12: Amanda
XxX
AN: I know that all of my loyal fans have pretty much given me up for dead by now, but I can assure you that I'm not! While not 100%, I'm at least better than I have been for the past year. Please enjoy this chapter that is a bit longer than the last few as a but of reward for the wait.
XxX
After another session of 'marital exercise' Judy calls her mother on MuzzleTime while Nick fixes supper.
"Hey mom."
"Judy? I hate to keep asking, but is anything wrong?"
"Of course not. Nick and I were wondering when would be the best time for us to come to Bunnyburrow? I want Nick to see the burrow and visit the town, and I need to visit with Debra for a few minutes."
"I was actually going to go to Zootopia tomorrow, I have an appointment with the lawyers that Nick suggested. I need to straighten this business with the farm out as soon as possible you know. And why do you need to see Debra? You're not injured, are you?"
"Not like you're probably thinking mom, I need to have an IUD removed. Nick and I are on medications to help keep me from getting pregnant and I want the device removed…"
"It's the knot thing, isn't it?"
"MOM!"
"Judy please. I may be your mother, but I'm not uneducated as to things like that. I was young once too you know."
"Mom, did you… you know!"
"No dear, but it doesn't mean I hadn't done my research. My only question is … whose idea is the knotting, yours or Nick's?"
"Mine if you must know!"
"Don't be so defensive Judy, I was merely asking. I know that Nick would never do anything intentional to injure you, I was simply being curious."
"Sorry. We went to an interspecies vet earlier who happened to be an old acquaintance of Nick's … it didn't start off too well, but ended up being … ok I guess."
"And?"
"We both need to be on some meds three to four days before I can safely remove the IUD and not have to worry about getting pregnant."
"Any side effects from the drugs?"
"How did she put it? … 'Genital soreness' I think?"
Seeing her mother's questioning stare, she quickly added "Due to the knotting mom … sheese!"
"Aaaanyway, my appointment at the lawyers is at eleven. I was about to call you when you called."
"Yeah, I'd imagine we'd need to be there. If everything goes well, we'll need to give you the front money for the taxes and such, and to pay the lawyer's fees." says Nick as he enters the conversation, setting the hastily prepared braised vegetables on the table.
"Hey Nick!" says Bonnie.
"Hey … mom…"
Seeing the wistful smile on Bonnie's face was enough for Nick to know that she had meant every word earlier.
"And what are your plans for the rest of the day?" asks Bonnie with a knowing smirk.
"MOM!"
"What? You're newlyweds, it's a relevant question."
"Hopefully some rest" answers a hopeful Judy "we just got finished … exercising … before I called."
"All right then, I'll meet you two at your place around ten tomorrow, we can go to the lawyers from there, ok?"
"Sounds good" replies Nick, "see you then."
"Bye, and behave…" as Bonnie hangs up.
"You heard mom, you need to beh- EEEPP!" as Nick sends a claw gently through Judy's sensitive tail.
"Damn it Nick, that's not fair and you -mmmmmmmm" as her complaint is smothered with a passionate kiss.
After a final set of 'exercises', Nick and Judy finally manage to get at least some of the 'newly married' passion out of the way and manage to sleep in until around eight am (not counting a late-night visit to the bathroom each).
…
With Bonnie arriving promptly at the planned ten am meeting time the next day, all three mammals set out for the law firm of Dewie, Cheetum & Howe.
Promptly ushered into a meeting room at the lawyer's office, Nick, Judy and Bonnie are introduced to Duane Snowden an artic hare.
After nearly three hours of discussion, Hopps Family Farms® is a dually registered LLC, with Bonnie as major stockholder and Nick and Judy as contributing partners with a limited one percent interest in the company.
…
Exiting the lawyer's office, Bonnie has some slight misgivings "Nick, are you sure that you two are alright with the money you laid out? I mean five million dollars is a lot of money! And the fees! My lands, thirty thousand dollars for three hours seems like an awful lot to me!"
"Ok. Look mom" (again Nick gets the misty-eyed gaze from his mother-in-law) "we can easily afford the capital outlay. You needed the three and a half million to satisfy the tax burden and the other one and a half is to be used as operating expenses until your new tax accountant can get your income and outgo figured out. Besides, the thirty-thousand-dollar attorney's fees can come off the top of this year's taxes as a write-off."
Tearing up slightly, Bonnie simply gives Nick a patented Hopps hug, with the sound of his vertebra cracking as a warning to her to ease up a bit.
"Sorry Nick."
"It's ok. After last night, I really kinda needed-"
"NICK! … unless you want to sleep alone on the sofa tonight…"
Grinning like fool, Nick kisses his bride between the ears "Relax Fluff, I was just pulling your ears."
"Oh no, after last night you're not doing that ag-"
"Judy?" interrupts Bonnie.
"Never mind mom! … Just … don't ask … please."
"Ummm, ok. Change of subject, how about a late lunch? I could really use something to eat about now."
"Ok, fine by me." answers a relieved Judy.
"There's a nice place near here that serves great pizza and just about anything you'd care to drink." offers Nick.
…
Entering the Icehouse Bar and Grill, Bonnie and Judy are impressed with the rustic atmosphere and down to earth menu.
"This is nice. Do you come here often Nick?"
"I used to quite often, but haven't had the opportunity for a while, been kinda busy lately."
Seeing his new wife's ears begin to droop, Nick hastily adds "I'm not complaining, it's just been a busy time … dealing with Stu, getting married, dealing with your little issue with the farm and all."
Looking straight at Judy "When things calm down a bit, we can make a regular habit of coming here like on a date night if you'd like."
"That…. That would really be nice, thanks." she answers.
After ordering a veggie supreme with iced tea for the does, and a BBQ chicken and red beer for himself, the conversation naturally turns to the couple's future plans.
'So" asks Bonnie "what are your plans now?"
Well" begins Nick "I thought we'd spend a few days in Bunnyburrow. You know, for me to get to know your family a bit-"
"And to get this … thing out of me so we can properly finalize our vows." adds Judy.
"Yea, that too."
"And then?" asks Bonnie.
"We, that is I, need to talk to dad one last time" sadly admits Judy "before we go on vacation."
"Vacation?"
"I call it an extended honeymoon, but since Judy has never seemed to had a vacation in her lifetime-"
"Har-har…"
"I thought that a trip to maybe Bearmuda or camping in the mountains would be nice … to get away from so called civilization for a while would be nice."
"That sounds lovely. Let me go home and get a guest room ready for you two, something with say … thicker walls? And let the rest of the fluffle know that Nick will be staying, so as not to frighten some of the younger kits and set some of the older one's minds at ease. And maybe find some way to occupy Pop-Pop…"
"Now that would really be helpful." agrees Judy.
"Pop-Pop?"
"My soon to be former husband's father. Where do you think Stu got a lot of his hatred of foxes from?" says Bonnie sadly.
"Foxes are red 'cause they're made by the devil!" quotes Judy in a voice somewhere between baritone and bass (complete with air quotes), quite an accomplishment for a bunny doe.
"Ok, I get the picture." says a grinning Nick, almost laughing at Judy's attempt to mimic her grandfather.
The brief ride back to Nick and Judy's place consisted mainly of Judy and Bonnie sharing ideas of how to let the Fluffle know about Nick and how to get rid of Pop-Pop for a few days.
…
"I really need to get back before it gets too late" says Bonnie when Judy asks if she'd like to stay for supper "I'm sure the fluffle is in an uproar as it is, what with your father gone and all."
"Mom-"
"I'm not blaming anyone but him bun-bun. What he did to you and probably more of our kits is totally unforgiveable. I have an appointment with judge Bean on Friday to see about doing something about doc Brownpaw as well. He at least should have known better…"
"Well ok …"
"Now that I think of it" interrupts Nick "maaaybe we should visit your dad before we go to Bunnyburrow."
Seeing the questioning looks coming from his new wife and mother-in-law, Nick continues. "It really doesn't make much sense to drive all the way to Bunnyburrow, only to come back to Zootopia and then leave on vacation. Judy can visit her dad, then we can go to Bunnyburrow and go on vacation from there. It saves time and money."
"You're not going?" asks Bonnie.
"Why would he want to see me? More importantly, why would I want to see him? You do remember that he tried to kill me, right? I don't wanna seem mean but being in the same building waiting for Judy to talk to him is a bit uncomfortable enough for me. I'll definitely take Judy to the prison, but …"
"Since you put it that way, I understand." says Bonnie.
Walking Bonnie out to her truck, Nick gives her a few words of caution "Bon - mom, take care going home, it looks like a mean storm brewing. You should be able to stay ahead of it, but be sure to call us when you get home … just so we know you got there safe and sound."
"I will Nick, I promise."
Just as she started to back out of the drive Nick shouts "And spend some of that extra money on a new truck … or two…"
Waving in acknowledgement that she heard, Bonnie heads home.
Turning to go into the house, Nick sees Judy in tears!
"Judy?"
Launching herself into her husband's arms, she comments softly "Not to worry Nick, they're happy tears."
"Well then, what say we grab some snacks and sit in the swing and watch the storm for a bit?"
After making some cheese bites and a pitcher of red beer (Judy finally decided to try some) Nick and Judy settle on the porch swing to watch the rain storm,
Beginning as a gentle rainfall, the storm quickly grew with wind driven rain coming down in sheets. Deciding to move their little watch party to the screened-in portion of the porch, they settled on the lion sized chaise lounge to watch the building storm.
When a bolt of lightning strikes a tree just a half-block away, Judy decided that enough was enough and it was time to call it a night.
Just as they were headed to bed, Judy received a text from Bonnie informing her-them that she had arrived home safely, just ahead of the storm.
…
Waking around sunrise, Judy lets out a tremendous yawn. Peeking out of the covers and spying Nick staring at her with a look that was part tender grin and part smirk, Judy is uncharacteristically a bit peeved.
"Nick, PLEASE don't call me cute this early in the morning."
His smile slowly turning into a look of sadness, Nick remarks "I was going to tell you how beautiful you look, and how every time I look at you I love you more … but … just … never mind" and slips from the bed, then enters the bathroom, closing the door which he has never done since they've been married.
Totally shocked, a tearful Judy sits and berates herself "I gave him permission to call me cute anytime we're not in public …"
Slipping out of bed herself, Judy pads quietly to the bathroom door and knocks gently. "Nick … Nick, can I come in?"
"Suit yourself, it's your house after all…" comes the quiet reply.
With no snark and only sadness in his voice, Judy knows that this has cut much deeper than she first thought.
Slowly opening the bathroom door, Judy sees Nick sitting on the toilet (lid down) with his head buried in his paws, tears dripping on the floor.
"Oh Nick…"
Cautiously approaching the heartbroken todd, Judy kneels in front of him, taking one of his larger paws in both of her much smaller paws.
"Nick I – I'm so sorry. I can't believe I went there, especially after giving you permission to call me cute. I know that it's a term of endearment and not a put dow-"
"What's the real reason Judy?" he asks softly "There's been something eating at you since last night. Please, let me in … tell me what it is."
"I don't know!" comes the tearful response….
"Ok … let's get something to eat so we can work on finding out what's got you so messed up."
[SIGH] "Fine …"
Thinking as the couple head to the kitchen so Nick can make some breakfast, Nick has a quick thought.
"Do you suppose that it has to do with me not wanting to go with you to physically see your dad?"
"I don't know … maybe?"
"If I agree to go into the visitation area with you would that make you happy?"
"….. I suppose it's worth a shot. Thanks…"
"Don't thank me just yet, I have one condition."
"And that is?"
"If the whole thing goes south, I can go sit in the waiting area for the duration and get no grief from you. With that I promise to not antagonize your dad just so I can leave. Deal?"
"…. Deal."
"Now that that's out of the way … strawberry or blueberry pancakes?"
"Strawberry please."
…
As they finish breakfast and Nick is doing the dishes, his phone rings.
"Finn? What's up dude, I ain't talked to ya in a while mammal!"
"I wonder why! You ain't had time fer me since ya hooked back up wit da bunny cop."
"Yeah well it's kinda complicated…"
"So uncomplicate it."
"Fine. If you want the short version, we worked everything out and we got married."
"WHAT?"
"Chill Finn, I haven't even told you the interesting part yet."
"Which is what?"
"Judy's dad was not only pissed, he tried to shoot me with a shotgun and almost killed her instead!"
"You'se shittin' me!"
"Nope, I wish I was."
"And her dad is …?"
"Sitting in jail as we speak. We're going to go see him probably on Friday, then spend a few days in Bunnyburrow. After that it's an extended vacation, honeymoon, whatever."
"You ain't fergittin' what Thursday is are ya?"
"…"
"Damn it Wilde, you ain't fergot about Amanda already has ya?"
"Shit Finn, in the excitement I guess I did. Sorry."
"Nuthin hurt I guess, but we still gots a problem."
"What?"
"Angelina is out of the country and won't make it back in time fer our little get together. You ain't gonna bail on me too are ya?"
"Of course not."
"So what are we gonna do fer a third member?"
After a moment's thought, Nick thinks he might have a solution "Let me call you back in a few, I may have an idea."
"Ok, but don't take all day, we ain't got a lotta time."
"I know already. Just trust me, ok?"
"Don't disappoint me Wilde…"
"I'll let you know in a few minutes ok?"
"Fine."
…
Setting his phone on the kitchen table after Finn terminates the call, Nick turns to his thoroughly confused mate.
"Ok. Explanation … several years ago, Finn was going with this really nice sand fox vixen. They were planning on getting married and settling down, raising kits, the whole ball of yarn."
"And … what happened?"
"One night after a gig, she was walking back to their shared apartment when she was brutally raped and murdered by a couple of young coyote pups. Since she was a fox, the cops only did enough investigating to make it look like they did their job. That's one reason that Finn dislikes the cops so much."
"So, she was a singer?"
"Yeah, a really good one too. They met in a nightclub that Finn was bouncing at."
"So, what's with the deal on Thursday?"
"Thursday will mark the five-year anniversary of her death. Finn, Amanda's sister Angelina and I always meet and sing an old country song that Amanda loved every year."
"And?"
"With Amada's sister out of the picture this year I thought that maybe you might be interested in being our third member."
"Nick, I've never listened to any country or any kind of music growing up, I was too busy focusing on becoming a cop. I've never tried to sing and am most likely terrible at it!"
"Fluff, none of us are worth a damn, but that's not the point."
"And the point is?"
"The point is that we're honoring Amanda's memory. I thought that since Finn helped you find me, not once but twice, that you might be grateful enough to lend a paw. It's only one song and we've got two days for you to learn it. Besides, as small as your part is, you'll probably be able to learn it in a minute or two."
"Nick, I'm not opposed to it, I just needed to find out what was up!"
"Ok, sorry. So, you'll do it?"
"Of course I will. As long as Finn's fine with it, I'll be happy to join you."
"Thanks Fluff." as Nick gives his bunny a big hug.
Picking up his phone, Nick quickly calls Finn back.
"Yeah, Finn? Listen, I found our third member."
"That quick? Who?"
"Judy…"
"Bunny cop? Really?"
"C'mon Finn, she's -"
"I got no problem with bunny cop so ease up Wilde."
"We're going to set everything up in the house Finn."
"Yer old house? Since when?"
"Since I'm selling the warehouse. Judy and I moved to the house so we'd both be more comfortable."
Hearing nothing but silence, Nick continues "Thanks to Judy I've made peace with my past … most of it anyways. We went and visited mom and dad, and she helped me to be able to get over my dread of going back to the house."
"All right, I'll be there on Thursday at five o'clock. What'll I need ta bring?"
"Just your guitar. We'll get the sound stuff from the warehouse and have it set up and ready to go."
"See ya then."
And with that, Finn hung up.
…
"So?" asks Judy "Now what?"
"I guess we'll need to go get the rest of my stuff that we'll be using or I don't want to go with the property from the warehouse. There isn't much and we can easily store it in the basement when we aren't using it."
"Well then, let's go get at it and be done with it. I want to do the best job I can, especially for Finn."
"That's the spirit…"
After a quick trip to the warehouse in Judy's pickup to retrieve Nicks instruments and sound gear, the pair found that the gear that they would use in a few days took up a sizeable amount of space in their living room.
"Are you sure we need all of this for one song?" asks Judy, questioning the need for the soundboard and extra microphones and speakers.
Looking over what basically amounts to a studio set-up, Nick has to agree that it's all a bit much for just their living room.
"Ok, maybe I got a bit carried away. We've always done this in the warehouse, so we actually needed the equipment just to make it sound right. I guess we can make do with just a smaller soundboard, two smaller guitar amps and three mics and a single speaker set up for the vocals. Thanks Fluff…"
"No problem. Why don't you carry the extra stuff down into the basement while I make something for supper. How does a nice hash brown casserole sound? We can practice a bit afterwards."
"The casserole sounds great, just throw a few French-fried onions on top this time please and I'll be happy."
After practicing the one song several times with Nick doing Finn's bit, they called it quits for the day.
…
After a (finally) restful night's sleep, Nick and Judy are up and discussing the day's plans at breakfast.
"So. What're the plans for today?" asks Judy.
"I got a stray thought last night, and-"
"You didn't hurt yourself or anything did you?"
Har, har… actually, quite the opposite. Finish your cereal and follow me."
After putting her bowl in the sink, Judy follows Nick down into the basement.
"Ok, so what's your big idea?"
"What if we hired someone to come down here and completely finish the basement?"
"From what I can see, it's pretty much finished now."
"Not just here, but back here as well." Says Nick as he opens the small door that divides the main part of the basement from what Judy sees as a totally unfinished portion.
"And you'd want to do that … why?"
"We can move all of the sound equipment in what's now the unfinished part and make it a sort of practice area so we don't have to drag amps and instruments up and everything else and down the steps all the time when we want to play."
"So, you'd teach me to play if I wanted to learn?"
"Of course, why wouldn't I?"
"I'll think about learning, but I do like the idea for a sort of studio down here."
"I know a few mammals-"
"Of course you do."
"Who do that sort of stuff for a living" he continues without missing a beat "that just happen to owe me a favor or two. I can call in the favors and have the work done while we're at your fol-mom's place and on our honeymoon."
"And you trust these mammals?"
"I'll just ask Finn to drop by once or twice to keep an eye on them while they're working. Nobody is dumb enough to mess with Finn. I'll ask him about it tomorrow when he comes over."
"Sounds like a plan. Back to my original question, what now?"
"Give me a few minutes to make a couple of calls. I think I can get the construction mammals to stop by today or first thing tomorrow so we can plan out just what we want."
"Fine. In the meantime, I'm gonna start packing for our trip."
"We won't need much since we can buy what we need once we get to where we're going."
"Which is where … exactly? We never did really discuss our destination after all."
"I don't know yet. We can pick a few spots once we get to your mom's place."
Rolling her eyes, Judy heads back upstairs while Nick makes his phone calls.
After several minutes (more like 45 minutes) Nick rejoins his wife in the kitchen where she's having a nice cup of chamomile tea.
"All set. Johnny will be here just after lunch and we can start planning the setup."
"And in the meantime?"
"I know that we both need a break from … you know, so I thought we could start going through the stuff in the basement. Throw out what's not needed or wanted and bring the rest upstairs. I think we can store what we're going to keep in the spare bedrooms upstairs until the construction is finished."
"That'll work."
…
After spending most of the rest of the morning sorting through everything in the basement, a quick lunch of leftovers in the fridge left them just enough time to take a short breather before there was a knock at the front door.
Knowing who to expect, Nick isn't the least bit surprised when he sees a silver fox at the door.
"Ronnie, good to see you again mammal!"
"Wilde. I never expected to see or hear from you again. Kida lost track of ya after your parents and all."
"Yeah, I know, but thanks to a certain bunny I know I've managed to work my way past that."
Spying Judy sitting at the kitchen table, the silver fox freezes.
"Umm, Nick, you know who the bunny is, right?"
"Of course I do, she's my wife. And we're well past the stuff that she said at that stupid press conference. In fact, I helped her bring down Bellwether and her cronies, so … are you and I good or not?"
"She brought down the ewe?"
"Yup, and then promptly resigned from the force. She's not a cop anymore, so there ain't no worries there … right?"
Taking another look at the doe, who is now wearing a bit of a forlorn expression because of the direction that the conversation unexpectedly took, the fox decided that he'd leave well enough alone. Besides he needed the work. "Yeah, we're good."
"Great. Now, I told you over the phone what we were wanting, so let's all go down in the basement and see what we can figure out, ok?"
As Nick and Ronnie head towards the back porch, Nick asks "You coming Fluff? I want your input on this too, it's your home as well as mine ya know. Look, I know that the conversation sucked, and if he can't get over it I'll look for someone else."
"No, it's … I mean I'm gonna be ok I guess. everyone gets a second chance, right?"
"That's the spirit, c'mon."
…
After some time of talking out plans about what they wanted and expected for the larger room, the three mammals head back upstairs.
"Look, Mrs. Wilde, I apologize for earlier. I had no idea that you were set up at the press conference, and had no idea the you and Nick were instrumental in bringing down Bellwether and her bunch. I'm deeply sorry."
"It – it's Judy, ok? And all is forgiven, everyone deserves a second chance, Nick taught me that. I hurt him terribly with that stupid conference, and yet he forgave me, so I have no problem forgiving you. we're good."
"Anyway" interrupts Nick "you know what we want, so how about a ballpark figure on the cost."
"Let's see … excavation of the unfinished room, forming and pouring new walls, subbing out the electrical, paneling and soundproofing the room … how big of a hurry are you in for completion?"
"Two, maybe three weeks" says Nick.
"It's gonna be awfully noisy, what with all of the equipment and all."
"No problem there, we're gonna be heading to Bunnyburrow on Friday and won't be back for a bit … extended honeymoon and all." returns a smirking Nick.
"Newlyweds huh? Well, then congratulations."
"Thanks" replies a slightly blushing Judy.
"I guess that ten thousand should about cover everything." says Ronnie.
Stop by tomorrow morning and I'll give you half, and Finn will give you the other half when you're finished if we don't get home first," answers Nick.
"Done deal then. W can start bright and early on Monday morning."
"The door to the back porch will be unlocked for you and the key will be hanging on a peg inside the door. Just be sure to lock it every day when you leave."
"Works for me. I guess I'll be leaving now, it's been a pleasure Nick … Mrs. Wilde/"
"It's Judy, Ronnie."
"Judy then."
…
Watching Ronnie leave, Nick turns to Judy "Well, how about an early supper then some popcorn and a bad movie to finish off the night?"
"Sounds good. You cooking?
"Depends. How does stuffed cabbage sound?"
"Sounds great. You get started cooking and I'll tidy up the living room so there's less to do tomorrow/"
After a light meal, popcorn and soda while (sort of) watching 'Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure' our favorite couple manage to fall asleep on the couch. Somewhere around 11:30 pm they manage to wake up long enough to stumble to their bed where a sound sleep catches them both.
…
Waking uncharacteristically late, Judy smells pancakes cooking.
After answering nature's call, she hastily throws on one of Nick's old t-shirts to more or less cover herself and makes her way to the kitchen.
"Hey there sleepy bun." says Nick, catching sight of her out of the corner of his eye.
"Mornin'…'" comes the still half-awake reply.
"Strawberry pancakes, toast and juice ok this morning?"
"I guess …"
"Ok, Fluff, what's up? You never sleep this late and your attitude could use a little work."
"I … dreamt about dad last night!"
"Really? Wanna talk about it?"
"Yeah … no … I don't know. it's just … weird?"
"Why weird?"
"I saw him shoot me. I watched him pull the trigger. But … it was like in the old cartoons, where the mammal shoots a gun and a little sign pops out that says 'BANG' along with some confetti instead of buckshot. And then he just stood there yelling 'SURPRISE'!"
"Nervous about tomorrow?"
"Probably."
"After breakfast, lets get a good shower and do some grocery shopping. We need a few vittles and maybe a quick stop by a liquor store to get something for this afternoon. Finn's gonna need a shot of something before it's all said and done. Then a quick practice and it'll be time for the little pain in the butt to show up."
With the shower getting a bit more 'involved' than originally planned, it's no surprise that they were later getting started than they intended.
…
After doing a bit of grocery shopping (enough for just a couple of days) and a trip to Liquor Planet for a few spirits for the three of them (Jack Black for Finn, Gentlemammal Jack for Nick and some strawberry wine for Judy) our favorite mammals returned home for a quick lunch of grilled cheese sandwiches and sweet tea.
While getting ready to practice for the upcoming 'performance' Judy notices Nick typing away on his phone.
"Nick?"
"Yeah?"
"What's up with the phone?"
"Just making sure that Finn's gonna be here on time, nothing to worry about. In fact, it looks like he's gonna get here a bit early, so we're good!"
Forty-five minutes later, just as Nick and Judy are ready to call it quits for their practice, Finn pulls up into the driveway with his noisy, broken down van.
"Right on time!" comments Nick.
As Finnick comes to the front door with guitar in paw, Judy holds the door open for him.
"Thanks bunny cop."
"Finn, I'm not a cop anymore, so you can stop trying to insult me."
"You ain't? When did dat happen?"
"Just after I busted Bellwether, with Nick's help of course. The speciest attitude around the precinct was more than I could tolerate so I turned in my badge a second time. This time for good."
"Well just damn."
"If you two are done flirtin', let's get this little shindig started!" interrupts Nick.
While Finn plugs in his guitar (a classic '57 Fender P-Bass) Nick does one final mic check and the trio is almost set to go.
After Nick paws Finn two half-filled glasses of Jack Black (one for Finn and the other for his deceased fiancé), Nick places a glass of Gentlemammal Jack and a glass of wine for Judy on the small end table within easy reach of both mammals, Finn begins to play. With Nick playing rhythm and he and Judy supporting with back-up vocals, Finn manages a very emotional rendition of 'Amanda' by Waylon Jennings.
As the mammals finish the song, Finn reaches and down his glass of whiskey, and Nick and Judy each sip on theirs.
Knowing that words would seem more like pity that condolences, Judy simply steps up and catches Finn in a tight, heartfelt hug.
"Before we finish up here" announces Nick after Judy releases Finn and steps back "I have a special song that I feel that I need to do for the love of my life, one Judith Laverne Wilde.
"Nick?"
"Judy, when I stormed out of the press conference, I was so miserable. I was such a mess that I lost all ambition, I couldn't hustle, I barely was able to eat or sleep. I knew I'd messed up and was afraid I'd never see you again, so I want to dedicate this particular song to you. in all honesty, it's what I called Finn for earlier so he'd be able to remember the riffs. Anyway, here we go…"
As Judy listens to the heartfelt song that Nick and Finn were playing and singing, Judy was struck by several of the lines in the song. As the phrase 'I keep lookin' for a feeling that I lost when I lost you' repeats throughout the song, Judy realizes the damage that she had unknowingly done to Nick with her thoughtlessness at the press conference. She then realized how much it took for him to forgive her, then to make her his wife, especially with all of the love and attention that he's showered on her since then.
"Ni- … Nick… what … how-"
"The song is another Waylon Jennings song called 'Lookin' For A Feeling'" interrupts a still emotional Nick. "It came up once when I was listening to one of Finn's CD's because it's on the same CD as Amanda. That's when I realized for sure that I'd messed up the only good thing I'd ever had in my life. But it was hard to take you back that first time you found me under the bridge because I – I didn't want to be hurt again. After he relayed your message there was no way I couldn't take the chance. I had to at least try."
"You precious, precious fox" admits Judy as she leans in and kisses her husband gently "you make such a sweet apology for something that I screwed up. I promise to forgive you if you'll forgive me."
"Deal." And Nick leans in and gives his bride a passionate kiss in return.
"Awlrite you two" interrupts Finn. "Tanks fer da help an da booze, but I'm gonna split before I get sick. An' … thanks Hopps, I really appreciate dat ya helped on this, ok?"
With a soft smile, Judy returns the complement "You're welcome Finn, and you know that my first name's Judy."
"I know, but since I can't call ya 'bunny cop' no more, I gots ta throw sumthin' at ya."
"it's ok Finn, I understand. And you can take the rest of the Jack with you when you leave if you want."
"Nah, I'll leave it here in case I drop by some time."
"Suit yourself. Take care fin."
Watching Finn back out of the driveway, Judy remarks "He really is a good friend with a good heart isn't he?"
"Yeah. Losing Amanda hit him hard. The van was a gift to him from her, that's why he's been hanging on to it."
"How about we leave the sound stuff as is and discuss our weekend plans … upstairs … after another long hot … shower?"
"I thought you'd never ask."
XxX
AN : Updates will be forthcoming for this story and for 'Life Is A Highway' as irregularly as usual, only probably more so. I'll need to go back over 'Life' to get my head back into the story so I don't mess something up (which I probably will anyway). I also have a new short story in the works which will deal with the ongoing issue of human (or in this case mammal) sex trafficking, so stay tuned for that. I'll publish that when I finish it. while it's going to be a bit dark, there will not be any smut, so anyone hoping for that is going to be disappointed. Sorry, not sorry.
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