Natnat Notes: Chapter seven! We are now caught up with AO3 yay! I will continue to keep this story T in and M in AO3. If anyone wants the uncut version just head over to AO3. Hope you enjoy. For now, this chapter is the same as AO3.

Shout out to the peeps who have reviewed:Nina Arevalo, IDK Dark stories, Ghost Wolf 88, Wildefan 23, Vince Fangway, Cimar of Turalis Wilde Hopps, and Undernet-Broker.

Thank you all for all the favorites and follows!

Brutus Deagon: Responsible for editing this chapter. Thanks!

Concern Fox: Graciously allowed to use his character, and writing Jack and Judy's talk.

Story Notes: Judy and Nick makeup, and more trouble is coming Judy's way.

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 Seven: Compromise

Judy knew this would happen. She sighed as she watched her co-workers leave the 'bullpen.' She guessed that no matter her awards, promotions, and accolades she was still just a dumb bunny in their eyes. Only a pawful of mammals remained, Francine and Kii gave her encouraging smiles. Grizzoli the polar bear snored towards the back of the room. The only two other animals that remained were Fangmeyer and Wolfard who stayed to listen to Judy's suggestions. Grizzoli woke up with a start looked around and left the room. Judy breathed another heavy sigh.

"Hopps…" Bogo began. He didn't expect this much disregard when he introduced Judy's assistance in the salvage mammal case. This was his fault if he hadn't treated her so badly she would have earned more respect from her colleagues. It didn't help that her ex was a good for nothing deadbeat father. Everyone knew of Judy's relationship with Foulfellow and she had fallen more in the eyes of her co-workers because of it.

"It's alright chief," Judy smiled.

"If they don't want to work with Judy because she is a bunny then we have some pretty stupid officers if you ask me," Kii commented.

"Judy you don't need to prove anything to anyone," Francine encouraged.

"I agree lieutenant…an officer needs to have an eye for valuable assets," Wolfard wagged his tail.

Fangmeyer the tigress nodded in agreement, "We would love to have your assistance."

"Thank you," Judy said and began to go over the investigation with the four mammals present. "So you've interviewed every individual from Botany Plants and Party Thyme that used a credit or debit card. Do you have any records of those who bought night howlers in cash?"

"No we don't and the florists don't keep track of that," Fangmeyer informed the group watching Judy's ears lower in disappointment.

"The ban on sales was only temporary and the council is working on a stronger bill," Wolfard said.

"This is going to be a long shot but can we use the cameras outside the stores and see if there was anyone suspicious? We will have to concentrate on or just before the attacks happen. If that doesn't work we'll widen the time margin," Judy explained earning nods of agreement.

"That's going to take a while," Kii worried.

"Yes, there could be more attacks," Francine said.

"Unfortunately we don't have much to go on. Can we also see if we can pour over online sales of night howlers coming to Zootopia? I know that it is a lot," Judy added.

"No worries lieutenant," Wolfard winked.

"I will assist everyone as best I can," Judy assured. The group broke for their lunch break. Judy hurriedly left the precinct to meet Nick. He had insisted on apologizing in person. Judy tried to convince him that everything was alright and that he had no reason to apologize. He wouldn't have it and wanted to invite her to lunch to speak to her. Judy was a bit apprehensive about the whole thing. She valued Nick's friendship and really didn't want to separate the kits who were growing closer. That look, the worried little face of Jon's broke her heart. How can she involve a child who had no stake in the debacle that was her and John's relationship?

She arrived at the restaurant and told the hostess she was there to meet Nick. She was escorted to where he was sitting patiently waiting for her.

"I'm sorry Nick, was I late?" Judy asked.

Nick shook his head, "No, I was early."

"Okay," Judy looked down and waited till the waiter handed them the menus. She glanced at Nick and began, "I'm sorry again Nick. You were right. I was too lenient on John and got your son involved. You have every right to be angry at me,"

"No Judy you don't need to apologize," Nick sighed, "I'm sorry Judy."

"Nick you don't have-" she began.

Nick stopped her, "I was being insensitive to your problems and a major jerk. Luckily my dad knocked some sense into me," he rubbed the back of his head.

"I accept your apology. I don't want John to get in the way of our children's friendship," Judy said.

"I don't want that either. Jon is very fond of the twins,"

"I'm glad, they are quite fond of him as well," she smiled.

Nick continued to gaze at her form. She was lovely and it pained him to see her with so many struggles. "Were the children okay?"

"Yes, thankfully. I am happy you were there in time," Judy noted.

"I am glad they are okay. Hopefully, they won't have to go through something like that again," Nick then saw Judy's disappointed expression. "Is something wrong?"

"John was bailed out," Judy informed.

"What? Why?" Nick was astonished. How had the jerk slipped himself out of this one?

"A new girlfriend her name is Donna Pines," Judy thought.

"That vixen! John definitely can move quickly." Nick said thinking of the marble fox he saw talking with John.

"Yes, she isn't very fond of us," Judy said.

"Oh? And what, pray tell, does Donna think of us?" Nick raised an eyebrow and saw Judy smile.

"That I am a horrid mother and you are my boyfriend, who I use as muscle."

"Ha! Really? I know you are a great mother and unfortunately, her latter statement is false," he winked.

Judy's ears went up and she felt the heat to the tips of her ears. "Well as long as he doesn't come near us," she changed the subject.

Nick liked that reaction, "TRO still in effect?"

"Yes, until we go to court," Judy said, but she still held a worried expression.

"No worries Judy, I am sure things will turn out fine," Nick assured.

"Thank you, Nick. You and your family have been a great support here in Zootopia. I don't know what I would've done without you," Judy gave him a shy smile.

"I'll always be there for you," Nick said.

Judy admitted that she was beginning to count on Nick and trust him wholeheartedly. And it was starting to scare her. She was seeing him no longer as a friend and more of a potential mate. She didn't like that. Perhaps, it was how John broke her heart that she feared a new relationship or fear she wouldn't measure up to his departed wife. She was confused and she didn't know whether to take Nick's flirting as a joke or potential for more. It was probably the former, why would Nick want to date a marked doe with 'baby daddy drama?' "Thank you, Nick, it means a lot." She finally said.

"No problems there Judy. And how did you meet Donna?" he curiously asked.

"She saw me on patrol and told me off. It was very annoying,"

"I bet! I hope she won't cause trouble for you at work,"

"She has nothing to complain about and anyways, I am happy Donna appeared," Judy grinned.

"Oh, and why is that?"

"Gets John off my back," she giggled.

Nick laughed, "Then they are made for each other. Let's hope the happy couple stays together for a long time."

"Yes!" Judy agreed. Judy and Nick had a pleasant lunch together. Judy was glad that they had made up as she enjoyed Nick's company. Not that it matters, she wasn't going to stay in Zootopia long and she best not let herself indulge in romantic fancies. She hadn't lost hope in finding a romantic partner one day but at the moment she just couldn't picture herself with someone. No, she could picture herself with someone, Nick. What a great father he would be for her children and what a wonderful husband she would be for her. But Nick deserved better and she knew this. He deserved to be with his wife who was gone too soon, not her.

The day went by quickly and soon she was at the Wilde home again to pick up the twins. She was eternally grateful for the Wilde family and all the help she received from them. She wouldn't ever be able to repay them for their kindness and generosity. Knocking on the door she was greeted by Jack, who answered the door lightly panting dressed in loose silk pants and, much of her embarrassment, was shirtless. Judy kept her eyes locked on Jack's face which was gently smiling at her.

"Good afternoon Judy, you just caught me at the end of my daily workout, so I apologize for the bare fur," he said.

"Oh, it's fine really, and good afternoon as well," she answered, she noticed the home was quiet with no signs of her children or Jon.

Jack noticed her puzzled look and answered the question he could tell she was thinking, "Vivian took Jon and the twins to the park. They should be back soon,"

"Oh, thank you," Judy said she hadn't asked Vivian to do that, but she was glad she did, after all the drama a trip to the park would be the perfect thing. Jack stepped out of the way and beckoned her inside. Judy hadn't really been alone with Jack before; he had the habit of sticking to his wife like glue. Jack was a towering figure that could intimidate anyone, and he was still just a little intimidating to her. However, he was a gentle male who showed her more kindness than she thought she deserved.

Jack followed her into the living room and beckoned to the couch saying, "Have a seat," Judy nodded and took a seat while Jack grabbed his bottle of water. Judy gazed around the room and noticed a photo of two children. It was a young teen tod holding a toddler girl. She recognized the tod as Nick but the little girl she was confused about. Jack saw where she was looking and said: "Nick you know, the little girl is his sister Katherine."

"I don't mean to pry," Judy quickly said in embarrassment.

"Oh, it's quite fine. You saw Nick holding a little girl and were naturally curious. Katherine is at college pursuing a future in the medical field, actually she should be back here soon for the break," he explained.

Judy nodded in understanding, "She looks adorable and Nick was a handsome young tod."

"I guess so but they're both pains in my tail, Nick more so" he joked.

Judy laughed, and replied, "I can relate."

"You certainly have your hands full with the twins,"

"Yes and I wouldn't have it any other way," Judy said.

"Have they been alright since yesterday?" Jack questioned.

"I honestly don't know," she answered, "They seem afraid of John now." On their way to the Wilde home, the twins were apprehensive and ask if they were going to see 'daddy.' Junior had been very vocal in not wanting to go see John and Nichole was tearing up. She promised them they weren't going to see him and they immediately perked up upon seeing Vivian.

Jack bit back a growl. They were just babies and that fox that dares calls himself a male lay his paws on them. He was glad that Nick gave him a trashing or he would have done it himself. "Judy, it's unfortunate that you and the kits had to go through this."

"We'll be okay and your family has been so kind to us. I don't know how I could ever repay you," Judy noted.

"There is no need for that. My family is more than happy to assist you in any matter,"

"I really appreciate it,"

"I am sure your parents are worry for you out here alone," Jack pointed out, "You can assure them that you and the children have help."

"I will make sure to tell them that," she giggled and smiled at that, but her smile quickly faded as Jack turned around exposing his back. Set in between his shoulder blades were at least a dozen scars cross and crisscrossing each other. They looked like lash marks, and by their size on his back, he got them when he was younger. He couldn't have been any older than her kits and it horrified her to think how he could have gotten them. Not to mention the scar on his neck and as she raised her gaze to it, she saw his green eyes gazing at her from over his shoulder. Ashamed at her behavior she looked away.

Jack had felt her staring at his back, it was a sixth sense. He was used to mammals staring at his scars, and Judy had never seen the ones on his back before. As Judy tore her gaze away from him in shame Jack reassured her that she did nothing wrong. "It's quite fine you were looking Judy; you were just naturally curious. I am used to mammals looking at them. They're from my kithood."

Judy blanched at that; she had been right. She almost didn't want to ask her next question "It must have been painful…Was it.."

Jack sensed where her question was going and politely interrupted her. "My parents, that did this? No, they were great parents and mammals. I got the scar on my neck the day they died…they were murdered right in front of me, the scar is from them trying to kill me too. I only lived because even as a kit I was stubborn."

"I am so sorry," Judy gasped, this was so much worse than she originally thought it could be…and she was just insinuating that his parents were the ones that gave him those scars. She would have apologized for it, but she knew Jack wouldn't have any of it, so instead, she said, "It must have been so difficult for you."

Jack solemnly nodded and replied, "It was, and it still hurts that they never got to see me grow up, that I never got to introduce them to the love of my life, and that they never got to see their grandkits or great grandkits. I miss them and that hurt will never go away, nor should it. The lash marks on my back are from the headmistress at the orphanage I was sent to. It was a terrible place, but I escaped and took evidence with me. I turned it in, the orphanage was shut down, and that bitch, if you'll excuse my language, rotted in prison until she died. As far as my scars go, these scars for better or worse are what made me who I am today. I am not ashamed of them"

He saw her paws hold her lower stomach. Jack bet she wasn't aware she did this when he mentions his scars. Judy was strong and despite her appearance, she was still female. And she was perhaps self-conscious of her looks. "And you shouldn't be ashamed of your scar either."

Judy looked up at him in surprise and saw she was holding her stomach again, "Twenty-eight weeks. That's how long I was pregnant before giving birth."

That was early, too early. She and the kits were looking at an early grave that day, "You must've been terrified."

"I was…it came so suddenly one day I was enjoying the company of my friends during my baby shower and the other I was rushed to the hospital. Junior was born first. He was wailing his little lungs out I was so relieved but Nichole," Judy breathed and continued "She didn't cry. She wasn't breathing and I felt my world collapse. I am grateful she came back and that she wanted me to be her mommy."

Jack had faced death, pure evil and the darkest recesses of the world. What Judy faced even he had to admit he would have a difficult time handling it. Yet she took it head-on and alone, "I admire you, Judy."

"There isn't anything I need to be admired for," Judy quickly said.

"There is. You gave life to two beautiful children and not to mention you are a police officer. There is a lot to admire,"

Judy looked away embarrassed and was eternally grateful that Vivian walked in pushing a stroller with the kits.

"We're home!" Vivian announced.

"Mommy!" Judy heard her children shout.

"Hello, my darlings!" Judy immediately went to the twins. Jack smiled, Judy reminded him a lot of Vivian with her dedication to her children.

"Oh my is this a new stroller?" Judy pointed out as she helped the kits out of their seats. It was the same Maclaren twin stroller she got for her baby shower. The stroller was a gift from her friends at work. She had been upset when she found out John pawned it and left her children without a stroller.

"Yes, Jack remembered the one you had when I suggested we get you a new one," Vivian said.

"But this is a $400.00 stroller! I can't-" Judy began.

"It's a gift for the children," Jack noted, trying to stop Judy from protesting. "They're still too young to be walking for long." Nick would've had a field day watching Jack go to a store and buy a stroller. Vivian usually took the lead on kit shopping. She did when Katherine was born and Jon as well. He just tagged along to agree with whatever his wife wanted and not to mention provide payment. He wasn't too familiar with the intricacies of baby supplies. He couldn't tell apart bottle nipples and formulas like Vivian could.

"Don't worry about it Judy. Good news, the daycare Jon used to go to has openings and the children can start very soon," Vivian informed.

"Thank you so much Vivian," Judy smiled.

"Grandma water!" Junior said, taking out his sippy cup from the diaper bag and showing it to Vivian.

"Junior she's not grandma," Judy quickly tried to correct the kit.

"Yes baby, grandma will get you water," Vivian picked up the kit smirking at Jack who had a deep frown.

"But-but," Judy gave up, Vivian was enjoying being called grandma by her children.

"It isn't fair," Jack spoke up.

Judy looked at Jack's frown.

"I want to be called grandpa as well," Jack said.

This was more than a cold or allergies. His fever hadn't gone down and Judy was beginning to worry for her son. She decided to make the trip to the ER at an ungodly hour in the morning with her kits. Junior was sleeping on the hospital bed with an IV drip on his left arm. He was still having problems breathing and Judy couldn't help but worry. The doctor had told her she could leave with Nichole and that Junior would be in good hands. She couldn't leave Junior by himself, yet she couldn't expose Nichole to whatever ailment her brother was suffering from. Sitting in the cafeteria she sipped on a cup of coffee while Nichole ate a small breakfast. She was sleepy and had to head to work in two hours. She was going to call in sick and stay in the hospital all day after dropping off Nichole to daycare. She was stuck and feeling pretty down.

"Judy?"

Judy perked and looked up. Vivian was wearing scrubs and lab coat looking surprised by Judy's presence at her hospital.

"Vivian? Good morning," Judy gave her a weak smile.

"Hi, grandma!" Nichole greeted.

"Morning, is everything alright?" she inquired.

"Junior is very sick right now," Judy responded wearily.

"And you've been here all night? Why didn't you call us?" Vivian asked.

"Oh no, it was two in the morning I couldn't possibly wake you up at that hour," Judy shook her head.

"This is an emergency Judy and besides you have Nichole with you what if she got sick as well. You must call me at once if something like this happens again," Vivian insisted.

"I couldn't do that."

"Judy it's okay to ask for help. It doesn't make you any less of a mother to do so."

Judy looked down in shame, "Yes, you're right. I'm sorry…I was just stuck."

"Why don't you go home and rest?"

"I can't, I have to be there when Junior wakes up," fretted Judy as she looked down at her cup of coffee. Last night had been a sleepless nightmare. Junior was crying in discomfort constantly and nothing Judy did could soothe the child. He had finally fallen asleep about an hour ago and she decided to sneak out to get a bite to eat.

"At least let me take Nichole with me," Vivian offered.

It was a good idea. Nichole didn't need to be in a hospital cooped up while her brother laid helpless. Besides, she could get ill as well and she didn't want two sick babies. "If it isn't too much trouble."

"No at all," she smiled.

Judy stayed behind as she waved goodbye to her daughter from the entrance of the hospital. Junior hadn't woken up when she arrived at his room. She was glad there was no other child present in the two-bed room. It was hard enough dealing with a fussy toddler without having to worry about disturbing another sick child. She covered herself in a blanket that a nurse provided as she sat on a sofa. Junior was still having problems breathing and the doctors had opted to supply oxygen. They were still waiting for the lab results but Judy was told it's most likely was a bacterial infection causing pneumonia.

"Mommy!" Junior cried.

"Baby, mommy's here," Judy went to bed to comfort the child.

"Mommy!" he went into a coughing fit.

"Shh shh honey," Judy carried the kit making sure to bring the wires and IVs with her. She heard a knock at the door, "Come in." Judy said thinking a nurse or doctor had come to check on them. She was surprised when Nick came through the door looking every bit concerned for the kit in her arms. "Nick?"

"Hey, Judy is Junior okay?" Nick came closer to the mother and crying child.

"Hi, um…I don't know yet," Judy said.

"Why didn't you tell us you were at the hospital?" he asked.

"I didn't want to bother you. I am sure you are all busy."

"Judy I thought we discussed this. We are here for you and the kits."

"I appreciate that. Thank you and sorry for not letting you know."

"Don't worry about it…come give him here," Nick said taking the crying child off her arms. "Hey there I know it hurts. It'll be alright," he rubbed Junior's back. Junior's sobs turned into sniffles.

"Thank you Nick," she sighed in relief.

"You should go home and take a break. I'll hang here till you come back," Nick offered.

"I don't want to leave him," Judy argued.

"You look exhausted so I insist you rest," Nick countered.

Another knock and a raccoon nurse walked in. She smiled at the pair, "Mr. and Mrs. Hopps I am here to take Nicholas's temperature."

Judy immediately looked away feeling the fur in her body stand and the tips of her ears heat up. The nurse thought they were married! She needed to correct this misunderstanding before it got out of control.

"Junior, the nice lady if going to check you now okay?" Nick grinned.

Placing the child on the bed the nurse took the thermometer to the kit's ear, "Junior? You must be Nicholas senior?"

"The one and only," Nick beamed.

"Wonderful. He is such a good boy. You must be very proud of him Mr. Hopps," the raccoon said taking note of the temperature. She nodded and said, "His temperature hasn't come down yet. The doctor will start antibiotics as soon as the lab results come in." She informed.

"Thank you," Nick said and watched the nurse leave.

"Mommy will be back Junior," Judy kissed the kit's head.

"No mommy! No, go mommy!" Junior began to cry again.

"Hey! Hey! You and I get to spend the day together kiddo! Just us guys," Nick tried to preoccupy the child.

"I promise I'll be back love," she gave an exhausted smile.

Junior looked to Nick and then his mother, "Bye-bye mommy."

"Yeah, that's the spirit!" Nick stuck out his paw and the kit slapped it, "Oh, oh you have a strong hit there Junior." Nick shook his paw earning a giggle from the toddler. Judy waved goodbye and went home. She packed some overnight clothes and toys for the children. The nap she took and shower revitalized her. Even with all this stress, she was grateful she met the Wildes in Zootopia. They were the support system she needed while in the city. Before going back to the hospital Judy stopped at their home and was welcomed by her daughter running to greet her.

"Mommy back!" the child wagged her long tail.

"Yes my love, were you a good girl?"

"Yes! Grandma gave cookie!" Nichole pointed at Vivian who giggled.

"Hello Judy, feeling better?" Vivian asked.

"Much better. Thanks to Nick I managed to take a power nap."

"That's great. Nick just texted and said they started Junior on antibiotics."

"Yes I hope he feels better soon," Judy said.

"I am sure he will. Nichole will be staying over tonight right?"

"If it's not too much trouble. I did bring her pajamas, sippy cup, her stuffy, some extra set of clothes…oh she gets very fussy during bedtime…her food is in here somewhere…" Judy rummaged through the diaper bag.

"Oh Judy, everything will be fine," Vivian said.

"I'm sorry ha ha I think I am having a more difficult time being apart from her than she is from me."

"It's always difficult and she is in good paws. You have nothing to worry about."

"Thank you!" Judy then lowered herself to Nichole's level, "Mommy is going to be with Junior at the hospital be good okay?"

"Junior have boo boo," Nichole pointed at her arm.

"And he'll feel much better soon. I love you," Judy hugged her.

Nick arrived home just before his son's bedtime. Jon peeked from the stairs and ran down.

"Daddy you're home!"

"How's it going Jon?" Nick smiled picking up his son.

"How's Junior daddy? Grandma said he is very sick," Jon questioned.

"The doctors gave him medicine and he is going to be feeling better soon," Nick explained.

"Can I go see him?" Jon asked.

"No because you could catch what he has," Nick explained.

"Is that why Nichole is here too so she won't get sick," Jon questioned.

"Yup, Ms. Hopps doesn't want two sick babies. I hope you were playing with Nichole nicely."

"Yes, she's upstairs," Jon pointed upstairs and a little vixen wearing footie pajamas looked down.

She held a stuffed animal tightly and asked, "My mommy?"

"Mommy will come back tomorrow. Hello Nick how did it go?" Vivian picked up the toddler.

"Junior's temperature went down," Nick walked upstairs with Jon.

"Thank goodness."

"Judy is going back to work so I will stay over at the hospital tomorrow," Nick explained.

"Good she needs the help."

"I want to be there for her as much as possible," Nick smiled.

"Daddy could you read me a story?" Jon asked.

"Sure! What do you want to read?" Nick gave his mother a wave as they parted ways to put the kits to sleep. Jon fell asleep quickly. Nick took off his son's glasses after finishing the story. He walked down the hall to get ready for his own bedtime routine when he ran into his father leaving the master bedroom.

"I've been kicked out of my bedroom by a two year old," Jack answered his son's unsaid question.

Nick laughed, "Nichole took over huh?"

"You're mother is putting her to sleep and she refuses to move Nichole to the guest room. Says Nichole needs the company more than I do," Jack explained.

"Well I think you're old enough to take care of yourself," Nick joked.

"I have rights as head of this family. And I believe I can sleep in my own bed without being moved by a baby," Jack said in a mocking voice.

"You may be general but in this family, mom calls the shots," Nick grinned.

"Twenty-five years of marriage and that hasn't changed," Jack said. "I heard Junior is better?"

"Yes, not out of the woods yet but his fever broke," Nick explained.

"That's good to hear. Anything new on John?"

"According to Judy, he hasn't bothered her yet. TRO still in effect but we both think it is because of the new 'love' in his life."

"Love? That asshole has a girlfriend?" Jack asked.

"Donna Pines, a big shot hedge fund manager and she is going gaga over John," Nick rolled his eyes.

"Donna hm? Yes, she is receiving an award at the Zootopia's Children's Hospital charity ball soon and so are you."

"Wait what?"

"You so graciously donated to the children's hospital," Jack smiled as he saw his son's face fall.

"You made a donation on my behalf! Why did you involve me this?"

"I have to be dragged to this and you are going to share in my misery. Good night son."

"You feeling better love?" Judy said, as she ran her paw over her son's head.

The kit smiled as he opened his eyes to be greeted by his mother. "Mommy."

"Ready to go home," Judy said. Judy was ecstatic after three days in the hospital Junior had been given the all-clear to go home.

"Go home mommy?" Junior asked sitting up from the bed.

"Yes, we're going home."

"No more boo boo?"

"No more boo boos." Judy repeated.

"Yay!" Junior clapped. Judy finished texting her parents on her son's condition and helped her son get ready for discharge. She would go pick up Nichole at the Wilde home and make a special dinner for both the children to celebrate. She'll even bend the rules and let them stay up watching movies. She pushed her stroller out of the hospital feeling happy that nothing could go wrong.

A cloud loomed over Judy when a foreign luxury car stopped ways from her and a marble fox came out. Donna Pines, John's new girlfriend. She boasted how she and John fell in love at first sight and how it was meant to be. Judy didn't care, anything she felt for John died years ago. She came with an air of confidence as several mammals spoke to her and sang praises. She was beautiful Judy admitted and could see why she married so many times. Her personality though, Judy could definitely see why she divorce three times as well. Controlling and prideful Donna had to have it her way or no way at all. A great trait to have in the finance world not so much in relationships. Donna locked eyes on Judy and frowned.

"What's her issue?" Judy thought but decided nothing was going to ruin her day. She had her baby back and they were going to have a blast.

"Not much of a talker are you Ms. Hopps?" Donna said, dismissing with her paw the mammals around her. Judy caught something about her donation to the children's ward and how grateful they were.

"Ms. Pines I think you said enough the day we met," Judy sighed. She tried to leave but Donna stood in her way.

"I will have the charges against John dropped. He is the children's father and has the right to discipline them as he sees fit."

"John has no rights. He signed them off."

"Only because he had no choice," Donna said.

No choice! John had a choice! He could have fought for custody if he wanted. Heck, she could have even entertained weekend visits. John didn't want to be saddled with children and his focus was money, females, and alcohol. He didn't care for anyone but himself. His poor wife who was blindly devoted to him and left him a fortune he squandered away wasn't even on his radar. "Believe what you will," Judy said wanting this conversation to be over with.

"Where is Anabelle?" Donna asked.

"Who?"

"Oh, right you named her Nichole. John and I decided to change her name. Anabelle is much more fitting," Donna grinned.

"You can't change my daughter's name."

"Ms. Hopps let's be realistic here you are a rabbit and Anabelle is a fox. You couldn't possibly raise her properly."

"I have been raising Nichole just fine."

"Can you teach her how to be a fox? How to use her claws, hone her sense of smell and use her vision to her advantage? You can't. Raise your son and we'll raise our daughter. Since their siblings, they can have visits once a month."

"Who in the world does this lady think she is?" Judy thought. She couldn't just come into her life and snatch her daughter. "You're right, I am not a fox."

"I am happy you are being reasonable Ms. Hopps."

"I don't know how to be a fox, but for her, I will learn! I will teach her! Heck, I'll get a tutor for myself if I have to. She is my child and I love her. And neither you Ms. Pines or John can tear her away from me. You want a child so badly there are options open for you. Now if you would excuse me I need to pick up my daughter," Judy pushed her stroller around the indignant vixen.

"You are making a mistake Ms. Hopps."

"No Ms. Pines you are making the mistake," Judy said. If she wants to be with John and get all her money sucked out of her then she was more than welcome to. Judy had better things to think about. She was going to have a great day and no one was going to ruin it for her. Coming to pick up Nichole was emotional for Judy. The siblings hadn't seen each other in days and hugged one another. The siblings shared an unbreakable bond despite their differing species. They loved one another.

What Donna said to Judy was still nagging her. She couldn't teach her daughter how to be a fox. When she was in Zoo York her friends were great at guiding her if she had any questions. She could ask the Wilde family for help and so she swallow a lump in her throat and took the dive. "Vivian if it's not too much trouble," Judy began.

"What is it?" Vivian smiled at the smaller mammal.

"I am not a fox and I was wondering if you could tell me if I am doing anything wrong. With Nichole I mean. I don't want her future to be in jeopardy because I am a rabbit."

"Where did this come from? I think you're doing a great job," Vivian said.

"I met up with Donna outside the hospital and I don't know what John has told her but she wants to take Nichole. She says she is better suited to raise her since she is a fox."

"I never heard such nonsense," Jack spoke up. "I was raised by a badger. He was like a second father to me and I turned up just fine."

"Just fine?" Vivian joked with her husband.

"Fine enough to marry you," Jack winked.

"Oh you," Vivian shook her head, "Judy, Nichole is doing great and you have nothing to worry about. You are bringing her up with care and love and that is all the matters."

"It's not bad that I trim her claws? I only do that because I am afraid she'll get hurt. My friends in Zoo York did so as well. Is it wrong?" Judy asked.

"That's okay Judy," Vivian assured.

"Thank you," Judy admired Vivian's and Jack's relationship just like her parents they were devoted to one another. She wished she could find someone she could be devoted to as he was to her.

"I really dislike going to these events," Jack mumbled.

"Don't be such a grouch dear. These events are for a good cause," Vivian said.

"It is not the cause I am against love it is the mammals that go to them. Donating for some sense of noblesse oblige and going back to their ways as soon as the cameras turn. Frankly, I can't stand the hypocrisy," Jack said.

"Just a bit…and after the awards we'll go home," Vivian assured.

"Just for tonight," Jack said.

"One night out of the year honey," Vivian smiled.

"I'm here too you know," Nick said from the back seat.

"Nicholas we can't live like hermits," Vivian told her son who groaned.

"I'd rather be somewhere else," Nick sighed looking out the car window.

"Rather be with Judy, huh?" Jack teased.

"Of course he would love to be with his future mate," Vivian echoed.

"You two love to see me squirm, don't you?" Nick said.

"I am glad you made up with her as she is going to need all the support she can get. The poor dear now has Donna after her," Vivian said.

"What's going on?" Nick asked concerned.

"Donna wants to adopt Nichole. She says Judy can't raise her properly because she is a rabbit," Jack explained.

"She can't just come and snatch Judy's daughter," Nick commented.

"If she proves that Judy is an unfit parent she can but her plan won't go over well in court," Vivian said.

"Yes, she plans on taking one child and leaving the other. She is just asking to be laughed out of court," Jack said.

"It would just be a waste of resources and time if you ask me," Vivian frowned.

"It's just bringing more stress to Judy. If they try anything I'll hire a team of lawyers to get them off her back," Nick said.

"Let's hope it doesn't come to that," Jack said.

John hated that rabbit with a passion. His playful air and friendly attitude made him sick. The rabbit was now a successful director and had come far from his comedy days. And his wife was a successful singer with a career spanning two decades. Roger Rabbit a white buck who had been his rival on stage and in love years ago. His love that to this day looked beautiful, was Jessica Krupnick or now known as Jessica Rabbit. The only female he had allowed himself to have feelings to was Jessica. Both Roger and he met the vixen at the same time. In the end, she chose Roger, citing "he makes me laugh" as the reason for choosing the rabbit over him. Now the couple stood ways away in the ballroom socializing with various mammals. To this day it still left a bad taste in his mouth of what could have been.

John took a swing from his glass and smiled at Donna. His current girlfriend that had taken him out of that hellhole called Happytown. He just needed Judy to cooperate and give him the child. Who would have thought the little vixen would come in handy for him. Donna wanted a daughter, always had, but she had instead three sons. Now Anabelle was her opportunity to have that long sought after daughter with a fox she adored. If she marries him and adopts the child he would be set. Even if they separate, the child would be his ticket to the easy life. Even Donna's sons couldn't get in the way but his obstacle was Judy. Judy wouldn't give up her daughter but he had to get her to give up the child. He wondered if she would be his mistress in exchange for seeing the child. The thought made him smile with pleasure. To have her again and do with her what he will.

With what Donna told him she was confident that Anabelle would be given to them. Unfortunately, Judy had back up and that backup was that bastard, Nicholas. Said bastard was across the ballroom exchanging pleasantries with other guests. Wearing full military uniform like when they first met. He and his father stood out in the crowd.

"Is that him?" Donna asked.

"Yes," John answered, his face still hurt from the hit.

"That hussy aiming for another rich fox! Has she no shame! We must take Annabelle away from her," Donna said.

"My sweet let's enjoy our night…we will have our daughter soon," John assured.

"I am excited to have our daughter with us. I already hired a designer to start her nursery."

"Of course my love," John hardly listened to Donna and her prattling on about colors and themes. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted Duke Weaselton, curses! He needed to deal with this. "Excuse me, my love," John kissed Donna's paw and headed to Weaselton.

Across the grand ballroom, Nick's eyes followed John's form as he went to speak to the weasel. He was suspicious as the males left the room to speak away from prying eyes.

"Who's that?" Nick asked his father.

"Duke Weaselton a loan shark in Tundratown," Jack answered.

"John probably owes him money," Nick guessed.

"I don't like the sound of that," Jack added.

"I just hope this doesn't come back to hurt Judy," Vivian said. She then excused herself and went to the restroom. She was alone in the opulent restroom when she heard voices coming inside. She was about to leave her stall when she heard John's name be mentioned. She stayed still and heard the females argued. It was more of a one-sided argument as the other voice seemed calm against the frantic of the other one.

"Mrs. Rabbit I don't want to make a scene."

"Ms. Pines you approach me and your boyfriend couldn't take his eyes off me. I can't control the tod," her voice was slow sultry.

"Don't think I don't know about your history with John," Donna said.

"What history? There was no history between him and I. He vied for my affections and I didn't reciprocate. Simple as that Ms. Pines," Jessica disclosed.

"Stay away from him," Donna demanded and Vivian heard the door slam closed.

Deciding to come out Vivian slowly opened the stall door. "My, you heard all that?" Jessica smiled as she looked in the mirror. She was wearing a sequined red slit dress and wore a red wig that covered her right eye. She was a glamorous vixen and Vivian could understand why John had fallen for her.

"Yes I am sorry," Vivian moved to the sink.

"Quite alright. Not the first time a jealous female confronted me," Jessica smirked.

"You know John Foulfellow?" Vivian asked, it wasn't any of her business but curiosity got the best of her. Jessica Rabbit was an accomplished artist and she remembered her rendition of "Why Don't You Do Right?" was a top hit years ago.

"Yes, we ran around the same circles of mammals. Are you one of his many 'conquests?'"

"No, no absolutely not. I just know someone who…" careful with her next words, "…dated him."

"Hmm…poor thing. John always had a way with the ladies," Jessica looked at Vivian's reflection. "His wandering ways became worse after he married."

"He married Mildred Lovelace correct?"

"Ah, Lovelace she overindulged him as well as tolerate all his wandering ways."

"She knew?"

"Of course, she may have been old but she was sharp."

"How sad," Vivian said.

"Sad are those poor kits John disowned," Jessica looked as Vivian's eyes widen. How many animals knew about Judy's kits? She was sure Judy didn't want to end up on the tabloids.

"John can't keep his mouth shut, the fool. So Ms?"

"Vivian Wilde."

"Ms. Wilde I would suggest to your friend to be careful of John," Jessica warned.

"Thank you I will be sure to pass along the message," Vivian answered.

Story Notes:

Jessica Rabbit-Who Framed Roger Rabbit 1988

Jessica is a famous singer and songwriter. In this universe, she is a fox and is married to Roger Rabbit. She is devoted and deeply in love with her husband Roger. She knows John because they hung out with the same circles when they were younger. John loved Jessica but she didn't feel the same way. Jessica could see through John's facade and appreciated Roger's honesty.

Roger Rabbit- Who Framed Roger Rabbit 1988

Roger and John started acting together with Roger taking more of the comedic roles. They were rivals on stage and in love. Both fought over the affections of Jessica with Roger winning out in the end. Roger is hard-working, silly and is head over heels in love with his wife Jessica. His movies have won several national and international awards.

NatNat Notes:

Disney will never create a movie like Roger Rabbit again. ಥ_ಥ

Shout out to all the conjuring fans!