Man, the response to the last chapter was even better than I expected! I'm so glad you guys enjoyed it! I also hope you guys are ready, for the story really starts rolling from here!
Being a fox, Nick wouldn't have considered himself a "morning" mammal. He would sleep til noon and stay awake deep into the night. Living with a bunny, however, had drastically changed that. Sure, Nick still enjoyed the days that he could sleep in, but he no longer minded waking up at 5:30 in the morning; in fact, he rather liked it. Waking up early meant he got to spend even more time with his wife.
Nick's eyes slowly fluttered open as he gave a quiet yawn, the last bits of sleep leaving his system. With a warm smile, he looked to the dozing bunny in his arms. Nick was surprised; he hardly ever woke up before Judy. The moment, however, was always short-lived.
Judy woke with a yawn and a stretch, a small sound escaping her throat. As she relaxed, her gaze rested upon her husband. Her lips split into a loving smile as she huddled herself closer to Nick, causing the fox to chuckle.
"Someone seems to be in a good mood," Nick teased before placing a kiss on the bunny's forehead.
"Well, when you have such a wonderful husband, it's hard not to be," Judy retorted as she absentmindedly played with the fur on the fox's chest.
"Guilty as charged," Nick humbly said. "I take it that last night was to your liking?"
Judy gave a pleased hum before replying, "It was amazing, Nick."
"Just amazing, Carrots?" Nick asked with a somewhat skeptic tone. "I was hoping I had done better than that."
"No, just amazing," Judy stated, a smug smile playing on her lips. "But don't worry; you'll have plenty more chances for the perfect anniversary."
"Well then, you had better prepare yourself, Carrots! Because you'll only get the best anniversaries from now on!" Nick said with a triumphant tone.
Judy rolled her eyes before glancing at the alarm clock. Her mood soured just a little bit. "Ugh. Work," she groaned, burying her face in Nick's chest as if doing so would hide her from the realities of the world.
"I know, Carrots," Nick cooed, gently stroking Judy's ears. "But look on the bright side: you still get to spend the day with me!"
You walked right into this one, Nick, Judy thought before replying, "That's what I'm worried about, Slick!"
Nicely done, Carrots, Nick thought, proud of his bunny. He then gave a mock gasp of pain. "Ouch, Carrots, that one hurt. Could you hand me some ice to apply to that burn?"
Judy chuckled. "How about I kiss it. Will that make it feel better?"
Very nicely done, Carrots, Nick thought as his smile widened. "Of course," he replied before gently tilting Judy's head up and leaning in for a rather passionate kiss.
Because of their time limitations, however, they reluctantly broke said kiss earlier than either would have liked. Nick and Judy began to crawl out of bed with the same amount of reluctance.
The process of getting ready, however, was swift and precise like clockwork. The fox and bunny wasted no time in showering before dressing in their uniforms; Judy happily opted to wear her new uniform and Nick decided to wear his new tie. In less than fifteen minutes, the cop duo was out the door and heading for their car.
"What do you think Bogo will have us do today?" Judy asked as she climbed into the passenger-side seat.
Nick started the ignition and pulled the car out of the parking lot before answering, "I'm not sure, Carrots," he said as he placed his sunglasses upon his snout. "Though, I don't think he'll give us a new case just yet. Probably something stress-free, like handling papers."
"I guess you're right," Judy said as she gazed out the window, watching the streets of Zootopia go by. "But, you know, part of me kinda wants a new case. Ever since Hunter, we haven't gotten anything really," she paused as she tried to find the right word, "big or exciting."
"I know what you mean, Carrots," Nick chuckled as he glanced sideways at his partner. "Chasing down petty thieves gets boring after a while. I'd be careful about what you wish for, though; I don't think either of us wants another 'Hunter Incident,' now do we?"
"Not one bit," Judy immediately replied as terrifying images of the deranged snow leopard flashed through her mind. She quickly shoved these thoughts away before continuing, "I just want another big case. You know, us against seemingly impossible odds; something like our first case, but without the savage animals."
Nick chuckled. "Well, if that's what you have in mind, then I'm looking forward to those papers," he teased. "I don't know if I'm ready to deal with a patronizing bunny again."
"Oh come on, Nick! You know you're glad that I was so pushy back then!" Judy said, an accusatory smile on her face.
"Right, but that was in the past; I don't like it when you're pushy now," he said before momentarily turning his head to the bunny and poking his tongue out at her.
Judy returned the action, though a warm smile remained on her face. "I can't help but be pushy, Nick," she began. "With how you act, it's the only way I can actually get to you."
"Touche," Nick agreed as they pulled into the ZPD Headquarters parking lot. They quickly found their usual spot before climbing out of the white convertible. Always the gentlemammal, Nick led Judy up the front steps and held the door open for the bunny.
"Hey guys!" Clawhauser exclaimed from the front desk. "How was the anniversary?"
Judy's smiled brightened as she hopped towards the cheerful cheetah. "It was wonderful! You notice anything new about me?" she asked, hardly able to contain her giggling as she spun around for the cheetah.
It took a moment – allowing Nick to finally catch up to the bunny – before Clawhauser noticed the engraved food items on the uniform. Nick braced his ears for the inevitable squeal of excitement that would soon emanate from the cheetah.
Clawhauser's paws went to his muzzle as his smile grew wide and the 'squee' of excitement that Nick had predicted escaped his lips. "That's awesome, Judy!" the cheetah said, happily bouncing in his seat. "Nick got you that? It looks great on you!"
Judy giggled happily as Nick wrapped an arm around her. "Yep! It was just one of the gifts he got me; he also got me flowers, and dinner, and wine," she listed, a broad smile on her muzzle.
Nick realized that she liked showing off how great he was. The fact made the fox both proud and rather unsettled; he wasn't one hundred percent sure how he should really feel about it, placing his emotions in a rather awkward mood.
Turning to the fox, Clawhauser asked, "What did she get you, Nick?"
"Well, knowing that I already had everything I could ever have wanted," Nick emphasized his point by gently tussling Judy's ears, much to the bunny's amused chagrin, "she got me a new floral shirt and tie. I can't wear the shirt to work, so I decided that the tie would do just as well."
Clawhauser then took a moment to study the red tie around the fox's neck. Upon noticing the carrot pattern, another squeal of delight emanated from the cheetah. "Oh that awesome!" he exclaimed, his happy bouncing resuming. "You guys must've had, like, the best night ever!"
Judy paused a moment, bringing her paw up to her chin in mock thought. "Eh, I guess it was the best night ever," she said after a brief moment. She turned to Nick. "What do you think?"
It was times like these that Nick wanted to express his love to the bunny with a somewhat cheesy line along the lines of, "I think I made the right choice." Times were he wanted Judy to understand the depths of his feelings for her. While Judy did know, it still felt nice to express his feelings verbally.
However, Nick couldn't do so without ruining his and Judy's reputations among the ZPD. If something sappy escaped his or Judy's lips, it was considered free game for the other officers. So, of course, Nick resorted to teasing his partner.
"I don't know, Carrots," the fox said, putting a paw up to his chin in thought. "I'm pretty sure there are some other candidates for that position."
"Oh yeah?" Judy challenged, placing her paws on her hips. "Like what?"
"I don't know," Nick replied nonchalantly, shrugging his shoulders. "I just know there are."
Judy rolled her eyes and opened her mouth to make a retort, though she was interrupted by Clawhauser, who at this point, was starting to melt into a pile of happy cat.
"Aw, you guys are just too cu-" the cheetah quickly stopped himself before taking a different, safer route, "perfect together," he finished; he didn't want to make Judy feel uncomfortable.
"Anyway, we gotta head to briefing," Nick said as he gently led Judy along. "It was nice talking to you, Ben!" The fox waved behind him.
"See ya!" the cheetah waved back before hearing his phone vibrate. Turning to the small device, he read the text.
Bogo: Have they arrived yet?
Clawhauser: Yeah, they just left for briefing.
Bogo: And?
Clawhauser: Does everything about those two need to be a bet?
Bogo: I don't like it any more than you do, Clawhauser. However, it does help boost morale around here, and I know there will be a few anxious officers that may try to patronize Officers Wilde and Hopps.
Clawhauser: You do have a point. It was so cute, though! Judy got Nick a new shirt and tie – he was just wearing the tie – and Nick got Judy a whole new uniform! He totally spoiled her!
Bogo: Having been victimized to their antics, I'm not surprised. Alright, thank you Clawhauser.
Clawhauser: Np!
With that, the cheetah pocketed his phone and dug into a bowl of Lucky Chomps cereal, happily humming a Gazelle song.
"Hey, congrats you two!" this was said by about half of the officers in the briefing room.
"Here's hoping for many more!" this was said by the other half of officers.
"You guys managed to get up early after such an important night? What happened? Was Nick not up for it?" this was given with a wink and a not-so-gentle nudge to the fox.
The fox and bunny walked to their seat at the front of the room, both uncomfortable and flattered by the well-wishers and the congratulations that were given. Nick jumped onto the chair first before turning and holding out a paw for Judy, who gladly accepted the help.
No sooner had the two gotten comfortable when Officer Higgins shouted, "Atten-hut!" and the Chief of the Zootopia Police Force entered the room. The room filled with the hooting of the multiple officers, Nick and Judy included.
"Alright, alright. Shut it!" Bogo said as he stepped up to the podium. "Have a seat." Every officer, except the too-small Nick and Judy, did so.
"I have good news, and I have bad news," the cape buffalo began, his solemn gaze traveling over every officer in the room. He inhaled deeply before continuing, "I'll start with the bad news. Officers Higgins, Snarlov, and Grizzoli," he paused, allowing the tension to sink in. "You and several of your fellow officers will be receiving a one-time deduction of twenty dollars."
The collective groan was cut off by Bogo's hoof before the chief continued, "And that brings me to the good news: Officers Delgato, Trunkaby, McHorn, and Fangmeyer, you and several other officers will be receiving a one-time raise of twenty dollars." The cheers were cut off as well.
Nick and Judy glanced around in confusion, though by this time, they've come to expect this kind of behavior from their fellow officers. If it got too annoying, the two would just make a plan to mess around with the different bets placed between officers; it was one of Nick and Judy's favorite pastimes at work.
"Now that we've gotten that out of the way," Bogo said, keeping his officers' attention on him. "I'll start on our actual work." The buffalo opened one of the red folders in his hooves and retrieved a rather large photograph. He then turned and tacked said photograph to the cork board behind him.
Nick and Judy's eyes simultaneously widened at the photo. At first glance, one would have mistaken the fox in the picture for Nick taking a stroll through City Center – as many of the officers actually did, causing many in the room to do a double-take – but upon closer inspection, one would see that this wasn't the case. The fox was dressed casually in a brown business suit, the blue tie just loose enough. While the quality of the photo was not particularly the best, one could make out strands of gray among the red fur, especially in the tail. The most disturbing aspect of the picture, however, was the eyes.
Emerald green stared directly at the hidden photographer, a sharp cunning hidden behind a smug smile. Nick felt unease settle into his stomach; it was like looking into the future. For Judy, she felt a strange sense of discomfort; she was staring at what looked like her Nick, but the kindness she had come to expect from that expression was completely absent. Judy shuffled a little closer to her partner.
Bogo turned back to the group. "This is Victor Wilde. Just recently, he has made his existence known to the public, though I doubt it he intends to ride on the coattails of fame from our well-known cop duo. As far as we are aware, Victor has taken every opportunity to flaunt his criminal past in the face of the public and the authorities, though he never gives enough to actually arrest him for anything.
"Now, before any of you say anything about how dumb this fox is, let me remind you of our very own fox officer," Bogo gestured to Nick, who suddenly seemed very uncomfortable being in the spotlight. "Officer Wilde used to be a small-time confox; simply hustling ice cream shops into selling him their product so that he could turn around and sell it himself. While not many know this about Officer Wilde, many in the public already dislike him because of his species."
Bogo pointed at the photograph behind him again. "With the publicity that Victor Wilde is getting, it isn't taking much to make the connection between him and Officer Wilde. I have received letters and phone calls asking to remove Officer Wilde from the force; some were more aggressive than others.
"While there is no threat of my actually removing Officer Wilde from the force, I believe Victor is getting what he wants: a city turned against its heroes. Because of this, we need to be very careful with how we go about dealing with this fox, or we risk tearing the city in two. This," Bogo held the folder up, "is Priority One."
"Now, we know that Victor Wilde is very cunning. If he weren't, then all of this publicity would easily get him arrested. So, keeping that in mind, I'm taking the necessary precautions. You'll be split up into small teams, and each team will alternate taking care of different aspects of the case.
"Assignments: Officers Fangmeyer and Delgato, you'll be studying everything we already know about Victor; see if you can find anything of use. Officers Snarlov and Grizzoli, you'll be reconnaissance; see if Victor has any regular haunts or routines. Officers Higgins and Trunkaby, I want you to look into some of the recent crimes; try to find anything that we can use to finally arrest this guy."
As Bogo listed off the assignments, each officer rose from their seat and retrieved the file from the buffalo. Soon, only Nick and Judy sat in the room, waiting anxiously for their assignments.
Bogo glanced up from the folders at the two cops before giving a long, drawn-out sigh. He mentally braced himself for the inevitable argument that was to come.
"Officers Hopps and Wilde, you two will be on desk duty. Dismissed."
"But sir," Judy began with an inquisitive tone. "Wouldn't it be helpful to have us on the case? With the apparent relation between Nick and Victor, we could be very useful assets."
Bogo was somewhat surprised; he had expected a full-blown argument from the bunny stating that they should be put on the case.
"That you would be, Hopps," the cape buffalo began, happy that the two cops weren't out to give him a migraine. "Like I said, though, I will be taking the necessary precautions since we are all treading on thin ice as it is. I don't want to take any chances with the negative publicity you and Officer Wilde are getting at the moment. There's no knowing how the public would take putting you on the case, but I'm sure that it wouldn't be good. Of course, keeping you off the case could be just as bad, but at least you have a trustworthy alibi, so to speak."
"So, in simpler words," Nick spoke up, "keeping us here is easier for the moment. At least, until you're further along in the case."
Bogo nodded. "Exactly, Wilde. I understand you may have some emotional attachment to your father, but this is for the best."
"We understand, sir," Judy said after glancing to her partner.
"Good," Bogo said, though he was skeptical of his two officers; they've had a tendency to take things into their own paws sometimes. "Now, I don't want to see you two again unless it's in your office or you're heading home for the day."
Nick and Judy nodded before leaving the briefing room. Once the doors shut behind them, Bogo let out a relieved and exasperated sigh. He was very thankful for the lack of arguing, but he couldn't help but feel that quite a few migraines were heading his way.
The two cops traversed the large foyer in silence, both of their minds simultaneously and individually processing recent information. They hardly acknowledged Clawhauser, though the cheetah was busy delving into the latest bit of Gazelle gossip on his phone. Before long, both mammals found themselves behind the closed doors of their small office.
Nick almost immediately took his seat and delved into the stack of reports on his desk. Judy, on the other hand, sat at her desk and blankly stared at the paper in front of her; too many thoughts were rushing through her mind for her to focus on the simple task of filing reports.
For the next ten minutes, neither mammal talked. Judy's ears picked up the constant scratching of pen on paper, though she did not register it. For whatever reason, Judy couldn't stop thinking about Victor Wilde.
What was he like? Did he and Nick ever get along? Is his apparent connection to the crimes existing only because of him being a fox? These questions and more rushed through Judy's head, and it was all she could do to not get swept up in them.
"Hey Carrots, it's just a stack of paper," Nick teased, having finished his portion of the work. "Nothing to be afraid of."
Shaking her head, Judy escaped her stupor and acknowledged her partner. "Looks aren't everything, Slick," she retorted, her wit having been sharpened over the years she had spent with Nick. "Who knows what this stack of paper could be hiding! I'll stay on the side of caution, thank you very much."
Nick chuckled, though the action didn't reach his eyes. "Sure, Carrots. A stack of paper is hiding its dangerous side."
"You never know," Judy stated, playfully crossing her arms over her chest. "You hid your caring side very well."
"That's because I didn't have someone to show it to," Nick said, tussling Judy's ears. His tone became very solemn, though, as he continued, "Look, I can see that something's bothering you. Do you want to talk about it?"
Judy's smiled slowly faltered as her millions of thoughts from before suddenly and forcefully returned. She sighed. "Yes, but do you want to? Because I have a feeling that you know what's eating at me."
Nick sighed and rubbed his snout, though he didn't seem exasperated – just tired. "Honestly, it's not something that I'm against talking about," he began as he turned his gaze back to Judy. "It's also not a part of my past that I regret."
"I don't remember a lot of my dad since he left soon after I was born. But whenever I asked my mom about him, she never talked about him with anger or hate; in fact, she seemed sad more than anything. She didn't know why he left either – if she did, she didn't tell me – but we never talked about him like he was bad; we made sure to keep the good memories alive.
"Seeing him in that photo today, part of me felt betrayed. Everything that Mom and I had said or believed about him was suddenly wrong. The other part of me, however, actually felt excited. I could finally get a chance to meet my father. Maybe we could even help him change, and I could have a full family again," Nick paused a moment, taking a breath and allowing Judy to say anything if she wanted.
"Well, knowing how hard it was to change you, it could take a while for Victor," Judy began, a teasing smile on her lips, "but it wouldn't be impossible. Besides, you're his son; you'd have a better chance of him listening to you than if, say, Bogo tried to convince him to change."
"You got that right," Nick agreed with a snicker. "Though, even then, I'm sure Bogo would still be able to get to my father somehow; you and I both know how intimidating that buffalo can be."
Judy nodded in affirmation, brief flashbacks of her many "talks" with the chief rushing through her mind. Suddenly, another thought popped into the bunny's mind.
"So, are we going to start our own investigation, then?" she asked, her tone somewhat hopeful.
Nick sighed as he brought a paw up to his chin. "I'm not sure. I respect the chief's decision in keeping us off the case, and I don't think that we should do anything reckless as of yet; we don't want to hurt our publicity more than it already is," Judy nodded in agreement. "But we can definitely help the case along. For one, I have some info on my dad that may help. If that isn't enough, then we can always ask my mother."
"That's a good idea," Judy said, the wheels in her head already turning. "It would probably be best if we talk with her soon. You know, before the other officers interrogate her."
Nick nodded. "That would be smart. While I trust the other officers, they can be a bit," he paused, searching for the right word, "intimidating at times."
"How about after work?" Judy suggested. "We could stop by when we leave."
"As great as that idea is, you still have a mountain of paperwork to get through," he teased, gesturing to the stack of reports on Judy's desk. "With how slow you work, I'm sure that we'll be here well into the night."
Judy scoffed. "Oh yeah! I'll prove you wrong!" With that, she turned around and immediately dove into the dozens of reports. Her paws were a blur as they quickly and accurately signed off and filed away each and every piece of paper.
Nick smiled triumphantly and leaned back in his chair. You've still got it, Nick, he thought, mentally patting himself on the back. Still got it.
"I'm coming!" a voice sounded from behind the oak door. Nick and Judy stood on the front porch of Rachel Wilde's home; it was the same house that Nick had grown up in.
Mrs. Wilde lived in the Meadowlands, which held most of Zootopia's suburbs and less-crowded housing districts. While the majority of mammals living in this district were prey, one could still find a predator or two living peacefully among the grassy fields and flowery acres. The fresh air was always a welcome difference from City Center and the more crowded areas of Zootopia.
After a moment, the door opened, revealing Nick's mother. At first glance, one would believe the vixen to be quite young; her coat was well-kept and graciously hid the few strands of gray fur that told of Rachel's true age. The sky-blue sundress that she wore hugged her body comfortably and flowed with every movement, adding a sense of fluidity to the vixen. As if that wasn't enough, Rachel's eyes were a tell-tale sign of how young the vixen actually felt. Brilliant auburn happily sparkled in the sunlight, revealing the kind and loving nature of Nick's mother.
Rachel's already-happy expression grew even happier upon seeing who her visitors were. "Nick! Judy! Oh, what a pleasant surprise!" she quickly enveloped both mammals in a warm hug. "Please, come inside."
Already, Nick and Judy's moods were brightened by the warm welcome, and with smiling faces, they quickly followed Mrs. Wilde into her home. It was just like Nick remembered it: the floral wallpaper that matched his shirt; the dozens of family picture lining the halls of the entryway; the smell of something warm and delicious cooking on the stove. Nick was immediately thrown back into his childhood before the incident with the Junior Ranger Scouts. His many happy days living here, playing with his friends outside and going on many adventures; these were the memories Nick vowed to never forget.
Rachel led the two cops into the living room and promptly sat them on the couch before heading off to the kitchen to retrieve refreshments. "What would you like to drink?" she asked. "Coffee? Tea? Water?"
"Coffee would be great," Nick called back.
"I'll have some coffee too!" Judy answered; she had heard Nick talk many times of how great Mrs. Wilde's coffee was.
"Coffee coming right up!" Rachel jubilantly stated. After a few minutes, all three mammals sat in the living room, coffee cups in paw while a small bowl of various fruits sat on the coffee table.
"So," Rachel said, temporarily setting her cup on the table. "To what do I owe this visit?"
Nick and Judy followed suit, placing their cups on the table as well. "Well," Nick began, carefully choosing his words. "We actually wanted to ask you a few questions. You see, Judy and I got this new case, and we were wondering if you could help us."
Rachel laughed, a bright, musical sound that would bring a smile to any mammal's face. "Of course, Nick!" she said, her smile broad and happy. "I'd love to help you solve a case, though I'm not sure how much help I can be. What is it you would like to know?"
Nick took a deep breath, carefully and quickly plotting out the different paths this conversation could go; most were less desirable than others. "Well," Nick started again, glancing to Judy for support. The bunny nodded reassuringly before taking Nick's paw and squeezing it gently. "I'd like to know more about what Dad was like – before he left."
Rachel's smile faltered for a split second, and when it returned, it was no longer a happy smile. The vixen's eyes faded slightly, filling with a deep sadness. "So, he's actually come back?"
Slightly taken aback by the unexpected question, Nick stammered, "W-well, yes, in a way."
"I've read the papers, but I wasn't sure if it was really my Victor that they were talking about," Rachel said as she gently grasped one of Nick's paws. "Have you two been tasked with bringing him in?"
Nick paused, again trying to find the right words to say. "Well, no, not technically. The chief is keeping Judy and me off the case for a bit; he doesn't want any more bad publicity."
Rachel nodded. "I understand his reasoning; many in this city are eager to rebuke those that they don't like, or those that are different. But why are you here, asking me these questions? Shouldn't one of the officers on the case be interrogating me?"
"That's the thing, Mrs. Wilde," Judy stepped in, her tone soft and kind. "If we asked you first, then you would at least be prepared when one of the officers comes knocking on your door. And besides, it felt right that Nick and I were the ones to come to you first, seeing as Nick is closely related to Victor."
Again, Rachel nodded. "I see," she said, and her smile brightened some. "I'm glad that you two are looking out for me."
"And why wouldn't we?" Nick teased, his smile widening. "I wouldn't forgive Bogo if he gave you a heart-attack with a sudden visit from an enormous rhino or polar bear."
"You know perfectly well that I am in excellent health, Nicholas," Rachel teased back, a knowing smirk on her muzzle. "You just want to prove that you're smarter by saying that you came up with the idea to visit me first, right?"
Nick immediately took to the defensive; it didn't help that Judy began to snicker beside him. "It's not like that, Mom! I genuinely care about you, and I only want to make sure that you're okay! Is that suddenly not normal for a son to do?"
"Oh hush, dear. You're just digging your own grave deeper and deeper. Now, about Victor," Rachel took a deep breath and paused before turning to Nick. "Where do you want me to start?"
"How about this?" Nick said as he pulled out his own carrot pen – a birthday gift from Judy – and notepad. "Judy and I will each ask you a question, and all you have to do is answer as best you can. There is no need to go into detail if you don't want to."
Rachel gave an appreciative nod. "Alright then. Ask away."
"What was Dad's job?" Nick asked, deciding to start with something easy.
"He was a tailor," Rachel began. "Probably the best in Zootopia at the time. He didn't discriminate against his customers, either; he always fairly priced his products, even if his custom-made projects."
As Nick wrote down the information, Judy cleared her throat and asked her question, "Is he still a tailor, or did something happen that caused him to leave that line of work?"
Rachel sighed sadly. "You see, Zootopia was a much different city then compared to now. Times were especially hard on predators, and prejudice was rather strong. Sure, many mammals – predator and prey included – respected Victor, but that didn't stop the unfair bias against him. Before long, he was forced shut his shop down."
"Did he ever find another line of work?" Nick asked as Judy wrote down the information in her own notepad.
"Well, in a way, yes. Being a fox, hardly anyone hired him for a decent job and good pay; anytime he was hired, it was for very basic grunt work with below minimum wage. No matter how hard he tried, his hard work was rarely rewarded. Eventually, he began … looking outside of Zootopia for work."
Both Nick and Judy could see the half-lie, but they chose not to push forward – not yet, at least. "Do you know what he managed to find in terms of work?" Judy asked.
"He rarely spoke of it with me," Rachel replied. "I think that part of him was ashamed of it."
"Why?" Nick asked.
"Being the kind fox that he was, he disliked 'shady' jobs and untrustworthy deals. However, he was forced to take one such deal up so that he could pay the bills. This job called him away a lot of the time, leaving me alone at home. When he came home late at night, he was worked to the bone. Eventually, he decided that it would be best – at least for a while – if he moved closer to his work; he could replenish his energy and save up some income. As you already know, Nick, he never came back. At least, not until now."
A silence fell upon the room as Rachel's words sank in. Rachel studied her son as the seconds ticked by. She could see the internal conflict raging behind his green eyes as he struggled to fully understand his father's motives. Upon glancing to the rabbit, Rachel noticed that Judy was gazing at her partner with concern, ready to comfort him if needed. The sight brought a smile to the vixen's muzzle; Nick had chosen well.
"Look, Nick," Rachel finally broke the silence. "I understand that you may be angry with your father. His actions certainly haven't seemed up to the moral standards that I've led you to believe that he has. But trust me when I say this: He is a good mammal. He was kind when others weren't, and he forgave when others didn't. Right now, I believe that Victor is just confused, much like you were. All he needs is a little love to keep him in check." Rachel winked at the two cops and smiled brightly.
Nick sighed before a smile broke out on his muzzle. "Well, I'd know how much a little love can do, wouldn't I?" he asked, gently squeezing Judy's paw. He turned back to his mother and said, "Thank you."
"You're welcome, son," Rachel said before rising from her seat. When Nick and Judy did the same, she quickly enveloped the younger fox in a warm hug. "You know, Victor would be very proud of you."
"You think so?" Nick asked as they broke the hug. "I mean, I'm not one to brag," Judy scoffed behind him, "but I feel like I've done quite a bit with my life."
"Calm down, Slick," Judy retorted sarcastically. "You don't want to drown in your overabundance of modesty, now do you?"
"She's right, you know," Rachel added with a smug smirk.
Nick looked between his wife and his mother, his eyes widening with mock fear. "I've made a terrible mistake!" he cried dramatically. "I've brought the only two minds that can fight back against my wit together in one room!"
While Nick pretended to be petrified by the apparent atrocity he had created, Judy and Rachel shared a good laugh. When that died down, Nick and Judy prepared to leave.
"Wouldn't you like to stay for dinner?" Rachel asked. "I just so happened to make your favorite, Nick: my special boiled crayfish and blueberry salad."
"You had me at 'dinner'," Nick said, the aromas wafting from the kitchen now strong enough to make his stomach grumble. "That is," he quickly turned to his wife, "if you would like to stay."
"Of course!" Judy exclaimed. "After hearing so much about your cooking – no thanks to Nick, here," she gently poked Nick's side, "I just can't pass up the opportunity to try some myself."
"Wonderful!" Rachel exclaimed before leading them to the dining room. "I'll get the extra plates."
"No, Mom," Nick said. "I will. You focus on dinner."
Rachel smiled as the younger fox left the room for the kitchen, quickly retrieving the needed cutlery and dinnerware. "Oh Nick," she said more to herself, her tone an odd mixture of a happy sadness, "you're so much like your father."
And there! I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! If you noticed, I'm breaking away from a lot of the cliches that have come from the Zootopia fandom; this gives me the chance to try new things and create something really original! You guys really are in for a treat with this story!