So now we are at Chapter 6. Sadly, this story is almost over. But it's not over yet. Sorry if this chapter took too long. This chapter was WAAAAAY longer than I originally planned. But I had a lot of ideas and wanted to add as much of them as I could. For this chapter Nick will spend some more time with Judy's siblings. They will also be a part with Judy talking to some of her sisters and her mom and Nick talking to Judy's dad. They will also be some shipping moments... cause I like shipping moments. We ALL like shipping moments. Sorry. I REALLY on the WildeHopps ship right now. Well, let's get this chapter underway.
It was the next day on Nick and Judy's time on the Hopps farm. It was the middle of the day and Nick (back to wearing his regular clothing) was in the living room with Judy's mom, Bonnie. She was currently showing Nick a family album with few pictures of Judy and the others. One of the pictures Bonnie showed Nick was Judy during the day she graduated from the academy.
"... And here's Judy on her graduation." Bonnie said to Nick.
"Look at Carrots. All bold and ready to take on the world." Nick said. "She's pretty much the same way now."
"First rabbit recruit and Valedictorian. We were all so proud of her that day." Bonnie said. "But as you can guess, we were also worried about her too."
"Being a cop isn't an easy job. Take it from another Valedictorian and the first fox recruit. I'm also guessing your daughter didn't want to take the easy route." Nick stated.
"Judy was always a trier, compare to the rest of us." Bonnie stated to Nick.
"You should feel proud of that. I mean, I know you and Mr. Hoops must worry about her a lot, but she has helped a lot of people in city. She really is doing her best to make the world a better place." Nick said.
"I am proud of her. Stu and I have always been." Bonnie said. "Oh and Nick dear..." Bonnie then put her hand on top of Nick's shoulder. "Thank you for looking out for our Judy."
Nick felt a little surprised to hear that. He wasn't use to someone thanking him for something other than Judy herself.
"It's... no problem." Nick said while scratching the tip of his nose. Nick then turns the pages of the photo album a couple of times. He was trying to see if he could find some baby pictures of Judy. "I see a lot of baby pictures of your other kids, but it's seems pretty hard to find one of Carrots."
"Ummm... hold on just one second." Bonnie said taking the album and turning a couple of pages. She stopped turning the pages when she found a photo with baby Judy. "Here's one."
Nick looked at the picture. It was really cute baby Judy in a light-blue onesie with carrots on it. She was also holding a stuffed bunny. Seeing the picture of baby Judy made Nick had the widest smile on his face.
"OH... M... Goodness! This has got to be the most adorable picture of Carrots I have ever seen." Nick said look really happy.
"This is one of my favorite pictures of little Judy." Bonnie said happily. "Isn't see precious?"
"Seeing Judy like this, my life is now complete." Nick said smiling slyly.
At that moment, Judy stepped into the room.
"Hey mom. Hey Nick." Judy said greeting them. "What are you two doing?"
"Ooooohhhh nothing." Nick said slyly and snickering. "Just looking at some your ol' family album with your mom. Including..." Nick pulled Judy's baby picture from the album to show Judy it. "... your old baby picture.
Seeing the photo, Judy's face when red of embarrassment.
"NIIIICKKKK! MOOOOOM!" Judy shouted out with a red face.
Judy dashed at Nick to take the picture away from him. Nick got off the couch and decided to play a game of "Keep Away" with Judy. He holds the picture up really high so Judy couldn't reach it. But it didn't stop Judy from trying.
"HAND IT OVER!" Judy shouted.
"What? This?" Nick said teasing Judy. "Are you just trying to take this picture? Is that what this is?"
"I SAID HAND IT OVER!" Judy shouted.
"Nope!" Nick said slyly.
"GIVE IT!" Judy shouted.
"I've already looked at the picture. It's now forever stored in the memory bank of my brain." Nick said with a smirk.
Judy still tried to get the photo from Nick. Nick continued to play "Keep Away" with Judy. Bonnie just watched and laughed. She was actually finding all of this very entertaining. Judy was starting to look tired and slowly began to stop. As she stopped, she began to have a pouty look on her face. Nick then looked at her pouty face and decided to stop teasing her.
"Alright! Alright! I know you bunnies can be emotional." Nick then gave the photo to Judy. Judy admitted snatched it away from Nick's paw.
"Ha! Dumb fox! I knew that would get you." Judy said smirking.
"You sly bunny." Nick responded.
"Now I'll be takin THIS... and hide it where no one can find it." Judy said as she begins to leave the room.
"I have other copies of that picture, dear." Bonnie stated out loud.
"Plus I already saw it. Like I said 'It's now forever stored in the memory bank of my brain.'" Nick shouted out with a grin.
Judy just growled as she left the room, still holding the photo.
"Well that was fun." Nick said with a smile. "I think I'll go get myself something to drink and look around the house some more."
"Okay. Don't get lost, Nick dear." Bonnie said.
Nick left the living room to go into the kitchen for something to drink. He walked down the long hallway and as he made it too the kitchen, three little boy bunnies were already in the kitchen. They were around the ages of 7 to 9. One bunny had whitish grey color fur and worn a dark blue shirt with a big star on it and blue jeans. Another bunny had goldish fur with brown ears and a brown muzzle. He had on a light blue shirt with a baseball and a bat on it. Also had on black jeans. The third bunny had brown fur and worn a green shirt and white pants. It looks like the three of them were doing something. Curious, Nick called out to it.
"Hellooooo?" Nick said to the three bunnies.
The three reacted by jumping a bit. They then turned around to see that it was Nick. They also look like they were hiding something behind them.
"Heeeey Nick!" The three boys said nervously. Nick knew something was up with the three of them.
"Kevin (goldish fur), Mikey (whitish grey fur), and Zack (brown fur), right?" Nick said. Nick started knowing the names of some of Judy's siblings. The three bunnies all nodded their heads. "What do you three have behind you backs?"
"Nooooothing." Kevin, Mikey, and Zack said nervously.
Being a former hustler and looking at their faces, Nick knew they were lying. With his great sense of smell, he can smell something sweet behind them.
"Kids, since I'm a fox, I have a very keen sense of smell." Nick stated. "And with that sense of smell, I can tell you three are hiding chocolate chip cookies behind your backs." The three boys' eyes widen when Nick guessed that. "So you three might as well come clean."
Realized that Nick knew, they decided to give up on hiding the cookies. They show Nick a big white box of chocolate chip cookies. Looking at the top of the box, it was from Gideon's bakery.
"Let's me guess, you kids aren't suppose to get any of these, were you?" Nick asked.
"Uhhhhhhhh..." Kevin, Mikey, and Zack went.
"Tch. Tch. This isn't good." Nick said to them.
"You're not gonna tell mom, are you?" Zack asked looking worried.
"No. No. Not that. You're doing everything wrong." Nick told them.
"Huh?" Kevin, Mikey, and Zack said looking confused.
"Alright. Let me see that box." Nick asked.
Mikey gave Nick the box and Nick opened it. The box had all the cookies stacked together in different rows. Looking at the box, there were at least 7 dozen cookies in there. Well lesser now, since it looked like three were taken.
"See. Here's the problem. You randomly picked cookies from the box without thinking about the placement of the cookies." Nick stated. "Now what you need to do is rearrange the cookies in a fashion that doesn't look like anyone took any."
Nick started moving the cookies to hide the missing areas, but there were still some extra cookies in the rows.
"Now as you can see, we need to get rid of four of these cookies." Nick said to the boys. "So, that means three cookies for you..." Nick then gave Kevin, Mikey, and Zack each another cookie. "... and one cookie for me." Nick said before putting a cookie in his mouth. "There. Now we just have to cover your tracks. First we clean off the pawprints on the box." Nick grabbed a rag and wiped the box clean. "Then you put the box the EXACT way you found it."
Kevin then put the box back in the fridge. Being sure it was place the exact same way it was before.
"Lastly, wipe away any cookie crumbs leftover from the floor and your faces." Nick said finishing his cookie.
They were all careful enough to not leave any crumbs on the floor.
"Okay. Looks like everything in order." Nick said. He then poured himself a cup of mixed berry juice, since he did came here for. "Just remember, if you ever do something like this again... make sure to think about everything and be sure to cover up your tracks." Nick then sipped his drink while leaving the room. "Well... see you three later. Don't get into any trouble."
As Nick left the three kids, they couldn't help but stare at him in an admirable fashion.
"He's so cool." Mikey said.
"He's so awesome." Zack said.
"I want to be just like him when I grow up." Kevin said.
It seems that Nick was starting to get more fans in the Hopps household. Nick sipped more of his drink as he walked down the hallway some more humming a song.
"Got to say, these last couple of days has been pretty good." Nick thought. "All the kids seem to really love me. I'm actually pretty surprised."
At that moment, Nick felt something grabbing on his tail. Or in this case, someone.
"Huh? I know that tail grabbing anywhere." Nick said.
Nick then turned around to see who it was. It was none other than little Suzy, happily hugging Nick's tail.
"Mini-Carrots! Hello there." Nick said. He lifted up Suzy and then hugged her. "How's my favorite little carrot doing?" He then whispered something in her ears. "Don't tell the others."
Nick then put Suzy down to the ground.
"Nick, can you play with me and my brothers and sisters today?" Suzy asked. She then switches to having a pouty look on her face. "You didn't get to play with any of us at all yesterday."
"Oh. I'm sorry. You're big sister wanted to show me around town." Nick said to her. "But today, I am totally free."
"Yay!" Suzy shouted happily.
"But NO 'Capture the fox', okay?" Nick said.
"Okay." Suzy said.
Nick then hold Suzy's paw as they walked down the hall.
"You know, you are REALLY tiny." Nick said to Suzy.
"I'm 3." Suzy said.
"3 IS a tiny age." Nick stated.
Meanwhile, after hiding her baby picture, Judy decided to head to the family media room. In the room, there were some extra TVs, a ping pong table, and some regular table for cards and board games. In the room were two of Judy's sisters. They both looked around the same age she was. One of the sisters had a light yellow fur colored and wearing a red bow on her left ear. She also had on a yellow and white striped shirt with a blue jean jacket on and a white skirt. Her name was Madison, but often called Maddie. The other bunny was a light grey color and wearing glasses. She was wearing a yellow dress with a white vest over the top. "Her name was Wendy. It seems that the two were currently playing a game of chess. Maddie moved one of her pawns.
"Okay Wendy. Let's see what your next move is." Maddie said looking confident.
Wendy moved her knight piece near Maddie's king.
"Checkmate!" Wendy said as she adjusted her glasses.
"ARRRRRGGHHHHH!" Maddie shouted in anger. "ONE MORE GAME!
"You said that 5 games ago." Wendy said.
"I'll win this time." Maddie said.
"Said that the 5 games ago too." Wendy stated.
Judy walked over to greet them.
"Hey girls." Judy said to her sisters.
"Judy! What's up, sis?" Maddie said happily.
"Do you want to play a game of chess? You would probably be better than Maddie here." Wendy said.
"Watch it, Wendy." Maddie said looking mad at Wendy.
"Actually, I just came here to see if anyone wanted to talk." Judy said.
"Oh. We can do that." Maddie said. She then moved the chess board the table and brought another chair to the table. "Come now. Sit. Sit."
Judy then sat down on the chair.
"So, how's Zootopia city life treating you?" Maddie asked.
"Great! You can always find something new to do in the city." Judy said. "I also do a great job keeping peace in the city."
"Well that's what we expected after you saved the city." Wendy said.
"Ha ha. Seems like everyone brings that up." Judy said scratching the back of her head. "I just did what I could do to fix things."
"Soooo..." Maddie said.
"Soooo..." Judy said.
"So, aren't you going to talk about that tall, cool glass of city water that you brought with you?" Maddie said.
"You mean Nick?" Judy asked.
"Yes him. How long have you and Nick been... dating?" Maddie asked.
"DATING?!" Judy shouted as she was starting to blush. "Nick and I aren't dating. Why does everyone think that? Where did you even get the idea?"
"Our little brothers and sisters told us." Wendy stated. "News travels fast in this house."
"Ugh! Those little snots." Judy said laying her head down on the tables. "All you need to know is that we AREN'T dating or anything like that."
"I wouldn't say that's the ONLY thing we want to know." Wendy said.
"He's your partner, right? Tell us how you met him?" Maddie asked.
"Well... it was my first day on the force and I was on parking duty." Judy said. Judy then continue explaining the whole story on how her and Nick met and everything they had been through during the whole "Night Howlers" case. "... so now, the two of us became partners and work together ever since."
"All of that and you're NOT together? I just don't get you, Judy." Maddie asked.
"Look, I see where you are getting at, but if you haven't notice, there's a bit of a... problem with Nick." Judy stated.
"You mean the fact that he's a fox?" Wendy asked.
"And that doesn't bother either of you?" Judy asked.
"Uhhh... no." Maddie and Wendy said to her.
"Really? Even with our family's... history with foxes?" Judy asked.
"Uh huh. From what you told us, Nick's a really nice guy." Maddie said. "Not to mention, for a fox... he's really hot."
"You... you think Nick is hot?" Judy said looking surprised.
"Oh god. Absolutely." Maddie and Wendy said together happily
"His long fluffy tail. Those soft, yet firm paws." Maddie said.
"Those ears. That orange fur. The fact that he's so tall. So very, very tall." Wendy said.
"Please! Stop! I don't think I like you two talking about my partner that way." Judy said blushing madly.
"That look on you face says otherwise." Wendy said slying.
"Sh...shut it." Judy said looking away.
"Look, I don't see why 'Ms. Try Everything' is so worried about." Maddie said. "What's wrong with dating a fox?"
"Since when has everyone become so open?" Judy asked.
"We have YOU to blame for that." Maddie said pointing at Judy.
"Why is everyone blaming me?" Judy stated.
"Cause you had to be a trier." Wendy said. "Now everyone's wants to be triers too."
"So I've heard." Judy said remembering what Dillian said.
"Bottomline, it's no real problem if you like Nick." Maddie said.
"Even if he's not a rabbit?" Judy asked.
"Sis, let me tell you something." Maddie said scooting her chair closer to Judy. "See, I dated a lot of male rabbits. I've also broke up with a lot of male rabbits."
"So, what you saying is, that you have bad luck with men?" Wendy said smugly.
"Can it, Wendy!" Maddie shouted. "Judy, do you want to know why I broke up with them? Cause the bunnies here in Bunnyburrow are all the same."
"All the same? What do you mean by that?" Judy asked.
"Well I don't mean they all looked the same or related to one another. I mean, all of them wanted the same thing." Maddie stated. "The rabbits here all want the simple stuff. A simple job, a simple lifestyle, and a 100 or so kids. That's stuff sound great and all... at first. But when you think about it... it all sounds so... boring."
"Boring?" Judy asked.
"Yeah. They all wanted NO excitement and NO thrills." Maddie said. "Not to mention, I don't think I want to have over 100 kids."
"So, you don't want to have kids?" Judy asked.
"Well I don't what to have 100 kids." Maddie said. "Maybe as high as 50, but no more than that. I don't see why mom and dad had so many of us. I know rabbits are good at multiplying, but this house can be a little too crowded. To top it off, it gets hard to remember everyone. Not to mention remembering birthdays."
"I admit all of us can be overwhelming, but it's not that hard to remember everyone's birthday." Judy said.
"Last week was my birthday." Wendy said before adjusting her glasses. "No one remembered."
Judy and Maddie both felt very awkward after hearing that.
"Ohhhhhhhhh... sorry." Judy and Maddie said feeling awkward that they forgot.
"It's fine. It happens. Like you said, there are a lot of us." Wendy said.
"All things aside Judy, you want a guy who will support you." Maddie said. "There aren't a lot of male bunnies that would support a bunny cop. Trust me on that one. But Nick, he supports you, doesn't he?"
"Yes." Judy said.
"You support him too, right?" Wendy asked.
"Yes. I do." Judy said.
"Would he do anything to help you?" Maddie asked.
"Yes." Judy said.
"Would you do anything to help him?" Wendy asked.
"Yes." Judy said.
"Then what's the problem?" Maddie asked. "Clearly, if there ever was a guy for you, it's him. Just because he's a fox, doesn't mean you should think of him different."
"Look. I understand what you guys are getting at and what you both mean." Judy said. "But..."
"But what?" Maddie and Wendy asked.
"I... still don't know how I feel about Nick?" Judy stated.
"Ugggggghhhhh!" Maddie and Wendy shouted out in disappointment.
"Fine. Don't listen to your sisters' advice. Just at least think about it." Maddie said. She then got up from her chair. "Well, I'm going now. You coming, Wendy?"
"Sure." Wendy said getting off from her chair. "See ya, Jude!"
"Alright." Judy said to her sisters.
As Maddie and Wendy left the room, they also had one more conversation.
"Hey! Do you know if Gideon Grey is single?" Maddie asked.
"Gideon?! Are you serious?" Judy shouted.
"Hey! I'm not gonna lie. He's a nice guy and a great baker." Maddie asked.
"He's also kind of cute." Wendy stated.
"For a predator like him, I'd be his prey anyday." Maddie said smiling shyly.
"Me too." Wendy stated as they left the room.
"Uggggghhhh..." Judy said groaning on the table.
As Judy was laying her head down on the table, Nick was with a few of Judy's brothers and sisters outside playing. This included Suzy, Kevin, Mikey, Zack, and others. Nick pretended that he was going savage and would chase the kids. It was all in good fun.
"Gaahhh! Oh no! I... I feel these urges." Nick said in an overdramatic way and gripping his chest. "I'm... turning SAVAGE!" Nick then got on all fours. "You better run... before I... EAT YOU!"
"Run!" One of the girl bunnies said playing along.
Nick was sure to minimize the savage acting compare to what he did with Judy. He did not want to mentally scar the kids. He started to chase the kids around for a while. The kids were doing more of a joyful running instead of fearful screaming and running. Nick chased Suzy around and caught her.
"Ha! Ha! Now I got you, Mini Carrots!" Nick said holding Suzy.
"Eek! I'm so sorry scare." Suzy said pretending to be scared.
Nick then slightly nipped at the tip of her ear. Then admittedly stopped.
"Bleeehhh! Too hairy!" Nick said. "Not tasty at all. That's it. No more bunnies for me."
"Heeheehee!" Suzy giggled.
Next thing to happen, was several of the other kids tackled Nick down to the ground. Nick didn't seem to mind it.
"Heeeey. I thought I said no 'Capture the Fox'?" Nick stated.
After a couple minutes of playing, Nick and the kids decided to just sit down the grass and talk to him. All of them lay down close to Nick. It still surprised Nick that these kids were not scared of him at all.
"Hey. You little carrots aren't scare of me at all, are you?" Nick asked.
"Why would we be?" Suzy said.
"Well, cause I'm a fox. Didn't your folks tell you how scary and sneaky foxes are?" Nick asked.
"Some foxes may be like that. But you're one of the good one." Zack said.
"Besides, you're not scary at all." One of the girl bunnies said.
"Don't know how I should really feel about that..." Nick said feeling that comment was slightly an insult. "But... thank you."
"Nick, are you gonna marry our sister?" Suzy asked.
"Yo... you're asking me that again?" Nick said blushing a bit. "Why do you want to know if I want to marry your sister so badly?"
"Cause if you marry our big sister, then you can be our brother-in-law." Mikey stated.
"Then you can teach us a bunch of other cool fox stuff." Kevin said.
"Yeah." A few of the other kids said.
Nick couldn't believe how supported all the kids were. I mean it's not like Nick was actually planning to marry Judy. They weren't even dating or anything. He didn't know what to say to the kids. But he decided to answer honestly.
"Kids, I like that fact that you are all supported and stuff. But... I don't think the marriage will ever happen." Nick told them.
"But why not?" Suzy asked looking upset.
"Don't you love our sister?" A girl bunny asked.
"Well it's not like I DON'T love her." Nick said. "It's just that... well..." Nick had to be honest with the kids and tell them the truth. "Foxes and rabbits can't really marry."
"Why not?" A girl bunny asked.
"Be honest kids. Have you ever seen foxes and rabbits together? I pretty sure no couples of different species have even married one another. Let alone foxes and rabbits." Nick told them.
"Really? Not one?" One of the boy bunnies said.
"Yup. That's just the truth about it." Nick said.
All the kids' heads were down and their ears were droopy. A sight that they all were pretty sad to hear everything Nick said.
" Ah jeez. I forgot how emotional bunnies can be. Now I may have to deal with a bunch of sad little carrots." Nick thought.
"Well then..." Suzy said before lifting her head back up and looking at Nick. "...why don't you and Judy be the first?"
"What?" Nick said looking surprised.
"You and Judy could be the first fox and rabbit to marry each other." Suzy said smiling.
"Wait? WHAT?!" Nick said shocked to hear that.
Then all of the other bunnies had started lifting their heads back up too and had smiles on their faces.
"Yeah. That's a great idea." Kevin said.
"There's nothing wrong with that." Mikey said.
"Just the thought of love beyond species is so romantic." One of the girl bunnies said happily.
"HOLD ON! You little carrots are getting ahead of yourselves." Nick said. "I don't think I could just do that."
"Why not?" Suzy asked again.
"Because... because... uhhhh..." Nick didn't know what to say to them. There wasn't any rule that said different species can't get marry. It hasn't really happen, but it's not like people were against it. So if they really wanted to, Nick and Judy could be the first fox and rabbit to marry each other.
"We're not hearing a no." A girl bunny said smiling.
"Yay! So you can marry our sister." Suzy said happily.
"This will be awesome." Mikey shouted.
"We'll have a brother-in-law that's a fox." Kevin said.
As the kids went on, Nick was in deep thought about how okay all the kids were with this. He also had a freaked out expression on his face.
"I don't know what to say to them. I WANT to say I don't plan to marry their sister at this time or any particular time. But they all seem so happy. Why do these bunnies have to be so cute?" Nick thought with that freaked out expression.
As Nick was with Judy's siblings, Judy was sitting on a chair in the living room. She was looking pictures on her phone of her and Nick. Each of the pictures had both of them look pretty happy. She stopped at one picture with Nick laying his head between Judy's ears. Both of them were smiling pretty happily. Judy could help but smile a laugh a bit. She was very lucky to have Nick.
"Oh Nick..." Judy thought as she looks at the picture.
"That's a nice picture of you two." A voice from behind her said.
"WOAH!" Judy shouted sound surprised.
Judy looked behind her to see who it was and it was her mom, Bonnie.
"Oh... hey mom." Judy said.
"I'm glad that you are here, Bun Bun." Bonnie said. "I wanted to talk to you. It seem like it's been a while since the two of us had a good old mother-daughter talk."
Bonnie then sat on one of the chairs.
"So what do you want to talk about?" Judy asked.
"How about... we talk about your partner Nick." Bonnie said. "All the kids seem to really like him and like being with him."
"I guess that's to be expected. Since Nick is pretty much a kid in heart." Judy said. "But, that's not a bad thing. I could always count on him."
"I can tell that you really care about him a lot, Judy." Bonnie said.
"Well... he is my partner. Most of the things I did were because I had Nick's help." Judy said blushing a bit. "He can be arrogant sometimes and a little wise-cracking, but he's also selfless and very goodhearted."
"Is that why you have fallen for him?" Bonnie asked. As she said that, Judy's eyes widen.
"Wh... what?" Judy said sounding surprised. "Mom, it's... it's not like that."
"Judy, I'm your mother. I know how you are feeling right now." Bonnie said. "I recall all the time you would go on about him on the phone and I see the way you look at him."
"I... I have no idea what you are talking about." Judy said trying to avoid the subject.
"Judy..." Bonnie said.
"Mom, I'm telling you. There is nothing between Nick and I." Judy said denying it.
"Really? It's just seems for someone who's happens to be your partner, someone you see every day, someone who has helped you through thick and thin, and among other things, it just seems that he would be something... more." Bonnie stated.
"Look mom, Nick and I ARE pretty close. As close as any two best friends can be." Judy admitted. "But it's not like our relationship is THAT kind of relationship."
"Is it because he's a fox?" Bonnie asked.
Judy went silent as Bonnie mentioned that. Bonnie then spoke some more.
"Judy, I have my assumptions about the two of you for a while. I know how you truly feel about him." Bonnie said. "Can you really say that you don't have any feelings for him?"
Judy thought deep about it. There was no point in hiding it anymore.
"Mom, I do have feelings for Nick." Judy admitted. "But it's... complicated. I'm a rabbit and he's a fox. A prey and a predator. How different is that? Mom, how do you feel about this?"
"True, you two are different as fire and water..." Bonnie said. "But... I'm relieved that you have someone like Nick."
"Really?" Judy said looking surprised.
"You always had to do things on your own, did you? Not even your dad and I supported you with your dreams. Let alone any of your brothers, sisters, or friends." Bonnie said. "But now, you found something. Nick has supported you through thick and thin. He has helped you every step of the way. To be honest, I don't think I could think of anyone better for you."
"Mom..." Judy said looking at Bonnie deeply.
"Honey, you have done so many things that other bunnies would never dream were possible. You even made your other siblings decide to try new things as well." Bonnie stated.
"Yeeeaahhhh... are you and dad okay with that?" Judy asked.
"Sure... to find out that about 72 of our children are doing different things now was surprising..." Bonnie said.
"72?" Judy thought being surprised.
"...But everyone is okay and they are happy, that's what matter." Bonnie said. "It's feels like all of you are growing up so fast. It's sad that knowing in a couple more years, Stu and I may be the only two left in this house."
"Mom, there is still plenty of us still living in this house, right?" Judy asked.
"Judy, look around you." Bonnie told Judy. "Do you see anyone else in this room?"
Judy looked around and noticed that they really were the only two rabbits in the room. When Judy was young and living in the house, her siblings would usually be around every corner. But not these days. The household has been slowing decreasing in numbers of residents.
"I guess I haven't I haven't notice how much lesser of us are here now." Judy said. "It is a lot more quite than usual. But it's not like the house itself is empty and it's not like we all can't visit you and dad."
"Yeah. You're right. I guess it's just me reminiscing." Bonnie said. "Now, let's get back to you and Nick. If you want to be with Nick, you should be with Nick."
"But can a rabbit and a fox REALLY be together?" Judy asked.
"It may seem like quite weird to some others, but if anyone could make it work, it's you two." Bonnie said. "You're my daughter and all I want to do is see you happy. If being with Nick makes you happy, then I will support you all the way. So, do you want to be with Nick?"
Hearing that Bonnie was so supportive, made Judy feel very relieved. But she still felt confuse on what she should do.
"Uhhhhhh..." Judy said still thinking about her answer.
"You don't have to answer me, dear. I understand that you need more time to think about everything." Bonnie said. She then got off from the chair. "Well, I have to prepare dinner. Good luck with whatever you choose to do."
Bonnie left the living room to leave Judy in her thoughts. Judy still didn't know what to do. She went back to looking at a picture of her phone of her and Nick.
"Nick..." Judy said looking at the picture.
Later that evening and after dinner, all the children were tired after playing with Nick all day. Nick was currently carrying Suzy, who was still filled with energy. Nick was a little surprised that she was still awake, but her being a 3 year old means that she would be out soon.
"Okay Mini-Carrots, it's time for you to have a little nap." Nick said. "Trust me on this one. You're only 3 after all."
"But I don't wanna. I wanna play more." Suzy said pouty.
"Geez! She has a lot of energy." Nick thought. "But if what Carrots says before is true..."
"I... *yawn* want to play just a little... *yawn* longer." Suzy said with some yawning. "I'm not... tired... just... a little..." Just like that, Suzy went to sleep in Nick's arms.
"Full of energy one minute. Next minute, she's out like a candle." Nick said. "Just like Carrots said."
Nick laid Suzy on the couch alongside some of Judy's other young siblings that were sleeping in the room. He put a white blanket over Suzy and then petted her forehead. Nick couldn't help but think how cute Judy's siblings were. You know... even if you are not supposed to call a bunny cute. Nick then looked at the table and just happens to see a bunch of crayons and a drawing. Nick picked the drawing and he saw what looked like a figure made out of scribbles. The scribbles were made to look like Nick. The drawing look like it was done by a three year old. Many causes it was drawn by a three year old. Suzy was the one drew it earlier. Nick knew it wasn't the best drawing, but he loved it anyway. As he was admiring the drawing, Stu came from behind and entered the room. His hat was off.
"Nick! There you are." Stu said to Nick.
"Oh! Mr. Hopps... I mean, Stu." Nick said remembering that Stu didn't like formalities. "I was just putting Suzy down on the couch to sleep. I don't really know her EXACT room."
"It's fine. This isn't the first time some of our kids sleep on the couch, chairs, or floor after a long day." Stu stated. "I'm surprised that you are still standing."
"They were all a handful, but an officer like myself can handle it." Nick said. "By the way, did you wanted me for something?"
"Oh, just if the two of us call talk for a bit. If that's okay?" Stu asked. "Don't worry. I don't have any Anti-Fox stuff on me. So you will be fine."
"If you say so. Sure. Why not?" Nick said.
Nick and Stu went outside to the front porch of the house, sitting on two chairs with a pincher of carrot juice. Both Nick and Stu had a glass in there paw. It was nighttime and the stars were out.
"This feels like I suppose to be getting the whole 'If you hurt my daughter...' speech right now." Nick thought
"Have a sip, my boy." Stu said.
"Uhh... I don't know." Nick said looking a little scared. "I'm not much of a carrot juice person."
"At least try it. I promise you won't regret it." Stu said.
Nick thought "What do I got to lost?" and decided to take a sip of the carrot juice. Surprisingly, it was REALLY good.
"Wow! This is great!" Nick said joyfully.
"You like it? It's not just carrots in there. We also added some apples and some citrus fruit to it too." Stu stated.
"It's really good. Like the best juice I've ever had." Nick said taking another sip.
"So Nick... I personally wanted to thank you for looking out for my daughter, Judy." Stu said.
"It's no problem sir." Nick said.
"I'll be honest, I was a little worried about you at first. I'm still trying to get over my fears with foxes." Stu admitted.
"I understand. I figured as much since I met ol' Pop Pop and he whacked me with his cane." Nick said rubbing his head. "I'm only lucky that the old man was so near sighted."
"Sorry about that. My dad still goes by the old ways." Stu said.
"It's fine. I expected it to happening at least once during this trip." Nick said. Nick then grabbed the pitcher and poured some more carrot juice for himself. "So Stu... can you tell me more about Carr... I mean... Judy when she was a kid?"
"Well... Judy was always sort of the 'black sheep' of the family." Stu said. "She wanted to do more for the world then just farming."
"That seems like her." Nick said.
"She wanted to be a police officer ever since she was a kid. I guess you can imagine how worried Bon and I were." Stu said. "But she never gave up on her dreams."
"You know, when I first met Judy, I said to myself... 'She's gonna get stepped on.' But you know what she said to me? Bunnies from the burrows don't get stepped on. They stepped up." Nick told Stu. "And you know what? She has. Judy's worked harder than any one I know. Everyday, she makes life in the city a little safer. That and she also has me to help her out."
"Bonnie and I can't thank you enough for what you do." Stu said to Nick.
"I know. Mrs. Hopps told me the same thing." Nick said.
"So Nick, how about you tell me a bit about yourself?" Stu asked.
"Well, not much really. Before I met Judy, my life was pretty simple." Nick said. "I lived in the city my whole life, I have a leaky apartment in the Rainforest District, I know everybody in the city, and before I was a cop, I sold pawpsicles everyday."
"Pawpsicles?" Stu said surprised.
"Yep. Day in and day out. I was always on the same beat." Nick said.
"Come on. There's got to be something more you can tell me about yourself." Stu said. "Don't worry. I won't judge you."
"You sure want to hear, Stu?" Nick asked.
"Of course. I want to understand you a bit more." Stu said.
Nick's past wasn't the best anyone could have, but if there was anyone he could talk to about it, it was Judy's dad. So he decided to tell him.
"Alright. If you say so." Nick said before taking a deep breath. (Take note, I'm based some of this from the original Zootopia idea with Nick and his dad. I would have liked to see some of the stuff in the actual final project.) "You're family is pretty much the opposite of mine. While your family is so big, my family was a bit small. In a small apartment house, it was just my mom, my dad, and me. We didn't have much, but we were as happy as any family could be. My mom was the kindest soul that anyone, fox or otherwise, could ever be. She always made me feel happy to see her smile. Pop... he's the best. He was always positive and had this big wide smile on his face. It gave him the nickname 'Wide Smile Wilde'. Pop had many ideas for the city. He was a bit of an entrepreneur. However, being a fox, it made things... difficult for him."
"Oh. I'm sorry to hear that." Stu said.
"After my dad lost his old job, he decided to do his own business. A tailoring business. Ha ha. Can you believe that? I guess that's why I wear ties so much." Nick said while holding up his tie. "He named his shop 'Wilde & Son' and wanted me to work with him. The money was fair. We were able to have a few regulars and pay our bills. Mom was an accountant, but pop didn't really want her to work. But being a poor single income family, was not a great idea." Nick then toke a sip of his carrot juice and put the glass back down. "Since I was just a kid, I had no idea how bad my family had. But they always wanted to make me happy no matter what."
"That's a parent's job, Nick. They always want to make their kids happy." Stu stated.
"I know. My parents always did that for me." Nick said. Then Nick decided to tell Stu that same story he told Judy. "I only told Judy this, but... I think I should tell you the story too. When I was young, there was nothing I wanted more then to be a Junior Ranger. Dad was always playing our family's bill so Mom was the one who scraped up enough money to buy me my own scout uniform. There were no real predators that joined the Ranger Scouts. I was willing to be the first. Little did I know, the scouts had some OTHER plans."
"What do you mean by that?" Stu asked looking concern.
"*sigh* Because I was a fox, they didn't trust me at all. Even when I didn't do any wrong." Nick said looking down at his glass. "They ridiculed me and... even put a muzzle on me." Hearing the muzzle part, Stu felt his heart sank. "I was pretty much heartbroken as you can guess and gave up on being a Ranger Scout. I also learned two things. Never let others know that they got to you and if everyone is just gonna see you as a shifty, shady, untrustworthy fox... then there is no point in trying to be someone else."
Things between Nick and Stu were silent for a moment. Nick was waiting for Stu to respond. But he didn't.
"Umm... Stu?" Nick said. "How do you feel now that I told you all th..." Before Nick for finish saying that, he looked at Stu, who was now crying a fountain of tears right now. This shocked Nick. Judy was sad about it, but she didn't cry. "Woah! Sir? Are you..."
"Th...that... has got to be... one of the most saddest stories I have ever heard." Stu said weeping some more.
He then ran to Nick to hug him. He's was still sobbing from hearing Nick's story. Nick started to feel really awkward about this.
"You... poor... poor fox. I had no idea some of you foxes had it so bad." Stu said weeping. "It didn't help that us rabbits always thought the worst of you."
"Sir! Stu! Stu!" Nick shouted out, wanting him to let go.
"All you wanted to do was join the scouts and instead, they just scarred you." Stu said continue to still cry. "You're story was so sad. I don't think I can get over it."
"Stu, I know my story was sad and all, but can you please let go?" Nick asked. "You're getting tears all over my shirt and tie."
"Oh. Sorry." Stu said letting go of Nick and wiping off his tears. Stu then went back to sitting on his chair.
"Anyway, after that and some financial problems with my family, I had to grow up fast." Nick said. "I wanted to do whatever I could to help my family earn some money. Even if it met, I had to be what everyone thought of me; A sly fox. When I made enough money to support them and I was old enough, I got my own apartment and moved out of the house. Then I just did the same old thing everyday. Selling pawpsicles and making small cash."
"Sounds like you had it really rough." Stu said.
"Yeah I did. But little did I know... a certain bunny came my way and changed my life the better." Nick said with a light smile. "Ha. It's actually pretty funny. She came to me because she needed me. But little did I know... in a way... I needed her too." Nick then felt a little different as he said that. "Huh. You know... I never actually thought of it that way."
"It's sounds like my little Judy means a lot to you." Stu said.
"Yeah. She does." Nick admitted.
"By the way, what about your parents?" Stu asked.
"Mom and Pop? I haven't seen OR talked to them in a long time. I think it's been... two... close to... three years." Nick said. Then he put his paws over his head when he realized that. "Oh man. Has it really been that long? I don't even think they know I'm a cop now."
"You haven't talk to your parents THAT long?!" Stu said surprised. "Bon and I barely can handle a day not hearing from Judy."
"Yeah. Little heads up. You might want to take in considerations that Judy might be on an important case and calling her MIGHT blow her cover." Nick stated.
"Come on. What are the chances of that?" Stu stated.
"It... actually happened during our first case." Nick said. "We almost got caught."
"Ohhhhhhh. So that's why she didn't pick up." Stu said.
"Anyway, I get why you always worry about her. Being a police officer isn't the safest job in the world. But she wanted to do something that matter." Nick said.
"It still scares us sometimes, but we all learning to accept it. She's doing a tremendous job and Bonnie and I are proud of our little Jude the Dude." Stu said lightly smile.
"*chuckling* Jude the Dude. I'm gonna have to start using that nickname too." Nick thought.
"By the way Nick, can I tell something personal?" Stu said.
"What is it Stu?" Nick asked.
"Listen, I know it gonna sound awkward, but I wanted to tell you this anyway." Stu said. "Nick, it seems like you really care about my daughter. As your friend and as your partner. But it also feels like you care about her... much more than that."
"WHAT?" Nick shouted out. "Stu, Judy and I aren't..." Before he could finish that, Stu stopped him.
"Now. Now. Please let me finish." Stu said. "Even if you aren't that way now, sometimes time changes things and new feelings develop. So... I wanted you to know... if anything happens between you and my daughter Judy, well... then you have my blessing."
"W... wait! What?" Nick said as his eyes widen.
"Nick, I ain't getting any younger. That and I still have a lot of kids to look after. So I can't look after all of my kids. Let alone Judy." Stu said. "Jude needs someone to look after her and take care of her. I went through it so many times in my head and I realized that you are the best choice for her."
Nick started to feel even more surprised than before. Stu basically gave Nick the "Ok" to date his daughter. He didn't expect Stu to say that at all.
"But Stu, you know I'm a..." Nick was gonna state that the fact he was a fox.
"Now. Now. I don't care if you are a fox or not." Stu said. "Like I said, I went through this so many times in my head. You're the kind of mammal I would like to take care of my daughter. I can't think of no one better."
Nick was stunned. Dumbfounded even. He still didn't know how he felt about Judy. But at least he now knows that Judy's dad, Stu, would be okay with it. It made Nick feel slightly relieved to hear that.
"Even if you and my daughter don't get together… know this. You will always be consider a part of the family, Nick." Stu said.
"Really?" Nick asked looking a bit stun to hear that.
"Of course." Stu said. "One more thing son, let me give you some fatherly advice. Call your parents." Stu stated. "No matter how long it's been, call them. One thing a parent always does is worry about their children. At least let them know you okay."
"Your right." Nick said with a smile. "It's been long enough and I miss them. So I'll be sure to talk to them ago soon. Thank you, Stu. Not only for the advice, but for considering this fox to be a part of your family."
Nick looked at Stu and noticed that he was starting to cry again.
"Here comes the tears again." Stu said weeping.
He then once again went to hug Nick. Nick felt even more uncomfortable then the last time.
"Again?! These bunnies. So emotional." Nick thought. He then patted Stu on the back. "There. There."
After a few hours and Nick's talk with Stu, Nick went back to his room and switch into his sleep clothes and wanted to get some sleep. But sleeping wasn't really on his mind at the moment. He was twisting and turning on the bed. He then decided to get out of his bed. He picked up his phone from the counter and went down to his contacts. He scroll down to the number titled "The Folks" implying to his mom and dad's home number. He took a deep breath and finally pushed call. He then hear the ringing and waited for the response. Then… someone picked up. The voice was female.
"Hello?"
"Hey mom. It's been a while."
"Nicolas? Nicolas, is that you?"
"Yeah mom. It's me."
"Well… this is a surprise."
"Sorry if this call is a little overdue. Let alone in the middle of the night."
"No don't worry about that. It's just… good to hear from you after so long."
"How are you and pop?"
"We're both great. We can't complain."
"That's good. I… have a LOT to tell you…. IF you want to hear about it."
"Of course. Tell me everything."
After so long, Nick finally decided to reconnect with his mom. He would spend the next couple of minutes talking to her about everything that happen between him and Judy. It was thanks to Stu that he had the courage to talk to her again. Nick feels grateful for Judy and her family. They even accepted him as a part of their family. Nick his all the reasons in the world to be positive about. Feeling that no one can consider him as just a sly fox.
To be concluded….
That's the end of this chapter. Next one will be the last chapter. But it's not over yet. How will Nick and Judy express their feelings for each other? Can a Fox and a Rabbit really be together? Find out the next time.
