4 Confessions

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Okay folks, another chapter of Unintended Consequences to keep you busy while I continue working on Life is a Highway. Yes, I've gained ground on Life, but it's difficult at this stage to put together coherent chapters with the intent of finishing the story in in next several chapters.

As always, comments are the lifeblood of most authors, so please drop a few.

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Almost as an afterthought, Judy asks "Are you sure there are no ulterior motives behind this idea of yours?"

"Well," begins Nick "you are the … prettiest … female I've seen for a long time." and adds a quick wink to the end of the statement.

A slightly embarrassed and flustered Judy decides to throw a bit of snark back at the flirty todd "Don't call me cute it's-"

Which is exactly when Debra manages to step into the room – this is NOT a good bit of timing.

"What's this? As an officer you should know better than to call a rabbit, especially a doe, cute!" Debra rants.

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Taken completely by surprise, Nick tries to explain "But, I didn't-"

"Don't bother to deny it, I just heard Judy admonish you for doing it!"

"But Nick didn't-" Judy tries to interrupt, but at this point, Debra's rant will not be stopped.

"Don't worry Judy, I've got this!" continues the irate tan doe. "I'm going to make an example of officer Wilde. I'm going to file charges of sexual harassment, conduct unbecoming and anything else I can think of against him, and if the ZPD doesn't do something about him, I'll sue the police department itself!" as she looks directly and accusingly at Bogo.

"But it's not what you-" again Judy tries to insert herself into the conversation.

"I said I'd take care of this-" again interrupts Debra, this time with even more force.

Finally, not able to take the verbal onslaught, Judy hops (no pun intended) down for the chair she's been sitting on and flees the room.

"Well, now you've done it!" says Debra as she tries to pick up where she left off before Judy's untimely exit.

"THAT'S ENOUGH!" as Nick finally takes control of the conversation.

In shock, Debra stands slightly slack-jawed, staring at the todd.

"Everything was going smoothly and under complete control until you came in and screwed everything up!" accuses the todd.

"But-but I heard-"

"Part of the conversation!" Nick asserts firmly "You have absolutely NO idea what was said before you stepped into the room do you?" he asks.

"But-"

"NO! You don't get to talk! It's my turn now!" reasserts the todd.

"Judy and I had reached an agreement for her to tutor me on the local communities that are included in the Tri-Burrows area. I complemented her and told her she was the prettiest female I'd seen in a long time. She got embarrassed and evidentially reverted to the 'don't call bunnies cute' shtick that I've heard several times before in Zootopia in order to cover her embarrassment. I absolutely know better that to use the 'C' word around rabbits. But now, thanks to your little tirade, what little self-confidence that Judy had left after the last few days seems to have been completely destroyed. If you really want to press charges, go right ahead, but just so you know, I'm going to be adding a few of my own."

Turning his attention to the large buffalo who, up to this point has been quiet, Nick continues: "Chief, I want you to go find the facility administrator. When you find him, or her, I want to file several complaints against Doctor Hopps-Leaps here. Verbal harassment, specism, and professional misconduct should do to begin with. In the meantime, I wish to have a different primary physician be assigned to me as soon as possible."

Turning his attention back to the doe "And you doctor, can leave the room. I do not wish to see you again, now or ever."

"But-" as Debra tries to get a word in edgewise.

"Doctor … leave … this … room … NOW!" as Nick cuts her off with as much venom in his voice as he can muster.

As Bogo exits the room, Debra follows him – ears flat against her back, shoulders slumped and eyes looking at the floor. Taking a last peek at the still visibly upset vulpine, the doe finally clears the doorway.

Approaching the duty nurse's desk, Debra was informed that Judy had gone in the direction of the smoker's lounge.

"Makes sense, I guess," the doe thinks to herself "since smoking's not allowed anywhere in the building anymore, at least she'll have some privacy."

Opening the frosted glass door to the normally unused smoking area, Debra sees Judy sitting on a bench looking out at the snow-covered landscape with her ears flat on her back and shoulders hunched, shaking slightly.

"Judes?" the tan doe asks softly.

"I-I want to thank you Debra …" the grey doe says quietly, tears still rimming her eyes.

"For….?"

"My life was just starting to return to a semblance of normal, until you managed to totally screw it up … again. So … thanks for that!"

"Judy, I-"

"Just so you know," Judy continues undeterred "Nick and the Chief had already paid for everything out of their own pockets so I could go to the academy in a couple of weeks…"

"Judy-"

Judy again continues uninterrupted. "I had worked out a deal with Nick to teach him all about the Tri-Burrows. In exchange, he had already put my phone on his plan, gave me full access to one of his debit cards, and is, or rather probably was, going to have one of his cars brough here for me to use. Nick is the first mammal to ever try and support my dream of becoming a cop. No one else ever did that. Not mom or dad, not even you … But now, thanks to you, I'm pretty sure it's all in the toilet. I – I just wanted to share that with you. So … now once again … I'll probably have no phone, no money, no job, nowhere to live and no transportation. I have no idea what I'll do when the kits get here…"

"What are you talking about? There's the burrow, and-"

"I guess you hadn't heard yet." interrupts Judy. "Since I'm pregnant with no actual mate, and I stuck up for Nick earlier, dad banished me from the warren and cut off my phone and all access to all of the family bank accounts."

"I-I had no idea!"

Finally turning to look at her sister, Judy continues angrily: "Of course not, but you had to jump in and run your mouth … you never once gave anyone a chance to explain that what you heard was taken out of context even though we all tried. Nick had complemented me on how pretty I was and I froze up, never expecting that. All I could think of for a comeback was to tell him not to call a bunny cute. Then you stepped in and it all turned to shit!"

Letting out a long sigh, a now tearful Debra finally speaks "Well, I guess your fox got the last laugh then…"

As what her sister said sinks in – her fox rather than the fox – Judy has to ask "Wait, what? What happened?"

Taking a place beside her sister on the long open-ended bench "When Wilde finally explained everything, he told the chief to get the hospital administrator. The todd's going to pursue complaints against me that will most likely cause me to lose my certification at the hospital and probably my license to practice medicine. I'll be jobless, which will suck, what with Danni not able to work and the kits ready to go to school next fall."

After several moments of thoughtful silence, Debra continues "Nick's in love with you Judes … or at least he really likes you, that much is clear."

"Wh-what?" comes the incredulous reply.

"How else would you explain everything he's done for you? He could have had you arrested or at least given a ton of tickets or both. He could have simply just walked away and ignored you completely. He could have left you to the mercy of the courts. Instead, he, and his boss, have offered to do all of that for you. What other answer is there?"

"I-I-I just don't know what to think … what to say … what to do!" stammers the grey doe. "You know perfectly well that I've never even really dated before!"

"I think the only thing you can do is to go and ask him. At least you'll know for sure, one way or the other." suggests Debra.

*SIGH* "I guess you're right. C'mon …" says Judy as she grabs her sister's arm, leading her towards the door.

"WHAT? Me, go with you? After the way he looked at me … after he asked … no, demanded that I leave the room? Are you crazy? Or do you just think that I am?"

Stopping just short of the smoking lounge door, Judy poses a demand "If you don't go, I won't either. Make up your damned mind sis!"

"Ugh, fine, let's go then…" as Debra stops resisting as Judy takes her paw in her own and the two does head back down the hall towards Nick's room.

As the two were about to enter Nick's room, Debra spies Bogo and a black tailed deer doe coming from the opposite end of the hall.

"That's Ms. Deerley, the director of the hospital..." Deb whispers to her sister.

"Let ME handle THIS…" insists Judy.

When Bogo opens his mouth and lifts a hoof, Judy shows her attitude "Listen up chief, Deb and I are going to talk to Nick, and we'll let you two know when you can come in when we're finished. You will NOT enter until I say so … got it?"

Closing his mouth and dropping his hoof, Bogo pauses for a few seconds and then answers "Yes ma'am. We'll be in the waiting area. Come Ms. Deerley." as he takes the protesting deer doe by the arm, leading her toward the waiting area.

Entering the room, the does first hear "Hey there Fluff - but you … I thought I told you-"

"Can it Wilde." begins Judy forcefully "We need to talk … all three of us. Deb and I first and you're going to listen, then you can have your turn … understand?"

Seeing the todd give a slight nod, Judy continues "Alright, Deb, you're first … apologize to Nick, and you'd damn well better mean it." she warns.

Stepping forward, ears down flat against her back and wringing her paws, Debra begins "Officer … err I mean detective Wilde, I'd like to apologize for stepping out of line and demeaning you for calling Judy cute. I apologize for not letting you, or her, be able to inform me as to the prior bit of conversation that took place before I entered the room. If you could possibly see fit to not file complaints against me and my actions, I promise to strive to do better and be more diligent in the future."

Looking between the two does, Nick makes a beckoning motion with his free left paw.

Approaching slowly, Deb hops up on the chair next to the todd's bed.

As Nick motions her yet again, the doe crawls up on the edge of the bed.

"Do you mean it?" asks Nick softly. Do you truly mean every word?"

"Yes, yes I do."

"Are you married? Have kits?" he asks.

"Yes …" she breathes just as quietly.

"When we're done here, I want you to go home to your husband and kits, hug them and tell them how much you love them. Can you do that?"

"Of course. I do it every day."

"Then I won't file any complaints. I forgive you since you were just trying to protect your sister as best you could. Everyone deserves a second chance. I got one, so the best thing I can do is pay it forward. I'll still retain you as my primary physician unless you don't feel comfortable around me. If that's the case I understand."

"I – I'd really like the opportunity to stay on as your primary Mr. Wilde …" confirms the doe.

"Then that's settled. Okay Judy, I guess that means you're next."

Joining her sister on the very edge of Nick's bed, Judy has just one question: "Nick, why are you doing all of this for me? I mean really?"

"I told you-" begins the todd.

"I know what you told me before and it's all very nice, but … there's more to it than just that … isn't there? Please be honest with me Nick … please!"

"I – I'm not sure you'll like what m - my reasons truly are …" he stammers.

"Do you like me Nick?" Judy suddenly asks softly gently taking his much larger left paw in both of her much smaller paws. "I mean truly like me, in a romantic sort of way and not just a being helpful or as a sister sort of way?"

"Mayyybeeee?" cautiously answers Nick, very unsure as to where the line of questioning is going.

Reaching out and touching Nick's arm, Judy has a confession of her own "It's okay if you do Nick, I – I like you as well."

"You – you do?"

"Yes Nick, I do. I really didn't realize it until talking with Deb just a few minutes ago. When we sat together and went over the past few days happenings and she got me to remember how I stuck up for you against my father. There's no way I could've done that unless there was some sort of feelings there. And you, you sly fox, doing all of those things for me under the guise of simply helping me to become an officer. No one, and I mean no one, not even my parents, ever offered any support for realizing my dream. Only you did that."

"Really?"

"Yes really. So … wadda ya say, wanna try and be together? At least try?"

"Umm, what do you know about vulpine relationships?" he asks.

"Not much, why?"

"In fox relationships, especially reds, the vixen always takes the lead. In everything from dating to proposals to sex and even having and raising kits. Everything… and once married and bonded, it's a lifelong relationship. No divorce. Period. Only death can separate them."

"Like … like your parents?" Judy asks cautiously.

"Exactly like them, yes." sadly admits the todd "Look, I'm not saying no and I'm not saying yes just yet. I'm simply asking you to study up on what it means to be with a fox. Traditions, everything, then ask me again. Will that be acceptable? We can take it from there … slowly if you don't mind. Besides, I'm not gonna be goin' anywhere or doin' anything for some time according to your sister."

"I'll accept that for now." as Judy gently pads over to Nick (I know, bunnies don't have paw pads – it's a figure of speech) and places a gentle kiss on his jaw, which surprises all three occupants in the room, especially Judy. "And while I'm at it, I'll pick up a couple of books on lapine dating and mating customs, for you to look over, so we're on even ground. It should make things a bit easier down the road – fewer misunderstandings."

Heading for and reaching the edge of the bed, Judy turns "If you don't mind, I'm gonna get something to eat, then do some shopping. When dad banished me from the warren, I suddenly realized how few possessions I truly have. I need some new clothes and fursonal items both for the academy and for every day, as well as reserving a hotel room until I go to the academy. I promise to stop by tonight before visiting hours are up and see you again."

"When I leave, I'll leave word at the desk that you've made Judy your emergency contact and that she's to be considered family. That way she can stop by anytime of the day or night and visit." interjects Debra.

"Thanks Deb." says Judy.

"Yes, thank you Doctor Hopps-Leaps." adds Nick.

"Since you're practically family, you can just call be Debra or Deb if you'd like … except around the public." the tan doe adds.

"Then, thank you … Deb."

"And while my truly mental sister is still here to hear, you have my permission to call me cute – in private – if you wish." Judy adds.

"Thanks all the same," comments Nick "but I think pretty or beautiful is a lot safer and much more accurate. And I guess Fluff will do in public, will it not?"

"Those are fine, as long as you mean them." answers a now blushing Judy.

"With all my heart." concedes the todd.

"And I'll be back in a bit to check on you and take a few vitals." adds Debra as she follows Judy to the door.

Shortly after the does leave, Bogo and Ms. Deerley enter.

"I've decided not to pursue any complaints against doctor Hopps-Leaps." Nick immediately tells the two. "This was a simple misunderstanding which was easily rectified. Thank you for your time."

With a huff, the deer doe rolls her eyes and leaves, leaving just Nick and Bogo.

"So …" begins Bogo.

"It's just like I said chief, it was all a big misunderstanding. Once it was explained and accepted that I didn't actually call Hopps cute, the issue was resolved."

"Buuuut ….?" prompts the large bovine.

No real buts. However, it seems that Hopps and I are now kind of an item."

"And?"

"And as such, I'll do what it takes to protect her and her as yet unborn kits."

"Meaning what? Exactly?"

"Meaning I would like for you to assign Lola to do a bit of undercover work."

"And she'll be happy to do … what … exactly, simply because you asked?"

"I want her to find the creep who got Judy pregnant and bailed."

"And then what?"

"Whatever it takes short of killing him to be sure that he never comes back to harass Judy or claim the kits. Lola will be happy to do it if she knows that it'll use up all of the favors that she owes me."

"Really? All of them? That's quite a bit, don't you think?" asks a slightly stunned Bogo.

"Totally worth it for Judy's piece of mind."

"And you're gonna tell Hopps all about it, right?"

"Eventually, when the time's right, yes. One less thing for her to worry about while she's at the academy or after the kits are born, whether we're still together or not."

Staring at the todd, Bogo finally voices what he's been thinking for a day or so "You really do at least care for her, don't you?"

Contemplating the question for a long moment, then looking his boss straight in the eye, Nick gives the only answer he honestly can "Yes, I do. and I'm absolutely convinced that she feels the same way. I fact she just admitted it to me."

"Still, I can't help but wonder why you two … of all mammals …"

Thinking for a few long seconds, Nick finally speaks "While we're pretty much polar opposites, pred and prey, bitter enemies in eons past with rabbits being a fox's primary food source, we're more like bond mates now."

Seeing the puzzled look on Bogo's face, the todd continues "Life has pretty much shit on both of us in the past, me with my issues and Judy with hers. … And yet, due to certain circumstances, we both have at least a chance for happiness. I know it'll be a long difficult road, especially in a mixed species relationship,, but we're both going into this with our eyes open. In as much as it seems hypocritical to say, by almost killing me, Judy has most likely saved my life. With my parents gone, the nightmares and thoughts of eating a bullet were getting to be more and more commonplace. I need someone like Judy in my life and she needs someone like me in hers. Someone to bring positivity into her daily grind, especially with kits on the way."

"Alright then," begins the massive bull as he stands "there's no reason for me to stick around here anymore since I know that you're out of danger, physically at least. No telling what that doe's gonna do to your fragile mind." the bovine adds with a smirk.

"Har, har. Piss off Adrian."

As a grinning Bogo heads for the door, he turns "I'll let mammal resources know that you're engaged, sort of, so they can begin the paperwork. That and that you're requesting a transfer to … where exactly?"

"I guess to the Tri-Burrow Sheriff's Office to start with. Once I, or rather we, figure out where I'll be stationed in the area and eventually find a place to live, I'll update you."

"Sounds good. I'll have Lola contact you for more info on Hopps's attacker. Date rape should do for starters."

"Good, nice spin. A date rape charge will deter most wannabe tough guys most times. I'll be looking forward to her call."

After Bogo leaves and with all of the hubbub finally subsiding, Nick begins his daily meditation and settles down to rest for a bit until Doctor Deb and Judy return.