Chapter Text
After Nick and Judy revealed at Nick's house that they truly had feelings for each other, they tried to reconcile their personal relationship with their work. It was the beginning of a relationship and a partnership at the same time. Of course, it wouldn't be easy. But it didn't have to be this difficult, with so many obstacles. After briefly living with his mother, Kate, Nick saved up enough money to get his own apartment. Since they were at the beginning of their relationship and their work as partners, Nick and Judy had decided it would be better to take things slowly as everything settled, so, at least initially, each would stay in their own apartment.
At the beginning of the events of the second movie, it became increasingly clear that they were on different pages, that they had their differences and their own life perspectives. As they tried to solve the Reptile case, they almost lost each other in the process. While Nick was trying to protect Judy in every way possible, Judy wanted to solve the case at any cost. Of course, both had their reasons for following different paths. But at some point, they would have to decide if they would continue working together, and above all, if their relationship would work out.
During the various chases that occurred in the movie, Nick and Judy ended up going separate ways due to circumstances beyond their control. Nick ended up being arrested by the police, and Judy continued with Pawbert and Gary to finish solving the case. In this moment of separation, they realized what they truly wanted from each other and how much they missed each other, and of course, their own mistakes. Fortunately, Nick managed to return to Judy in time to save her from poisoning, and here arrived the moment when they decided how things would be from now on.
A choice had to be made.
After almost losing each other, they realized that what truly mattered had been beside them the whole time; they just couldn't see it yet. Nick finally broke down his emotional barriers and revealed that the most important thing was Judy; she was the best thing that ever happened in his life. Judy also revealed that only Nick mattered to her, for being the only one who believed in her. From that moment on, a lifelong commitment emerged: Nick and Judy chose each other not just as police partners, but as life partners. They would do whatever was possible to make the relationship work; they would overcome difficulties together.
Together, they solved the case that almost separated them but managed to show the truth to all of Zootopia, revealing who the real villains were: Pawbert's family.
Judy, Nick, and Gary celebrated the great achievement conquered by everyone after solving the case that exonerated Gary's family. Everyone was invited to Gary's house for a celebration. Judy invited her family, and Nick invited his mother, Kate. Kate loved meeting Judy's family, and the feeling was mutual. Early in the party, Nick sat next to Judy and gifted her the repaired carrot pen, a symbol of their union. She couldn't believe what she saw but was touched to know he had fixed it. The pen is where everything began.
Right after this brief conversation, they were called upon to recount how everything had happened in this last case. So, Judy started telling her part, Nick started telling his, they alternated their stories until Judy reached the end.
“...And that’s how Nick saved my life.” She held his paw, trying to hold back her tears and smiling. Even though everyone was already emotional.
“Thank you for keeping our daughter safe all this time,” Stu said to Nick, smiling.
“It was nothing major, I just did what was right,” Nick replied, unaccustomed to receiving such compliments or congratulations.
“It was more than that; she’s not alone in this city anymore, because of you,” Bonnie complemented, thinking they were already an item. “You two are together, aren’t you?”
“We’re still figuring it out,” Judy replied quickly, not wanting to reveal yet that they were dating. “Right, Nick?”
“Right, we’re still figuring it out,” He smiled at her.
Kate heard the whole story and was very proud of her son, of the hero he had become, overcoming his own fears to save the one he loved.
Nick sat next to his mother while Judy continued talking with her parents.
“I’m so proud of you.” Kate looked at Nick. “I always knew your future would be bright.”
“Thank you for believing in me,” Nick hugged her.
“Now, how are things between you and Judy?” Kate asked. She adored Judy.
“We went through a lot these last few weeks,” Nick answered calmly. “But we’re going to stay together.”
“I’m happy for you, dear. She is a rare gem,” Kate said. “Cherish every moment you have with her.”
“I will, you can be sure I will,” Nick smiled, looking at Judy, who was talking with Gary.
Judy was on the other side of the room, talking with Gary.
“Now that your family is back, what do you plan to do?” Judy asked.
“Enjoy every moment we still have,” He replied. “With family.”
“I’m glad everything worked out,” She smiled.
“Thanks to you,” He replied, returning the smile. “Thank you for everything, Judy.”
“I wouldn’t have made it if it weren’t for Nick,” She looked at him across the room.
“I think he’s waiting for you,” Gary said, pointing toward Nick.
“Gary, whenever you need anything, you can count on me or Nick, okay?” Judy said, slightly emotional.
“Of course,” Gary replied.
Judy stayed close to her parents for a while, where they were sitting, and meanwhile thought about some things they had been through, especially with Nick, and how things would be from now on. She looked at him, talking with Kate and some other bunnies. She was happy with where she had gotten and wanted it to continue this way. When she looked at Nick, she only knew she wanted him by her side and no one else. Judy stood up and walked toward Nick; even though everyone was still at the celebration, she wanted to rest.
“Nick, let’s go.” She took his paw.
“Already want to leave, Carrots?” He joked.
“It’s late, and I need a rest,” She replied, smiling at him. In truth, she wanted to be alone with Nick. They still had a lot to talk about.
“Sure, we can go,” Nick replied. “My mom is coming with us, okay? I’m going to drop her off at home.”
“Of course, no problem,” Judy replied. She adored Kate.
They said goodbye to everyone present. Judy’s parents also took the opportunity to leave. Judy said goodbye to her parents, who now knew she was always safe in Zootopia.
Judy, Nick, and Kate went to Nick’s car. He learned to drive during police academy but didn't have the habit until then. Nick drove to Kate’s house; during this time, silence prevailed. Judy ended up dozing off a bit on the way but woke up when Nick stopped to drop Kate off. He got out of the car to say goodbye to his mother, and they had a brief conversation.
“Thank you for the ride, son.” She hugged him. “Come visit me more often.”
“Of course, I will,” He replied calmly.
“Promise me something?” She asked, after releasing the hug.
“Sure, what is it?” He asked, curious. “Promise me you’ll do everything to keep Judy with you.” She spoke more quietly, looking into his eyes. “She deserves someone like you.”
“Of course. I promise,” He replied, with a spark in his eyes. “I’m not going anywhere without her.”
“I know you won’t, dear.” She smiled at him. “Have a good rest. I love you.”
“I love you too,” Nick replied, opening the car door.
“Judy?” Nick gently stroked her paw. “I just dropped off my mother. I’m taking you home.”
She woke up and realized where she was a few minutes later.
“Nick. About that, can I ask you something?” She said, looking out the car window. “I know it might sound strange since we’re at the beginning of our relationship.”
“You can ask,” He started the car and headed toward Judy's apartment.
“Will you stay the night with me?” She looked at him while holding his paw. “After everything we’ve been through, I wanted you to stay close.”
“If you don’t mind having a fox next to you,” He joked.
“If it’s you, not at all,” She replied, holding his paw.
“I know we’re at the beginning; I don’t want to rush you in any way,” Nick said, starting the car, beginning the drive to Judy's apartment.
“It’s okay, Nick, truly,” She continued holding his paw, as a gesture of comfort. “It’s just that I always focused so much on my career and never thought about sharing my life with someone; it’s all new to me.”
“We’ll figure it out together then,” Nick smiled, looking at her.
“Did you have any girlfriends before?” Judy asked, curious about this side of Nick.
“No, I didn’t. No one would want a con-artist fox,” He replied, looking away. “But after you came into my life, everything changed.”
Judy smiled at him, knowing what that meant, especially after what she had heard at the climate walls. After a few minutes of driving, Nick arrived at Judy's apartment. The two got out of the car, and Nick questioned Judy once more.
“Do you really want me to stay the night with you?” He asked, looking at her. “I just don’t want to do anything that makes you uncomfortable.”
“After almost losing you, what I want most is to have you close to me,” She replied, letting a few tears fall.
“Alright, Carrots. Let’s go then,” Nick held Judy’s paw.
Nick, deep down, also wanted to be close to her, as days ago, for a brief moment, he thought he had lost his reason for living. Together, they entered the building and headed to Judy's apartment. When Nick walked in, he noticed it was small but cozy, and of course, more organized than his. It was the first time Judy had brought another animal to her apartment. Under other circumstances, she would have been nervous, but since it was Nick, she felt safe and comfortable with him.
“I didn’t know it was this small,” Nick joked, as he sat on her bed.
“It’s small, but functional,” Judy laughed.
“Can both of us fit in this bed?” Nick looked at the bed, checking the size. “Or will I be sleeping on the floor?”
“Of course not! We’ll make it work,” She laughed too.
Judy changed clothes in her bathroom, putting on simple pajamas. Nick, not having prepared for this, just took off the dress clothes he was wearing, remaining in only his shorts underneath. He settled onto the bed while waiting for Judy. Judy's heart warmed to see Nick already lying down, almost asleep, waiting for her. She had almost lost him, and seeing him now, he was her safe harbor. Judy gently slipped between Nick and the sheet that was already there, lying down on Nick's chest, feeling his fur and his fragrance; she sighed and relaxed on top of him.
Nick woke up feeling Judy’s presence and realized she had laid down on top of him. He gently hugged her.
“I’m here and I always will be. I can’t lose you again,” He whispered softly.
“You won’t, because I want you here with me,” She replied, whispering before falling asleep.
This was one of their first nights together. Nick and Judy had a lot to talk about regarding everything that had happened, but they would have all the time in the world for that. Now, both of them want it to work out, no matter how difficult it may be. They won’t give up on each other.