3: The Past revealed II
"Let me tell you my sad tale first, then I promise I'll tell you, ok?"
Nodding her head, Judy decided to listen to him before having him make good on his promise.
"But first" Nick comments "how's about a bit more of this super expensive bubbly stuff?"
…
After a very short wait for the fresh bottle of champagne to arrive and refilling both of their glasses, Nick begins:
"I guess it all started at the press conference. Instead of getting pissed and leaving, I should have stayed and given you a chance to explain yourself. So in that regard, I was as much to blame for everything falling apart as you were. You already know about my tiff with Nicholle, so I won't revisit that little gem.'
'I knew that I'd never get a shot at being a cop, let alone becoming your partner, so I banished myself to living under a bridge near an old abandoned industrial complex, that's why I sort of laughed at the unintended pun.'
'After a good deal of feeling sorry for myself, I decided to suck it up and try to make amends with you, if that was possible. That little plan went to shit when I showed up at the precinct and asked to talk to you. The fat-assed cheetah at the reception desk gave me the cold shoulder, some wolf told me to fuck off, and Buffalo Butt threatened to throw me under the jail if I didn't leave.'
'Then I remembered that you said you were from Bunnyburrow, so I borrowed Finnick's old van and went there. I guess I must've just missed you, because some fat fuck of a country fox told me that you'd gone back to Zootopia to be a cop again. So back I went to Zootopia to try to find you, but ended up having to help Nickie take care of mom. A short time later, mom's disease, alveolar echinococcus*, a type of liver disease fatal to foxes, especially red foxes, got worse.'
'Totally defeated by then, I figured 'what the hell' and went and enlisted in the military. Basic training went pretty much as expected, but the advanced training turned out vastly different. Grabbed right out of basic training, preds like myself, coyotes and other nocturnes were recruited for special advanced training, black ops stuff mostly. The training was tough but it taught me to be a much better mammal, to make others a priority to myself. Self is always last, never first.'
'Jumping out of airplanes and fast roping out of helicopters, especially at night, became old hat, commonplace actually."
Taking a small sip, then staring intently at the glass, Nick continues.
"Shit got real when we got our first actual live mission. My team was deployed to Iraqistan to capture or kill an especially ruthless Tailiban warlord. We entered the compound somewhere around three in the morning, after parachuting in around five clicks…that's about three miles, away and walking the rest of the way to avoid detection.'
'About the time we entered the hut, we were met by a female desert fox, who instead of standing still decided to pick up an automatic rifle and start shooting at us."
Empty glass forgotten Judy could only sit in horror and amazement as Nick recalled the mission, zoned out, totally lost in the moment.
"With her being in the section of the room that I was assigned to cover, I had no choice but to shoot first. Shoot first or die first, those were my only choices. Because of the adrenaline rush and having to concentrate on the mission at paw, and to be sure my team members and myself stayed alive, I never gave the action a second thought, that would come later.'
'As we went up a short flight of stairs, a young pup, probably no more than seven or eight appeared with a pistol in paw. The team leader killed him without hesitation. As we expected, the warlord decided to put up a fight rather than be captured, so almost everyone in the room actually shot him, myself included.'
'We took a ton of pictures, grabbed all of the intelligence we could find like laptops, computer hard drives, loose papers, whatever. If we could carry it, we took it. Then we put the warlord in a body bag, left the hut and humped, that is hiked, the five clicks back to the extraction point.'
'After we took off and headed back to base, I finally got the time to process what had actually happened. I had killed a mammal Judy. A vixen, probably about your age when we first met. A pup, most likely her son, was killed by our team. I was sick Judy, I'm not gonna lie, I was sick for days. It made me question what the hell I was doing. I thought long and hard about quitting the military altogether, just telling whomever to go to hell and just taking a dishonorable discharge."
Draining his glass, Nick filled it again and continued: "That was when I was sat down and given a damned good talking to by none other than Skye Winters, the artic vixen that's Nickie's girlfriend. She was a psyche nurse stationed at Bagledsta airbase there in Iraqistan at the time. She reminded me of the reason that mammals like myself and my team members did what we did."
"And what is that reason Nick?"
"So we don't have to fight the bastards over here Judy, that's the reason."
"Over here? Nick, that doesn't make any sense!"
"Really?" says an impassioned Nick "Have you forgotten about the attack on the Towers in New Yak City? On the Pentahgon, or the other hijacked plane that crashed short of the White House?'
'The reason, the REAL reason that I joined he military Judy, was so I could protect YOU! Even if it was from a distance. I knew I could never become a cop and be your partner. It was the ONLY way I could think of to protect you ... because … I love you Judy. I truly, deeply, madly love you. I have since the day I met you.'
'There, I've said it! Now you know why I would do anything for you, even … die for you. Nothing in this world will ever change that, nothing."
Sitting in shock, glass of champagne forgotten, all Judy can to is stare open mouthed at Nick.
"It's ok" he says sadly, staring at his now empty glass on the table, unwilling to even look Judy's way, fearing the look of disgust that he was sure was there. "I'll understand if you don't love, or even like me much. It's enough to know that you know and understand that I love you, and more importantly why I do."
Recovering from her shock, Judy reaches out and take Nick's paws again and asks softly "Nick … NICK, look at me … please."
Slowly raising his head, Nick finally manages to look into Judy's beautiful amethyst eyes.
"Nick, until tonight, until this little session of ours, right here and right now, I never actually knew what I was missing in my life. When I went back to my career with the ZPD, when I was with Jack, and even when I was with Gerald, I always felt … alone. I never felt complete. What was missing all of this time … was you!"
Shock was plain on Nick's face, so all he could do was stare.
"I never realized just how much you meant to me" Judy continues "how much of an impact you made on my life until just now, even in the very short time that I knew you. All of the pain, all of the bullshit in my life… and Karma has waited until now to bring you back into my life and bring us back together!'
'I know we've still got a lot to work through, but … can we at least consider … maybe… possibly …"
"Getting together, at some point in the future?" he finishes "I don't see why not. It'll take some doing, we've both got issues to deal with, things to take care of, me here and in Aweston, and you back in Deerbrook, but it's not totally out of the question. There will be issues to work through. Pred and prey couples are still looked down upon, as we both witnessed twice tonight. Your daughter might have issues with us, especially with me. Nicholle will eventually come around I think, not that it matters. It's important yes because she's family, but above all else she just wants to see me happy. The rest of the crew, you'll find how understanding they can be."
"Yea, I noticed several interspecies couples when you guys pulled up earlier today, so there is that! I do have one question, and you don't have to answer if you don't want to."
"Ask away Fluff, now's the time. Soul bearing seems to be the order of the day."
"Well … when I overheard you and Nicholle talking earlier, I heard her mention a Krystal …"
Letting out a deep sigh, Nick swallows hard and takes a deep breath.
"Nick-"
"No, it's ok. I-I think … I-I really need to do this."
Taking his head in her small paws, amethyst meeting emerald, she interrupted "Nick, let's save that for another day. Tomorrow, the next day, whenever. We have plenty of time. I can tell you're still really uncomfortable with the subject so let's not go there right now, ok?"
With a sad expression, and barely holding back tears, Nick agrees "Fine Fluff, you win. But it's something that I really need to get off my chest, especially with you. No secrets, no unresolved issues between us if we even have a small chance to make things work out. I promise…"
"Shhh, shhh, shhh, I understand Nick, I do. I know how difficult it was for me to share, but after listening to you, knowing what little you could tell me, you've had it much worse than I co-"
"No Judy, it doesn't work that way now, remember? Others before self. That's the way it has to be for both of us, especially me, ok? That means that for me at least, you're more important now."
"Ok Nick have it your way. Me before you …except after 'y' …"
Breaking a small smile, Nick accuses Judy "You've picked up a bad habit there kid."
"Yea, well, I learned from the best…"
"I don't know about that but…"
"Nick"
"Hmmm?"
I know this is kinda sudden but-"
"I know what you're gonna ask, I can smell it all over you, I'm a predator after all. And it's not that I really don't want to, god knows I've fantasized about it for like, forever. But would you be terribly offended if I simply asked that if, make that hopefully when we do, that it not be tonight? We've both been drinking, and I would prefer that our first time be more special than just rolling around in the sheets and worrying about the 'what if's' later."
Sensing the sincereness in Nick's voice, and more importantly seeing it in his eyes Judy had to agree "You're right. It should be more special. But … would it be alright if we at least slept in the same room? I've been alone so much, for so long, without anyone I really cared about, not counting Sarah of course, that it would mean a lot to at leas-"
Reaching out and touching Judy's cheek and running his thumb through her fur, Nick can only make the best offer he can under the circumstances "Not a problem. Fully clothed or in just underwear, it's your choice. If you wouldn't mind sharing the room with biker trash, I'd be happy to share the room with you. Regardless, you get the bed and I'll sleep on the pullout."
"You'll do no such thing" says Judy with just a touch of attitude "If I get to stay here, you'll be in the same bed, with me, with both of us in our underwear. That's my condition, take it or leave it mister Wilde. And you may be 'biker trash' as you put it but" this time Judy uses air quotes "at least for tonight, you're my biker trash. Got it?"
Nick answers "Yes ma'am" not bothering to suppress a grin.
After each use the bathroom, they get ready to settle into the huge bed, with Judy in her panties and bra, and Nick in his boxers.
Feeling Judy staring, Nick knows exactly why.
"Yea, the scars … they bother you a bit, don't they?"
Thinking about her own scars on her cheek "Not exactly bother, just … curious?"
"Doing what I did in the military pretty much means that a mammal will get injured or killed, either in training or on a mission. It's part of the job description. Same as being a cop only a touch more dangerous. Believe it or not, I'm one of the lucky ones … I've lost team members, close friends … those are scars you can't see, but they're always there nonetheless. Skye has helped me deal with it, so I can deal with the 'world' in everyday life. And I'd do it all over again, especially now that I have a chance to have you back in my life."
Giving Nick a soft smile and kissing him gently on the nose, Judy then turns, snuggling close to Nick and says softly "G'night Nick."
"G'night Judy, pleasant dreams."
"You know" she quietly answers "I think I actually will, for the first time in a very long time."
…
THURSDAY MORNING – STERGIS RALLY:
Waking from the best night's sleep that she's had in possibly years just as the sun comes up, Judy realizes two things… first, she needs to pee very badly, and second, she's being held tightly by a very horny fox, who just happens to have one breast firmly in his paw.
"Nick" she says softly.
"NICK!" this time a bit louder.
"NICK!" somewhere between a normal voice and a shout, which finally gets the fox's attention.
"Mmmmm?"
"Nick, I have to pee, please let me up!"
"Do I have to?" he asks sleepily.
"Yes, unless you want me to wet the bed! And by the way, please let go of my boob, at least for now, and whatever you're poking me with" (knowing full well what it is) "it doesn't go there…"
Suddenly realizing what Judy's referring to, Nick quickly withdraws his paw to allow her to slide out of the bed and head for the bathroom.
"Sorry about that" he mumbles, pretty much as embarrassed as he can be under the circumstances.
"I didn't say I didn't enjoy it you dumb fox, it just isn't the time, remember? While I'm in there, do you mind if I grab a good shower? I haven't had one in ages."
Sporting a huge grin, he answers "Sure go ahead, no problem. I'll catch a shower after we eat."
"Ok, thanks!" he hears through a partially open bathroom door. As the sound of the shower being turned on reaches his ears, he wonders if she left the door open for a reason….
Reaching over to the in-house phone, Nick quickly dials up room service and makes several requests. Satisfied that his order was understood, he hangs back up.
Just as the fur drier turns on, there's a knock at the door (naturally being drowned out by the drier) with a greeting of 'Room Service!' reaching Nicks ears.
As Judy exits the bathroom freshly showered and groomed and wrapped in a complementary fluffy bathrobe, she is greeted not only by a delightful breakfast of hot pancakes and fresh fruits and vegetables, but several sets of new clothing, namely jeans and t-shirts, that suspiciously appear to be the correct size.
"Nick?" she begins, with a slightly (but playful) accusing tone.
"The breakfast looks and smell divine, but clothes … the how in the world did you get my sizes right?"
Simply motioning to her well-worn clothes in a pile on the floor beside the bed was the only answer that he needed to give.
"Oh" she says. And when she went to look them over, she noticed that (of course) there were several sets of underwear and bras there as well.
"Well" she says huskily, holding up the underwear "These will simply not do! Not all of them anyway"
Taken back a bit by her words, then catching the tone, Nick suddenly understands her meaning.
Even though vixens will normally take charge of any relationship once a mutual interest is shown, it's a bit shocking to be confronted by a bunny.
Noticing the various emotions crossing Nicks muzzle, Judy quickly adds "No Nick, I've never been with a fox, or any other predator for that matter, but it doesn't mean I haven't done my research. I do know some of your customs and mating habits, but not all. And yes, I've read about the 'knot' thing. It looks painful for a bunny, but if it comes right down to it…"
"Judy, I-"
"Nick, stop. I am NOT going to push you into something that you might not be ready for yet. Whether it's sex or an actual relationship, or neither, I wouldn't do that to you. There's simply too much on the line for that right now. For now, I'm hungry, let's eat!"
Still wearing the fluffy robe furnished by the hotel, Judy looks over her new wardrobe as she eats.
"You know" she says off pawed (offhand), "I really should get something like this for Sarah"
Suddenly, Judy's eyes shot wide open and her ears stand up straight "SHIT! … Sarah! In all the excitement I forgot to call and tell her I made it here safe and sound!"
Reaching to retrieve her cellphone, Judy discovers that the battery is dead.
"No, no, no, no, no! this can not be happening! She's gonna be so worried, Nick what am I gonna do? I have to get to the charger in my stuff on the bike…!"
"Take it easy Fluff, just call her from my phone."
"No Nick, it doesn't work like that! I've taught her not to answer any calls from numbers that she doesn't recognize."
"Judy, stop and think for a second … if you taught her that, then you've got to have been smart enough to have taught her a code word or phrase to be used in a situation like this. What is that word or phrase?"
Stunned that she hadn't remembered, Judy simply stood open mouthed and stared at Nick for a few seconds.
"Damn Nick … just … damn, thanks" and meekly held her paw out for the phone.
Turning to her back to Nick to dial, she unconsciously gave Nick a perfect view of the number and message she was texting.
JUDY: 'Chocolate-Ill call from this # in a minit, please pik up-Lavie'
SARAH: 'K'
Noticing the questioning look she answered briefly as she dialed the number "I'll explain later, ok?"
A few seconds later the following MuzzleTime conversation takes place:
SARAH: Mom, is that really you? What happened? Are you okay? Why didn't you call? Where are you?
JUDY: Yea sweetie it's me. I'm fine. I finally made it to Stergis. I left my charger on the bike and the battery on my phone died. I'm gonna go get it in a little bit and charge the stupid thing. Ok?
S: Ok, I get that, but what I really meant is where are you now? You're in a bathrobe, in what looks like a hotel room, with a fox standing behind you! And is he naked?
Suddenly realizing that the call is on a live two-way MuzzleTime link, all she can do is tell the truth and hope for the best.
J: Well … Pop Pop's old bike broke down on the highway, and Nick and his bunch were nice enough to stop and help me and-"
S: Wait. Just wait a second mom … you said Nick, right? And Nick is a red fox. Would this be the same Nick that you've been pinning over for the last … I don't know … how many years?
Rolling her eyes and taking a deep breath, knowing that Nick is probably not hiding a grin or at the very least a smirk…
J: Yes sweetie, it's the same Nick. Just so you know, we're trying to work things out between us. And before you get the wrong idea, yes it's a hotel room, and yes we slept together, the key word there is slept, nothing else happened (stepping back just a bit and putting pressure on Nick's foot as a warning), I promise. And NO, he is NOT naked….
S: I believe you mom. Umm, if it's ok with him, can I talk to mister Nick for a minute please?
Looking at Nick and seeing him smile and give a quick nod, Judy hands the phone to Nick.
S: Hello mister Nick, this is Sarah.
N: Hey there Sarah. I'm sorry that your mom didn't call you earlier, but things were really crazy here for a while.
S: It's ok mister Nick, I understand. I was really worried about mom because she always keeps her word about calling.
N: Sarah, you know you don't have to call me mister Nick, just Nick will be fine.
S: With all due respect mister Nick, mom always taught me to respect my elders, and to always call them miss or mister.
N: Well, then I'll have to say that you mom has done an excellent job raising a very intelligent, well-mannered and beautiful daughter.
S: … You … you really think I'm beautiful mister Nick?
N: I wouldn't say it if I didn't think so Sarah.
S: Umm, thank you sir…
J: Sarah honey, it's ok if you just want to call Nick - Nick.
S: Really? Ok then, thanks mom. Mis- umm Nick, do you like my mom?
J: SARAH!
N: No, it's ok Fluff, it's a fair question under the circumstances. Yes, Sarah, I like your mom. Very much in fact. Are you ok with that?
S; Fluff? Who's Fluff?
N: It's your mom. Fluff is a nickname I gave her when we worked together a long time ago.
S: So, do you have a nickname Nick?
N: Well, your mom used to call me Slick.
S: I think I like Nick better. Umm, you said you really like my mom, right?
N: That's right, I did.
S: Aaand she likes you, right?
J: Yes Sarah, I really do.
S: Are you gonna date my mom?
N: "That's entirely up to her Sarah, but if she's ok with it, yes I am.
S: Then as long as you like each other, and it makes mom happy, I'm ok with it.
J: (trying unsuccessfully to hold back tears of joy) Bless you Chocolate, I was so afraid that you would be angry about it!
N: Which reminds me, I get the chocolate part, with the beautiful color of your fur Sarah, but Lavie? Really? Where did that come from?
J: Umm, from my middle name …?
S: Mom's middle name is Laverne, so that's where it came from.
N: Laverne? (says Nick, wearing the biggest smirk that Judy has ever seen)
J: Shush you!
S: I can see why mom likes you, you're funny.
N: I'm really glad that you approve Sarah, it means a lot to me, and probably even more to your mom.
S: Nick, you can call me Chocolate if you want, I like it better than Sarah. There are like, a dozen Sarah's in my calls at school. (which causes Judy's mouth to drop open)
N: If it makes you happy, anything for you Chocolate.
S: Well, I gotta get ready to go to karate practice. I'll talk to you later… by mom, bye Nick!
J: Bye sweetie!
N: Bye Chocolate!
And the call was ended.
Staring at Nick, Judy has to ask "Nick … how in the world did you manage to work your way into my daughter's heart so quick?"
Dumbfounded, he asks "What? You know I meant every word I said about her and about you! How is this a bad thing?"
"I never said it was a bad thing dummy" Judy says smiling a soft smile "It's just that Sarah doesn't allow anyone else to call her Chocolate, it's normally a her and me thing. Her father, her siblings, her few friends, no one gets to call her Chocolate but me … and now you!'
'Needless to say, she's always had an issue about thinking that she's not pretty because of her fur color … until now! You really have no idea how much you've helped her attitude and ego just now, do you? You have no idea how much joy that you've brought into two mammal's lives … do you"
Seeing Judy pick up his phone again and sending a brief text, Nick's curious, but she quickly shows him the message she sent: 'Choc-keep #- if u need 2 call-use Slick as contact for emergency-Lavie'.
As Judy reaches up and plants a gentile kiss on Nick's lips, a knock at the door interrupts them.
XxX
AN: *Alveolar Echinococcus more commonly known as AE, a rare but severe disease that resembles liver cancer, is caused by absorbing the larvae of fox tapeworm, a widespread intestinal parasite among foxes. The larvae usually develop in the liver and slowly destroy it.