Chapter 17

Legacy

Chapter quote:

Sometimes to give a gift you must give it to someone who will pass it on when the time is right.

-Anonymous.

Edited by OptumusPower92

Thanks, Buddy!

Tundratown Mountains

4:45 a.m.

High up in the snowy mountains of Tundratown was a small log cabin. Nothing too huge and but it was very nice. It once belonged to one of the old resorts of the area but had been bought by the two occupants' benefactor.

The inside of the building was two stories high with a Cathedral roof. There was a loft where the beds resided. Underneath were the simple kitchen and the bathroom. Both separated by a wall. The rest of the building was open with a few pieces of old future lying about. And of course, there was a huge fireplace to keep the place warm.

Ryan and Grant Snowlence had made this a long-term base of operations. The reason was both a simple and disheartening one. Simply it was a place way out of the public eye that was safe. The reason it was disheartening was that the simple cabin was the last place their whole family had their last vacation together.

Just a few months after their vacation their father, Bryan, died in a horrible car accident. Their father was the founder of the Helpful Hand Moving Company. After his death, the company and jobs with it fell to the then-teenage Ryan and Grant. They had already been helping their father with the moving work. So it wasn't that much strain physically but it was mentally. Because of this their mother Lisa never truly recovered from losing Bryan.

Over the next year, the stress of running one of the biggest moving companies in Zootopia took its toll on Lisa. Her health started to rapidly decline. Fearing the worst Ryan convinced Grant to sell the company for the money to save their mother. But her health problems were too greatly progressed. All they could really do was make sure she was comfortable until her final hours.

As the months passed Ryan and Grant took what jobs they could but would ultimately end up back at square one. That was until Ryan had an idea. It was back when they were helping one of the more wealthy people of Zootopia move that they were kidding around about how easy it would be to steal the expensive items and sell them on the black market.

It took a lot of convincing from Ryan to get Grant to agree but eventually, he caved. Their first heist was a complete success. Not a thing out of place other than the item they stole. For five years they made hit after hit becoming notorious in the underground for their effectiveness and success. It wasn't until the fifth year that they started to get overconfident and sloppy. It was on one fateful night in the Rainforest district that it all changed.

They were caught. They had been hired to steal guns; real combustion firearms. The only place you could reliably get those were from the ZPD itself. They had decided to hit one of the smallest precincts in the city on a night that there would be few officers on duty.

Back then surveillance was crude and expensive and usually only placed in high traffic places; like the lobby. All had been going well until one unlucky officer rounded the wrong corner at the wrong time. Ryan had already reached and looted the weapon cash and was armed. As soon as he had seen the officer he'd pulled the trigger.

Ryan had often boasted that their gang name was because of their skill and their custom to silence anyone who ever caught them. Never in all of the five years had he killed anyone. But in the spur of the moment, he made true of their name.

Over the next months, Ryan and Grant had a falling out. They argued on whether or not to leave the way of life they were living behind. They'd made their fortune what more could they want? Eventually, Ryan convinced Grant to go on one last heist with him, and then they would call it quits and leave the country. But he was planning on going out with a bang. Their target was the one the only Precinct One city center.

It was now that Ryan and Grant thought over their lives and what choices they'd made and how it lead up to this point. All around the cabin wrecked furniture was strewn everywhere and there was a large hole in one of the walls. Three bloodied bodies lay scattered about the ruins. The fire was roaring in the fireplace almost ready to escape and overtake the brothers who were sheltered in the kitchen. It was clear a battle had taken place.

Grant has leaned up agent the cabinets with several bullet wounds peppering his body. He took a ragged breath. "Never thought it would turn out like this. Never thought we would make it this far either, eh Ryan?" He spoke in a deep but soft voice.

Ryan was kneeling down trying his best to tend to his brother's wounds. "Yeah, we put up one hella fight. But I have a feeling they'll be back."

"Then go. I'm not going to make it. Save yourself."

"Grant we've been through far too much together for me to do that. Do you remember what mom use to say? 'That'd you'll be there for each other, not because of what you've done in the past and not because of your mistakes; but because you're brothers. You'll see through the mistakes and the pain and you'll see each other. It's because of the differences that you both will make it; together.'"

"Heh. You're such a sap. Do you ever regret it, everything we did?" Grant asked in a low voice.

"No not all of it. The only things I regret is killing that officer and trying to kill the bunny and her partner."

"We were under orders Ryan, to keep the plan secret, kill if necessary but as a last resort. You know how important it is that we did that."

"Yeah I know but that doesn't excuse me, there was another way. You've always been the better mammal out of us. I've always been the bad one. I am the reason we're here today."

He was unable to continue because of a crash from the front door. In walked a large group of mammals they whore heavy clothing for the cold and ski masks to obscure their identity. They all brandished assault rifles. Among them were four polar bears two feline mammals and three canines all of which couldn't be identified because of their masks.

Ryan stood up and placed himself between his brother and the group his old revolver in paw. "So you've come to finish the job, eh? May I ask who sent you? Was it Exodus? Trying to tie up their loose ends?"

"I know not of what you speak Snowlence. I just here to put a stop to your operation." Spoke the largest polar bear in a gravely Medvessian accent. (FYI it's Russian, at least that is what I was told) He stood noticeably taller than the rest even towering over Grant.

"What are you going to do, kill me?" Ryan taunted.

"That just about size of it." Said the polar bear.

"Well, I guess this is it isn't it Grant?" Ryan asked. When he didn't get an answer he turned and his heart dropped like a stone in water. Grant was still his chest was unmoving and his eyes were still open looking up at Ryan with worry.

Even before Ryan could turn to try to avenge his fallen brother he was jerked up into the air by his neck. He couldn't breath and the pressure around his neck was growing by the second. All he could do was raise the pistol in his paw and pull the trigger. But he was met with a loud click signaling he was out of bullets.

Ryan resigned to his fate he was losing feeling in his arms and legs. He felt the revolver the same one that his father owned and his father before him slip from his paw and land with a loud thud. Ryan closed his eyes and thought of his family. Was it true that they would all be together again after the end? Or were they doomed to forever be torn apart? It was a scary thought to have but he found a little comfort that maybe he could be with them again.

Ryan's world was fading into nothing. Right before he crossed the threshold he silently prayed the even after all the evil he'd done and all the pain he'd caused that maybe in the end when it all came down to it his actions would save others. That maybe he helped save the world.

Nick was seated in a huge yet comfortable armchair in a small but cozy room. He was seated in the middle of the room one window behind him and another on the left wall. The right wall was mostly bookcases and the far wall was more of a door than anything. The walls themselves were painted a soft green with orange swirls and designs mixed in. Nick almost could compare it to Judy's favorite pajamas.

To be honest Nick didn't want to be here. It was his day off and he wanted to spend it with Judy. But Chief Bogo had suggested (ordered) that he to come to see the precinct shrink, just to make sure he was fit for duty.

"So are there any issues that you have been experiencing since you encountered Ryan. Any at all; loss of weight, troubled sleep, an increase in stress, strange worrying or frightening dreams? Anything at all?" Miss. Sharosch a kind old porcupine asked.

"Well, there are dreams now and again. But they're getting more infrequent."

"Come on Nick fess up. That rabbit said you'd be stubborn; don't make her right." There was no force behind the words just a little kind humor.

"That rabbit has a name; it's Judy and she's always right." Nick informed with warmth at the end.

Miss. Sharsoch looked over her notepad at the fox. "Ah, I see I've hit a nerve. Let me guess… You dream about not being able to save her on that night." Nick's silence spoke loud and clear. "So that leads me to the conclusion that you are afraid of losing Judy from your life."

"Yes," Nick whispered. "It's just I'm afraid one of these days one of her quick decisions is going to get her hurt, or worse." Nick had long ago realized that he was a fool for ever thinking Judy was going to run away from him.

"Well, Nick you're not suffering from any kind of trauma you just care for your partner, as you should. I'll say this off the records just like I did to Judy. The both of you need to look out for one another be it on the job or not. You need to know when to push each other forward or pull back on the reins so the speak. Nick, I already know Judy is going to be doing most of the pushing it's up to you to hold her back case she gets going too fast. But that doesn't mean you can't push either when she needs some help. Here," she held out a slip of paper, "take that to Bogo so he knows you're clear for duty like you were the day you both returned."

Nick removed himself from the bed-sized piece of furniture before stretching. "Thank you, Miss. Sharsh. Take care."

"Yeah yeah, you as well." She turned and waddled back to her desk which was tucked away in the far corner of the room. It was a room that would fit the largest mammals so it was easy to hide a desk in it without meaning to.

Nick quickly found the door and his way out. Now all he had to do was find Judy. Not too hard, not including the fact that she was a little bunny in one of the largest and most complex buildings Nick had ever set paw in. Piece of carrot cake. Oh great now I'm starting to talk like her!

The first place he checked was Clawhauser's desk. On his approach Nick didn't see any cottontails or black tipped ears; Judy must not have been around there. But while he was there he might as well ask if anyone's seen her.

"Hey Spots, have you seen Carrots around?"

Clawhauser looked up from his computer, then back down at Nick. "Yeah, she said something about going to the gym in the back. Other than that I got nothin'. Sorry."

"Oh no, you're good, thanks." Nick turned with a wave and returned to the labyrinth of halls doors and offices that made up the ZPD. Several minutes later Nick pushed open a huge metal door and entered the ZPD's gym. Almost all of the equipment in the massive room was made for large mammals but in the far corner, there was some stuff for smaller mammals like Judy and himself.

Nick was half expecting Judy to be on one of the treadmills trying to break the sound barrier. But he was surprised to find the place completely empty. Shrugging, Nick walked deeper into the room and to the left. About halfway down the left wall was another door. Nick crossed the threshold into the second part of the gym. In it was a pool for doing laps with two lanes, and in the middle of the water floated a rabbit shaped form.

Ever since her accident Judy had found that floating around on her back in the water would rid her of the little bits of pain she would still get every now and again. And that was exactly what she was doing. She was just bobbing around in a one piece ZPD swimsuit. She almost looked like she was asleep.

"Carrots," Nick called softly as to not startle her. "I'm done with my luxury interrogation. Are you ready to go?"

Judy opened her eyes and smiled at Nick. "Sure." She called before swimming towards him. She made the distance in a few seconds before stopping at the edge of the pool. She held onto the edge and looked up at Nick in a cute way.

Nick kneeled down close to her. "You know you look adorable right now?" Judy started to blush and her ears dropped which only made her look even cuter. "C'mere." Nick leaned down even further and kissed the rabbit. The kiss quickly became more heated before Judy latched onto Nick's shirt to hold herself closer to him.

Judy pulled back, breaking the kiss. Nick barely had time to register what was happening when Judy suddenly start dragging him into the pool by hooking her feet on the edge and kicking off. Nick tried to flail his arms to catch onto something that he could hold to. But there was nothing in reach.

Nick ungracefully plunged into the cool water head first. He struggled for a split second trying to find his equilibrium before his head broke the surface. Nick opened his eyes to see Judy a few feet away smirking at him.

"I told you to stop calling me cute in public."

"But I said you were adorable there's a difference between that word and cute."

"Nick what did I tell you cute and words like it did to me?"

"That they turned you on."

"No! That's not what I'm talking about!"

"I don't know, you said it was just embarrassing but I think your answer just now gave away your real reason."

"I'm going to drown you."

"Oh, and how do you plan to take the life of this poor innocent hard working fox?"

"I'm going to kiss you to death dumb fox!" She squealed before lunging at said fox.

Judy grabbed Nick around the neck dragging them both under the surface before mashing her lips to his. At first, it was just a normal kiss but it too became heated. Judy gently explored Nick's teeth with her little tongue; asking for entrance. Nick was happy to oblige and opened his mouth his own tongue venturing out. Tongue met tongue with an electric sensation. Flavors, unlike any others, were traded between the couple.

Unlike in the movies kissing underwater was much harder than it looked. This fact cut Nick and Judy's kiss way shorter than either would have ever wanted. But the need for oxygen drove them back to the surface. They clung to each other and panted.

"As much as I'd like to continue, we better stop before someone catches us."

Judy sighed a little put-out but nodded. "Yeah, we don't need to get fired on a day we aren't even working on."

Nick climbed out of the water first before giving Judy a paw. As soon as they were steady, they started walking to the locker room doors. "You know Carrots if you wanted to have a swim with your favorite fox you should give him some time to change into the right clothes." Nick pulled on his sopping wet shirt which otherwise clung to his lean and muscular body.

"Sorry," She whined as her ears dropped. "I didn't think about that."

"What am I supposed to wear now? My spare clothes? Oh no, spare me the horror of that! I'll never hear the end of how bad they look from you."

"Oh hush, Nick it can't be that bad." Judy smacked Nick's arm causing water to splatter in her eyes. She flinched before rubbing her face.

"That's what you get for hurting your fox."

"Har har laugh while you can, Slick. I'll get you sometime." They approached the locker room doors which caused them to have to split paths. "Mark my words you handsome red devil, I'll get you!"

"I patiently and religiously await the day my dear." Nick continued into the locker room. A moment later he was on one of the fur dryers with a fresh change of clothes. It didn't take long for him to get dry and changed and he was on his way.

On the way out to the main hallway, Nick's phone chimed. Nick fished it out of his neon orange Pawaiian shirt and looked at the message he received. It was from his mom.

'Hey, Nicky how are you? I know it's your day off and I was wondering if you and Judy would like to come out to lunch with me. You don't have to if you both already have plans. I just thought it would be nice to go out with my kit and his new girlfriend.'

Nick smiled at the message. His mother could really write a convincing invitation she even threw a little guilt in there at the end. With an eye roll, Nick started typing out a reply. He paused after re-entering the hall. Judy was already out clothed and dried albeit a little bit fluffier.

"Hey, Carrots my mom is inviting us to lunch you wanna go?" Nick asked.

"Sure that sounds great!" She beamed.

Nick finished typing his reply and then read it aloud to Judy for approval. "Hi Mom, Judy and I are doing fine. We'd both love to come to lunch with you. Where did you have in mind?" Judy nodded and Nick hit send.

Almost instantly Nick's phone pinged with a reply. Nick read it to Judy who was trying to stand as tall as she could to see the screen.

"Oh, that's great! I was thinking about going to Weazer's. Does 12:30 work?" Nick read in his best 'mom' impersonation.

Judy giggled at Nick's poor imitation. "You need to be nicer to your mom. Otherwise, I'll ask about your baby pictures."

Nick's face paled "Oh please don't bring that up any sooner than it has to happen. I already know she's going to love showing you those. And who says I don't treat my mom nicely?"

"No one. I'm just saying you need to get better at your voice acting. Otherwise, I'll get to see pictures of your fluffy baby butt."

"You'd like that wouldn't you?" Judy smirked and nodded. "Well, I'd better start practicing then. Alright, here's my Carrots impression," Nick cleared his throat before speaking in an overly feminine and high pitched voice. "Hi, I'm Carrots. I'm a cute fuzzy wuzzy bunny cop that loves the super awesome and handsome fox Nick Wilde— oof"

Judy barely managed to hit Nick, interrupting him, before succumbing to her giggles. "Shut," she was interrupted by a burst of laughter. "Up Nick. I don't sound like that and I said to stop calling me cute!"

"If my ears are correct it was you who just called yourself cute, so it doesn't count." Nick reasoned.

Judy rolled her eyes at Nick's logic. "Yeah, whatever you say, Nick."

"What you mean is whatever you say." Nick pointed out matter-of-factly.

Judy rolled her eyes again, this time she really took the time to emphasize the action and make clear how annoyed she was. But she still couldn't hide how the corners of her mouth curved up in a smile she was trying not to have. She grabbed Nick' paw with both of her own and started pulling him to the exit. "Come on Nick, we have a lunch to go to." She tried to grumble and sound mad but failed at that too.

At the same moment across the station, Wolford was also exiting the building he'd gotten a lead and was hot on its trail. Was this the break they all needed was this the clue that would crack the case? All he knew is that it was worth a shot.

"Alright, I'm going to the little bunnies room. I'll be right back, Nicky." Judy giggled before she skipped away from the booth, but not before she kissed him on the cheek.

Nick and his mother sat in silence for a long moment. Nick had his arms crossed and wouldn't look in the direction of Marian.

"What?" Marian asked.

"I can't believe you showed Judy my kit pictures," Nick grumbled. "I thought we agreed that you would do that after I was married! What happened to you being on my side?"

Over the course of their lunch together Marian had started showing Nick's baby pictures to Judy. It wasn't just a convenient coincidence that she happened to have all the good ones saved on her phone. She'd been planning this lunch ever since Nick had shown up at her door with a bunny saying he was joining the ZPD.

She'd had a plan for years now. It only needed patience for the conditions to be right for her to start executing it. After months of waiting, she got her sign shortly after Judy woke up in the hospital.

Marian smiled and rested her chin on her paws which they themselves rested on the table. "Look at me, Nicky." Against his will, Nick met his mother's eyes. "Do you want to know why I brought you both here today?" Nick shook his head. "I'm a mother, Nick. I know when my kit is going into another stage of his life."

"I'm not a little kit any more mom," Nick complained.

"You'll always be my little kit. But like I was saying, I'm a mother; I know. You love that bunny very much don't you?"

Surprised by the suddenness of the question Nick became cautious. "Yeah… I do, why?"

"Do you think she's the one; your life mate?"

"Mom, can we not talk about that?"

"Shut up Nicky you're a fully grown adult, you should act like one more. No wonder Judy is always at her wit's end around you."

"Fine. Yes, I think— no, I know she's the one." Nick spilled.

"Alright." Marian pulled the ring on her finger she'd been fiddling with off and placed it on the table in front of Nick.

Nick looked at the brass and copper ring in surprise. It was the same ring his father had proposed to Marian with and the same one he placed on her finger the day they were married. He even remembered playing with it when he was a little kit. Even after all the years of not being married she still wore the band faithfully.

Nick had a feeling he knew what was happening. Nick opened his eyes to "Mom what are you doing?" he asked.

"Take it. I want you to have it when you marry Judy. It doesn't mean you have to rush. But when you're ready you can use it if you choose." Marian spoke kindle.

"But Dad gave this ring to you; it's yours." Nick reasoned. He didn't want to take something that was so precisions to his mother.

"Nick I've said this before; your father would be so proud of who you've become today. I'm more than certain that he would want you to marry that sweet bunny. I think he'll approve of me giving this to you. I don't need this old ring anymore. I want you to make it as special to Judy as your father did for me."

Nick reached down and picked up the ring. He had always wondered just how the copper and brass became braided together in such a way. Turning it over in his fingers he saw the gray spot that marked the solder point. The ring itself was simple and inexpensive, but the sentimental value was beyond measurement.

"Thank you Mom," Nick whispered having a hard time keeping the emotion out of his voice.

"It may need to be resized but that won't be hard to do," Marian said casually.

Nick placed the ring in his pocket and smiled up at his mother. She smiled back at him, just like she did when he was little. Over the years Nick had always had a strong connection with his mother. Their relationship was strained while he was hustling, but she still loved him. He was all she had and she was all he had. But even so, she still wore her wedding ring, still loved Nick's father. It put a knot in Nick's throat for her to be giving it up for him to pass on to Judy.

At that moment Judy decided to return to the group. "What did I miss? When I left, Nick was ready to burst into flames and now he's looking all sappy and dare I say emotional. What happened?"

"Oh, nothing dear. We were just reminiscing about some old times, that's all." Marian covered quickly.

Judy shrugged with a smile and sat down next to Nick. They all sat and created small talk until Marian dropped Judy a bombshell.

"So tell me, Judy, how do bunny relationships work, I'm curious."

Judy started to blush. "Well, we start out by dating, being around each other a lot. This usually means we either go work in the field with them during the day or they come and work with us. It's a huge farming community out there so that is the best way to spend time together. There can be movies and dinners just like normal. But tradition usually had us working together to see if we could maybe live together. Then if it's the right person we get engaged and then married. The whole process can take up to three, maybe four months." As she explained Nick listened closely

"Three or four months? That's pretty quick." Marian stated.

"Well most of us have grown up close together and been to school together. That's part of it. But sometimes it can take longer for a relationship to reach the next 'level' so to speak. Sometimes up to a year at most."

"Do bunnies mate for life?" Marian asked.

Judy's blush darkened but she didn't shy away. "Yeah, we do. Divorces are rare but not unheard of. The only other reason a couple would be separated is if one of them passed away." Judy paused seeming to think something out. "May I ask how fox relationships work?"

"Of course, what do you want to know?"

Judy's blush was darker than ever. "Do-do foxes mate for life?"

"Nick hasn't told you?" Judy shook her head. "Oh, I see still trying to figure out how this whole relationship thing works in general. Yes, we do mate for life. In fact, depending on how strong the relationship is if one of the couples passes away it usually causes the other to as well."

"Then why didn't you die when Robbin did." Judy covered her mouth shocked at her own words. She tried to keep the question from flying out of her muzzle but it did before she could think about it. "I'm sorry, that was rude of me and I shouldn't have said it. Just, just forget I asked."

"It's alright Judy. My question is; Nick told you about Robbin? He's never told anyone about that… But to answer your question; I wanted to die after I lost Robbin, I lost the will to go on. But I couldn't leave Nick all alone in the cruel world to fend for himself. What kind of mother would I be if I did that?" She chuckled. "Not a very good one, I'll tell you that. So it was ultimately Nick that saved me."

Judy looked over at Nick who was blushing so much that it was visible. She was about to make a jab at him in his weakened state but at that moment George walked up to the table.

"Alrighty folks, plus Nick, you guys all done?" After receiving three sets of nods he continued. "Anything for dessert? Come on Red treat your bunny to some sugar. You know she'll love it."

"Oh yes Nick, give me some sugar," Judy said suggestively. This caused George and Marian to burst out laughing. Judy herself was mid-chuckle when Nick leaned forward and licked her from her lips to little pink nose. Ears ramrod straight up from surprise, Judy froze all except for her nose which wiggled like crazy.

"Sweet enough for you dear?" Nick sat up straight at looked at George as if nothing just happened. "Let's see... Carrots was talking about getting ice cream yesterday while we were on patrol. So how about some of your fried ice cream for me and Carrots? And what do you want Mom?"

"Sounds unhealthy, I'll have a bowl as well."

"Sure thing Mrs. Wilde. I'll have that out for you guys in a jiffy."

"George! What have I told you about calling me, Mrs. Wilde? Stop that! You're making me feel old." She teased.

George winced and his ears dropped. "Sorry I didn't mean for it to have that effect, it won't happen again." With a fancy bow, George scurried back to the kitchen.

"You know mom he's been calling you Mrs. Wilde since he was a kid, ease up on a guy."

"I know that Nicky, it's good for him. We've all known each other forever now it's fair now that he's grown up that he can call me by my first name."

As Nick and Marian talked Judy came out of her stunned stupor. She reached up and touched her nose to feel that it still has Nick's slobber on it. After wiping it off she reached over and grabbed a pawful of Nick's tie. With a strong jerk and a yelp, Nick was nose to nose with Judy.

"You know, Slick… That wasn't the kind of sugar I was talking about..." She pulled him closer and kissed him. She pulled away. "That's more like it." She whispered after which she released the tie.

Nick automatically sat up straight in a daze. His head felt like it was filled with cotton. He hadn't been expecting the surprise kiss, not that he would complain. It was just how Judy worked; in strange and unexpected ways. He loved her for it.

Nick reached over and pulled Judy into his side. After a second she snuggled in and 'hummed' in contentment. Nick rubbed her shoulder affectionately. This is what he wanted, and it was what he had.

After waiting and chit-chatting for several minutes, George sauntered up to the table with two glass bowls in paw. "Here was are, my friends. Two orders of fried ice cream, one for you Marian, and one for the cu—" Nick's glare cut the bobcat short. "–I mean lovely couple."

Judy scooted her and Nick's bowl to herself before digging a spoon in and making a beeline for Nick's muzzle. As soon as Nick turned his glare away from George his nose met spoon full of cold desert. Out of reflex Nick snorted; spraying the sweets all over. Judy squeaked and tried to shield herself.

Nick was only able to look on in shock at the ice cream covered rabbit that was glaring at him. "C-Carrots, listen. That wasn't on purpose, I swear."

"Really now?" she grinned menacingly "It almost looked like you did do that on purpose." Nick opened his mouth to plead his innocence but as soon as he did. Judy flung a spoonful of ice cream at him. She really didn't put that much power behind it, but it still splattered all over his face. "Ha! I got you!" She cheered.

"Carrots, I can't help but be reminded of the day we first met." Nick chuckled at the puzzled look and tilted head Judy was giving him. "What you don't remember your threat about the mucus in cookies and cream? Or maybe the reaction it had on some of the nearby customers?"

A look of realization appeared on her face as the pieces clicked into place. "You mean when you?" Nick nodded in affirmative. "And the?" Judy pointed over her shoulder as if she was still standing in the ice cream shop and everything had just happened a moment ago.

"Yep, Carrots. Remember now?" Judy nodded "Good now we can finally enjoy our well-deserved dessert." Nick took the spoon from Judy's paw and deftly scooped a bite out of the bowl before them. He looked at Judy with a knowing smile and a twinkle in his eye. Without words, Judy opened her mouth and Nick fed her the spoonful of icy sweetness.

Mid-action, Nick's phone started to ring. "I'm sorry ladies. Let me take this." After a moment of maneuvering around Nick managed to fish his phone out of his pocket. With a tap of his thumb, the music stopped. "Wilde here for a wild time."

Suddenly Nick's easygoing smile vanished and he sat up straight in his seat. This caused Judy to look at him in concern.

"Nick, is everything alright?" All she got was a paw being held up telling her to wait a moment.

After a few more tense seconds Nick replied. "Yeah, I understand. We'll be there as soon as we can." With that, Nick ended the call and flopped the phone on the table.

"Who was that Nick? What did they want?" Marian watched on in mild concern at what was unfolding.

"It was Wolford. He's got a lead and needs us to meet him in an hour."

"Really?! Come on Nick lets go!" Judy managed to squirm out of the booth and took off running through the restaurant before she came to a skidding halt. Suddenly she bolted back to the table. "Bye Marian, Thanks for lunch. I'm sorry to cut it short, I'll see you later bye!" And in a streak of gray Judy was gone.

Marian stared in the direction Judy had gone in mild shock at what had just happened.

"I'm really sorry Mom, she's just excited." Nick apologized as he got out of his seat.

"Don't you worry about it, Nick. What did your friend have to say?"

"From the way he sounded it was bad. He sounded shaken and he's a senior detective. Whatever has him this worked up has got to be bad." Nick fished around his pocket for his wallet before Marian batted his shoulder.

"Don't worry about it, dear. Lunch is on me today. Go help your 'partner' and remember what I told you."

Nick smiled in gratitude. "Thanks, mom. I love you. I'll call you later." Nick rushed and jogged after Judy. After a quick goodbye to George, he was out and back in the car.

"What took you so long, Slick? I could have already been there if you'd have hurried up."

"Sorry Carrots had to say bye to Mom. Don't you dare say anything about me being a mama's boy." Judy closed her mouth and crossed her arms in a pout.

"Way to ruin the fun." After a moment of not getting an answer, Judy looked over at Nick. All his focus was on the road. "Nick? Are you alright?"

Nick shook himself from his deep thinking and glanced at the rabbit. "Yeah, sorry I'm fine."

"What did Wolford tell you, Nick?"

"He didn't tell me anything. He just sounded… stressed, spooked, unnerved. Whatever you want to call it. Whatever he found out is big."

"What do you think it could be?" Judy wondered allowed.

"I don't know Carrots…. I don't know. We'll get through it though, together." As Nick drove he reached over the center console and opened his paw. Judy without hesitation grasped his paw with hers.

"Yeah, together."

I'm not dead! Whooooooo! Yeah I'm back, sorta. I know it's been a very long time but here it is. I have an excuse. My truck broke down last July, it's taken me till just this last Thursday to get it fixed. Tack that on to school lousing a job and finding a new Job. Honestly I just didn't have the drive to write, I was in a bad place for a long time. But some amazing people helped pull me out and gave me the strength to keep fighting on. You know who you are Den Dwellers. Thank you all so so much! I love you guys.

Now on to how long this may take to update... I don't know. It most likely will be a while. College is starting up in three days. But I promise it will NOT be another six months till I update again. If you think I'm taking too long just PM me and tell me to get my butt back in gear. That really helps actually.

If you've stuck around this long thank you for being so patient. I will try my best to do better in the future.

Happy (kinda late) New Years guys! Bye :)