Risen from the Dead

by Spectra98

It's been a little over six months since Nick and Judy last saw each other. But in that time Judy's life has fallen apart, and the guilt she has over her actions affects her mentality badly. Now she has a chance reunion with Nick, but with everything that has been said and done. Will she be able to mend her relationship with Nick? Or, is Nick beyond forgiving her?

7. Chapter 7

It's time for the long awaited conversation between Nick and Judy. But it will lead to a burning question. After they reveal all of the things that has happened between them in the last year and a half. Will they be together again as friends or won't they? Or will they be able to mend their love bond?

Before you go and read let me just say: I am really sorry for such a long hiatus of this story update. Things IRL have been occupying my time and I tried my best to work on this update as much as possible. Not to mention this chapter was really long to write. So I broke it up into parts, that will be published in due time. Anyway, enough of my explanation go ahead and enjoy part 1 this chapter.

A/n: Zootopia is a one-party consent state. You'll see what I mean when you read it:

Chapter 7: Reunion

Disclamer:I do not own Zootopia or any of it's characters, they all belong to Disney. I also don't own any other content that get's mentioned. Rated T for Dark

"You look like Hell." Nick said after he looked at Judy for a moment.

When Nick said that Judy looked down at herself, and knowing how she looked from the times she saw herself in the mirror, she had to agree with him. Because she hasn't slept well in months, she has black bags under her eyes and her eyes are red and puffy from all the crying she's done. There's even tear stains in the fur on her face as well, along with the scars on her forehead and lip. Her fur hasn't been kept groomed either so it's a big mess. Also because she hasn't eaten a good meal in months, she has lost a lot of weight, so to any onlooker she would appear to have cancer, but of the terminal kind. Realizing this she said in a soft tone.

"Yeah." Judy admitted "I haven't been eating or sleeping well in the last couple of months."

"You hungry?" Nick asked as he got up from the sofa "I could get you something small to chow on."

"Nonono, it's fine." Judy said halting Nick "I don't have much of an appetite anyway." As soon as she said that, her stomach grumbled loudly to her response. Causing her to blush a little bit and look to the side, away from Nick.

"You wait here, I'll bring you a fruit." Nick said as he started leaving the room.

"Wait Nick-" Judy started but before she could say anything else, he left. Leaving her by herself in the living room. Except she wasn't alone, because she had her illusion self to keep her company.

"He's so sweet and caring." Illusion Judy said softly

"He is." Judy agreed before she turned around to face her counterpart "Look, I know that things are rough between us and he's dating our brother. But I want to make things right between us. So you don't have to remind me."

"Remind you of what?" Nick asked, sounding confused, as he came back with an apple. Causing her to turn and face him "Who were you talking to?"

"Um." Judy replied as she pointed at her illusion self, but then she saw that she wasn't there. So she said softly, while looking down "No one"

"Does this have something to do with your mental health?" Nick asked as Judy looked at him in surprise, confirming his question. "That look right there tells me that I'm right. Besides I did get that letter and blueberries you sent me."

"Really, you got that package?" Judy asked in disbelief

"Yes I did." Nick replied "Why, did you think I wouldn't get it?"

"I don't know." Judy replied as she looked down in sadness "I guess with everything going on, I assumed that you wouldn't. Or if you did, you would just toss it into the trash."

"I probably would, but I didn't. Because a part of me is worried about you." Nick said as he looked at the apple in his paw then back to Judy "Here you go." Nick then handed the apple to her, but she didn't eat it. Instead she just held it in her paws and stared at it for a moment before Nick said "Just eat it Judy, you're hungry and there is nothing wrong with it so enjoy it at least."

After Nick said that Judy looked back at the apple then took a small bite from it. Once the sweetness of the apple touched her taste buds, to her it felt like Nick was giving her a small peck on her cheek. It did make her smile a little bit, but it wasn't enough to make her feel better. However she did look up at Nick, with the same smile, and said softly "Thank you."

"You're welcome." Nick said as Judy took a bigger bite from the apple. While she was munching on the apple Nick looked at the scars on her face and asked "How did you get those scars?"

"Where did you get that ring?" Judy asked pointing at the Promise ring on Nick's paw.

The second after she asked that question, Nick looked at the ring on his right paw. Then he looked at the couch, for no reason, as he contemplated her question. After a moment he took a breath and said calmly "Wow, I invited you over here so we can talk about our issues. But instead we are asking each other questions."

"Sorry." Judy apologized

"Nah, it's alright." Nick said as he started to move towards the sofa "I mean things have happened in the past year and a half. So it's only natural to want to know what happened and how." Nick then sat down on the sofa while he looked at her as he continued "And considering us, and what's happened, I think it's best to have some ground rules for this talk. So I came up with some, you want to hear them?"

"Wait, I need to ask you something" Judy replied halting Nick "Have you ever had to deal with ghosts or voices of someone that wasn't really there?"

Nick was silent for a brief moment thinking about her question. He knew that she is still suffering from PTSD, so his gut told him that she was asking out of concern. But he also knew that her state is severe, if it was compared to what he went through. So he answered her in a calm tone.

"I have actually, several months ago after you know what." Nick said trying not to bring up any negative or emotional feelings they both had, after that 'fateful night' "Lara helped me work through it, and I thought I was in the clear. But then a particular voice came to me three weeks ago. In fact this one voice convinced me to contact you and invite you over today."

"You're welcome." Illusion Judy said to Judy, causing her to look at her counterpart in surprise. Judy looked back and forth between Nick and her counterpart, until she realized that her illusion must have somehow contacted him. She was about to say something to her counterpart, but then Nick cut her off.

"I take it a ghost is what's bothering you right now."

"Yes." Judy admitted "It's my old self, and she's standing next to me right now." She then motioned to the empty space next her before she continued "The reason I asked you is because, I just wanted to let you know that if I suddenly speak to someone else, that isn't here. It would be her."

"I'll keep that in mind." Nick said reassuring "But what did she say to you earlier?"

"When you left to bring me this apple. She said that you are so sweet and caring, which you are." Judy replied as she walked over to the couch. Then stood in front of him as she continued "And I took it as a sign that she wanted to remind about something she said before I came here."

"What did she say?" Nick asked sounding curious.

"She said that this talk, that we're going to have, could be my last chance to make things better between us." Judy replied "And Nick I want to make things better between us. Regardless of what's happened or going to happen or who you're with, I want to fix things between us."

"I'd like that too." Nick said as he motioned Judy to sit down next to him. As he watched her move to the seat, he noticed that she hasn't taken another bite from the apple he gave her. He thinks that she thought it would be a distraction. But she is hungry so he said "Y'know you can eat that apple during this talk if you'd like."

"Okay, thank you." Judy said as she took another big bite from the apple, while she sat down.

"You're welcome." Nick said calmly before his tone became a bit serious "Now is their anything else that you want to get off your chest, before we start?"

"Literally do that." Illusion Judy suggested, getting Judy's attention "Take off your shirt and your bra. He could like that sight."

"I don't think he will like it." Judy said, a little bit annoyed at her counterpart

"Like what?" Nick asked causing Judy to look back at him with a small blush. When he saw her surprised expression, he figured that her illusion speaking to her, so asked "What did she say?"

"Um, she said that I must literally take off my shirt and bra." Judy replied as her cheeks got a bit more warm "She said that you would like that."

"I probably would, but it would be weird if you did that right now. I mean considering us." Nick said trying to softly say that they weren't together right now. Which would make that action weird. "Anyway, is there anything else you want to say before we start?"

"Just a few things." Judy replied, as she looked at the apple in her paw, while taking a deep breath. "I've been thinking a lot about you, and other things."

"Okay." Nick said, unsure of what she's going to say.

"Nick, do you remember the day I was pregnant. When I told you, that if you left you didn't have to come back?" Judy asked as she looked at him and saw that he nodded 'yes' "I realized that you were just doing what I said, and I shouldn't have gotten too angry when you came back."

"Staying away wasn't easy for me. I was so heartbroken and angry that you chose your career over us. I actually wanted to do something to convince you otherwise." Nick said "Then the same day I left, I did something I regretted doing."

"What did you do?" Judy asked

"Well, before I say it. I think I should say the ground rules first." Nick replied "Unless there is more that you want to say."

"Just one thing." Judy said as she took a quick bite from the apple. She swallowed it then said "Nick, you were right from the start about everything. But I was very selfish and prideful to listen. Also I accept the fact that everything that has happened is my fault, but it was all for nothing."

"Wow Judy, I don't know what to say." Nick said sounding surprised "But I don't know if I was right."

"Well, you are right and I was wrong. So you don't have to say anything." Judy said in a serious tone before she looked down in guilt "It... It just took me too long to realize it."

"Hey, like the old saying goes; it's better late than never." Nick said softly while he placed his paw on her shoulder and gave her a reassuring squeeze.

"Thank you." Judy said as she relished from the squeeze. After a moment Nick removed his paw from Judy's shoulder, which made her feel a little sad, then she asked him "So, what are these rules that you have in mind?"

"Rule 1: No leaving the room or shoving each other out of the room." Nick started "Rule 2: Nothing but the truth. We got to be completely honest with one another, even if it hurts. Rule 3: The right to Veto. If a question is too much for one of us to handle, they can say Veto and the other has to be understanding."

"Those sound like fair rules." Judy said "But I don't plan to veto anything, you deserve to know the truth Nick."

"I appreciate that Judy, and I don't plan to do that either." Nick said while Judy took another bite of her apple. But then a thought came to his mind as he said "Oh and now that I think about it there should be one more rule."

"Okay, what is it?" Judy asked, after swallowing the apple bite

"Rule 4: Anger control, if things get a bit heated here. Like if one of us answers a question but it makes the other one angry. They should immediately stop talking and take a few deep breaths to calm down." Nick replied taking not of the confused look on Judy's face, so he clarified "I know that we both yelled at each other at times in the past. But there could still be a bit of anger towards one another, that's why I think we should have this rule."

"I understand that, but what made you think of that rule?" Judy asked

"Because Judy, a lot of the things that we did to each other. Like you slapping me, me leaving, us yelling at each other, me having that big speech where I said, Risen from the Dead and you having that speech about how you are Born to be Alive." Nick replied "All of that happened because we were angry with each other. So for this talk to go well, we both have to be calm and understanding as much as possible."

"Nick please, don't ever say that 'alive' part again!" Judy said more forceful than she wanted.

"Okay, sorry." Nick apologized, a little annoyed at her outburst, but part of him regretted saying the part that she was referring to.

"I'm sorry for shouting." Judy also apologized after calming down a bit "It's just, I don't want to hear what I said again."

"Well, it's understandable." Nick said sympathetically

"But that other stuff, does makes sense." Judy said, then she had a brief flashback to when she did slap him, causing her to look down in guilt and tears to well up in her eyes. Then Nick placed his paw on her shoulder again and gave her another gentle squeeze causing her to look at him then she said, while tears started to stream down her face "I'm really sorry I slapped you Nick. That was not fair to you."

"Thank you Judy." Nick said as he wiped the tears from her face as he said "But it's not healthy to dwell on what happened. What's done is done, nothing we say or do now will magically undo the past, even if we want it to be like that. What matters is what happens now, and what we can do for the future." After he said that, and after he wiped her eyes from the tears, he placed his paw on her cheek. Then he looked at her in her red puffy eyes as he said "Try not to think about it, okay?"

"Okay." Judy replied enjoying the feeling of Nick's paw on her cheek, making her smile a little bit, while it lasted.

"You can ask your question first if you want." Nick said while he removed his paw from Judy's cheek.

"Okay." Judy said as she looked down for a moment to think, before she looked back at him "How did you get back on the force, after you resigned?"

"Oh crap, I forgot." Nick replied as he gently facepalmed himself. "I told the others not to tell you."

"Tell me what?" Judy asked sounding confused

"I didn't resign Judy, I relocated to the Precinct in TundraTown." Nick replied "I've been there ever since I left."

"Wait you relocated?" Judy asked in disbelief

"I have." Nick replied "And I relocated, the same day that I found Josh and Skye in an alley outside my apartment building."

"Hold on, I thought they were Lara's kits?" Judy asked sounding confused

"No they weren't." Nick replied "Their last names were Winter by the way, before it became Wilde."

When he said that last name 'Winter' it sort of triggered Judy. Not like causing her to hallucinated, but it made her think. She felt like she heard that name before and now she's trying to remember from where she heard it. After a brief moment of contemplation, she now realized from where she heard that name. It was from an old case she did with Nick a few years ago. With this in mind she turned to him and asked, in a bit of a surprised tone. "Are they 'that' Winters kids?"

"Yes." Nick replied while sounding sad, knowing who she is referring to "They are the Former ZBI Agent Dean Winter's kids."

"Oh." Judy said sounding sad

"Are you thinking about the case we did, or the aftermath of it?" Nick asked in concern, but he had a small smile considering the latter

"Both." Judy replied sounding annoyed "But you said you did something that you regretted that day what was it?"

"Give me a moment and I'll explain." Nick replied

Flashback to One Year and Seven Months Ago...

Anger and sadness are two things that Nick felt today, but it was more anger than the other. Because he learned that Judy, the mammal that he loved more than life, is pregnant with their child but she doesn't want to keep the kit. More so, she made it clear that her career is far more important than him. When he voiced his feelings on the matter, instead of listening Judy slapped him very hard and made him leave. So even though he is angry with her, he had a feeling of sadness.

He packed up his things and moved back to his old place. Fortunately his old apartment was vacant after he spoke to his landlady. Then he unpacked everything as he contemplated what to do. He couldn't go back to work at Precinct one because he could run into Judy at some point. But he didn't want to quit the ZPD either, so transferring to another Precinct seems like the only option to him now. When he was done unpacking his belongings and packed them away. He decided to go speak to Bogo about a transfer, even though it's his day off. He only managed to get outside of his building when he heard what sounded like crying.

"Was that a kit?" Nick thought as he moved in that direction. He walked for a few seconds then he arrived at an alley, that's next to his building. He realized that the crying was coming from here, so he tried to call who it was. "Hello, anyone here?" He didn't get a response, but it caused the crying to be reduced to muffled cries.

Nick then proceeded into the alley with caution. As he walked he listened carefully for the muffled crying. As he got closer to the source, it sounded like it was getting louder. Which meant that he was close, he reached a dark green dumpster then peered around it to find the source of the crying. It was two fox kits sitting on the ground; one is a red fox kit, with similar fur to his own but he had white tipped tail and blue eyes, who is wearing a yellow shirt and light brown shorts, and a small arctic vixen next to him, who has the same eye color as the other one but she is wearing a pink onesie, and is holding a red fox plushie. Nick took note of their clothes having dirt spots and there are parts in their clothing that is torn. But what shocked him is how old they are by a glance. The red fox kit looked like he could be at least a year younger than five, while the little one is close to two years.

"Are you two okay?" Nick asked as he kneel down in front of them. But then he looked past them to see a black backpack, thinking that it might have their stuff.

"Daddy?" The red fox kit said sounding confused

"Dada?" The arctic fox kit said as she raised one of her paws in a 'pick-me-up' way towards Nick.

"Sorry kids, but I'm not your daddy." Nick said apologizing to them sympathetically. But when he said that, it caused the arctic vixen to start bawling. With instincts he never thought he had, he picked up the little vixen and cradled her in his arms as he tried to calm her down. "Shhhhh, it's okay Snowball no one is going to hurt you." The little vixen did calm down a little, then Nick turned his attention to the other fox kit, who looked like he was close to bawling as well, and asked softly "What are your names?"

"*sniff* I...I'm Joseph a..and she's..m..my sister Skye." Josh replied trying his best not to cry.

"Hey, come here." Nick said gesturing Josh to come towards him. When he did, Nick embraced both kids as they weeped on his shoulders. After a brief moment when their bawling had been reduced to sniffles, Nick said in a soft tone "Listen, it's not safe for you both to be here."

"Bu..But we don't have anywhere to go." Josh said through his tears

"Tell you what, why don't you both stay with me and we'll figure something out." Nick said as he patted Josh on his head gently "Okay?" Josh just nodded 'yes'. Then Nick picked up the backpack and placed it over his shoulder, then he picked up Josh. He carried both of them towards the entrance of his building, while he asked "What's in the bag?"

"J..Just our cwothes and some food, mister?" Josh said but didn't who this big fox is.

"Oh sorry." Nick replied as he stood by the entrance "I have a bit of things going on I forgot to introduce myself. I am Officer Nicholas Wilde of the ZPD. But you can call me Nick okay." When he said that, he looked down at Josh and saw the little kit nodding 'yes' while Skye simply sucked her paw.

"Nick?" Came a concerned voice

Nick looked up to see who it was; Olivia Langsten his landlady and close friend. She is a light brown furred lynx in her early thirties and is wearing a flower dress. He saw that she had a concerned look on her face, likely from seeing the two fox kits, who have worn and torn clothing, in his arms. Before he could say anything she asked, with a lot of concern in her voice "What's going on?"

"Olivia, I found these two kits close to a dumpster in an alley outside the building." Nick replied

"Oh the poor dears." Olivia said while she opened the door "Nick, bring them in." After she said that, Nick made his way inside the building with the two kits in his arms. When he was inside, Olivia closed the door behind him then she turned to face him and asked "Do you need any help? Or do you want me to call someone?"

"Thank you Olivia." Nick replied with a small smile "But I was actually going to call my folks and ask them to-" Before he could continue, his phone started to ring cutting him off. He wanted to retrieve his phone from his pocket, but he was still holding both of the kits in his arms. So he turned to Olivia with a strained smile and asked "Could you please help me get my phone? It's in the front right pocket."

"Sure Nick." Olivia replied as she made her way over to him. Then she dug in the pocket Nick mentioned and pulled out his phone. She saw who the caller was 'Mom' and said to him "It's your mom calling." After she said that she pressed the green answer button then placed the phone close to Nick's right ear.

"Hi mom." Nick said

"Hey Nicky, did you do it?" Marian asked in excitement

'Do what?' is a reflex question anyone would ask in a case like this. Being unsure as to what they were supposed to do. But to Nick he knew what his mom was referring to, and she was checking in on him. Unfortunately things happened today that kept him from doing it, so after breathing in a heavy sigh he said "Sorry mom I didn't."

"Why not?" Marian asked, her tone changing from excitement to disappointment

"Mom, something came up." Nick replied "Could you and Pop please come over?"

"Why what's going on?" Marian said now sounding concerned

"I'll explain when you guys get here." Nick replied "I'm at my old apartment building Mom, okay?"

"Okay Nicky." Marian replied "Do you want us to bring anything?"

"Well, just tell Pop that he needs to bring his sowing kit and if you can bring a couple of things to eat." Nick replied "I gotta go Mom, I'll see guys soon."

"We'll be there in a few minutes." Marian said "See you soon Nicky." After saying that last bit, Marian hung up the phone on her side.

When the call ended Olivia locked Nick's phone then placed it back into his pocket. Afterwards she turned to Nick and asked "Do you need anything from me?"

"Well if you happen to have any diapers or food, could you bring it to my apartment?" Nick asked

"But I'm not a baby." Josh whined, thinking that those things would be for him, causing both Nick and Olivia to look at him.

"I know sport." Nick said reassuring the tod "But I don't have any of the things I would need to take care of you and your sister. It's just for a while until I can. Okay?"

"Otay." Josh replied as he placed his head against Nick's shoulder.

"Don't worry sweetie." Olivia said to Josh, causing the tod to look at him "Things will get better for you, you will see."

"They will." Nick said then a thought came to his mind as he looked down at the kits in his arms "Oh by the way, Joseph and Skye this is Olivia Langsten. She is my landlady."

"Hi sweeties, nice to meet you." Olivia said as she patted them both on their foreheads

"What's a wandwady?" Josh asked as he turned to Nick.

"A 'landlady', or landlord, is someone who makes sure that mammals are living comfortably in their homes in buildings like this one." Olivia replied while also correcting the terminology for Josh. "One of which is Nick's, which we are going to right now." After she said that, she then made her way to the iron doors, that were a few feet in front of her, with Nick following suit.

When they arrived at the doors, Olivia pushed the up button to call the elevator down from it's previous postion. While they waited Josh looked at Olivia and asked "Do you aways check on oders to know if dey are otay?"

"Yes." Olivia replied just as the iron doors opened and they went inside the elevator. "I mean, there is a financial part of it. But it's something that the grown ups have to worry about. You kids don't have too."

"Was dat one of da tings dat was on your mind?" Josh asked turning to Nick, while the doors closed.

"Huh?" Nick asked not sure of what he was refering to

"Eawliew, you said dat you had tings on yer mind." Josh replied while Olivia pressed the third floor button and the elevator started to move smoothly "Is dat it?"

"Ohhhh" Nick replied now realizing what Josh was asking. "No, it's not that it's something else."

"Otay" Josh said sounding unsure of what the taller fox said "But, why do gwown ups say dat dey have tings on deir minds?"

"Well sweetie." Olivia replied suddenly, getting both foxes attention "When grown ups say that, it means that they are thinking about certain things. Things like, where they are going to live, their jobs, all of those things. Like for me, I'm thinking if I do have the things that Nick asked me earlier."

Before anyone can say of do anything else, the elevator came to a halt. Then in a second the iron doors opened revealing a hallway with a red carpet on the floor and beige wallpaper. There were a couple of wall mounted lamps that are also visible. Nick took a look around, noting these things, and realized that they arrived at their destination.

"Alright well, I'll see you in a bit Olivia." Nick said as he stepped out of the elevator, then he turned back around then looked down at the kids as he continued "Say bye to the nice lady kids."

"Bye nice wady." Josh said as he waved

"Bu ba." Skye said also waving at Olivia.

"Bye sweeties." Olivia said with a smile as she waved at them. Then she pressed a button then the elevator doors closed. But before they closed she quickly said "See you soon."

After they said their goodbyes, Olivia then ascended towards her apartment, that's on the fourth floor. While Nick set Josh back down on the ground so he could readjust his hold on Skye. Afterwards, he gave her a gentle nose boop that made her giggle which caused him to smile. He then looked down to see Josh looking at him with big sad eyes. He figured that he also wanted some affection like that, so Nick lean down and gave him a gentle nose boop too making Josh giggle as well.

"Can you walk by yourself?" Nick asked as he held out his free paw to the little tod to hold it.

"Mmhmm." Josh replied as he held the taller foxes paw.

The three of them then made their way towards Nick's apartment down the hallway. During the walk Josh placed his thumb in his muzzle and started to suck it. While he looked around the hallway, taking in the sights before he looked back up at Nick. He noticed that he has a scar on his face and he was gong to ask him what happened. But he asked something else

"Is wiving here da ting on your mind, mista Nick?"

"Not really, Josh." Nick replied "It's just something about my partner." After he said that he felt a tug on his arm. He looked at the source to see Josh looking at him with big eyes, like he is excited. Prompting Nick to ask "What?"

"I know you." Josh replied "Yer dat offica who caught da bad guy who made my daddy go nite nite foeber."

"Hehehe, yeah that's me." Nick said as they continued their walk to his apartment. Even though he isn't an actual parent, he did figure out what Josh was saying. As well as realizing that these two kids are ZBI agent Dean Winter's little ones. But it didn't help that the case caused him to start thinking about Judy.

"Are you going to get da bad guy who made my mommy go nite nite foeber?" Josh asked breaking Nick from his thoughts, while they arrived at his apartment door that's labeled 5A

Nick looked down at Josh in shock at what he asked him. He knew that after working that case he did with Judy several months ago, the kids of Dean Winter still had their mom. But after hearing Joshs question, it dawned on him that their mother has been killed. Realizing this he went down on his knees, still holding Skye tight, and he asked Josh in a soft voice "Your mommy went nite nite foeber?"

His only response from the tod was sniffles that were building up to him crying. Seeing this Nick pulled Josh into a tight embrace with his sister. Where the two of them silently weeped into Nick. A moment passed, when they both calmed down, then Nick said, with a lot of confidence in his voice. "Tell you what, I will get the bad guy that made your mommy go nite nite foeber."

"You will?" Josh asked with a small smile that creeped up on his face.

"I will." Nick replied, with a smile, as he got up and fished out his keys then unlocked his door. "But before I do that, I have to make sure that you kids are taken care of here." After saying that, Nick opened the door then motioned Josh to go inside, then followed as he closed the door behind himself.

They entered into Nick's apartment which is decently sized for them. Especially since it's in good condition and the same way he remembered, considering that he left several months ago to stay with Judy. They entered into the living room which had an HD Tv, a coffee table, light blue carpeted floors, a black sofa that faced the tv and is behind the coffee table. On the other side of the living room, opposite the front door, there's a doorway that connects the kitchen to the living room. The kitchen itself is also decent since it has tiled flooring, an oven and a pantry for canned goods, which is likely empty. On the right side of the living room, when you enter the apartment, is a hallway that lead to a bathroom, a closet and 2 bedrooms. The bedrooms were opposite each other.

"Can't yer pawner do dat?" Josh asked while Nick placed his keys on the cupboard next to his door.

"Uh no, my partner and I are not on speaking terms with each other." Nick replied as he moved towards the couch, then he set Skye and the bag on the ground. He didn't want to think about Judy right now.

"What does dat mean?" Josh asked as he sat sown next to his sister.

"It means that, we are not talking to each other anymore." Nick replied as he sat down, crossed legged, in front of Josh.

"Did somting happen?" Josh asked sounding concerned

"Well.." Nick started but stopped himself to think. The truth to that question is something he knew he shouldn't say to a kid. So after a brief moment of contemplation, he answered, albeit in the form of a lie "We argued about teamwork."

"Wat's teamwok?" Josh asked not understanding

"Teamwork is when a group of mammals work together on a task." Nick replied, then he decided to give an example as well "For instance, if you and your sister are my kids and we used teamwork here. We would be busy cleaning our home so we don't get sick or injured in the future."

"Otay." Josh said as he now understood what it meant. But part of what Nick said made a thought enter his mind that he asked with a bit of excitement as his eyes grew "Mister Nick, would you be our new daddy?"

When he asked that question, Nick stared at Josh with a stunned expression. Because today he learned that he was going to be a father with the mammal he loved more than life itself. But then she chose her career over him and their child, and she doesn't want the child. That alone basically killed him on the inside, he felt utterly destroyed soon after. Now he found two orphaned kids in an alley, and even though he only met them today. A part of him fell in love with them and wants to be their parent. But he didn't want to put a lot of hope into it, because what if something happens and he can't be their daddy. So after a brief moment he answered him in a calm tone.

"Let me first catch the bad guy, then we can talk about that. Okay?"

"Otay" Josh replied in excitement. But that excitement then changed to embarrassment when his stomach grumbled loudly, and he blushed a little.

"Sounds like someone is hungry." Nick said with a smirk, causing Josh to pout at him. Nick then pulled the backpack towards him and opened it then placed his paw in it as he said "Let's see what you kids have in here."

He shuffled around for a moment until he found a jar. He pulled it out and saw that it is apple sauce. He shook it and determined that there was at least a little over a quarter left in it. He looked back in the bag and saw a piece of cloth wrapped around something. He set the jar on the ground then took out the item from the bag and unwrapped it. He saw that it is a spoon and by the looks of it, considering their state, it's surprisingly clean.

"Let's hope that Olivia or my mom can bring something nice for you kids." Nick said as he picked up the jar and opened it then scooped a bit on the spoon. Then he looked at the kids and said, in a playful tone "Now, who wants something yummy?" After he asked that Skye was the first one to respond. Then he slowly leaned forward, with the spoon, towards her as she opened her mouth to receive the sauce.

"Is yer mommy coming here?" Josh asked as Nick scooped another spoonful of apple sauce for him

"Of course she is." Nick replied while Josh ate his bit of the apple sauce. Then Nick scooped another bit for Skye as he continued "She and my daddy are coming here to help me take care of you two."

"Does yer mommy know dat you and yer pawner are not talking because of teamwok?" Josh asked

"No, she's going to find out when she gets here." Nick replied as he feed Skye "But I'm a bit concerned about how she's going to react when I tell her. Because she wanted me and Judy, my partner, to be in a relationship. Like the kind you see mommies and daddies kissing each other."

"Eeww." Josh said being grossed out by that explanation.

"Hehehe, you say eew now. But someday you will think differently." Nick said as he scooped another bit of the sauce for Josh

"I still gonna say eeww." Josh said before he ate the apple sauce.

"If you say so Josh." Nick said with a small smile.

"Did you want da same ting yer mommy wanted fer you?" Josh asked

"Honestly, I do." Nick replied after he placed the spoon back into the jar. "But with Judy lacking teamwork skills. I don't see how we could be in a relationship."

"What happened?" Josh asked

"Let me tell you in a story." Nick replied as he set the jar on the ground next to him then he looked back at the two kids, who looked eager to hear the story, as he started. "A few days ago, there was this bad guy who did something very naughty and we both planned how to catch him. But when it came time to do the plan, she went on ahead without me and she completely ignored the plan we had."

"Did you catch da bad guy?" Josh asked incline with the story.

"We did." Nick replied "But the point is, Josh, is that we were supposed to catch this guy together as a team. But she chose to ignore me and went on ahead. We didn't speak to each other for a while until today. When I said that she was selfish, then she slapped me so hard that it gave me this scar on my cheek." Nick then pointed at the scar on his face, showing it to the kids.

"Wat does selfish mean?" Josh asked sounding curious

"Selfish is when you think about, or do something, for yourself and not think about others." Nick replied as picked up the apple sauce jar and scooped up the last bit of it as he continued "For instance Josh, let's say you are selfish. You would take the last bit of this yummy goodness for yourself and not let your cute little sister have any."

Nick then placed the spoon in front of Josh as he only took a little bit of the sauce. Then he moved the spoon in front of his sister who ate the last amount of the sauce and he smiled at her. Josh looked back at the taller fox who grinned at him as he said. "Looks like you are not going to be selfish at all, and it's a good thing sport."

"Mister Nick, have you been selfish befer?" Josh asked while Nick placed the jar and spoon on the floor.

"I have, and some of those times I was lying to cover it." Nick replied "Like this one time, my mommy made a very delicious blueberry pie for one of her friends and she told me to leave it be. I knew it was for one of her friends, but it looked so good I wanted a piece. So during the night, I snuck out of bed to have a small piece of it. Then in the morning when she saw the pie she asked me what happened to it. I told her she was imagining things and that the pie was okay."

"Didn't she find out dat it was you?" Josh asked in concern for Nick

"No, to this day she doesn't know it was me." Nick replied as there came a knock on the door and they looked in that direction.

"Nick it's me." Came Olivia's voice through the door

"It's open Olivia." Nick said as the door unlocked

As soon as it was opened. Olivia walked in with a packet of what he believes are makeshift diapers under her left arm. Then behind her came a fox couple that looked to be in their early forties. Nick quickly knew that they are his parents. His father, Noah Wilde, has green eyes and is wearing a light blue t-shirt and beige jeans. His mother, Marian Wilde, who is behind Noah has navy blue eyes is wearing a pink shirt and a purple jersey over it and blue jeans. She is carrying a pan that, with a quick wiff from Nick for confirmation, is the same blueberry pie he mentioned earlier. He then looked back at his father to see a bag underneath his right arm, which likely had his sowing kit.

Nick is grateful that his parents are here. But when he saw his mother, and considering what he said just a moment ago, he had a gut feeling that she heard everything he said. But before he could say or do anything, Olivia spoke.

"Your parents got here before me." Olivia said motioning to the fox couple behind her. While she closed the door.

"Hey Nicky." Marian said as she moved passed Olivia to hug her son while still having a good grip on the pan.

"Hi mom." Nick said, nervously while he reciprocated the hug. He looked up to see his father looking at him with a smile. One that he knew wasn't a genuine one, which confirmed what he thought earlier; That they both heard him. But he still said softly "Hi pop"

"Hey Nick." Noah said then he looked down to the curious eyes of the orphan kids that was here. Then he looked back at his son and asked "You going to introduce us to these kids, Nick?"

"Ah, yes." Nick replied while he broke his hug with his mom to stand by the little ones. "Mom, Pop these two are Joseph and his younger sister Skye." He then looked at the kids as he motioned to his parents, while continuing the introductions "Josh, Skye this is my mommy Marian Wilde and my daddy; Noah Wilde."

"Hi there." Marian said, to the kits, as she set the pie on the coffee table then went down on her knees to pat their heads.

"Hewwo" Josh said to Nick's parents.

"Ba" Skye said while she held Marian's digit

"How did you guys get here so quick?" Nick asked as he looked at his father in confusion. But with a bit of concern that they might be in trouble with the law.

"Well, there wasn't much of traffic at this time." Noah replied "And we were already in the car when you called. But by your tone on the phone, it sounded serious so we drove as fast as we could."

Nick then looked back at the exchange between the kids and his mom. It is an adorable sight to see. But he figured that they are just being that way in front of the kids. Because they have a bone to pick with him. He decided to face the music, so after taking a breath he asked "You guys heard what I said?"

"Yes we did." Noah replied looking at his son while his wife stood up straight "We heard everything from your explanation of teamwork until Olivia knocked on the door."

"And with that in mind." Marian said as she stood in front of Nick and gave him a hard headslap on the back of his head as she said "That's for lying to me back when you were little." She gave him another hard headslap "And that's for eating the pie when I told you not to." She gave him one last smack to head "And that's for going thirty years before you confessed."

"Wait, you knew what I did?" Nick asked while he rubbed the back of his head.

"Of course I did, I'm your mother." Marian replied in a harsh tone "But also you are the son of an honest tailor. You should know better than to lie about something Nicholas."

Nick looked down in guilt, with his ears being droppy, over his actions. Even though they were from when he was a kid. But also what his mom said. She is right, he should have known better than to lie. He felt so bad about it that he looked up at his parents and said softly "I'm sorry mom and pop, I really am. I felt bad about lying to you guys back then. I just wanted a small piece of that blueberry pie, and I didn't want to get into trouble for it."

"Oh Nicky." Marian said, dropping her maternal authority, and gave Nick a peck on his forehead "I love you sweetie, but you shouldn't have lied it's always bad." She then looked down at the kids who saw the whole exchange "And I want you kids to remember this. Lying is always a naughty thing. You understand?"

"Otay." Josh replied "But wat's a tawor?"

"A tailor is someone who makes clothes for other mammals." Noah replied then, with his tailor instincts, he did a quick scan of their clothes before he continued "Which I need to do for you kids, cause I can see that those clothes are worn out."

"But first, you two need a bath." Marian said as she picked up Skye, then looked at Olivia "Is the water still running here?"

"It should be." Olivia replied after thinking for a second. Remembering that a pipe needed to be fixed a few days ago for the building "And I also brought this, in case Nick was going to give them a bath." Olivia took a small bottle from her back pocket that said vanilla coconut fur shampoo.

"Excellent, thank you." Marian said as she received the bottle from Olivia. Then she looked at Skye with a smile as she said "Time for a bath little one." Marian then took a step forward in the direction of the bathroom. But then Skye spoke up

"Dada!" Skye shouted to Nick as she tried to reach him while still being in Marian's arms.

Nick watched as Skye kept trying to reach him. He felt that paternal instinct to hold her right now, even though she's not his daughter. But seeing as she is close to bursting into tears from the constant calling, it made him have a bit of a heartache. So he said to his mom while opening his arms for the kit "I'll take her mom."

"Okay Nick." Marian said as she passed the fussy kit to him. When the kit was in Nick's arms, Marian saw Skye quickly calm done and placed her head on his chest, where his heart is. The sight made Marian's heart melt as she said "Awwww, she just wanted her dada to hold her."

"He's not our daddy yet." Josh said getting the attention of the grown ups. "He said dat he has to get da bad guy who made my mommy go nite nite foeber first."

"Yes sweetie, I know." Marian said softly, feeling bad for these two kids. "But you also need a bath, so let's go." Marian extended her paw to the kit to grab hold.

Josh got up from sitting on the floor as he held onto Marian's paw. She and Nick then went to the bathroom with the kits, for their bath. When they arrived in the bathroom. They both removed the clothes of the kids, noting that their respective diaper and pull-ups are very dirty and smelled terrible. While Marian ran the water in bathtub for Josh and Nick did the same for Skye in the sink. Olivia came in to collect the clothes for Noah to sew and to place the disposable diapers in the trash. She then made her way to the front door saying that she will go and get baby supplies for the kids.

The next few minutes in the bathroom were spend cleaning the kids of the dirt in their fur. Both Josh and Skye seemed to enjoy the warm bubbly water they were in. The only sounds heard in the bathroom were of giggling kits and splashing water. But it was gone for a moment. Because a drop of the soapy water went into Skye's mouth and she wailed from it. Nick calmed her down by acting like he also tasted the 'nasty' water. His little act made her laugh. Finally it was time to rinse the shampoo from the kids during that time, Josh looked at Marian and asked her something.

"Miss Marian?" Josh asked getting her attention "Why do you want Mister Nick be to in a welationship with Judy?"

"Well, it's because of how he keeps talking about her." Marian replied "I would ask how she was doing today. Then he would talk for hours on other things about her."

"Mom!" Nick shouted in embarrassment

"What I'm only telling him the truth." Marian said, a little amused at her sons blush.

"Would you be mad if dey weren't in a welationship?" Josh asked as Marian unplugged the bath, draining the water

"You can just say 'dating' sweetie." Marian replied while she took him out of the bath and started to dry him with one of the makeshift diapers, which were just cloths, that Olivia brought. "But yes I would be mad, and I do want to know the details about it. I even brought that blueberry pie as celebration for them being together." Marian said that last part as she looked at the back of her sons head and saw that his ears are droopy.

"And what if she was sad dat she didn't dating Mister Nick?" Josh asked "Would you still be mad at her den?"

"I think you mean guilty, Josh." Marian replied while she placed a makeshift diaper on him "But it depends on what happened. So I won't make any promises that I won't be mad at her."

"Wat's guilty?" Josh asked as he stood up

"That's when you feel bad about something." Nick replied as he turned to face Josh, while holding Skye who is wearing a cloth diaper "Like earlier for me, when I was confessing my lie and selfishness. That was me being guilty."

"And it's good that you felt guilty." Marian said as she picked up Josh and continued in a maternal tone "Because that was a very naughty thing to do mister." Nick looked down in guilt over his actions again, but then he looked up at his mom. Because Marian gently patted him on his head as she continued "But you made up for it by telling the truth, and I'm proud of you for that."

"Thanks mom." Nick said with a smile

"But your still going to be punished." Marian said "No blueberry pie for you, for two months."

"What?!" Nick said in shock "But I'm an adult not a-" Nick stopped himself when he saw that his mom was looking at him with the 'Mother Stare'. The same stare from his youth that made him do what his mother wanted him to do. Especially when he protested against her. But also it made him shrink with a little fear "Yes ma'am."

"Miss Marian, can't he have a piece pwease?" Josh asked as he gave her a pair of sad eyes.

Marian looked at Josh's sad face then frowned a bit. Then she looked to her right to see Skye also giving her a sad face. She knew that they both wanted her to ease up on Nick's actions. As much as she knew she shouldn't, but it was two against one, she breathed a sigh and said "Fine he can have a piece. But afterwards no more for two months."

"Thanks mom, and thanks you kids." Nick said to his mom and the kids in their arms.

They both made their way back to the living room where Noah had just finished sowing the kids clothes. But they were still dirty so Noah and Marian decided not to give them back until they are washed. The four of them then sat by the coffee table while Marian took a knife and cut the blueberry pie into equal pieces for five mammals. The fifth piece would be for Olivia when she comes back later. They sat and ate their shares of the pie in piece, with Nick savoring his piece. When they finished their shares of the pie, both Josh and Skye looked sleepy. Nick picked them both up and carried them to one of the vacant bedrooms that will be theirs. He entered the room and placed them on the bed and he gently tucked them in. As soon as Josh and Skye lied on the soft bed, they were out cold. Nick gave them both a peck on their foreheads and left the room. He made his way back to the living room to see both of his parents sitting on the sofa, and from their expressions. They were waiting for him.

"So what's the real story between you and Judy?" Marian asked sounding like she's out of patience

"Okay, here it is." Nick said reluctantly as he stood in front of his parents. He then gathered as much strength as he could, even though it hurt to say it. Then he said solemnly "Judy is pregnant."

"That's wonderful Nicky!" Marian said in excitement as she got up and hugged her son with a heart full of joy. But during the hug, she felt that something was wrong. Especially since Nick didn't return it. So she stopped hugging him and saw a blank expression on his face. Prompting her to ask "What's wrong sweetie?"

"She doesn't want the child." Nick replied looking down in sadness.

After hearing this news, Marian looked back at her husband, shock, and saw that he also had an equally shocked expression. Then he got up from the sofa while Marian looked back at Nick and asked "Did she say why?"

"Yeah." Nick replied "She said that she's worried that the kid would be to big for her to handle."

"That is absurd." Noah said suddenly, getting Marians attention while Nick remained unfazed "I have hare-bunny couples in my store several times. Many of the hares, I have seen, are as tall as us foxes. So there is no way that the baby would be too big for her."

"There's also the matter of hybridization dad." Nick said still not looking up at either of his parents

"I stand by what I just said for that one." Noah said sounding a bit peeved

"Okay, that's enough." Marian said trying to calm her husband "What else did she say?"

"She said that our kit would be some kind of freak." Nick replied feeling pain in his heart by retelling the same words Judy said hours ago.

"Now that is just preposterous. I've seen hybrid kids and none of them are freaks. They just look like bundles of joy." Marian said "Besides that, everyone used to say that us foxes are not trustworthy and yet, here we are. An honest tailor." Marian motioned to her husband, then to herself as she said "An honest doctor." Then she motioned to her son "And an honest cop. Your sister is also a very good reporter."

Nick felt a little comfort in those words from his mother. But it wasn't enough to make him feel better. Since there was still one more thing that Judy told him about why she doesn't want to go through with the pregnancy. Which he decided to tell his parents. "There's one more thing. She said that if she went through with her pregnancy, she would have to quit her job at the ZPD. But she doesn't want that."

"WHAT!?" Noah and Marian shouted in complete shock. But quickly quieted down, for the sake of not waking the kids. Then Noah was the first to ask "Doesn't she know that her career would be on hold until she came back from Maternity leave?"

"It doesn't matter." Nick replied "From the way she said it, she made it clear that her career was far to important for the baby. Or between us for that matter."

Noah and Marian then looked at each other for a moment. They both could tell that Nick was still hurt on the inside from all of this. Without a second thought, they both pulled their son into a tight embrace while Marian patted Nick on his back. While she said "I'm sorry Nicky. Do you want us to do something about this?"

"No, but I do want to return this mom." Nick replied as he broke the hug to reach into his pocket. He fished out a small box, which is a ring box, then placed it in his moms paw. Marian looked at the box in her paw for a moment before turning to her son.

"You keep it, Nicky." Marian said as she returned the box to him. "Maybe someday she will think differently and then you can give it to her."

Nick stared at the box while contemplating what his mom said. He planned on giving the contents of the box to Judy today. But with everything that happened a few hours ago at her apartment, it ruined that plan. However what Judy said then went off in his mind and it tightened his grip on the box. Then with a determined expression on his face, as well as having an idea in mind, he turned to his parents and said "Not someday, tomorrow."

"What's happening tomorrow?" Noah asked out of curiosity.

"Nothing Pop." Nick replied then he took a deep breath to calm himself before he continued "It's just, if Judy truly loves me. Then she would use her investigation skills to figure out that I'm here and will be here by tomorrow at least."

"Wait, Nicky are you testing her?" Marian asked in disbelief

"I don't like the idea mom, but I don't have much of a choice right now." Nick replied "If Judy truly loves me, then she would be here by tomorrow morning at 7AM at the latest. If she's not then *sigh* then so be it."

End of Flashback

When Nick was done with his explanation, Judy looked at him with a shocked expression. She had to take a moment to swallow what his parents said about her fears that day. All of which are irrational, as her doctor said, and she accepted it. But one thing that she wanted to know was what his mom was asking about, between them. She decided to ask him later. However hearing what he did to her made her feel upset. But it was something that happened a long time ago, and Nick did say that he regretted it. But she still struggled to comprehend it. So after a brief moment of silence, she asked "You tested me?"

"I didn't mean to, but I had no choice that day." Nick replied "And like I said, I regretted doing it. I still do to be honest."

"Well when I didn't show up, what did you do?" Judy asked

"I took it as a sign that, you loved your career more than me." Nick replied "But I went to Bogo, the day before that, to be transferred to the precinct in Tundratown. I used the whole 'missing you' as a stupid excuse and worked on cases there ever since."

"But, what happened to their mom?" Judy asked as she took another bite from the apple

"That was my first case when I was at the Tundratown Precinct." Nick replied "The case file didn't give me much go on. But apparently she died in a mugging gone bad situation, and the culprit ran away before the police got to the scene."

"How did you catch them?" Judy asked a bit intrigued

"I didn't like doing what I did." Nick replied "I had to ask Josh for help on the case, because he saw the whole thing with his sister. I brought a sketch artist over, from the precinct, to my apartment while my parents were there taking care of the kits. I made sure that Josh was comfortable enough, then I asked him carefully what happened. But also so he could give enough details about the culprit for the sketch artist to make the drawing so we can make a bolo."

"So what happened?" Judy asked but then she mentally cursed herself for asking that question.

"Josh said that he, his mom and sister finished a meal at bugburga and were on their way home. When a stranger walked up to them." Nick said starting the explanation "From the details that Josh gave about this individual and my understanding of it. This stranger is their mom, Amelia's, ex, an arctic wolf, who wanted her back. But because she was a traditional fox, she didn't want anything to do with him. Unfortunately, he didn't take no for an answer."

"Wait, what do you mean by a traditional fox?" Judy asked sounding confused

"I'm referring to a trait us foxes have." Nick replied "When we see someone as our soulmate, we tend to stay bound to them. Even when they are gone. Which was the case for Amelia, when her husband was gone. Then this guy wanted her back and she refused."

"Oh" Judy said understanding what Nick said, but also secretly hoping that he would still see her as his soulmate. After a second of silence Judy asked, with a lot of concern in her voice "Nick, you said earlier that this 'ex' didn't take no for an answer. What do you mean by that?"

"Well when she said no, he pulled out, as Josh called it, a shiny object from his pocket and pointed it at her." Nick replied

"A shiny object and pointed at her?" Judy asked briefly before the wheels in her head turned. Then she figured out what it really was then asked the fox next to her "Nick this object wouldn't happen to be..."

"A gun, yeah." Nick said finishing her sentence "But in retrospect, it could also have been a knife. Anyway, he pointed the gun at her then he pointed it at Josh and his sister. Threatening to hurt them if she didn't take him back. But as you could guess she lunged at him, trying to protect her kits, and he pointed the gun back at her. Then the gun went off, shooting her in her abdomen around here." After saying that last part, Nick motioned to the area that's a little bit above his stomach.

"Oh no." Judy said with a shocked expression on

"After she was shot, she fell on the ground where she started to bleed while her ex ran away." Nick said "When he was gone, Josh ran over to his mom with his sister. Then they started to cry for her to get up. The commotion attracted the attention of some of the customers of bugburga. One of them called the police and ambulance to the scene. But by the time they got there, Amelia had lost a lot of blood and she died. Right in front of Josh and Skye."

"Those poor kids." Judy said softly

"Yeah, after Josh told me this story he wept into my shirt." Nick said as he placed his paw on his chest. Judy figured it was the spot where Josh was crying. "I caught this bastard in a park of all places, thanks to an anonymous tip. But as he was being hauled off to prison, and he is still there by the way. I made a personal promise to myself. No matter what individual or situation comes my way, I will protect Joseph and Skye for as long as I live."

"Those kids are so lucky to have Nick as their father." Illusion Judy said, getting her counterparts attention

Judy looked at her illusion self before she vanished. When she was gone, Judy thought about what she said a moment ago. She is right regarding the kids, but anyone would be lucky to have Nick as their mate. But when she thought about the kids a thought came to her mind as she asked "Wait, weren't they placed in an orphanage at some point?"

"They were in an orphanage sometime after their mom was killed. But the arrangements weren't good." Nick replied "I don't mean like the building was run down or anything like that. I mean the kids there were being very prejudice to them, and nobody punished those kids."

"You can't be serious Nick?" Judy asked in shock

"I really wish I wasn't Judy." Nick replied "But Josh had a fight with some of those kids, and he surprisingly got out of them without much injuries, from what he told me. But because he was a fox he got punished, while the other kids didn't. After sometime, Josh packed all of his and his sister's things into a backpack. Then he grabbed a few jars of food from the kitchen of the orphanage, and he even swiped a few of the toys from those kids that bullied him. Afterwards, Josh ran away from the orphanage, with his sister on his back. They've been by themselves for two days before I found them."

"It's a good thing you did." Judy said while Nick nodded in agreement "But weren't there any relatives who could have taken them in to their homes?"

"Not exactly, Dean and Amelia didn't have any siblings. So they don't have any Aunts or Uncles." Nick replied "But also the grandparents on the father side died, in a car crash, a few months before Josh was born." The expression on Nick's face changed from a soft one to an enraged one before he continued "But the grandparents on the mother's side are another story."

"What do you mean?" Judy asked, taking one last big bite from her apple. Then she held the core in her paw, not knowing if there is a bin to put it in.

"I spoke with some of Amelias friends and found out that her parents disowned her." Nick replied while having an annoyed expression on "They did it because Amelia wanted to marry Dean..."

"And they didn't approve of him." Judy said finishing his sentence, but also understanding that feeling of disapproval

"Exactly, the whole time she dated Dean they were horrible to them both. Then when it came time for the marriage. They cut her out of their lives, and never saw her since. But when I called them about Josh and Skye, they were atrocious. Let me play it for you." Nick said as he fished out his phone then unlocked it. He anticipated that Judy would ask him what he meant by 'play it'. So before she could ask him, he beat her to it. "My sister got me this app that allows me to record phone calls. She though I would need it as a police officer. But I didn't know that the calls I made were getting recorded most of the time. After a while I deleted the app but kept the recorded calls. I sorted a couple of them out, because most of them were with friends and family members. But not all of the calls are sorted yet."

"Don't you need a permit for something like that app?" Judy asked in concern that Nick might be in trouble with the law "Or rather, is an app like that even legal?"

"It's fine, I checked the laws about this app and as far as I can tell I was in the clear to use it. Because Zootopia is a one-party consent state. But I had to explained my usage of the app to my boss. He was mad at me, obviously, but I explained that the recorded calls I had were amongst family members and friends who already knew I had the app. So he let the matter slid that time, because I'm a good lieutenant. But he warned me that next time I wouldn't be as lucky. Which won't be a problem since I don't have the app anymore." Nick explained calming her worries, as he found what he was looking for. Then held out his phone as he continued "Anyway, here's the phone call I had with Amelia's mom, Bridgette." Nick press play then they both listened

"Hello?" Bridgette answered

"Hi Mrs Tucker, I'm Officer Nicholas Wilde." Nick said introducing himself "I'm calling with regards to your grand kids Joseph and Skye Winter."

"Now why would you call me about those brats." Bridgette said sound angry

"I'm sorry?" Nick apologized, while not understanding

"Well you better be!" Bridgette shouted "Now listen here officer, my husband and I don't want anything to do with those kids. You do whatever you want with them."

"But ma'am, these kids have just lost their mom and you and your husband are the only living family they have left." Nick pleaded "Besides, Joseph is four years old and Skye is almost two. Can you reconsider, please?"

"Maybe I wasn't being clear." Bridgette replied "You can adopt them, sell them, whatever you want. But don't ever call about them again!"

After that last part the call recording ended leaving Judy to stare at the phone in shock. She couldn't comprehend how Amelia's mom was so horrible about two orphan kids. She actually felt like tracking down this Bridgette Tucker and give her a piece of her mind, even though she isn't a cop anymore. Then tell her off about how rude she was being to Nick. But after a minute of silence passed, she asked while sounding upset "Did she really say that?"

"She did." Nick replied feeling the same way Judy is feeling right now. While he pocketed his phone, he continued "Turns out when the parents cut out the child from their lives. It also includes the grand kids."

"I guess her husband was the same way as her." Judy stated with a good guess on that interaction

"You would guess correct Judy." Nick said confirming her statement "He said the same thing his wife told me. But he also told me that if I called them again about the kids, they would sue me. He even had the gall to say that all ZPD members are wasting time when they make petty calls like that."

"Unbelievable" Judy said sounding angry

"Yeah, but I took their 'advice' and adopted Josh and Skye, after going through all the legal steps of course. I raised them ever since." Nick said trying to change the subject "But it was a bit of a challenge in the beginning. Because of the emotional scars they both had from recent events. I let them sleep with me at night sometimes, but there were other issues as well. In Skyes case, she couldn't be around kids at daycare without bawling a lot and I had to leave work to pick her up. As for Josh, he got into fights at pre-school a lot. But that was because the other kids were bullying him about what he's been through. Despite my explanations, the teachers there told me I had to take him out of pre-school so that he can work out these issues."

After Nick said that part, Judy had on a sad expression as guilt weight down on herself. Because she figured that all of this happened in the first few weeks after he left because of her. But also she thought that he had to do all of this by himself. That made her feel more guilt, as tears started to build up in her eyes while she said "Nick I'm really sorry that you had to go through all of that."

"It's alright Judy." Nick said as he patted Judy's shoulder for a moment, then he wiped her eyes, before he continued "I had help from my folks and Jared in taking care of them. Then after a while things actually got better for them. With Josh being able to go back to pre-school, but a different one, and from time to time Skye went to daycare without any trouble. As for me with some hard work at the ZPD I was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. But even though all of this happened, I still had hope that you would contact me about your pregnancy." Nick then looked down to the floor as he continued "Unfortunately I realized that three months had passed since we last saw each other, and with no contact from you. I figured that you went through with the operation, then I was furious."

The guilt that Judy had grew further, after what Nick just said. It didn't help that her illusion self appeared and glared at her. She would have said something to her but fortunately Nick continued, before she had another burst. "I went to our usual drinking spot, at the Red Serpent, then I had a bit to much. Then in my drunk state, I thought of storming over to your apartment then asking you harshly 'how could you have done that without my consent'. *sigh* But I didn't."

"Why?" Judy asked a bit concerned

"Because Jared stopped me." Nick replied "He told me that if I did that, things would be a lot worse between us. So he took me home and I'm glad that the kids weren't home for what happened next. Because I slept with him."

"You slept with him?" Judy asked in shock, her only confirmation was a nodded 'yes'. But she noticed that he didn't look up at her, and from the look on his face, from the side, she could tell that something was off. Despite wanting to ask him what was wrong, she said something else "But I thought you never had an interest in males."

"Well there is some truth in that Judy. But also you were half-right when you introduced me as being gay to your family." Nick said then drew a deep breath, like he is about to do a confession, then looked at Judy in her eyes as he continued "The truth is Judy I'm Bi. I've been that way my whole life."

"I...I didn't know, Nick." Judy said surprised by what Nick said

"How could you, I never told anyone. Except my childhood friends, Finnick and Jack. Then later some new friends that I trusted from high school." Nick said solemnly "Because I knew that if others knew about me being Bi. It would cause a lot of tension between us and unnecessary drama from others. Like the time when we broke up because of our disagreement with your 'just friends' thing. If you knew I swing both ways back then, it would make you even more insecure about your relationship with me. I didn't want things like that to happen. So I kept my sexuality to myself, and played it off as being a little bi-curious."

That was a lot for to Judy to take in. But she knew from having so many brothers and sisters, it's not easy to come out of the closet. Especially if you fear that it could cause problems. So from the look in his eyes, she could tell that he had to muster a lot of courage to come clean with her. Then she placed her paw on his right knee and gave him a gentle squeeze as she said "Thank you for telling me Nick."

"It wasn't easy, Judy." Nick said with a small smile, while Judy removed her paw from his leg "But we did promise to be honest with one another, right now. So I had to tell you, and I should have told you sometime ago."

"So you slept with my brother?" Judy asked receiving a nodded 'yes' from him "But from the way you said it, it seemed like you didn't enjoy it."

"Well, yes and no." Nick said after a moment of contemplation "No, because I actually did enjoy having sex with him. Yes, because I didn't like the reason behind it; I used him. I was angry and drunk and I used him just to make myself feel better. Then in the morning I apologized to him for it, and even though he accepted my apology. I still feel bad for doing it to this day."

"Well how did he feel about this?" Judy inquired

"He enjoyed it very much and he said that we could do it more if I wanted. Without the alcohol part of course." Nick replied "I guess you could say that we got into a friends-with-benefits deal, but..." Nick looked down at his paw with the ring and gently caressed it as he smiled while he continued "He didn't know about it. But a week after that one time when he asked me out in front of you. I started developing feelings for him and they grew over time until that alcohol induced situation. Then they got stronger sometime after that time, until we started dating. Although it was a bit complicated how we got together, but after a bit talking we did."

"But if everything was going so well for you. What made you come back to me?" Judy asked then she mentally berated herself for asking that question. Because it caused Nick to stop caressing his ring and drop his smile.

"When almost a year passed since we last saw each other. I started thinking about you a lot, then I realized that I still have strong feelings for you." Nick replied then he looked at Judy in her eyes as he continued "Which makes sense, since we had a little wedding ceremony on Valentine's Day and with all the fond memories we have with each other. It, in my heart, made you my wife and soulmate Judy. So the idea of me being away from you for so long hurt so much."

"Oh Nick." Judy thought feeling so touched. She even felt the pieces of her broken heart repairing while he continued.

"Then one night, I went out for drinks with my friends Finnick and Jack. Then I poured out my heart to them on how much I missed you, loved you, cherished you and how you're my wife in my heart. Even if we're not married." Nick said as a small smile creeped on his face "Jack told me that if I loved you so much I should just go to you. Finnick backed him up by saying that if I didn't go, he would hit me on my head with a beer bottle." Nick then dropped the smile that was on his face as he continued "But when I exited the bar, I had mixed feelings about seeing you."

"What do you mean?" Judy asked feeling uneasy

"While I had the feelings of joy and excitement, there was also fear." Nick replied "Fear that things wouldn't go as I wanted, so I had to come up with a plan. On how to get you back if I lost your love. But I had a lot of things to think about. Like maybe you actually didn't get the abortion, but you were too hurt to call me. Or maybe you had the operation, and you were angry with me. But also considering how long we've been apart there was a chance that you were with someone else. That thought both scared and hurt to think about, but I had to factor that in. I also had to keep in mind that you are my wife, in my heart, so I had to factor that as well."

"So what plan did you come up with?" Judy asked having done the same thing with Nick weeks ago

"Honestly, I didn't come up with a plan because there were a lot of scenarios that could happen." Nick replied "The scenarios I had in mind were; 1) If you didn't have the operation and kept the baby but you were in emotional turmoil over what happened between us. I actually hoped for that scenario, because I knew how to help you bounce back from your turmoil. 2) You had the operation and are angry with me. If that one was the case, you wouldn't talk to me. So the only way I could get back inside your home, and I didn't like it, was to hustle you. Then I would try to talk you down from your anger and give me a chance. The last scenario I had in mind is pretty much like the previous one, but on top of that you would be with someone else. That last one scared me, but I had to think about it. If that one was true, I had to think about how I was going to get you to give me another chance. Which shouldn't be hard since you're my soulmate. But that would, likely, put you into a position where you would have to decide who to be with, me or this other mammal. Although in some cases of a love triangle like that, it would lead to a polyamorous relationship. But a case like that is really rare."

"That was a lot to think about Nick." Judy said understanding his position back then "Did you think about all of this while you were heading to my apartment?"

"Yeah, but I didn't head to your apartment immediately. I just kept wandering around TundraTown thinking about all of this, trying to come up with a good plan to get another chance with you." Nick replied then he looked down in guilt "But then I came across a hooker on the side of the road, an arctic vixen, and with my drunken state. I'm sure you can guess what happened next."

"You slept with her didn't you?" Judy asked rhetorically having a good guess on what happened. Her only response was a nodded 'yes'

"Later, after my little fun activity with her, I mentally berated myself for doing it." Nick said as he looked back at Judy "A voice in my head went something like." Nick then raised the volume of his voice, like he is yelling as he said "You idiot! Our wife is out there probably sad, angry or with someone else and what are you doing?! Shacking up with a hooker for what? A little fun? Well that's over now! Get your ass up and go to her!" After saying that last bit, Nick lowered his voice volume so he can talk normal "Then after paying the hooker I ran like a madmammal to your place. Then we both know what happened after I arrived."

"I'm really sorry for that Nick." Judy said with droopy ears and guilt weighing down on her heart "Really. No tricks, no setup, no nothing a 100% genuine I'm-" Judy tried to apologize again but was cut off by Nick. Because he placed his paw on her muzzle stopping her

"I believe you Judy, I do" Nick said while he removed his paw "But most of the things that happened that night, I expected. Like I expected you to be angry with me, which sucked. I also expected you to tell me that you aborted my kid, which hurt a lot to hear you say, and you being with someone else. But what I didn't expect was that the 'someone else' is female. That threw me off because from the time I've been with you, you haven't shown any interest in females at all. Or did you long before we met?"

"No interest at all in my entire life, until I met Shay." Judy replied honestly "At that point, I just thought of her as my 'ray of sunshine' in my dark times. But, now that I hear myself say it out loud. It sounds incredibly stupid."

"I guess." Nick said solemnly

"Nick can I ask, what happened after I... shoved you out?" Judy asked already feeling like she is going to regret it.

"Well, after you did I was going to bang on the door again. Begging you to give me a chance, but then I heard you kiss Shay and said that you felt much better." Nick replied then he closed his eyes and grasp his chest, where his heart is, like he is suffering a heart attack as he continued "I felt so utterly destroyed I ran out of your apartment building. All the while fond memories we had together flashed through my mind, but they all turned to dust. In the thought that my wife and soulmate stopped loving me and is with another mammal."

"Oh Nick." Judy said softly, feeling tears welling up in her eyes. While Nick stopped grasping his chest

"When the morning came, I called my boss at the precinct. Then I requested a week of absence, using my vacation time." Nick said "And if anyone were to ask him about my whereabouts, he had to tell them I was on an undercover assignment. But in reality I checked into a motel in TundraTown and I tried to get what happened out of my head. It just sucked that I had to lie to my mom and kids one time."

Flashback to Seven Months and a week ago:

Another day had gone by for Nick without sleeping or eating anything. Not like he could do either, since it's been three whole days since he last saw Judy. But that night still haunted him. He called his boss a few days ago and asked for a week of absence. Because in his current state, he's unable to perform his job, both physically and mentally, efficiently. Since then hes been in this motel room, that he's currently in, trying to comprehend the events of his last met with Judy. He sat in the corner of his room on the floor, like a kid being sent to time-out. But it didn't help much that he had the engagement ring, that he got from his mom to give to Judy, with him. The dream he had of a big family with her is gone, along his wife and soulmate and child. Then out of the blue his phone went off with a call. With agonizing slowness he fished out his phone from his pocket and saw that the caller ID read 'Mom'. He accepted the call then placed the phone by his ear

"H...Hello?" Nick answered

"Nicky where are you?" Marian asked in a concerned tone "I'm here with kids outside your apartment, but you're not here."

"I.." Nick started sounding weak, but then he heard a voice, in a harsh tone.

"Leave me alone Nick, and never come back."

When he heard that voice, recognizing it as Judy's, he looked up and saw nothing. But when it was gone, it caused a dagger to be pierced into his already broken heart. Making him feel as if he is suffering a heart attack. He remembered that he is still on the phone with his mom, considering how worried she could be from time to time. He took a deep breath then answered her question. "I'm on an assignment, mom. It came in a few days ago. I'm sorry I forgot to tell you."

"That's what your boss told me." Marian said "But are you sure you're okay, Nicky?"

"Dada?" Came a familiar voice through the phone.

Nick recognized that it was Skye calling him. But just hearing her innocent voice calling to him, caused another dagger to pierce him. Making the pain in his heart more severe. Then out of the blue Judy's face appeared in front of him. The look she was giving him along with what she told him went off in his mind.

"Yes Nick, I did."

After she said that, he blinked his eyes then she was gone. He thought he was going crazy, which would make sense. Because he hasn't eaten or slept in days. But also, he is suffering a painful heartache. Due to losing the love of his life, which caused tears to well up in his eyes. He would have called out to her had it not been for his daughter calling him again "Dada?"

"I'm here Snowball." Nick choked on a sob while tears started to stream down his face "But I got to go, I got to catch this bad guy. Mom, I was hoping that the kids could stay with you and Pop for a while longer."

"Of course Nicky, just stay safe." Marian said then through the phone she turned to the kids "Say bye bye to Dada, kids."

"Ba ba dada." Skye said

"Bye daddy!" Came Josh's voice "Catch da bad guy fer us."

"I will, bye." Nick said as he ended the call.

All the while his heartache grew more intense by the second. Then he held his phone in his right paw and looked at his wallpaper. It was a selfie of their anniversary, with Nick wearing his Michael Jackson outfit and Judy wearing a very revealing lingerie. But it wasn't the outfits he was looking at, it was the genuine heartfelt smiles they both had on their faces. He couldn't help but smile fondly at this one picture. He remembered that their anniversary started off rocky, but they made it workout in the end. As much as he didn't want to admit it, all the fond memories he has with her are gone now. It's the same case with the engagement ring in his other paw, that he wanted to give her. It didn't help that Judy's voice came back with the same harsh tone, but with a lot of venom in it.

"Do yourself a favor and stay out of my life, Forever! Goodbye Nick!"

As her voice started to fade. He can see the door slamming shut so clearly, it's like he is reliving that event from three days ago. It felt like he was reliving that traumatic night again. Since it caused his paws to shake, which made him lose his grip on the items in his paws.

"She's gone, she is really gone." Nick thought as he watched the engagement ring and his phone slip from his paws and they both fell on his tail and they went onto the floor. He took a deep breath then he gathered as much strength as he could, while his eyes closed, then he shouted "CARROTS!"

End of Flashback...

"*sigh* Suffice to say, when my supposed week of under cover work ended. I attempted to take my own life." Nick said solemnly "I walked through the streets of Zootopia ignoring the morons that got in my way, but also I kept hearing your harsh voice in my mind. The place I went to, to end my life, was the same place where you apologized to me for what you said at the press conference years ago. While I was there, that memory went off in my head. As well as it appearing in front of me, if you can believe it. But it did make me lose my focus, hence my suicide attempt failed. Which I am glad about."

"Why?" Judy asked while still feeling relieved that he didn't die

"Because if I had died then Josh and Skye would have gone through the pain of losing a parent all over again." Nick replied "I couldn't let that happen so... I'm just glad I'm still alive for their sake. As well as for you."

"What do you mean, for my sake?" Judy asked sounding confused

"Well, besides them suffering the pain of loss. It would make what you are going through way worse." Nick replied "Everything that's happened to you would happen a lot sooner than it did. But also, you would have this undying guilt weighting down on you. That you would have to carry for who knows how long."

"Gosh Nick, I don't know what to say." Judy said "But for what it's worth thank you. Thank you for staying alive, not just for this stubborn bunny but for those kids who needed you. As well as anyone else that needed you in their lives."

"Don't mention it Judy. Although, because of my failed suicide attempt I fell into a coma. That lasted almost an entire month, before I woke up in a hospital." Nick said with a small smile before he dropped it as he continued "But I have to admit, when I had my PTSD. It was centered around that night. Everytime someone mentioned you or even the thought of you came to mind. I would always flashback to that night and hear your harsh voice. But the worst part was when I see you and saw that straight face as you said." Nick then mimicked Judy's voice as he said "Yes Nick, I did." He's voice then returned to normal as he continued "You took the life of an unborn child, my child, without remorse. That was the worst part for me."

Judy looked down feeling really guilty. She knew that she was responsible for all the pain that Nick has gone through in the last couple of months. But hearing that the PTSD that he got was centered around that one night and what she said to him. It placed more guilt on her heart. Unfortunately it caused her illusion counterpart to appear and say in a soft tone, looking at Nick. "Poor Nick, he didn't deserve any of that." Then she turned to face Judy and said in a harsh tone "You on the other paw do."

"Will you shut up!" Judy suddenly bursted as she threw the apple core at her, with as much strength as she could. But as she just vanished the apple core hit the wall at the opposite side of the living room. Seeing this she took deep breaths to calm down then looked at Nick, who had a shocked expression on. As she said "I'm so sorry for that Nick. I-"

"It's fine Judy. I know that your counterpart was bugging you again, and your outburst was kind of expected." Nick said sympathetically as he got up to pick up the apple core. Then he tossed it in a bin near the door. "I mean, a lot of mammals who had PTSD in a similar case like us also wanted their hallucinations to end. So don't worry about it."

"Okay" Judy said reluctantly. Then she decided to get back to the subject of their conversation, even though she didn't want to. But she knew she had to if she wanted Nick back in her life. So she said "Um Nick, you said that you were in the hospital. Can I ask, what happened while you were there?"

"Well, like I told you I was in a coma that lasted almost a month. When I came out of it, I met Lara. Who was taking care of me both during and after my comatose state." Nick replied as he sat back down on the sofa. "One day when I was out and about in my hospital room. I was reunited with my in-laws, your parents, as Lara called them. Apparently they had been visiting me for that month, chatting with my parents about you."

"What did they say?" Judy asked in a curious tone

"Before I tell you what was said, I need to ask you a question first." Nick replied before he took a deep breath. Then asked her in a calm tone "Judy, why didn't you come visit me at the hospital? I mean I understand that I was an ex and you hated me at the time. But I know that Shay told you I was there and she kept pushing you into visiting me, but you didn't. Why?"

"At the time, I thought you were trying another hustle to get me to give you compassion. So I refused to visit you because of that." Judy replied feeling guilty and regretful with her decision back then. She heard him groan from her answer and she knew she had to do something quick so she continued "But besides that, it's the whole visiting an ex that seems far-fetched. I mean did you visit any of your exs, beside me?"

"Well only three exs I see a lot, because our relationships ended mutually. Lara is one of those exs by the way. However there was another one but he wouldn't let me talk to him after what I did." Nick replied solemnly "But even if that chance meet came, there won't be much of a point to it. Also another ex won't let me visit them, despite what happened the last time I saw her was an accident."

"Wait, you were really around other exs?" Judy asked sounding shocked at what she was told. But also having a lot of questions to ask him.

"Give me a moment to explain them, Judy." Nick replied softly and she complied with his request with a nod "The one ex was the very first guy I dated in my entire life; his name is Evan. He's a silver fox, with amazing blue eyes. We met and dated in high school. We got on really well, but so well to the point that both of our moms were asking about us and wanted to meet the other one. So to get them off our backs we both told them the same story; the other one has severe social anxiety, so the thought of meeting the parents scared them. That story worked and both of our moms stopped prying. But they still kept asking simple questions about the other, like 'How were they doing today?'. Although when a month passed into our relationship, he confessed that he wasn't into guys. But then I thought that he was into guys and girls, like me. But he wasn't, he was straight the whole time."

"Oh Nick, I'm so sorry." Judy said apologizing, even though the event happened years ago

"Nah it's okay Judy, he apologized and explained how he has a fetish of fooling around with a friend who is gay. He developed this fetish from watching a lot of gay porn videos, and he wanted to experience. He said that we could still be friends if I wanted, which we did." Nick said with a small smile "But even though we ended the relationship mutually, it still felt like we were together dating afterwards. Because we always went to the same bakery where he buys me blueberry muffins. Going to the cinema to watch movies, all those things." After saying that last part, Nick's smile dropped as he continued "But the whole 'still dating' thing, and the part about us actually dating in the beginning, was from me, not him. One day I told him about it and I expected him tell me stop hanging around him, but he didn't. Instead he placed his paw on my shoulder, and he said that one day a special someone, guy or girl, will come into my life and make me feel so happy and loved. I was a little emotional then, that I kissed him. There was no push back as I expected, but after the kiss he told me that when this special someone comes for me. He would tell them to punish me for kissing him, but not break up with me. Then I retorted at him saying; that for a straight guy, he did like being kissed by someone who is Bi. We continued our friendship until one day he had to leave for college in another state so he could pursue a degree in business. We stayed in touch though, then he came back to Zootopia, several years ago, and worked in a Multinational company. I still look forward to telling him how right he was, when he said that I would met that special someone."

"That's nice to hear Nick." Judy said softly, but then she thought of something that made her ask in concern "Were the other exs like that?"

"Just another, a girl named Angelia." Nick replied "She was the first bunny I dated in my life, who had dark brown fur. We were friends in high school then when we left, we talked about dating. We both knew that we would get judged by others for dating, since we are predator and prey. But we didn't care about others opinions, and even told a couple off. Then we gave dating a shot, although we got on so well, there was no spark as we thought. So we decided to end the relationship and go back to being friends. But I found out, sometime later, that she works at the Red Serpent, as a bartender, and is dating Gabe. I am happy for her, and it came with a nice deal for me. From time to time, Gabe would ask me tips and advice on how to get Angelia to like him more. As payment, for all my help that worked, Gabe would let me order drinks and it will be on the house most of the time."

"That explains how we got our drinks and didn't have to pay half the time. All of your advice helped him out." Judy said, after a moment of thinking "And explain when I saw her hugging you a few times." After saying that last bit, Judy looked down in guilt as she said "Although I have to admit and apologize right now. All those times I saw her hugging you, I thought that you were cheating on me with her. I"m sorry Nick, I really am."

"Thank you Judy." Nick said accepting her apology "But like I told you several times, she and I are just friends. So you didn't have much of a reason to be insecure regarding her."

"Yeah." Judy said shyly in agreement, then she tried to change the subject as she said "But you said that you did something to one of your exs that you regretted. Who was it and what did you do?"

"He was another guy I dated, named Daniel. I dated him sometime after my relationship with Evan ended." Nick replied "He's a grey wolf and he was your stereotypical popular guy in high school. He had excellent grades and good looks, which made me jealous, and he had a good position at his part-time job earning a really nice salary. But also the obvious thing that other girls were crushing on him. I admit I was the same as those girls. Once I tried my luck in asking him out and to my surprise, he agreed. Which was weird to me. I mean, why would the popular guy date me when there was all those other girls he could have dated. That, and my relationship with Evan, made me feel insecure. Because I thought that he would drop the bomb that he is actually straight, or some other reason. So, I unconsciously did the same thing that you did to me, the 'just friends' thing, to him. Boy that was a mistake."

"He dumped you, didn't he?" Judy asked already knowing what likely happened

"Yeah." Nick admitted softly "But before that happened, he talked to me about being casual with him and I explained to him why I did it. Then he told me something that shocked me. I actually thought that he was straight, or that he is Bisexual like me. But the truth is, he's actually gay. I was truly stunned by this news. But yeah he dumped me, which hurt a lot because we were together for a year and a half. Then I tried to contact him to apologize for what I did. I tried calling and texting him to apologize, but he didn't respond to anything. Once I even came to him at school, again trying to apologize. But he told me that if I didn't stop bugging him, as he put it, he would make my life a living hell. I had a gut feeling of what he meant by that; that he would reveal my sexuality to everyone and mock me constantly. Then I reluctantly agreed to do as he told me. Which wasn't easy, because I kept running into him at school and each time I wanted to apologize again. But he would look at me with disdain, then I would run to Evan for comfort. I didn't like doing that, but he just made me feel better and cheered me up a bit. But to be honest, I ended up crying myself to sleep every night for two months straight because I missed him so much."

"I'm sorry Nick." Judy said sympathetically as she patted him on his shoulder

"Thank you Judy." Nick said softly "However I haven't seen Daniel since high school and, like I said earlier, even if we met up at some point there won't be much to it. Since he would still be mad at me. But after putting Daniel through the 'just friends' thing and then years later experiencing the same thing from you, I learned something very important."

"What is it?"

"If you have really strong feelings for someone, whether they are the same sex, same species, different species, whatever they may be. You mustn't hide your true feelings, but express them." Nick replied putting all of his heart into the explanation "I mean sure, you will face obstacles that are out of your control like parents not approving your partner, facing rejection all of those things. But at least you're honest with yourself, cause if you're not. It will create the illusion that you are ashamed and embarrassed by your partner or ashamed at yourself for having feelings for them. Which is why I was so angry with you when you put me through it. But one would say that Karma did justice on me for what I did to Daniel and I accept it. Because I learned a valuable lesson and I won't be doing it again."

After Nick said that last part on his bit about the casual arrangement, the living room fell into a bit of silence. It lasted a few seconds with both fox and bunny having different thoughts. For Nick, he started to think about Daniel. Even though the incident happened years ago, he can still remember the look of anger and sadness clearly on his face. He still wish he could tell Daniel how sorry he was for putting him through the arrangement that he disliked.

For Judy she thought about what Nick said moments ago. She knew that the 'just friends' thing was terrible, and she regretted putting Nick through it. Especially since it costed her, her relationship with him. But what surprised her is that Nick did the same thing to someone else. While she thought about it she felt guilt building up. But she knew she had to stop, otherwise she would hallucinate again. So after another second of silence she asked softly "Nick do you still have feelings for Daniel?"

"*sigh* I'd be lying if I said I didn't." Nick admitted "I told Jared about this and that I still want to apologize to him. He said that if Daniel did accept my apology, and wants to be with me again. We would cross that bridge when we get to it." Nick then looked down at the floor, with his ears droopy, as he continued "But I know that if it happens, it would put me in a love triangle with both Jared and Daniel."

"Or a love square if he included you." Illusion Judy said suddenly in Judy's mind.

Judy heard that comment then thought for a brief moment on it. A mental image of Nick having to pick one out of three mammals to be his mate sounded scary. But she shook the thought from her mind and turned to him and asked. Trying to get the image from her mind. "Nick what about the other ex?"

"Judy, why are you so interested in my exs?" Nick asked as he faced her in confusion.

"Well, I did ask you about your exs and you said that you would explain them to me." Judy replied sheepishly "But also, I wanted to get your mind off Daniel. Because I can see that you're still in a bit of pain over him."

"Thank you for that, Judy." Nick said softly "Well the last ex, who I tried to see, is Carlay. She's the red vixen you saw me with at the diner two years ago, remember?"

Judy looked at Nick with a bit of confusion until it hit her. She remembered that after they broke up in front of the deli, Nick went in by himself. Then while she was silently expressing how bad she felt for what she did. She looked into the deli, through the glass windows, and saw a red furred vixen walking up to him and started chatting with him. She realized that it was Carlay that spoke to him. After a moment of thinking she asked him in a curious tone "What happened?"

"Before I get to that, let me explain a bit about her." Nick replied "She's an only child raised by a single mom. Because her father walked out on her mother a few months before she was born. So she had to grow up without paternal love and care. But it didn't affect her as much, as she told me. But when it was time for her to start dating it was a nightmare."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, she always attracted the worst kind of guys." Nick replied sounding annoyed "Some of the guys she dated were only with her for sex, nothing more. They even emotionally abused her. So she dumped them, then later she dated a sugar daddy who showered her with really expensive things. Like jewelry, expensive dress all of those things. You name it and she would get it from this guy."

"Why did he do that for her?" Judy asked sounding curious

"As it turned out, the guy was headed for a divorce with his own wife. So he showered younger girls with gifts to make the wife jealous and want him back." Nick replied then he saw a confused look on Judy's face so he explained "Carlay knew about all of this, because she met the rich guys wife and she explained this to her. The divorce eventually came for the couple and Carlay ended things with this guy. She kept the stuff he bought her. Then she sold most of it on online auctions, but kept only a few things for herself. The profit she made was so massive, she paid her college tuition, for a teaching degree, and helped her mom with her expenses. But she still has more than enough money to be financially set for the rest of her life."

"Did she ever try dating again?" Judy asked

"She told me that after she got her degree and got a teaching position at Pawson Star Junior, where your sister teaches, she did." Nick replied "But it was again the worst kind of guys. However they did appear to be nice to her at first. But later it turned out they had another girlfriend that they were dating in secret. For instance, lets say you're dating me but you're dating Shay as well in secret and I don't know about it. It was like that for Carlay."

"Unbelievable." Judy said sounding annoyed "How did she feel when she found out?"

"Pretty much as you can expect; enraged and sad." Nick replied solemnly "So she ended her relationship with those guys immediately when she found out. The girlfriends of those guys dumped them too, which is considered karma or justice. Carlay told me this when she found that out. Although after I thought about the situation, it seemed as if those guys were trying their luck in dating two women at the same time and it didn't work. But she's been by herself ever since until she dated me. Which could explain why our relationship went too fast."

"What do you mean 'went too fast'?"

"We dated for a month, then she moved her stuff into my apartment and we continued our relationship for another month until you came around." Nick replied "When I told her about us going too fast, she told me about her love life like I just told you. Then she said how I'm this 'once in a life time' kind of guy that anyone would want to be with. Someone who truly loves and cares about you, and would spend a good amount of their time to make you feel special and loved. Also someone who truly loves you for who you are, and not by what you have or what species you are. That's what Carlay said I am apparently."

Judy couldn't help but to make a small smile at that comment. Memories of how Nick treated her with so much love filled her with a lot of joy. Even though they aren't together, those memories still made her smile. But then she thought about the part, Nick said, when she came back so she asked "Nick what happened, between you and Carlay, after I came back?"

"Well when you did, she thought that I was like those morons who had a secret girlfriend while dating her." Nick replied "I went to her to apologize and explain our situation. But that's when she gave me some bad news that happened to her at the time."

Flashback to 1 year and 9 months ago...

Nick felt really bad for what happened with Carlay, two days ago. He knew what she's been through and she now has a bit of a misunderstanding with him and Judy. So he decided to go to her place, which is in Zootopia Central, to explain the truth. He put on his casual clothes, that consisted of a navy blue ZPD training shirt and black sweatpants, and took a bus to her apartment building. When he arrived he entered the complex and made his way to her apartment on the third floor. Along the way he started to contemplate on how to explain the why's and how's of the just friends arrangement to her. He figured he could tell the truth and it would be alright, at least from his point of view. But from another it wouldn't seem that way. He didn't realized it but, during his contemplation he arrived at her apartment. However as he stood there he had a gut feeling that something was wrong. So he took a deep breath and raised his right paw to knock on the door.

"Carlay! It's me Nick." Nick said revealing himself, but didn't get an answer "I came to check on you and see how you are doing."

"I'm fine Nick, go away." Carlay said in a shaky tone.

Nick didn't believe her when she said that she was fine. So he continued pressing as he said "Look I just want to talk to you about me and Judy, and-"

"GO AWAY!" Carlay shouted cutting Nick off.

After she shouted, Nick took a step back from the door. He is stunned at the outburst. The whole time he was with her, in these last two months, she had never shouted at him which made him more surprised. But a few seconds after the initial surprise, he walked back to the door and knocked as he said "Carlay, I'm not going to leave until I talk to you. Please just give a chance to explain myself that is all I'm asking, please."

After the plea, Nick honestly thought to himself that he wasn't going to get that chance. But then he heard the sound of a lock click. Signalling that the door is unlocked and Carlay was about to open the door. However what Nick saw next made his heart and jaw drop. Carlay stood in front of him wearing an oversized t-shirt without pants on, and there were dark circles under her eyes, like she hadn't slept well. But also her fur is unkept and her eyes were puffy red from crying. He was taken aback by her current appearance, with guilt weighing down on her heart, that he blurted out "Woah"

"What?" Carlay asked in a shaky, and angry, tone

"Just,... nevermind." Nick replied unable to answer the question "May I come in please?"

Nick didn't get a response from the vixen. Instead she just opened the door fully allowing him to enter her apartment. But once he entered, he was shocked by the state it. There were take-out containers littered along the floor, a make shift bed with a pillow and duvet on the couch and there is a tub of ice-cream, on the coffee table, that appears to be half eaten. Just seeing the state of the apartment made Nick feel really bad and he was about to apologize to her for what she's going through, after him. But then she beat him to it as she asked, in a shaky harsh tone.

"What do you want Nick?"

"I came to explain my situation with Judy, to you." Nick replied

"What is there to explain when it's obvious." Carlay said as she made her way to her couch and sat down, while she continued "Y'know I thought after all the crap I've been through in my life, I finally find the one. The right guy for me, but turns out that he is just a jackass like everyone else."

"No you got it wrong Carlay." Nick said as he sat down next to her "Look, you thought I was with Judy while I was dating you, you're wrong. I dumped her the same day you and I started to date."

"Why did you dump her?" Carlay asked in disbelief

"She made us both go through this casual arrangement where we act as a couple of good friends in public. Then we would be boyfriend-girlfriend by ourselves. However if someone were to ask one of us out on a date, we had to tell them that we already have someone. But we're not supposed to refer to each other, and I hated that. Because it gives the impression that we are both embarrassed and ashamed to call the other one our mate in public." Nick replied then looked down at the floor "But also, I did the same thing to someone I dated and loved in high school and I regret doing it to them. However I learned from that time and improved on it. I don't want to talk about it by the way."

"Okay." Carlay said respecting Nick's request "But what made Judy decide on this arrangement for you guys?"

"She was concerned about what mammals would say about her if they saw her holding paws with a fox in public." Nick replied in an annoyed tone "I told her it was stupid to be so worried about what others say. Because it would lead her to live a life of misery. But instead of listening to me, she basically told me that if I wasn't happy with it. I had to either back off from her or continue with it because it's the only way that we can be together. Hence why I dumped her that day."

"And after time passed, she realized her mistake and wants to make things right with you." Carlay said after contemplating a moment on their situation.

"That is the case right now." Nick said confirming her assumption "But I made her promise me that, from now on if anything comes up that impacts us both. We would face it together as equals in a relationship, no one-sided decisions. Also we would end the casual arrangement immediately. She agreed with me and we started holding paws in public, which is a good start in the right direction."

"That's good to hear." Carlay said softy "But if that's how you guys were, while dating. How did you get together in the first place?"

"That was complicated." Nick replied "Back then we were a couple of good friends. But one day I realized that I had feelings for her, and I knew that she felt the same way. However when I confessed mine she didn't, instead she said that it was inappropriate and we should stay friends. We spend the next two months arguing about her feelings. Until one day, while we were at work and heading for patrol, I gave her an ultimatum. She either had to confess her feelings or I will request a different partner for work. I didn't like putting her on the spot like that, but I had to. She got angry, of course, but she told the truth. She didn't speak to me for the remainder of that day and the next day. She only spoke to me when I made an attempt for a different partner. We talked the situation over that day and kept our friendship. Then after a week passed we started dating."

"Woah, sounds like this girl cost you a lot of trouble." Carlay said, then with a concerned expression she asked "But is being with her really worth it, if she's done these things to you and will do more intense things in the future?"

"Well, the thing is, I love her so much. I actually see myself getting married to her one day, I even plan to propose to her someday soon." Nick replied while slightly blushing "But before that, we would have to work out our issues with one another. But I hope you understand now the situation I have with Judy, and that you feel a bit better."

"Well I am grateful that you told me all of this Nick." Carlay said "But no I am not feeling better at all and it's because of that." She then pointed to an opened envelope on the coffee table next to the tub of ice-cream.

"What is it?" Nick asked while he looked at what she is pointing at

"You can read it if you want." Carlay said as she looked down at the floor in sadness. While she heard Nick getting up from the sofa to retrieve the envelope.

When he got it, he noticed he picked up a folded letter with it. He realized that it was what Carlay was referring to. He set the envelope back on the coffee table, then he unfolded the letter and began to read it.

Dear Carlay

I, your family attorny, regret to inform you that your mother Carmelita has died

two days ago due to cancer in her lungs. According to her doctors, she had

cancer for the past couple of years. But it spread to her brain fairly recently.

Please reach out to me so that we can discuss her will.

Yours sincerely,

Charles.

After reading the letter, Nick realized why Carlay is upset right now. Her mother passed away the same day they broke up. He felt even more terrible than when he first came here. He looked back to see Carlay still looking down at the floor. Nick then set the letter back down on the coffee table then went down on his knee and held her paw, to get her attention, as he said

"I am so sorry Carlay, my condolences." Carlay didn't look up at him, so he continued "Is there anything I can do for you?"

Carlay didn't say anything to him again, when he asked her that question. Instead her apartment went silent for a couple of seconds. Then the silence was broken when Carlay said suddenly, and in a harsh tone "I wish I wasn't born at all."

"What?!" Nick asked in shock, causing Carlay to retrieve her paw and get up from the sofa and walk away from him for a few steps before turning back to him.

"My whole life has been nothing but hardships and heartaches, Nick." Carlay said as tears started to form in her eyes "I mean, my own father left me and my mom before I was born. My mom worked two jobs around the clock so we could have enough money to put food on the table. I never had any friends growing up, and when I try to make friends. I get chased away for no reason other than my species. Then I have these bastards of guys who use me for no other reason but for sex. Now the perfect guy that I longed for is gone because I drove him away. But I thought that he was just like those bastards I dated. When in truth he is still the same perfect guy I've been dreaming of for years. Now my mom died, and I feel all alone." After Carlay explained how she felt, the tears that formed in her eyes started to stream down her face.

Carlay didn't realize it yet, but during her explanation Nick got up and made his way towards her. Then he stood in front of her as she continued. While she was busy sobbing, he placed his left paw on her cheek and gently brought her head up to him, getting her to open her eyes to him. Then he held her paw and gave it a gentle squeeze as he said "You're not alone Carlay, I'm still here."

"Yeah but we're not together." Carlay said as she looked away from Nick, while pouting "You're just here to set the record straight about you and Judy."

"So what if we're not dating? It doesn't mean we can't be friends." Nick said causing Carlay to look back at him "I dated two mammals at different times in my life. The relationship is over, but I'm still close friends with both of them. Which you and I can be if you want."

"*sniff* I guess we could be friends." Carlay said with a small smile.

"But on the matter of what you said about me being the perfect guy in a relationship, I'm not Carlay." Nick said as he wiped her eyes from the tears "I'm not perfect, nobody in life is. But it's the imperfections of both mammals in the relationship that makes it work. Like me with Judy, for the most part. But for you, someday the 'perfect mammal' that you wanted will come before you know it."

"Well if that's the case, Judy is an idiot for breaking up with you." Carlay said in a serious tone "Or even doing anything bad to you."

"Okay, I both agree and am against you calling Judy an idiot." Nick said "She's a mammal, like all of us. But what can make us all better mammals is to recognize and acknowledge our mistakes. Then learn and improve on them, just like she is doing with her 'casual arrangement' for us. She realized how terrible it was and dropped it for good."

"I guess that's true." Carlay said agreeing with him

"Um Carlay, what I'm about to ask might be considered a bit touchy for you." Nick said nervously "Are you going to try to contact your dad and tell him about what happened to your mom?"

"You're right that was a touchy question to ask me." Carlay shouted in an angry tone as she backed away from Nick "And no, I'm not going to contact that bastard!"

"Woah what's going on?" Nick asked calmly while raising his paws to try to calm Carlay down.

"I'll tell you Nick." Carlay said in a harsh tone "Sometime after high school I found out that he remarried a vixen. She's the same vixen he cheated on my mom with years ago, they've been together since. Now they have two kids, they're both boys and they are around 6 and 8 years old. I was at a store and I recognized him from the pictures my mom showed me when I was little. That's how I saw him, then I saw his new family."

Nick is shocked at the news Carlay just gave him. He couldn't help but feel anger slowly building up in himself. He wanted to beat up Carlays dad for leaving her and her mother alone. Then replacing them with someone else. But he figured that anyone in a situation like this would feel broken on the inside. Like how Carlay must feel now, he knew because he saw that she's busy fighting back tears that are threatening to stream down her face. After a brief moment, where he took a deep breath, he said in a sympathetic tone "Carlay, I'm sorry for bringing up your father. I didn't know what he did."

"It's fine, I didn't tell you yet." Carlay said while looking down "And I'm sorry for yelling at you."

"It's okay, Carlay." Nick said reassuring her. Then after a second, and seeing a bit of tears forming in her eyes, he said "Um do you want me to do anything for you about, y'know?" Nick then motioned to the letter on the coffee table about her moms death.

"Just a hug please?" Carlay asked in a shaky tone.

"Come here you pretty vixen." Nick replied in a warm tone while opening his arms for a hug. Carlay then rushed into his arms and started to sob while Nick patted her on her back "There there, things will get better for you. Before you know it."

End of Flashback...

This is the end of part 1. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE Review

And special thanks to Camoss for his input on this part of the chapter

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