Chapter 18: A Step Back Into Reality


Today started off as what seemed to be another great one. One where nothing should have gone wrong. At least, that's what it felt like. Then how could it have ended so unpredictably…?

~o0o~

Judy and Nick were currently yet again in their usual room at the Mercy Sahara Hospital. Thankfully this time, the visit there wasn't as disappointing as the last. She was in the first few days of her 24th week and feeling much more confident in herself and the kits. Now that Judy could physically feel them, however, everything became much more serious from there. Again, not that it wasn't already serious from the very beginning.

"Now I wouldn't want any of you two to worry, especially since Judy can feel the kits now, but she only has around three more months in her second trimester. So I'll have to start seeing you both every week," Virginia explained.

"Are you sure there isn't any way we could contribute some kind of payment? I feel bad for leaving it up to you and Karla…" Judy pressed concerningly. She simply smiled and nodded in response.

"I'm sure. I've known Karla for a long time, both of you as well. And I can tell when two mammals deserve enough generosity."

"Fine. But I'm making a huge mental note to pay you guys back later." Judy stated a fiery look in her eyes.

"Carrots that's around thousands of dollars, two thousand if we're lucky," Nick warned from beside her.

"Then we'll have to work extra hard over the next few months!" She asserted before Virginia started lecturing her again about letting off on the stress levels in her own life.

"Judy you'll have to be even more careful with the duration of your pregnancy. There'll be even more leg cramps, back pain, and more risks we have to look out for." Dr. Firefox cautioned. Judy listened as she felt her ears droop in concern. Everything was only about to become harder from here on out. And she didn't even want to think about the due date…

She shuddered at the idea that maybe this was all moving too fast until Nick put a paw on her shoulder in reassurance. The convincing look in his eyes was enough to push her worries somewhat away. But not entirely. It was almost as if there was this tiny voice in the back of her head, feeding off her fearful thoughts and only growing bigger with each new thing…

Judy instead tried to focus on Nick and Virginia, not on whatever was going on in her mind, even if it was concerning enough.

"Everything appears normal, as I said I'll probably have to start seeing Judy every week to make sure they grow on track. But besides that, the kits seem to be right on schedule for her due date." Dr. Firefox beamed.

"And when is that exactly…?" Judy questioned, ears still very much drooping down her back.

"Well If you were to give birth exactly nine months from your first few weeks, then I'd say somewhere in April. But mothers can always go into labor earlier than expected so I wouldn't say it's set in stone." She elucidated. Judy sighed, deep in thought. That was only three months from now. And so soon after her birthday…

Maybe everything really was moving too fast?

"Then that gives enough time to prepare." Nick grinned, trying to raise her spirits. It helped a little, his optimism always found its way to Judy's own cloudy mood. She smiled fondly at him and nodded her head.

"And just enough time to figure out everything else from there. Like the nursery, their names, and I still haven't even bought enough of everything, o-or figure out which daycares to send to! Not to mention that -" Judy was spiraling in a blabbing mess, practically thinking of every worse possibility that had low chances of even happening. Thankfully Nick was there to stop her from delving too deep into this black hole she managed to dig herself into.

"Carrots, we'll be ok. Sure, everything's a little bit intimidating but it's not like we can't get through this." He said, consoling her. Judy leaned against him, letting out a fearful whimper but nonetheless, felt some of the crazy thoughts fade.

"Have you both had any thought about trying some pregnancy classes? My friend went to this one that offered yoga and a lot of helpful classes that I can suggest to you." Virginia offered. She immediately lifted both her head and ears upon hearing this.

"Wait, they have classes that help with this ?" Judy exclaimed. Virginia chuckled and nodded her head.

"They do more than help, these classes offer helpful tips and ways to improve or overcome through the difficulties that come with the pregnancies. After my friend went to a few she said she's never felt more assured and happy to have other mammals to talk about everything with her."

"Really?" She asked, hopeful, and feeling 100% better than before.

"Really. I'll give you their address and you don't have to worry about the price because everything there is completely voluntary." Virginia offered, already writing down the information on a sticky note. "You can't miss them, it's right inside the recreation center on 5th street."

"Oh, I know that place! Sandy's Desert or something," Nick proclaimed. Judy felt her spirits rise quickly, only for them to fall back down again. Because the problem was, she would be going to a class filled with other mammals. Mammals that had every chance they could to judge her. Just like those zebras on the train way back when…

Judy hadn't really had the chance to think about the fact that most mammals could tease and ridicule her because of everything. Sure, there was Simone and Xena. But they were just self-obsessed teenagers with a grudge and poor moral choice.

But in Zootopia...everything was bigger. The mammals, the public opinion, even the flipping doors were ten times larger than her. So if others actually figured out about who she was, and her background, who's to say they won't treat her the exact same as back home? Moving to the city with Nick brought on its challenges, but the worst one of them all was the idea of not being accepted. Or even the idea that her own kits wouldn't be either.

All of this was the exact future possibilities Judy didn't want to be thinking about. And yet...it was all that she could be thinking about at the moment.

She and Nick left the hospital after saying their goodbyes and headed towards the parking lot. Their car was thankfully not too far away so Judy was glad not to stay on her legs any longer. He started up the car and headed in the direction of her university.

"Oh, you have to make a left turn, not right!" She exclaimed before Nick turned the wrong way.

"Haven't you been there a handful of times already?" He joked, now driving in the right direction. Judy glared at him playfully with a scowl.

"And aren't you supposed to know every nook and cranny in the district like the back of your hand Mr. City Boy?"

"Alright, you got me there," Nick laughed. "But seriously, do you like the classes?" She thought about it for a second before nodding vigorously, a content smile on her face. The campus was filled with mammals 100 times nicer than her classmates back in Willowbrook. Especially given the fact that there was none even close in personality with Selene.

"It's better than back home, the classes are more advanced, and I love the curriculum. I've even thought about visiting one of their criminal justice lectures!" Judy beamed. Nick smiled fondly at her before returning his eyes to the road.

"Well, I'm glad. I'd be there with you too if it wasn't for everything going on at the company...But studying at the library three times a week doesn't hurt my chances of passing the GED just like you." He sighed but immediately bounced back to his optimistic personality. Judy felt her ears hung low in concern, she never liked seeing Nick work past his limit. Especially when it could be depriving him of becoming probably one of Zootopia's most impressionable managers.

"Is everything alright at the organization? The last time we saw your father he said everything was fine…" She questioned. However, in truth, the last time she and him saw John was weeks ago.

"It was…" Nick began, his ears drooping in an identical way to Judy. "But then we face a bit of a problem with the cash flow. More and more mammals have considered stopping their donations. So to try and find a way around it my father and I have been going out on more meetings. I only hope that someone out there will consider our offers…" Judy placed a paw on his shoulder in support. Only then realizing they arrived at the campus and retracted it with a gloomy sigh.

"Well, I hope things go over better today. Are you gonna be long tonight?" She pressed.

"Nope, I'll actually be home early for once in a while. Clawhauser offered to help with some of my duties. Sure is a nice guy, I've considered giving him a more permanent position but he's still in college so I'd understand if he has too much on his plate." Nick exclaimed.

"You really in a position to offer jobs?" Judy smirked while grabbing her bag from the back seat.

"Are you questioning my management abilities Carrots?" He said, placing a paw on his chest as if he were actually hurt. "Despicable." She giggled and pecked him quickly on the cheek before heading out of the car.

"Your right, how foolish of me. I'll see you home for dinner, but don't be there by 7:00!" Nick tilted his head in suspicion.

"Why? Is something happening at 7:00? Judy shrugged but the smile on her gave it slightly away. And with the arched eyebrow on his face, she knew that not telling him anything would only make Nick become even more skeptical.

"All I can tell you is that you can't come home before then. Buuut, there may or may not be something planned...Just trust me, ok?!" He gave a salute and nodded in response, grabbing one last laugh from Judy before she closed the door and headed towards the school's entrance.

Fru was near the front, waving enthusiastically as she saw Judy.

"Judy! Come on, we'll be late for class!" She asserted with a peppy attitude.

"I'm coming! Jeez." Judy chuckled as she walked up the steps and joined her friend. The morning might have gone by somewhat stressful. But that didn't mean the next few hours would too.

Besides, it was after all only some college classes. What's the worst that could happen?

Judy left the classrooms after her lessons had ended with Fru Fru. She didn't know how many more she'd need to take until fully knowing enough for the GED but it was still informational to go to them. However, Judy knew that by the time the test would come her kits would have already been born. And the thought of having to focus on something different from them made her heart ache in a weird way.

She was loitering in the hallways with a thoughtful look on her face. Fru had just left to go to the bathrooms and said she'd be right back. But even a few minutes by herself could let Judy spiral into a merry go round of delirious thoughts. Her paws were roaming through her phone in hopes of finding something to take her mind of things. Preferably a text from someone, anyone.

But in honesty, Judy secretly hoped to see a text message from her parents...She hadn't heard from them directly since the one specific phone call months ago. And after the Clawsmas party, Judy found herself thinking about them time and time again. Maybe she felt the need to fix things with them. Or at least make it so there wasn't this gigantic rift between them.

"Hey, Judy!" She lifted her head to see an eager cougar running up to her.

"Oh hey, Ava!" Judy replied, trying to seem like her usual peppy self. Instead of the hormonal one that always thought about depressing and stressful things. Yet another side effect of this never-ending pregnancy.

"I wanted to ask if you're free next Thursday? Some mammals from Professor. Doolittle's class were gonna visit Tundra Town for ice skating and hot cocoa." She mused. Judy was about to happily say yes since that sounded like a great Thursday afternoon before taking into account what Ava had said.

"Wait, did you say next Thursday?"

"Mhm. Is that a problem?" Ava questioned, concerningly.

"Um, yeah...it kinda is," Judy explained awkwardly. "I have a doctor's appointment then and I can't really miss these things."

"Oh! I-I understand...Yeah, you should probably go to that. Well, um, I guess I'll see you tomorrow in class then?" She shrugged with a solemn smile while walking back to her group of friends. Judy had only now noticed them, previously assuming she was in the hallway alone.

Judy waved goodbye and tried to focus back on her phone, or at least waiting for Fru to come back, but the obvious whispers coming from the group nearby were loud enough to capture her attention.

"Ava you should stay away from her!" One mammal urged.

"What why? Judy's awesome and kind. Besides, you all like her too right?" Ava murmured, confused.

"Haven't you heard the rumors about her?" Another pressed. Judy's ears perked in slight interest, only because she felt the need to know what others were exactly saying about her. And since the exact moment felt eerily similar to the one where she found out about Xena and Simone's plan.

"What rumors?" Ava questioned.

"Duh, the ones that she's dating a predator," Someone proclaimed. Judy gasped quietly but hoped none of them noticed. Her eyes were still firmly placed on her phone but her ears were pointed in their direction.

"Guys you know that's just gossip. And I don't think it's nice to say things like that behind her back!" Ava protested. Judy felt a smile creep up to her lips as she continued to listen. At least there were some mammals who were respectful enough.

"It's not gossip! I saw her this morning and I'm one hundred percent sure she was kissing her boyfriend. Who was a fox!" The group let out collective gasps, except for Ava.

"Judy can choose who she wants to date! And knowing her I'm sure he's as great." She scoffed.

"Yeah, but dating a fox is kinda weird for a rabbit." One said.

"Or just plain crazy!" Another added. Judy could feel her spirits dim and she just wished Fru would come back and help her leave. But why didn't she just leave right now? Maybe there was just a primal instinct in her to stay and listen…

"Ok, you guys seriously need to stop. I don't like hearing stuff like this, especially not when it's about mammals we know personally." Ava countered, uncomfortably. She didn't know why Ava even bothered to hang out with friends completely opposite to her own caring personality. Nonetheless, Judy continued to listen, only now, she wished she hadn't.

"Do you guys think he's the dude who got her pregnant?" One of them questioned aloud. It was then when Judy regretted the decision of allowing other mammals at the university to know about her pregnancy. Sure, it wasn't as if she could easily hide it now. Especially given the outfit she was wearing at the moment, her favorite long cardigan and a loose strappy dress. But it was her own choice not to hide it. Starting her time at the campus with a web of lies could lead to a similar fate like back in Willowbrook.

"Ew I hope not! Who's ever heard of a fox impregnating a bunny. I'm surprised she hasn't bothered getting rid of it already?"

"Leave it up to prey and predator relationships to ruin our perfectly normal city..." One of the friends sneered. That tipped her over the edge. Judy decided she didn't have to stick around and hear their insults so she started to put her phone into her purse and leave. But just before she started to head in the opposite direction towards the entrance of the university her ears picked up something else.

"You know what, you guys are all acting like assholes. I think you should reconsider your life choices, Judy's my friend and if you out of all mammals think of her like that then maybe we shouldn't hang out anymore." Ava's voice echoed through the halls.

"Fine whatever, not like we care or something…" One of her friends mumbled, disappointment lining their statement somewhat discreetly. Judy lingered for a tiny bit longer and then continued to walk away. But not without refusing to hide the content smile on her face.

~o0o~

After leaving the campus with Fru she and the shrew headed towards a nearby Trader Doe's. You see, the entire surprise she was planning for Nick tonight was for his birthday. Every year, exactly on January 12th at around 7:04, she and him would celebrate it.

However, this year it was different. Not because it was their third year together or because she was actually living with him in the city. Even if those are valid reasons to classify this year as "different" the real reason behind it all is obviously due to the kits. After all their competing with who could get the other a better gift Judy thought it'd be sweet if she were just to make something simple. And it wouldn't hurt to stay within their budget limit either.

She was looking around Trader Doe's with the help of Fru and Cooper in hopes of finding the perfect ingredients of what she was planning to make. Fru for the reason that she had ties in with the owner so they'd get first pick. And Cooper because of his baking sense. Judy just wanted to make something perfect for him, so she'd take all the help she could get.

"If you're planning on making Nick anything food-related it better be blueberry flavored," Cooper exclaimed in the aisle beside her and Fru Fru.

"Well I was thinking about it, but I wasn't sure since the tie I got him for the holidays was also blueberry-themed...Is there any other fruit he likes?" Judy questioned, pushing the cart with Fru sitting upon her shoulder. Cooper put a claw on his chin in thought before answering.

"Before he moved to your hometown I remember him loving blackberries. But I'd still go with something more revolved around blueberries since he's eaten them since before he could walk." He replied with a laugh. They continued wandering around while she thought up the possibilities.

"I guess I could try making mini blackberry popsicles with a blueberry drizzle? But I don't think it screams meaningful for a mammal's 17th birthday…" Judy sighed.

"Don't worry Judy! I'm sure whatever you make he'll love it!" Fru squeaked favorably. She smiled and lent the shrew her pinky to hug.

"Thanks, Fru." The group endured roaming through each isle until Cooper suddenly gasped in acknowledgment.

"Ooh, I know! You could try making him some of our mom's famous cookie dough cake! He loved it as a kit." He suggested.

"But wouldn't your mom be kinda mad for me using her recipe?" Judy pressed, slightly worried.

"Well, the recipe was actually her grandmothers, our great-great-great grandma. They pass down a whole bunch of delicious recipes through the family. And since my mom seriously considers you a part of ours I bet she won't hesitate to let you read it either!" Cooper beamed.

"Ok! Then I guess I'm going to make some cookie dough cake. I'll look up some basic ingredients online." Judy smiled, opening her phone. However, in the process of doing so, someone ended up calling her. She read over the contact ID and let her smile fall. It was her parents….Fru noticed this and frowned.

"Everything alright?" Judy immediately bounced back and put on a cheerful mask.

"Yep! I just, um, have to take this. I'll be right back though. Do you think you two can take care of the ingredients?" She asked, hoping they couldn't see through her.

"Yeah, you can leave it to us, Judy!" Cooper chuckled, allowing her to move Fru Fru onto his shoulder while she slipped away.

Judy made a quick turn into the aisle two ways right from them. If her parents were calling her, willingly for that matter, it most likely couldn't be good. But there was a small part of her that felt excited to hear from them. Or at least, hear what they have to say. She opened the call and waited anxiously when her mother's voice came from the other side.

"Judy?"

"Mom! H-Hi, it's me, Judy. Your daughter…..So, um, can I ask why your calling? N-Not that I was busy! I mean, I'm not mad to hear from you or anything, just sorta -"

"Your rambling sweetheart," Bonnie exclaimed in a motherly tone.

"Oh, sorry. Guess I'm kind of anxious to talk to you again." She laughed awkwardly. "Is...is dad there too?" There was a small silence and Judy could almost feel her mother's hesitation when answering.

"He...is. But I wasn't sure if you'd want to talk to him." Her mother resisted.

"I suppose it's alright. It is just a surprise to hear from you but to hear from him again I didn't think would happen…" Judy mumbled.

"We've been planning on it, it's just with the Winter Harvest he's thrown himself into the farm and managing it. I just didn't feel like it'd be fair to you if it was only me asking this…" Bonnie proclaimed.

"Asking me what? Is everything alright?" She asked, unsure of what her mother meant. Although in honesty, whenever her mom started off a sentence like that she never really did. And whenever she did start off their conversations like that it only ended badly.

"Jude…" Her father's voice suddenly began. "We wanted to ask you if you'd come home..." She processed what her father just said and bit her lip.

"You...do? Even after everything?" Judy stammered.

"Sweetheart we know you probably don't forgive us," Bonnie intervened. She internally scoffed, how would she in the first place? All the things that happened with them replayed in her mind and Judy tried to ignore the irritating fire roaring in her stomach.

"But we want you back. Everyone back home misses you and I don't know how much longer we can keep telling your younger brothers and sisters that you're staying at your aunt's house in the city."

"Wait, you still haven't told them about the kits? Or the fact that I basically left school and moved into an apartment with Nick?" Judy questioned, slightly offensive. She could hear her father grumble something when she mentioned Nick but with all the commotion in the background, it was hard to make out. But Judy could only assume it wasn't anything nice.

"Sweetheart, can you blame us? They wouldn't understand." Bonnie stated.

"Well, it wasn't like you both understood any of it either!" She snapped. "Dad literally tried to force me into an abortion mere minutes after finding out!

"I was doing it for your own good! And -" He started to retaliate before her mother muted the call to talk to him out of earshot. Judy stomped her foot angrily while waiting. She would have ended the call right then and there but that stupid subconscious of hers told her to wait and see what they have to say. Even if it would most likely induce her weekly migraines…

They came back after a few seconds and her father continued from where he left off in a more composed manner. She only wished he could have acted like this the night she left.

"What we're trying to say, is that your mother and I want to wait until telling all of your siblings." Stu proclaimed.

Like you waited to go completely ballistic on me and Nick during that stupid dinner, Judy grimaced inwardly. She sighed deeply and absentmindedly looked up and down the aisle.

"So you both really want me to come back home...?" Judy wavered.

"100% Love Bun," Bonnie repeated, using her childhood nickname. Normally, she would love to hear her mother's pet names for her. Loving the feeling of how it made her heart giddy and herself special among her siblings. But now, it felt like she was being told a lie. Like there was more to the situation.

And there was. Because if Judy went back home, what would happen with her and Nick? Or all three of their children?

"If I come home…" She hesitated. "Will you both accept me and Nick? Or will you treat him the same…?" There was silence on the other end, except, of course, for the occasional euphoric scream from one of her younger siblings. Judy knew her parents were doing their signature look, where they shared an uncertain glance. She resisted the urge to end the call, even if she knew what they were going to say next.

"Judy…"

"No, let me guess," She interrupted with a disbelieving laugh. "You'll only let me come back if, I don't know, give up my baby for adoption and cut off all my ties with the only mammal who would even care about any of this?"

"Sweetheart we would never force you for that!" Her mother argued.

"Like you didn't force me to get an abortion?" Judy replied sarcastically.

"Don't you talk to your mother that way! Were only looking out for your best interest!" Her father warned.

"If you were looking out for my best interest you'd let me have this baby…" She croaked, trying to overcome the irritating lump in her throat and speak clearly. All this time Judy would yell or argue with her parents when it revolved around her and Nick, but now all she could do was feel like crying.

"Love Bun -" Bonnie tried to console her but Judy didn't want any of her pity.

"Don't….d-don't call me that. I can't, I just don't have the time to deal with this right now." Judy stuttered, about to end the call when her parents just had to get in the last word.

"You can't expect to go through with this!" Stu suddenly exclaimed. "You and your boyfriend -"

"Nick. You know very well that my boyfriend's name is Nick. Although I wouldn't expect you to even acknowledge him if I ever came back." She belittled.

"Fine, you and Nick ," Her father struggled, "can't expect to raise this child. You're not ready, and you're both only 16!"

"Nick is turning 16 today and you both know my birthday will be in two months." Judy sighed, exasperatedly rubbing the creases of her eyes together.

"And then what?! You really plan on raising this kid before you turn 18. Before marriage?" He retaliated.

"Yes, dad! I plan on doing everything I can for these kits because I don't care if you won't accept them, or me, or even Nick. I can do this, even if you both don't want that." She had been speaking so passionately that Judy didn't even realize what she had let slip out. She said kits, plural. And it was too late to take it back.

"Sweetheart...are you having more than one?" Her mother gasped.

"I-I...um…" Judy couldn't think, her mind was clouded with excuses or plain lies. Like, I misspoke, or you must have heard wrong, or the even more obvious, whaaat?" But if she just continued lying, it would throw her relationship with her parents out the window. Not as if it wasn't on the edge of a windowsill already…

"Yes." Judy asserted. "In fact, I'm having three of them." Her parents gasped on the other end of the call and it made her heartbreak into pieces when she could so clearly hear it as a disappointed gasp. Not the hopeful one or the one filled with unspeakable joy that they'd be left speechless. Instead, the only reason they could be left speechless was that their daughter disappointed them in more ways than one. Three ways exactly.

"Bonnie I told you she looked too pregnant in that Clawsmas card!" Stu groaned, only making Judy roll her eyes in response.

"If you're both so upset about hearing the news of your three grandkids then I suppose I won't be coming home anytime soon." She scoffed.

"Judy - !" Her mother protested.

"No mom! I'm not coming back. And for both of your information, I'm not only having three kits, but I'm also having two girls, a boy as well. So you better believe it when I plan on giving the best life they can, with two parents who love them. Not just one." Judy ended the call and frantically tried to rub the tears out of her eyes. She still felt that stupid lump forming in her throat. And maybe for the first time in her life, Judy wanted to break down and cry instead of bottling up her feelings into pent up aggression.

Every time Judy had the chance to fight back, she took it. At the dinner, the debate, and even Dawn somehow broke into their apartment. But what was the point of fighting back when nothing good came from it? After that dinner, she ended up running away from home. And the debate only ended with her switching schools and moving to the city. Everything that's happened to her, happened because Judy stood up for herself.

She stood up to her parents, to Dawn, and even if she hasn't had that intense moment with Selene yet she would most definitely do it now if she could. Just maybe not in her current situation. Judy rubbed her eyes again and sniffled. She wasn't in any condition to fight with some self-obsessed vixen. Her eyes loomed over her phone screen, which was now blessing her with that same cute picture she had of Nick and her in the locket she got over the holidays.

Judy smiled fondly and decided it was around the time she should head back to the others. It was only then when she realized how long the phone call went, which also made her worry that Fru and Cooper might have been waiting for her longer than expected.

When she returned to the aisle she last saw them Judy was confused to not see anyone until remembering she had previously asked them to go look for the ingredients. So she headed towards the front of the store in hopes of running into the two at checkout. A few short minutes had passed but eventually, Judy caught sight of them and waved happily.

"Hi! Sorry, I took so long." She laughed, silently hoping they couldn't see the dampness of the fur on her cheeks.

"It's alright! But that was long for a phone call is everything OK?" Fru squeaked worriedly.

"Oh yes! It was just Nick and you both know how we are with our long phone calls and everything." Judy shrugged, rubbing her neck. Fru gave one last skeptical look but said nothing else. Cooper, on the other hand, gave a melodramatic sigh and pulled the cart towards an empty checkout.

"My brother, the hopeless romantic. It was cute at first, especially because you guys have that cute romcom relationship, but all the lovey-dovey stuff becomes stale to us readers after a while." He groaned, theatrically.

"Readers?" Judy questioned, with a tilt of her head.

"I mean...what's up with the weather lately? Am I right?" Cooper exclaimed, focusing back on the groceries as opposed to the confused looks his friends gave him. (Headcanon, Cooper totally reads the story with his sister in their free time XD)

The two waited in silence while waiting for Cooper to finish checking out all of the groceries, but Fru eventually broke it.

"Are you sure everything's alright? Your nose has been doing that occasional twitch when you're nervous for the last few minutes." She pressed, concerningly. Judy hesitated to answer but deep down really didn't want to drag in her friends through her family problems.

"Yeah! I'm fine, great. Just...heh...I'm really nervous about everything tonight. I've planned a bunch of Nick's birthdays but I guess this is more serious now that we're about to start a family together." She mumbled.

"Ah, ok. Well, I'm sure nothing can go wrong tonight! It's like Cooper said, you guys have that adorable romcom relationship!" Fru beamed. Judy nodded in response, giggling.

"Yeah, I guess we kinda are…"

"Ok ladies groceries are paid for, your welcome Judy. And now we can leave," Cooper suddenly interrupted, appearing behind them with two full stuffed reusable tote bags.

"Thank you, Cooper," She answered jokingly. "I'll pay you back for it later."

"Don't worry about it, I used my employee discount," He exclaimed.

"I didn't know you worked at Trader Does? And my father knows all the employees" Fru interrogated.

"I didn't, but I have a friend who does," Cooper smirked while turning around to wave at a cheerful otter working the register he was just at.

"How'd you pull that off?" Judy asked, jumping into the conversation.

"Us Wilde brothers have our ways." He chuckled. The girls rolled their eyes and shared a laugh with him as all three began to leave the building. But there was something hanging in the back of her mind. Judy truly was worried about tonight, and not just because of her parents or Nick. But possibly because of the fact there was this feeling that everything might be different.

Different meaning that, she was scared that Nick might reconsider everything. Hearing all the stupid, impossible warnings from her parents made Judy actually consider that they just might not be ready for this. I mean, what's going to happen when the kits come?! She still didn't even know how to put on a diaper, or the basics of raising a fox mixed bunny hybrid kit. Whatever may come out of her…

But...it was like Cooper and Fru Fru said. They had that relationship only most would hope for. They'll be fine…

Right?

~o0o~

Now back at her apartment, and having around 20 to 10 minutes before the party, Judy was busy having the time of her life completing all the finish touches. As silly as it may sound. She was just a natural organizer who found it fun to clean and decorate her living room. Especially with the challenge of it being as small as any apartment living room could be. All the disadvantages excited her!

She was happily singing along to one of her favorite songs currently playing on the radio when her phone buzzed, causing Judy to sadly stop adjusting the couch pillows and walk over to check it. There were a few messages from Cooper, each reading,

Hey….so we may or may not be a tiny bit late for the party…

I'M SORRY, DON'T BE MAD!

Nina has us all tied up for a bit at the police station

Don't ask ;[

We'll keep trying to make it there in time but it's going to be a good thirty minutes until then…

Try stalling him!

Judy felt her spirits sink with each message. Nonetheless, she texted Cooper back some reassurance and that they would all definitely be going over this Nina situation later. Her crazy antics continue to surprise this bunny. She then quickly moved to mull over a believable enough excuse to keep Nick out of the apartment complex.

"Don't come home, there's a fire in the building!" Judy explored, until quickly dismissing it with a shake of her head. That would only make him come home faster than she wanted to.

"Change of plans! The surprise is waiting for you at Zootennial Stadium! Meet us there? Oh nevermind…." She struggled but finally gave up. Maybe dusting off the windows again might help her mind think of something. Judy continued at that for a good 15 extra minutes, trying to occupy her hands with something so hopefully, she wouldn't freak out over the simplest things.

*Cough Cough* Her parents, Nick, their relationship, the kits. Oh you know there's a list of possibilities. But it wasn't until around her 5th time cleaning the same window did she hear the doorbell ring, lifting her spirits right back up again. It had to be Cooper and the other!

Judy hastily put down the feather duster and rushed to the door with a skip in her step. Nick would be here any minute now and she just knew this party would be better than all of his previous ones combined! Not for the fact that they were together now but it was technically her first time planning his birthday.

Since, in the past, they were still in the "friends with benefits" relationship. However, that never stopped Judy from sending a cheerful text on the day, having for it to only be followed by a cocky remark from Nick himself. Cheesy ones like, "Aw Carrots, I didn't know you cared," or, "Two years in a row? Wow. Are you catching feelings for me, Rabbit?"

And she was, in that hopeless, hormonal way only a teenager could fall in love with. Judy opened the door instantly, hoping to see Cooper, Nina, out of jail or whatever she's gotten herself tied up with, and their parents. But she didn't see any of them. She only saw Nick, with a very surprised look on his face.

"Nick!? You aren't supposed to be here yet it's only…." Judy looked at the clock on their microwave and it read 7:40. Jeez, where in the world did the time go when she was organizing? It felt like 20 or 30 minutes, not maybe an entire hour?! Dang feather duster, captivating her with its amazing feather dusting…

"And a hello to you too Carrots?" Nick exclaimed smugly.

"I'm sorry! Hi! It's just...the surprise, your family's late, and I got so lost in dusting the windows that I didn't even notice your car pull in." Judy grumbled but still gave him a quick hug.

"Is it better if I can come back later and pretend to act surprised?" He suggested but she quickly shook her head.

"No! It's fine. Besides, the party should have officially started at around 25 minutes ago but -"

"Nina's in kind of a pickle I know. Cooper called me a while back too." Nick chuckled. "Getting arrested on her birthday, that's my sister for you." Judy joined in as well, the two sharing a laugh over the rambunctious and mysterious vixen.

"Soo, you wanna see what I have set up?" She proclaimed, moving aside so he could walk in.

"I'd love to Carrots, lead the way," Nick replied jokingly. Judy giggled but walked back into the living room and allowed him to take in the view. Now she didn't want to brag, but Judy's had more than enough experience with planning birthday parties. Especially for her own littermates. The only difference this time is that it was for Nick and more obviously themed around him.

There were green and purple streamers hanging across the ceiling, and even the occasional black one if you could find it. And the coffee table holding all the food and refreshments. She hadn't put in too much, in fear of becoming overbearing. But it looked simple enough to be called an accomplishment.

Nick looked over everything with fond eyes, the smallest hint of a smile forming at his lips, but it became all too obvious that he was happy when seeing the cake she managed to make almost identical to the one his mother would bring out on his previous birthdays. Judy felt a tug at her heart, seeing him so happy, but focusing on why it made her feel strange.

"You actually made it feel like home…" He mumbled jovially. "Who am I kidding of course you did. You're my amazing girlfriend who I'd expect nothing less from." Nick moved to embrace her and Judy happily accepted. The moment felt nice, and that was the problem.

She was tearing up, for all the wrong reasons. The obvious sniffing noises were all too loud enough to recapture Nick's attention from the party decorations to Judy herself.

"Are those tears of joy?" He asked, hopeful. Judy bit her lip nervously and nodded, while also moving her paw back and forth in an uncertain way.

"I'm sorry, I didn't have the best day. So seeing you act so excited for something as small as this makes me feel stupid for getting emotional over it…" She muttered. Nick chuckled darkly and grimaced himself.

"My day didn't go by as good either…" Judy instantly lifted her head and despite the tears showed a deep look of concern on her face.

"What? What happened? Wait, was it because of everything going on at the company?!" She gasped. He shook his head but hesitated for a few seconds before answering while avoiding her eyes.

"No, it wasn't that. On the way back home I….I ran into somebody. And it sorta shook me up, so I guess it's why I'm later than I said I'd be…" Judy bunched her eyebrows together in confusion.

"Who? It wasn't Dawn again right?" Nick laughed again, this one more gleeful, and shook his head again.

"No, it wasn't her. Thankfully." This brought out a small laugh from her as well, even if she was struggling due to all the tears.

"So who was it?"

"As surprising as it was...I ran into Simone." He explained, getting a gasp from Judy.

"What?!"

"I know, I'm pretty sure we both thought she was far away back in the country but that sneaky vixen always finds her way back to me." Nick sneered. "Anyway, she said a bunch of stuff when she saw me but it doesn't matter now…"

Judy could see the hurt look in his eyes and she felt the need to dig in deeper

"Nick what did she tell you?" She pressed, reaching up to his shoulder. But he immediately moved towards the coffee table and tried to force the conversation into a different direction.

"Wow this all looks amazing I don't even know where to start!" Judy bunched up her eyebrows again and pursued him.

"Nick…"

"I mean Cooper had mentioned you liked baking just as much as he did but I didn't expect you to be this great at it?!" He exclaimed, focusing on the food instead of her. Which in turn, only made her irritation rise faster.

"Nick! Please!" She yelled, causing him to let out a pained sigh but thankfully, turn back towards her. Judy moved towards the couch and patted the spot next to her.

"You can tell me." He reluctantly plopped down beside her, his head in his paws, and finally began talking again.

"She said...she told me that….Ok, it started off with her acting all smug to run into me and everything. And I tried to walk away but she persisted, as usual..." Judy nodded calmly and listened as he went on, trying to imagine the situation playing out in her mind.

"Simone went on and on about me and you. Saying how ridiculous I had to have been, or just plain embarrassed to be with you. She thought it was funny, funny that I was hiding out in the Burrows before only to come back to the city with some prey..." His voice strained to recount the exact words. Judy's ears hang low, she was letting Simone's words get to her too.

"But I kept on ignoring her, even though she continued to call out to me when I walked away. Staying stupid stuff like I should break up with you, or that I was just being used again as the last time…" Nick then turned to her, a serious look on his face.

"I will never think like that, I promise."

"How can you be sure….?" She didn't mean to let it slip out but her thoughts were loud enough to be said. Everything that stupid voice was telling her was coming out through her own voice.

"Of course I'm sure! Carrots, how can you say that?" He exclaimed.

"I don't know maybe because we probably never should have been together in the first place?!" It was all tumbling out now. All the second-guessing. The rude remarks from those mammals, her parents, everyone around her. Judy couldn't take it back now. The dam holding everything back was far from being fixed. Nick glared at her, obvious hurt showing in his eyes as he struggled to speak up in protest. In anything really.

"You talked to your parents today. Didn't you?"

"More like they did the talking…" She mumbled.

"And what? They tell you again how a terrible match we are and you listened to them?!" He seethed.

"Of course not! It's just...today was too much. With too many mammals all saying the same things. And I couldn't ignore it anymore…" Judy shrugged, averting his gaze.

"So you decide to listen to what they're saying? That I'm a fox and you're a bunny, and it's just wrong?" Nick questioned, his ears twitching as if deep in thought.

"Well, it isn't as if most mammals out there even accept the entire idea of it!" She snapped.

"I do! Isn't that enough?" He yelled, causing Judy to flinch. She had never heard him raise his voice, or with such a pained tone. Except for maybe the time she had listened in on his conversation with Simone back at their old school.

"It is enough! But for how long? Don't you expect everyone to act like this in the future, maybe worse after the kits are born!" Judy argued, standing up in order to face him in the eye.

"I expect that every day when we walk out that door. In the district, public transport, and I'm not even surprised your parents acted like that either...Most mammals aren't understanding here in the city, they might never be. But that is exactly why we're trying to fix that, me and my father, and everyone else out there who has half a mind to speak up against this." He exclaimed, before somewhat mumbling the last part. "I would've expected you would too..."

"Of course I do!" She retaliated, clearly hearing his last words.

"Really? Because it sure seems like you're focusing more on what other mammals have said about us than ignoring it completely." He scoffed.

"I can't believe this…" Judy sighed in disbelief, walking away from him. From... this, this stupid argument. Couldn't he understand where she was coming from, from her own point of view on all of this? Sure, she was just forcing her pent up aggression onto him. But after hearing everything today from so many different mammals, yet all of them were saying point-blank the exact same thing. Judy couldn't take it anymore.

Nick followed after her, his paw grabbing her own in an attempt to turn her around. They were staring at each other, a strained look in her eyes, while a betrayed look in his. Judy bit her lip regrettably, his eyes looked the exact same from the time she saw him with Simone. Hurt. And scared.

He was scared...scared that everything that happened with her, just might happen again. But he knew that she would never do that. Right?

"Judy." Nick began, instantly grabbing her attention given the fact he almost never uses her real name. Except of course, when the situation they were in became much more serious. And this was one of them…

"Do you believe them? That we really aren't' made for each other at all…" His voice wavering here and there.

"No. I don't! But we have to consider the fact -" She began but was interrupted by the roll of his eyes and sudden detachment from their paws.

"Save it." He growled. "I already know what you're going to say." Her eyes squinted, trying to keep them from tearing up again as she tried to pull him back.

"Nick -!"

"Judy I tell you that it doesn't matter what other mammals think and yet you continue to go on and on about the fact they even say those things in the first place! Why can't you feel ok with what you have now instead of listening to everyone else's opinions?"

"Because what if they're right?!" She screamed, silencing him. "What if...what if we're not meant to be...There's a chance that we might not even still be together in the future…" What Judy had said must have sent him over the edge because she could see precisely now that he was angrier than ever before. But what was worse, was that he was angry at her...

"How could you say that? Nick questioned in distrust.

"I'm not the one saying it! My parents -"

"Who cares what your parents think!" He pleaded, before turning away. Nick had his paw over the side of his muzzle and she only now noticed how different he looked to her at the moment. His eyes were watering…

What had she done…

"Nick, listen to me -" Judy tried to fix everything but everything she - they said was out in the open now. How could it be fixed?

"I'm done listening Judy. If you can't even trust in my own words then who can say you'll trust me later? Huh?" He exclaimed, lifting his paws in accusingly.

"What...Nick, no. I -" She tried to speak up but Nick completely ignored her.

"Actually, if we can't even listen to each other then maybe it's time we think about looking over our own…" He scoffed. Judy stared back at him and tried to speak through her shock clearly.

"Are you serious?" She frowned, her nose twitching. Nick obviously noticed this but only continued to stare at her with that betrayed glare. Judy internally scoffed and stared back at him, inwardly trying her hardest not to tear up.

"Fine then, if that's-what you want..."

"Fine." He proclaimed, looking away from her. None of them spoke, only continued to stay silent. Nick's filled with hatred while Judy avoided him with an immediate interest in their floor. And the awkward silence continued...awkwardly.

She fidgeted with the tiny stubs that could pass as "claws" on her paws. But she felt the need to have in one last word. Judy opened her mouth but became suddenly interrupted from the instant slamming of their front door opening.

"Salutations love-birds!" Nina's voice suddenly screamed. She and Nick turned their heads, and she could feel her nose twitching increase by the second.

"Hope we didn't interrupt any smooch fest you two had planned but I am officially out of my holding cell and ready to embrace my freedom!" Nina squealed, throwing one of her paws in the air. She sighed, giggling, and took a look around the room. "I feel like I haven't seen the outside room in forever, the apartment….it looks so different."

Cooper came from behind her, rolling his eyes. "You were in there for 30 minutes it's not like you joined a gang or something."

"Won't you don't know can't hurt you, Christopher…" She murmured but quickly moved away from him to give Nick a celebratory pat on the back.

"Happy birthday baby bro! You may have my face but we both know I'll always be the prettier one." Nina smirked. He chuckled stiffly in response, eyes still planted on Judy but trying to refrain from scowling.

She kept her own gaze still on the floor and laughed quietly in response. Their timing could not have been worse...And this party could not have been at a better time...Said nobody ever.

Judy's eyes moved instinctively around the room and ended up landing on Victoria in John, who was still near the doorway. He was helping put away her coat, in that lovey-dovey married couple way. She smiled bittersweetly while watching the two when suddenly Fru Fur's words from today came back to mind.

"You two have that adorable romcom relationship…"

She chuckled darkly and scoffed, not loud enough for anyone to hear. It sure seemed that way before...but not now. Not any longer…

To Be Continued...