Chapter 6

The following morning, Nick called up Mr. Big and let him know that the job was done. Obviously he got positive feedback since Nick was always one to get results. And the gratitude extended to Judy as well, along with an actual position in his organization. Of course, they still had to work out a cover career for her since she was no longer working at that bar anymore. But that was a thought for the future because right now, they were on their way to visit Judy's family.

Judy almost immediately hopped out of the car, no pun intended though appreciated, but stopped once she noticed that Nick hadn't even unbuckled his seatbelt. It threw her off for a second since Nick wasn't really one to be nervous when meeting new people, at least based on what she noticed. She looked to her boyfriend, who seemed to be simply waiting patiently, and asked, "Aren't you coming?"

Nick shrugged, "Only if you want me to."

Figures that he was pulling out whatever charm he has for this. It was obvious to Judy that he was trying to show how much of a saint he could be, even though he was anything but. That didn't mean that Judy didn't find it odd that he was testing his charisma on her, if that was what he was even doing. Maybe he was simply being polite and respectful towards her. Or maybe he was expecting Judy to need more time to think through her life. After all, she did just kill another mammal whom she'd known almost all her life.

Judy simply gave an amused grin and opened the door on her side, saying, "Just come on."

The pair left the car, and began approaching the house that Judy once called home. It was rather large compared to what Nick was expecting, though he did imagine that it would be good sized. Seemed more than large enough to house the three hundred siblings that Judy mentioned once. But those were thoughts for another time. Right now, his main thoughts were getting the Hopps parents to like him.

They were just about to knock when Judy's dad, Stu, had opened the door. He clearly wasn't expecting Judy to be at his front porch based on the greeting he gave her. The first thing he did was give her a large hug when he first saw her.

"Hey Jude the du-" he began to say as he was hugging his daughter. Then his eyes spotted Nick and he stopped his little greeting with a question, "Who is this?"

After Stu's attention shifted to Nick, Judy noticed her mom Bonnie exiting the house to join them. She had pretty much given the same greeting that Stu gave. Though she was a little more cautious when she noticed Nick approaching. A few of the older kids behind her were still deciding what to do as far as saying hello. Seeing no real way out of this potentially awkward moment, Judy decided to get introductions out of the way, "Mom, dad, this is Nick. He's my new boyfriend."

Nick smiled pleasantly and calmly extended a paw towards the parents, saying, "Pleasure to meet you Mr., and Mrs. Hopps."

"Yeah. I'm sure," Stu replied as he cautiously shook the paw extended to him.

"Dad, it's okay," Judy interjected, "In fact, we have some great news."

Stu and Bonnie began leading Judy inside to continue the conversation. Nick, however, was standing out the door. Before he walked in, he asked, "May I enter as well?"

"Certainly dear," Bonnie answered as she led him in.

For a second, Nick was worried that the ceiling would be too low for him since it was a rabbit house. Instead, he had a good amount of space between the ceiling and his own head. Even with his ears fully extended, he couldn't touch the ceiling. However, he didn't have a lot of time to think about how big the house was. Especially when Stu began chatting with Nick, "You're actually more polite than most foxes we met."

As they were talking, Bonnie walked towards the kitchen to make tea. Stu, Nick, And Judy all sat down in the living room and continued speaking.

"My mother taught me to be kind to everyone," Nick said still maintaining his polite demeanor, "And I was informed on the cruel fox resident here."

"Gideon," Judy muttered under her breath with venom dripping from her voice.

Nick continued his statement, "Anyway, I learned of your financial issues and I'm happy to provide wonderful news."

Bonnie walked into the living room with the tea, and asked, "What do you mean?"

"Well, I spoke with my financial backer for my business," Nick explained, "He was willing to absolve you of all financial debt."

Bonnie almost dropped the tea on the floor at the statement. Stu was still in disbelief like he was expecting Nick to say that something worse will happen to them. But they could see that Nick's smile was genuine, as well as the grin on their daughter's face. Both parents looked as if they were finally seeing the light at the end of the darkest tunnel ever. There was actually silent for about 10 seconds before Stu asked, "Are you serious?"

Nick nodded, "Absolutely. We spoke to Gideon's company and informed his superiors of what he had been doing. And he was terminated of his employment."

It was after Nick said this that Stu began to tell the fox the full story. Nick knew that Judy had suffered abuse at the hands of Gideon. What he didn't know was how far it had actually gone until today when Stu began explaining. Nick was more than aware that not all scars were physical, and Judy had many scars from Gideon. Especially considering the peak of the damage Gideon had dealt.

"That son of a bitch raped my daughter," Stu said softly and with rage in his tone, "He deserved worse than just being fired."

By this point, Nick's smile was completely gone as he looked back and forth between Judy and her parents. That explained why she was hesitant around him, even terrified of him, when they had first met. So in Nick's mind, justice was more than served for Gideon Gray. Not that he would openly admit so to anyone besides those within the inner circle. So Nick simply shook off the building anger as he said, "I couldn't agree more. Which is why we also informed the police."

Bonnie smiled happily, "That's fantastic."

"We also have an offer for Judy," Nick continued once more, "My benefactor is working on setting up a new business in Zootopia."

"What kind of business?" Stu asked with renewed enthusiasm.

Nick shrugged as he replied, "He said that he'd discuss it with Judy. Either way, he sees potential in her, and wants her to run it. We hope you both are okay with that."

Again the parents thought for a second that Nick was simply telling a fable to help them smile. It was less out of mistrust, and more out of expectations for the worst still. The two looked at each other with amazement before Nick confirmed that he was telling the truth. They were both more than thrilled to see that their daughter's life was turning around. However, Stu had one more question, "Are you just doing this to get in our good graces so we aren't upset with you dating our daughter?"

"Dad," Judy groaned as her cheeks began turning red.

Nick stole a quick glance in Judy's direction so he was able to catch the blushing. However, he maintained his charm with her parents, "Was it the job that gave it away?"

The three of them gave a light chuckle at the remark. As the laughter died down, Nick noticed the way Stu was looking at him. It seemed like he was looking at the fox as if there was some recognition. Normally this would catch Nick off guard but the more he thought about it, he had a sense of familiarity as well. Finally Stu spoke again, "What was your name again?"

"Nick Wilde sir," Nick answered.

Stu looked like he was in thought, "As in the son of Daniel, and Heather?"

Nick was in shock, "You knew my parents?"

"Heather was a frequent customer, and had some of our clothes made by Daniel," Stu explained as he began to smile, "I figured you looked familiar."

By this point, Nick explained his own career without mentioning the nasty stuff. Judy knew that Nick carried out his father's dream of being a tailor with his tiny buddy Finnick. He even included the fact that he would occasionally make costumes for Finnick. In all honesty, Judy didn't catch every little thing that was said. She did however catch Nick's last sentence, "But I'm afraid I don't remember either of you."

Bonnie spoke up this time, "We wouldn't expect you to. You were only 3 years old when we last saw you. You enjoyed our blueberries so much we gave you three boxes for free."

"Right. I remember I almost went through one box in a week," Nick laughed at the memory, "You know, if you want, I can tailor something up for you and your family."

The four adults continued to share laughs and memories. Eventually the younger siblings came down to say hello to the fox guest. One of them found scars along Nick's mouth which Nick had explained was from when he was a little kit. He also mentioned that he met Finnick that same day which Judy didn't know, but then again, she hadn't met Finnick yet. Overall, Nick seemed to have made a nice impression on her family for the most part.

Indicated by Stu giving his daughter a light nudge, and saying, "He's certainly a keeper."

"Dad," Judy groaned in response as Nick chuckled at the teasing.