Chapter 3: The Update

Hello, everyone! So, I thought I wouldn't be able to publish this chapter until next week, but, as it turns out, I'm able to publish it earlier! A couple of things before we begin. Firstly, I received a review for the last chapter wondering whether or not the conversation in the previous chapter will lead to anything. As I said in the reply, I'm not currently planning on it going any further than what I already have written, but Finnick may make another appearance in this story, so I may revisit the conversation in a flashback or something like that. I'll be more than happy to take any suggestions anyone may have regarding this. Second, thank you to anyone and everyone who's reviewed, followed, and/or favorited this story so far. I really appreciate all of the support I've been getting. If I haven't sent you a personal thank you note via PM (if you have PM enabled and/or are not a guest) yet, I apologize and will get around to thanking you personally soon. Finally, to my fellow Americans who are reading this: I hope you all had a happy 4th of July! To everyone else, I hope you had a good day in general yesterday. Now, without further ado, let's get back to the story. I still don't own any characters, locations, brands, or products that are featured/mentioned below.

After saying goodbye to Finnick, promising to stay in touch with him regularly, Nick made his way home, which was really just the bridge where Judy had found him a few days after the "incident," as he and Finnick called it. All of a sudden, his phone began to vibrate. This startled him, for he wasn't expecting anyone to call. His face immediately relaxed into that of a relieved smile, however, when he saw who was calling. He pressed the "answer," button on his phone.

"Hello, you've reached the phone of Nick Wilde. I'm sorry he's not able to come to the phone right now, so please leave a message after the beep." He then imitated an answering machine beep, causing the mammal on the other end to giggle.

"Hey, Slick. How's it going," came the voice of Judy on the other end.

"Nothing much, just tying up a couple of loose ends. So, how's it going with you? That leg healing okay?"

"Well, that's actually what I wanted to talk to you about," Judy answered. Immediately, Nick became worried. This was a brief feeling, however, because Judy then told him, "The doctor said I'm well enough to leave the hospital early."

It was all Nick could do not to sigh with relief. "That's great! So, when are you going home? Maybe we could catch a movie or something?"

"Actually, Nick, things are going to be pretty busy for me. I have to convince Bogo to let me back on the force, catch up on all I missed, convince him to let you on the force, not to mention trying to convince my parents to go back home and stop worrying about me…"

That last sentence caught Nick off guard. He had gotten the impression that Judy's parents were just going to stop by to check on Judy, ask her what happened, and other things parents usually do when their offspring is in the hospital. He had expected them to go home after that. Nick had no idea they were still in town.

"Wait, they're still here? I thought they were just in town for one day."

"Well, you know how parents are. Always worrying."

That sentence struck a chord with Nick. His father had left him and his mother when he was still a young kit, and he hadn't spoken to his mother in over twenty years. The fox shook his head to remove these thoughts, and said, "Well, can I at least help you move back in? If you can ditch the fam, that is."

There was a pause as Judy thought about this. Nick wasn't sure if the bunny was pretending, or if she actually was contemplating her decision. Finally, she said, with a hint of sarcasm, "Fine, if you must. Guess I have to put up with you after all, huh?"

The fox smiled, glad to hear his friend was well enough to joke around. "Sorry, Fluff, you're stuck with me. Besides, you'll have to get used to me if you still want me as your partner." There was silence on the other end of the phone for a moment. For a second, Nick was worried that Judy was going to change her mind about Nick joining the police force. But, to his relief, she only replied, this time sincerely, "Yeah, I guess I do." There was another pause as both friends were thinking about what they had just discussed. Then, Judy said, "Oh! I have to go! The doctor just came in to check on me. I'll let you know when you can come pick me up at the hospital."

"Sounds good. See ya." And with that, Nick pressed "End call" on his phone and made his way to the downtown shopping district. He thought Judy deserved a nice homecoming gift.

Well, it's about time Judy showed up in this story, huh? I apologize for it taking three chapters for her to appear, but, like I said in my introduction to the story (see the first chapter to read it), I wanted to make this story mostly about Nick and his experiences. Anyways, stay tuned to find out what Nick's gift for Judy is, as well as what happens when he brings her home. Remember to read and review! Until next chapter, readers!