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?

8. Chapter 8

Nick and Judy continue their discussion about their past actions.

Hey all, I'm really sorry for such a long hiatus of this story. So I made a quick recap for you all, in case you might have forgotten what happened in the last part:

Judy and Nick started to talk about their issues, with an intent on closure. Judy admitted that she has PTSD to Nick, and he took it well. Since he has experienced it as well. Then Nick set some rules that they had to follow for their discussion to go well. Afterwards, Nick revealed how he encountered Josh and Skye and then he explained his situation with Judy to his parents. He explained that he hoped that she would come back, but when she didn't he forced himself to move on. Things were rocky for him, but he managed to work through it all and come out having adopted both kids and get a promotion at work.

Nick revealed to Judy that he slept with her brother, Jared, whilst being drunk one time. Which lead to him revealing that he is bi and he's been that way his whole life. But he had to hide it in fear of making situations more complicated than they had to be. However Judy took the news well and thanked Nick for sharing it with her. He even revealed that things between himself and Jared got better, hinting that they are in a relationship. Nick explained that he's had a complicated sex life. But he did come out of it with a few good friends, and still having strong feelings for a wolf named Daniel. A highschool crush.

But one ex in particular of his, Carlay, had it rough when they split. Especially since a day after, she received a letter. Informing her that she lost her mom and Nick was at her place to console her. When he came around to explain his situation with Judy to her.

Now that you're familiar, unto part 2

Warning: It's quite lengthy, and I apologize for that. It wasn't my intention to make this part 2 so long:

"As I'm sure you can imagine she was devastated that her mom passed away." Nick said softly "So I stayed with her and helped her through the whole ordeal of her moms funeral."

"Did her dad eventually find out?" Judy asked in concern

"As far as I know he didn't." Nick replied, then he looked at Judy with a guilty expression "But I should apologize to you Judy. At the time when the ordeal was taking place, I lied to you. I told you that I was helping a friend in their time of need. But in reality, I was with Carlay helping her out, I'm sorry."

"Thanks, but you did say that you guys are friends and you were telling the truth." Judy said while accepting his apology.

"Yeah, but it's me hanging around an ex." Nick stated "If you knew, back then, you probably would be angry with me."

"I would've been mad at you sure. But if I knew the truth, I would have been fine with it. Even now I'm fine with it." Judy said before a small smile creeped on her face "Besides like Carlay said, you are the perfect guy." The two started to chuckle a bit before Judy asked "But Nick, you said that something happened between you two, an accident. What happened?"

"That was a rough time." Nick replied "See one of those morons, who emotionally abused her, wanted her back. Of course she didn't want to go, so he stalked her and even tried to force himself onto her. Until I got there in time to stop him. As you would expect he became offensive and punched me, which of course landed him some jail time. While he was behind bars, I helped her get a restraining order against him in case he got out. Honestly I thought she would be thrilled by this, but she wasn't."

"Why?"

"She was emotionally hurt by this situation and I understand why." Nick replied "Someone who emotionally abused her came back only to do it again. Anyone would have a hard time dealing with it. But the way she did it wasn't really a good way of handling it. Because she drowned herself in alcohol. Then one time when I came to check up on her, when she was drunk, she attacked me. But the bedroom kind of attack."

"And that was the accident?" Judy asked after contemplating a moment "She slept with you while being drunk."

"Yeah she did that." Nick admitted sheepishly "Then in the morning, she was hysterical with apologies. Afterwards she kicked me out of her apartment, because she was so ashamed of using me like that and thought that I was angry with her. But no matter how many times I tell her that I'm not mad at her and that it was an accident and we can still be friends, she wouldn't listen. So she refrained from seeing me face to face, because she's worried that something like that would happen again. I still text and call her from time to time but nothing face-to-face, and I can't help but feel worried about her."

"Sorry to hear that Nick." Judy said in a sympathetic tone "How long has it been since you've seen her?"

"It's been eight months since I last saw her." Nick replied "And the accident happened a month before I came back to you." After saying that last part, Nick looked down at the floor in guilt. The memory of Carlay's upset expression, from the accident, made him a bit sad. But he knew that he shouldn't think to much about the situation, otherwise he would get upset without knowing her true condition. So he shook his head and tried to change the subject as he said "Well, to answer your question about my exs, Judy. I have seen some of them, because I have a good friendship with them. But as for what your parents were talking about with mine. It was about how they were going to deal with you and your decisions."

"Oh" Judy said softly with fear in her tone, not knowing what was said.

Nick noticed that Judy is staring at him with a very worried expression on her face. He figured that she is worried about what her parents had said. So he said, in an attempt to calm her nerves. "Judy, I know that you've been exiled from your families homestead. But your parents said that if you apologized to them, sincerely, and explained to them why you did what you did. You would be allowed back."

"I... I can do that." Judy stuttered for a moment as she thought about her parents. She remembered how disappointed they were when they found out about what she did. She refrained from thinking about it, because it would cause her to hallucinated. So instead she asked Nick something else "What about your parents, what did they say?"

"Well, they're against you right now." Nick replied "Because of you hiding important things from others, like us and what's going on then lying about it. Then going through with your premeditated sin, without taking my feelings into account. They became incredibly furious, so much to the point that they forbade me from interacting with you in anyway. Regardless of what you say or do for me right now, I must stay away from you. Initially I was against this, until I thought more about the actual reason and agreed with them."

"Wha...What was the reason?" Judy asked in a panicked tone. In fear that she was going to lose her fox for good. "Was it my decision? I know it was a horrible one and one that I'm going to regret for the rest of my life." She didn't get a response from him, instead he looked at her for a second before turning away with a pained expression. "Nick?"

"I should have told you." Nick replied hastily "I really should have told you this a long time ago, Judy."

"What?"

"The reason why my family is against you is because of something that happened to my baby brother." Nick replied while rubbing his face with his paws.

"I didn't know that you have a baby brother." Judy said a bit surprised by what Nick said. But also unsure on what he's talking about.

"I was supposed to have one, but-" Nick said correcting Judy's statement. Then had an internal struggle as his next words hurt him to say "He... he was stillborn. My baby brother and Rachels twin brother was stillborn."

Judy was very shocked by the news Nick just said. First she found out that he had a little brother at one point. Then she hears that he was stillborn. That last part is her fear of becoming a mom. The feeling of kids growing inside her and not getting a chance to live. That scared her but then she looked at Nick and saw that he was in pain on the inside. She is still unsure as to why her decision has something to do with his brother. But she thought better to be sympathetic to Nick by placing her paw on his leg, giving it a gentle squeeze, and saying softly

"Gosh Nick, I'm sorry." Judy knew that her next question would open a wound for Nick. So she asked gently "May I ask what happened?"

"It's fine Judy, besides I should have told you already." Nick replied, then drew a deep breath to steady himself "When I was in elementary school, mom said that she was pregnant with twins and they were a boy and a girl, according to the baby doctor, we were excited. My Pop, Finnick, Jack and I did a lot of house work as much as we can. We even pampered my mom just to help her cope with the pregnancy. Then one day while I was leaving school, someone told me that my parents were at the hospital and my mom was giving birth." Nick look at the floor with a small smile as he continued "I was overjoyed by this news and excited to meet my new siblings, I ran as fast as I can to the hospital. I did get the directions to the hospital of course and help to their room."

Nick then dropped his smile and leand back against the sofa. While looking up at the ceiling with a sad expression, and tears building up, as he continued "When I stepped inside the room, I saw both of my parents crying. I thought that they were tears of joy, but they weren't. That's when they told me that my baby brother was stillborn." The tears that were building up in Nick's eyes started to stream down his face as he looked down at his open paws "I...I was devastated by this. I asked them to let me hold him, and I did. Then I... he-" Nick swallowed a lump in his throat as his paws started shaking while he continued "He was so small, and cute, he looked like he was just sleeping in my arms. I... I even told him about all the crazy adventures we would have in Zootopia. Then there would be newspaper headlines where mammals called us The Coolest Bros of Zootopia. All it needed was for him to open his eyes. But *sniff* no matter what I said to him, he... he just didn't respond to me. I swear I thought I heard him breath faintly, but it was just wishful thinking on my part and that of my parents."

Judy sat there completely stunned at what Nick said. He just said that he had big plans for himself and his little brother, but they never got the chance to do them. She saw how Nick was very torn up about this and it broke her heart to see him upset. Especially since the tears that he was shedding ran down his face and dripped onto his legs. She got closer to him and wanted to hug him, but she was a bit worried that it would be a bit awkward. So instead she gently caressed his back and said softly "I'm so sorry that you and your parents had to go through that Nick."

"Thanks" Nick said in a shaky tone "Later after my obvious failed attempts of getting a response from my brother. A doctor came in saying that he will take my brother away to end his suffering. But before he did, I asked my parents if I can give my brother a name and it was Raymond. When the doctor left, I turned back to my parents to see my pop looking more upset than he was over Raymond's condition. He told me that if he ever had a second son after me, he wanted to name him after himself. He wanted to do the whole Junior and Senior thing. But then he engulfed me in a hug and said that I shouldn't feel guilty for taking the opportunity from him. He told me that he's proud of me for picking a great name for my brother. But just... *sniff* just hearing him say that made me cry harder that day."

After hearing Nick say that, Judy started to tear up herself. She even placed her head on his shoulder and continued to rub his back. Encouraging him to let it out, which he did as he said "A few days later we had a funeral for Raymond. But it was very difficult for my family, especially the Wilde members. Because in the past generations, for them, there has never been a case of an abortion, miscarriage or a stillborn kit."

"Really, none?" Judy asked sounding surprised

"Yeah, none." Nick replied solemnly "Whenever there is a case about a kit, whether it's an adoption for a gay couple. Or a pregnancy for a straight, or lesbian, couple they always pull through without any problems. That was the case until what happened to Raymond. But after the funeral, we started a tradition of visiting him at his grave two days every week. It started with just my parents, Finnick, Jack, me and my sister. Then later it included some of my friends that I trusted from school. We would tell him what we've been up to since the last time we visited. But if, for some reason, we can't make it to the visit. It would fine, as long as it's a valid reason not to be there. For me one time I couldn't visit him, was because I was at the ZPA. That was my valid reason why I couldn't visit him. But the visits really helped us to cope with the pain of his passing. For a time it seemed to go well. That was until you came along."

When Judy heard him say that, she immediately moved away from him. Then she saw him glaring at her with fury in his eyes, despite the tears streaming down his face. See him glaring at her made her want to curl into a ball of misery, just like at the precinct. But she was still unsure about what he said, so she asked with a bit of fear in her tone "Wh... What do you mean?"

"Your damn premeditated sin is what I mean, Judy!" Nick replied with venom in his tone "Not only did you take away my chance at being a father. As well as taking away the chance of a grandkid from both of our parents. But your decision caused my entire family to relive the trauma of losing Raymond!" Nick's voice then rose in volume as he continued "For what? So you can have another day as Zootopias hero bunny? After everything me and my family did for you, treating you with hospitality and love. You repay us with taking my kit from me and made them relive losing a kit. They didn't deserve that Judith!"

Hearing Nick use her full name shocked her. But Nick's story about his brother and how her action caused additional pain on his family. Created more guilt for Judy and it weight down on her heart. However seeing Nick in pain made her upset and she wanted to do one thing; comfort her fox, as well as apologize. So she lunged at him and wrapped her arms around his neck. Then press her cheek against him, unintentionally scent marking him, as she sat in his lap and said softly, while tears were streaming down her face "I'm really sorry Nick! I didn't know about your brother I swear."

Nick just sat there a bit surprised at the hug he is receiving from the bunny. He still felt angry with her about the situation he just told her. But her apology is a genuine one and she didn't know about Raymond. So his anger vanished and it was replaced by a bit of guilt, for not telling her. He rested his head on top of her shoulder and started to sob softly, while he linked his arms around her. The living room went into silence and the only sounds heard are soft sobs from the fox and bunny. After a brief moment passed, that lasted ten seconds, Nick broke the silence as he said

"It's... It's okay Judy. I should have told you a long time ago." Nick said while patting Judys back. But while he's busy patting her back, a thought came to his mind. He broke the hug and looked at Judy in her eyes, seeing that they are red and puffy from crying, as he said "Sorry, but I got to ask you something." Judy had a curious expression on her face as he continued "If...If you knew about Raymond beforehand, would you have gone through with your operation?"

"Of course I wouldn't." Judy replied instantly, then she looked down in guilt "The thing is, I've been too straight forward with all of my decisions in my entire life. I never stopped to think about how they would impact others. Or take what my partner had to say into consideration. But I really wish I had, it would save us and others a lot of trouble."

"It would actually." Nick said, thinking about how things would have been between them. If Judy had put a lot more thought into her decisions. After a moment passed and he was looking at Judy in her eyes, a small smile creeped on his face as he said "I should have gotten tissues for this talk." They lightly chuckled at that comment, while Nick dried the tears from Judy's eyes and she did the same for him. Afterwards he had on a soft expression as he asked "Do you want to stop for a moment or keep going?"

"As much as I want to stop Nick. I think it's best that we keep going, so we both have everything out in the open." Judy replied then she looked down at Nicks chest as she said sheepishly "But, um, I do have a small request."

"What is it?" Nick asked in concern

Judy looked up at him with a sad expression as she asked "Can I stay seated in your lap for a while? Please?"

Nick is a bit surprised at the request. Initially he was wondering why she would request something like that. But then it clicked for him. She hasn't received any comfort from anyone in a long time and she's been through a lot in the past few months. He felt a little bit unsure since they're not together and it could be awkward. But he does feel sorry for her, and he is considering letting her stay in his lap. However he took a small sniff and discovered that Judy smelled bad. He did remember what Ben said about her apartment smelling foul. But he thought better of it and he said with a smile "I don't see anything wrong with that. You can stay on my lap for a while."

Judy felt so overjoyed that she released a sigh of relief. Then she buried her face into his chest, rubbing her face on his shirt. She took in his scent after a very long time, making her smile. After a second passed she removed her face from his chest, revealing fresh tears, then rested her head against his chest as she said, in a shaky tone "Thank you. Thank you so much Nick."

"It's okay, Judy." Nick said while he wiped the fresh tears from Judys eyes. But also getting a gut feeling that something is wrong with her, even though is isn't sure what it is.

"Nick" Judy started "When you said that you and your family visit Raymond two times every week. You visited him back when we were working together weren't you?"

"I was." Nick replied "Where did you think I was going?"

"Well when I asked you about it. You said it was an important family matter." Judy replied "I thought about following you to see where you were going. But I thought better of it. Because I didn't want to ruin our friendship back then." She then looked down at Nick's chest as she continued "I guess I should have followed you, huh?"

"Maybe and maybe I should have invited you since I did trust you then." Nick replied prompting Judy to look back up at him "But one thing I always told Raymond about you. Is that you're an amazing mammal."

"I see." Judy said softly while blushing a little bit. "But my premeditated sin caused a lot of pain to you and your family. It's why they hate me, right?"

"Well yeah, but most of it is from my mom." Nick replied earning a confused expression from the bunny in his lap "Judy, when we were together she was very happy for us. She even kept pushing me into proposing marriage to you. But because you kept hiding the truth from others, while she knew it, and lying about it she got mad. Then came your operation and my failed suicide, it's when she lost it. Hence why she, specifically, forbade me to see you."

"Well, I can't blame her for feeling that way." Judy said softly

"You shouldn't." Nick said "I mean, my mom was really heartbroken over what happened to Raymond and she nearly lost another son. Because of the sons lover. So the chances of her being really mad at you are quite high. Especially since some of it is from her emotional pain. But seeing my mom so sad like that, it lead me to making a personal promise to myself and doing something for others."

"What was the promise?" Judy asked

"If my girlfriend or wife ever gets pregnant with my kid, and they went through with it. I would make their life a lot easier during that time. Since I love them so much." Nick replied, then he saw Judy looking down at her lap. He figured that she is likely feeling guilt for making him break that promise, so he tried to convince her not to put more guilt on herself as he said "Judy, I don't want you to feel guilty about it. Besides the promise was IF you went through with it and you didn't. So don't feel bad about it. Okay?"

"Okay, but it's just hard not to feel guilty about. Because, in a sense, I kept you from fulfilling that promise." Judy replied earning a gentle pat on her back from Nick. "But if that's the promise you made to yourself. Then what was that 'something' you did for others?"

"Well, remember how I told you that my mom was heartbroken over Raymond?" Nick asked getting a nodded 'yes' from Judy. "I was twelve at the time and I thought that if my parents were broken over Raymond. Other families would have felt the same way in a similar situation. So I thought of improving the conditions of hospitals and other places, so they don't experience that pain. But of course to do that, I needed a lot of money. So Finnick, Jack and I all went on a business venture of selling pawpsicles to raise that amount."

"Was that what the one million, four hundred and sixty thousand dollars was for?" Judy inquired, since she remembered that she estimated that he made that exact amount in the last two decades.

"It was, and your assumption about that amount was only a part of the bigger profit we made from the venture." Nick replied "We made a whole lot more than that, and we even own a few places. Like my previous apartment, me and Finnick co-own it and we rent it out to others. While Jack owned a different apartment that he would rent out to others too."

"I see, but if you made so much money Nick. Why didn't you pay your taxes before I found that report?" Judy asked not understanding the tax evasion

"*sigh* To be honest, I was still in a mental state of grieving over my baby brother and also busy with investing in businesses, hospitals, pharmacies, orphanages and charity organizations. So that other families don't go through the same thing mine did. That I completely forgot about sorting out my taxes." Nick replied "It wasn't until you pointed it out to me, that I did forget. So I do owe you for reminding me Judy."

"Well you did pay me back by being a police officer and... going out with me." Judy said with a small blush. While all the fond memories she had with Nick came to her mind. As much as she wanted to enjoy that train of thought, she knew she had to stop or else the bad ones will come. Which will result in her hallucinations coming back again. So she took a deep breath then asked "But wait, what about your sister? How did she feel when she found out about Raymond?"

"Well we waited until she was old enough to understand. Which would have been eight, or a older, but we told her when she was six years old." Nick replied "Because my mom thought that she deserved to know the truth sooner. But when we told the truth to Rachel, she was devastated. So much so that she thought that she was responsible for Raymond being stillborn. We told her that it wasn't her fault and that she should live for Raymond instead. The next day, after we told her about Raymond, she and I formed a pack soon after that; no matter what happens between us. Whether we hate one another or are living miles apart, we will never stop loving one another as brother and sister."

"That sounds like a really nice pack." Judy remarked

"It is." Nick said with a smile "But that's just one part of it. Another part of our pack is; If anyone physically or emotionally hurts one of us, the other one would make the culprit regret it. By any means necessary."

"Oh, and how would you guys do that?" Judy asked with a bit of concern in her tone.

"We would try to find a skeleton in the culprits closet, since everyone has one. Then sarcastically ask them how they would feel if everybody knew about it. If they say they wouldn't like it. Then they had to apologize to the victim, AKA one of us, and promise never to do it again. But if they refuse to apologize, then we would leak the skeleton to the public and let them deal with it." Nick explained calmly "I did that a few times for my sister. Because there were some kids who were bulling her in school, and that plan got them to stop. But in your case well, since you did hurt me both physically and emotionally. Rachel went out of her way to make your life miserable without hesitation."

"Wha... What did she do?" Judy asked in a panicked tone, after she thought back to when things went south for her.

"To be honest, I didn't know what she had planned for you." Nick replied honestly "That was until I had my chat with Shay that she told me."

"Hold on, why did you go and talk to Shay?" Judy asked in confusion, but also remembering that they had a talk about her.

"Remember earlier, I told you that our parents had a talk about you?" Nick asked getting a nodded 'yes' from her "Well after they said what they wanted to say about you. They told me that they will support me in whatever decision I have towards you. Whether I decide to try again with you or give up on you, they will support it. I told them that before I made any decision about you, I first needed to talk to Shay and find out what exactly you said to her about me. So the same day I left the hospital, I made a beeline for Precinct one and spoke to her. But before I did that I apologized to her for pushing her to the floor that night. But even though she appreciated the apology, she told me it was a waste. Because things have been South for you guys for sometime and later she told me it was because you insulted Wolfie in front of her. So why did you do that?"

"I swear, I didn't know that James was her ex." Judy retorted "But she never said anything to me about him or how their relationship was. Only that the breakup was stressful."

"Would you like to know the story about them?" Nick asked as Judy nodded 'yes' "Alright. James and Shay were in a really good position in their relationship. At that point, they both loved each other a lot and marriage was something that they both wanted. Unfortunately, Wolfies parents were against it. In fact, they were against Wolfie dating Shay from the start, and it made Wolfie very angry. While Shays parents wanted to handle the wedding preparations for them. But Wolfie made a mistake one time: He took his anger and frustration of his family out on Shay, unfairly. When they were arguing about Wolfie's family rejecting her. That's what lead to them breaking up. But even though they were apart, Shay never stopped loving or caring about him. Because to her, Wolfie is and will always be her soulmate. No matter how many mammals try to ask her out. One would say that she is also a traditional fox."

"But if she felt so strongly about James, then why did she go out with me?" Judy asked, sounding upset

"Because she believed whatever dumb story you told her." Nick replied causing Judy to look down "Which I want to ask you. What exactly did you tell her and the doctor who gave you the operation? This rapist and uncaring fox story?"

"This is going to suck." Judy thought knowing full well that Nick deserves to know what she said behind his back. But also that it's going to hurt him, more than her when she confesses. After a second passed, and she drew a deep breath. She got up from Nick's lap, while relishing in his scent, and sat in her original spot on the sofa then said "Well, when I had the appointment for the operation, the doctor first did a check on my condition. Afterwards he told me that I was fine. But then I told him about how I got pregnant in the first place."

"Okay." Nick said unsure as to what she is going to tell him

"I told him, one day when I came back from work early." Judy said as she started her story "The door to my apartment was unlocked, and I expected to find you there but I didn't. Instead there was an intruder waiting for me. I realized this when I was inside the apartment, and I had this eerie feeling that someone was watching me. I was right, because I was in the kitchen then I looked to my right to see the intruder standing in the living room staring at me. I managed to get a good enough look at him to know that he is a fox. Before what happened next happened."

"And that is?" Nick asked while crossing his arms and raising his eyebrow out of curiosity.

"He rushed at me." Judy replied "I tried to shot him with my tranquilizer, but he got to me before I had the chance. Then he knocked it from my paws and he pushed me to the floor. When I was on the floor, I thought about getting my weapon and I decided to do that. But it was a big mistake. Because while I was crawling to my weapon, I heard him take off his pants then he grabbed my leg and pulled me away from my tranquilizer, when I was so close to it. Then in a quick motion, he ripped a hole in my pants and panties and I blacked out from him humping me. I only came too when I heard your voice and you were arresting the other fox."

After hearing that explanation. Nick looked away from the doe and had a confused expression on his face, and his jaw dropped for a moment, as he thought more on this story. Obviously it's a nonsense story just like the stories she made up during the 'just friends' arrangement. He even noted that there are a couple of flaws in that story. So he asked, looking back at in an irritated tone. "Do you not hear how flawed that is?"

"Huh?" Judy asked unsure of what he meant.

"You're Judith Laverne Hopps, you graduated valedictorian at the ZPA." Nick replied while motioning to her "You bested a Rhino during a wrestling match. You even took down a predator conspiracy plot in this city. So how could being pinned by a fox be a big deal? Unless you let him rape you. That's the only thing that makes sense to me."

"I...um" Judy stuttered for a moment. She thought about what Nick said, and he is right that her story is really flawed. She admitted it as she said solemnly "I didn't think it through enough, you're right. But the doctor did believe me and performed the operation."

"I see." Nick said sounding irritated "But if that's the story about the rapist fox. Then what is this about an uncaring fox?"

"Well, it's where I mention you specifically." Judy replied "I told the doctor, that sometime after the rape incident. I became pregnant with the rapists kit. When I told you this, at first you were over the moon with happiness at the news. So it broke my heart to tell you that the kit wasn't yours but the rapists. As well as suggesting that we go to the clinic to abort the kit. Because a child conceived through rape isn't right. But you were against it, and you told me that you would leave me if I went through with it. When I didn't change my mind, you packed up all of your things then left without giving me a chance to say anything."

After she said that last part, Nick leaned against the armrest of the sofa. Placing his paw on the left side of his face, rubbing it gently, as he tried to control the rage that is building inside of him. "Unbelievable" Nick thought as he continued to rub his forehead.

"Nick, I am really sorry I said those things about you." Judy said, regretting her choice. "I... I just needed to come up with something to tell the doctor, that day. Since you weren't there."

"Of course Judy." Nick said as he placed his paw on his lap. Then he looked at Judy, giving her a blank expression, as he said "But if that's the story you told him, and Shay was there. She believed it as well, right? Because she told me that you got the operation out of grief."

"It's true I told her that." Judy admitted "But I changed the part about you a bit."

"What do you mean?" Nick asked sounding confused

"I... I told her that the kit is yours and mine." Judy replied "I told her that, while I did have a dream of being a police officer, I had a little dream of being a mom. So when I was pregnant, I was the one who was over the moon with happiness. But when I told you that I was pregnant you were heavily against it. In fact, you were very aggressive about it and said those cruel things I said. You even told me to setup an appointment or you would leave me. When I told you I wouldn't, you packed up your things and started to leave. I tried to stop you, begging you to stay, but then you gave me a hard smack to my face and I knocked the coffee table over. When you left I felt I had no choice but to get the operation. In hopes that you would come back, because I loved you so much and you're my soulmate and in my heart you're my husband. So it hurt me to see you gone. When you didn't come back I was really heartbroken, and I missed you so much."

To say that Nick was angry in that moment is an understatement. He knew that Judy made up stories to make him look like the bad guy, months ago. But hearing the full story from her is infuriating. He took a deep breath to calm his anger, and said in a calm tone "Well that explains a lot of things."

"Wha... What things?" Judy asked nervously

"Let me tell you." Nick replied with obvious venom in his tone "Months after we last saw each other, when you were pregnant, mammals kept saying very offensive things to me. Because they believed that made up story of yours. They kept saying to me that I was the toxic one in the relationship and how I didn't deserve to date a sweet girl like you. Also saying how you were better off with someone else, instead of me. They kept saying things like that to me wherever I go." After he said that last part, his expression changed from a blank one to an enraged one as he said sarcastically "So thank you for setting me up to take the heat from your decision."

"I'm really REALLY sorry Nick." Judy said in an apologetic tone "I didn't know mammals were saying things like that to you. I swear."

Nick looked at Judy with an intense glare for a moment. He knew that her apology is genuine, but he is still furious with her. Instead he chose to control his anger by taking a few deep breaths to calm down. "It's okay Judy. But there is one comment that is actually a compliment for me."

"What is it?" Judy asked

"Someone called me a 'freaky bunny lover'." Nick replied "And it's fine with me. Because I do have a strong attraction to bunnies and considering the fact that I am bisexual. You will see me out with either a buck or a doe bunny, or even both at the same time. However when the truth, about your lies came out. I heard a comment that's an insult for you: freaky fox lover. It's an insult because you don't swing both ways."

"I don't." Judy said softly, as the memories of what she called Nick behind his back flashed through her mind. She shook her head as a thought about Shay came to her mind, prompting her to ask "Nick, did Shay say anything after she revealed my story to you?"

"Yeah, she told me that she was going to dump you." Nick replied "Then she told me about the future that she had with James. Which is similar to what I had with you. She wanted to have kids, travel to distant places and grow old with James. That is the future she wanted and dreamed of having with James. While she was with him, apart from him and while dating you. The only issue she faced was if James felt the same way and if his parents approved of her. But James overheard the whole conversation and he also wants the same thing she does."

"But, what about his parents?" Judy asked sounding worried

"Well they were giving Shay a chance to be a part of the family." Nick replied "But in the beginning, sometime after Wolfie and Shay broke up. Wolfie discontinued any communication with his family. He told his parents that if they refused to accept Shay as part of the family. Then they don't accept him either, as he told us. Also, his own younger brother created a dating profile for him that has really lewd info about him, that I'll tell you later. But when Wolfie found out about it, he broke his younger brothers nose. Threatening him that he will do worse if he didn't delete the account, which he did eventually. But after sometime from Wolfie, his family decided to give her a chance. Then long story turned short, after that, Wolfie and Shay got back together. But I have to admit, I am jealous of him."

"Why?"

"Because, he was emotionally broken when he lost the love of his life." Nick replied sounding a bit irritated "Then when he got the chance to see her, he was an emotional wreck. While he begged her for forgiveness and a second chance. He got both of them, but when I went through the same thing. All I got was a verbal smack to my face and PTSD. However my happiness for them was greater than the jealousy, and I have been supportive of them being back together. Since that day, they invited me to join them for lunch a bunch of times. Half the time it's them thanking me for helping them get back together. Even though I didn't do much."

"And the other half?"

"The other half, is Shays idea in the beginning." Nick replied "She thought that I needed good company after telling me what you said about me, behind my back." Nick explained before he gave Judy a serious glare as he continued "But just so you know Judy. Like you having some names for me, I have some for you too with evidence to back me up. But I chose to refrain from saying anything. Because I didn't want to stoop to your level of spreading them behind someone's back."

"But I'm right here, you can say it to me." Judy said preparing herself for what Nick would say.

"Are you sure you want me to say it?" Nick asked in concern, earning a nodded 'yes' from the doe "Alright" Nick then drew a deep breath to ready himself for what he is about to say, knowing that it would hurt her "Judith Lavern Hopps, you are a selfish, heartless, workaholic and a hypocrite."

"Wh... What?" Judy stuttered in shock

"Let me explain." Nick replied "I say that you're selfish because you only care about what you wanted and not what others wanted. I wanted a family, and to spend the rest of my life with you. But you preferred your career over that. Shay wanted you to make peace with your family, and others, but you ignored her and called her a damn fool. I say you're heartless because you're insensitive to others feelings. That night, when I was in an emotional breakdown, you knew full well that I was sad and broken. But instead of being sympathetic you smiled at me in a sadistic way, like you were enjoying my pain. I get that I was an ex and all, but that was really heartless of you. In Shays case, she dropped a hint at one point that she still had strong feelings for James. You acted like she was stupid for still having them, and you insulted him in front of her."

While Nick was busy with his explanation, Judy sat with a shocked expression and her jaw is ajar. The memories that Nick is referring to came rushing back to the does mind. She knew that she did those things and she regretted it. But hearing them from the way Nick explained it, made her feel numb with intense guilt. As well as causing tears to build up in her eyes. She wanted to say something, which she didn't know what, but stopped herself. Especially since Nick, who still had more to say, continued

"The workaholic part is, honestly not surprising." Nick said while rubbing his forehead for a moment "Because whenever we get a new case, a big one, at work. Along the lines of a robbery or a gang related one. You always act like a high school cheerleader who got the chance to date the captain of the pawball team. That's how excited you would get for a case at work. But when Shay or I come up with a date night plan for you. You don't show even half of that excitement. You might as well have just said 'meh' to both of us. But still go along with the date, because it would be very rude to decline it. The hypocrite part, is practically a no brainer. Because you always say things but do the opposite or not at all. When my relationship with Carlay ended, you promised me that we would be making decisions together. But two months after you made that promise, you got pregnant with my kit and then decided by yourself what to do next. Without taking my feelings or opinion into account. By the way, 'that night' when you were dragging me out of your apartment. You went on about having someone who loves and respects you, but you never showed the same thing to anyone else. Not me, not Shay, not your parents, not anyone."

After he said that, Judy started sobbing into her paws. Nick figured that what he said hurt her. But knowing that she's still has her PTSD, he felt bad for saying it. So he pulled her into a hug, forgoing any potential awkwardness, and patted her on her back, as he said softly "There, there. I'm sorry I told you this Judy, but I just needed to get it of my chest."

"It's fine, I needed to hear it." Judy said through her sobs "But I'm the one who is sorry. I never knew how you guys felt or how I *sniff* treated you. I'm so sorry."

"It's okay Judy, it's okay." Nick said softly while patting her back, urging her to calm down. After a few seconds her sobbing dialed down to sniffles, then they broke the hug. Nick stared at Judy for a moment, noting the pained expression on her face. A sight he disliked seeing, whether they are together or not. So he started wiping the tears from Judys eyes. Afterwards he pulled Judy into an embrace and kept his paw on her shoulder. While the doe hugged him on his side and placed her head against his chest, as he placed his head on top of hers. They stayed like that in a brief moment of silence before Nick said "Judy I have to ask. Why do you have to hide your relationships for so long? You with me or Shay, why? I mean, I understand the whole fear of parental rejection. But that carrotholics thing you mentioned isn't much of an excuse. Especially since times have changed since your parents were your age or mine. So why did you hide your relationships?"

"*sigh* Well I thought to myself that they would reject me because of who I loved. So instead I rejected them first." Judy replied not looking up at Nick "But it was the same as when I wanted to be a police officer. They were against it, so I rejected them."

"Did you ever wonder, why they were against it?" Nick asked while raising his eyebrow

"Because it was dumb." Judy replied "Me a country bunny in the police force, in the big city. That sounds quite out of the ordinary."

"It would, but only from one perspective." Nick said "But the reason why your parents were against you being a cop. Is because they were scared for you. They still are in fact."

"They were scared for me?" Judy asked looking up at Nick, sounding surprised.

"They are." Nick replied "See, Judy you're working a job that constantly puts you at danger. You won't see it, but there would be a bullet that could hit you when you least expect one day. It would likely be another day of patrol, or working an important case or just a day in the office doing paperwork. You wouldn't see the bullet coming in any of these cases, then bam. That's what your parents are afraid of. But the thing that helped put them at ease with you working in the police force, is you working as a Meter Maid. Because no parent wants, or should, get that one call that goes."

Nick then made an imaginary phone with his free paw and placed it next to his left ear. Then he said in a deep tone, almost sounding like Bogo, "Excuse me, Mr and Mrs. Hopps. I regret to inform you that your daughter Judith Laverne Hopps, has died in the field of duty." After he said that he set his paw on his side, and returned the volume and tone of his voice to normal as he continued "No parent wants to get a call like that. Or to bury one of their children. However as time went on, and you doing well at the ZPD. They were put more at ease with you being a cop. But also, they became really proud of you."

Judy had on a stunned expression on her face when Nick said that. She always felt like her parents were against her being a cop. Because they thought that it was weird. Despite knowing that they were concerned for her. It never crossed her mind that they would be really scared for her. The realization of this did hit her, and she had a sad expression on. But then she remembered something her dad said to her a few months ago, or rather a ghoulish image of her dad appeared by the door wearing his the same overalls. She looked up to see him giving her the same disappointed expression he gave her several months ago.

"You know we used to be so proud of you. But now we're going to be asking ourselfs: what did we do to deserve a daughter like you?" Stu said as he then vanished into a blue light. As soon as he vanished, Judy started sobbing. Which didn't go unnoticed by the fox hugging her, as he pulled her into a tight hug. While she cried into his chest.

"Judy what is it?" Nick asked in concern

"I'm a terrible daughter, Nick." Judy replied in between sobs

"You're not a terrible daughter Judy." Nick said softly while patting her back "You just made a mistake, a big one of course. But you can fix it if you apologize sincerely."

"Okay." Judy choked while Nick continued to calm her down. Then after a brief moment of silence, and breathing in a big amount of the foxes scent through her nostrils. Judys sobbing died down then she said, while wiping the tears from her eyes "*sniff* I guess your parents were against you being in the ZPD too. Right?"

"You'd guess correct Judy." Nick replied "My folks were also scared for me. In fact, they wanted me to do something that is safer. Like opening up my own tailoring shop or this idea I had of creating an amusement park called Wilde Times. There's also the fact that I have a bachelors degree in business and economics. So I could get a pretty good job in any company I want. But I gave all of that up to pursue a career in law enforcement."

"Why did you?" Judy asked in confusion

"Weeell, a certain grey doe bunny somehow convinced me that being in the ZPD would be great." Nick said with a sly grin, causing Judy to snicker "But just so you know, Judy. The thing that put my folks at ease with me being in the police force. Is that I have a partner, whom I trusted. When I was at precinct one, it was you. Then when I moved to precinct three in TundraTown, I met my new and current partner whom I've trusted for the past year and a half. His name is George Hastings, but I call him Georgie just to tease him. He's a painted dog and a really nice guy. Anyway my point Judy, is that both of our parents are scared for us. But there have been some ways that placed them at ease with us both being in the force. As well as being so proud of us for our accomplishments."

"Yeah, but I feel so bad for how I treated them." Judy said softly, then she placed her head against Nicks chest then whispers in a low voice "Mom, Dad I'm-" She paused for a second because she was on the verge of sobbing again "I'm so sorry."

Nick couldn't but feel bad for the doe in this moment. The fact that she is feeling bad for what she did. But also that she regretted it, is good. Unfortunately the guilt that she is feeling is eating her up inside. He didn't want her to feel anymore than she has right now. So he patted her back for a bit while he thought about how to get her mind of the topic. But then an idea came to him.

"Hey Judy." Nick said softly to get her attention "Do you still want to know why Shay went out with you?"

"Yeah" Judy replied in a shaky tone, as she looked up at Nick.

"Okay." Nick said softly "Well like I said earlier, when you told her that story about you aborting our kit and how you missed me so much. She believed it and thought that what you need is a good friend. So she decided to be that for you, and in the beginning she became quite fond of you."

"She was really fond of me?" Judy asked in a surprised tone

"Yeah she was." Nick replied "She even thought that she could get her soulmate back and have a cool friend in you. But after four months of being your friend, she got a feeling that you had a crush on her. It was confirmed when you told her that you really liked her. That both confused her and made her uncomfortable."

"How was she confused, and.." Judy paused for moment. She felt stunned by the last part of Nicks statement. But she remembered back to when she first confessed to liking Shay. The vixen said she needed time to think. Then after a few days the two of them started dating. So it came as a surprise to the doe, in this moment, that the vixen she dated was uncomfortable. So she continued what she was going to say "Was she really uncomfortable that I had feelings for her?"

"She was, because she already has her soulmate and she, like you, doesn't have any interest in females at all." Nick replied "The confusion part, by the way, is a question she asked herself during that time she said she was thinking." Nick then gestured to a space in front of him as a way of saying 'Here you go' as he continued from Shannons perspective "Here is a doe bunny who loves and misses her fox so much, whom she identified as her soulmate. So why is she crushing on me?" After that, Nick looked back at Judy as he continued his explanation "That was the question that she asked herself."

"And her answer was?" Judy asked nervously

"Well she thought that you just missed having someone who would love and support you, from a significant others perspective." Nick replied "She sympathized with you, but her heart already belonged to Wolfie. So she was going to politely turn you down, but she thought better of it. Because if she did, it would put more emotional pain on you than what you supposedly had and she would have to take the guilt of it. In the end she decided to pretended to be a lesbian for you."

"She... She pretended to be a lesbian for me?" Judy asked in disbelief

"She did." Nick replied "And she even thought that two months of a rebound relationship couldn't hurt. But those two months changed to six months because of you."

"What do you mean?" Judy asked sounding surprised

"I mean, when the first two months ended she wanted to end the relationship and go back to James. But before she could, you sent her a message about how you are so lucky to have her in your life." Nick replied in an irritated tone "So she took pity on you and decided to extend the duration of the rebound relationship. But after four months of the relationship, a thought came to her mind that scared her. 'What would James think, if he found out?' The answer is that he would take the situation the wrong way, and think that she is over him. When in truth, she just wanted him back in her life. But towards the end of the six months, that thought got stuck in her mind and she believed that James found out and is keeping his distance from her. So she became depressed and she, at the time, desperately wanted her wolf back in her life. It didn't help her much that you suggested that she move in with you. After she did, since she again took pity on you, she kept getting more and more uncomfortable, miserable and depressed. To the point that she took anti-depressants and sleeping pills, after three days of living with you."

"What, but she never took anything." Judy said "And shes always been that same vixen I met months ago: Shy and sweet."

"Yeah well the thing is, she took the pills behind your back and hid the containers somewhere that you couldn't find them." Nick said "And she did stay that shy and sweet vixen you knew, but it was an act and you believed it. Which confirms something that I know she said to you. You didn't care about her. Which is true, and like I said you're heartless, cause if you really did care about her you would have looked past the act and asked what was really going on. So tell me, if these sound familiar." Nick then lowered his vocal chords to sound more feminine, to imitate Shannon as he said I'm fine Judy., I'm okay don't worry , It was just a nightmare, I'll be fine.

To say Judy is shocked is an understatement. Because those were the exact same words Shay said whenever she asked her if she is alright. But back then Judy just thought that the vixen was just nervous or stressed about living together. Or maybe something must have come up at work that has caused her to be so nervous. It never occurred to her that Shay would be depressed. But now she hears that the vixen was depressed the entire time, she feels terrible now.

"Oh Shay" Judy whispered while looking down in guilt "I'm so sorry, I didn't know how you really felt."

"Hey" Nick said softly, getting the does attention "It's better late than never that you find out. But Judy, I know that this is something that you don't want to hear. But when Shay told me and James all of this, I asked her what would have happened if her fears were real and she stayed with you. She would have died due to depression."

"Are you serious?!" Judy asked in shock as she gave him an equally shocked expression

"I am and it makes sense to me that she would." Nick replied to calm tone "Because the soulmate that she loved would be gone. The kids she dreamed of having, with her soulmate, would never have been born. The life she wanted would have been forfeit. All because she chose to be kind to a doe bunny, who doesn't give a damn about anyone else but herself. So you shouldn't be surprised to hear that she thought of committing suicide."

"Just like you tried too." Judy said while having a sad expression. Remembering that he said that couldn't live without her.

"Yeah" Nick agreed "But here's something else Judy. There were moments in the your relationship with Shay that she considered a red flag. These red flags made her regret being in a relationship with you."

"What moments?" Judy asked nervously

"Well the first one was in the beginning of your relationship. You guys had a talk about your past relationships, that were 'stressful' breakups." Nick replied "But when Shay brought me up, she regretted it. Because she thought that you were going to have an emotional breakdown about me. Since you did tell her that you missed me dearly and she believed that you're heart broken. But you didn't have a breakdown at all. She knew this because after you shrugged off her apology. She kept a close eye on you for a time, and you didn't show any signs of an impending emotional breakdown. There was no sad look on your face, no sobs, no slight stuttering of my name nothing. She did believe that you are a tough bunny, of course. But even a tough bunny would shed a few tears from time to time. Anyway, that was her first red flag."

"And the second one?" Judy asked

"The second one was when you guys were living together." Nick replied "She had a nightmare, in the middle of the night, about losing James to someone else. Then she woke up with tears streaming down her face. She wished that James was with her, but knowing that he wasn't made her cry more. After a few minutes of crying, she thought that you would also wake up with tears in your eyes. But you didn't, she looked and saw you sleeping peacefully with a smile even. Which, again, didn't make sense to her. Since you said that you missed me dearly, there should have been a high chance of you experiencing a nightmare."

Judy then had thoughtful look on her face as memories of that time, Nick is referring to, came to her mind "I remember that night. I woke up to the sound of a door closing. Then when I checked, I saw Shay in the kitchen drinking a glass of water. I asked her what was wrong and she said the same thing you did. About her being fine despite having a nightmare."

"And that was the second red flag." Nick said "Do you want to know when was the third?" His only response is a nodded yes from the doe "The third one was the night I showed up. The whole situation was her third red flag. But also the plan she thought of didn't work."

"What plan?" Judy asked in confusion

"She planned to leave you for Wolfie in a polite way." Nick replied noting the confused look on Judys face "She wanted to tell you that she did appreciate your feelings towards her. But her heart already belonged to James. The reason why she was with you is because, she believed that you were in a dark place, and you needed love and support from a significant other. Obviously you wouldn't take any of it well, so she would comfort you and tell you that while you guys can't be a couple anymore. You two can still keep up a good friendship, which you could take her up on. If you did, then after some detective work, from your end mostly, she would put you and I in a room so that we can reconcile and resolve our issues. Then you and Shay would part ways as friends, while you and I got back together. Then you, me, Shay and Wolfie would go on double dates from time to time."

"That actually sounds nice." Judy said with a small smile

"It does." Nick agreed "But for it to work, I had to show up somehow. Then she would proceed with this plan of hers. Coincidently, the night after she came up with this plan I come knocking."

The small smile that Judy had on just a second ago faded. Because she knew that Nick was referring to that night. When Shays apparent plan was going to happen, and hearing the third red flag.

"When I did and you told her to stay in bed, she didn't." Nick started "Because she hoped that you and I would apologize to each other and then talk. To make sure that we were, she got out of bed and watched the whole ordeal with the bedroom door opened slightly. She saw, and heard, everything from the moment I came in till she came out. The entire time that she was watching, she noticed how cold you were to me. Shay did understand that you were mad at me, but having your back to me was a little suspicious. Then she told me that she felt her heart sink for me when I fell to my knees in an emotional breakdown. But then that sympathy turned to shock against you, when you smiled sadistically at me."

Judy looked down in guilt at that. She remember Shay pointing that out to her, months ago before she left. But when she thought about it, it caused her to hallucinate again. This time Shannons enraged face appeared and glaring at her, when she looked up. But before either of them could say a word, Nick continued with his explanation.

"While you were breathing down my neck about not supporting you, she questioned herself why you were doing it." Nick said breaking her from her hallucinations. "It, again, didn't make sense why you were on my case. Because you said that you got the operation out of grief. So based on that explanation, you would likely be begging me to come back to you, despite the one year separation. But instead you told me to leave you alone. The only thing that would make sense of the situation is that the kit, you aborted, wasn't mine but that rapist you mentioned to the doctor. That would make more sense on why you were so hostile to me then, because of what you said. But it also means that you lied to her, and realizing it, it made her angry. Or rather more angry because you said that we couldn't reconcile and she could tell from a distance that I was guilty of my actions and broken on the inside. When I fell on my knees in an emotional breakdown. Shay actually wanted to confront you about your lies, but she refrained from doing it then."

"Why?"

"Because she wanted to hear the whole story from both of us before she made any judgement." Nick replied "But she only knew things from your perspective, not mine. She wanted to hear my side of the story, but she'd have to do it when you're not around. Cause otherwise you would be breathing down her neck about how I'm the one lying when I'm explaining my side. But hearing my explanation would come later. Because in that one moment after you said that we couldn't reconcile. She had had enough of listening to you backlashing me like you did, and then she came out of the bedroom furiously. But she had to come up with a new plan, since her old one was a waste."

"What was the new plan?" Judy asked in guilt

"The new plan was just to confirm her suspicions." Nick replied "But to do it, she had to pretend to be the shy and sweet vixen you knew. Despite the burning anger inside of her, and wanting to confront you. Especially when you were scolding her for coming out of the bedroom, when you told her to stay. Then she held your paw, even though she didn't want to and remain silent. Then while you were busy verbally smacking me, she kept looking back and forth between the two of us. She noted how you were adamant while I was shaky, based on our body postures."

"Did it confirm her suspicions?"

"It did, like how I was broken on the inside and wanted to make amends. As well as you lying to her." Nick replied "But new ones came up to her mind. For instance, as she explained to me, what if I was forced into packing up my things and leaving. Instead of what you said, that I just packed up and left without a glance at you. Things like that came to her mind, but she had to stop thinking for a moment when you started talking about her. When you said that you guys became friends and cheered each other up, she admitted to herself that it was true and she did really appreciate the beginning when you guys were just friends. But then when you looked at her, with that loving look, and said how both of your feelings changed. She wanted to scoff and laugh in your face."

"What?" Judy asked sounding a bit shocked

"I'm serious Judy, that's what she wanted to do." Nick replied "Because you believed the act that she was putting on."

"But when I looked into her eyes, I saw that she had feelings for me." Judy retorted

"I hate to tell you this, Judy. But she never had romantic feelings for you, just platonic feelings. But you believed them to be romantic feelings." Nick said seeing the stunned look on the does face. Evident by her mouth being slightly opened, as if to try and say something. But he beat her to it as he continued "You were right though, there was romantic feelings in her eyes like you saw. But they weren't for you, they were for Wolfie."

"I don't... I don't understand, Nick." Judy said sounding confused

"Then let me explain." Nick said calmly "When Shay held your paw, she kept telling herself that she was holding Wolfies paw instead. Then when you started talking about you guys meeting and getting together. She had a flashback moment to when she first met Wolfie, which is really sweet I have to say."

"What happened?" Judy asked genuinely curious

"They met in a coffee shop, years ago." Nick replied "Shay was minding her own business with her coffee, then Wolfie came by with his own coffee and two scones. He gave her one then the two of them started to chat for long that day. Afterwards they stayed in touch and became good friends. Then after several months of being friends they started going out, and after few more months they saw each other as their soulmate."

"That sounds really sweet." Judy admitted, with a strained smile.

"It is." Nick agreed "But when you looked at her. She had to tell herself something else, that she cherished, to make you not suspect anything. She told herself that she was gazing into Wolfies eyes. But regarding the height, she pretended to be on his bed. In a way that gave her a full head over him."

"She really did this whole act in front of me?" Judy asked in a shaky voice

"She did." Nick replied nonchalantly "But the bottom line, Judy, is that she never had romantic feelings for you, only platonic feelings. However you believed it to be actual romantic ones. I'll admit, I believed it as well. Which did cause me to rush at you and then start shaking you like I did. Then shortly I pushed Shay to the ground, injuring her shoulder. But remember when I did that and Shay shed a few tears?"

"Yeah" Judy replied, remembering the pained look on the vixens face.

"Well those tears weren't from the pain she felt in that fall." Nick said "Instead the depression she kept bottled up inside, was seeping out through her eyes. But you and I thought those were tears from her shoulder being in pain. Which did cause you to lash out at me like you did. Then drag me out of your apartment, and go on about having someone who loves and supports you. But while you were doing that, Shay got up and got mad. Then she started glaring at you with daggers in her eyes and she bared her fangs at you."

"But I didn't see her getting up." Judy said in confusion

"Of course you didn't." Nick said sarcastically "You were too busy dragging me out to notice. But after you did and started crying, the anger she felt subsided. Because she thought that there's a part of you deep down that was crying out for me. She sympathized with you, since she went through the same thing with James, and just wanted to check up on you. But then that theory about you missing me went out the window, when you kissed her and said that you felt better. Then in that moment, while you were hugging her, she became so disgusted with you. To the point that she wanted to throw up on you."

"Are you serious?" Judy asked

"I am" Nick replied "And she went back to being angry with you, and she wanted to ask you some questions like." Nick then used a tone that he uses for interrogating criminals, while he continued from Shannons perspective "Sure you're happy and feel better. But what about Nick, he's broken right now. Or what about me? Didn't you stop to wonder how either of us felt?" After that last question, Nick dropped his interrogation tone for his usual one while he continued. "Those were the questions that Shay had in mind for you. But she didn't ask you then, because she wanted to hear my side of the whole ordeal. So a day after that event, she tried to find me. But because I was on a false undercover mission, as I told you, she couldn't find me. Then at the end of the day, she went with what she suspected. That the baby you aborted was not mine but the rapists. I didn't pack up my stuff and leave without giving you a chance to say anything, you pushed me into leaving. Thus she got beyond angry and was more than willing to leave you for good. She even told me that one time, when your relationship went south and you ended up on the couch. You guys argued a bit, then she slapped and punched you. Did it really happen?"

"It did." Judy replied while looking down in guilt "And I provoked her into doing it, the same day she told me that you were in the hospital."

"What did you do?" Nick asked with a confused look on his face

"Back then was when everything else had happened." Judy replied as she looked up at him "And I blamed you for all of it. Then she got fed up with me, and I saw a side to her I never expected to see."

Flashback to Six Months and One Week Ago...

It's been a few hours since Judy saw Shay leave for the hospital that Nick is in. Back then she firmly believed that the whole thing is just a hustle. But Shay believes it is true, especially since she got the news from James her ex. That fact alone caused Judy to immediately state that the whole thing is a ruse. Especially since James sided with Nick on the abortion matter, along with all of her other colleagues. Unfortunately for her, Shay still sided with James and in a fit of rage. Judy insulted Nick by saying, that fox and she insulted James in front of Shay. By calling him a jerk who is just going to hurt her and that she is a fool for believing him. In retaliation, Shay angrily told Judy not to say such a thing about James. Then she left for the hospital, alone.

Shortly after that incident, when she got home. Judy got a text from the vixen saying that she is at the hospital and Nick is there. Shay even sent a picture to prove it. The picture is of Nick sleeping while being hooked up to some medical equipment, like a heart monitor. He's also got a respirator attached to his muzzle. Despite the picture having these details, Judy still shrugged the whole thing off as another of the tods hustles. When she texted Shay that it's not real and that she should just come home. Shay replied saying "You are incredibly selfish and heartless!" That was the last thing Shay had sent to Judy. Because she never heard back from her after that, even when visitor hours were up. She figured that she was having coffee with James, since she said that she would after the visit. But that was six hours ago, and she still hasn't heard back from Shay.

It's now eight pm and she still hasn't heard anything. She has left a dozen text messages, most of which she apologized to the vixen. Along with half a dozen missed phone calls to her. But all of them have been unanswered and she's been feeling guilty and worried for her. Judy recently took a quick shower and then sat on the couch, in her carrot pajamas, with her phone by her right ear. As she makes another attempt to contact Shay.

"Hi there! You reached Shannons phone." Came the voicemail from the vixens phone, again, causing Judy to groan. "She isn't around to pick me up right now. But leave a message and I'll make sure that she gets back to you. Bye!" Then the phone beeped, signaling a chance for the doe to leave a message

"Hi Shay it's me again." Judy said softly "Please call me back, I'm worried about you." After she left that message, she hung up the call and placed her phone on the seat next to her.

But just as she did, she heard a clicking noise coming from the front door. Signaling that someone is trying to unlock the front door. She wasn't sure who it is. She hoped it would be Shay, since she does live here. But then again it could be a criminal trying to break in and steal something. Which is weird, considering the time right now and such events would happen more towards the middle of the night. Fortunately the does hope came true, because once the door was opened. The vixen in question, whom she tried to contact for the past few hours, came in with her keys in her paw.

"Hey" Shay said begrudgingly, while having a sour expression, as she closed the door behind her and placed her keys in the bowl.

"Shay you're back!" Judy shouted in joy as she got up from the couch and made her way over to the vixen to envelope her in a hug. But when she arrived the vixen sidestepped her, causing Judy to almost hit the door with her face. After she stopped herself, she turn around to see Shay walking towards the open kitchen. Then she said softly "Shay?"

"Did you honestly think I was going to hug you." Shay replied while opening the fridge and retrieving a bottle of water. "After everything you said and did today?"

"Look Shay I'm really sorry, I-" Judy paused for a moment as she took in an unfamiliar scent from the vixen. Before she could ask where it came from, Shay spoke up

"Are you?!" Shay asked angrily as she glared at the doe "Because today you went on about your colleagues not being on your side in this abortion matter! Which you caused by not saying anything to them! Then you went on about how things between you and your family are at an end, which you caused by lying to them! Then you had the audacity to insult Nick like you did! Not to mention, also going out of your way to insult James for no valid reason!" After venting a bit, Shay took a deep breath to calm herself down a little. "Frankly, nothing you've done today tells me that you are truly sorry. In fact, you're only saying it so that I would be on your side."

"But I am genuinely sorry for what I said." Judy said sounding as sincere as possible

"Yeah right" Shay said, with a lot of venom in her tone, not believing her for a second. "Y'know, when I sent you that picture. I was standing right there in front of him and his family, who were in tears, and yours who were there to support them. While their son is in a coma, an actual coma. That Doctor Anderson, his doctor, said he is in. So how can you just stand there and say that none of it is really."

"Because it isn't real!" Judy retorted, in a harsh tone, causing Shay to cross her arms and glare at her. "Look, I told you that Nick used to do hustles in the past. So this is just one of his hustles to get me show him compassion. Which will never happen since he left me when I needed him the most."

Shay continued to glare daggers at the doe, while she said that statement. It made her blood boil, because she honestly thought that Judy cared about others and is willing to help them in anyway possible. But with what happened when Nick arrived here at night. As well as what happened weeks after that incident with everyone else around the doe. It was clear that Judy being a caring mammal is a lie, and she has lied to her on a certain matter. Which as soon as the thought came to her mind, caused her to make her way towards Judy.

"I can see why he left you in the first place." Shay started, with her voice filled with venom. Causing Judy to give her a confused expression "It's because what he wanted wouldn't matter at all. Because you always have to have the final say in anything, which completely ignores his feelings. So he left because he loved you more than your career, and he was more than willing to come back. Despite what you did to him. But you didn't love him enough, not more than your career. But also you are incredibly selfish, since you wouldn't care about what anybody wanted especially me." Shay pointed a thump at herself at that last part, causing Judy to gap at her. "In fact this entire relationship of ours only exists because of the pain he feels of losing you. As well as all of the pain you've caused him by being so harsh and heartless."

"But besides that, nobody would want to be around someone who keeps lying about serious matters."

"I never lied to you Shay." Judy uttered, being taken aback a little by the vixens outburst.

"Yes you have!" Shay shouted, losing her patience. "You told me that the baby you aborted was yours and his! So it made me think that somewhere deep down inside of you. You wanted to get back together with him. Which is only possible if the baby was legitimately his. But instead it wasn't his at all, it was that rapists baby!"

Judy was stunned by this statement of hers, and it left her a bit baffled. But after a few seconds of contemplation, she realized that Shay was talking about the story she told her at the infirmary. Which is still a bit off from the truth, but telling her now would make the situation worst for her. So she decided not to spill the beans on that case right now, but instead she wanted to end this topic that the vixen is on. However while she was standing close to Shay, the scent she smelled earlier became apparent. Judy did want to inquire about it, but before she could Shay continued her venting.

"Judy Hopps, you are selfish liar and you keep blaming others for your own mistakes! Especially when they had nothing to do with it!" Shay shouted, while still glaring daggers at the doe. "But you never noticed what you did or consider how others felt." After saying that last part, Shay took a few deep breaths to calm down. Then she asked rhetorically in a calm tone, but still with a lot of fury in her eyes "Y'know what, why do I even bother saying anything to you? Because you would always make yourself seem like the innocent victim, while others who don't agree with you are the bad ones." After she said that, she turned away from Judy and made her way towards the bedroom.

"Who does that scent belong to?" Judy asked, causing Shay to turn around and face her.

"Excuse me?" Shay asked in a harsh tone

"Who does that scent belong to?" Judy asked again, in an irritated tone. "I know that it's not mine. But also you've been gone for a long time. Where were you?"

Shay stared at Judy with an intense glare, and a lot of fury in her eyes. It made her so angry that the doe is focused on something else. Beside the big picture that she described moments ago. But based on the way that Judy was looking at her, with a mix of anger and sadness in her eyes, she felt that she wasn't going to let this go. When she realized it, she thought back to the other night when Nick was here. How she was very unremorseful to him. So she thought; why shouldn't she treat her the same way? Obviously, not to stoop to her level. However, Shay decided to make this situation her one time only exception.

"Well since you sort of asked, I was with James the whole time." Shay replied with a smirk, while she noticed the shocked expression that formed on Judys face. Which prompted her to explain herself "See after I sent that message that you're incredibly selfish and heartless. I knew that you were going to try to apologize, even though you don't mean it. So I turned off my phone, which would explain why you couldn't reach me in the past few hours. Then after the visit with Nick, I went to get a coffee with James like I said I would and let me tell you. When we got the coffee, the sun was already setting and the scenery was just beautiful. Which I think caused James to want to take me out to an early dinner. Which we had at a dinner, and I considered it an early dinner date. While we were there James apologized to me, again, about how things went between us. Then after dinner, and after all the talking we did, I gave him a peck on his cheek. Then he returned it by puling me into a hug and scent marking me. Which a part of me thought wasn't a good idea. But-" Shay paused for a moment to close her eyes and breath a content sigh "Oof, what I would do to be in his warm embrace again?"

While Shay fell into a blissful sate of mind. Where she is being hugged a bit more tightly by the wolf, who has the keys to her heart. Judy looked at her with her mouth gaped and having a shocked expression on her face. Because what she heard was that her girlfriend, whom she's been with for the past months, is cheating on her with her ex and she's okay with it. Judy felt like she wanted to cry in this instant, and she can even feel tears building up in her eyes. But she refused to let them stream down her face. Because she wanted to yell at the vixen. But before she could, Shay opened her eyes and still had that big smile on her face.

"Long story short, me and James are speaking to each other again." Shay said, while hugged herself "After such a long time."

"You let him scent mark you?!" Judy asked with a lot of fury in her tone. Causing Shay to break out of her blissful state and into an annoyed one. "Shay that's not okay!"

"You're right it isn't okay." Shay said, suddenly agreeing with Judy which caused the doe to look at her with confusion. "But what isn't okay, as well, is kicking someone around when they are at their lowest. When Nick was here the other night, he was at his lowest and was guilty for what happened between you two. But instead of being sympathetic to him, you verbally assaulted him and were completely heartless. That's way worst then what you're accusing me of!"

"Are you saying that you would willingly let any other ex scent mark you?" Judy asked, in an accusing tone.

Shay was slightly taken a back by that question. Despite it making her blood boil, she answered in a calm tone "First off, I wouldn't, it would depend on who the ex is and how our relationship went. Like in James case, I still have my feelings for him. So obviously I wouldn't be bothered with him scent marking me. But in Nicks case, if he was my ex and I was in your place with everything happening between you two. Then things would have been completely different." Judy rolled her eyes at that comment, but didn't say anything until Shay explained herself. "For instance, when Nick came here the other night. I would have told him to sleep on the couch and we would talk in the morning when he is sober. When that happens, I would tell him that I understand that he is against abortion. But a pregnancy that occurred through rape isn't okay. I would tell him that I appreciate that he was making an effort to make things right between us. Unfortunately, we were over for quite sometime and we can still be friends. But he would be upset over it and I would feel guilty for it. So to make it up to him, I would help him find a girlfriend and help him come to terms with us being good friends."

"Okay, why would you help him when he hurt you a lot?" Judy asked, with a puzzled look on her face, trying to understand her reasons for being nice to Nick.

"Like I told you, it depends on who the ex is and how our relationship went." Shay replied, sounding slightly irritated at the doe "But my point is that I want to try to be on good terms with exs. Because I valued our friendship, that came before the relationship. So I can confidently say that I'm on speaking terms with James, that I wanted for so long." Shay took a moment to let out a content sigh, in the knowledge that she has her wolf back. "Oh and based on what you told me about Nick, of his past and being on the force, which is trash by the way." Judy gaped at her again in response to that comment "And what I found out about him from James and his family, and yours, he sounds like a very sweet guy. Whom I can see myself dating at some point in the past. But you were very lucky to have been with him."

"Okay, wait just a minute Shay. I do get what you're saying, but it's still only his fault." Judy stated angrily, causing the vixen to glare at her and make her way towards the doe. While she continued "He knew that I was on the fast track to becoming a Lieutenant and I was working hard to achieve it. But then the rapist thing happened, and with me carrying that kit. It would damage my chances of getting the promotion. But instead of supporting me, he chose to be a coward and leave me when I needed him." At this point Shay was only inches away from the doe and her fangs were showing while she was fuming with rage. "And thanks to him being a shameful coward, everybody is aware of what's going on. Which is why our lives are damaged beyond repair. So if you are going to be mad at someone, it should be at-"

Judy was cut off mid sentence, in that moment, due to receiving a hard smack on her face from Shay. The smack was delivered to her left cheek and it caused her to fall to the floor, on her right side. As soon as she hit the floor, she had a sudden flashback to a year ago when a similar event occurred. But back then she was the one who delivered the smack to her significant other, which in that case was Nick. But when he fell to the floor, he knocked over a coffee table. Judy, however, didn't knock anything over. But she did have a red paw mark on her cheek that burned immensely. As soon as the flashback ended, she shot her paw up to her cheek that hurt, while being taken by surprise of the sudden smack. She lifted herself up a little and turned around to ask Shay what the slap was for. But when she looked at the vixen, she was met with a face filled with red hot rage. Evident by her fangs being shown and her one fist is clenched, while the other had a death grip on her water bottle, not to mention that she is glaring daggers at the doe with fury in her eyes.

"S...Shay?" Judy asked with fear laced in her tone, and her nose is twitching in fear.

"HOW FUCKING DARE YOU?!" Shay shouted in complete anger "What will it take, Judy? What will it take to show you that you don't get to dismiss facts when they are staring right at you? Besides I told you, point blank, that Nick is in the hospital in a coma and his parents are in an emotional wreck over it! He might not wake up at all and you are blaming him for things that he never did. Nick didn't ruin our lives, you did by your own damn actions!" After yelling at the doe with a lot of venom in her tone. Shay took a few deep breaths to calm down again. But she still fixated Judy with an angry glare while she continued "If you want to waste your time with your stubbornness and selfishness, that is on you. But I am done trying to convince you otherwise and I am done with you." After Shay said that last part, she started making her way to the bedroom.

"Done with me?" Judy thought while she scrambled to get up and quickly made a dash for the vixen and grabbed her right arm. Which caused Shay to shake off her paw and glare at her. "What do you mean you're done with me?"

"Like I told you earlier, our relationship only exists because of Nicks pain. But anything in life, be it a relationship or some form of agreement, that's formed due to the pain of others is wrong and I refuse to participate in it." Shay replied "But besides that, you keep blaming others for the consequences that came from your actions, without remorse, and not caring about how others feel. That's the attitude of a sociopath!" Judy gaped in response to that comment, but was unable to say anything. "And you let me believe that you are this kind hearted mammal who loves to help everyone in the city. But instead you are a cold-hearted mammal who is more than willing to get rid of anything or anyone in your way. Because you only care about yourself, and that's basically insulting the uniform you walk around in everyday."

"Wait a minute Shay I-" Judy started to protest, in a hasty voice. But she was halted by the enraged vixen

"SHUT UP!" Shay shouted, causing Judy to look down at the floor for a moment before looking back up at her. "Nick is a wonderful guy and you were lucky to have been with him. Cause if I knew about him, before I met James, I would have dated him and definitely married him. Because he is the kind of mammal I want to be with; a pure hearted soul who loves to help others. Unlike a cold heartless monster like you." Shay then turned around and opened the bedroom door.

"Wait Shay, I'm really sorry." Judy uttered, trying to stop the vixen in her tracks.

"No you're not Judy." Shay said coldly, while having her back turned to her "There is a difference between being genuinely sorry and only being sorry for being caught. You fall in the latter part. Because if you were genuinely sorry, you have done what I asked you hours ago. Which was make peace with everyone, your parents, your colleagues and Nick. But you refused to do it and said it's ridiculous. Also, you're only saying that you're sorry because you're afraid of being alone and nobody would be willing to be with you." Shay entered their bedroom and stood at the entrance. Then she turned around to give Judy a blank stare. "That being said, you can consider our poor excuse of a relationship over and I'm done putting up with you. So unless you've made peace with everyone around you, don't ever talk to me again." With that Shay shut the the door and locked it.

"Shay!" Judy shouted as she tried to open the door. But after a few tries that ended in failure, she then proceeded to knock loudly "Shay! Come on, open the door! Please Shay!" After a few moments passed, with failure, the door was finally opened. Revealing the vixen in question holding a duvet and pillow in her arms. "Shay I-"

"Save it." Shay said coldly, while she moved passed the doe and made her way to the couch. When she arrived, she started making a makeshift bed on the couch. By placing the pillow on one end of the couch, away from the bedroom door, and she covered the remainder of the couch with a duvet. The apartment came into an uncomfortable silence, with neither of them saying a word to each other.

"What are you doing?" Judy asked, finally breaking the uncomfortable silence.

"Like I told you, earlier, we're over and I'm not going to bed with you. So I'm making this makeshift bed for you to sleep on." Shay replied coldly, without looking up. Then as soon as she was done, she stood up and look at Judy with an enraged look as she said, still in a cold tone. "Because unlike you, I am not a cold-hearted sociopathic monster."

After Shay said that, she then retreated to the single bedroom. Leaving Judy, who is stunned at what was said a few seconds ago, all by herself. While she's standing by her makeshift bed, she wondered why Shay would say the last thing she did. But that was moved to the back of her mind since another thing that the vixen said kept playing like a broken record in her mind; we're over. After the umpteenth time of it being said in her mind, she realized what it meant. That her relationship with Shay is coming to an end and it caused tears to form in the corners of her eyes. After a brief moment passed of her realizing this, a door suddenly slammed shut and was locked. The initial slam of the door caused Judy to spin around in her spot and she saw the bedroom door closed. Meaning that Shay is back inside the bedroom, while she sat down on her makeshift bed and the tears that formed started to stream down her face.

"No." Judy muttered in despair.

(One Hour Later)

It's been an entire hour since Judy and Shay have broken up, with the vixen locking herself in the bedroom. While the grey doe bunny lies on the bed. During this time, Shay did leave the bedroom. But only to go and take a shower. Which Judy saw as an opportunity to try and apologies again. But she ended up getting rejected again when Shay exited the bathroom and retreated into the bedroom to lock herself again. Once she was inside the bedroom, Judy lied back down on her makeshift bed and started to contemplate about what happened in the previous hour. It stunned her how Shay called her a cold-hearted sociopathic monster. It really hurt her to hear that, just as much as her cheek was still hurting from the slap she received.

However with that event in mind, she did question herself why she had the flashback. The only thing that would make sense is that she understood the pain Nick felt that day. But that was pushed to the back of her mind since something else is the focus right now. The thing Shay said that they are over. That's a bitter pill to swallow and she still couldn't bring herself to do it. So thought of apologizing again and offer to do something that they both could enjoy. In the hopes that she would change her mind about ending the relationship. So after a lot of thought and consideration. She got up and made her way to the bedroom door and was about to knock. When she suddenly heard what sounded like a discussion between Shay and another mammal. But there shouldn't anyone else in there, besides Shay, unless she is on a phone call and put it on speaker. Judy didn't know who it is she's talking too. So she pressed her ear against the door to hear.

"...so she still believes its a lie?" A voice asked, sounding annoyed. Which Judy realized as belonging to James. Initially she was surprised to hear him, but she remembered Shay telling her earlier that they are on speaking terms.

"Yeah." Shay replied while she groaned in annoyance "Even though I told her what happened in the room and took the picture, then sent it to her. She still refuses to believe it and claims it's all a lie. What kind of cop thinks like that?"

"Well, there are a few types that come to mind." James replied "One is a corrupt cop. One is an ignorant cop. Then there is one that is extremely condescending. So given Judys track record on the force, I'd say she is more of the last one."

"Makes sense." Shay commented, sounding a bit down. But then she sprang up with renewed energy as she said. "Okay enough about her and her arrogance. Tell me about you Fluffy. What have you been up to?"

"Can we use nicknames like we used to?" James asked, ignoring her question. "Cause were not dating and I think we should first work on building up our friendship. Before we use nicknames."

"I understand that James. But I still want to use it." Shay commented sounding serious, then the tone of her voice became softer "Because I miss you dearly my fluffy."

"I miss you too, my Shay." James said softly, almost whispering to Judys ears. Then the bedroom became silent. In fact the apartment became silent, albeit the only sound heard is that of a grey doe bunnys heart picking up. "So what do you want to talk about?"

"Where do I begin?" Shay asked rhetorically, sounding chipper "I mean I haven't seen or heard from you in an entire year. What have you been up too?"

"Well, not much to be honest." James replied solemnly "I mean I have been busy with work, obviously, but I was dealing with depression for most of it. Because I missed you too much. Then I was placed on desk work for months, because I couldn't focus on the job. So bottom-line, the last year was pretty dull to me."

"I'm sorry to hear that Fluffy." Shay said sympathetically

"I guess the past year was just as bad for you?" James inquired

"Not as bad as you, it was way worst." Shay clarified "Because I haven't been happy, appreciated or comfortable at all."

"Well, if you felt this way. Then why did you go out with Judy in the first place?" James asked sounding confused

"Because I felt sorry for her." Shay groaned, unknowingly sending a dagger into the eavesdropping does heart. "That's the only reason why I even became friends with her in the first place. Because I thought that she was in a bad place and all she needed was a good friend. But I never expected to be in a relationship with her."

"I think it's because you have such a big heart Shay." James said, making a good assumption

"I suppose." Shay muttered solemnly "But what I want right now, is just to be in your arms again."

"Hehe, I guess we both had a dull year." James commented, in a jovial manner to lighten the mood. "But yours was worst because I wasn't there."

"Oh you dumb wolf." Shay retorted, then they both shared a chuckle. "But I'm sure something positive must have happened to you. Isn't it?"

"Well, I don't know if you would call it positive. But I did start learning a new language, like I told you I would." James replied "And I went with learning Italian. I don't have a reason, by the way, to learn Italian specifically. But I just thought that it could impress you and it could fulfill what I had planned about learning another language."

"That's so cool, Fluffy, but you don't have to impress me. You just do what makes you happy." Shay commented, appreciating his intent. "So, how did the learning go?"

"Well about as good as an unfocused mammal can get." James replied not sounding to confident "I can't speak it fluently, but I can say a few things. Like greetings and a thank you though. Also there is this one phrase I wanted to learn so that I can say it to you."

"What is it?" Shay inquired

"Amore Mio." James replied "It means, my love." The bedroom became silent in a moment, after he gave that explanation. Although there did come a noise a few seconds later. From the sound of it, it sounded like Shay readjusted her position on the bed. "Shay? Are you still there?"

"Yeah, sorry." Shay replied apologetically "Um, can you say that Italian thing again for me. Please?" She pleaded almost sounding like a kit.

"Hehehe, who would say no to a sweet vixen like you?" James asked, rhetorically. "But I'll do bit more than you asked. By saying it a few times with a twist. Amore Mio. Amore Mio. Shannon O'Shea Amore Mio."

"I could listen to that all day and night." Shay said, while sighing in content.

"I'm sure you would." James said "But I need to turn in now, since I got work to do tomorrow and so do you."

"Alright." Shay retorted, nearly whining in a playful manner "But we are still on for lunch tomorrow. Right?"

"Indeed we are amore mio." James replied confidently, causing Shay to sigh. While Judy gasped, in shock, softly, but audible loud enough for the vixen to hear her. "Goodnight Shay."

"Goodnight Fluffy." Shay said sweetly, then ended the call.

Immediately after that she got up from the bed and made her way to the bedroom door. Judy quickly realized that Shay must have heard her gasping. So she had to move away from the door quickly. In order to avoid an angry vixen, who is likely going to be beyond angry with her. Judy turned to leave, and make her way back to her bed on the couch. Unfortunately, for her, she only managed to get a few feet away. Before the door was abruptly opened revealing an enraged vixen wearing a floral bathroom and an angry look on her face.

"You were eavesdropping on me weren't you?" Shay asked, coldly, rhetorically as she cut to the chase immediately. "Do you have anything to say for yourself?"

"I...uh" Judy stuttered for a moment, unable to think of where to start. She wanted to apologize for the eavesdropping and for what she said earlier. As well as promise to do whatever she could to make it up to her. However at the same time she felt betrayed that Shay is seeing her ex-boyfriend. Despite knowing that she said she would earlier. But Judy decided to rather push the feeling of betrayal to the side and apologize like she planned to.

"I'm sorry for eavesdropping, Shay." Judy started softly, looking her in her eyes "And I'm sorry for what I said to you earlier. None of it is fair or right to say. I'll do whatever it takes to make it up to you. But I hope you can forgive me."

"It's funny that you said that you would make things up to me." Shay commented coldly "But in reality you wouldn't. Because the things I asked you hours ago, are things you could do to 'make things up' to me. But you won't do them since you said that they are ridiculous. Oh and your apology isn't accepted." Judy looked down in sorrow when Shay said that. "Is there anything else?"

"Yeah actually" Judy replied in a stern manner "What you're doing about seeing James isn't okay." Shay raised her eyebrow in annoyance and crossed her arms while Judy continued "I know that you said that you want to be on good terms with your exs. But this isn't going to work out for you. So you should just-" Judy was cut of mid sentence, due to receiving an out of the blue punch from the vixen in the face. The impact from the punch was so hard, it caused Judy to fall flat on her back.

A moment after she fell, she placed her paw on her left eye, where the punch hit. Then she opened her other eye and was met with the sight of a very angry vixen. Shay had her one paw clenched in a fist, likely the one she used to throw the punch. While the other is holding the door as if to close it. But before she did, she said with a lot of venom in her voice "You are completely pathetic!" Shay slammed the door shut a second after she said that.

Judy just sat there and stared at the closed door as tears started to form in her eyes. While her nose twitched, like it would whenever she is in fear of something. After a while she got up and made her way to her bed. But along the way she heard a voice she thought she never heard from, after today.

"That was a messy situation." Came a voice. Causing Judy to look in it's direction to see Nick standing to the right of the closed bedroom door. Wearing his usual Pawaiin shirt, beige shorts and having a pawpsicle in his muzzle. "The apology was good. But you should have just stuck to that and not said the other thing, Carrots."

Just seeing Nick brought out all the resentment and hatred she had for him. But she didn't understand why he appeared and disappeared in the blink of an eye a few hours ago. Regardless, just seeing him made her want to punch him. However she felt tired and didn't want to fight with him now. So while she got into her bed, she said in a rather cold tone "This is all your fault Nick. You shameful coward."

"IT'S NOT HIS FAULT! QUIT BLAMING HIM FOR YOU MISTAKES RABBIT!" Shay shouted suddenly.

But hearing her shout caused Judy to get startled and nearly fall out of the bed. However she quickly composed herself then looked in the direction of the door and saw that it was still closed. Then she looked to the right and saw that Nick is gone as well. She looked around to see if he is still around, but since he isn't. She lied back on the pillow, feeling exhausted after the day and evening events, and tried to fall asleep. But that was a tough challenge to do. Since she has a broken heart right now.

End of Flashback...

"Since then, Shay has been giving me the silent treatment." Judy said, while looking at the floor in guilt. "She would lock herself in the bedroom and only come out to go to work. She wouldn't even give me a chance to say anything. So then I follow her to work, to try and apologize again. But when I get there one of a few things would happen. 1) She is working and she would ignore me completely. 2) She's not there, but I see her coming back from her lunch break with James walking next to her. 3) She's there and she is talking with James and she seems quite happy."

"Well, she did say that she wanted to be on speaking terms with him after so long." Nick commented, understanding the latter scenario. "But what I want to know is; Why you didn't react to the punch and slap in time? Since I'm quite sure you must have seen them coming."

"My guess, I just never expected her to even throw those things." Judy said, while she shrugged her shoulders. "Let alone so hard that I would actually fall to the floor."

"There is a saying for that and it's called; Expect the unexpected." Nick said, quoting an old proverb "And it applies quite well in this situation. Because Shay is a kind, sweet and caring vixen you wouldn't expect her to do anything aggressive. Be it in a verbal or physical way, and then she would do it. But when she told me this, she never mentioned the part about you falling to the floor."

"It doesn't matter, what's done is done." Judy commented in a firm tone. Then she looked up at Nick and gave him an apologetic expression as she continued softly "But after it happened, I realized how much pain I placed on you that day when I told you I was pregnant. Which is unfair and I am so so sorry Nick."

Nick stared at Judy with a sympathetic look. He knew that she is feeling remorse for her actions. But he didn't want her to feel anymore guilt. Especially since he can see tears forming in the corners of her eyes, again. A sight he really disliked to see from her. So on instinct, he wiped her eyes from the tears. That threatened to run down her face. Then he placed his right paw on her left cheek, and gave it a gentle rub. Which caused her to place both of her paws on his wrist to keep his paw in place. They then looked at each other with soft and caring eyes, while Nick continued to gently rub her cheek.

"Judy I understand how you feel, I really do." Nick said "But what you're doing isn't healthy. Because dwelling on the past doesn't do anything good for you. It just brings up bad memories and negative emotions. But I do get that this kind of thing happens to mammals a lot. Where something happens now and it causes you to think about something that happened in the past. Then you'll think about it and then you'll realize all the different things that you could have said or done differently. But when the situation occurs, you don't have much of a choice."

After Nick said that, Judy looked down at the sofa seat in a mix of guilt and sorrow. She does understand what Nick is talking about. That thinking about the past isn't healthy and it will only make you feel guilty. But it was hard for her to not think about her past actions and not feel guilty about it. Then Nick lifted her head up and she became eye level with him. She wanted to say something to him, but she didn't know what to say. Fortunately for her, Nick bat her to it.

"Judy for the sake of your mental health. Please try to let what happened go and don't think about it. Please?" Nick asked in a pleading manner

"Okay." Judy replied softly, while a smile creeped up on her face, as she nodding in agreement.

Then all of a sudden more tears welled up in her eyes. But this time they were happy tears. Because it had been so long since someone cared for her the way Nick cares. Then Nick started to brush the tears from her eyes with his thumb. Afterwards, while still having a grip on his wrist, she kept her eyes closed and rubbed her cheek against his paw. While she relished in his touch that she missed for so long. Unaware that she's scent marking him. After what seemed like minutes, she stopped herself and thought about the situation. She would want to spend more time enjoying Nicks touch. But at the same time, she knew that they still have a bunch of stuff to discuss. So she, begrudgingly, released his wrist and expected him to remove his paw, the second after she let go. But he kept his paw on her cheek for a second and then he removed it. After that she looked up at him with curious eyes and was met with his, still, soft and caring expression.

"Nick, did Shay say anything after the explanation?"

"She did." Nick replied in confirmation "But I should first mention that, when she told all of this to me and Wolfie we were at a cafe. The same day that I left the hospital and when they got back together. Shay was sitting on Wolfies lap when she told us both. Afterwards she looked at Wolfie, in tears, and apologized for everything and begged him to give her a second chance. She then said that she would do whatever she could to make it up to him. He gave her a second chance under the condition that she has to stay with him no matter what. Which she planned to do, since they don't want to go through the same thing again and they'll deal with anger in a positive way. But after they made their reconciliation then, Shay and I had a chat about you. Where we compared our experiences and feelings about you. But that's when I learned somethings that are both upsetting and disappointing."

"What do you mean?" Judy asked

"I'll get into that in a moment. But I want to ask you something first, Judy." Nick replied "What was the one thing that Shay wanted from you? I mean besides the obvious thing that you had to make peace with everyone. I do know what it is, I think, but I want to hear it from you and your reasons for it."

After Nick said that, Judy took a moment to contemplate about what Shay wanted from her. She didn't take too long to think, since she remembered exactly what it was. Especially since it was asked constantly both before and during the time that they were living together. Until the point when Shay stopped asking because she wouldn't budge on the subject. Judy has regretted that decision since, along with remembering her disappointed face. So after breathing a heavy sigh and looking down in guilt as she said softly.

"She wanted me to take her to Bunnyburrow."

"And what brought that up?" Nick asked sounding curious.

"One time, she asked me where I grew up and I told her Bunnyburrow." Judy replied solemnly, still not looking up. "Afterwards she told me that she wanted to see the countryside, cause y'know she's a city fox. Then she asked me to take her, but I never did. My reasons are that I was to busy with a case or that the timing wasn't good. Obviously, none of it is true but I kept saying this both before and during the time when she moved in with me. Up until a point when she stopped, when I said again that I was busy with a case. Which happened some time after she lived with me. Then one day I got a call from my mom, asking me if I was coming to the Carrots Day Festival. I figured that it would be a good time to go, so I checked with Shay. But she then used one of my excuses against me, so I had to tell my mom that I couldn't come."

"That was rough." Nick commented, feeling sympathetic to Judy "But you should have seen it coming your way. Although if I had to guess why she did it. It would be because she was dealing with her depression, hence why she didn't want to go. But why didn't you take her the first time she asked you?"

"Because Nick if I did, it would be chaos." Judy replied, in a serious tone, while looking up at Nick in his emerald green eyes. "If I took her then my entire family is going to keep asking me 'who she is?' and 'why is she here?' and 'where are you?'. That last one obviously coming from my younger siblings since they like you. I just didn't want to face all that drama, so I thought it best not to go at all."

"I hate to tell you Judy. But you would face drama in either scenario, be it with your family or Shay." Nick said, clarifying the situation "But I can think of an excuse you can use, based on what you said when you introduced me. When those questions come you would introduce her as a new friend of ours, who is a lesbian with a big interest in she-wolves. Then when they asked why she was there, you'd tell them that you told her about where you grew up. Then she begged you to take her, hence why she's there. But if anyone asked you where I am, you'd tell them that I'm in trouble at work. Because I was on Buffalo Butts case, both figuratively and literally. For the latter, if anyone asked, I creeped up behind him in the shower rooms and gave him a friendly pat on his ass. He obviously didn't like that, and said that HR or the higher ups could get involved. But since I'm a good officer, who is a royal pain. He punished me by making me do desk work for a month and I wasn't allowed to go anywhere outside of Zootopia. Which was during the time you guys went to the Homestead, so I wasn't there."

"Wait, why would I tell them that Shay is a lesbian?" Judy asked in confusion.

"Gee I don't know, why would you tell them I was gay?" Nick retorted rhetorically, ignoring her question, as he looked at her with a stern expression. Judy went silent and looked back down at the ground. Since she couldn't counter back at him. Which caused him to say "I rest my case." But after seeing Judy looking upset, he placed his paw on her back and gave her a gentle rub. Causing her to look up at him as he said "Hey, I didn't mean to make you feel more upset about this. But I just wanted to make a point that lying can have consequences, that can come back to bite you."

"I guess so." Judy agreed softly "But I assume that you must've taken her to Bunnyburrow. Since you know about it."

"Your assumption is right, Judy." Nick said confirming her assumption "But based on your explanation. It would explain how she was so excited to go when I took her the first and second time."

"Wait what?" Judy asked sounding surprised to hear that Shay went to Bunnyburrow twice.

"I suppose I should explain myself." Nick replied, "See, when Shay told me about you not bringing her to Bunnyburrow I felt sad and sorry for her. So when I planned a three day trip to the Hopps Homestead, which became a Wilde family trip, I invited her and Wolfie to come along with us. She accepted the invitation and then hugged me, out of appreciation, but I swear she hugged me so tight. It felt like she was going to crack my ribs. I did invite Lara and MJ too, since I was dating her at the time just so you know."

"And everything went okay?" Judy asked slightly concerned, remembering how angry her parents were with Shay.

"It did, but Shay and your parents had to bury the hatchet about their first met." Nick replied "After that the trip went well, at least for Shay it did. I on the other hand was forced on bed rest by your parents the first day. Their reason is because I'm still recovering from my time in the hospital. Despite my attempts to explain to them that I had stiff legs, from being in a coma for a month, and a gunshot wound on my face and not something else. They still insisted and for the first day of the trip, I was on bed rest. Which would have sucked, but I did have company in the form of Jack and Finny. As well as some of your siblings bringing me somethings to eat and drink. While the younger ones brought books to read with me. Which is really sweet of all of them."

"Wait" Judy said suddenly, with a puzzled look on her face. "You said that it was a family trip. So why are Finnick and Jack there?"

"Well, they are family since I grew up with them both and they're like brothers to me." Nick clarified "Jack is technically my soon-to-be brother-in-law because he is engaged to my sister right now. It's weird, I know, considering the twelve year age gap between them. But my pop and I made a deal with Jack, when he asked permission to date her. That as long as he treats my sister with a lot of love and care then we won't have a problem. But the instant he doesn't, he would be introduced to chaos. If you know what I mean."

"Of course I do." Judy remarked sarcastically, knowing full well how overprotective a dad can be to their daughters. Especially since she witnessed it from her own dad to her siblings. "But what about Finnick? Is he like close to one of your cousins or something?"

"Heh, nope." Nick replied with a slight chuckle "He is actually my brother. But the actual term would be adoptive brother, since my parents adopted him when he was two."

"What?" Judy asked sounding shocked "But what happened to his parents?"

"It's not good, let me just say that for now. But I'll explain later." Nick replied, trying to avoid an unpleasant subject. "Anyway, that was the first day of the trip. The next day everything was fine. I was able to have a nice father-in-law, son-in-law and mother-in-law, son-in-law time with your parents. By helping your dad in the farm and your mom in the kitchen. It was a really nice bonding time that I enjoyed with them. Which my parents and siblings also got to experience."

"I'm glad you guys enjoyed yourselves." Judy commented with a small smile. But inside she was feeling a bit upset at missing out on the bonding time. "But what about James? How was the trip for him?"

"Oh, poor Wolfie got himself a cold the second we arrived." Nick replied, earning a confused look from the doe. "Apparently country air takes a toll on his sinuses, hence the cold he got. So that first day when I was on forced bed rest, he was confined to a bed to recuperate. I then saw some of your sisters feeding him some warm veggie soup and later some of your younger siblings reading him bed time stories. Obviously I got out of bed to see both of these things. But I was eventually caught and forced back to bed by your parents. The next day when we were outside, we were both fine. Although Wolfie did sneeze quite a bit, one time he even sneezed so loud I nearly dropped my ice-cream on the ground."

"I'm surprised my siblings did so much for you guys." Judy commented with a small smile. While internally, she is proud of her family for moving past the prejudices.

"It was really nice of them." Nick said "Oh and something else I forgot to share is that they even gave me and Shay a full body massage. She got it from your brothers, while I got it from both your brothers and sisters." Nick then had on a strained smile as he thought about everything he said about the trip. "I guess I could have just said that the trip went well, with some minor things like me on bed rest and Wolfie getting sick. But one thing that I liked about the trip. Besides bonding with your family, is spending time with Shay and I learned somethings about her. Which made what I knew about her kind of pointless."

"And what was that?" Judy inquired in a curious tone.

"Originally I thought that she and I are foxes who were committed to you. But you didn't commit to either of us." Nick replied in a calm tone, causing Judy to look down in guilt. "Buuutttt" Nick said getting her attention, evident by her looking back up at him. "I was wrong. I learned quite a bit about her and we even have stuff in common. So that comment she made about her marrying me if she had a chance with me is very possible. Especially since I would have married her if Wolfie wasn't her soulmate."

"You would?" Judy asked sounding shocked

"Yes, yes I would." Nick replied confidently earning a puzzled look from the doe. Which prompted him to explain why he felt that way about Shay. "Judy, I'm attracted to mammals who have a pure heart towards others. By that I mean that if a mammal were to do things to make others lives better. Like serving food at a homeless shelter, donate food and toys and other things to an orphanage or providing support to others who are down on their luck. I would fall in love with them very quickly and Shay would too. Another thing, I should mention, is while you have these traits. Anything else you may poses like, being a great baker or you have a lot of money are just considered added bonuses. But I do know that the whole being nice can be a setup to cover a mammals true colors. Like maybe they are actually cruel or a gold digger for example."

"Would a mammal have to do these specific things to get your attention?" Judy asked in a curious tone.

"Not in the way you think." Nick replied "See, you should do these things because you want to do them. Not because you have to or because you just want to get someones attention. It has to be you doing it, by your own choice, and it comes from the heart."

"I see." Judy said solemnly "I guess one of your exs did those things?"

"Yep, and it was Daniel who did those things and he even got me and my friends to participate as well. But just seeing him do these things made me love him so much more." Nick replied with a content smile. As memories of himself and Daniel started to come to his mind. But he had to shake his mind from the memories, because he had to focus on the discussion with Judy. Not to mention, thinking about Daniel would just bring him pain. "Anyway like I said, Shay and I have the same views about what we want in our soulmates. Then we discussed how our lives would be if we got together. We both agreed that we would be happily married and have kids. Although if things were different and you played your cards right. You would have had, not one but two foxes who would shower you with a lot of love and support. But since she has Wolfie, we decided to downgrade our theory to us being each others long lost twin sibling."

"Did anything happen after that?" Judy asked in concern.

"Well we were teased a bit about it, from my parents." Nick replied "But it did lead to her and her parents being invited to family events and gatherings, sometimes, and everything was a lot of fun. But when we were taking pictures, one time, she got involved in one with me and my siblings." After he said that, he fished out his phone and opened it up. Afterwards he went to his gallery to look for a photo to show the event he described. When he found it, he handed the phone to Judy who appeared a bit upset by the photo. Evident by her eyes being soft and her jaw opened ajar.

In the photo, Nick is standing in the center with a tree behind him. He's wearing a purple t-shirt and beige pants. On his shoulders is Finnick, who appears to be wearing his usual attire of a black t-shirt and his moss green pants. However his lower body is obscured by Nicks head. But the his smug smile, which the slender red fox also had, is present. To Nicks left is his sister Rachel, who has similar fur to her brother. But she has aqua blue eyes, and she is wearing jeans and a black crop top with a small red shirt that barely covers most of her top and leaves her bely exposed. She is hugging Nicks left arm and she is winking at the camera with a slight grin. To Nicks right is Shannon who, like Rachel, is hugging Nicks right arm. But she has a sweet smile on her face. She is wearing a light yellow shirt and pink skirt.

The part about the photo that makes Judy sad is the two foxes she dated. Who looked so content being next to each other. Then the memories of how she treated them both poorly came to mind. Which made her incredibly guilty. Because these two were always supportive and caring towards her. But she never took the time to show them both how much she appreciated their support, and it's something she's going to regret for a long time. She was unable to look at the photo any longer, so she gave the phone back to Nick without looking up at him. Then she felt a paw on her shoulder, giving her a gentle squeeze, causing her to look Nick in his eyes.

"Judy, like I said. If things were different and you dealt with the situations in a better mindset. Things would have been a lot better." Nick commented, his voice laced with empathy "But please, don't dwell on the past."

"I'm trying Nick, really. It's just hard not to for me." Judy said softly while looking down at the floor. "But if things like this happened after the first trip. What happened on the second trip?"

"Well that was exactly four months ago, and it was for Sharla and Gideons wedding." Nick replied, earning a surprised look from the doe. He figured that it's because her childhood best friend got married and didn't tell her. "Now I know what you are thinking; How can Sharla get married and not tell me?' Well someone can counter with; Why did you lie to her about our relationship?" After Nick said that question, Judy looked at him with a shocked expression. "I know you told Sharla that things between us were okay, when in reality they weren't. You told her that same lie when we were broken up and while you were dating Shay. I know all of this because she told me during the first trip. But why did you have to lie to your own best friend."

"Because I didn't want her to know and she tends to gossip a lot. Like she did back in high school." Judy replied, but then she had on a puzzled expression. Due a question regarding Sharlas wedding, that she feared an answer. "Hold on, who was her maid of honor?"

"Your sister, Amanda. Why?" Nick asked in confusion, only to be met with a hurtful look from Judy. "Did I miss something?"

"I...um..." Judy stuttered for a moment, being at a loss for words on where to start her explanation. But also, she is hurt on the inside that her best friend got married and she didn't know about it. She decided to worry about it later and instead start at the beginning. So after taking a deep breath to calm herself down, she said "We made a pack, back in high school, to be each others maids of honor at our weddings."

"And what brought this on?" Nick inquired

"One time we were talking about how the boys at our school were jerks." Judy replied, in a slight stern tone "We both seen it from others and experienced it. For me it was when those boys were being cruel to me for having a dream about being a police officer. So we both decided to end the topic, by agreeing to find the perfect boyfriend whom we would marry. Then we would let the other one know and we would be maids of honor at each others wedding."

"I see." Nick commented, finding the pack to be a great deal. "But if I may ask. What exactly were you guys looking for in the perfect boyfriend thing?"

"Well to be frank." Judy started, with a slight blush while looking down at the floor and holding her paws together. "It's basically what you want in a soulmate. It's what we want too. But we would also treat them with love and support, because they've been that way for us."

"It does sound fair." Nick started, agreeing with the terms of the pack. But internally he felt a bit ticked off at the last part that she said. "But you haven't fulfilled your end of the deal. Right?"

"No" Judy admitted, remembering all the times when she could have kept her end of the deal, but failed. "And I'm sorry Nick, I really am and I do feel guilty for lying to Sharla the way I did." After she made that apology, Nick placed his paw on her shoulder. Giving her a gentle squeeze and a soft expression.

"I know that you are Judy." Nick said "But you should know that Sharla gave a speech about you at her wedding."

"She did?" Judy asked, sounding surprised

"Yeah" Nick replied "She mentioned the pack that you guys have. Then she said that she was upset that you couldn't be there. Everyone then provided comfort and support to her during the event. Most of which told her that the you that we loved and cared about is gone." To say that Judy is upset at this is an understatement, evident by her looking down in sorrow. Nick then moved his paw towards the center of her back and gave it a light rub. While he continued "In my opinion Judy, Sharla sounds like a true best friend. Someone who could provide you with strength and courage in rough times. Much like Finny and Stripes are for me."

"That she is indeed." Judy agreed, with a small smile that was short lived on her face. "But I made the foolish mistake of taking her for granted. I just hope she can forgive me."

"Well, much like your parents. If you apologize sincerely, she will likely forgive you." Nick said trying to lift her spirits, as well as continuing to rub her back. Soon after he did, Judy slid closer to him and placed her head against his chest. Under normal circumstances, he won't mind this at all and he would gladly snuggled her closer to him. But unfortunately, this situation is rather an awkward one, but he didn't want to upset her. So he decided to let her continue to snuggle up to him and they both fell into a comfortable silence. That lasted for a few seconds, until it was broken by Judy when she asked in a soft tone.

"Nick, the day that you and Shay had that discussion about me. What happened after?"

"Well somethings have happened from both Shay and myself." Nick replied "In Shays case, after she and I had the discussion. She went on a date with Wolfie. Then in the evening, of that same day, she packed up the last of her stuff from your place then left you for her wolf." After Nick said that last part, he noticed a sad look on Judys face. Obviously she is still feeling upset over it. So he placed his paw on her back, giving her a gentle rub. "Sorry, I'm sure it was hard for you to accept that it happened."

"It's fine really." Judy said, trying to dismiss Nicks concern. "Besides, I figured that she did move in with him. Considering how she felt about him."

"Yeah it's true." Nick commented, then he had on a slightly strained "But then I learned somethings I'm quite sure. I'm not supposed to know about."

"Well, then how did you find out in the first place?" Judy inquired, with a puzzled look on her face.

"It was the day after the talk." Nick replied "I came to Precinct 1 for a visit, with Josh and Skye. Then Benie offered to babysit them for me during the visit. After exchanging pleasantries with him, I saw Wolfie come by with a big grin on his face. I figured that he had a great time with Shay, so I pulled him aside to ask in private. Then he explained, in depth, about what happened the previous night when I didn't ask him. Apparently Shay arrived a few minutes before one in the morning and as soon as she stepped inside. She immediately stripped out of her clothes on the way to the bathroom. Whilst she was inside, she spent twenty minutes in the shower scrubbing every inch of herself. Then after that she spent ten minutes brushing her teeth and rinsing her mouth out with mouth wash."

After Nick said that, he noticed that Judy had on a stunned expression. Like how someone would be unable to comprehend what they were told. So he clarified on it as he said. "I wasn't lying earlier when I said that she was disgusted with you. Anyway, after her half an hour long clean up. She came out of the bathroom naked and dragged Wolfie to the bedroom. Then, and to sum up all of the in-depth stuff he told me, their brains turned to jelly."

"Wait, he actually told you a bit about his sex life?" Judy asked in a shocked tone.

"Yes and who does that?" Nick asked, with a strained look on his face, whilst rubbing the sides of his head.

"Someone who likes to brag." Judy replied, sounding uncertain

"Yeah no, Wolfie doesn't strike me as someone who would brag about their sex life. But he did seem a bit love sick when he told me." Nick commented "Anyway, after he made his statement, about his brain being turned to jelly the previous night, and thankfully the kids weren't within earshot. I told him that he can't say that to anyone. He just grinned at me and then he hugged me tightly. Telling me that I didn't deserve what happened to me and I will find someone who loves and appreciates me. Thing is, I did appreciate his support. But I didn't need to know about the intimacy he had the previous night."

"Did Shay know that he told you?" Judy asked sounding a bit concerned.

"Well she did after I asked her about it, when I went to see her in the garage." Nick replied, while scratching the back of his neck. "Which proves that I was the only one that does knows. A good thing, because if others know about it. There would be a bit of trouble between them."

"How did she take it when you told her?" Judy inquired

"Flustered with embarrassment and initially a bit angry with her wolf." Nick replied "I did ask her to not be too angry with him. Since he's just overjoyed to have her back in his life. She did agree, but as soon as Wolfie came to the garage. She told him that she wasn't happy about him telling me about their activities the previous night. He apologiezed profusely to us both, then he pulled us both into a tight hug. It was really nice while it lasted, since we all had plans to go to lunch with the kids as well."

"I see" Judy said solemnly "But what about you? What happened after you and Shay had the discussion?"

"I hugged them both goodbye as they went on to have their date. While I made my way back to my apartment." Nick replied "Along the way, I called both your parents and mine. To tell them both that I gave upon you." After he said that, had on a sad look as he continued in a sad tone "I gave up on the idea of trying to get back together with you. I mean, how could I after hearing all of the things that you said about me? But it didn't stop the good memories from coming to mind as I was walking. Then when I got back to my apartment, I was surrounded by so much love and support. Our parents were there and they all hugged me and sympathized with me for what happened. It was really nice, until I got to my sister."

"Why?" Judy asked

"Because in the past, she always made comments about you breaking my heart and doing things to hurt me on purpose." Nick replied solemnly "So when she came up to me, I honestly expected her to say 'I told you so' or go on a condescending rant about how right she was about you. Instead she just hugged me tightly and said that I didn't deserve what happened to me. Then a few days later, I found out about her plan to destroy your reputation. Which when you think about it, it's like karma. Or rather instant karma, given how fast it happened. The latter, in my opinion, is something that can happen to literally anybody."

"I guess so." Judy commented, absentmindedly "But I still don't understand how everyone in Zootopia and back home found out."

"I know the answer, but you're not going to like it." Nick said, giving Judy a sympathetic look considering the fact that his answer will likely hurt her. However Judy is giving him a curious expression, with a tinge of sadness. So he breathed a sigh and said. "The article that called you a freaky fox lover, was written by my sister. She wrote it weeks before I even came back to you, seven months ago."

"What?!" Judy asked in shock, suddenly realizing that she must have been followed for a time. When she was with Shay in public, she always suspected that she was being followed by someone. But she made the mistake of not following up on it. "Did she really-"

"Follow you and Shay for a few weeks?" Nick said, finishing off her likely question "Yeah she did, and she quickly figured out that you were dating Shay sometime after your termination. Then a few days after she saw you guys together, she wrote the article and published it around the time of my fake undercover work. Then when I found out about it, things became a bit heated and the article ended up as it is now. Since you and I, and Rachel all played a part in it."

"I don't understand, Nick." Judy said, sounding a bit confused by his explanation.

"Let me explain." Nick started "The part you played was being the indirect cause. Because, you never told anyone about what you did. It can cause someone, like my sister, to take the situation and twist it to absurd proportions and make you look bad. The part I played was being a catalyst. Because when I saw the article and the forged part in it. I confronted my sister, in front of her boss, about it. Which lead to her being suspended for a few months. Then she-"

"Hang on." Judy said, cutting Nick off. "What forged part?"

"She added a fake interview, that she had with you, at the end of the article." Nick replied solemnly "In it, she basically desecrated whatever bit of your old reputation you had left. As well as encourage mammals to keep bringing up your actions everytime they see you."

"What exactly did she say?" Judy asked, with a hint of fear in her voice.

"She made you seem like a cold-hearted narcissist. Where all you cared about is what you wanted and not what your partner wanted." Nick replied, starting to explain the contents of the fake interview. "Anyone who, by chance, was dating you. Had to blindly support you no matter what you decide and they can't voice their opinions to you. If they chose to, or do something other than what you want. Like me wanting a family with you. You would cut them off, saying that their usefulness has ended to you. But then you would go out of your way to make them suffer a lot of emotional pain and you would enjoy it. Rachel even added that you would want to have, and keep, a photo of their distraught faces as personal satisfaction."

After Nick mentioned that bit to Judy she became stunned. Evident by her widened eyes and her mouth being open by a jar. "That's just half of what she wrote. In the other half she insulted your family and Sharla, through you. By making you say, that they can't support you without giving you a lecture and Sharla wouldn't stop talking. By that part, she said it in such a negative way that would really hurt. Rachel also created the impression that you are disgusted with hybrids and anyone who has, or supports, hybrid kids. So you would one day make their lives a living hell and you would do the same for anyone that gets in your way. You even threatened my sister with a harassment charge if she published the interview. Then after that, Rachel begged everyone to shun you and keep bringing up your past actions as a way to force you to leave Zootopia forever."

"But I never threatened your sister!" Judy shouted in a panicked tone, with tears welling up in her eyes. "And I never said any of those things! You have to believe me, Nick! Please!"

"I believe you Judy. I really do." Nick said, in a sympathetic tone, to calm her nerves. "But I'm afraid, at this point. It's your word against literally everyone else's."

"L-Literally everyone?" Judy stuttered, with fear laced in her voice.

"That was the part I was getting to, before you cut me off." Nick replied "When I confronted Rachel about the interview. She admitted to forging it, and her reason for doing is because. A mammal like you, who is trying to look popular and heroic, doesn't deserve a good reputation. So she destroyed yours and created the current one for you. She got suspended from her job, since I did the confrontation in front of her boss. But while she was on suspension, she posted the article and interview on every single social platform you can think of, like furbook for example. That's how everyone found out about your actions and supposed future plans. But our buddies at Precinct one found out first because of a fine print my sister had in the article. Which said that if anyone had questions about your termination, then they have to call the infirmary at Precinct one. That caused Buffalo Butt to receive a massive amount of calls from a lot of journalists within a week."

After Nick explained his sisters plan, Judy had on an expression that is a mix of both shock and sadness. Because everything has become clear to her now. All of those times when mammals would bring up her past actions, like how Larry and Gabe did, it was because of Rachel. When she tried to call her family and friends back in Bunnyburrow. She always got berated for her actions and the things that she said about them. But it's things she never said to any of them in the first place. But no matter how many times she tries to explain or apologies profusely, no one believes her. Instead they believe Rachel and the story she told them, through the article. Judy then opened and closed her mouth a few times. Wanting to say something, or aything, about the situation she is facing. But no words came out of her mouth and instead she buried her face in her paws, and was about to shed a few tears in sorrow. But then she felt Nicks paw on her shoulder, causing her to look up at him. Then she was met with a sympathetic expression from him.

"Would it help you to know that my sister has a retraction article on standby?" Nick asked in a soft tone.

"A little." Judy replied, finding a bit of comfort in the knowledge a retraction article exists. "But, did you try to tell everyone that the interview Rachel wrote is fake?"

"I tried, but nothing happened." Nick replied, sounding defeated. "Because when mammals come up to me and give me sympathy for what happened. I tried to tell them that the interview part is fake. But they won't take me seriously. Because they think that you manipulated me into saying that and I should go to therapy. But on the matter of the retraction article, I tried pressing my sister into publishing it. However she asked me something that kind of made me stop pressing her."

"What did she ask?" Judy asked, in a small voice.

"She asked me what was the nicest thing that you did for me in the last week. Last month. Or last year." Nick replied "The answer is, nothing. Since we were apart for that time."

"Okay, come on that's not fair." Judy said, almost sounding like she is whining.

"I know it isn't, but life itself isn't fair." Nick commented, shrugging his shoulders. "Besides when I pressed my sister, before she asked me that question. She said, the only way to get her to publish the retraction is for you to get back into her good books."

"Okay that's reasonable." Judy commented, thinking she has a chance. "So what do I need to do?"

"I was afraid that you were going to ask me that." Nick replied, looking away for a moment.

"Why?"

"Because" Nick started, as he turned to look at Judy with a soft expression. "Rachel told me that the only way for you to get into her good books. Is for you to lose your job and then several days later, your life." After his response, he noticed that Judy had a all-hope-is-lost look on her face. Evident by the sadness in her eyes and her mouth gaped. "It's sadistic, I know. But unfortunately she's not going to change her mind. I know that you lost your job, because the Chief told me when he called the other day. But what I don't know, is the part about you losing your life. Were you, by chance, thinking about ending your life?"

"I...I'd be lying if I said I didn't." Judy replied looking down in guilt.

Nick on the other hand was shocked to hear that. The bunny, whom he was with for a time, is contemplating ending her life. He was in a similar mindset himself a few months ago, after everything. So he does understand how she feels, in her case. But he doesn't want her to do something so hastily, like her past decisions. So he decided to try and convince her not to do it. "*sigh* I've been there myself, and it sucks. But let me give some wise words I learned from Lara, when I was in the hospital."

"Okay" Judy said softly, unsure of what to expect.

"Judy, I know you feel like it's the end of the world for you right now. But, suicide is not the answer." Nick started in a serious tone "I know you feel like there is nothing left for you to live for anymore. But, there is always something for you. It will be okay, and there's always hope."

"But Nick, there is no hope for me." Judy said, sounding disheartened. "I mean, look at you. You have everything." Judy started with tears welling up in her eyes, that threaten to run down her face. "You have a family that loves and supports you, and you have kids that you wanted. You have friends that have your back and a job that you've worked hard for. I don't have any of that and there's no way for me to get any of it back. There's just no hope for me."

"I wouldn't say so." Nick commented "Because you are talking to me right now. Which is something that you've been hoping for, for months. So there's a bit of hope for you."

"But how does that have anything to do with me having hope?" Judy asked in confusion.

"Because something that you were hoping for came through." Nick replied confidently. "You were hoping, for the past few months, to talk to me regardless of what it is. Being us sorting out our issues, like right now, or just talking casually and it came through. Also, the retraction article that my sister has written has some hope in it. Although it would take some convincing to get her to publish it, but never the less there is hope there. So you can't really say that there's no hope for you."

"I guess so." Judy commented softly.

"It's true." Nick said "But this is something that most mammals tend to forget. That no matter the circumstance, or how grim a situation is, there is always hope even if it is small. But also, all the good things that happened in your life have happened because you put faith in them." After Nick said that, his expression changed from calm to sadness. "Unfortunately, sometimes, no matter how much faith you put into those circumstances. They won't work out for the best, or at all, and you are an example of it."

"You mean like my pregnancy?" Judy asked softly.

"Yeah." Nick replied, in a defeated tone, without looking up at her. Then he looked at her, with his sad expression, and asked, sounding a bit conflicted. "But I gotta ask, Judy. Were you really so disgusted with the idea of having kids with me? Was it really so terrible that you-"

"No, Nick! Nonono!" Judy shouted, cutting him off. "It's not you, it was never you. It... It was me, it was all me."

"Could you enlighten me, please?" Nick asked, unclear of what she is talking about.

"Sure." Judy replied, solemnly. "Growing up in BunnyBurrow it gets drilled into your mind that when you become a mom, you would settle. Bunny moms were expected to raise the kids while their husbands worked to provide for them. My parents have so many kids and my mom doted on me and my siblings a lot. I never saw her having a day to herself, where she can spend it doing what she really wanted. I never wanted that life, and I dreaded being a mom."

"So you thought that if we had kids, you would be forced to put your life on hold?" Nick asked sounding a bit annoyed.

"Yes, I did." Judy admitted, while looking down in guilt. "It's wrong to think about I know. But I just-" Judy started, but was cut off due to receiving a very soft smack to the back of her head. It was unexpected because throughout her relationship with Nick, he never did a stunt like that. So in a state of shock she placed her right paw on the part of her head, that was just smacked. Then she looked up to see Nick giving her a blank look. "What was that for?"

"First of, it's called a headslap." Nick replied, thinking that she might want an explanation. "Usually it's painful when you get one. I know that because I was on the receiving end sometimes in the past. But considering your condition, I thought it best to be gentle with you. As for 'What it was for?' It's for being a dumb bunny."

"What?" Judy asked in confusion.

"Judy I've always dreamed of having a big family. That has six kids, not hundreds. I'm not that crazy." Nick replied, in a slight jovial manner. "The big family I dreamed of having; is me, my soulmate and six children. Whoever the soulmate is, is debatable. But that life is something I wanted with you, and who said that you are the one that has to raise them? I could have been the one to raise the kids while you worked. If you wanted too."

"Really? Are you, serious?" Judy asked in disbelief.

"Of course I am." Nick replied, in a sincere tone, with a small smile. "Being in the ZPD has always been your dream when you were a little girl. I get it and I understand it. I wasn't going to expect, or nag you into putting it on hold for our kid. What we could have done was form a good support system for the kit. Like having someone, whom we trust, to look after our kit while we're at work. Then after work we would go and pick them up. When Josh and Skye came into my care, my boss gave me two weeks off work to form this support system. Which you and I could have formed while you were on maternity leave."

"Yeah, we could have." Judy commented, not sounding genuine, while looking down. Which didn't go unnoticed by Nick, who is giving her a curious look. Prompting her to explain, without looking up. "Sorry, it's just... *sigh* I find hard to believe that you still care about my career. Even though you were part of the reason why I lost it."

"What?" Nick asked in shock.

"Look Nick I get it, I really do." Judy replied, looking up at him in his emerald green eyes. "You made that comment that really hurt me, and I slapped you for it. Then everything that has happened since then has lead to you filing that domestic violence report against me. If I was in your position, I would have done the same thing too. So I don't blame you for filing it, and you have to lie or deny it just to spare my feelings."

"Well, thanks for that Judy." Nick said, taken aback by her sudden calmness about the report. "But there is a problem with that report. I never filed it in the first place."

"What?" Judy asked, sounding quite shocked. "But Adam suggested that you do fill a report, and you said that you would consider it."

"It's true I did say that, and I had the form in front of me with a pen in my paw. But I just couldn't go through with it. " Nick said, prompting Judy to give him a look that is a mix of shock and curiosity. "Judy like I said, it was your dream to be a police officer and if I filed that report. It would destroy your career. It didn't feel right to me, and I didn't want to be the one who robbed you of your career. If anything happened to it, it would be because of your own actions and not those of someone else. But believe me when I tell you that I was pressured by a lot of mammals to fill it in. My parents and yours, our friends and colleagues, all of them. But I still couldn't bring myself to fill it in."

"But..." Judy started, but still felt incredibly confused and stunned by the revelation that Nick didn't file a report. "If you didn't file a domestic violence charge against me. Who did?"

"Well, there is only one mammal that does come to mind." Nick replied, in an annoyed tone, already having the answer. "My sister."

"Wow." Judy gasped, feeling like it was expected. "Rachel hates me so much, that she would commit fraud like this?"

"Heh, that's one way to put it." Nick replied. "But the thing about my sister is, she always does things based on a gut feeling that she would get on a situation. But sometimes those gut feelings are right and sometimes they are wrong."

"When did she have a gut feeling that was wrong?" Judy asked, out of curiosity.

"For example; when she started dating my best friend Jack." Nick replied in a casual tone. "Back then, she felt that being with Jack would cause tension between her, myself and Jack. So I sat her down and explained that while I did initially find it weird that she's dating him. Someone who is twelve years older than her. I wasn't going to do anything to him, as long as he treats her with love and respect and they work together as a team in decision making. Since then, up until now, I have seen nothing but true love between them and she was proven wrong in that case. But in your case, she could have been wrong about you. When I first introduced you to my family, she said that you would cause me nothing but pain and heartache. So instead of proving her wrong, you proved that she was right and it lead to her doing the things she has done against you. Although, one could say that you and I have a right to sue her for fraud. But I won't go ahead with it."

"Why not?" Judy asked, with a confused look on her face.

"Because she is my baby sister, I don't agree with her actions. But I find her intent to be really sweet." Nick replied with nonchalance. "The intent being that her big brother, whom she loves dearly, got hurt emotionally by his ex-girlfriend. Her brother was suffering a lot while the ex was living her life comfortably. She hated that, so she set out to ruin the ex-girlfriends life. But to be honest, she wouldn't have done this just to you. She would have done it to any of my ex-girlfriends. If I had one that treated me that way. But besides that, I already lost one sibling to a stillbirth and I refuse to lose another one because of this ordeal between you and me. I absolutely refuse to sue her for fraud, even if you begged me too or a whole group of mammals pressure me to. Cause she's my baby sister and I love her dearly."

"Well, I wouldn't beg you to sue her." Judy commented, smiling a bit. "The bond that you have with her is something special and I don't want to break it. So I'll have to convince her somehow to give me a chance, right?"

"You would have too, of course. Since it would lead to her publishing the retraction article, which would help you regain some of your former reputation." Nick replied, giving her some hope for the best. But then the things she said earlier came to mind. Which prompted him to explain himself. "Oh and that thing you said about the comment I made, the day you were pregnant. For the record, it was never meant to hurt you. It was meant to be a wake-up call."

"A wake-up call?" Judy asked, sounding confused.

"Yes." Nick replied, confirming what he said. But he also decided to explain further. "Judy, you were willing to take the life of an innocent, defenseless creature. That has done nothing to you. Did this unborn kit commit a serious crime that resulted in a death sentence? No it didn't. Did it say or do anything inappropriate to you, your family or anyone close to you? No it didn't. So taking it's life, and taking away it's chance at one, is something that the Judy Hopps I know and love would never do. Which is what I was trying to tell you. Although, I could have used better words back then."

"I... I didn't think about it that way." Judy said, after she thought about what Nick said for a moment. "I'm sorry Nick."

"It's fine, Judy." Nick said, accepting her apology. "But I want you to know, that one reason that you gave about the abortion. As much as I don't want to admit it, I understand. We weren't married and we never used protection. We also didn't know that we could have kids. But the problem is that you went ahead with your operation. Based on irrational thoughts and not professional opinions."

"Yeah, I did that." Judy commented softly, feeling so ashamed of her rash decision. "But if I hadn't gone ahead with the operation. You would've stayed and probably told me what happened to your brother. Right?"

"I would have, without a second thought." Nick replied, honestly. "Then we would be just like those couples, married or not, to have an unplanned pregnancy. But I believe that we would've came out of it, with a healthy kit and everyone we know being supportive of us. Also, on the matter of the health-related things that you said. If any of them were really true, I would have supported you in getting the abortion."

"You would?" Judy asked, in disbelief.

"Of course I would." Nick replied, in a sincere tone. "But to be honest, I would be upset for a few days after the operation. Because I had spent the first few months, of us dating, coming to terms with the thought that we couldn't have biological kids. To find out that we can have kids at the cost of your own life. It's a price that I don't want to pay." After Nick said that, he then grabbed both of Judys paws in his own. Giving them a gentle squeeze and looking her in her eyes with a soft expression as he continued. "So while I will be upset for a few days, just knowing that you are safe and in good health. Will be more than enough for me to move past it."

"Nick I... thank you." Judy stuttered for a moment, with a small smile on her face. She felt touched by what Nick just told her. It caused her to feel pieces of her broken heart reform within her. "It means a lot to me that you feel that way. But..." Judy paused for a moment to remove her paws from Nicks grasp. While internal agonizing about losing his touch. "Those thoughts of mine were just irrational and they didn't really carry that much weight. But besides that, Lara had those same fears and she came out of her pregnancy alright. Didn't she?"

"She did." Nick replied, nodding his head 'yes' in confirmation. "She and her husband, Michael, went through all the things that most couples do when they are expecting. Like baby doctor visits, checkups all of it. Then months later, baby Michael junior is born and they were both overjoyed to have him."

"That's so sweet." Judy commented, in a sincere tone, with a small smile on her face.

While inside she felt a bit jealous, evident by a her smile faltering into a sad look. Because another doe bunny, who was in the same situation and had the same fears as her went ahead with her pregnancy, while she didn't. Which meant that she wasn't as brave as she thought she was. That made her feel more jealous and a bit disappointed in herself. Those feelings in themselves made her wish she could go and stop herself from doing the rash decision that costed her everything. However just thinking about the day when all of this started, made her think about something that she's been thinking about while she was by herself for months. But she dreaded the answer to it, even though Nick could help ease her mind. When all she would get is nothing but self doubt and second guessing thoughts in her mind. As well as her hallucinations. So she took a deep breath to calm herself and then she turned to Nick to ask her question.

"Uh Nick, can I ask you a big picture question?" Judy asked, nervousness weighing heavily on her voice.

"Sure" Nick replied, unsure of what she has on her mind.

"If I never told you about my pregnancy and I got the operation behind your back." Judy started with her question. "But then you find out about everything months later. What would happen?"

"*sigh* Well a couple of things would have happened." Nick replied honestly. "But they all depend on where we are in our relationship when I find out. For instance, if we were engaged and planning our wedding. I would have taken the ring back and called off the wedding. Or if we were married, I would have filed for divorce on the spot. Then I would distance myself from you, until I eventually moved out of the apartment and transferred to another precinct. In both situations, I would tell everyone what happened since they will ask me. Which would put you into the same situation you're in right now. But if everything else happened the way they did, except for me coming back to you seven months ago and later dating Lara. As well as you not dating Shay, but you came back to me instead. Then three weeks ago would have been the last time I saw you and I would have continued to live my life with Josh and Skye. At some point, I probably would have gone back to dating Carlay or I would date your brother. If he came to me first."

"I see." Judy commented softly, feeling heartache at what could have happened if things went the way Nick explained. "But if those things did happen, I would've ended up a homeless and clinically depressed bunny. That nobody would want to help."

"Hang on, what do you mean homeless?" Nick asked in confusion. Wondering if she being hypothetical or not.

"Nick, I'm getting evicted next week." Judy replied, looking the fox in his emerald eyes, in an honest tone. "Certain events happened in the past weeks that lead to me basically being broke right now. There's no way for me to fix it and nobody is willing to help me." After Judy said that, tears started to well up in her eyes as she continued. "I mean who am I kidding? Who would want to help out the bunny, who believed her career was far to important than anything else? Who also terminated her hybrid child for her career, that she would have lost without the help of her fox? Who she damaged emotionally in a sever way."

"Hey, hey, hey" Nick said, trying to get her to stop her rant, as he pulled her into a hug. Causing her to shed a few tears onto his shirt. He realized that she's being serious about her situation and not hypothetical. He felt guilty and sorry for her. But he quickly realized that there was something that she could do about her situation. So he attempted to raise her spirits as he said. "Listen, you're not going to be homeless Judy. Even though your family and friends won't help. There are homeless shelters that you could go to, to have a roof over your head. Unless of course, they are full."

"I don't think even a homeless shelter would take in someone like me." Judy mumbled, sounding defeated, due to her face being in Nicks chest.

"Well if that's the case, you could stay here with me." Nick offered sincerely. Which came as a big surprise to Judy, who slowly removed herself from his embrace and gave him a surprised look. "It's just until you can get back on your feet, of course."

"Nick, why would you let me stay here after everything I did to you?" Judy asked, unsure of what his reasons would be.

"Logically I don't have to and I'm not obligated to either. But morally, I feel like I am. Because a mammal I know is going through a rough patch in their lives and I have the resources to help them. So I feel like I should help, since that situation doesn't sit right with me. Regardless of who they are." Nick replied, explaining himself. "But besides that, I'm a firm believer in that all mammals reach a point in their lives when they suffered enough. I suffered enough after you and then I moved on to have two kids and Jared by my side. You went through hell for the past couple of months, and now you want to atone for your actions and seek true forgiveness. Right?"

"I do" Judy replied in a firm tone. "But, nobody wants to give me a chance to prove myself."

"You can work on your atonement, if you do live here." Nick suggested, in an attempt to raise her spirits. But he got a confused look from her as a response. Likely due to him saying that she could live here and then he says if soon after. Prompting him to explain himself. "I said 'if' because Jared still needs to weigh in his feelings on the matter, since he does live here. He and I have a relationship, that I wanted with you, where we both make decisions together. If something comes up that impacts us both, like a family member wanting to living here temporarily, we both voice our opinions and feelings about it and then move forward from there. So that means that you have a 50/50 chance of being here. Which is better than not having a chance at all."

"Nick... I don't know what to say." Judy said softly, feeling a bit hopeful now.

"A thank you is enough for now." Nick replied with a small smile. "But if you're thinking about showing appreciation for the gesture. I would suggest that you make amends on all of your past actions."

"I will do that, I promise. But..." Judy paused for a moment as she placed both of her paws on her stomach, in a protective manner. Whilst looking down as she continued. "...there is something that I've been thinking about doing, the last few weeks. To show you, specifically, how remorseful I am."

"That's kinda sweet, what is it?" Nick asked, genuinely curious. But he didn't get a response from the doe. Instead she just blushed at his question, without looking up. He looked down, wondering where she is looking, and landed on her belly and saw her paws clutching it.

He has seen the way she was holding her stomach twice before. The first time was when she revealed that she's pregnant. The second time was when she berated him about how things would have been had he stayed. He then started to contemplate about what she's thinking about and why she is holding her belly the way she is right now. After a few seconds of contemplation, a 'what if' question came to his mind. That made his eyes widen: 'What if she's planning to get pregnant?' That question took him by surprise, albeit with a mix of confusion and annoyance. So he asked for clarification.

"You're not thinking about doing what I'm thinking are you?" Nick asked, raising his eyebrow.

"If it's getting pregnant, then yeah it is." Judy replied with a small smile as she looked up at Nick.

"Okay, I don't get you." Nick said, with irritation in his voice, causing Judy to drop her smile and have it replaced with fear. "First you basically tell me that you don't want kids with me. Now you're telling me that you want kids. What the heck is with the 180, Judy?"

"Please hear me out, Nick." Judy replied, hesitantly, in an attempt to calm the fox down so she can explain herself. "Being by myself these last few months. Gave me time to reflect on all of the things that I've said, and done, since I came to Zootopia, until now. That termination is the worst decision that I've ever made and I just wish I could go back and stop myself. Not a day goes by where I don't think about how terrible it was and how I treated it. I can't take back the light I chose to give up, despite wishing I could. But then I thought I could make up for it. So, if trying again and having a kit with you will help. I am more than willing to do it."

"And if I'm not willing to?" Nick asked, with a slight bit of venom in his voice.

"What?" Judy gasped, in shock at what she heard. "I thought... I thought you wanted to have kids with me. You just said that you did."

"I did say that, and had you came to me seven months ago about this. I would've been onboard immediately." Nick commented, hinting at the night when he came back. "In fact, and I'll be completely honest. When you said that we couldn't reconcile, I was more than willing to do anything, literally anything, to get you to change your mind." After he said that, he decided to go in depth on what he meant. "You want me to walk around in nothing but your panties for a few months, fine I will. You want to use me as a fox cushion for months, I will let you. I would do anything to get you to say that we can reconcile." After Nick explained himself, he leaned onto his legs with a sad expression as he continued. "But after talking about it with some friends and family, I realized that all of it would be pointless. Just like your suggested pregnancy. However if you really do want kids, that's fine. But you should only do it because you want to, not because you have too. Since it feels more like you're trying to baby trap me. Or the fact that you wouldn't have decided on it without seeing MJ."

"Nick, I would never baby trap you and even if I didn't see Lara's kit. I still would have reflected on my actions and came to that one." Judy said, trying to reason with Nick. "But how could you say that my suggestion of trying for a kit again is pointless?"

"I'll tell you but it's mostly my opinion, and belief, on the matter." Nick replied calmly. Then he took a deep breath to collect his thoughts. "Pregnancy is one of the few beautiful things in life. The unborn child is a physical representation of true love between two or more mammals. I say more, because for all you know that one kit might be born to a polyamorous family. Or someone outside the relationship helping to carry the kit. Anyway, not only is there true love that is represented in the unborn kit. But also, the absolute trust and respect all mammals involved have for one another. That is enough to create new life that will have big impacts on the world, and it's wrong to deny that kit a chance at life."

After Nick explained himself, he had on a sad expression as he looked down at the floor. Likely due to having past memories, most of which were painful to think about, coming to his mind. Despite that, he still continued to explain further after sighing. "So, when you had that operation. It made a few things I feared become crystal clear." Nick looked up and gave Judy a blank look as he continued. "I truly loved you more than you truly loved me. I had a lot more respect and trust in you, far more than you had in me. So when I said earlier that your suggested pregnancy is pointless. It's because it won't have any of those things in it, and I don't see how I can contribute those things now. After everything that has happened between us."

"B-But Nick, things will be different this time. I-I promise." Judy commented, slightly stuttering due to her heart breaking again. As well as tears building up in her eyes.

"I've heard that before." Nick said coldly. "When we got back together after my relationship with Carlay ended. You promised me that things would be different and that we would be making decisions together as equals in a relationship. But then two months later, you got pregnant with my kit and instead of honoring the promise you made. You unilaterally chose to end it, without my consent or feelings taken into account."

"Because I got scared Nick!" Judy choked, as tears began to run down her cheeks.

"So what?!" Nick asked with a lot of venom in his voice.

"S-So what?" Judy asked in disbelief at what she heard. "How could you say that?"

"Because, so what if you're scared of your pregnancy. There are lots of other things in life that are just as scary, more scary or less scary than pregnancy." Nick replied in a firm tone. "For instance, starting a new job in a new city or making new friends. All of those things are more or less scarier than pregnancy. But it still shouldn't prevent you from doing it. Because if everyone we know was so fearful of doing those things. Then every good thing that we have right now, wouldn't have been possible."

"I see." Judy commented softly, as she wiped the tears from her right eye. Then she felt Nicks paw wiping the tears from her other eye. When he was done, he placed his paw on her right cheek and he turned her head towards him. Then Judy looked him in his eyes and was met with a soft expression.

"Judy, I understand the fear you felt that day. I really do." Nick said softly, in a reassuring manner. "Because I felt that same fear a few minutes after I got Josh and Skye settled into my apartment."

"Really?" Judy asked, sounding surprised.

"Yes, yes I did." Nick replied. "But it didn't make me not want to do it. It just..." Nick paused for a moment, as he removed his paw from her cheek. Then he grabbed her right paw with it, and he continued. "It just made me want to hold your paw and do it with you."

"Nick..." Judy started softly, with a smile creeping onto her face, feeling touched by his words. Then she felt his other paw placed on her left cheek, and she melted into his paw while he continued.

"And when you were expressing your fears about our kit. I wanted to tell you that I was going to be there by your side. I was going to pull you into a hug and kiss you on your forehead and tell you that everything is going to be alright." After Nick said that, he saw the small smile that was on Judys face. Grew into a big smile, which caused him to look away with a slightly embarrassed look on his face. "Of course, I wish I had said those things when-"

Nick couldn't finish what he said, because Judy leaped into his arms. The initial impact of her body against his, caused him to tumble backwards against the armrest of the couch. Judy then wrapped her arms around his neck and placed her head on his left shoulder. When they were settled into their current situation, Nick had a bewildered look on his face. Wondering what he said that caused her to react the a way she did. He was going to ask her what he might have said, but she spoke up first.

"Nick, that is the sweetest thing anyone has said to me in my entire life." Judy whispered, loud enough for Nick to hear.

That statement took Nick by surprise. Meaning that nobody has been so considerate and caring as he was for her. He looked at her with a curious expression, wondering if she is completely serious about what she said to him. But he felt that she is honest, which he did appreciate. Then he noticed how they are basically entangled together, which they used to do when they were together. He wanted to let this go on for a few minutes. However, every part of his body is telling him to get her off of him so that they can continue their discussion. But his heart is telling him to embrace the bunny who once had the keys to his heart. Then after several minutes of internal debating, he decided to embrace the bunny he once loved. A small smile creeped up on his face as he closed his eyes and wrapped his arms around her. Both of them nuzzling against each others cheek.

The living room then went into a state of content silence. Which seemed to last forever.

A/n: This is the end of Part 2. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE Review

Hi, again, I just want to thank everyone who has read and reviewed this story so far. Especially those whos reviews give insight in various parts of the story. They really helped me a lot with modifying this story. I'm really grateful for it, since this is my first big fanfic that I write.

I want to apologize for not making an update on my Twitter about my writing progress, which I said I would do. But I should also mention, there is a side story that I've devoted part of my time to writing. That I'll explain about in a moment.

I don't like giving spoilers, but I'll tell you now that this story will go until CH. 13 and 14 is an Epilogue chapter. However after the final part of chapter 7, I will officially put this story on hiatus. The reason for this is so that I can draw a few scenes from this story. You guys are welcomed to suggest scenes as well, for me to draw. But before that I also want to work a bit on the side story I mentioned earlier. Because it is linked to Risen from the Dead, and it's called Forbidden Fruit. Like I said, I don't like giving spoilers, but the one detail I will spoil about it. Is it shows how Nick got together with Judys brother, Jared.

Oh also, I know that Borba is busy publishing his final installment(NSG), finally, but I still want to continue this story and it's side story all the way to the end. Then afterwards I'll move on to something else.

Quick Question: If there is another long hiatus in a future chapter, or any future story that I write. Would it be fine if made a recap, before you(Reader) start to read the new chapter?

In conclusion, thank you for taking the time to read this story and reviewing it. Your input really helps a lot and thank you for your patience with me. Until next time, ciao.