Zootopia: True Forgiviness

by Dizzie HamHam Writer

Based on Borba's IWS comics. Pain and Heartbreak aren't uncommon. Two people that were once close to each other had their hearts broken. Whether it was different choices or regret, the two fell apart. But when one's life turns for the worst, one goes back to them. Can the two hearts join together again or will they be apart forever?

4. Chapter 4

Here we are at the final chapter. After so much drama, I can finally do a chapter with a good amount of WildeHopps stuff. This will be the very last chapter of this story. But I honestly feel that this one will be the best one. In the last chapter, Nick and Judy finally made up. Nick then insists to take Judy back home to her apartment. Then, begins the healing process. But to do that, they need to get everything else off their chest. Now, this chapter's a bit T+. Not like there's a sex scene. More like the aftermath. I got the idea from a scene from Young Justice Outsiders. Sure, they might be clothless for a scene. But come on, people. There is literally a scene with a naturalist club and a bunch of naked animals IN the movie. So it's not gonna be anything THAT explicit. Now, how about we wrapped this story up so I can get back to my normal writing. I'll say more at the end of this story. Let's get this last chapter going.

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Down the hallway in the apartment complex that Judy lived in, walked Nick and Judy. Judy was still being very apologetic to Nick.

"... and about scratching you that time, I'm sorry too," Judy said to Nick.

"It's okay, Judy," Nick said not wanting Judy to worry about it.

"Oh... and for hurting your foot with the door. I'm sorry for that too." Judy said to Nick.

"It's okay, Judy," Nick said again.

"Also, I'm really sorry for..." Judy said. But before she could finish, Nick covered her mouth.

"Judy! I already told you. I forgive you for everything. So no more apologies." Nick told Judy. "Okay?"

Judy nodded and Nick removed his paws from Judy's mouth.

"Jeez, you don't have to apologize so much. You're acting differently than how you were. Or rather... you're acting more like your old self." Nick said with a smile.

"Guess I haven't really been acting like my normal self for a while," Judy admitted.

"You're... not the only one, Judy. Also, you're not the only one who needs to apology a few hundred more times." Nick admitted. "Listen, Judy, about some of the stuff I said, Finnick was the one who told me to be angry with you. The things I said, the anger I've shown, I didn't mean..."

"Nick, stop. It's fine." Judy said keeping Nick from saying anything else. "I meant what I said about you being right about everything... and you were." Judy then turned away from Nick as she gripped her arm. "I was so forward with all my choices that I didn't even bother thinking about the consequences or how would it affect everyone else. I only... I only cared about how it affected me. I... went too far and it nearly cost me everything... and I wouldn't own up to them if you didn't show up." Judy then faced Nick again. "What kind of person hides the truth, pushes the people they were closest to, and causes another uproar? Not a hero, not a criminal, but a..."

"Judy, do you dare..." Nick said not wanting Judy to finish that sentence.

"... monster. That what you were gonna say before, right?" Judy asked.

"Ugggghh..." Nick went as he rubbed the spot between his eyebrows. "I hated that I was even close to saying that."

"But you weren't wrong," Judy said. "I was supposed to be this inspiration to smaller mammals out there. Someone who wants to make the world a better place. Instead, I think I broke it... again."

Nick then walked over to Judy and lean downs to her.

"Judy, you didn't break the world again. Remember what we talked about. You may have chosen to be honest with me, but you didn't do the same for the city. Maybe if you let part of the secret out sooner, things would have blown over by now. But... because you chose to keep so much locked up, when it all came out, the anger of the public just... multiplied." Nick stated. He then put his paws on Judy's shoulders. "I understand why you felt that you needed to keep things a secret, but you let it go too far. People won't be understanding if you don't give them the chance." Nick then started to look sad. "I... guess I should have been more understanding."

"If that's the case, I should have been more understanding too," Judy said as she touches one of Nick's paws. "I really made a mess of things and I don't know if I can fix it."

"You're Judy Hopps. Of course, you can." Nick said standing back up.

"How? After the news about my abortion came out and hearing about the possible first fox-rabbit hybrid, no one really trusts me anymore." Judy said looking down.

"Did you ever say sorry?" Nick asked.

"What?" Judy asked.

"People who apology are likely to be forgiven more if they apologize for things upfront. So, did you ever say sorry?" Nick asked again.

Judy didn't say anything for a few seconds before putting her head down and grunting. A clear sign that she didn't say sorry.

"Heh. Typical dumb bunny." Nick said with a smirk as he shrugs. "You just need to do that. Be sincere enough and the other mammal might finally ease up and forgive you. It may not fix everything in a day, but it's a start. What do you have to lose?"

"I... guess you're right," Judy said agreeing with Nick. "I don't really have anything else to lose anyway."

"Do it right and you might even regain some of it. It will be tough, but you've always been a tough bunny. I believe in you,... Carrots." Nick said.

Judy's ears perked up from something that Nick said.

"Nick, say that again," Judy said.

"That I believe in you?" Nick asked.

"No. That word." Judy said.

"Carrots?" Nick asked.

"One more time," Judy said smiling a little.

"Carrots," Nick said smiling a bit.

To Judy, hearing that nickname warmed every bit of Judy's heart.

"Hmmm, Carrots. I didn't think I would miss that nickname so much." Judy said with a warm smile. "Just hearing you call me that again makes me feel really happy."

"I remember you hated me calling you that the first time," Nick said recalling that a long while back.

"Well, after a while, it grew on me," Judy admitted.

"Hmmm. Kinda like how being near you grew on me." Nick said with a smile.

Judy responded by blushing a bit. Nick noticed and started blushing himself. Feeling that the two used to have were starting to surface again. Even so, both of them tried to ignore it. A minute later, Nick and Judy made it to Judy's apartment door. Judy got out her key, opened the door, and went inside. Her apartment was a bit messy. Judy must not have cleaned up much since Shannon died.

"Sorry if the place could be cleaner. I haven't been in a cleaning mode since..." Judy said going into the room more.

But then she noticed that Nick didn't follow her in. Judy then went back out of her door to find Nick still outside. She went back out of her apartment door and closed it.

"Nick, what's wrong?" Judy asked expecting Nick to come in.

"Judy, do you... truly forgive me?" Nick asked looking low-spirited.

"Only if you can truly forgive me," Judy replied looking regretful. "Nick, we both made mistakes and if anything, I made more than you ever did. I was so heartless to you and yet you still came back."

"I had to. I just had to." Nick said.

"And I thank you for that. So, Nick, I truly forgive you. For everything." Judy said with a warm smile.

"Judy, you don't know how happy that makes me hear you say that," Nick said smiling.

True forgiveness. That what Nick and Judy have done for each other. Even after all the pain, all the sorrow, all the hurt, all the regret, none of it matter now. The two put that all aside and chose to forgive each other. And yet...

"Now I can say goodbye without any remorse," Nick said.

When Nick uttered those words, Judy could feel her heart sunk again.

"Wh... what? Go... Goodbye?" Judy asked looking shaken.

"I only came to you because of everything that was happening with you. Now that you finally seem to be better, I think it's time I leave for real this time." Nick said sadly.

"But Nick, I said that I..." Judy said trying to make Nick stay.

"That doesn't mean you weren't wrong about things," Nick stated. "I was the one who left. Me. I could have stayed and talked with you more like you wanted. I could have even told you about how much my mom wanted grandkids and it felt that you... took that away from her."

Hearing that, Judy felt a little guilty about that. Unlike her, Nick was an only child. Her having the abortion might have been Nick's mother's only chance of having real grandkids.

"Maybe the two of us... were never meant to be," Nick said with a sad heart.

"But... Nick, where would you go? What will you do?" Judy asked.

"I do what I always do. Survive." Nick said as he turned around. "Maybe I'll leave the city for good and find another town to live in. I'm sure you'll be fine without me. So, I'm gonna do that favor for you now and stay out of your life... forever."

Every part of Judy's mind regretted ever saying that to Nick. Judy could feel her heart in more pain that it has ever been. It was like her heart was screaming in agony.

"I... still happy that I got to see you one last time," Nick said. "Goodbye, Judy."

Nick then took one step forward. It was like the first time Nick left was happening again. Except... it was different. As Nick took his second step, he felt something pulling at his tail, prevent him from leaving. It was Judy grabbing on to his tail. This... surprised Nick a bit.

"She... stopped me?" Nick thought.

"Stay. Please." Judy said about to cry. "I can't do it. I can't say goodbye. Not again. I tried, I tried, and I tried. But I can't do it anymore."

"Judy?" Nick said turning to Judy.

"One more. Nick, give us one more chance. I want to be with you again." Judy said to Nick sincerely.

"Judy... I've hurt you. You've hurt me. We both hurt each other more ways than anyone should." Nick stated. "If we hurt each other again, even a little bit, even if we didn't mean it, then... neither one of us may be able to..."

"I SWEAR!" Judy shouted out. "I swear I won't hurt you again in any way for as long as I live."

Judy's words got Nick's attention enough for him to turn around.

"Nick..." Judy said as she holds one of Nick's paws. "You the only person left for me now. Shay was the only other person I had and now... she's gone. I don't even know if I really was the right person for her. There's no one else for me. No one."

"I... can't be Shay for you, Judy," Nick stated. "I have my own opinions and I won't always agree with yours."

"I know. But it was like you said. Shay was someone I wanted. You are someone I needed." Judy said. "Please, Nick? Now I'm the one asking for a second chance. I want to make things right between us again."

Now Judy was asking for another chance for Nick and her to be together. As much as Nick wanted that, there was still one main issue. He then moves Judy's arm away from his.

"I still have to stand by my choice!" Nick said firmly.

"Huh?" Judy asked.

"I... I still want kids!" Nick said. "I was fine with it if we weren't able to. But we actually can. I also would have been fine if we would have just got back together. But... I was still lying to myself. I don't want to just adopt either. I want kids that are legitimately mine." Nick then looked away from Judy. "I'm sorry, Judy. I can't get back with you if we can't have what I want too and I can't force you to want the same thing I want. It wouldn't be right."

Nick still wanted to have children. It was the main reason he broke up with Judy in the first place and he felt that he still needed to stand by his choice. Nick felt Judy never wanted kids. Or rather never wanted to have kids with him. Hints her relationships with foxes. So if Judy didn't want to have kids, then the relationship may not work again for long. Yet... Judy then grabbed both of Nick's paws.

"Nick..." Judy said wanting Nick to look at her. Nick looks at Judy and she has a starry look in her eyes. "Who says I don't want the same thing this time?"

"J... Judy?" Nick said reacting with a blush.

"Nick, as cold as I may have seemed, I've always regretted my choice. I tried moving on and I tried forgetting about it. But it didn't work. And now that I know the truth from mom, the truth about me, I'm gonna regret my choice for the rest of my life." Judy said looking sad. "I can never take back the light I choose to give up. But what I can do is make up for it. If trying again and having a child with you will help, then I am more than willing to do it."

"But... what if we're wrong? What if our child might be some kind of freak?" Nick asked.

"What if they aren't?" Judy asked.

"What if it's too much for you?" Nick asked.

"You said it yourself. I'm a tough bunny." Judy replied.

"What about... what about your career?" Nick looking away from Judy.

Her career. One of the main reasons if not the main reason that Judy chose to have the abortion. What would Judy's response be?

"My career? Do you mean the career that's hanging by a thread? The career I was willing to give up everything for? The career I would never have in the first place because of you?" Judy asked. "Nick, I love working for the ZPD and I wanted it my whole life. But Nick,... I love you more than my career and I should have never let you think that wasn't the case. I'm not scared anymore and I don't care about the risk. I don't even care if I lose my career." Judy then held Nick's paw tighter. "I just can't lose you again. I need you, Nick."

So Judy really wanted to have kids with Nick. Nick almost didn't want to believe it.

"Judy... so much has still happened to us," Nick admitted.

"Nick..." Judy said.

"We can't just... erase what we did to each other," Nick stated.

"Nick..." Judy said again.

"I... me... you..." Nick uttered.

"Nick..." Judy said softly.

No matter what happened, no matter what they put each other through, the feelings that they had for each other were still there. Nick then lifted up Judy's head with his left paw. He slowly leans down to her. Judy slightly got on her tiptoes. The two both seem hesitant at first. But they both then decided to throw caution at the wind. The two then passionately kissed. Judy then places her arms around Nick's neck as they kissed more. After 10 long seconds, the two then stopped kissing. The two then smiled at each other. The spark they had really was still there.

Judy then opened up the door to her apartment. She then tugged at Nick's arm wanting him to come in this time. Nick was more than willing to follow her. Once he was in, he then closed the door behind him. The two would spend the next two hours reconciling. So much that it eventually led to the bedroom. Both Nick and Judy's clothes were on the floor beside the bed. In the covers were both Nick and Judy looking pretty happy. Judy laid on Nick's chest as Nick held her.

"You know, I could say I was expecting this, but I really wasn't," Nick said as he held Judy.

"Really? We kissed, I let you in, and you didn't think it would lead to this?" Judy asked looked up at Nick.

"No. I pretty much guess this was going to happen the second you let me in." Nick said as he nuzzled Judy a bit. "I really missed our little one-on-one time."

"Mmm. Me too." Judy said. She then circled her finger around Nick's fur. "I must say, it looks like you gained some stamina, Slick."

"It's uhhhh... been a while. Had a lot of built-up energy." Nick stated.

Nick then caressed his paws around Judy's back. He really missed holding Judy the way he was now.

"Tomorrow I'm getting all my stuff and moving back in with you," Nick told Judy. "I don't want to be apart from you or leave you alone for another day."

"..." Judy looked a bit uneasy before talking to Nick. "Actually, I don't think you should be too comfortable here. I was considering in moving out."

"What?!" Nick asked as he stood up with Judy.

"This apartment... it's only a constant reminder of my pain. Our argument, me shoving you off, my argument with my parents, my time with you or Shay, and constant loneliness." Judy stated sadly. She then gripped onto Nick's fur. "I don't think I can live here anymore."

"Where were you planning to go if you moved out?" Nick asked.

"Back to my old apartment at the Grand Pangolin Arms," Judy stated.

"The tiny apartment you first lived in?" Nick asked a bit surprised.

"With Shay gone and me not expecting you to come back in my life, I was just going to spend the rest of my days alone," Judy stated sadly.

"Were you really planning that?" Nick asked.

"Nick, I'm a hero bunny who caused the city to riot not once, but twice, dated two foxes of different genders, broke the heart of one and put pressure on other one, aborted her hybrid fox-bunny baby, hid the truth from her family, her friends, and the public that admired her. No one would want me after hearing all of that. Too much baggage." Judy stated.

"Not for me, though," Nick stated. "Then again, I happen to be a hero fox that spends most of his life doing thing the sneaky way, as well as leaving his girl when she needed him, and going back to living a sad and meaningless life. Then again, that doesn't sound as bad as yours."

"Cause it doesn't," Judy said. "Still, I don't want to be reminded of all the painful memories here. That's why it's better if I just move out and find a new place." Judy then had an idea. "Nick, how about I just move into your apartment?"

"Uhhhh... you don't want that," Nick said nervously. "My apartment is the definition of crummy."

"It can't be any better than this place," Judy stated.

"Judy, I understand, but I think it's something you shouldn't worry about yet," Nick said looking at her. "Being in this apartment again, it's painful for me too. But even with that, being with you here, at this very moment, eases some of that pain."

"I'm more at ease with you here too, Nick," Judy says as she hugs Nick.

"We'll look for a new place one day. Maybe even a nice house. But we just got back together. So let's work on us before moving to a new place. Okay, Carrots?" Nick said to Judy.

"Okay," Judy said nodding to Nick.

"We are back together, right?" Nick asked looking a bit worried.

"Yes, Nick. We're back together." Judy said with a smile.

"Good. Just making sure." Nick said looking relieved.

Nick then started kissing Judy around her neck.

"Nick, heehee! Stop it!" Judy said while being tickled by Nick's kisses.

"Sorry. You should have seen this coming, Carrots." Nick said before kissing her some more.

"Nick! Heehee! Nick! Seriously, as much as I like this..." Judy said trying to talk. "We have to talk about something."

"You're not gonna tell me I got you pregnant again, are you?" Nick asked joking around a bit. He then started thinking. He didn't use protection. So there might be a chance of that. "Wait? Are you?" Nick then started freaking out. "OH GOD! IF I GOT YOU PREGNANT AND STARTED THIS WHOLE MESS AGAIN, THEN..."

"Nononononono! I used a pill, so I'm fine!" Judy stated to Nick before he had a meltdown. She then lifts up the covers over the top of her body. "Besides, I already told you. I would be fine with it now. I'm not gonna do the same thing again."

"Oh. Don't scare me like that, Carrots." Nick said gripping his chest. "Then what is it?"

"As much as I don't want to, we... still have to talk about... some things," Judy said sounding a bit serious.

Seems like Nick and Judy still had a few things they had to talk about. Nick didn't seem to happy about it. He thought the two of them were done with all the talking. Nick rubbed his forehead in discontent.

"Uggghhhh... Can't we just have another 2 hours of reconciling?" Nick asked wanting to avoid more talking. "I don't think I can go through anymore today."

"I rather do that too. But... after everything, we need to do this." Judy stated. "We have to bring everything out in the opening. Say everything that we need to. Only then, can we truly start over again."

Nick knew Judy was right. If they really wanted to start over, then they had to talk about everything left to talk about.

"You know, if we were going to talk, then maybe we should have talked before we took off our clothes and got to this point," Nick said as he peers to the side of the bed looking at their clothes on the floor.

"Yeeaaaah..." Judy said feeling awkward about that. "In hindsight, it's... been a while for me too. Should we put them back on?"

"Ehh." Nick went as he gave out a 'meh' gesture. "If things work out well and we talk everything out in the end, we're just gonna take them off again." Nick said with a grin."

"Heehee!" Judy giggled. "Now now. We actually need to talk first."

"Now if we are really gonna do this, then we need to set some ground rules," Nick said to Judy.

"That sounds fair," Judy said agreeing with Nick. "What the rules?"

"Rule #1: No leaving the room or shoving each other out of the room," Nick said.

"Rule #2: No half-truths. We have to both be completely honest with each other. Nothing but the truth. Even if it hurts." Judy said as she gripped the covers tightly.

"Rule #3: If a question is too much for one of us to answer, we have the right to veto it and the other has to be understanding," Nick said. "But I don't really plan to veto any of your questions. I'm an open book now and can handle it."

"I don't plan to veto my answers either. But we should have Rule #4 allow us to veto an answer if it's too much for the other to handle." Judy stated.

"Fine with me. But... as I said, I can handle it." Nick stated. "And lastly, rule #5: Whatever happens, whatever we say, at the end of it all, we still stay together. We can't go through what we been through again."

"I know. I don't think I can handle it again either." Judy admitted to Nick.

"Okay. Ready?" Nick asked Judy as he stood up on the bed.

"Ready," Judy said as she stood up as well.

"Alright. You can ask me the first question." Nick said.

"Okay," Judy said before taking a deep breath. "What did you do after we broke up?"

"Already a big one, eh? Well... I did what I said I would survive. But it wasn't easy." Nick said. "After I left, I felt... very emotional. Both sad... and angry. With you wanting to have an abortion and not even caring about my feelings, I walked a depressed life again."

"Was that when you decided to resign from the ZPD?" Judy asked looking sadden.

"Oh. Right. I told them not to tell you." Nick said as he rubbed his forehead.

"Tell me what?" Judy asked.

"I didn't resign from the ZPD. I relocated." Nick stated.

"What?!" Judy said sounding surprised.

"I couldn't just quit being part of the ZPD, but couldn't just go back to our Precinct 1. So, I relocated to the Precinct in Tundratown." Nick stated. "There, I just did normal cases and filing. "

"I didn't know," Judy said.

"How could you? I told the other not to tell you." Nick said. "During that time, I was still hoping that you would have changed your mind and come find me. But after 3 months, I assumed that the ship had sailed. After a year and realizing that I still cared about you no matter what, I decided to come back to you myself. But... we both know how that went."

Judy then looked a bit sad and guilty.

"I'm sorry," Judy said with droopy ears.

"Don't be. It was on me. I was the one who waited too long to come back to you." Nick admitted as he patted Judy's head. "Can I ask you a question now?"

"Sure," Judy said willing to talk.

"My question's... a bit of a doozy," Nick said giving Judy a bit of a warning. "When did it all go wrong for you?"

"A doozy indeed," Judy admitted. She then laid down on the bed in her covers. "Well, me being the dumb bunny I am, though I could keep living the way I was without any problems. And I did... for about a month after our encounter. My parents often called me, but haven't visited me in a while. Then, out of nowhere, they decided to pay a surprise visit to my apartment. But... I was still working at the time and... Shay was home."

"I can already see where this is going," Nick said.

"With Shay being a vixen and in our one-room apartment, mom and dad had already put two and two together," Judy said. "Which led to a long argument, bring up the abortion, and leading to yelling at my parents, telling them I don't want to see them again, making my mom cry, and being a family disappointment."

"Oh, Judy," Nick said as he shook his head.

"I know. I know. I felt horrible about that." Judy admitted.

"Why did you tried to keep your relationships a secret for so long? Not just you and Shay, but you and me too." Nick asked. " The whole carrotholics isn't really much of an excuse. Besides, times are different from when your parents were your age or my age."

"I guess... in my mind I expected them to reject me... so... I rejected them first." Judy admitted feeling bad about it. Judy then grabbed a pillow and put her face over it as she spoke with a mutter from the pillow. "If I had just talked to them a bit about some of it ahead of time, maybe it wouldn't have got this bad."

"I get it. Your parents aren't exactly up-to-date with the times. Still, you could have at least try to be honest with them." Nick stated.

"Did you tell your mom about us?" Judy asked as she took her head out of the pillow.

"Yes," Nick said. "By the way, you're gonna have to write her an apology letter. A HUGE apology letter. She's still a little peeved with you."

"I'll be sure to do that," Judy said smiling awkwardly.

"So, after your parents, what happened next?" Nick asked.

"About another month later, the precinct did this check on all the officers' med records. They wanted to make sure all of the officers were in good shape and had no major injuries or illnesses." Judy stated. "Unfortunately, Clawhauser was the one who check the records. When he saw mine and saw that I had an abortion, he matched the dates of my operation with the time we broke up. He then came up with 3 possibilities on why I had the abortion. 1.) I cheated on you and had the abortion because I wronged you. 2.) You didn't want the child and I aborted it out of grief. or 3.) The actual reason. He guessed the third one."

"Knowing Clawhauser, he must have been pretty upset when we broke up," Nick said.

"He was more than upset with me. He even lifted me up and shouted at me in front of the other officers." Judy said. "I don't think I've ever seen him so mad."

"If you had Clawhauser mad at you, you know you did something wrong," Nick said knowing that Clawhauser is usually a sweet guy.

"After that, Ben and a few of the others didn't want anything to do with me. Bogo even made me take the rest of the day and the next day off. When I came back, some of the officers, like you, relocated and Bogo, mad at me for it, put me on suspension and took away my lieutenantship. To be honest, I'm surprised he didn't just take my badge."

"He has fired for less," Nick stated.

"My suspension ended, but... I was back to square one at work." Judy said.

"You mean..." Nick asked.

"Parking Duty," Judy replied not looking too happy. "I lost Bogo's trust, so I had to earn it all back."

"Bogo was always a stubborn buffalo. But as tough as he is, I bet he was pretty sad too." Nick said.

"He said the job gives and takes and he was right," Judy said. "I gave up a lot for my career and it cost me more than I ever wanted it too."

"You must have had it rough for so long," Nick said feeling bad that he wasn't there for her.

"I had Shay, but... we both know how things may have been," Judy said looking sad.

Nick didn't want to press Judy for more info just yet.

"How about you ask me the next question," Nick said.

"Alright," Judy said. "After all, I said to you, how could you just come back to me?"

"*sigh* I... did my best to stay out of your life. But it was getting harder and harder. It's mainly how we foxes are. Once we see someone as our soulmate, we tend to be bound to them. It was like that for my mom and pop... even after he passed." Nick stated.

"Oh..." Judy said looking sad.

"No matter what happened between us, you were an important person to me. But you had someone else now and I had to accept that." Nick said as he gripped his chest. "When I heard what was going on with the ZPD, I told myself 'She has Shannon. She'll be fine.'. When all that abortion stuff was in the ear of the public, I told myself again 'She has Shannon. She'll be fine.'. But when I heard she passed away... a month ago... with my knowledge, I said to myself 'She doesn't have her anymore. She doesn't have anyone.'. Knowing that I just had to come back to. Even if you didn't want me to, even if you hated me, I had to come back to you. Cause I didn't want you do go through that sadness ever again." Nick said seriously. Nick then held one of Judy's paws with both his paws.

"Nick..." Judy said feeling warm from Nick's words. "Thank you. Thank you for coming back even after this stubborn dumb bunny told you not to. And for what it was worth, I'm sorry."

"Hey. I already told you. No more apologies." Nick said to Judy.

"Sorry," Judy said.

"You did it again, Carrots," Nick stated out not wanting her to apology too much.

"Oops! Sor... I mean..." Judy went almost apologizing again. "How about you just give me your next question."

"Alright," Nick said. "It's been a couple of hours now. How... do you feel about... yourself and... you know?"

"You mean after what mom told me? Honestly, I'm still processing everything." Judy said as she rubbed the sides of her head. "Parts of me are mad, parts of me are upset, and parts of me don't even know what to think. I mean, on one paw, my mom cheated on my dad with someone else and got pregnant with me. If she had aborted me, she could have kept her secret. But... that would have also meant you were right about everything you said to me. I would have never been born and my light wouldn't shine on this world. Then on the other paws, my mom didn't go through with the abortion, I was born, and I was able to shine my light on the world. But still, I'm the product of an affair and proof that mom and dad's marriage wasn't perfect."

"Yeah. No relationship is meant to be perfect, but you really wouldn't think of your mother as the cheating type." Nick stated. "Once more, this Tom guy was supposed to be Stu's cousin, right? Kinda plays at the whole country bunny stereotype thing."

"Ugh! Tell me about it." Judy said as she had her face in her palm. "Mom said that Tom was half-rabbit, half-hare. Guess that's how I'm slightly taller than my parents. She also said that he was a bit of a rebel and the opposite of how my family is. Guess that explains a lot about me and why I'm not like my other brothers and sisters."

"Guess his DNA rubbed on you," Nick said. "So, do you think he looks like you too?"

"It doesn't matter. Stu Hopps is my real father. Tom's just a guy who just happens to be the reason I'm born." Judy stated. "But he's not the reason I am who I am. I chose to become who I am. It's as simple as that."

"Well said, Carrots," Nick said with a smile. "Hey, can I also ask you something else?"

"What?" Judy asked.

"If... you knew about what your mother was closer to doing ahead of time, would you..." Nick said but didn't even need to say the rest.

"Of course I wouldn't have gone through with it," Judy said as she gripped her covers tightly. "I just ignore your words and was so straight-forward with my choice. I should have at least took more consideration in what you said." Judy then placed her paws on her stomach looking sad. "Now, we will never know how things could have been."

Nick could tell that Judy really did regret going through the abortion. Nick then held Judy's paws as he leans his head on Judy's.

"That doesn't mean we can't try again... once we got all the facts down," Nick said to Judy. "We'll talk more about this later. Okay, Judy?"

"Okay," Judy said feeling the warmth from Nick's words.

"What's your next question for me?" Nick asked.

"*Umm... this one... might be a hard one for you to answer," Judy said before asking Nick her question. "When we were at Shay's grave, you said 'This was almost me after that night.'. What exactly did you mean?"

Nick was silent for a few seconds as he laid down on the bed. He looked up at the ceiling before finally speaking..

"How did you think I felt about that night, Judy?" Nick asked in a saddened tone. "You moved on, you didn't love me anymore, I was completely broken. I felt that I lost all my reasons to live. So, after that night... I... was planning to hang myself."

Judy looked horrified as she hears Nick actually say that. She didn't actually believe that Nick was actually intending to end his life.

"Was close to. Had the rope around my neck and everything. All I needed to do... was think one step forward." Nick stated. "But before I took that step... I stopped."

"What... stopped you?" Judy asked.

"What stopped me?" Nick said before looking at Judy. "You did. If I had died, you would have to live with the guilt knowing that you were the reason for it. I couldn't do that to you. So my survival instincts kicked in... lived on. But it wasn't easy for me. I couldn't live without you, but I also couldn't die because of you. So I had to be stuck in the middle."

Judy then tightly gripped her covers. She didn't know that there really was a chance that would have... offed himself. Judy felt awful that she almost led Nick to that, but relieved that it didn't come to that.

"Well, I'm glad that you're still here. Cause if you had died... then there is no doubt in my mind that I would have joined you." Judy said to Nick.

"WHAT?!" Nick shouted out in shock as he stood back up.

"Nick, you know what you just said about foxes, there something about as rabbits. If one is to lose someone we loved, our soulmate, they join them." Judy stated.

"Are you serious? Are you saying you would have died if I did?" Nick asked still looking shocked.

"Even after what I said to you, of course, I would have been upset if you died. And your right. I would have to live with the guilt knowing that I was the reason for it." Judy stated. "It also would have led to things being even worse for me. When everything that happened added with your death and people knowing about what I did, I would take the blame for it. I might even lose my job because of it. But the worst would be if mom telling me what she told us today. Do you know how I would feel after that? I'll tell you. I would have this undying guilt I would have to forever live with. Even if Shay was still here, without you, without your forgiveness, I would never be able to get rid of it. Meaning the only way for me to end my suffering is to... make amends."

"When you say to make amends, do you mean..." Nick said.

"We both know what I mean," Judy replied.

Judy was saying that if Nick were to die, Judy would have died with him. It's a bit surprising.

"You really see me as your soulmate now, Judy?" Nick asked.

"I do, Nick," Judy said.

"How are you not sure Shannon was your soulmate?" Nick asked.

"Because she's gone and I'm still here," Judy answered. "Shay will always be important and special to me, but... I'm not gonna pretend that you weren't anymore."

"So basically, we literally can't live without each other?" Nick asked.

"It would same that way," Judy replied.

Hearing that, Nick groaned as he puts his paws on his face.

"Ugggggggggh. Why didn't we realize that sooner?" Nick asked in a mopey tone. "It would have saved us from all this drama."

"Dumb fox. Dumb bunny. That's who we are." Judy told Nick.

"Hey. I'm a sly fox... that's sometimes a dumb fox." Nick stated.

"And I'm a dumb bunny that's sometimes a sly bunny," Judy stated. "It doesn't mean we're not dumb most of the time."

"Fair point," Nick said with a straight-face.

"Alright. Your next question, Nick. We have to keep going." Judy said wanting to answer Nick's next question.

"Okay. But to what we were talking about before. Back to the whole abortion business." Nick said looking a bit sad to bring it up. "Why... were you so settled with having the abortion? And remember our rule. No half-truths. It wasn't just about your career or about us being different species. We also know that somewhere out there, hares have kids with rabbits and hares can be as tall as foxes. So what was the real problem?"

"Nick..." Judy said with droopy ears.

"Did you really not like the idea of having kids with me? Was it really that wrong?" Nick said looking away from Judy.

"No, Nick. Nonono!" Judy said as she turned Nick's head. "It wasn't you. It was never you. It... was me." Judy then held her pillow as she talked. "Growing up in Bunnyburrow meant one thing. If you were to be a mom, you would settle. Bunny moms would mostly spend their time raising the kids as the husbands did the work. Then the parents would just have more and more kids afterward. Nick, my parents have hundreds of kids and I saw my mom spend day after day, year after year, raising them and not even having time to do what she really wanted. I didn't want that life."

"So... you thought if we ever had kids, it would put your life on hold?" Nick asked.

"Yes," Judy admitted. "I know. I really should have..." Before Judy could even finish what she was going to say, Nick started pulling at her face cheeks painfully. "Oww! Oww! Nick! Cut it out!"

"You dumb dumb dumb dumb bunny!" Nick said firmly as he continues to pull at Judy's cheeks. "You really think I wanted hundreds of kids and let you settle that way? I'm not asking for a hundred kids. I am NOT asking for a hundred kids. Just a few. 4 or 5 at best."

"Oww! Oww! I said cut it out, Nick!" Judy said moving Nick's paws away from her face.

"Now, first off, this is not Bunnyburrow. This is Zootopia. Things are done a lot different than how they are in the country. Second, it's not just the places, but the time period. The way people raise children a lot different than how it was for your parents. Who said you had to be the main one to raise the kids? If you wanted to, you can do the work while I raised the kids."

"What? Really?" Judy asked a bit surprised.

"You really think I wouldn't mind?" Nick asked as he held Judy's paw. "Being in the ZPD was always your dream. I always understood that. I just don't want to work so much that you forget about the other things in that are important."

"Like... having someone you care about and a family?" Judy said.

"Exactly," Nick said.

"Bogo did mention that he always wanted a family but work got in the way," Judy stated.

"And we both know how he is," Nick said. He then put his arm on Judy's shoulder. "I don't want you to only focus on the job and not everything else in life. Don't be like Bogo, okay?"

"Okay," Judy said nodding.

"Also, about one of the other reasons you had the abortion, as hard as it was for me to admit, I... understand why," Nick said looking a bit sad. "We weren't married. We didn't use protection. We didn't even know that we could have kids. But you wanting the abortion wasn't the problem. The problem was you want to go through with it without getting all the facts."

Judy gripped her covers tightly. Nick had a point. All the fears that Judy had weren't really facts. Just assumptions. Without the proper data, there was no real way to say what would have happened.

"If any of the things you said were a possibility... if the birth wasn't going to be 100%... if your life would have really been in danger... you know I would let you do what you needed to do to be safe," Nick stated.

"I know," Judy said sadly. It looked like she still had regret.

"Did you at least talked about this with the doctor that gave you the operation?" Nick asked.

"Ummm..." Judy went.

"You... never told him the father was a fox, did you?" Nick asked.

"I'm sorry," Judy said apologetically. "I had already made up my mind and I felt if I told him about you being a fox he would..."

Before Judy could even finish, Nick placed his head on Judy's forehead again.

"It's alright. I've already forgiven you. Remember?" Nick said. "Just next time, let's get all the facts first. So when we really decide to have kids, it will be the right choice."

"Promise," Judy said to Nick.

"One more thing..." Nick said as he gets his head off of Judy.

Nick then once again started pulling at Judy's cheeks.

"Oww! Oww! Nick!" Judy shouted out.

"What did I said about apologizing? No more apologizing!" Nick said firmly before letting go of Judy's cheeks.

"Okay. Okay." Judy says as she rubs her cheeks to ease a bit of the pinching pain. "I won't apologize anymore. So...

"Grrrrr..." Nick growled as he was about to get ready to pull at Judy's face again.

"I mean, how about I ask you my next question?" Judy asked.

"Fine then," Nick said. "What do you want to ask me next?"

"Since we are still on the subject, there was something I wanted to talk about," Judy said to Nick. "Before you left, you said it may have been best for us if I didn't tell you about me wanting to have the abortion. If... I didn't tell you, but you still found out, what would you do?"

"*sigh* You know, while I was far from happy about your choice, I was still thankful that you at least decided to be honest with me," Nick said as he crossed his arms. "But... if you were to keep that secret from me... and if I were to find out about it... it would have you were wrong in almost every way... and I would have had the right reason to leave you."

Judy shook a bit, but understand Nick's answer.

"A relationship is about honesty. You were brave enough to be honest with me, but it still hurt." Nick stated. "It was... hard for me to come back to you. But if you had lied to me, then I think our situations would have been switched. Anyway, it doesn't really matter anymore. Besides, you regret your choice, right?"

"Well, I wouldn't have shouted out 'Oh God! What have I done?' if I didn't." Judy said. "I'm still really regretting the whole thing. I might not even get over it now."

"And that regret is how I was able to forgive you," Nick said.

"Hmm," Judy said with a smile. "Hey Nick, did you know that bunnies lean their heads on one another to show forgiveness?"

"Really? I didn't know that." Nick said.

"You didn't?" Judy asked a bit surprised. "You leaned your head on me at least 3 times so I thought you did."

"Hmm. It's funny. You're the bunny and yet you haven't even lean your head on mine once." Nick stated. "So how am I sure that you have actually forgiven me?"

Judy had on a smile as she stood up and then lean her head on Nick's. Nick was actually pretty happy about it. Cause it meant that Judy really did forgive her.

"Believe me now?" Judy asked Nick with a smile.

"I do, Carrots," Nick said happily.

Judy then kisses Nick on his left cheek before getting back down and put her legs back into her covers.

"Next question?" Judy asked.

"Next question," Nick said.

"What do you want to ask me next?" Judy asked.

"Uhhh... well... the next question isn't that serious. It's kinda... for curiosity." Nick said as he twittered his fingers. "It's about you and Shay. Wait. Isn't it fine if I call her Shay?"

"It's fine," Judy said allowing it.

"Okay. You and Shay... ummm well..." Nick said while smiling awkwardly. "... when you two were together... did you two ever..."

"Veto," Judy said with a straight face as she could already guess what Nick was going to ask.

"What? Oh, come on. I thought we weren't going to actually use the veto rule." Nick said looking upset.

"Still not answering that question, Nick," Judy said firmly.

"Come on. At least let us know something." Nick said.

"I tell you if you answer a question for me," Judy said.

"Name it, Carrots," Nick said willing to answer whatever question Judy had.

"Were you with anyone else during the time we broke up?" Judy asked while raising an eyebrow.

Nick's eyes widen before saying "Veto.".

"That's what I thought," Judy said expecting Nick to say that.

Nick and Judy then looked away from each other as they just stood awkwardly on the bed for a few seconds.

"Judy..." Nick said breaking the silence.

"Yeah?" Judy asked.

"If we both vetoed the questions, isn't that the same as answering them?" Nick asked.

"Yeah..." Judy admitted with her head down. "I'll say this. Want and need are two different things."

"Yes!" Nick said pumping his fist. Nick's expression then changed. "Wait? Am I the want or the need? I know I said I was the need in the relationship, but I feel like I should be the want."

"Nick!" Judy said.

"Fine. Fine. I won't ask for anything further." Nick said with his paws up and dropping the subject.

"But can you tell me about who else you were with?" Judy asked.

"Guess I'll give you that much," Nick said as he stretched out his neck a bit. "When I was on a case for the Precinct in Tundratown, I met a woman. A winter vixen. Being the first fox police officer, she already knew who I was and was quite attracted to me. I didn't really want to be in a relationship with her at first cause I was still getting over you. But at one point, I felt that I needed to move on. We dated for a while, but... I realized that there was no real connection. Not like the one I have with you. So I ended things with her and tried to get back with you. We... both know how that went."

"Right..." Judy said knowing that it wasn't a good day for him.

"Seriously, Judy. I got to know. You and Shay. I'm not upset about it anymore. I just want you to be real with me." Nick said.

Judy took a deep breath before speaking to Nick. "As I told you, Shay and I... we worked well together. Like you and me, the two of us were grey in the middle. Being with her made me happy."

Nick couldn't help but feel a bit upset, if not jealous.

"But..." Judy added which got Nick's attention. "... the more I think about it, the more I think about what you said today, the more I think you... were right."

"Really?" Nick said a bit stunned to hear that.

"Shay... was willing to be okay with any of my choices. Even the choices most people wouldn't agree with." Judy stated. "That and every time I was upset about something, I went to her comfort. Pushing you away, I went to her. Pushing my parents away, I went to her. When so much was happening to me because of my actions..."

"You went to her?" Nick replied.

"Yes," Judy answered. "I went to Shay for all my problems... problems she had nothing to do with... and that... that wasn't fair to her. I didn't even ask how she felt about all of this."

"Judy, don't take this the wrong way, but it sounds to me that you weren't really committed to your relationship," Nick stated.

"What do you mean?" Judy asked.

"As I said, Shay and I share some common grounds. We were both foxes that happened to be with you. But that's not the only thing. The other thing was that we were committed to you." Nick stated. "Both her and I were happy just being in a relationship with you. However, while we were committed to you, you were more committed to your career."

Nick hit the nail right on the board with his words. Ever since going to the city, her main focus was always her career as a police officer.

"The only reason why we broke up was because of that whole pregnancy mess. Knowing the kind of bunny you are, you weren't really planning on getting into serious relationships. Let alone with foxes... of both gender." Nick stated. "You may not want to hear it, but the reasons why you chose to be in a relationship with Shay was because you wouldn't have to worry about getting pregnant from her and still focus on your career. Can you tell me that I'm wrong?"

"I can't not tell you if you're wrong," Judy admitted. "*sigh* When I came to Zootopia, I did only plan to focus on my work for the ZPD. I didn't plan to fall in love... with foxes. Falling for you was only natural. But falling for Shay, it was easier... because I could still focus on my goals and have someone to be there for me."

"Sounds like she gave you want you wanted. But did you ever asked what she wanted?" Nick asked.

"Huh?" Judy went.

"Judy, the whole time you tried to hide your relationship with her. But was that what she wanted?" Nick asked.

"Nick, we were different species and the same gender. If mammals were to know about us, there would have been nothing but endless backlash for both of us." Judy stated.

"But was Shay okay with you hiding your relationship like you were ashame of her?" Nick asked.

"Well..." Judy said.

"How long did you intend to keep it a secret?"

"Ummm..."

"How far did you wanted your relationship to go?"

"Ummm..."

"What if she wanted you two to get married?"

"Uhh..."

"What if she wanted kids, but couldn't even adopt because of all backlash you've been getting?"

"Well..."

"Judy, are you hearing all this right now?"

"I... am."

"Do you like what you're hearing?"

"No," Judy replied with droopy ears. She then laid her head on her pillow. "Guess you really were right. Shay was a relationship I wanted and it made it easier for me to commit to her. But I never asked what she wanted. She wasn't like you who spoke their mind. If she did, maybe she would... she would..."

Nick could tell Judy was getting upset. A sign that she wasn't really over Shay's death. So he tried to change her mood.

"If you two made each other happy, that's all that matter," Nick said. "She was there for you when I wasn't. As upset as I was about it, I don't hate her or anything."

"You don't?" Judy asked.

"No," Nick answered. "Jealous of her, more than a bit. But hating her, I don't."

"You should know, Shay didn't hate you either," Judy stated.

"Re... really?" Nick asked a stunned by that.

"I told her about how things were with us. She seemed to really understand why you were so upset. She... even felt a bit guilty." Judy said.

"I'm surprised that you're telling me this," Nick said.

"I felt that you should know," Judy said smiling a bit.

"Thank you," Nick said smiling back. "Next question from you."

"It... might be my last question. But it might also be the hardest for you to answer." Judy said looking sad again.

"I told you. I can take it." Nick stated that he can handle any tough question Judy had.

Judy then stood by Nick and place her left paw on his chest where his heart was. Judy had a look of great sadness on her face before hugging Nick.

"Judy?" Nick said caught a bit off-guard.

"How many times? How many times have I broken your heart?" Judy asked.

"Judy... it doesn't matter anymore," Nick told her.

"How many?" Judy asked again.

"..." Nick was saddened but decided to answer her back. "This heart has both been broken and done the breaking countless times. I usually get over some of the heartbreaks and forget about them. But not with you... and the three times you broke my heart."

Three times. The time after the press conference, the time when Judy chose to have the abortion, and the time Judy moved on with someone else. Judy has gained a lot of guilt knowing that she hurt Nick so much.

"Nick... I'm..." Judy said about to apologize again.

Nick made Judy let go off him as he lifted up her head looked up at her.

"No! Don't you dare keep feeling sorry for me and yourself." Nick said firmly. "I don't want to keep filling yourself with more and more guilt."

"How do you do it? How can you handle so much pain in your heart?" Judy said trying not to cry. "If I was you, I couldn't take it."

"I guess... it's because I'm a survivor... as well as something my old man told me." Nick said.

"What did your dad say?" Judy asked.

"I got into a few fights when I was a young pup. Pop once told me this. If you keeping getting into fights, you might end up with so many scars that you won't recognize who you are in the mirror." Nick said. "I thought it was about outer scars, but I guess it's the same for inner scars." Nick then looked deeply at Judy. "Judy, do you see yourself as the same person you were before?"

"Do I see myself as the hero bunny that wants to make the world a better place? No. No, I don't." Judy admitted. "I don't know who I am anymore. I just know... I'm not that doe anymore."

"That makes two of us," Nick said. "I'm not the same fox either. First, I was this con artist that spend day after day hustling. Then, I was this heroic fox that inspired other foxes to do more. Now, I don't think I'm either."

"Everything that's happened to us has changed who we are now. Do we need to be someone else?" Judy asked.

"I think instead of being someone else, we need to go back to who we once were," Nick stated. "A sly fox who's sometimes dumb and a dumb bunny who's sometimes sly. After all, that's who we've always been and it's worked for us. Why change it now?"

"Hmm. Sly fox. Dumb bunny. Sly bunny. Dumb fox." Judy said pondering about it. "You know I never liked being called a dumb bunny, but... like being called Carrots, it grew on me."

"Own what you are," Nick said shrugging.

Judy then started to recall something as she thinks about the word scars. Judy then puts her right paw near Nick's left side of his face.

"Judy, what are you..." Nick said a bit confused.

Judy then pulled his fur enough to reveal claw marks on his faces. It was her handiwork. Out of anger, Judy hit Nick and her claws scratched his face. Something Judy really regretted.

"Judy, don't you dare," Nick said firmly and not wanting Judy to apologize again.

"Nick, pull my fur back. Same side as your." Judy instructed Nick.

"What for?" Nick asked.

"Just do it, please?" Judy asked.

He was still confused, but he still decided to do what Judy instructed. He then pulled the fur on Judy's left side to reveal claw marks on her face. Nick was stunned to see this.

"Claw marks?" Nick said shocked.

"When I was a kid, a fox named Gideon Grey did this to me as his way of telling me I wouldn't be a cop. Since that day, I vowed to prove him wrong." Judy stated.

"So... I got scratched by a bunny and you got scratched by a fox. Once more, the claw marks on your face are on the same side as mine." Nick stated.

"Irony, right?" Judy said trying to smile. "At least our fur covers it up."

Nick then took Judy's paw.

"There's an old saying. Time heals all wounds. Let's have time heal the wounds in our hearts as well." Nick said.

"Okay, I have one last question. But... it's a big one."

"Tell me it, Nick. I'll be fine." Judy said.

Nick took a deep breath before asking his question. "How did Shay died?"

Judy had a shock and grim look on her face. She then picked up her pillow and started holding on to it. Nick then realized that the question might be too much for Judy to answer.

"Judy, if you need to, you can just veto it and I..." Nick said.

"No. It will be hard, but I'll tell you." Judy said mustering what strength she had. "What do you know?"

"Nothing really. Finnick told me about her death only 2 days ago. Up until then, I thought she was still alive." Nick stated.

"Then I'll enlighten you. It's my fault. Shannon died... because of me." Judy said looking guilty.

"What?" Nick said a bit surprised to hear that. "Judy, I understand you taking the blame when blame is due, but I doubt Shay's death is your fault."

"It is," Judy stated firmly. "Listen, Nick. The stuff you said about Shay before, I already knew you were right about it."

"You did?" Nick said shocked that he was actually right.

"A few days before she died, we had something I never thought would happen. An argument." Judy said. "Shay told me she wasn't happy with how things were going with us. She also didn't like how I handle things with some people like my parents. She suggested that I make up with them, but I was too stubborn to do that. We argued more and more until... I shouted out at her. Shay gave me this look. She was... scared and in total fear. Realizing this, I quickly tried to apologize, but Shay turned away and lock herself in our room. I slept on the couch for the next couple of days."

"So, there was trouble in paradise?" Nick asked.

"It was bound to happen sooner or later," Judy admitted. "Shay locked herself in our bedroom for the next 3 days, and only went out when she needed to go to work. I tried to talk to her, but she wouldn't speak to me. Then one day, I was able to get her out of her room. I suggested that we go outside the city and talk. We walked around the city for a while and I was able to apologize. But as we walked, Shay felt that someone has been following her the last few days and was following us at that moment. So, we led him to an abandon street alley to lure him out. It worked too. The stalker was a male fox who looked a bit on the rough side. Shay saw his face and recognized him."

"A male fox that was stalking Shay and she knew the guy. Don't tell me..." Nick said having an idea who the stalker was.

"Yeah. It was Shay's abusive ex-boyfriend." Judy said. "Apparently, he wanted to have Shay back. But Shay didn't want to go back with him. It also didn't take long to realize that I and she were... together."

"Like me, he must have not been happy about that," Nick said.

"He wasn't. He tried to take me on, but I had ZPD training and took him on easily. I then held him down as I called for backup to take him away." Judy stated.

"Okay. Fought the stalker, took him down, called the police. So what..." Nick said. But then he remembers, this was going to be a sad story. "The sad part's coming up, is it?"

Judy was already getting ready to cry. "As I held him down, he said somethings that were actually similar to what you said," Judy stated.

Judy then started flashbacking to that day. She had Shay's Ex pinned down on the ground in the alley. Shay kept her distance from them.

"Okay. The ZPD coming to lock you up. If you ever get out, you stay away from Shay." Judy said in a threatening matter.

"Ha! So, you think she's better off with you than me?" The Ex asked.

"I know she is," Judy stated.

"Oh really?" The Ex said. "You really don't think I know who you are, Officer Hopps? The so-called hero? You're the one who caused prey and predator mammals to fight a while back. You're also the bunny that aborted her own hybrid baby."

Judy looked a bit shaken after she heard that.

"Let me ask you something. How does Shay feel about this? How does she feel about carrying all of your baggage?" The Ex asked.

"What?" Judy said.

"See, I know Shay much better than you could. See, the easiest thing about being with her is that she's willing to follow anything you say. "The Ex said with a grin. "It's mainly cause she has no backbone."

"How dare you talk about her that way?" Judy said as she gets a tighter grip on him.

"Is that why you're with her?" The Ex asked. "You must go to her every time you have a problem. Like she's your little stress relief. But as day and day pass, it gets harder and harder for her. Shay must be asking herself 'How long before she gets rid of me too? How much can I take?' It didn't matter if you two were happy. As long as things stayed the way they were, she was trapped in the little box you put her in."

"Shut up!" Judy shouted out. "Why should I believe someone that hurt Shannon in more ways than one? She is with me because she respects my choices. That's why she stayed by my side."

"Then how about we ask her how she feels?" The Ex asked.

"Shay, tell him," Judy said looking at Shay.

Shay was quiet as she couldn't even look at them.

"Shay, tell him." Judy said again.

"I... I..." Shay uttered as she shook a bit.

"Shay?" Judy said looking up at Shannon.

"I'm... sorry, Judy." Shay said trying not to cry.

After hearing that, Judy felt that her heartache from Shay's response.

"Wh... what?" Judy uttered.

"Hmm. And there you have it." The Ex said grinning. "You were only with her cause it benefitted you, but not her. All you did was give her problems that she had nothing to do with."

"I... Shay... I didn't mean..." Judy said looking upset as she loses her grip on Shay's Ex.

Before Judy could try to apology to Shannon, her ex-boyfriend used this as an opportunity to get up and strikes at Judy and knocking her to the ground.

"Judy!" Shay shouted out looking worried.

"Now now! Stay back, Shay. I'm doing this for your own good." The Ex said ordering Shay not to move.

Shay was too scared to do anything as he ex walked over to Judy. Was still in a bit of shock, both from the punch and from realizing what she may have done to Shannon.

"You know, I was a big fan of your partner. Too bad you pushed him away and took away your and his own child." The Ex stated. "It's hard to believe you're the hero that this city looked up to. Now you're nothing but a sham and only causing more and more problems."

The fox them pulled out a pocket knife. Judy gets so scared by the sight of it that she is frozen in fear as the ex points the knife at her.

"I'm doing Shay and this city a favor. This city is better off without you!" The Ex said.

Judy was still frozen and couldn't even more. It was like her body didn't want to move. She just closed her eyes expecting to get stabbed with the knife. But after two seconds, nothing. She then opens her eyes and looks in horror with what she sees. In front of her was Shay. She took the blow for her. Her ex was also caught by surprise.

"Shannon..." Judy said in total shock.

"Sh... Shay? Why did...?" The Ex said stunned.

"St... St... Stop. Please?" Shay said even if the knife injury was painful.

Shay's ex then took a couple of steps back with a look of grief and regret.

"Oh no. No no no. What... have I done?" The Ex said to himself before falling on his knees.

The amount of blood loss that Shay had started to affect her as she falls down to the ground.

"SHAY!' Judy shouted out. Judy then rushes to Shannon's side. "NO! NONONONO!"

Judy sees the knife still in her and she quickly takes it off and tried to close up her wound.

"SHAY! SHAY! HANG IN THERE!" Judy said crying. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"

"Ju... dy..." Shay said already feeling woozy.

"It was meant for me! Why did you take the knife for me?! WHY?!" Judy asked still tearing up.

"Because... I had to." Shay replied.

"Please... stay alive for me. You're all I have left." Judy stated as she cried more.

"That's... not true... and... we... b... both... know it," Shay stated as she started feeling more and more like she was about to blackout. "I'm... sorry... I... couldn't... be strong... enough."

"Shay! Shay! Don't talk that way! You'll be fine. Okay?" Judy said as she still held Shay up.

Shay was slowly starting to close her eyes.

"Shay! SHAY! KEEP THOSE EYES OPENS! PLEASE!" Judy shouted out.

That was the end of Judy's flashback.

"By the time help arrived, Shay had lost too much blood and... she... she was gone," Judy said crying into her pillows. "See? She died because of me."

After hearing that story, Nick was stunned beyond words he then grabbed on to Judy's shoulder.

"Hold on. You mean to tell me if Shay didn't jump in, then you would have been the one who..." Nick asked as he horrified.

Judy still cried as she nodded her head. Nick then hugged Judy tightly. He even started to cry with her.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't know that's what happened." Nick said with his voice breaking.

"Nick, it's okay," Judy replied.

"No, it's not!" Nick said as he stopped hugging Judy. "I didn't find out what happened for a month. If I had known that's what happened the time it happened, I would have come to you sooner without a second thought."

Nick then started to feel more and more guilty.

"Oh my god. She got caught in our mess. She did nothing wrong. NOTHING WRONG! But she's gone because of us." Nick said crying.

"Nick, her death isn't on you at all. It's all me." Judy said still crying as well.

"Is it?" Nick asked tearfully. "I was the one who left you and, like her Ex, I hurt her too. If I had just stayed with you or at least been there during the operation, then you two wouldn't be together, but at least be friends. Then she wouldn't have to deal with your problems that only I can handle."

"Nick..." Judy went feeling that Nick shouldn't blame himself too much.

"I can never apology to her and I will never be able to make it up to her," Nick said as he started feeling more guilty as he has his paws over his head.

"Nick!" Judy shouted out as she holds Nick. "None of that is your fault. Understand?"

"But me letting you deal with that burden for almost a month is," Nick said to Judy.

In some way, both Nick and Judy were guilty of causing Shannon's fate. Judy felt guilty because Shay saved her life even after everything. Nick felt guilty because he never got to properly apology to her. Even with their guilt, they knew they couldn't keep feeling sorry for themselves. The two then wiped each other's tears before continuing.

"What happened with you afterward?" Nick asked.

"The day I came back to this apartment, I was a total wreck. Then, out of anger, I wreck it. I threw stuff at the walls, shouted, ripped a few things, and then when I was done, I cried. I cried and I cried and I cried. Then I called to the ZPD to take a leave of absence. Still on it, actually. Haven't been in a working mood."

"What happened to the ex?" Nick asked.

"Jail. Still regretting what he did." Judy said.

"And Shay's family?" Nick asked.

"Funny thing, if she had told them she was dating a doe, they would have been okay with it. The problem was... the doe was me. So, they don't really want anything to do with me." Judy said looking sad.

"I'm sorry, Judy. I hope you know that even though I wanted you back, this wasn't the way I wanted." Nick stated. "So don't think I'm just trying to take my spot back because she's gone."

"I know. I didn't want things to be like this either." Judy said. "But can I ask, how did you want to get back with me?"

"Ummm... well, do you really want to know? I mean you already asked my your last question." Nick said.

"This one is out of curiosity," Judy said. "Now tell me."

"Alright. It would be slightly different from what we've been through." Nick said. "First off, Shay would be the one to come to me. With everything happening to do, she would say she's in over her head with the relationship and ask me for help. It would take some convincing, but I decide to do it. Shay would come up with some sneaky way of putting the three of us in the same area and we would talk. Well, you would still be very hostile... until Shay said it was her idea. Then we pretty much have the same argument I had earlier today with Shay involved as well. Then you mom shows and reveals her secret. We all get shocked and you fall in total grief. Shay and Bonnie didn't know what to do, so I'm the one that comforts and forgives you. Just like we did today. We all cry for a bit, we keep the secret, your mom heads home, and then I decided to leave as I did before. But before I do, Shay calls out to me. She asks me if I still loved you and I say yes. She then turns to you and asks if you still loved me. You hesitated, but she wants you to answer her honestly. You then say yes. She then takes both our paws and joins them together and saying that we should get back together. You apologize, but she is totally fine with it. In the end, we get back together and you stay friends with Shay."

"Wow. That's... actually a nice story." Judy said with a smile.

"Also, somewhere after that point, we all have a three-way," Nick said with a grin. Judy then punched him in the shoulder. "Oww! Kidding! I was kidding! Just trying to add some humor into this."

"Not a good kind of humor to use, Nick," Judy said being firm with him.

"I know. I know." Nick said. "Still... I'm really sorry that wasn't how it was going to happen. Hope you know I'm not trying to benefit from her death."

"To be honest, I pretty sure she wanted me to go back with you," Judy said. "She did say something about that. So don't feel guilty."

"Alright," Nick said accepting things.

Judy then started to lightly pull at Nick's cheeks. Not as hard as Nick did.

"What... are you doing, Carrots?" Nick asked.

"You said no more apologies and you apologized 3 times. Don't be a hypocrite." Judy said as she continued pulling at Nick's face. "That... and consider this payback for the other times."

"Fair enough," Nick said.

Judy then left Nick's face alone.

"I think... that's everything." Judy said.

"Pretty sure," Nick said agreeing with Judy.

"Still want to leave?" Judy asked.

"No. Still want to shove me off?" Nick asked.

"No," Judy replied.

"So, to recap, you got pregnant, didn't want the baby, I left, you had an abortion, you met a vixen, you dated a vixen, I came back to you, you pushed me away, things went bad for you, really bad, I come back, we have a big fight, your mom tells you that she tried to abort you and you were the product of an affair, you fell into a state of grief, I got you out of that state of grief, and we are back together," Nick said.

"In other words, everything we did... was really for nothing," Judy said. "*sigh* There really was no point in us going through all of that."

"I... wouldn't say that," Nick said.

"What do you mean?" Judy asked.

"I think all of this was meant to happen cause now... we don't have any more doubts," Nick said.

"Huh?" Judy said looking confused.

"Think about it. Whether we want to believe it or not, fate wants us together." Nick said. "Ever since the day we met, we affected each other's lives for the better. But being apart did nothing for us. All it did was hurt us... and the other people around us. It's why fate punished us with all this."

"Even with Shay dying?" Judy asked.

"As much as I don't want to think it, but yeah. That too." Nick said looking a bit sad. "Now we find out that there was a chance that you could have never been born and it changed everything. Now here we are, once again in the same room, in the same bed. Do you really believe that all of that is just a random coincidence?"

"When you think about it, no I don't," Judy admitted.

"Judy, all of this, all of it, can only mean one thing," Nick said. He then latches his paws into Judy's paws as he looked at her eyes. "It can only be... you and me."

"Nick..." Judy said blushing a bit.

"There's no one else for either of us. I don't care what people say about you. I don't care what people say about me. I don't care what happened between us. I just know that I want you and only you." Nick said sincerely. "If you really did swear to me that you won't hurt me in any way if you really meant what you said, then I will swear to you, that I will never leave you again... for as long as I live."

"You really mean all that, Nick?" Judy asked.

"I do," Nick said nodded. "That is... if you really want me back 100%."

Nick knew what he wanted and Judy knew what she wanted to.

"I was too afraid to hold your paw before. But now, as you said, I have no more doubts in my heart." Judy said before looking at Nick with a smile and a starry look in her eyes. "Nick, I don't want you out of my life forever. I want you in my life forever."

"Heh! Then that's how it will be." Nick said with a smile.

The two then kissed each other passionately for 5 seconds before looking at each other again with a smile.

"Good talk?" Nick asked.

"Good talk," Judy said.

The two then laid flat on the bed. Looking a bit exhausted, but glad that they were done.

"Uggggghhh! We said SO MUCH!" Nick said.

"We had to get it out there. It wasn't easy, but we did it." Judy said looking glad.

"Yeah. But now I'm totally drained." Nick said looking tired.

"Me too," Judy said feeling the same way.

Nick and Judy had put themselves on an emotional roller coaster. So it no surprise that they are mentally tried. However...

"Now, about that other two hours of reconciling," Nick said with a seductive grin.

"What? Nick, you said you were totally drained." Judy said a bit surprised.

"Oh, I am. Mentally. After that stressful talk, we need some way to get rid of it." Nick said to Judy as he held her. "Unless you're not up for it."

"Sly fox," Judy said with a smirk. "But you're not wrong. I too am pretty... stressful."

Judy and Nick were then about to kiss again when all the sudden, Nick's cell rings.

"What is it with phones ringing at the worst possible times?" Nick said looking a bit mad. He then picks up the phone to see that it was Finnick calling.

"Oh. It's Finnick." Nick said. "That's right. I said I would call him in a few hours after our talk."

"Wanna ignore his call?" Judy asked.

"I think I should answer it. If I don't, he might think I'm dead." Nick stated to Judy.

"Better answer him then," Judy said.

Before picking up, Nick got into the covers again. Judy then laid on Nick's chest again.

"Hey, Finnick," Nick said picking up the call.

"Nick! Bout time you pick up." Finnick said. "So, did you do it?"

"I did," Nick said. "I took your advice and said everything I needed to say to her."

"Bet she wasn't too happy with you," Finnick said.

"She wasn't," Nick replied.

"Well, at least you got everything out. Guessing you're not seeing her again, are you?"

"... Uhhhh... about that..." Nick said awkwardly.

"No. No no no! Don't tell me you're back together with her?" Finnick asked not sounding happy.

"Uhhhhh..." Nick went.

"What? Did you slept with her?" Finnick asked.

"Uhhhh..." Nick said.

"Are you in bed with her right now?" Finnick asked.

"You know, you're asking an awful lot of questions," Nick stated.

"Then how about an answer to one of them?" Finnick asked.

"If you want one, then yes. Yes to all three." Nick said.

"JEEZ, NICK! SERIOUSLY?!" Finnick shouted out pretty loudly.

"He doesn't sound too happy," Judy said hearing Finnick's voice.

"Put her on the phone. Now!" Finnick ordered Nick.

"Phone for you, Carrots," Nick said grinning as he passes his cell to Judy.

"Helloooooo." Judy said in a cheery matter on the phone.

"Listen bunny, I don't know what you did to make Nick forgive you. But that doesn't mean I forgive you." Finnick said sounding a bit angry. "You hurt Nick a lot and you've been pretty selfish too. So give me one reason, ONE REASON, that I ever believe that you..."

"I found out my mom tried to have me aborted because of the result of an affair she had," Judy said giving Finnick the straight answer.

"..." Finnick was silent on the phone line. He then spoke. "Wow. Just wow. And you're telling me this, why?"

"Because you have a code, Finnick. Nick told you about why we broke up, yet you kept it a secret cause he told you to. So, I'm trusting you'll keep this secret too, being one of the only people to know this." Judy said. "Also think of it as a bragging chip. If I were even to break up with Nick ever again, then you can let this out of the bag and ultimately ruin my reputation."

"You really don't plan on breaking up with him again, are you?" Finnick asked.

"Not even a little bit," Judy said.

"*sigh* Fine. I'll keep your secret." Finnick said going by his code. "Now put me on speaker."

Judy then put the phone on speaker so he could speak to both Nick and Judy.

"Listen, you dumb-dumbs. If you two are really crazy enough to get back together after everything, then you two are meant for each other. Don't break up ever again. I don't want to have to be on clean-up duty again." Finnick said.

"Love you too, Finnick." Nick and Judy both said.

"Yeah yeah..." Finnick said before hanging up.

Nick then put his phone on the counter.

"I'm surprised that you told him," Nick said a bit stunned.

"Nick, I am committed to our relationship now," Judy said.

"Oh, are you now?" Nick asked with a sly grin.

"Well, I realized that I would rather be married to you than to my career," Judy said. She then started to blush when she realized what she said. "Not that we're married or anything yet."

Two words then triggered something in the back of Nick's mind. Committed and married.

"OH!" Nick said standing up.

"What's wrong?" Judy asked.

"Carrots, did you... happen to find something I left before I... left?" Nick asked.

"What exactly?" Judy asked she tilted her head. "Anything that was yours I either put in storage or... throw away. Sorry."

"I deserve it," Nick said. "I just hope you didn't throw away... that." Nick then got out of the bed and started searching around the room. "Looking around the room for it now. Just give me a moment."

Nick searched around and inside some of the drawers. Judy then stared at Nick. She forgot how fit Nick was. A feature that she always liked.

"Take your time, Slick," Judy said with a grin.

"Oh ho! Now you're back to being into tods." Nick said with a smirk.

"It wasn't like I stopped being into tods. I just happen to be into... foxes." Judy said. "Maybe I am a freaky fox lover."

"Take it as a compliment, Hun Bun," Nick said as he looked in one drawer. He then found what he was looking for. "Unbelievable. It's still here."

"What is it you were looking for?" Judy asked.

"Something that could have changed everything," Nick said.

"Whatever it is, I doubt it's that bi..." Judy said. She then stops when she sees Nick holding something.

In Nick's paws was a small red box. The kind of box one would put a ring in. Nick then slowly walked over to Judy, who covered her mouth with the sight of the box.

"Is... is that..." Judy said starting to choke up.

"It is," Nick said.

"Nick, I... we can't..." Judy said trying not to have a breakdown.

"Stop! Just stop." Nick said to Judy. "For once, don't overthink it. Don't underthink it. Just open the box."

Nick then handed the box to Judy. She was feeling a lot of emotions, but she decided to listen to Nick's words and just opening the box. When she did... the box was empty. Nothing was in it.

"It's empty," Judy said to Nick.

"Is it empty? Yes. Yes, it is." Nick said with a grin.

"Nick, if this is some sick way of hustling me..." Judy said starting to get mad.

"It's symbolic, Judy," Nick stated before Judy got madder. He then got back into the bed with Judy. "Once ago, there was a ring in here. But I took it out. It's because... I can't marry you yet. Mainly cause... our lives are a mess." Nick tried not to laugh. "My life's a mess and your life is definitely a mess."

"So you don't want to marry me?" Judy asked.

"Hear me out, Carrots," Nick said as he held her paw. "See, the difference between Shay and I, besides the obvious thing, is that I've been your partner and partners help each other out with their problems. I'm gonna help you fix everything. Things with your family, the ZPD, and even how the public views you. Then somewhere in the middle, this box will have a ring it in, we will get married, get a nice new house, have some kids when we're both ready, have them grow up to be strong and unique, then retire and grow together once we are done making the world a better place. That is our deal, Carrots. Oh, and this is non-negotiable."

"Hmmm. You drive a hard bargain, Slick." Judy said with a smirk. "But I accept."

Judy then shook paws with Nick. They agreed to this. To one day get married once their lives straightened up. Judy then put the box on the counter.

"Now then..." Nick said with a grin and he gets back into to the covers and looms over Judy. "Do you know how long we be apart? Nearly two years. That's far too long of being apart and I intend to make up for all that lost time. Every. Lost. Minute."

"Careful, Nick. You may not know what you're getting yourself into." Judy said with a sly grin.

"I've known what I've got myself into the moment I met you," Nick said to Judy with a smile. "I love you, Judy."

"I love you too, Nick," Judy said with a warm smile.

"Let's never say goodbye ever again," Nick said.

"I was thinking the same thing," Judy said.

The two then kissed passionately once more. That was when Nick and Judy agreed to never be apart ever again. Nick kept his word and help Judy get her life back together. Starting with her family. She went back home to Bunnyburrow with Nick to meet up with her family. Judy apologized to Stu and he quickly hugged and forgave her. She was also straight-forward and told her family that Nick and she were back into being a relationship and intend to get married one day. After what Nick has done, her family was more than happy to accept Nick as part of the family.

Next, came the ZPD. Nick reinstated into the Precinct 1 and walked with Judy as they talked with the other officers. Including Clawhauser. Judy apologized for keeping everyone in the dark about the abortion. Most of them were still giving her salty looks. It was to be expected. That's why Nick made a suggestion. Judy then showed everyone the ring on her finger. Once they saw that, they guessed that Judy and Nick were engaged. Everyone cheered for them and Clawhauser went to hug the happy couple. It was like he forgot he was ever mad with Judy.

Judy still visited Shay's grave every once in a while. One day, she and Nick actually ran into her parents. Judy told them that she's really sorry for what happened to her and she really did care for her a lot. Shay's parents forgave her and understood why their daughter saved her. They were sad, but thankful for Judy being honest.

Judy and Nick both knew abortion wasn't something that people could take lightly. So the two started doing talks to the public about this. For planning, to using protection, to understand one another. They wanted to make sure people didn't make the same mistakes they went through. Eventually, things in the city got better again. Not perfect, slowly getting better than how things were before.

After working things out, Nick and Judy finally got married. Their wedding was at Bunnyburrow and hundreds of their family and friends were there. As they put their rings on, the two promised to never stop loving each other again for as long as they live and then kiss as they're officially made husband and wife. Even with everything that's happened to them, their love had only gotten stronger.

One morning later, in their nice new two-story house, Judy was wearing a white undershirt and pajama bottoms as paced left and right in the bathroom. History was repeating itself. She took a pregnancy test and was waiting to look at the result. Too scared to know what it said, she flipped it on the other side. Now she was just too nervous to look at the results. Instead, she just looks at her wedding ring. She then hears a knock on the door.

"Carrots? Are you okay? You've been in there for a while." The voice was Nick.

"Oh. I'm fine. Don't worry about me." Judy said to Nick from the other side. She sounded nervous.

"Judy, I know what's going on in there," Nick said noticing her tone.

"That obvious?" Judy asked.

"Please open the door," Nick said.

Judy then let Nick into the bathroom. Nick was in a black undershirt and grey sweatpants.

"Do you know the results yet?" Nick asked.

"I was too nervous," Judy stated. "I don't get it. We visited doctors several times, got all the information we needed, we're both healthy, and there should be no real dangers for me. I shouldn't be scared, but I am."

"I'm scared too. But at times like this, it's best to pull the bandage." Nick said to Judy as he hugged her side.

"Pull the bandage. Okay." Judy said.

Judy then walked over to the sink counter where she put the pregnancy test on. She was about to flip it over when Nick stopped her for a moment.

"Are you really gonna be okay with whatever that says?" Nick asked.

"This is something we both want," Judy said.

"Okay," Nick said letting Judy do it. "On 3."

"1..." Judy said.

"2..." Nick said

"3!" Both Nick and Judy said.

Judy then flipped the test over. Both she and Nick look at the results and both of their eyes widen. Nick knew how he felt. But... did Judy really felt the same?

"Judy, how do you fe..." Nick said. But before he could finish, Judy's hugged him tightly.

"I'm so happy," Judy said as she has happy tears coming from her eyes.

"We're gonna be parents," Nick said happily as he started crying happy tears as well.

"We're gonna be parents," Judy said as well as she looked at Nick happily.

The test was positive.

And that, ladies and gentleman, is my interpretation on how 'Never Say Goodbye' should end. I'm glad I finally finish this story. Hope you all liked it and I promise that there will never be a high amount of drama like this in a story from me ever again. Now, for the final talk.

I did this story because of a picture that Borba did before BTBA. The image I used for the title. It was of Judy crying to Nick as he held her head near some tombstones and Bonnie in the background. This story was me putting all of that and the other two story into words. Chapter 1 was because Judy didn't face any consequences. As well as keeping too many aspects of her life a secret. At one point, someone in her life was going to find out about things. It was also for Nick to make an appearance at the end.

Chapter 2 was the argument chapter. Not gonna lie, I hated doing this chapter so much that I actually skipped it and went straight to chapter 3 and started a bit on 4. Being a big WildeHopps fan, this chapter was a bit much for me to write. But it had to be done. Not just to give Nick some leverage, but for Nick to pull out some points that Judy choices weren't the best. Also, it was to show that Borba's chapter, Shay died. I hated killing her off, but in the image, I saw tombstones and I feel that I should put 2 and 2 together. Plus it fitted the concept for the story better.

Chapter 3, like I said, isn't really my headcanon. It's Borba's. Or at least it was in his comedic comic "Hopps Family Ties". I feel that if he uses that, it would change the comics completely. Cause as I did in my story, it would shatter Judy's reality and make her realized that she was too hasty with her decision. Filling her with grief and regret and Nick giving her his forgiveness.

Chapter 4 wasn't only the reconciling chapter, but the 'talk about everything' chapter. And I mean almost EVERYTHING. That's why this chapter was so long. But the best part was that Nick and Judy got everything out in the open chose to finally stay together. A much better happy ending than BTBA, wouldn't you agree.

Well, that's all I'm saying. Until the next story.