A/N .. This will sadly be the last chapter for quite some time. I apologize for it taking this long to publish, but I have been quite busy with all the "fun" appointments I currently have while gearing up for surgery here in several months, and frankly I have neither the time, energy or inclination to write. So with a sad heart I am placing this story on a shelf until such time I can devote myself to it again. I won't be abandoning it by any means, but there may not be updates in a timely manner either, unless I get a Wilde Hare. This will undoubtedly upset many, and for that I am truly sorry, but this is quite frankly my health I am looking after, and this needs to take place. And there may or may not be a couple new projects that I may or may not post to test its viability as a story at some point in the future, so maybe keep your peepers peeled for that.
I will most definitely let you, my loyal readers know shortly before I start posting new chapters again.
~Bear
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Chapter 14 - Judys day out
Nick was awakened by a loud thump, a loud pained "OW!", and a string of vegetable centric expletives from Judy's room. Jumping out of bed, he slipped on a pair of old, faded, ZPA shorts, and ran to the door separating his and Judy's room. Knocking on the door before opening it and stepping through. "You ok Carrots?"
Looking around, Nick found Judy laying on her back, her wheelchair laid over on its side almost on top of her. It appeared that he had walked in as Judy was trying to shove it off of her chest. "Hey, Carrots, need a paw?"
Looking up from her position on the floor, Judy smiled meekly. "I had to go to the bathroom, and didn't want to wake you."
"Judy, I've told you many times my hunny bunny, that's what I'm here for. Anytime day or night. My job is you." Nick said as he smiled and shook his head. "Welp lets get you to the bathroom." He righted Judy's chair and gathered her up. "You sure you are okay, didn't hurt anything?"
Judy sighed as she held onto his furry chest, loving the feel of his thick chest fur in her paws. "My pride and maybe a minor bruise. But.. Uhm, Nick... Better grab me a clean pair of shorts and underwear," she said with a blush. Looking down at her as he sat her on her toilet, then looking up, she blushed even harder, the inside of her ears turning scarlet. "What? I said I had to go. Past tense."
Nick's eyes widened slightly as understanding dawned on him. "Wait right here," Nick said. "I'll be right back."
"No rush Slick, it's not like I can go anywhere," she said with an embarrassed huff.
Nick returned a moment later with a clean pair of shorts and underwear. Setting them on the small table near her toilet, Nick turned and ran some warm water, then wetted a washcloth for Judy so she could clean up. After that he sat a fresh pack of "Bunny Wipes" next to her clothes. "Just holler when you're ready Fluff, I'm going to go get breakfast started."
Finished with her morning business, Judy cleaned herself up as best she could. Thankfully her sister Jenea would be there later in the morning for her weekly bath, a part of her new weekly routine that Judy greatly looked forward to. And while Nick had offered to help, it was agreed upon that they would get Jenea to help and even offer her some money for her time. At the very least to let them pay for a yearly pass for the train, given there was no idea if Judy would ever walk again. Even with what Madge Badger said she could not only bring to the table, but potentially make in the future. Calling for Nick to come get her, Judy finished pulling up her shorts and underwear, doing a little shimmy to get them under her and up over her tail.
"Come in," Judy said right before Nick knocked on her bathroom door.
Opening it and stepping through, Nick was chuckling. "Ok Ears, you gotta stop doin' that, you rob me of one of my pleasures."
"What? I heard you … Wait... did you just …?" Judy said as she broke into laughter. "Ears? really?" she said and laughed even harder. Nick laughed with her realizing he had just coined a new nickname for her.
"Well I mean, you did hear me coming with those cute radar dishes of yours." Nick said as he chuckled some more and crossed his arms. Gesturing, to Judy "You ready?."
"Mmhmm," Judy hummed and Nick picked her up.
"Remember, your sister should be here soon, it's almost 8." Nick said as he carried her to her chair, getting her belted in.
"Oh celery sticks, I plum forgot," Judy huffed.
"Carrots, your country bunkin is showing."
"Wait … what?" she asked, slightly embarrassed. "What are you talking about?"
"You plum forgot?" Nick laughed
"Hey! I grew up on a farm after all, and we grew plums.'' she said, then stuck her tongue out and blew a raspberry at him. "It's bath day isn't it?"
"It sure is," Nick said as he wheeled her to the table. 'But first, strawberry pancakes for you and..." Nick licked his chops, "Blueberry for me."
Judy couldn't help but laugh at his antics. At 33, he acted more like a kit at times then most kits. Nick handed her a plate with several bunny sized pancakes, a pile of whipped cream, and fresh berries on top; a glass of orange juice, and toast with mango jam fresh from the Rainforest District already waiting in her spot.
They had just finished when Nick's phone pinged.
Janea: Nick, it looks like I will be at the station in about 40 minutes. Will message when the train pulls in.
Nick: Oh good we were just talking about you :p.
Janea: Silly fox, good see you then.
"Looks like your sister is about 40 minutes out. We need to hurry"
Judy's ears popped to attention. "Already, that was fast, she must have left Bunnyburrow at what, 6am?"
Shrugging Nick wheeled her into the living room, then gathered her up and slipped her into her recliner, making sure she was comfortable. Seeing her eager and pleading expression, Nick sighed. "I know you want to go with Carrots, but it's a pain to unhitch the lift to make room for your sister, and I'm not having her ride all the way in the back."
Sighing herself, Judy nodded. "I know Nick. It's ok. I'll see her soon enough."
"Right then, anything you need before I go? I shouldn't be gone longer than an hour, give or take traffic."
"I could use a refill on my water and a lemon soda, please"
Nick soon had her set, and headed out the door. Judy busied herself by flipping through the channels, finding only game show reruns. The new ones didn't come on until later, but she still enjoyed them, especially Ewes Line is it Anyway? The sheer goofiness always made her laugh. Opening her soda, she took a sip as the comedians on stage acted out some clip or other. Once the episode finished, she flipped through the channels until she found another of her favorite shows, NCIS. One of the few shows Judy felt was even close to how things were done. Even if the tech it displayed was pure science fiction. That, and she really liked the character Abby, a snow white hare with black ears.
She had seen the episode and soon found herself bored and starting to feel sleepy. It had been a rather busy day already, afterall, and it was only 3 hours old. Clicking to a music station she laid her chair back, pulled a blanket from the arm of the couch where Nick had left it within easy reach over her and closed her eyes. As she slipped into dreams, Judy wondered again what it was that she did to deserve the love and devotion of her fox. A feeling of unworthiness that she often fought with in low moments or when she was alone raising its head again and tainting her dreams.
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Nick pulled into the station Just as the train was coming to a stop. Sending Janea a text to look for a purple and green Suburrow with the plate number THX1138, and a goofy lookin fox leaning against the hood. It was only minutes before a set of grey ears with black tips began to make their way to the parking lot. Nick watched her as she approached, no hint of fear registering in her eyes or ears.
Nick was still dumbstruck at the striking similarity between Judy and Janea, even though he had met her several times now. They were almost totally identical, from the exact same color of fur to the way she confidentiality carried herself, much the way Judy had. The only real difference was Jenea's eye color. While Judy's were a brilliant amethyst purple, Jenea's were an otherworldly shade of sapphire blue. Once she was close enough, Nick smiled as he picked up her scent. That was the other difference. Jenea smelled of forest loam and honeysuckle, whereas Judy smelled of summer rain and violets.
Recognizing Nick from a few pictures that Judy had sent, Jenea smiled, waved and ran over to Nick. Just as she reached him, she dropped her bag and launched herself at him. Nick was wholly unprepared for the grey missile that suddenly flew at him. Catching Jenea in mid air and bouncing off the car. "Well hello to you too Jenea," Nick said as Jenea let out a giggle.
Giving Nick a Bunnyburrow approved hug, Jenea said "Thank you for taking care of my sister for the last year Nick. I know it can't have been easy."
"Carr…" Stopping himself with a raised eyebrow from Jenea."Judy has been no trouble at all, except when she tries to do too much, and makes herself mad because she can't as of yet," Nick shrugged, thinking back on her little misadventure a couple hours prior. "She'll get there, but as I'm sure you know, she's impatient."
Picking up Jenea's bag he opened the door to the car and let her in. Walking around the back he opened the lift gate and set her bag inside. Slipping into the driver's seat, Nick started the car. The drive was relatively quiet as the sights of the city were nothing new to the young rabbit beside him. She had been to Zootopia many times over the past year as the Hopps Family Farms representative when negotiating with a new supplier or buyer for her parents. Jenea had a singular knack for getting the most out of a deal, all while making the other party think they were getting one over on her. One might say she was a better hustler than even Nick. Which was fine, just so long as no one told Nick.
A few minutes later they turned off the Meadowland Express, which despite its name was very much a basic two lane country road. After a couple of miles, Nick slowed and turned into a rather large housing community that was made up of many prey species, and several smaller pred species. They seemed to live well together, though there was, and will be for many years to come, an underlying fear that was natural to prey species. But in this case many of the residents knew that Zootopia's first fox and bunny cop had moved to the neighborhood, and seemed to feel that if they could live under the same roof, then they could live with a pred or prey next door without making a fuss.
Jenea was impressed with the neighborhood, many of the houses looked rather expensive. Nick slowed again as he pulled into the driveway and Jenea whistled as she saw the house for the first time. "Very nice Nick. That must have cost a pretty zenny."
Nick shrugged, "It wasn't bad, it was on sale." He smiled with a mischievous glint in his eye. Shutting off the engine he hopped out, and grabbed Jenea's bag from the back. Stopping at the door, Nick poked the siding, exposing the keypad. Punching in the code, he closed the cover as he waited for the door to open. A beep sounded, then a sharp 'snick' of locks being released came from around the door. The door then opened with a slight vibration as the motors pivoted it on its hinges. Stepping into the living room with Jenea in tow, Nick noticed Judy was sound asleep. Smiling, he glanced at Jenea and spoke quietly. "She had a hard morning. Make yourself comfortable, I'll drop your bag in the guest room."
Smiling back at Nick, Jenea nodded. "No worries, Nick. Is that a 42 inch?"
Chuckling, Nick shook his head. "Nope. 75 inch, 5k, with full surround by Vulpine. All connected to the Smart house system, so you can use the smart remote and just tell it what you want to watch, or surf the old fashioned way."
Her smile becoming a grin, Jenea squeaked in excitement. "Oh, that is too cool!"
"I'll let Judy do the honors of getting you set up in the system. Give you two some time to catch up."
"Thanks, Nick. You may not realize it, but the entire family appreciates what you have done and continue to do for Judy. I have some things from Mom and Day for you and Judy, and just for you. I don't again know if you understand how much what you have done means to us. I don't know any buck that would do even a fraction of what you have."
Nick frowned, his ears folding back with a slight blush. Schooling his voice. "Well, then you need to meet some better mammals. If anything, I wish I could do more. I know it isn't my fault, but I can't, not, feel somehow responsible."
Giving Nick another hug, Jenea walked over to the couch, retrieving the remote from Judy's limp paw. "And that is why the family loves you." Jenea then turned to the TV to try and find something to watch while they waited for Judy to return from the land of dreams.
Nick sighed, looking at Judy for a moment, his love for her clear in his eyes and not realizing that Jenea saw this. He turned and took her bag to the guest room, dropping it on the bed. He then turned and busied himself with making a picnic lunch. He figured, after that morning, Judy could really use some fresh air and sun.
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A couple hours later saw Judy, Nick, and Jenea piled into the car with a cooler and snacks, all headed to the Savannah Central Park for a picnic. It had been just shy of a year that Judy had been out of doors, and both Nick and Jenea felt that Judy needed a change of scenery. Judy still had the occasional nightmare about that day. A day that felt so long ago, but yet only happened just yesterday. She really needed a change of pace. Nick of course, handled the situation with the utmost grace and love. Even as frustrated as she was with the fact she could no longer do everything for herself, Nick never complained. He made sure Judy had everything she needed, and he always made sure that he reassured her that she was never a bother, never a burden. He did this, all while silently worrying that she wasn't hearing him sometimes.
Judy for her part suffered what could be called 'more than average levels' of depression. Just over a year ago, she was very active. Morning jogs and workouts before work. Having no issue running down, and apprehending the bad guy. But she was a Hopps, and did her level best to greet each day with a smile, regardless of how she felt each day. Of course for the most part Nick saw through her false bravado.
He always seemed to know when Judy was faking it, especially when she thought she was trying to save him from feeling like she was being a burden. Nick would simply remind her of the few months that he was down with a busted foot from getting in a fight with a bear. The bear was winning and Nick decided to even the odds with a shot to the groin. Nick had no idea that the bear in question had a groin abnormality and wore protection. He reminded Judy that she had bent over backward to make sure Nick had everything he needed for the day, often with much whining and complaining on his part. He also understood that Judy was very much an independent doe, and having to rely on anyone rankled in the worst way.
But for today at least, Judy was smiling and laughing at the antics of both Nick and her sister Jenea. That is until a shrill voice caused them to stop in their tracks.
"You! You Fox! Get away from those bunnies! What do you think you're doing? Hey, I'm talking to you. Get away from her you filthy Pelt!"
"Excuse me?"Judy said, "What did you just say?"
"I told that pelt to get away from you. I can only imagine that he is just trying to get you alone so he can eat you or something even worse like sell you into slavery."
Nick was about to speak when Jenea piped up, "What are you talking about, are you crazy? Do you even know what you are saying!"
"I see he has brainwashed you too, poor bunny … that's it, I'm calling the cops."
Aa she was digging into her shoulder bag, the ewe failed to notice that Nick had pulled out his badge. Leaning over with his muzzle between Judy's ears he flipped open his badge right as she looked up and noticeably blanched, quite a feat for a ewe that was snow white with a small black spot on her right ear. After a good 20 minutes of Jenea tearing into the ewe she finally decided she had enough. She stomped off, seemingly done with the trio.
With the ewe gone, they headed off to the picnic table and began to set out lunch. The sun was warm and the air was fresh. They joked and chatted for a time when suddenly they heard that same ewe.
"Right over here officer, that, that .. fox is harassing those poor bunnies." she shrilled.
Looking in her direction, they see Lieutenant Wolford following close behind.
"See! See, just like I said!"
"Well well, Officer Hopps and Officer Wilde. Long time no see. You're looking well Judy, how ya feeling girl?"
"I'm good James. Well ... as good as can be, considering ..." Judy said, nodding towards the ewe.
"Off .. Off .. icer?" The ewe stammered. "No I, I refuse to believe this filthy PELT!" Spitting the word in Nick's direction. "...is an officer. No shifty untrustworthy fox would or could ever be a police officer!"
"Officer Wilde, would you like to press charges against..." Wolford looked at his notepad for effect, "Karen here?"
The ewe started and took a step backwards. "Wait? Charges? For what? Imaa law abiding citizen, not some FOX!" she bleated.
"Let's see. Three counts of hate speech for starters, and that is just since I've been here, Miss Woolitz."
"Make that 6 counts." Judy intoned.
"Any assault charges, Officer Wilde?"
Giving the ewe a raised eyebrow. "Unless the verbal diarrhea that assaulted my ears can be considered, then no."
So that's six counts of hate speech, and at least two counts of being a public nuisance, wasting ZPD resources, namely my time, and I'm sure Officer Hopps could manage to get filing a false report in there too. With all that, and while I'm no judge, I'd say you could be looking at 10 years in prison and a felony record. That's if, Officer Wilde," Wolford looked at Nick. "...decides to press charges."
Seeing Nick shake his head, Wolford turned back towards Karen, "Well since Officer Wilde has decided not to press charges, you are free to go. However, I have the report and notes. If I get wind that you have harassed other mammals just because of their species, I will take great pleasure in ensuring you, Karen, are charged. We Clear?" He then tore out a page from his ticket book and pawed it to her, not bothering to wait for a response..
Looking at the ticket "What's this for?" Karen asked.
"That's for being a pain in the tailhole, and harassing these fine mammals. Good day ma'am. Oh, and please, dispute the ticket and give me an excuse to file other charges than just that fine." Wolford said and promptly turned his back on her.
Jenea cocked her hip, placing her clenched paw on it, "It's called a hustle sweetheart." she quipped, eliciting a laugh from Nick and Judy. Wolford gave only a wolfish grin.
Karen huffed, her cheeks puffing out in anger, and stomped off, grumbling and complaining the whole way.
"Thanks for that James," Judy said, "want to join us for lunch?"
"Nah, thanks though Judy, I need to get back at it, those streets aint gonna police themselves."
At that he gave Judy a hug, Nick a paw bump, and a warm smile for Jenea, then wandered back the way he came whistling "Try Everything" by Gazelle. The trio chuckled and resumed their meal, all while Karen glared at them from a distance.
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A/N: … Henceforth I will be changing to a more "episodic" format concerning this and any other story I may write. There could be days, weeks, or even months between chapters. With my personal life the way it is and will be in the future, this works far better for me then to try to deliver weekly or semi-weekly uploads that are more contiguous. I'm sorry if this upsets you .. but I do enjoy writing as time and circumstances allow, but the stress of trying to make the story contiguous sucks that joy out of me.
Thank you for understanding and following me on this Wilde ride
~Bear