Chapter Two: Hit the Road

"Diamond in the back" - Curtis Mayfield

"East bound and down" - Jerry Reed

Two 70's songs. Dear God, I'm old.

AN: Alright! Now we're getting the ball rolling! It's time to start having a little bit of family fun. I finally started writing the other tiger officer Jackson in the fiction. Don't expect too much from him. He's mainly another addition to fill up the ZPD. His main characteristic is his vanity. He thinks he's the most handsome officer on the force. I also introduced Harvey, the rabbit cadet. While he will be mentioned one more time in this story, he's also a very minor character, Those expecting him in a heated love triangle between him, Judy and Nick will be disappointed.

9:30 am at Nick's apartment

Nick and Cotton were hiding behind the couch as they were dodging the binking bunnies. Nick put camouflage army helmets on both of them. "Private Cotton!" Nick said. "Do you have any ideas?"

"I don't know dad-err...'Sargent Wilde'. They're going too fast! We can't stop them!"

"Pull yourself together private! We'll get those bunnies in order. I got a plan. I'll lift you up and you grab them as they come by."

"But they're going so fast!"

"Relax private. You're a lamb covered in wool! You're practically a pillow on legs."

Nick got up from behind the couch and aimed Cotton towards Michael. Michael saw that he was about to crash into Cotton and twisted himself mid-air. He slammed into Cotton and Nick as they fell together.

Nick asked Cotton "Are you okay sweetie?"

"I'm fine daddy. I guess I AM a pillow with legs. Are you okay Michael? Michael?"

Michael was too busy snuggling against Cotton. "I'm feeling great baby!"

Nick pulled them off. "That's enough you lovebirds! Cotton, it's time to get Petey."

Nick and Cotton managed to catch Petey as well. "Okay you kids. Enough binking! I need you to get ready to leave."

Petey looked up at his father. "Daddy? Are we gonna go see Cindy?"

"If we can find her, yes. Can you really feel her lately?"

"Kinda. This morning, it felt like I was banging my head against a wall. She does that when she's upset. If..SHIIIIT!...If we find her, are you and mommy gonna adopt her? I really miss her!"

"Me and Judy talked about it. It all depends on what's going on. I can't promise anything, but we'll try. Okay?"

"Okay daddy!" Petey said as he ran off happily.

"Now you kids hurry up and get ready! Daddy has to make a video for Bogo so the folks at "Preds for Peace" aren't confused on why I'm absent and the guy that made me quit my job is there. Oh and don't forget to go pee. It's a long trip."

A half hour later, Nick made the video and got the trio of kids in front of him. "Okay you three. I packed up all of your clothes and snacks. You kids have your tablets for movies and games?"

"Yes daddy!" The trio said.

"Do you have your toys?"

"Yes daddy!"

"Good! Now this is important. Do any of you have to go pee before we leave?"

The kids looked at each other for a moment. "Nope." said Petey.

"I'm good" said Cotton.

"Not me!" said Michael.

"Alright then! Let's hit the road!"

Moments later Nick buckled the kids in their booster seats, leaving room for Judy in the middle. He put the tablets and toys in their reach and set the bags in back. He then opened up the sunroof so they can get some air. He hopped up front, lowered the seat down and un-extended the gas and brake pedals as Judy was the last to drive the van. He then sat down. "Alright! I got bunnies in the back, sun rooftop, Diggin' the scene with a gangsta lean woo-oooooo!"

"Daddy?" Michael said.

"Oh boy. Here it comes. Yes Michael?"

"I have to pee."

"Me too!" said Cotton.

"Me three." said Petey.

"SIGH! Like clockwork. Okay. Everybody out!"

Within twenty minutes, they were back on the van and in front of the ZPD headquarters. Judy was still keeping Francine company at the desk.

"Are you gonna tell him about Harvey?" Francine asked.

"Of course. We don't keep secrets from each other. Besides, I want to see his face when he starts acting jealous!" Judy said with a cheeky grin.

"Well don't overdo it. I am one of the bridesmaids at your wedding and buying a pink dress my size doesn't come cheap!"

Judy hopped into the back seat of the van. "Hey you boys!" Judy gave a big hug and a kiss to Petey and Michael. She then crawled over to Cotton and gave her a hug and a kiss as well. "I love you too honey!"

"Buckle up Bunnycup!" Nick said. "As Giraffe Reed once sang 'We got a long way to go and a short time to get there."

Judy buckled up between Michael and Petey. "I'm all set! By the way, I found out we're going to have a rabbit officer on the force soon."

"Oh?" said Nick as he pulled out of the parking lot.

"Yeah! His name's Harvey. He's currently a cadet and he was inspired to become a cop because of me."

Nick smiled. "Well that's wonderful!"

This was not the reaction Judy was expecting. "...Oh?"

"Yeah! I was telling Bogo just last week that there needs to be more cops of various sizes. There are a lot of different species here in Zootopia and they need to be represented. Having a large mammal officer arresting a small mammal doesn't bring respect, it brings intimidation and fear."

Judy was still wondering why he wasn't jealous. "...Hunh."

"Something wrong Fluff?"

"No! Nothing at all."

"Okay then! Can't wait to meet the guy! Did he say anything about me?"

"Yeah...yeah. He's a fan of both of us."

Judy couldn't see Nick's mischievous grin in the rear view mirror. "You could be the least bit jealous you know?!"

"Why? Did he flirt with you?"

"Well...no."

"Does he hate me?"

"No! Not at all."

"Does he have green eyes?"

"Green eyes?!"

"Yeah! Remember, you're looking to get pregnant. Maybe he'd be a good candidate for a surrogate father."

This made Judy upset. She threw her paws in the air in frustration. "Oh come ON!"

Nick finally broke out in laughter. "C'mon honey! I'm taking you to a place where there's thousands if not millions of male bunnies who would give their left nu-errr...foot to be with you and I have no doubt you'd turn them all down. Why should I be jealous of ONE rabbit who wasn't even flirting with you?"

Judy admitted defeat. "I guess you're right. I just wanted to see you get a LITTLE jealous 'yknow?"

"Oh I know. I saw it coming from a mile away."

"Sly fox."

"Dumb bunny."

Michael then yelled at Nick. "HEY! YOU DON'T CALL MY MOMMY DUMB!"

Judy petted the boys head. "It's okay Michael. That's just a little tease we used to say to each other."

"Well...okay."

Moments later, they picked up Spots and were on Greenfield highway towards Bunnyburrow. At top legal speeds, they should be there in 2&1/2 hours. As they sped down the highway, Nick looked over at Spots. She had her head down and was sniffling. Her heavy kiss on James was still on her mind and bothering her. "Are you okay?" Nick asked.

"I don't know."

"Well...we're heading to Stu's farm. Rose will be there. Maybe being with a friend will cheer you up."

"I can't see her."

"What?! Why not?!"

"Gideon said I'm not allowed to see her."

This enraged Nick. "WHAT?!"

"He said it would be better for both of us. He likes me, but he's worried for her if my PTSD ever comes back again."

"Stupid fox! I'm gonna knock his big, fat fangs in!"

"Dad! Don't! I can't blame him. After what I did to her, it's a miracle we became friends again."

"He has no right to keep you two apart!"

"Wait a sec! What do you care if I'm with her? I thought you were all on the Spots/James train?!"

"I'm on the 'Spots being happy' train. You should be with who you want to be with!"

This caused Spots to smile. "SNIFF! Thank you. Y'know? All I want from her is one kiss."

"One kiss?"

"If I could get one long kiss from her and that passion is still there, then I'll know who I really am."

Petey spoke. "TITFARTS! I know who you really are!"

Spots chuckled. "You do?"

"Yeah! It doesn't matter if you like boys or girls, you're my big sister and I love you!"

Spots reached over and petted the bunny's head. "Thanks Pete."

Nick focused back on the road. "Well, when I see Gideon, I'm gonna bark his head off."

About a half hour down the highway, Judy was getting frustrated at Nick going barely above the speed limit. "Floor it Nick! We have to be there as fast as possible. Lives are at stake!"

"Relax Fluff. We're making good time. Can't go too fast. We got bunnies on board y'know?"

"We'd be making even better time if I was driving."

Nick stuck his tongue out at her. "Well, you're not, so nyah!"

"I will say you've become a much better driver over these past two weeks."

"Thanks Carrots. Being a father makes you want to drive much safer." Nick then looked at the dashboard. "Hmmm...looks like we need gas. There's a Mole-bil station just off the road. I'm gonna make a stop."

Nick pulled into the station and got out to pay the gas. A sneaky Judy got out of the car and went over to the front seat. She adjusted the brake and gas pedal for her size, raised the seat higher and with a mischievous giggle, buckled herself in.

"You little sneak!" Spots said.

Judy smiled. "Hey! We got a lot to do and I need to get there fast. 'Slowpoke Wilde' isn't gonna get us there in time."

There was a pause. Then Spots asked a question. "You...you dated Bobby right?"

"Yup. I was about your age at the time."

"How far did you get?"

Judy smiled. "Second base."

Michael sounded said. "Awww! Mommy didn't score!"

Judy smiled. "Oh I scored alright! How about you Spots?"

Spots blushed. "First."

"Bet the bristles were a bit of a surprise hunh?"

"Hee-Hee! Yeah."

"Like a soft toothbrush."

"That's what I said!" Spots chucked.

"I should write a song. Oooooh, I got to second-base with your grandpaaa!"

Spots hyena laugh went into full force. "Hoo-hoo! Hahahahaha! Hoo!"

Judy smiled at her. "You feeling better?"

"Yeah. I still need to have that talk, but...thanks mom."

While they were waiting for Nick, Michael was looking over at two zebras who were checking out a car that one horse was getting maintenance on.

"Sweet ride!"

"Thanks! It's got 500 me power."

"Everything working now?"

"Yup. All six cylinders are fired up! Time for me to hit the road."

Michael was finding some musical inspiration from that. "Hmmmm!" He started playing on his harmonica a bit to get a tune going. He then started singing. "All six cylinders! Let's fire 'em up! Let's light 'em up and hit the rooooad!"

Judy looked back at Michael. "What are you doing honey?"

"Making my own song."

"Awesome!" Spots replied. "You gonna be a rock star someday?"

"Damn right!" he said with a smile. This ticked off Judy a bit.

"Don't cuss!"

"Petey cusses!" he argued.

"Petey has tourettes."

Meanwhile, Nick arrived at the van and saw Judy behind the wheel."Dangit Judy!"

"Sorry honey, but if we're gonna get this case done, we gotta go fast!"

"Alright 'Sonic', just don't get me and my kids killed."

A half-hour later, they were on the road and Judy was going a at ridiculous speeds. In the back seat, the kids were raising their paws and going "WHEEE!" while Nick was gripping his claws into the back seat tightly in fear.

"Hey 'Steed Racer'! Can you slow down a bit?"

"No can do Nick! Gotta make good time. Besides, the highway's empty! We're not going THAT fast!"

"Then why do I see 95 on the speedometer?!"

Judy looked back at the kids. "Kids? This is how mommy drives when she's in a hot pursuit."

"EYES ON THE ROAD!" Nick screamed.

"Would you relax?" Judy asked. Her response was met with police sirens. "Oh crap!"

"Yes!" Nick said. "This one's coming out of your salary Carrots. Not mine."

Judy slowed down and pulled over her car. "No sweat! I'm a fellow cop. I'll I have to do is is flash my badge and it's a 'get out of jail free' card."

"Oh really?" Nick replied.

Judy watched the the police officer approached. He was a pig. "Ha-Ha! Now THAT'S a road hog!" Judy joked.

The officer approached Judy. "Can I see your license and registration please?"

Judy flashed her eyes in a flirting manner and flashed her badge. "Sure thing fellow officer!" She then handed over her information.

"Do you know how fast you were going?"

"About 85-90 mph on an open highway."

"With children in the back." Nick added.

"Hush Nick!"

"You were doing 95." The pig replied. "Speed limits 65mph. Mind asking me why you were driving so fast?"

"Sure thing officer! I'm on a special assignment in Bunnyburrow. I have to drop off the kids to my dad's farm and head to a supermarket where a fox went savage. There's some special circumstances so it's not on the news yet. What I'm telling you now is top secret."

"Sure." The pig said sarcastically while writing her information.

"It's true! You've probably heard of me. I'm Zootopia's first rabbit officer. Judy Hopps!"

The pig looked up and lifted his ray-ban sunglasses. "Oh yeah! I know you!"

Judy smiled. "Oh good!"

"You gave me a parking ticket when I was less than a minute over!" He began writing the speeding ticket.

Judy was practically sweating through her fur. "I-I-I'm so sorry! I had a quota to meet! 100 tickets a day!"

"Uh-Huh."

Nick spoke up. "Actually Carrots, didn't you tell me you gave yourself your own quota of 200 tickets before noon just to impress Bogo?"

"Shut up!" Judy snapped back.

Michael then spoke up. "Hey mommy! Is that the road hog you were talking about?"

"Road hog?!" said the officer. Judy just buried her head in the steering wheel. "Going 30 mph above the speed limit with kids in the car? This is gonna be a costly one. Excuse me for a moment 'Officer Hopps'."

The officer left for a moment to his car and Judy was in tears. "I can't afford a big ticket right now! Mom and dad will kill me if they knew I was driving this fast! PLEASE Nick! Help me!"

Nick chuckled. "How?"

"I don't know! Use your...your magic hustling powers!"

Nick couldn't help but laugh. " 'Magic hustling powers'?!"

"You're really good at talking your way out of these things!"

"Okay Fluff, I noticed something on him that might get us out of this, but I want something in return."

"Anything!"

"I just want you get out of the driver's seat and I drive the rest of the way. Okay?"

"Deal!"

The cop returned with her ticket. "Okay, Speeding and child endangerment. That's $1,200."

Judy jumped in her seat. "EEP!"

"But since I have to make a made up quota for today, it's gonna be $2,400."

"Oh. Come o-" Nick put his paw on Judy's shoulder to help silence her.

"Excuse me officer, who's that lovely little lamb in that picture you have sticking out of your shirt pocket?"

"Oh this? This is my daughter Violet. Me and my wife adopted her two years back. She can't have kids."

Nick flopped his ears down. "I'm so sorry to hear that! You have a foster family too?"

"Oh yes! That tiny one on the end is little Billy the possum and his older brother is Paul the porcupine."

"Well isn't that wonderful! All of our family is adopted too. All with special needs. This one is Cotton, she was born with her knees backwards. If you look, you can see that even her hooves face the other way. This is my son Petey. He came from an abusive household. He swears a lot, but that's because he has tourettes syndrome."

"We're gonna pick up my twin sister today BIIIITCH! She's ummmm special. Like me" Petey replied.

Nick explained. "She has a mental illness from what I understand. They share some sort of psychic bond."

"I hear twins do that." the cop replied.

Nick continued. "This is his big brother Michael who Judy adopted outside of her own family. The father was going to sacrifice him to the hawks when she rescued him. He was born blind, but her father felt so guilty, he offered up one of his eyes to make up for what he did. Cost us a ton for the operation."

The cop was impressed. "I'm so sorry to hear that! I heard about the hawks taking over. My aunt has a home out there. I was worried for her and my cousins."

"Well me, Judy and my foster daughter Spots here managed to fight them off." Nick pulled down his shoulder to reveal his wound. "See this? I got this when they carried me off. But I didn't get the worst of it. Spots honey, show the policeman your foot."

"Check this out!" Spots said as she lifted up her metal foot. "One of the hawks bit it off at the ankle."

The cop was impressed. "Well I'll be darned! You folks are real heroes."

"Thank you." Nick replied. "And I'm sure you are a wonderful father. It's been tough for us. The metal foot transplant took up a lot of our money. We...SNIFF!...We have to restart on her college fund. Not to mention poor Cotton's operation to fix her legs will cost us hundreds of thousands of dollars. But we'll be okay. She can stay a cripple for another decade I'm sure."

Cotton caught on and started sobbing. "But daddy! I wanna walk!"

"Now, now darling! It's okay! Mommy broke the law and we have to pay the penalty. It's only fair!"

The cop, now teary-eyed himself tore up the ticket. "I can't do it! I can't in good consciousness give you a ticket with what you're going through! Especially being a fellow foster family. I'll just let you off with a warning this time. Don't drive so fast! You have little ones on board who are already crippled enough."

"I-I understand officer!" Judy replied. "In fact, my careful fiance with his ummm...spotless safety record will take over until we get to Bunnyburrow."

"Well that's very sensible! You all have a good day!" The cop started to leave.

Micheal was confused. "Daddy, aren't you a milliona-"

Nick put his paw over the boys mouth. "Shhhhh! Daddy's gonna drive the car now."

Nick got out of the back seat and Judy hopped out of the front. She had Nick lean over so she should give him a huge kiss. "Mmmmmwah! See? Magical hustling powers."

"Indeed." he said with a grin.

"When we get back to my old home, I'm gonna take you to my old room and..." she whispered into his ear.

Unfortunately,.Michael overhead what she said. "Blow him what mommy? Balloons?"

Both Nick and Judy were embarrassed as Spots was stifling a laugh. "Nooo...I was gonna ummm...blow...bubbles!" She pulled out the bubble jar and wand from Michael's bag and started to blow bubbles, making the kids in the back very happy.

"Good save." Spots added.

The family drove off back onto the highway.

12:10pm

The family was still heading down the highway, but they were getting hungry. "Dad, I'm starving!" said Spots.

"Me too!" said Cotton.

Nick kept his eyes on the road. "I'm hungry too kids, but we have to make good time. Judy, can you hand them some snacks out of the snack bag?"

"Sure dear." Judy replied.

As she started fishing out the snacks, Nick and Spots looked over at a large restaurant looming ahead. A billboard lit up a few hundred feet a head of the place advertising it.

Nick read the sign. " 'The world famous Uncle Jim-Bob's BBQ fish and Wedding chapel.' "

"Well that's an odd combination." Judy replied.

Spots was getting real hungry and drool started coming off her fangs. "Oh my God! I haven't had meat in ages! Dad! Can we stop there? Pleeeease?!"

"I like a good BBQ fish as much as the next carnivore, but we gotta hurry. Besides, they have no vegetarian options for the bunnies."

Spots was pulling on her ears in frustration. "Aww come on dad! It says right there. They got deep fried kale and their world famous BBQ fries! World famous! Fries are vegetarian!"

Just then, Judy spoke up. "Actually, let's go ahead and stop for lunch."

Spots pumped her fist. "YES!"

Nick was surprised. "Really? I thought you were in a rush!"

"I am." Judy replied. "I need you to park the car and step out for a moment. We need to talk in private."

"Alright hon."

Judy put on Michael's ear buds and put on a video on his tablet. "Here. You watch this for a few minutes. Spots, watch the kids."

Nick parked at the BBQ joint. Both he and Judy stepped out of the van. Judy walked further away from the van so Michael's sensitive ears wouldn't hear. Nick stretched as he walked over to talk to Judy. "Okay Fluff, what's so important that you'd want to stop here?"

"Will you marry me?"

"In case you forgot, we're engaged. See the ring?"

"I mean now. Right now."

"Ummm...What?!"