Chapter 12 - Homecoming
Judy was awakened by a strange beeping noise. She tried to sit up to see where the noise was coming from. Her legs didn't work, and her back hurt, oh by the elder gods did her back hurt. Searching for her dosing button, she found it next to her hip. Grabbing it, she forcefully pawed the button. The small machine next to her beeped softly as a dose of pain reliever was pumped into her IV line. Judy closed her eyes as the pain began to ebb away.
She sat for a moment while the pain subsided. Opening her eyes again, she found herself looking into a pair of bright green orbs that had a slight glow in the center. Smiling, Judy darted her head forward and gave Nick a quick kiss. It wasn't the passionate kiss she had wanted to give, but it held promise of things to come. Nick's ears laid back as the kiss landed on his muzzle, then slowly stood upright as a smile crossed his muzzle.
"Mornin Judy, you ok I heard you squeak in pain and came to see if you needed anything."
"Just woke up in a lot of pain. My back feels like it's on fire and my muscles feel like they decided to try to take on a steamroller by themselves. Thank the gods for pain killers."
"Do you need anything, water?" Nick asked.
"No, thank you though. I think I'm going to try to get some more sleep. I'm still pretty tired and sore from yesterday's .. fun"
Nick nodded, giving her a light carass on the cheek that Judy nuzzled into. "Ok Carrots, get some rest, I will be right here if you need me." He then leaned down to kiss Judy between her ears. Judy however, had other plans. Right as Nick closed the distance, Judy raised her muzzle, getting, and giving a kiss on the lips. She leaned into the kiss slightly as she slid her arms around the back of Nick's neck and drew him further into the kiss and deepening it. When they came up for air, they were both panting.
"Mmm," said Judy. "A bunny could get used to that."
Smiling, "Well Carrots, you may have to, I'm going to be around for a long, long time."
Judy snuggled into her oversized pillow and smiled up at her fox. She yawned, which ended in a short squeak. Nick chuckled at his bunnies' antics, and kissed her forehead as her eyes began to droop. Sitting down in what had become basically his chair, Nick pulled out his phone and fired off an email to Leon, letting him know Judy was out of surgery, and to get an update on the remodel. He also reiterated toLeon that it needed to be finished, and up to or exceeding the MWDA (Mammals With Disabilities Association) standards, as Judy was now classified as disabled. Having finished that, Nick also sent a text to Bogo letting him know that the surgery went well, despite Judy being in the expected amount of pain after undergoing such an extensive skeletal reconstruction procedure.
As he sent the text, there was a light knock at the door. Jen came in quietly. Seeing that Judy was still asleep she gave Nick a warm smile and placed a hoofed digit to her muzzle, effectively making sure Nick stayed quiet. Nick smiled, winked and gave Jen his signature finger guns.
Jen giggled softly at Nick's antics before turning her attention to Judy. Jen checked her vitals, and made sure the dosing machine was functioning properly. She made a small adjustment, then entered all of Judys current vitals into her tablet. She smiled at Nick with a nod, then slipped out the door quietly closing it behind her.
A few hours later, Nick's phone softly chimed, giving notice of a new email. Opening the email, he found the updates he was looking for. Leon had made a call to the construction company to check the status of the remodel. They said everything was on or ahead of schedule. They projected the remodel to be finished in less then 4 weeks. Satisfied with the progress report, Nick opened Zoogle, and began looking for the appropriate furniture for Judy, and new furniture in general.
x⁰X⁰x
The next couple of weeks wore on as they had been. Judy was in high spirits, as she was finally going to be released after being in the hospital for nearly 9 months. To Judy, it felt like an eternity, and though she was never alone for long, it wore on her. Nick was almost always there, except when he had to go sign something for his lawyer, which had happened every few days since Judy's surgery. Of course Wolfard and Fangmayer dropped by regularly to visit for a while.
'Those two' Judy thought to herself, 'they really just need to take a roll in the hay already.' It was obvious to everyone but them. The sexual tension between Wolford and Fangmayer was so thick you could almost cut it with a knife. Judy, on the other paw was rather busy as well. She had countless documents to fill out and sign. Agreements with Madge for ongoing treatment that she jokingly referred to as experimentation. Judy wasn't sure what that ment, but as Madge had explained it, it had to do with prototyping a device that might give her some movement back in her legs. This prospect had Judy almost as excited as the fact she was being released in just over a week.
x⁰X⁰x
2 days before release
Nick had been out of the room most of the day 'taking care of some things'' he had said. He wanted to make sure that she was going to be comfortable when she got home. She became slightly crestfallen at that prospect, given her home was not much larger than the bed she currently occupied. 'How was she going to manage that?' she thought to herself. After all, she lived on the 3rd floor and there was no way that Dharma the Armadillo was going to spring for fixing the elevator. Judy expressed this concern later that same evening, after Nick returned, and they had both eaten.
Sighing as she set her finished dinner to the side. "Nick… What am I gonna do?" The concern and fear clear in her voice. "Where am I actually going to live? My old shoebox as you aptly called it is barely larger than this bed, and it's on the 3rd floor." Judy looked down. "I guess I'm going to have to move back to the burrow."
"Well Carrots, that's an easy one to answer. You're going to stay with me. No moving back to the sticks where no one is going to be able to help. Nope..." He held up a paw to forestall any protest. "I insist. In fact, I have made arrangements for all of your belongings to be moved to my place. Your room should be set up by now."
Judy sat there with her mouth open at this revelation. "Wait, my room, I thought you lived in a basement studio, or at least you did last I checked!" Her shock at the foxes' statement clear.
Nick only smirked at that, "Just wait Carrots, by this time tomorrow you will see what I mean."
Crossing her arms and huffing softly, Judy said, "I don't suppose you'd care to give me a hint?"
"Nope, sorry Fluff, you are just going to have to be patient. And I know for a certain bunny that shall remain namele-" -THUP- Nick was suddenly cut off by an oversized pillow as it hit him square in the muzzle. Pulling the pillow down he saw Judy sitting there with a smile on her face, but a look in her eyes that said "don't make me get out of this bed". Nick chuckled at her antics, which of course caused Judy to giggle. Soon they were both laughing.
x⁰X⁰x
Day of Release, 3 hours to go.
"... and sign here, here annnd here. Great, I will get these over to Dr. Fast, and have him finish up your paperwork so you can finally go home." Nurse Jen took back the clipboard and exited Judy's room. Nick had been gone most of the afternoon. He had a few loose ends to tie up with his lawyer, or so he claimed. Nick also claimed that it was all no big deal, Judy however, felt like Nick was hiding something from her, and she wasn't happy about it.
Her mom and dad had come into the city to help get her things in order, to follow her and Nick's home so they knew where she would be living now, and to help her get settled in. They knew that Judy would be living with Nick for the foreseeable future,and expressed concerns that both Nick and Judy did their best to dispel. Bonnie knew they had feelings for each other, though she kept that bit of information to herself. Stu on the other hand was only concerned about Judy living with a male. Of course he was, but at least he wasn't focused on the fact that Nick was a fox, just a male. Judy chalked that up to small victories as she reminded her father that she had, in fact, been living with Nick for almost a year.
"Dad, if Nick was going to take advantage of me, don't you think he would have done so while I was immobilized?"
This made Stu think long and hard. He finally had to admit that she was right. Not to mention that Nick had hardly left her side for the last 9 months. If Stu were to be brutally honest with himself, it seemed that Nick had dedicated himself to his daughter in a way no bunny would have, or could have. Was it guilt or was Nick genuinely a nice mammal? These questions tumbled about his mind, each battling for dominance. Shaking his head "Im sorry Jude, you're right, it's just, well you're my little tryer. I just don't want to see you get hurt"
"Dad, look at me, I'm already hurt, but not by anything Nick has ever done."
This made Stu's ears flop. He knew she was right and he was running out of reasons and arguments, at least ones that wouldn't anger Judy. Judy simply smiled at her father.
x⁰X⁰x
10 minutes to go.
"Carrot sticks!" Judy exclaimed. "Where is Nick? I'm going to yank his tail if he's not here when I get released."
"You most certainly will not, young lady " Bonnie snapped. "He will be here soon."
The door to Judy's room opened, and Nick came through pushing a light weight custom wheelchair. It looked like it had been made just for Judy. Smirking at Judys reaction, Nick moved it over near her, and set the breaks. "Hey Fluff, miss me?"
Smirking herself, "Not with a pillow anyway." They both laughed at that, while Bonnie and Stu looked at each other questioningly.
"You ready to get out of here, Dr. Fast just signed your walking papers." Judy had to groan and roll her eyes at that particular pun while Nick grinned at her. "What? Too soon?"
With a chuckle, Judy looked up at Nick and simply said, "Let's Roll." It was Nick's turn to groan. Gentally gathering Judy up in his arms, Nick sat her in her chair. the seat conforming to her backside and thighs, easily displacing her weight.
"Everything ok?" Nick asked.
"Yeah this has to be the most comfortable cushion I have ever sat in"
"It's supposed to be memory foam over some sort of weight displacing gel. Designed for mammals that sit in their chair all day. Supposed to keep the old tail from getting sore."
Judy chuckled. "Welp, I'm ready."
"Good we just need to stop by the nurses station and get your paperwork and prescription, and then we will be off. Maybe stop by Therus on the way home?"
"Nick, I really am grateful for the thought, but I really just want to go home, wherever that is now, as you haven't told me that part."
"Fair enough, we'll stop by and get your prescription filled then head home and maybe order pizza," looking at Bonnie and Stu, "Pizza sound good to you?"
With both agreeing, Nick took the handles of Judy's chair in paw, "Stu if you don't mind getting the door, we can get going."
Stopping long enough to get Judys paperwork, the trio of bunnies and one fox made their way through the hospital to the ground floor where a small group of nurses, including Nurse Jen, waited. After a round of hugs and well wishes, Judy excused herself by saying she would really like to get home and just relax, watch some tv and eat pizza till her eyes bulged out
Biding everyone farewell, Nick pushed Judy out the front door of Zootopia General, where Bonnie and Stu excused themselves to go get their truck so they could follow.
"So are we catching a cab or what Slick?" Judy said as Nick pushed her toward the far side of the covered area, where a newer Suburrow sat.
"Nope I thought we would take your car this time."
"Wait, what do you mean "my car"?" Judy asked excitedly.
Nick pushed her up next to the Suburrow, and dangled the key in front of her, complete with squishy carrot keychain.
Judy wiggled with excitement. "Can I drive," she said excitedly. "Oh wait, nevermind. I guess I can't." She said as her ears drooped.
"Actually you can, just not for a while, doctor's orders."
"Nick, I love you, but that joke was in bad taste, even for you."
Holding his paw over his heart, " Madam, you wound me. I would never joke about someone's freedom." Nick said, smirk firmly in place. "Let's get in your car and I'll be happy to explain just how you'll be able to drive."
Opening the passenger door, Nick again gently picked Judy up and placed her in the passenger seat. Getting her belted in, he closed her door. Wheeling her chair around to the other side he folded it up and pressed a button in the door frame. With a soft hiss and a whir of motors, a narrow door just behind the driver's door opened. With a quiet whir, a wheelchair lift folded itself from the car onto the ground. Placing the chair on the lift, Nick tapped the button again. The lift folded itself back into the car, taking the chair with it. With another soft hiss, the door closed and latched itself.
Getting into the driver's seat, Nick looked at Judy. She had obviously been watching the entire show going on behind her, eyes wide in wonder.
"Nick, how much did all this cost, I mean this car seems to have been built just for me."
"It wasn't much, got a good deal actually, didn't even have to make any adjustments or modifications. Former owner was a hare, but apparently her situation got to a point she couldn't drive anymore so she traded it in on a conversion van, and now her son drives her wherever she needs to go. She even left the chair in the car as I guess she now has an electric."
"That's not what I asked Nick and you know it. Stop deflecting."
"Carrots, if I tell you how much I spent on a car for you, you are just going to be mad for the rest of the day. Besides, I still have to show you the new place."
With that, Nick started the car and revved it a bit, Judy's scowl giving way to glee at the sound of the clearly overpowered engine as it emitted a subtle, throaty roar. Nick pulled it into gear, and pulled out from under the covered loading area, with Bonnie and Stu following close behind. As they drove Nick explained that the extra hardware that the car had allowed it to be driven by hand.
"See you press forward on the lever to accelerate, and you pull down to break. It's an automatic so you don't need a clutch."
Judy watched as Nick demonstrated the operation. She became excited when she realized with this car, and the chair, she could still go do things, she wanted to go see everyone at the precinct at some point, and now she could with little trouble. They stopped briefly at the MVS pharmacy to get Judys prescriptions filled. Some for pain and others to fight off any lingering or new infections that might crop up.
Getting back in the car, Nick drove on to where Judy would have thought Nick's new apartment would have been. But he passed that street altogether, and headed on to the northeast of the city, out into the near city side of the Meadowlands District. Judy looked incredulously at Nick, but he simply kept driving. Presently Judy saw a rather nice housing area. Tall trees surrounded the small community, and you could just see the peaks of the roofs on some of the houses. At this point Nick pulled to the side of the road.
"Ok Carrots, put this on, make sure it covers your eyes completely." Nick said, holding out his bandana
'Nick, you know I hate surprises, you're already in trouble for buying me a car. Do you really think it's wise to push it?
"Absolutely, 100%." Nick replied. "Now put that on, we aren't moving till you do."
With a huff and a slight pout Judy tied Nick's red bandana around her head, making sure her eyes were covered. Letting Nick know she was ready with a snarky thumbs up. "There. Happy now?"
Nick made a few funny faces and waved his paws in front of her face, just to make sure she really wasn't able to peek. When there was no response, he was satisfied she couldn't see. Pulling back out onto the road, they made their way to Hemlock Lane. Nick made a right onto the drive and wound his way up through the meandering street till they came to a cul de' sac. Judy thought maybe Nick had gotten turned around as she could have sworn the community she saw was off to the left, but she felt the car make a right paw turn. As Nick was shutting the car off, Judy started to take off the bandana.
"Ah, ah, not yet Carrots." Nick said as he got out. "Just sit tight and all will be revealed soon." This earned him a frustrated growl from Judy. Chuckling, he got her chair out and wheeled it to her side of the car.
Getting Judy situated in her chair, Nick turned to her parents and held a digit up to his lips in a shushing motion. Wheeling Judy down to the end of the driveway, Nick turned her around, and making sure Bonnie and Stu could see her reaction he took off the bandana.
"Welcome home Carrots."
x⁰X⁰x
Well, Judy'S finally home. New Home, new car, new path in life? We shall see.
As always, a special shout out to my buddy Blkdragon7 for the editing. Go check out his ongoing story called A Friendly Hustle and his new story Wilde Cards: Savage Territory show him some love. You can also check out his original work and link to his writing Blog, Scribblings, where a lot of it lives by hopping over to ( Direct: dcballard (remove the spaces) and my own writing blog, BearSpace, at: bearspace … because the forwarding is misbehaving.)