Natnat's Notes: Hello everyone I hope you are all well. Here is chapter 4 of Exile Dreams. From this chapter onward, I will be editing somethings out to keep it a T rating. Want to read the uncut version, go to AO3 where it is rated M.
Shout out to the peeps who have reviewed: Nick01, and Nina Arevalo
Thanks for all the favorites and bookmarks!
TheConcernFox: Thank you so much for your encouragement and help! Thank you for graciously letting me use his character, Jack.
BrutusDeagon: Thank you! Your help has been indispensable! And editing my chapters.
Story Notes: Judy and Nick spend the day together. Nick begins to fall more of Judy's charms.
Legend: "blah blah" –regular talking
"blah blah"- thinking
"blah blah" – phone calls/announcements/radio/television etc.
"The book of blah"- Titles from books, newspapers, articles, websites, etc.
Rating: PG-13 Strong language, violence, and suggestive themes
Disclaimer: I don't own Zootopia. All rights and merchandising for Zootopia belong to the Disney Company.
Chapter Four: Can't Help Falling In Love
The tod was a beast; there was no way to describe it. He was in his mid-forties and could still wipe the floor with mammals twice his size. Nick kept his pace, not showing any signs of tiring either. They have been running for at least two hours and their competitive personalities wouldn't let either give up.
"Tired yet old guy," Nick glanced at Jack.
"You wish," Jack grinned back at Nick.
"We can take a break to help those old bones of yours,"
"Ha, this 'old tod' can still hang with the best of them son,"
"They didn't promote you to general for nothing,"
"Not that I am giving up or anything but we should head back home," Jack suggested.
"Not giving up?" Nick raised an eyebrow.
"Judy should be there right now with the kits," Jack said.
Nick almost tripped. Judy was there! "Why didn't you tell me?"
"It slipped my mind," Jack shrugged.
"Nothing ever slips your mind! You did this intentionally," Nick accused. His father was a walking supercomputer so he never forgot anything.
"You know it's age," Jack smirked.
"I'm not wearing a shirt!" Nick pointed out.
"We don't mind," the foxes heard two female zebras say as they ran by.
"And I'm sure Judy would understand," Jack said. Nick glared at the fox. The poor rabbit will have a heart attack and he knew it. He followed his father home. He enjoyed the breeze from the Bayou bay as they reached their house. They could already hear the females talking as they entered the house. Again she looked stunning wearing a blue dress. Her dress fell to her shoulders and the skirt to her knees. She looked up at them and immediately looked away.
"We're home," Jack announced and went to kiss his wife.
"Jack you are all sweaty," Vivian giggled.
"Good morning," Judy greeted, her eyes darting away to not see Nick's physique.
"Morning Officer Hopps," Jack greeted.
"Just Judy is fine General Wilde," Judy smiled.
"Then just Jack then Judy," He smiled back and said goodbye to the females.
"Handsome aren't they?" Vivian said.
"Yes," Judy said without thinking, "I mean no! I mean yes because they are your husband and son so you find them handsome. Not that they are not handsome because they are! I'm sorry."
Vivian laughed, "It's alright, I did put you on the spot."
Nick took the opportunity to sneak upstairs to his bedroom. Her reaction was apparent that she was so embarrassed at seeing his state of undress. She was very innocent considering she had two kits with that jerk, John. He wanted those large violet eyes to be directed to him. To see her fidget in shame as he takes that little blue dress off and forces her to touch him. And he needed to stop that train of thought before it went somewhere else. He didn't know her at all if anything his mother knew more about her than he did.
Nick went to the shower and let the cold water run through his fur. For the first time in over half a decade, he was thinking of another female other than his wife. In his travels, he never thought anyone could surpass Myra. His Myra, gentle and calm who preferred to get lost in ancient civilizations than live in a modern one. Myra, who's greatest adventure was traveling to South Animalia to study the Incan culture. He never understood the appeal of archeology to Myra. To him her excitement over broken pots was foreign. Yet he fell in love with the bookworm. It was love at 'fifth glance' Myra would joke.
He went to his room and dried off. It was nice to have clean clothes and shower every day. That wasn't always available while out on missions. As he was putting his shirt over his head his bedroom door opened. A little rabbit buck that shared his namesake gazed up at him. The child sucked on a blue-colored pacifier.
He took out his pacifier, "Jon?"
"You're looking for Jon? Wrong room little Nick," Nick said going towards the door.
"Little Nick I'm right here!" Jon peeked out of the guest room, "Your not very good at hide and seek."
"Why don't you play downstairs eh?" Nick said taking the kits down to where his mother and Judy were.
Judy was kneeling in front of Nichole who had tears on her purple eyes, "No thank you. We don't throw toys."
"Sowwy (sorry) mommy," Nichole sniffled.
"Alright, all better," Judy picked her up and hugged her daughter.
"Nick you are ready! Why don't you take Judy and the kits out for a stroll?" Vivian smiled.
"Sure," Nick said. Judy nodded in his direction and the duo left with the children outside. They started to walk the sandy beach side by side watching the kits splash with the water. "Ms. Hopps, how is Zootopia treating you?" Nick started the conversation.
"Okay…you don't have to call Miss, Judy is fine Captain Wilde," Judy smiled.
"Then I extend the same sentiment Judy…call me, Nick," he grinned.
"I call my son Nick too…may cause some confusion," Judy giggled.
"True he does share my name," Nick laughed, "Perhaps we can go by middle names?"
"I don't know if Piberius would sound too appealing to a two-year-old," Judy said.
"His middle name is also Piberius?" Nick looked at her in surprise.
"Yours too!"
"Star Trunks fan?" Nick asked.
"Ha ha no it was my brother…he always wanted to name one of his kits James Piberius Kirk. His wife refused so he begged me to name my son Piberius at least," Judy laughed.
"We might as well call him junior," Nick joked.
Judy felt her ears heat up at the statement. If Nick was her children's father it would be wonderful. "I mean, it would be less confusing when around your family."
"We don't have to do that Judy," Nick said in concern.
"No no, it's fine. It kinda cute," Judy shook her head, "I would like to apologize for my exes behavior the first time we met."
"You don't have to apologize for that,"
"But I do…I ruined your day with my personal problems,"
"My day wasn't ruin. You and your kits added a little more joy to that day," Nick grinned.
Judy felt her face heat up. Was Nick flirting with her? Would he flirt with her? Does he find her attractive? "Thank you, Nick."
"Were you alright afterward?"
"Yes, I have emergency funds so I was fine,"
"Has he tried to contact you again?" Nick questioned. It really wasn't his business but he worried for her alone with that tod on the loose.
"Plenty of times," Judy sighed.
"Can't you block his number or something?"
"I thought about it but he is still my children's father…biologically at least. He hadn't cared for us until earlier this year," Judy explained.
"When he lost his fortune?"
"Yes…"
"He hasn't asked for visitations or partial custody?"
"He signed away his rights months after they were born. I don't have to give him the time of day…but the kits have a right to know their father…no matter who he is," Judy explained.
"He is definitely missing out on his children," Nick gave Judy a reassuring smile.
"Jon is a wonderful boy…he makes a great big brother," Judy pointed out and watched as the older child held the hands of the little ones. They jumped up and down the water's edge.
"Yes, I'm very proud of him…he is a lot like his mother," Nick gently smiled.
"And his mother?" Judy asked carefully.
"She passed away during his birth," Nick explained.
A widower! How unfortunate the circumstances of Jon's birth were to lose his mother the same day he was born, "I'm sorry."
"It's okay, childbirth is dangerous at times. Her heart couldn't take the strain of the birth and she suffered a cardiac arrest," Nick explained.
"It must have been so difficult for you,"
"It was but I had my parents and I consider myself lucky in that aspect. But you, you are all alone,"
"Not completely alone. My friends were great and their godmother Nichole was there during the C-section," Judy subconsciously took her paws to her belly.
Nick could almost imagine Judy alone in an operating table surrounded by doctors and nurses. With no one to support her and to assure her that everything was going to be all right. It could have been heartbreaking but he was glad someone was there to hold her paw as the children were born. "Was it a difficult birth?"
"Sort of…I call it my panicky birth," Judy giggled, "Little Nick was breech causing his sister not to come out. They tried to turn him around but no luck. Their heart rates were plummeting and they rush me to the OR. I have never seen so many mammals run so fast it was almost surreal."
Nick knew she was trying to make light of her labor. He knew how fast those doctors and nurses moved when there was an emergency. He was there to witness how they tried to revive his wife. He almost didn't register when a nurse took his son out of the delivery room with all the beeping and alarmed voices. He was taken out of the room too by a large bear nurse as the doctors worked on his lifeless wife. "Yes, it can be." He answered.
"I'm happy they are here! I don't regret giving birth to them," Judy said.
"And your parents?"
"They weren't very happy finding out I was pregnant with a fox's children," Judy cringed.
"I can imagine," Nick said.
"But surprisingly they took it rather well,"
"You look like you have things handled,"
"I try to…with my pregnancy and labor it made the police academy cakewalk," Judy said.
"It's amazing you made it through the academy,"
"It was very difficult at first but my dream was to be a police officer since I was a child," Judy confessed.
"Isn't the Zootopia police academy for large mammals?" Nick inquired.
"Yes and no, they have a division for Little Rodentia not far off the main sight. The mammal inclusion initiative gave me a chance to get in the academy," Judy said.
"About time Zootopia got with it," Nick commented, "Bet you are a pretty good cop."
"If pretty good means being lieutenant then yes," Judy grinned.
"Lieutenant! You got promoted when you transfer back here?" Nick asked.
"No, back in Zoo York," Judy informed.
"Question Judy," Nick started and Judy gave him a nod to continue, "If you graduated in Zootopia why were you in Zoo York?"
"Because not many mammals thought my graduation was a good thing," Judy explained.
"Were you…?" Nick started.
"Bullied, discriminated against, marginalize? You named it and it happened," Judy looked to the sky.
"But you graduated the academy surely that must have meant something," Nick watched Judy.
"To some, I was just a politician's cute toy to put in a career of rough and tumble mammals," Judy said sadly.
"So you left to Zoo York," Nick realized, "You were doing pretty well for yourself why did you come back?"
"Ugh, apparently there is a coalition of mayors that gets together once a month to play golf. They make bets and guess who was last month's prize,"
"I know there is a couple of broken laws in this whole situation," Nick raised an eyebrow, "But why did they want you back here?"
"To be a 'shining example' of what Zootopia is all about," Judy groaned.
"It's re-election year…the mayor wants you to be his spokes girl for the campaign. Show his mammal inclusion initiative works,"
"Yes, you hit the nail right on the head! No matter I just need to suck it up for a year and then I can go back to my old precinct,"
A year, she was going back to Zoo York in a year. Then he won't see her again. She could find someone else. A young buck? If Zoo York was as opened as she made it out to be he could be a fellow officer. A buck that would overlook who she had kits with and loved her the way she deserves. Envisioning her holding paws with another rabbit while the kits called him daddy made Nick furious. Good god, he was jealous of an imaginary rabbit. "Give her a reason to stay." A little voice whispered in his head, "That is unfortunate."
Judy took a deep breath, "This city didn't treat me well. And I know it sounds childish but I don't want to be here anymore than I have to."
"It's not childish and you have the right to be wary," Nick said.
"Enough about me! Nick how about you? What made you make a career in the military?"
"Easy, my father,"
"You must have some great stories to tell,"
"Many adventures Judy…I can tell you one of my cadet days in high school,"
"Oh do!" Judy smiled.
"The police academy and military training aren't that different when it comes to discipline. You know cell phones aren't allowed right?"
"Yeah my parents wanted to storm the academy because of that," Judy chuckled.
"Well back when I was a cocky sixteen-year-old brat I brought back a cellphone from winter vacation. The blocky ones a Nokia 3310," Nick recalled.
"I remember those I used to play snake with my older sister's," Judy nodded.
"You can imagine what happened next. During training, the phone goes off…"
"No way! You didn't put it on silent?" Judy gasped her paws coming to her mouth.
"Thought I did but didn't. I think I saw my life flashing before my eyes and my fellow cadets saw a dead mammal walking. It was dead silence except for that cursed ring tone. My instructor comes up and simply extends a paw," he saw Judy's face in raptured with his story. "He takes it and says, Cadet Wilde, you will run ten miles and every mile you finish you'll say 'ring ring cadet Wilde can't come to the phone right now. Please leave a message after the beep.' Worst 10 miles of my then short life. But my punishment wasn't finished…"
"There was more!" Judy said.
"Ha ha yes, every time a superior walked by not only did I have to salute but say the whole phrase. Every time, for a month it was 'ring ring cadet Wilde…' and my classmates dubbed me 'ring ring Wilde' the rest of the blasted year," Nick watched Judy laugh.
"Ring ring Wilde…that's hilarious," Judy giggled, "I imagined your father wasn't amused."
"No not at all," Nick liked seeing her laugh even if it was at his expense.
"Mommy water!" Nichole ran to Judy.
"Water! Yes, so much water!" Judy ran with her daughter to the edge. Judy turned back to Nick and waved him to come join. She had water up to her ankles and Nick just stayed near enough to get his feet wet. The kits stated to kick water getting Judy's dress skirt wet and Judy splashed back. Getting his jeans wet accidentally. Nick shook his head… oh, it was on. "Nick no fair you splashes have a lot more water!"
"All's fair in love and war lieutenant!" Nick kicked more water.
"Jon save me!" Judy went behind the boy.
"No no you don't get to use a live shield," Nick went around his son and took Judy's wrist, "I suggest you wave the white flag lieutenant."
"Never captain!" Judy pulled her wrist in doing so it caused her to lose her footing causing her to fall into the water. Judy's eyes were open in surprise and then she started to laugh.
"You alright there?" Nick extended a paw to the now soak rabbit. She took it and pulled him down with her. "Hey!"
"All's fair in love and war captain," Judy teased.
"We are soaked," Nick laughed getting up and helping Judy get back on her feet. Judy's dress clung to her small frame making the fabric almost see-through. He saw a black gun holster was strapped to her right thigh. Nick could see the outline of a gun…Judy was packing heat under that little dress. He tried not to linger for too long. "Let's go get you dry."
They arrived home to the astonished faces of Vivian and Jack. Both adults were more soak than the kits. "Judy go get dried in the master bathroom. I will bring your bag upstairs," Vivian said.
Jack raised an eyebrow to his son almost questioning the antics they got themselves into. Nick motion Jon to go upstairs to change. Another shower, another very cold shower to cool his raising thoughts. "Think unsexy thoughts," he repeated in his head.
He eventually got himself to relax. No way in hell was he explaining to his father why he was horny for Judy. Sometimes he wished fox noses weren't so good. He again changed into another casual outfit making sure his door was locked so no curious babies wandered through. He could hear the laughter of Nicholas and Nichole from further down the hall and Judy's voice telling them to hold still. Reigning in two toddlers was harder than finding insurgents in the desert. He came out before Judy and went downstairs.
His father was sitting on one of the sofas, "What happened were you caught out in a wave?"
"Our little splash fight got out of hand," Nick explained.
"I can see that…looks like you guys had a fight with half the ocean," Jack joked. He was glad to see Nick happy again. His son had thrown himself into his career to escape the death of Myra. And Jack admitted he was afraid he'd lose him. He didn't want him to return home in a casket not that he doubted his abilities but the feeling was there. If not dead he feared he would become a soulless soldier. If Vivian hadn't nagged the boy to death he was about to use his influence to force him back home.
"Did you clean Judy's gun?" Nick looked at the small Glock 26 along with her badge on the table.
"Yes, saltwater can be corrosive and the gun is brand new," Jack pointed out.
"It's so small…" Nick commented.
"Makes our paws look giant in comparison," Jack said.
They heard the footsteps of the children as they ran down the stairs. "Grandma! I'm hungry!" Jon shouted.
"Hunwey (Hungry)!" Nichole repeated.
"Hey now! We say please!" Judy said.
"Hunwey pleawe ( hungry please)!" Nichole repeated again.
"My my so many hungry bellies," Vivian laughed and lead the children to the kitchen. Judy changed into jeans and a pink gingham blouse.
"Thank you so much General- I mean Jack," Judy said, the gun was just her size. She was just so small he sometimes was in awe at what she had accomplished.
"Nice weapon you have there Judy," Jack complimented.
"Yes I just got it," she answered.
"Just your size…it's-" Nick wanted to say cute but he stopped himself. He knew rabbits hated being called cute by other mammals other than their own.
"Cute?" Judy finished with a grinned.
"Sorry I didn't mean to offend you," Nick said.
"It's adorable! So tiny that it looks like a toy in your paws. Not offended at all," Judy said, she had learned that being called cute didn't necessarily mean she was being looked down upon. Small things were just sweet and endearing. She loved how her kits looked in their tiny clothes. "Don't underestimate it, it packs a punch."
"I'll sure won't," Nick said.
"Judy I don't know how your parents do it but these raspberries are to die for," Vivian said from the kitchen.
"Raspberries?" Nick looked at Judy.
"Once in a while my parents send us care packages of our farm's produce and it's always more than we can eat,"
"With what you brought here I don't think I have to go to the grocery store this week," Vivian pointed out.
"Wow here I thought you only grew carrots," Nick said.
"Carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries…any berry," Judy shrugged, "There is some blueberry pie my friend's husband makes that is to die for!"
"She's right…hmm…I don't know who this Gideon is but he sure knows how to bake a mean pie," Vivian said savoring the flavor.
"Grandma you're eating dessert before lunch," Jon accused.
"Uh oh guess I got caught," Vivian laughed.
Nick enjoyed his time with Judy and the children. His whole family, in fact, enjoyed their time with her family. She was bright and welcoming. She could have found someone else to be with ages ago but that mark. Fortunately, it was fading but it showed she was mated and belonged to a predator. It would scare off any male from getting close to her. John was the ball and chain that stopped her from moving on. "I just need to replace it with mines." Nick thought…his mark, making her his mate. Judy wasn't his to mate…she had too much on her plate right now. He doesn't need some tod chasing after her.
Nick was walking her to her apartment. She didn't live far from him they were both in Savanna Heights. Acorn Heights was her neighborhood right next to his Woody Slopes. Just bus ride away…he could hear Judy say to his mother. However, worrying was his mother's forte and she insisted that he escort her all the way home. Nick carried little Nick who was sound asleep on his shoulder. Judy pushed her stroller with Nichole. The tiny vixen was trying to keep her eyes open and fight the oncoming sleep.
"Thank you, Nick, you really didn't have to come all this way," Judy said.
"My pleasure Judy and mom wouldn't have appreciated it if I left you alone,"
"We did lose track of time I didn't realize it was so late," Judy looked at the dark sky above.
"Yes if it was up to Jon the kits would have stayed over," Nick chuckled.
"He is so adorable," Judy said. Jon was indeed a lovable boy and she was happy to spend time with him.
"Mommy! It's daddy!" Nichole pointed at a fox in front of her apartment building. Judy froze…how did John know where she lived. She had made sure not to post anything that revealed her location on social media.
"Judith, my dear," John gave her a wide grin.
Nick saw Judy's body language change from open and welcoming to close and afraid. This good for nothing leech! When was he going to leave her alone?
"John, how did you know where I live?" Judy asked.
"Details, details my love. I came to see you, Brian and Brianna," John said, leaning on his cane.
"Nicholas and Nichole," Judy corrected.
"Right…I need to speak with you, in private," John said, looking at the fox carrying his son.
"There's nothing to talk about. I told you already I don't have any money," Judy said.
"My love…I am in a bind, I haven't eaten a proper meal in days and I owe so many mammals money,"
"There are soup kitchens and food pantries all over the city and you can get a job," Judy informed and tried to go around him to her door.
"Judith…now more than ever I need you," he held her wrist.
"Let her go," Nick voiced.
"This is a couple's quarrel boy. Stay out of it," John growled, hackles beginning to stand.
"We are not a couple," Judy said.
"I can remind you how you got pregnant with my kits Judith. I can ravish you just like I used to," John said.
Judy actually felt queasy, "You're making me want to gag."
"You won't be ravishing anyone tonight John…so make like a tree and split," Nick said, he wanted to show that smug face of his a lesson.
"Ah ha…you're that soldier from the restaurant,"
"Glad your old age hasn't caught up to you," Nick countered.
"Show some respect you brat!" John shouted, and bared his fangs at the younger male. How dare this whelp try to compete with him? Judy was his and he'll be damn if some upstart will get in the way.
"Mommy! Mommy! Scawy! (scary)" Nichole cried.
"John…one more time you approach me for money I will get the law involve," Judy warned. He scared her baby! No male was going to hurt her babies especially not John.
"Judith…no need to get the police," John suddenly deflated.
"Get away from me and my children!" Judy shouted.
"Fine Judith I see you're in a bad mood," John put his paws up, "I will see you another time."
John glared at Nick as he turned to walk away and Judy let out a breath she didn't know she was holding.
"You okay Judy?" Nick asked.
"Y-yeah I'm fine," she said.
She wasn't okay, she was shaking and Nichole hadn't stopped crying. They reached the door to her apartment and went in. Judy took Nichole from her stroller and tried to console her. Nick made a motion for Nichole and they exchanged children. Judy went to change her son's clothes while he rocked the baby vixen in their living room. "It's okay baby girl no one is going to hurt you."
"Daddy scawy (scary)," Nichole whimpered.
"Yes, I know baby girl,"
Judy finished putting her son to bed. She thanked whatever forces in the universe that he was such a heavy sleeper. She got outside and saw Nick still holding Nichole comforting her. The kit's whimpers had stopped and again the child's eyelids were dropping due to exhaustion.
"Thanks, Nick…you can bring her to bed so I can change her," Judy whispered.
The children's room looked like it came out of a magazine. He expected this much out of Judy. Two small wooden beds, Little Nicks was brown and Nichole's was white. Little Nick's side of the room was typical boy, with blues and greens and stuff dinosaurs on and around the bed. There were silhouettes of dinosaurs on the wall and frames of footprints as well. Nichole's was polar opposite with pinks and purples. A canopy hung above the bed with lights, Nichole was mommy's princess. There were stuff rabbits and foxes all over. Some were overflowing a little whicker stroller. Flowers decorated her side of the wall deeply contrasting her brother's side. Judy cared for her children it showed in everything she did for them. He was sure that she would extend that same meticulous care to Jon if need be.
Closing the door Judy sighed. John was an embarrassment getting into an argument with Nick. She was surprised that it didn't come to blows but if it did Nick would definitely beat John to a pulp. "I'm sorry Nick…after the wonderful day we had and again…"
"You're not at fault. John is just angry he can't have you anymore. I would suggest you get a restraining order,"
"I don't want to do that…going to the ZPD and everyone knowing I have a deadbeat as my children's father,"
"I know you don't want your personal business expose but perhaps it will give you peace of mind,"
"No, it's shameful…just a year Nick and I can go back to Zoo York," Judy started to shake. She didn't want to cry but every time she thought she had some happiness there was her past to bite her in the tail.
"You can cry Judy," Nick said, he came close to her and put his paws on her shoulder. She looked up, her eyes glazed with unshed tears. She moved closer to him and she felt him bring her to a hug. She had so much on her shoulders, the children, her career and now even the mayor's re-election.
"Thank you…I should really make you some coffee or something," Judy gave a weak smile.
"You don't have to do that…I'll leave you to rest," he said.
"But, but,"
"I'll take you up on that coffee another time. For now sleep," Nick winked. He said his goodbyes and went to the cool streets of the city. He looked at his paws that just held her. He wanted her, to protect her, love her and be her support. He would put John in his place just like his father had done with his biological one. Nick put his paws in his pockets…just like Jack had done with his father, Jonathan.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Begin Flash Back~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Summer of 1995 and a kit stared out the car window with boredom. He wondered when they were going to reach their destination, "Are we there yet!"
"Just a little more Nick," Vivian turned around from the passenger's seat and smiled at her son.
"Why couldn't you guys just send him the court papers by mail! Then all he had to do was sign it," Nick whined and slouched in his seat. He had gone through all his means of entertainment. His Gameboy had run out of batteries and he had read every book and comic with him.
"We did Nicholas he just never bother to sign it," a deeper voice said.
His new father Jack could be scary looking (all his friends said that) but he was the best thing that had ever happened to him. He had married his mother and given him more than he could ask for. They had a new home out of Happytown, a new car, and all the clothes and toys a kit could ask for. They were supposed to enjoy a vacation in New Bearsly but before that they needed to have his biological father, Jonathan, sign away his parental rights. The adoption was at a standstill because of that.
Nick had met his father once before when he was about five years old. From that moment on he couldn't stand him. His mother never spoke ill of him but he knew that he didn't care for him or his mother. He remembered Jonathan said he didn't want to be bothered with them, that they were a mistake and he had a new wife and kids. His younger brothers who he only saw a glance of at the time. That feeling of abandonment left a big impression on him. He was a mistake to that fox… "Well, he was a mistake of a father," the preteen thought.
"We'll go out to eat once we're done and you get to pick Nicholas," Jack suggested.
"Alright! I want the biggest juiciest bugga burger!" Nick grinned.
"You're spoiling him, dear," Vivian shook his head.
"I don't see the harm. After all, we are on vacation," Jack took her paw and kissed it.
"Oh darling," Vivian kissed his cheek.
"Eww gross! Leave that lovie stuff at home!" Nick made a motion to gag. The adults laughed and like his parents said they arrived at a white house, the home of Jonathan and his family. It wasn't nearly as large as his house back in Zootopia or as impressive. He liked his house. It was a beachfront property and he could go the water anytime he wanted.
"He didn't answer our calls, Jack," Vivian said worried about the outcome.
"Relax love…I don't want anything to happen to you or the baby," Jack put his large paw on Vivian's stomach. She was six months pregnant with his kit and he couldn't wait to meet his future daughter.
Nick opened the car door and leaned against it as his parents came out. They walked the pathway and rang the doorbell. A rotund vixen opened the door and frown. Nick remembered his father's wife Jocelyn she was smaller then but he recalled not liking her either.
"Vivian we are not giving you any child support," she said.
"Good afternoon to you too Jocelyn. Since when have I asked for any child support? Anyways where's Jonathan we need to speak to him," Vivian said.
"Oh no! I don't know what you want with my husband but-" Jocelyn started.
"Excuse madam…I am sure you have received our letters and court papers. All we want from your husband is to sign over his rights to Nicholas so we can go ahead with the adoption," Jack said, the vixen looked him up and down. She immediately became overwhelmed by the tall fox with a scar on his neck. How had that little whore bagged a fox like him? From the car parked up front, he had deep pockets as well. Her gaze went to Vivian who's left paw was decorated with a shining stone of an engagement ring and wedding band. Not to mention she was pregnant.
Two boys peered out, the kits looked around Nick's age. Nick remembered his younger brothers…Josh and James. "The mistake!" James pointed, the younger of the brothers.
Nick rolled his eyes, "Yeah the mistake that dresses better than you two losers."
"Son could you wait out front," Jack told Nick. He watched him shrugged and walked to the entrance of the pathway. Jack glared down at the kits that yipped at the older male. James ears sunk down as Jack took a step forward. "Well, aren't they so well behaved," the sarcasm in his tone what evident.
"Jack?" Vivian knew that tone.
"Great parenting skills if they speak to guests as such," Jack finished.
"Don't tell me how to raise my children," Jocelyn said.
"Then tell those children not to belittle my son," he leaned over to her.
"He is not your son!" Jonathan came out of the garage. He was an older tod by a couple of years with messy fur. "I read the letters and I am not signing away my rights to any kit of mine."
"Oh so suddenly he's yours now," Vivian lifted an eyebrow.
"You know what I mean," Jonathan answered.
"Jonathan you are being selfish. You never wanted to be Nick's father so just let us move on in peace," Vivian said.
"Look at you Vivi! Pregnant with this joker! I am never letting you move on," Jonathan smirked.
"That isn't fair!" Vivian said.
Jonathan was jealous. Green with envy that the little girl he left pregnant back in Zootopia had moved on. He was a 19-year-old kid at the time and Vivian a sophomore in high school. He just wanted a lay and never intended to get her pregnant. He was almost stuck with her. His parents demanded he married her when they found out about the pregnancy. He resented her for those years where he almost lost his freedom to choose. Now she was married with a tod that looked to make ten times as much as him. She should have just stayed in Happytown raising Nick by herself.
"You might want to watch your words 'friend' when you're speaking to me, my son or mate," Jack stepped closer to Jonathan. Jonathan wasn't giving up and stepped closer to Jack. Sure he was a head taller than him but he'll be damned if he'll be intimidated in his own home.
"You see that vixen you got there. I had her first…she's just sloppy seconds," Jonathan growled.
Jack's ears lower and his fur stood up, "You will show some respect and common decency. Or else you might have to pick up some of your teeth off the ground."
"Is that a threat?"
"It's a promise," Jack growled.
"Dad! Dad!" Josh shouted. The kit was feeling overwhelmed that fox was not a joke.
"Shut up Josh! Come at me!" Jonathan tried to shove Jack. It didn't do much but annoy him.
"Jack don't!" Vivian held his paw. She wanted Jonathan to sign not end up in the emergency room.
"Dad!" Nick looked over the fence.
John's brown eyes fell upon his son. The kit he had abandoned back in Zootopia. He hadn't seen the child in six years. "I am your father boy."
"No, you're not! Jack is my dad," Nick argued from behind the fence.
"I have been more than patient with this whole charade but now I've grown tired of it. He is not your son, he never has been, so quit trying to flaunt your ego and inflate your meager pride, put your dick back in your pants and sign the damn papers," Jack scowled at the fox. If it weren't for Vivian he would have this fox picking his jaw from the ground.
"Not gonna happen," Jonathan laughed.
"Then don't sign," Jack responded and let out a breath trying to calm down. Beating up this idiot wasn't going to solve anything.
"Jack!" Vivian was shocked. If he didn't sign his rights away he could demand custody. He could get visiting time and just be a pain in their lives.
"When Nick here is eighteen he could just be adopted then or…" Jack lingered on the sentence, " He could petition eighteen years of back child support."
Nick smirked when Jonathan's face fell, "What? I am his father he wouldn't do that?"
"Yes, you are his father. A father that never gave one cent to a child he left behind. I mean 20% of your income that's a big dent. What do you do again…oh yes a New Bearsly transit mechanic," Jack smiled.
"I would totally take you for back child support!" Nick shouted to Jonathan. The boy was trying to hold his laughter.
"Not if I go to court and petition for custody!" he argued back.
"You can go ahead and at most you'll get is visitation rights by a sympathetic judge. If the judge, I don't know happens to be passionate about their job, they could order you to pay child support. You don't pay support then your license gets suspended and that would be ironic considering you work for public transit. So Jonathan ball is in your court,"
"Just sign the blasted papers Jonathan! Get rid of them! We can't afford it!" Jonathan could hear Jocelyn say.
Jonathan saw Vivian hold Jack's paw and the fox bringing her closer. Vivian was happy. Had moved on just like he had. The resentment towards her bubbled but logically he couldn't afford a lengthy court process and Jack definitely could. He could get a team of lawyers and destroy him in court. It's true he never gave a cent to Nick and never truly cared for his oldest son. He didn't even know the boy's birthday and what would a judge think? Nick was going to be a success and Jonathan could sense it. He carried himself with confidence and was charismatic. And his boys…he would hope they grew up well. That's the thing he could hope his kids did well but he knew Nick would be a fox that would go far. Damn it, Vivian…why didn't you stay in Happytown. "Fine!" He gave up. Jack handed him the papers and he reluctantly signed them.
"Booyah! This is great, Dad!" Nick ran to Jack.
"Thank you Jonathan…we wish you all the best," Jack ironically said and nodded to his family to go to the car.
That wasn't the last time Nick saw his biological father.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~End of Flashback~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"History is repeating itself," Jack sighed, looking at the glass of moonshine in his paws. Nick was sitting across from him with another glass himself.
"I wanted to break that asshole's face," Nick said.
"Trust me I wanted to do the same thing to your father," Jack smirked.
"Jonathan never bothered with us," Nick thought.
"Nope…he had at least some sense of shame. But this guy, won't leave Judy alone,"
"I feel so powerless," Nick took a gulp of his moonshine.
"I think she likes you though," Jack pointed out.
"You think?"
"Yes, and I know you really like her," Jack laughed at his son's reaction.
"You smelled that?" Nick hid his face.
"Clear as day…little blue dress left little to the imagination," he laughed.
"She's going to die when she hears this," Nick groaned.
"I won't mention it if you won't," Jack smiled. "So Nicholas are you going to make your move?"
"Are you sure she likes me?" Nick asked again.
"Positive…I expect the mark of John's to fade soon. Then she'll be a free doe,"
"But what if she doesn't want a relationship? Or if she has lingering feelings for John?"
"You really think she has feelings for John? The moron can't get his kits name straight. Whatever magic John worked to get to Judy is no longer there. And why wouldn't she want to enter a new relationship, for one it will get John off her back and like your mother says, 'little Nicky is a handsome boy,'"
"You two discuss my relationship prospects?" Nick didn't want to imagine his parents listing off his traits like some dating site.
"We worried Nicholas especially after Myra died," Jack loved his daughter in law and was devastated when he heard the news she passed away. And seeing Nick destroyed over his wife's death was an emotional blow he didn't want repeating.
"I loved Myra…no one could replace her,"
"No one will ever replace her Nick but Judy isn't a replacement. I can imagine she'll make a great wife for you and a wonderful mother for Jon,"
"She has so much on her right now. The babies, her job, the re-election, and that jerk John. Does she really need something else on her plate,"
"Nicholas, son…you can be her support. You can protect her and the kits,"
Nick smiled at the thought. Protecting Judy and the kits. Perhaps having children with her. Giving Jon that little brother he wanted. Well, Jon already took little Nick as his brother but another one wouldn't hurt. "Gotta tell Judy that her family's moonshine is pretty good."
"Yes, the Hopps do know how to craft a fine blueberry moonshine," Jack answered.
Story Notes:
John Worthington Foulfellow a.k.a Honest John- Pinocchio 1940
Myra Foxworthy- Tale Spin 1990
The timeline is set in our time, 2016-2020. I am following what the directors put out that Zootopia was set in 2016 where Nick was 32. Making him born in 1984. Judy was 24 years old making her born in 1992.
Nick and Judy solve the Otterton case between May 16, 2016-May 17, 2016. And how do I know this? When they are checking out the cameras with Bellwether she has this cute little sheep calendar that says May 17 on her desk. These little details are fun to spot out.
Nintendo Gameboy 1989-2003
Nokia 3310 2000: Anyone else remembers playing snake on this phone cause I do.
Nick's punishment in cadet school is based on the punishments soldiers shared on reddit. Apparently, they can't touch you but they can sure humiliate you.
Natnat's Notes:
1. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter as I enjoyed writing it. :-)
