bunny needs to hurry up and lead us to her cabin," Nick pointed out as a light blush went up Judy's ears.
"Ew no," Trisha interrupted causing Nick and Judy to stop and stare back at the doe. "You stay out of my cabin Wilde, go snuggle with Judy instead."
With that Trisha skipped around the fox and bunny, turning around and giving her two friends a wink before continuing down the path.
"Stay out of trouble," Judy said curtly to her friend who was skipping away.
"Should say the same to you two," Trisha shot back before hurrying off towards the center of camp.
"Think she will listen?" Nick asked with a chuckle.
"Well I know I don't plan to," Judy said with a mischievous smirk as she let go of Nick's paw and began to skip playfully down a fork in the dirt path that led to a cluster of cabins nearby.
It took Nick a moment or two to process what he heard before a sly smirk crossed his muzzle. He watched as Judy seemed to pick up her pace, grinning back at the fox with a mischievous smirk.
Nick hurried after Judy who let out a laugh before breaking into a full-on sprint towards the park employee cabins.
The fox glanced around and when he was satisfied no one was watching he chased after Judy, catching up to her with ease and scooping her up. He tossed the giggling bunny over his shoulder and continued his jog towards their temporary accommodations.
"Ack Nick!" Judy let out, putting a paw to her lips as she tried not to snort with laughter.
Nick began to recognize his surroundings and spotted the cabin he and Judy would be sharing while at Wewa. He continued to carry his mate over his shoulder as he hopped up the steps leading into their cabin.
"Oh my gosh Nick, put me down, what if someone sees?" Judy managed to get out through the laughter.
"I will put you down in just a second," Nick said as he opened the door to the cabin.
True to his word he did put Judy down. Well, toss was more like it as he threw Judy onto the old bed in the corner of the cabin.
Judy let out a laugh as she fell on the bed. She didn't stay there for long though.
Nick was immediately reminded as to why he had fallen for Judy so quickly. When the bunny wanted something, she got it.
In a flash Judy was on her paws, tensing her muscles up before propelling herself at the ranger who was caught off guard.
Their lips met as Nick wrapped his bunny up in his arms.
Judy's small paws went to Nick's cheeks, holding the fox's muzzle close before they glided down his fur. The small bunny wrapped her arms around Nick's neck, keeping him close.
Nick moved towards the bed, falling backward and hearing the springs creek in protest as he landed on the lumpy mattress. He closed his eyes as the kiss with his bond mate continued.
Their passionate embrace went on for a while before they needed to catch their breaths. Neither of them minded though.
Judy was more than content with being held in Nick's arms as she burrowed into him. Pressing her small head into Nick's chest as she took a deep breath.
Nick meanwhile ran his paws down Judy's ears, stroking the doe tenderly.
Occasionally Judy would chitter with delight and grab onto Nick's chest, nuzzling her face against the fox.
The drizzle outside turned into a steady rain. The pitter-patter of raindrops hitting the old wooden roof created a soothing soundtrack for the fox and bunny to enjoy as they held one another in their arms.
Eventually, the bonded pair lost themselves in the moment and drifted to sleep. Judy curled up in Nick's arms as he held her close.
Hey there Firewatchers!
Another cheesy update :P
I am currently working on the next chapter. Originally this chapter had more but decided to split it up so ya'll weren't stuck with a massive wall of text. Though I have a feeling a few of you wouldn't mind.
I am really excited about the coming chapters. We actually only have a couple more till we are done with this story. Took long enough right?
Hope you all are staying safe during these trying times. Especially my friends out in CA dealing with those fires. Be safe ya'll!
Pinecone!
-Blue