After leaving the bar, they caught a cab back to the hotel. Nick wearily staring out of the window, watching the rain spit on the window as they drove. Suddenly something caught his attention; pounding on the door he began shouting. 
“Hey hey hey!! Pull over here.” 
“What!?” Parker exclaimed. 
“Do it! Pull over!” Nick demanded, opening the door as they pulled onto the side. 
“God damn it Nicky.” 
“That’ll be 22.40.” The badger driver stated. Parker threw two twenties to him and bolted out the door after Nick. 
“Nicky? Nicky where are you going!?” Parker called out, but Nick carried on through what seemed like just another field with an abandoned building ahead. Strolling over the bridge and peering over with the half empty bottle in his hands, he recognized it right away. 
“This is it! Haha, I knew it! I spotted it!” Nick slurred through, pointing to his head. “Ffffox eyes, hahaha.” 
“Nicky what are you on about?” Parker pled. Nick stumbled around the bridge and down the small hill. The chair was still there, although quite weathered and beaten down, the bottom of the seat broken through and the right arm cracked. 
“This is it.” Nick stated, heading underneath the bridge. A fairly small trail of water ran underneath from the rain. “This is where, she made everything alright again.” He laughed, slapping his thigh. 
“Huh?” 
“I caught her. I got her good. She. She left me her little carrot pen you know? And I got it! I got it good, she said she really was just a… A dumb bunny.” He trailed off. 
“Oh. You and Judy. This place means something to you two?” 
“She made it all better. She came back, after the thing with the muzzles.” Nick animatedly explained, wiping his face. “But. She’s not gonna make it better this time, is she?” 
“Nicky.” 
“I hugged her, right there.” Nick dramatically pointed. “She… She was standing on my tail, hahaha. Ahhh. But she’s not mine anymore. She’s with that fucking, rabbit. She’s fucking that fucking rabbit.” He carried on slurring. 
“Nicky you don’t know that.” Parker lightly argued. 
“I would if I were her.” He shrugged. “I would go, with the guy who doesn’t leave. I’m just a shifty, low-life fox after all.” 
“Nicky.” 
“I have to let her go.” Nick started to cry. “I have to go away so she can be happy. That’s all I want! I’m not her fox anymore!” Parker rushed over to his son and pulled him in for a good long hug. Nick tried to raise the bottle to his lips but Parker pushed him back and snatched it away, tossing it at the concrete wall. 
“No more of that.” 
“But.” 
“Shhh.” Parker hushed, pulling Nick back towards the wall, he lowered him down and placed Nick’s head in his lap. “It’s ok kido. You’ll be alright. I promise.” Parker whispered, stroking Nick’s head and ears. “Poor boy, you deserved such a warmer welcome back home.” Nick didn’t respond, within seconds of the loving attention he was out cold, asleep in Parker’s lap. Parker raised his brow and produced the phone from his pocket. Taking a deep breath, he dialed the number Delgato gave him earlier.
Judy was fast asleep at home, but kept her phone by the nightstand. It started vibrating, over and over again. Judy eventually caught a glimpse of it just before it made it off the night stand and checked the screen. Came up as unknown number. Shaking her head, she answered it. 
“Who is it, do you even know what time it is?” She answered in a most raspy voice. 
“Oh I’m well aware of the time.” Parker answered. Judy wasn’t sure of the voice at first but carried on listening. “These last two months have seemed like ages.” 
“Parker?” Judy wiped at her eyes. 
“Oh, recognize me do you?” 
“I guess you prefer going by Psych again, don’t you?” 
“Don’t start with me, rabbit. Had I known how little you thought of my son, I would have let Alex tear you apart.” 
“What!? What do you mean? Nick was killed because of you!” Judy exclaimed.
“Even if he was, did you at least wait until he was buried in the ground before you started fucking that little rabbit friend of yours?” Parker demanded. 
“What!?” Judy was taken aside by the statement. “You bastard! How dare you!?” 
“Spare me. Nicky was never dead, but it’s hard to say that about him now. He came home to the sight of you making face time with some rabbit named Nathan.” Parker fired out angrily. Judy gasped and lowered the phone for a moment. “So you don’t deny it.” 
“Oh my gosh. Oh no, no no no.” Judy slapped her head and shook it. 
“How long did you wait before you took him to bed, hmm?” Parker provoked. 
“No, hey! Listen up here Psych, I never, EVER took him to bed.” 
“Why should I believe you?” 
“I could say the same about you! You took my husband away. Baited your other son into it as well, so much he had to fake his own kidnapping! You’re a slimeball Parker!” 
“Don’t try to turn this around on me. We we’re drafted by our tails to infiltrate Barone’s organization. We were the ones responsible for bringing him down when you failed to keep Bloodlust from Steer-helm.” Parker fired right back. Judy’s eyes bloomed wide open. She remembered seeing the news earlier in the morning about a special team that had brought him down. 
“Oh my god. It was you. You and Nick.” 
“Patrick, Finnick and Bryan, not to mention my poor Aiden who’s coping with his own spousal issues right now.” Parker explained. 
“Oh Nick. He really saw us kissing?” 
“Yes, it was enough to send him over the edge. He’s passed out drunk in my lap.” 
“Nick.” Judy sniffled. “Oh god I’m so sorry.” 
“Why did you do it?”
“It was just the one kiss and.” Judy sniffled again. “Nathan has been helping me train at Spring Forward and, he’s helped around the house.” 
“So you let him stay the night. A little favor for-“ 
“I did not sleep with him! He’s never stayed here overnight! He was only here this morning because he was helping dad with the washing machine. It broke down yesterday.” Judy explained. 
“Uh huh. And the kiss?” 
“It’s just.” Judy shook her head. “I’m so embarrassed. Ian reamed me out over it too but. He’s been so helpful and, he was my best friend growing up. It just, happened.” 
“But you didn’t sleep with him?” 
“No! Absolutely not.” 
“Hmm. Well I’m not the one you have to convince.” 
“Where is he? Where’s my foxy.” Judy seemingly begged. 
“If you love him that much. Then you’ll know where we are. At the place where you made everything right again during the nighthowler incident.” Judy’s ears perked up. 
“I know where that is.” She whispered. “I’m coming, don’t move. I’m going right now!” Judy cried out. Hanging up the phone she snared her pants and shirt, getting dressed as fast as possible. “Keys, keys keys keys keys!! Where are! Oh there!” Snatching them off the nightstand, she rushed downstairs and burst out the door. 
Parker put the phone back in his pocket and glanced down to his son, still unconscious in his lap. 
“Well Nicky. Now we’ll find out the truth. Although kudos on keeping your-“ Parker was cut off by the sound of Nick vomiting into the water, narrowly missing Parker’s feet. “Constitution… Well, you can’t win em all.” 

Aiden was still sat in the hallway outside Eve’s apartment. Sleeping next to his bag and head resting on the doorframe, he failed to hear someone opening the lock. Eve opened the door, intending to do it slowly but suddenly found quite a bit of weight coming with it as it swung open. Aiden fell flat on his back to the floor and immediately woke. 
“Ow.”
“Serves you right.” Eve scolded, folding her arms. Finally opening an eye, he peered up to his mate. She was dressed in a bath robe, belly protruding far out from her body. “Why are you still here?” 
“Isn’t that obvious?” Aiden playfully asked, poking the bottom of her belly. 
“After what you did I don’t know if I even want you in their life, let alone mine.” Eve scolded.
“Eve.” 
“Do you have any idea how scared I was? These fucking, soldiers or S.W.A.T team members storming our lovely house in the middle of the night. Thinking I’d never see you again, worried you might be dead; and coming down here to ask Judy for help tracking you down? Any of this even register with you?” She quietly carried on. 
“Eve, stop.” Aiden hushed, rising to his feet. “Listen to me; I really was taken in the night against my will. The guys have been messaging me all day, didn’t you hear about Barone in Predaton? It was all over the news.” Aiden insisted, clasping her paws. 
“No, ugh.” She fumed, tossing his hands away. “Hate watching the news lately. Always so miserable. Cubs and other mammals going missing, some found dead. Then that whole explosion thing, I had it after that. I miss Everhallow so much.” 
“Why didn’t you go back then?” Aiden asked, trying to get a grip on her shoulders. 
“Cause some asshole told me to come here.” Eve scowled. 
“Eve, I was on the team that brought Barone down. Though I wasn’t exactly asked. They locked me in a cell, beat the shit out of me when I wouldn’t talk. But when they reeled in Parker, well. They finally decided to let me and Bryan go.” 
“Bryan too?” Eve questioned. 
“Yeah, we both got captured. The ZIA knew where we were. They were waiting for a chance to use us.” Aiden explained, stroking her shoulders and arms. “Whole time, I couldn’t stop thinking of you.” 
“Oh please.” Eve turned away, but Aiden clasped her chin and pulled her back. 
“I mean it. First thing we did was check in on the cameras at the house, you were already long gone.” Aiden chuckled. “Found your little note in the basement too.” 
“Ha, oh right!” She giggled. “Boy if I had my chance, I would ram it down their throat for taking you.” 
“Well, I’m back. Job’s done.” 
“Great. So back to living on the run?” 
“No.” Aiden refuted, kissing her head. “I’m free. Off the hook for everything and, I own the money now, legally.” 
“I don’t care about that. You know money wasn’t really a factor for me.” She insisted, playfully batting his chest. “I just wanted my boyfriend back.” 
“I’m back.” He assured her. “My sweet girl.” 
“Mmm, well. I suppose I’ll consider your story.” She giggled. Kissing his chest, she shortly after heard his stomach growl. “Jeez, no need to growl baby.” 
“Well, I haven’t eaten in.” Aiden sighed, checking his phone. “14 hours, I’ll be damned.” 
“14 hours? You mean, you really stayed parked at that door after I slammed it on your face?” Eve spoke up. 
“Yeah. I’ve waited two months to come back home. What’s another couple hours right?” 
“Oh Aiden.” She cooed, wrapping him up as tight as she could. “You big dork.” 
“I love you Eve.” 
“I love you too.” She moaned, pulling his muzzle in for a good long kiss. “Mmm, let’s get you some food. But stay quiet, Auntie Julie is still asleep.” 

Judy stopped the car close to the bridge and threw down the emergency break, leaving the lights on. Rushing down over the ledge and underneath, she spotted them. Parker met her eye to eye, but Nick was cradled in his lap unconscious. The stench of his throw up was a little overpowering at first, but she ignored it well enough to come charging in. 
“Nick!” She cried out, taking hold of his head. “Nick, baby can you hear me?” 
“Easy easy!” Parker insisted, keeping a hushed tone. “He’s out like a light.”
“Why. Why did you let him do this?” Judy pled, stroking Nick’s head. 
“Let is a strong word for it. There was no stopping him. The poor boy was hurting so badly, he hunted for anything to dull the pain. Best I could do was keep him away from the private rooms.” 
“Private rooms?” Judy threw up her brow. 
“Patrick took Nick and I to a strip club. One in Rainforest?” 
“Oh jeez. He didn’t. I mean, he-“ 
“No.” Parker brushed off with a wave of his paw. “No I made sure he didn’t do anything like that. He needed to blow off some steam for sure but, I wasn’t going to let it go that far.” Taking a paw from his son and draping it over his shoulder, Parker picked him up. Judy clasped on to Nick’s waist and helped a little as the two started toward the car.
“I need to get him home. Cleaned up.” 
“I’d like to think that would be best, but drive us to the Oasis first.” 
“Oasis? Why?” 
“Room we’re staying in.” Parker answered, easing his son into the back seat of Judy’s car. “While I don’t doubt he’s eager to see his cubs. I don’t think their first sight of him should be in this condition.” 
“Might have a point there.” Judy consented. 
“I’ll keep him steady in the back, can you drive us there?” 
“Sure.” Judy agreed. 

Nick was set in the bed, dressed only in his boxers as Judy folded his clothes and set them near the nightstand. Parker gently wrapped on the doorframe and let himself in, carrying with him a wash cloth and damp towel. 
“These should help him.” He spoke quietly, handing them both to Judy. She never hesitated to press the cloth to his head, unfurling the towel and cleaning up his cheeks and chest. 
“It’s so weird.” 
“Hmm?” 
“All I wanted to do when I saw him was just, hold him tight. Never let him go.” 
“Don’t feel that way anymore?” 
“I’m embarrassed more than anything.” Judy looked back to Parker. “Nick has the worst timing.” She huffed, shaking her head. “I wanted to believe he was still alive but. It had been some time and there was nothing about him coming out of either Predaton or anywhere for that matter. I started to lose hope.” Parker sighed and took a seat next to her on the bed, rubbing his son’s legs. 
“I can’t entirely blame you I suppose. When I found out Nicky had volunteered for this mission. I took him out of the car and slapped the slobber off his muzzle.” He chuckled. Judy let a little giggle escape as well. “He told me, he was doing it because it was what you would want him to do.” 
“I never wanted him to leave.” 
“No, but. What he did. He saved thousands of lives, maybe even millions.” 
“How? Barone?” 
“Yes.” 
“That stuff, Bloodlust. We got to deal with it first hand.” 
“What they were going to do with it, would have been even more devastating.” Parker shook his head. “They tested it when we arrived, how they would deliver it. I knew Raphael well, like a little brother to me. I couldn’t believe what he intended to do. What I was going to be a part of.” 
“But you helped stop him, no?” 
“I wanted to help Barone.” Parker confessed. “I wanted to stand at his side, honor the promise I made his father when he passed, to be there for him. To watch out for him and keep him grounded.” 
“So, why?” Judy asked with a wave of her paw.
“Nicky and Aiden. They kept me grounded. I was blinded by love for a family long lost. Raphael; he betrayed his own promise to his father. To be a mammal of integrity. Allesandro may have been a criminal but, he had a code of honor. To never prey on anyone who didn’t deserve it. Raphael.” Parker shook his head, standing up, clearing getting upset. “He took the lives of anyone he wanted. Killing anyone in his way, even cubs. He tried to rule with fear and intimidation. He crossed lines and fed his ego and ambition. He virtually welcomed the PPD and ZIA into taking him down. As he grew more reckless, I saw little other choice but to retreat to that damn bunker just to avoid the heat he was bringing upon us all. As much as I hate to admit it, regardless of who did it. Raphael had to be stopped.” 
“Hmm. We had issues with his flunkies here. Shelly Yorik in particular. She went insane, set off a blast in her own lab that killed one of my friends.” 
“I recall hearing about something like that.” 
“Poor Kate. Ryan was so devastated by her death. He stepped down as first captain at the ZPD. He just, he hasn’t been the same.” Nick moaned and turned onto his side, it was enough to steal Judy’s attention who cradled his muzzle in her lap, placing the compress on his head once again. “At least I got you back.” She whispered, letting a little sniffle escape. “Oh my poor foxy.” 
“Judy.” Parker interjected, placing a paw on her shoulder. “Get some rest. I’ll find something for his headache in the morning but, you should get some sleep too.” 
“Yeah.” Judy agreed. 
“Are the cubs ok at your place?” 
“Mmm. Mom, Dad and Ian are there. But I think Ian’s got a job interview today.” 
“Well, as I said. Rest up now. There’s nothing you can do for Nicky until he wakes up. Aside from perhaps dipping him in the hot tub.” He grinned. 

Judy was out cold on the bed, cuddled in next to Nick. Batting his eyes, he began to stir, a horrible and whirling ache in his head. The pounding on his temples, seemed to ring to the depths of his skull and in behind his eyes. His nose and mouth were dry, as though he had been chewing on a sponge. It took him a moment to realize the figure in bed with him was Judy. At first, he seemed happy, but the foul memories returned. Resolute as ever, he pulled himself from bed and glanced to the nightstand. Noting a glass of water and a few white tablets near it. Nick never hesitated, he knew it was left for him by his father. Taking the tablets with the entire glass, he stepped out of bed and drew the drapes in his bedroom closed. On the TV’s cable box he read the time 8:34 and aimed for the bathroom. Judy began to rouse awake as Nick turned on the faucet in the bathroom. Rubbing her eyes, she pat behind him to confirm he had gotten up. Feeling only the slobbery pillow he had been sleeping on, she shook out her hand and sat upright on the bed. 
“Nick?” She called out. He didn’t answer, he was hard at work refilling the glass and downing the refreshing cool water. He checked inside the glass cupboard and sure enough there were a few complimentary toothbrushes wrapped with plastic inside. Nick ripped them open, poured the tiny bottle of toothpaste on and went to work. “Nick, please talk to me.” Judy begged from the bed. Nick shook his head and spat into the sink, taking another swig of water to rinse his mouth. “Nick, please.” Spitting the water up with both hands latched to either side of the sink he spoke up. 
“I’m not up for a chit-chat.” Grabbing a towel he rubbed his face. “Sides, what’s there to talk about? You made your decision didn’t you?” 
“Nick please. Listen to me.” 
“Do you love him?” 
“No.” Judy refuted, lowering her head. 
“Lying isn’t your strong suit.” Nick retorted, catching the hint of weakness in her answer. 
“I care about Nathan. He’s my best friend, we grew up together. Yesterday it just. It went too far. You should have heard Ian ream me out over it.”
“Hmm.” Nick submitted, knowing she was telling the truth to him now. “I can’t blame you entirely, you know. I had my share of blame in all this.” 
“Nick, Parker explained it all to me last night.” 
“So you know. I thought what I was doing was what you’d want me to do. I thought I was living up to your aspirations. To make this world a better place.” 
“You’ve done that.” Judy agreed. 
“Maybe. But it came at a price.” 
“Nick, stop this.” Judy insisted, stepping off the bed and shyly walking toward the bathroom, but paused before stepping in. “You haven’t lost me.” 
“I don’t know that.” Nick shook his head. “I know what I did was wrong by you. I’m sorry. I really am. But seeing you with him.” 
“It was an accident.” 
“It looked right. Like you were with the guy you should have been with.” Nick felt his throat catch and his eyes well up. “The guy who wouldn’t leave you.” 
“Nathan is a part of my heart Nick, but he’s not who I want to be with.” She insisted, feeling her own eyes begin to tear. Shaking her head she let a nervous smile escape. “Life isn’t some fairy tale where you kiss the princess and your insipid dreams magically come true.” She stated, mirroring something Bogo had told her long ago.
“Yeah.” Nick huffed, lowering his head to the sink. 
“Look Nick. I get it, ok? It’s been hard with you gone. The cubs took it real bad, Jason keeps asking for you. I tried as hard as I could to keep things together while you were away. I kept hoping you’d show up with that slick little smile and say I’m back Carrots! But days went on and things at work got tougher. I had to put you behind me so I could move forward. I worked so hard, so that no one would ever see how much it hurt trying to move on. When the ZIA came and told me you might be dead, I buried myself in training with Nathan at Spring Forward and I got pretty strong. Got back in shape. I thought I was really able to put you behind me, no matter how much it hurt, there was no alternative.” Judy whimpered. Nick kept his head hanging over the sink, taking in everything she was saying. 
“Like I said. I can’t blame you for it. This is all on me.” 
“Nick, I don’t want us to be over. I love you. I really, really love you.” Judy cried. “It wouldn’t feel like my hearts been torn apart if you didn’t mean so much to me.” Nick let his own tears fall to the sink. “But if it’s what you want. If you don’t think you can trust me anymore. We can end it all now. And I.. I won’t h-hate you.. I won’t fight it… All I want is for y-y-you to be happy.” Nick shook his head and gasped. “We can get… d-d-“ Judy was scooped up by Nick who bolted from the bathroom and wrapped her up tight in his arms. 
“Don’t you dare say it.” He cried, holding her tight as he carried her off to bed, falling on top of her. “Don’t say it.” He whispered, pressing his head to hers. 
“Dumb fox.” She stammered, stroking his ears. 
“Dumb bunny.” He smiled, causing her to giggle. “Maybe that’s why we’re perfect for each other. We really are just a dumb fox and dumb bunny.” 
“Sometimes.” Judy chuckled, pulling him in for another hug. Burying her muzzle in his shoulder she kissed his neck and sighed. “Say it.” 
“Mmm?” 
“It’s been too long. I need to hear it.” 
“What’s that?” 
“My name.”
“Judy?” 
“No! You silly nut.” She playfully shoved, rolling him over she planted herself up on his belly, pressing on his chest. “Come on.” 
“Sorry, but I can’t remember what it was. Maybe if I got a bigger kiss than you gave that rabbit, well.” Nick suggested. 
“Oh gosh, is this my punishment?” She asked. Nick raised his brow, giving his coy little smile. 
“It’s called a hustle, sweetheart.” Judy didn’t hesitate. She lunged for his muzzle and kissed her husband passionately, stroking his cheek and embracing the feel of his paws, running up her back. With one good smack, she detached from him, leaving a little trail of spit between them. “Boom.” He whispered. “That’s the good stuff, Carrots.”
“No.” She cooed, licking his lip and sucking it for another good long kiss. Easing herself out of her shirt and dropping it on the floor, she started fussing with the button on her pants. “You’re gonna get the good stuff right now foxy.” She whispered. Nick clasped her paws and helped her slip out of her pants, taking her underwear with her. Playfully with her toe, she slid his boxers off and kicked them out of the bed. 
“Think this is a good idea, you know what with that promotion coming-“ 
“I don’t care.” She cut him off with a finger over his muzzle. “I really do not care. I need to feel you again.” Judy slowly slid her finger from his muzzle down to his chest and combed through his fur with both paws. “This scent. That big hard foxhood of yours.” 
“Wow, my girls talking dirty.” Nick snickered. 
“Not dirty.” She giggled. “Well, maybe your fur a little mr fun at a strip club.” 
“Hahaha.” 
“But this.” Judy brought herself low, her folds massaging his growing flesh. “I want this. Think you’re up for it, big guy?” Nick offered up his coy little smile, sitting up, he propped her up and took hold of his tip, guiding it inside. “Ahn, oh god.” She stammered. 
“I’ve been waiting too long.”
“Then get inside.” She shuddered, planting both paws on his shoulder. “And don’t ever pull out.” 
“Yes ma’am.”