"But what can I tell you
That you don't know already?
Yes, even the worst time like this
Will blow away
But I love you (I love you)
I love you (I love you)
That's all that I ever really wanted"
- George Harrison
"Ready?"
"Yeah, I think so. I guess?" Judy sighed. "I don't know."
Finnick nodded sympathetically, the fennec fox all too aware how hard it was. He leant on the side of the black car, staring at the field ahead of him. "It's normal. I ain't too relaxed myself."
Typical Finnick, the doe thought to herself. The two hadn't known each other for all that long, but she already knew he didn't have much of a penchant for grand emotional statements. "I suppose we should just go ahead?" The bunny ventured.
"Yeah," the small fox agreed, "let's do it."
They wandered to join everyone else: Mrs Wilde, Judy's parents, the entire Precinct One ZPD team. Mr Big and Fru Fru couldn't be there, for obvious reasons, but had sent their condolences. "Okay Judy?" Bogo asked, the doe a little startled at her chief's use of her first name. She nodded, turning to look at the small slab of stone. Adorned with flowers and wreaths, it bore a single name:
Nicholas Piberius Wilde.
And so they stood in silence, sun shining down, a gentle breeze blowing. Every face mournful and subdued, yet happy to remember the fox they once knew. A friend. A son. A mate.
Judy waited until the others had left, making their way back to the cars. She needed this time, the two of them together.
"Hey Slick. Just wanted to say...thanks." She laid down a singe flower she'd had tucked under her arm: a fox lily. "Thought you'd appreciate that. One more terrible pun, eh?" She sniffled slightly. "But this isn't it you know. You've left for now, you silly old fox. But don't worry, I'll forgive you for that." The doe chuckled to herself. "Just remember, when I get up there you'll have to explain yourself." In spite of her efforts, she soon began to cry. "I'm s-sorry I...-I promised I w-wouldn't do this! S'pose you were right about us emotional bunnies." She did her best wipe away the tears and steady her quivering voice. Placing a paw against the gravestone, she screwed her eyes shut. "Bye for now Nick," she said, rising to her feet "It won't be forever. I'll see you again soon. I love you."
And with that, she turned and walked slowly back along the grass to where the others were waiting. One last look back, taking in the stone surrounded by tributes, bearing so many memories.
It won't be forever.
A/N: An enormous thank you to everyone who has supported this little story of mine. Your views, reviews, Favourites and Follows have meant a great deal to me. If you liked this, please feel free to have a look at my other works on the site; it would be greatly appreciated.
(It had better update properly this time...)
Farewell dear readers, and I hope you enjoyed the story!