Ch. 17: Love and Promises

Nick had passed out some time on the ride to the hospital and Judy finally understood his panic from the last time they were in the hospital and he had to wait for her.

Judy paced back and forth around the waiting room, telling Bogo who kept her company, what had happened in the museum. Arachnid's victims had been brought to the hospital as well to be checked over, most of them only had bumps and bruises, the prey saying they had accidentally been witnesses and were captured. According to them if Judy hadn't arrived sooner Ironclaw would've started using them as scratching posts.

Judy couldn't help feeling stupid; she should've realized Nick had been playing a trick. But she didn't and he nearly died and Judy really needed to talk to him.

The door swung open and Judy's ears perked up.

"Judy Hopps, Chief Bogo," the nurse antelope called and Judy was immediately at her side.

"How is he?"

"He lost some blood but nothing too serious, it was a shallow wound and we were able to patch him up," the nurse explained, "You can go see him now but he is on medication and may be incoherent for a while."

Judy thanked the nurse and walked down the hall, finding Nick's room she hurried inside and climbed onto the large bed, Nick was sleeping, they had taken his shirt away, thick bandages wrapped around his torso.

"Oh, Nick," she sat down beside him and took his paw, holding it to her heart. "I'm so sorry. I should've known you were tricking them but I was an idiot. Not only that, she nearly killed you because I just had to go to Main River without backup, you were right all along… But please, please, don't be mad at me. Everything I said… Everything I did… I didn't mean any of it. I really, really care about you and I want us to at least be friends again. I want to get your trust back, tell me what to do?"

"Well for starters," Nick's eyes popped open and he grinned lazily at her. "You can let go of my paw, since I feel like you're about to break the bones."

"Sorry, sorry," Judy let him go and scooted back a bit to give him his space as relief nearly choked her.

"And you can stop apologizing," Nick replied. "You may have made some stupid decisions, some really stupid decisions, but you did it because you believed it was the right thing to do."

Judy nodded, "How are you feeling?"

"Like I just got attacked by a crazy lion in an old abandoned museum," he replied. "Did that happen?"

She smiled softly, "You were a hero."

But Nick shook his head, "No… I was making amends. Carrots, that day at Mr. Big's, I didn't mean any of that. I'm sorry."

Judy listed her head to the side, "Then why did you say it?"

"There have been moments in my life where I simply don't think," he admitted. "That was one of them. At least, I wasn't thinking about what came out of my mouth. I was thinking about Ironclaw... I may have been able to trick her, but before that she could see right through me. And I know why."

Judy leaned forward to listen.

"Since we first met she reminded me of someone, I just couldn't figure out who, I figured maybe I met her when I was a cub. But then I figured it out… Carrots, she reminded me of me. Back when I was a con-artist, I said awful things just like her, how Zootopia wasn't a place where anyone could be anything. If I never met you I'd still think like that, I'd probably have agreed with her. And that made me so scared and angry."

"You're nothing like her," Judy insisted. "Ironclaw had a terrible life and she let it get to her, your life may have not been perfect but you still had your parents and then you got me. You didn't let it get to you."

Nick's lazy smile returned, "I'm flattered, Carrots."

"So," Judy began awkwardly. "Everything you said was a trick?"

He gave her a confused look.

"You know…about Percy and me. Did it really bother you so much?"

Nick looked away, going silent and Judy's ears lowered.

"Nick, please. I know things have been crazy with us but we're friends, no matter what happens I want us to always be friends, and friends need to be honest with each other."

There was a long moment of silence and Judy thought he wouldn't say anything but then he took in a deep breath.

"Okay," he exhaled.

He sat up, wincing slightly from his wounds. "Okay."

His arms reached out for her and trapped her face in his grip, and then he was leaning forward with his eyes closed, his lips slightly parted and then Judy realized what was happening and her chest nearly exploded with the shock and joy.

He's going to kiss me!? Here? Now? On a hospital bed when we just fought a criminal? He likes me? He likes me?!

Her mind babble was cut short when Nick suddenly bumped noses before falling on top of her squishing her onto the bed; he let out a rattling snore.

"What," she said, not fully grasping what had just happened.

"Oh, did he fall asleep," the voice of the nurse from before spoke up as she walked in, "That's natural with the painkillers we gave him."

"Oh," Judy muttered as she climbed out from under her friend.

"Are you okay," the nurse asked politely as she stepped over to pull Nick back onto his pillows. "You look a little flustered."

"He just surprised me," Judy assured, "You know, with the spontaneous falling asleep, nothing else."

The nurse hummed in agreement and politely shooed Judy off the bed so she could tuck the covers around Nick, "Also a polar bear driving a very nice limo is outside waiting for you and Miss Spotwood."

Judy's ears pricked up, that's right. No one had told Sven they found Charlie.

"What about Nick," she asked, unwillingly to leave him alone.

"He'll probably be sleeping all day; hopefully he'll be up and ready to leave by tonight. I was told by that polar bear that when he is ready to leave I'm supposed to call the number so they can pick him up."

"We have a party to go to," Judy told her, remembering Judy's birthday but she still didn't like leaving Nick.

"You better get to it then, that cheetah looked ready to leave."

Judy relented and called a goodbye to the snoozing Nick before walking out the door.

.

Judy and Charlie sat in the back seat as they were driven to Tundra Town. The cheetah was a ball of nerves, impatient to see Sven.

"Do you remember what they made you do while you were hypnotized," Judy asked.

Charlie frowned, her eyes darkening, "No. My mind went blank every time they made me go savage. But I wasn't the largest predator there so I don't think they did much to me."

She swallowed, "I almost attacked Sven and Winter though didn't I?"

"What makes you think that?"

"They had only paralyzed me when they broke in, I saw them send the text, and then I blacked out."

"They don't blame you," Judy assured her. "Sven's missed you so much; he's been inconsolable without you."

"I've missed him too," Charlie's voice was thick with emotion, "Thank you Judy, for saving me, for bringing me back to him."

"It was mainly Nick," Judy said, and then her heart skipped a beat as the hospital scene replayed through her mind again.

"I'll thank him too," Charlie promised.

They arrived at Mr. Big's home and followed their polar bear escort inside, the usually elegant house was decorated in all kinds of childish birthday decorations, they passed one open door to see the courtyard that had hosted Fru Fru's wedding, and it was being decorated with numerous large tables, one holding things like slides and bouncy houses, one for miniature tables and birthday cake, and another for presents. Judy mentally kicked herself when she realized she had forgotten to buy her goddaughter anything.

"Judy, there you are!"

Judy faced forward and beamed, seeing Fru Fru and her father sitting on Mr. Big's desk, beside them stood Winter and Sven, who still looked depressed.

That is, until his eyes landed on Charlie.

"Char-"

"SVEN!"

The cheetah pounced on her mate who caught her and spun her around before they both tumbled to the floor, laughing with tears in their eyes. Charlie covered Sven in kisses and the reindeer's arms were wrapped around her in a grip that said he wouldn't be letting go anytime soon.

"You're okay, you're okay," Sven's voice cracked with emotion as he buried his face into his mate's fur. "You're okay!"

They pulled Winter into their hug who was crying tears of joy as well, and when that wasn't enough they pulled Judy into the group hug as well. Judy felt warmth in her chest as she was practically squished by the elated larger mammals.

"I knew you and Nick could do it, I knew it!" Winter cheered once she and Judy were released. She grabbed Judy's paws and they danced around laughing merrily.

"How about we take this celebration outside," Mr. Big spoke up, "Before someone accidentally breaks something?"

"Judy come with me," Fru Fru told her, "We have your dress."

When inviting Judy to the party weeks ago Fru Fru had wanted to get Judy a new dress so the rabbit didn't have to have her parents send one from home. The two had spend a Saturday dress hunting until they found one they both agreed was perfect.

Judy carried Fru Fru to her room, admitting on the way that the case had left her no time to buy her goddaughter a gift.

"Why don't we take her for a girl's day on the weekend," Fru Fru suggested and Judy happily agreed.

A few mintues later Judy stepped out of Fru Fru's room in a eggshell blue dress with a white bow wrapped around her waist and a flower choker around her neck, the silky dress reached to her knees and Judy couldn't help spinning around and having it flow around her.

"You look beautiful," Fru Fru exclaimed.

"So do you," Judy told her. She wore a puffy pink dress that matched her personality as well as her looks.

They returned to Mr. Big's office and with the two arctic shrews Judy and Winter headed out into the party. Baby Judy was already playing with the other birthday guests but pulled away from the crowd when she spotted her mother and godmother.

"Ju Ju!" she babbled, holding her tiny paws out to Judy who picked her up and nuzzled her with her nose, making the child laugh in delight.

The other children all turned their attention to Winter, cooing over how pretty her fur was which she took with flattered delight. Judy placed her goddaughter down so she could rejoin her friends. Fru Fru and her father were placed on the table for the adults who were chatting away. Judy walked over and thanked the polar bear who fetched her a chair before sitting down.

"Where's Sven and Charlie," she asked them.

"They decided to stay inside so they could be alone," Mr. Big told her. "My daughter told me about this Ironclaw case," he went on, "You defeated her?"

Judy nodded, so relieved to not have to worry about the dangerous lioness anymore. "But it wasn't just me. It was mostly Nick, he was a real hero."

Mr. Big didn't look like he completely believed that statement but only nodded before turning to talk to a friend who was starting to look tipsy.

Fru Fru smiled at her, "It sounds like you two made up."

Judy couldn't stop her lips from turning up into a smile, "You could say that."

Fru Fru immediately scooted closer to Judy, "Tell me everything."

Judy checked to make sure everyone else at the table were busy with their own conversation before leaning forward, "He tried to kiss me."

The little shrew let out a squeal of delight, "Shut up, shut up! What did you do?"

"Actually…he kind of fell asleep before I could do anything."

Fru Fru frowned, "Maybe you should start from the beginning again."

.

Nick was considering living in the hospital for the rest of his life as the doctor checked him over and sent him out of the room with painkillers and fresh bandages.

It was one thing to try and kiss Judy; it was an entirely mortifying different thing to fall asleep while trying. But more importantly, had Judy planned on kissing him back?

Outside the hospital he saw Kevin waiting for him with a limo, Nick bit back a groan.

Weeks ago Judy had officially named him her plus one for baby Judy's birthday party. He had tried to get out of it by saying he didn't own a tux. Before he knew it he was being measured for a suit Mr. Big's employers would make for him. And he knew said tux was at that shrew's place now, waiting.

"Nick!" A sudden deep voice nearly made the fox jump out of his fur.

Finnick had appeared out of nowhere, carrying a CD and trying to catch his breath.

"My van…ran out…of gas," he panted between gasps.

"Fascinating," Nick replied, not sure why his friend was here.

When Finnick had caught his breath he looked up and glared at Nick, "You promised to get me a meeting with Sven Jingle!"

Oh, that's right.

"Perfect timing then, that's where I'm going." He turned to Kevin who he swore was smirking. "This is my plus one."

The polar bear rolled his eyes but opened the door for the two, Nick and Finnick climbed in.

"Don't worry, by the way," Nick told his old friend as they drove to Tundra Town, "I know I just got out of a hospital but I'm fine, really, thanks for asking."

"What'd you do to get yourself into the hospital," the smaller fox asked.

"I defeated a psychotic criminal by sheer wit," Nick said with no small amount of pride.

"Huh," Finnick said, unimpressed, but that was probably because he didn't believe what Nick said.

"Now look Sven Jingle is at Mr. Big's place so you need to be on your best behavior," Nick warned him.

"Mr. Big? Isn't he that crime boss that you sold…?"

"Yes," Nick replied flatly, "Yes, he is."

When they arrived at their destination Nick was dragged to where his tux waited for him while Finnick slipped away.

Nick walked out of the dressing room in a fancy black suit with a bright red tie and he admitted…he looked good. Like, really good.

But there was only one animal whose opinion he wanted on his looks.

Kevin had disappeared after leading Nick to the dressing room and handing him his outfit which left Nick to find the party on his own.
He made his way down the hall, his ears pricked for any noise, to his relief it didn't take him long to hear music, following the sound he found the door that led to the courtyard.

He walked out and his breath stopped.

The courtyard, while the tables still held bouncy houses and half finished cakes, was empty except for Judy who was swaying around the courtyard to the soft music that seemed to be coming from thin air.

"Hey, Carrots," Nick said when he got used to seeing her in a dress.

Judy whirled around and smiled when her eyes landed on him, "Nick!"

She ran toward him, looking like she was about to hug him and Nick stretched his arms out to receive the embrace but at the last second Judy skidded to a halt. Her face was wary and Nick tried not to flinch, of course he ruined it. He tried to kiss her and fall asleep of course he ruined it.

"Should I hug you right now," Judy asked, "What about the…bandages?"

"Oh, that," Nick let out a loud breath of relief that made Judy blink in surprise. "No, no, it's fine."

Judy's smile returned, "Good." She wrapped her arms around his waist and Nick returned the hug. She pulled back too soon.

She looked him up and down, "Nice tux."

He grinned, flashing his teeth, "Carrots, on a scale of 10/10, how hot am I right now?"
Judy broke into a laugh and Nick couldn't tell if she was flustered by the question or not. Nick knew he was.

"I'll give you a twelve," she offered with a cheeky grin.

Nick tried not to smile like a dork, "Then it's amazing you didn't catch fire when you hugged me."

The two beamed at each for an awkward moment that Nick decided he couldn't handle.

"So," he cleared his throat and looked around the empty courtyard, "Where is everybody?"

"After Judy opened all her presents everyone went inside to watch a movie," she answered, "But I wanted to stay out here a little longer."

"And dance alone," he asked.

"Well…" Judy ducked her head, looking embarrassed. "A part of me had hoped you'd arrive and dance with me."

Nick tried to ignore the quickening of his heartbeat at those words. "Well, I did promise I'd let you drag me to the dance floor the next time the opportunity presented itself." He held out his paw, "And this is that opportunity."

Judy took his paw without hesitation as they next song started. Nick pulled her to him and it may have just been him but he thought she fit perfectly in his arms. Mindful of their paws Judy kept her eyes on the ground as they swayed around the courtyard, Nick had a paw on her back and the other wrapped around Judy's paw.

"Can't you keep your eyes on me," he asked playfully.

Judy looked up with an apologetic expression, "I don't want to step on your feet."

"Haven't you danced before," he asked as they continued to move to the music, Nick noticing how her dress twirled around her.

"Yeah, but only with other rabbits," she answered, her eyes going back to the ground. "Not with a fox."

He knew it was silly but Nick felt really happy hearing that, "In Gideon Gray's face."

Judy laughed, "Goodness, Nick are you ever going to let it go that I know another fox? We aren't even that close. Besides, I already told you, you're my favorite fox."

"And I'll never let him forget it," Nick grinned and Judy rolled her eyes but was still smiling.

They spent a few seconds twirling around before Judy spoke up again, "Sing for me."

"Really," Nick's ears perked up.

"You really don't listen, do you," she smiled, "I already said you have the voice of an angel."

Nick smiled and started to sing along with the words, still swaying to the beat with ease, Judy rested her against him and warmth spread through his chest and he pulled her closer.

Judy giggled against his chest, "I can hear your heart; it's beating like crazy."

Nick chuckled awkwardly, "Imagine that." He wondered if he should bring up the almost kiss but decided against it, it could ruin this moment and he definitely didn't want that.

The song slowed to a stop and Nick's ears lowered, waiting for Judy to move out of his arms. But instead the rabbit grabbed both his paws and with a laugh started to spin around with him as the music got bouncier.

Nick grinned and he didn't know whether it was from amusement or relief as he tightened his grip on Judy's paws. He spun her under his arm before he released her paw and grabbed her waist, lifting her up into the air and continuing whirling around the courtyard, Judy's peals of laughter music to his ears.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and Nick ended up breathing in her scent, it smelled of carrots and perfume, a combination he'd never thought he'd like.

Feeling his stomach starting to get sore from the dancing and laughter he placed Judy on top of a table, his paws remaining on her hips and she didn't seem inclined to remove her paws from his shoulders.

They gazed at each other as they caught their breath and Nick tried to think of something witty or charming or romantic to say but for once his mind was blank, it was just him and his raw emotions for once and he had no idea what to do with him. He had no idea what to do about her, this crazy, wild bunny who had suddenly become the most important part of his life.

"Nick," Judy's words broke his thoughts and her smile had vanished, "Can I ask you something?"

"Anything," he answered without thinking.

"Earlier at the hospital, did you try to kiss me?"

Nick gulped and removed his paws, his entire body turning hot with mortification. For a split second he thought about lying to her but then remembered he had promised they'd be honest with each other from now on. He nodded; his eyes looking anywhere but at her.

"And it wasn't the medication that made you do it, was it," she asked.

That Nick couldn't help feeling a little offended by, he met her eyes with a scowl, "Of course not, I wouldn't do that!"

Judy nodded, "Just checking."

And then she leaned forward and smashed their lips together.

Nick's eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets as all of his emotions boiled to the surface, as he tried to comprehend the obvious that Judy Hopps was kissing him. She pulled away all too soon, her eyes shining and she was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen, and he knew he looked like an idiot right now, his eyes wide and shining like hers, his mouth slightly open, his ears pressed against his skull.

He didn't know the next words were true until he blurted them out: "Carrots…I think I'm in love with you."

Judy buried her face in his neck, muffling her laughter, his fur turning damp from her tears. Nick wrapped his arms around her and spun her around again, laughing as a bubble of joy and love burst in his chest, nearly stopping his rapidly-beating heart.

.

Mayor Leodore Lionheart was relaxing in his office with a cup of coffee, enjoying Zootopia's night time skyline.

He had sent his guards home early; he was finally free of the fear that had plagued him for days. Lucy was dead.

A part of him couldn't help but grieve for his half sister; her life had been heartbreaking to put it mildly. But there had been no saving her; she had been a threat that had needed to be put down. Now his city was safe.

Leodore had been about to drift off when he heard his office door opening, he sat up, finding it odd since he had been pretty sure he was the only one left in the building.

Leodore's heart dropped when he saw a figure he hadn't seen in twenty five years.

"Hello, Leo," Lucy said calmly, leaning against the wall as if she belonged in his office. "Do you want to play tag like when we were cubs? I remember how I always caught you…"

To anyone who's interested the MAIN song I listened to while writing the dance scene was Save the Last Dance by Michele Buble.