The Hustle of Love

Chapter 17: Recover and Regret

-two weeks later-

Nick recovered slowly from his injuries. His mother and Judy never left him, Finnick visited every chance he got. For a while they all feared Nick would be in trouble for what he did to Vlad and his men. But once it was established Nick was under the effect of Night Howlers, any and all charges were dismissed. After he was cleared for release, Nick went home, he hated hospitals. Bogo had given Judy extended time off so she could take care of Nick. Most of her time consisted of taking care of Nick and changing his bandages. She cooked and cleaned the apartment, anything to make Nick comfortable. His jaw was still wired shut so he couldn't talk or eat solid food. Judy felt bad for him, but it did give them a chance to catch up on Paw & Order on Netflix. Finally the day came when Nick's jaw would be unwired. Mrs. Wilde took him to the doctor so Judy could stay behind to make Nick lunch. He hadn't been able to eat solid food in a while so she thought she make his favorite. A cricket burger on a whole wheat bun, grasshopper fries, and for dessert blueberry pie. Judy was just pulling the pie out of the oven when Nick arrived.

"Something smells good Carrots." He said

"Nick!" Judy exclaimed as she jumped into his arms and kissed him

"Oh I've missed your voice. Please sit." Judy said as she dragged him over to a chair and made him sit to enjoy their meal.

They didn't talk much while eating, Nick had missed solid food. He could hardly keep his mouth empty, finally Nick downed his last burger.

"Oh you know me too well Carrots." Nick said wiping the crumbs off his muzzle.

"That's not a bad thing you know" Judy giggled.

Nick's smile all at once disappeared.

"...but I am." Nick finally said

Judy looked up at Nick with concern

"What do you mean Nick?" She asked

"Look Judy, now that I can speak properly we need to talk."

"About what? Did I do something wrong?" Judy asked worriedly as he ears dropped down.

"No it's what I did, Judy....I remember everything. Every little detail from when I went savage. I remember being covered in those leopards blood. I remember the taste of it in my mouth. I ask remember almost.....killing you. It's been eating away at me and I feel terrible about it."

"Nick it wasn't you, I told you that."

Nick slowly looked up at Judy.

"You should have done it Judy."

"Done what?" She asked

"Killed me, you should have pulled that trigger and Killed me Judy." Nick said with pain in his voice.

"...Nick I....."

"It's true Judy, your Father was right about me. I'm just going to hurt you."

That was it, Judy thought. She jumped up on the table and grabbed Nick by his cheeks and kissed him.

"Never ever say that again Nick. Never again." Judy said separating the kiss.

Nick knew he couldn't win this argument, so he submitted.

"Okay Carrots." He said

Judy looked deep into Nick's eyes, in that moment something took over her. She kissed Nick again but more lustfully. She pulled him closer as she felt his hands run down her back. He picked her up and they fell onto the couch kissing as he laid on top of her. They had spent the night in the same bed before, but it never went further then some making out. They had been together nearly seven months now. Judy was ready to take the next step.