Author Note:
Dear readers, if you have make it this far YAY I have maybe peaked your interested.
Only wanted to make a short & simple point on what rabbits are used for even today. But turned out longer then I expected. Hope now to clear up my own mess of a story/summary with this final chapter.
God help Disney if any of there products are found to be tested on animals.
Chapter 2: Aftermath
Nick's feet seemed to be on autopilot as it entered Savanna Central hospital.
Showing his badge at the nurse station he proceeded to Judy's room. On entering the ward he could hear raised voices as reached the door.
"That's it young lady. I've had enough of this you are coming home with us". The female voice continued "It not enough keep your parents in a constant state of worry, how many more times must you be injured before you reconsider your career".
Opening the door unnoticed the fox entered, Judy's mother in full flow finished with "If you want to get out of this hospital tonight you will do as you are told" before awkward silence fell.
"NO", Nick said closing the door. All three bunny's turned to look his way.
Looking over at his partner, only one bloodshot eye showing any outward change to her appearance. He strolled to other side of the bed facing Mr & Mrs Hopps.
Judy recovering herself thinking. this should be interesting. It's one thing to stand up to her boss but it takes more confidence to stand against her mum and dad.
Mrs Hopp's said "What did you say?".
Nick repeated himself, "I said NOOOOO".
Judy's mum opened her mouth to say something, but was interrupted.
"You expecting carrots here to give up all she's worked for and for something that was outside her control". Adding "AND taking her back to the very place where incident happened without considering her feelings?". The parents looked appalled.
"In this case I will take care of her myself, I am her partner". Quickly correcting himself "colleague".
Bonnie let out a breath. "I understand your feelings can you understand ours?"
"Do you understand the hospital policy and care needed?"
Nick played his final argument, "I do understand that should you force Judy it will make her miserable and very likely resentful."
"What I'm providing is another option which puts her under my legal custody and closer to finest medical care available". His was legally on thin ice, but kept his mask of confidence. "And you have my word that I will protect her".
Someone near cleared their throat loudly. Judy smiled at everyone. "Thank you Nick, please can I have a word in private with my parents?"
Nick felt a little hurt but nodded leaving the room. Had he over stepped the mark as a friend?
Walking towards waiting area he could hear muffled conversation start.
10 minutes later Judy appeared with a small bag and her parents.
Judy stepped up to Nick, "Let go slick".
Mr Hopps called after them "Please look after my baby". Both parents clearly looking concerned.
Nick turned and answered "I will Mr Hopps, but you should know by now she is more then capable of that on her own".
After some quick thinking and fast talking, Nick's area of expertise. He and Judy where being escorted to Judy's flat by ZPD squad car.
A mischievous smile crossed Judy face as she stated "You have no idea of hospital policy regarding discharging patients do you?"
Without looking at her he answered "No, No I do not.". Speaking plainly for once.
She continued "Well oh great protector of mine it means overnight stay for one.".
Nick's eyes went wide. The only sound was muffled laughter.
"The hospital requires a observation period. So you have agreed to watch my tail for 24 hours Mr.".
Now laughing out loud Judy lead the stunned fox by his tie down the hallway to her apartment.
Coming back to his senses in time to see his partner unlock the door.
He'd been here many times, so not commenting on the size of room knowing it fitted her needs. Though the number of plush toy's on the bed seemed to have increased. Crossing the threshold and closing the door with little apprehension this time.
The business like bunny opened a draw under the bed and pulled out extra blanket, commenting "Sorry this is not going to be very comfortable". Leaving the blanket on table and crossing room to clothing rack.
Without a second through she pull off her t-shirt, Nick did a quick turn to face the door. A few moment later he felt a hug. "Ok my gentle fox you can turn around now".
Standing there was a bunny dressed in nightshirt. Continuing the conversation he replied "Thanks I think, but I have had worse offers".
Nick watched as she sat on the bed.
He started to take off his uniform. "Woohoo a floor show" came from the bed, he turned out the light and continued undressing, "So what's the hurry carrots?".
"Long day, it's already late and early start. I have to present myself to Chef Bogo tomorrow." came from the dark.
"Well misery loves company, hope he assigns you to records". With humour she could detect and silent wish. Finishing hanging his uniform and putting the blanket on the floor at the end of the bed.
"Do I want to know why you are assigned to records?" a worried voice asked.
"Long story carrots, likely I will have much time to explain it. But not tonight"
"Good night Nick and thank you".
Nick started awake at the sound of whimpering. Sitting up quickly looking towards bed he could see her body was twitching. Acting quickly kneeling on the floor next to her touch Judy shoulder. She flinched and became still.
"Sorry Nick nightmare". The fox breathe a sigh of relief.
"Hold me Nick". Climbing onto the bed and curled himself around the form under the blanket. The only sounds now steady breathes and sleep returned to them both.
With the sunrise showing on the walls. A soft voice asked "Nick".
"Nick, I need to get up!".
One eye surveying the scene. Which showed him curled around a bunny in blanket, holding her to the bed.
Closing eye again "Sorry carrots not happening, protect and sleep I have a badge prove it".
"My need is a little more urgent. And I think you have the wrong badge in mind"
"Ok,Ok, you're going to be like my alarm clock and not stop until I get up soooo". Rolling aside but forgetting how small the bed was, Nick ended up on the floor with thump. "Awake now happy?"
"Sorry but nature calls" grabbing her towel, wash bag and rushed from the room.
Standing up and starting to dress he smiled. Damn that was a good nights sleep.
A few moments later hearing the door he turned to welcome her back, but found his partner standing there looking down at ointment jar biting her lip.
"Dress my cuts?" without looking up.
"Would be honoured", Nick answered without hesitation. "Think I will have to check hospital policy a little more closely in future fluff".
Glad of the humour making this a little less awkward. Closing the door, crossed the room and sat facing back of chair. She slipped off her nightshirt, only the blush spreading across her ears showed any embarrassment.
"Come on Nick, it not like you have not seen it all before".
Nick thinking maybe not this much fur. With gentle strokes his fingers anointed Judy's shaved back. She closed her eyes, her whole face softening giving herself to Nick hands with unfaltering trust.
"Does it still hurt?"
"No, cuts are healed and pain almost gone but itch's like hell"
"Chef will not allow me to see records recovered, but you are lucky to be alive" Nick shuddered.
"I have faith in my colleagues and my partner"
Strong and gentle hands continued, she felt wonderful a sigh escaped her lips and time seem to slow.
Dipping more ointment he slowed to worked his way along last ragged slash.
"This will never happen again, never let you out of my sight for your sake and mine".
"Partner you're starting to sound like my parents". With touch of annoyance, but with a smile could not see.
Nick stopped remaining silent. Concentrating helping Judy with bandages. Then could not help but watch her bottom & tail wiggled as she crossed the room to dress.
"This also is not a floor show" without turning around. The fox jumped he faced the window.
"OK, ready".
Nick looking around to see now familiar form of Office Hopps.
"Now given that I am in your legal custody I assume you will be taking me to see Chef Bogo?".
Nick knowing that has just been hustled, with sly smile. "Yes, Yes I will Fluff butt".
Judy punched his arm. "Coming on smartass we have work to do."
With friendship and trust comes great responsibility.