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Chapter 6: Revelations

Summary:

IM BACK

Chapter Text

Chapter 6 "Revelations"

NICK'S APARTMENT / 7:00 _

The fox opened his eye's slowly and stared at the ceiling. His ear's perked a bit from the honk's of the past by driving cars outside. He smiled and took a long stretch, making his joint's make satisfying pop sound and he let out a small grunt after he was done. He exhaled the air and relaxed his body. He had good feeling about this morning. He took a quick peek at his clock on the nightstand and saw the digits at 07:02. Aaaah, an early rise. This was rare to him. These past five days he had almost slept way too long and ended up jogging his way to work. Now he was awake half an hour earlier than usually.

His smirk came up as he sat up on his bed and took another satisfying stretch with his arms.

"Pheeef." Nick let out and took out his phone. He swiped the lock combination with his claw and the first thing he saw was his screensaver. It was selfie of him with laughing Judy, standing at park in their casual clothes. The warm feeling he felt in his stomach made him chuckle as he look'd at that joyful bunny, having time of her life. Beautiful as always. He swiped left to see if he had any messages.

There was none of those but there was a call that had came from number unknown to him. It had been registered to be unanswered at three at night.

Oh that's right. He did remember someone calling in the middle of the night now that he thought of it.

He had just thought that he accidentally set the morning alarm wrong and declined the call.

I wonder who it was? Well whoever it was, he can always call again. Nick turned his phone on sleep mode again and jumped up from his bed, pulling the curtains apart that blocked the window. The daylight shimmered against his fur. He felt the warmth take over his whole body, since he slept only in boxers.

He smiled widely as he opened the window from the second floor. He smelled the fresh air making it's way to his nose and he closed his eyes, exhaling out loudly.

"Good morning Zootopia!" He yelled with his arms spread out, leaning out from the window.

He chuckled as couple of mammals look'd up in confusion, some yelling good mornings back to him.

Nick turned his gaze from the main street to his left and could make out ZPD headquarters from the distance,

just about six minute walk away. The clear blue sky took over the whole scene, without a cloud in sight.

Nick closed the window and walked out of the bedroom, ending up staring the living room. His gaze drifted to the kitchen counters and then to his stove. He remembered something in that second. He had one of his favorite chicken stakes in the fridge, saved just for the special occasion like this. No more of the feta salad for this fox. Ohoho no. Nick walked over to the stove and put it on stage five and took out the frying pan from the upper cupboards. He gave it a flip in his hand and put it on the stove.

He opened the fridge and saw the "Harold's chicken" labeled plastic bag on the back. He wiggled his eyebrows as he took it out with his paw, and opened it with the kitchen knife next to the stove. He suddenly felt his phone buzz.

The fox took the cell out of his pocket and saw a message. It was from Judy.

"You better eat some breakfast, special agent fox. I did not catch lot of sleep last night, so I'll let you do your smooth talk to Garlow. I really lack energy today, but I'll try to keep up.

If we really get more out of him than death threats to face, i will maybe let you drive the car."

Nick laughed and started typing back.

"I'm up and eating rabbit stew right as we speak. It's kind of tasty. I can bring you some with onions if you like.

I swear the stew is hopping in my pan. HOPPING. Get it? Oh, and you can certainly be ready for the silver tongue master to charm the grumpy panther.

Prepare to be future number two in our car carrots. Maybe they should give that meter maid car back to you. You were the cutest meter maid ever."

Nick gave satisfied chuckle to his text and wagged his tail as he sent it.

It took about half a minute till he got his reply.

".. Ok first of all, you are horrible. Second. I knew you are having that stupid smirk on right now. Someone is going to be sorry fox when he comes to work. "

Nick snickered like a kit and sent a text back.

"You know you love me."

After a while came a reply.

"Yes i do. Just get in here so i can practice my police brutality again..."

Nick knew that he was going to get a lesson of respect from his partner but knew that Judy was smiling as she was reading his messages.

"Sleepy bunnies can't aim. Doctor fox recommends of taking a cup of coffee, if you really are sleepy. I can swing by the snarl-bucks if you want?"

After a while came a reply that just stated,

"... Thank you Nick."

Nick smiled and sighed deeply as he stared the background of his phone once again.

"I love you so much." He spoke as he stared the picture.

He felt the warmth inside his chest as he thought about her again. Well, the faster the morning ritual is over,

the faster you get to see her Wilde. Back to cooking.

He dropped the huge stake on the pan with some butter. Nick opened the radio on the other counter,

turning it to station, "Classic hit's Zootopia radio". He listened up as he was starting to take out the plate on the table and fork to go with it.

"And that was the newest hit from Rodney junior with the Zootopia's famous beaver band. Ruth Valentine my dear, what do we have next about the weather?"

He could hear the snow leopard talk with soothing voice to the other radio host.

"Well James, it seems that the sun is going to be up all the day with at least the most promising twenty-six degrees. Once again it seems to be another great day for Zootopia! As the Dance and music festivals are making their way to the Savannah central in two days, we can only hope for the same kind of weather.

Fingers crossed! Back to you James."

Nick still wondered in his mind if he should ask Judy. Dancing was one of his perk's that he knew well.

It was kind of embarrassing side hobby of his, but it had made some of the vixens very excited about his company in youth. He could always spin their toes up and make them beg for more. He was especially good when it came to slow and romantic dances too. The things you learn from tv. He wondered if it would make nice and romantic impact on Judy, since he struggled with words. And fear of freaking her out.

Just thinking about dancing with her and looking at those lavender eyes gave him butterflies in stomach.

"Indeed Ruth, let's hope so. For now we have something very classic to you folk's. Let's get this great morning started with some happy and easy going tunes, brought to you by the legendary The Jam Rat!

The song is known as Town called Malice! I'm sure that many folks know this one!"

"Excellent choice James!" Ruth said happily.

Nick's ear's perked up as he recognized the song title and his smile widened so much that if he would smile anymore,

he would look goofy. This song reminded him from his hustling days.

(If you want to catch the mood of Nick's morning, go on youtube and put on "The Jam - Town called Malice")

"Oh boy. What a morning. Let the Wilde times begin!" Nick started to drum his feet on the floor and sing along as the song started to play. He flipped on the coffee machine to do his work.

Nick slided on the wooden floor to his left like the floor was on ice and took out an empty soda bottle from his tv table, using it as a mic as he roamed the apartment. He turned the radio to the max, without caring if he woke up his grumpy landlord panda.

"Cos it's the one we'll never know!" Nick started to sing.

"And quit running for that runaway bus, cos those rosy days are few!"

He could already see the butter melting all over the chicken steak of his, bringing a bit of saliva in his muzzle.

He flipped the steak over one time and took a quick spin and kept singing to his bottle as he swinged his tail.

"Cos time is short and life is cruel, but it's up to us to change! THIS TOWN CALLED MALICE!" Nick smiled as he walked around the living room,

flipping the fork from the cabinet on the table. Nick sang from the heart, making sure that even neighbors heard.

The idea of Judy seeing him like this in his boxers, singing and cooking food made him burst out of laughter as he returned to his steak.

This was one hell of a morning. What could go any better?

He flipped his chicken steak one more time, making it hop in the air and successfully landing on the pan.

"Damn I'm good!" He shouted as he kept on singing to the bottle.

"It's enough to make you stop believing, when tears come fast and furious! IN THE TOWN CALLED MALICE!"

The fox took out the coffee mug and took a long smell of the fresh black morning coffee and mumbled as the song went on

"Ba, ba, ba, badada.."

He took a long sip of his hot coffee and flipped the stake one more time. It was already crispy and brown from both sides. The smell of the steak made him almost drool as he took a look of his wrist watch.

It was only 07:25. Still, plenty of time to enjoy the breakfast and put the uniform on. Life is good.

He carried the medium rare steak on his plate at the table and kept singing.

"The atmosphere's a fine blend of ice, I'm almost stone cold dead, IN A TOWN CALLED MALICE!"

Nick howled around the apartment with deep voice.

"UUuuuuu yeeeahhh!"

He started to eat his steak like hungry savage and enjoyed the music to the fullest.

Nick could feel the meat melt in his mouth with several other flavors. Now this is how you start a day at work. I have to start waking up more early. Nick could suddenly hear a furious knock from his front door. His ears perked up and he rose from his chair, leaving half eaten steak on the table.

It must have been the cable man to fix his tv. Nick had no idea that they have habit of coming to fix things this early. Nick snapped his finger as the song still went on. He was making his way to the door and still sang along the last lines of the song.

"Sooner put some joy back in, IN THIS TOWN CALLED MALICE!"

Nick howled and opened the door. The song went on the background as he opened the door with only his boxers on and saw nobody front of him. Nick took his gaze down and saw Finnick on his door,

looking at him with angry gaze but still a bit amused from the sight in front of him.

"TOWN CALLED MALICE!" Could be heard last time from the radio and the music went quiet after a while, leaving awkward silence on the hallway.

Finnick quirked his eyebrows and look'd at Nick with look that screamed him as traitor.

"Nice morning huh Nick? Think you can avoid me by not answering to ya phone huh? Singing Town called Malice and all that.

Good for you officer. You want to give explanation on why you arrested Mike you fucking asshole?!"

Nick's eye's widened as he stared at his angry friend, in complete loss of words.

ZPD / 07:50 _

The rabbit walked with slow steps towards the front desk of the ZPD. She yawned quietly and took a look of her phone once again.

"Sleepy bunnies can't aim. Doctor fox recommends of taking a cup of coffee, if you really are sleepy. I can swing by the snarl-bucks if you want?"

The text had come from Nick. She rolled her eye's and smiled as she finished reading. She started texting back.

"... Thank you Nick."

After that she slid the phone back to her pocket and raised her gaze to the smiling cheetah, looking at her with mischievous smile.

"Someone looks sleepy."

"What gave it away?" She asked rhetorically.

The cheetah chuckled as Judy reached for one donut from the counter.

"Take the white chocolate one. It has nicely sugared texture to get your day started.

"Thanks Ben." She quietly said and stared at the donut with half lidded gaze and started to quietly take bites.

After she was half way finishing it, Benjamin spoke.

"Something keeping you awake? Is it those loud neighbors you complain about?"

"Annoying foxes and my hormones..." She muttered quietly as she rubbed the morning dust from her eye's.

"What's that?" Benjamin ask'd, not quite sure he heard right.

Judy's eye's popped up in terror until she realized Ben had not heard her. Thank god.

"Yeah uhhh, neighbors. Loud. Very. I have to consider about moving. Or something."

"You totally should Judy. I don't get why you live in that small apartment of yours after all this time."

"But in the end.. Do i need a bigger place? I'm not exactly very large animal so it would feel kinda... Weird."

"Nick would probably hang out with you half of the time in there anyway Judy. You would not feel lonely at all."

"I rather hang out on his place. It has nice vibe in it. Even if it's in a need of a cleaning."

Benjamin raised his eyebrows and suddenly look'd like he had the best idea ever.

"Why don't you just ask if you could live with him? I can already feel the romantic night's of you two watching movies and getting into little kissy kissy." The cheetah purred and was again thinking probably something naughty.

"What? Benjamin, that is inappropriate..." Judy scolded but still smiled a bit.

"I really doubt that he would say no to kissing you."

Judy blushed a bit and avoided eye contact. She started to mutter back.

"It takes all my energy to handle him through the day of work, there is no way that i could handle mister super-cop Wilde around the clock from day to day."

"MMmhhhm. Lying to yourself is kinda cute. You like him, admit it. You probably spoke with him on the phone the whole night and that's why you are all sleepy."

Voice inside her head answered to clawhouser.

Yea he did speak to me through the whole night but not through the phone. He was whispering in my ear. Annoyingly Sexy, smug smiling, constantly joking and heartstring pulling dumb fox.

"Nah, i just could not sleep this time. I might have to visit a doctor. It's not Nick."

"Lies."

She rubbed her eye's again yawned a little.

"Ben, that shipping of yours is way too forced. We are just best friends. Stop being weird." Judy giggled a bit and rubbed her eye's again.

"Denial is real." Ben said like he had not heard single word she said.

"Whatever Ben. We are best friends. Nothing else." Judy shook her head.

"Judy.. Judy... You just don't see it?" He sighed.

"What do you mean?" Judy rolled her eye's, getting a bit annoyed.

"Well ohh i don't know... He has like hundred selfies of you two in his phone?"

"So what? So do i."

"He calls you with nicknames like a kit to hide the fact that when he uses your real name, he can't say it without being emotional."

"Now you are just being silly." Judy giggled but knew that it was kind of true.

"He zones out and stares you with a freaky smile when he knows you are not looking. He look's like he wants to kiss you all the time."

Judy did not know if Ben was messing with her now but the possibility of what he was saying was true, made her heart beat a bit faster.

Did Nick really do that? It could be nothing but making something like this up would be kind of cruel to her.

"Daydreaming about vixens or food probably..." Judy said, ignoring his words.

"He look's at your butt and your wagging tail when you walk in front of him." Benjamin purred.

"BEN! He does not!" Judy shook her head and now laughed, her ears burning a bit pink.

"How do you know? You can't see because he's behind you."

"You are just saying things to embarrass me..."

"He spends almost all his free time after work with you."

"... Isn't that something best friends should be doing?"

"He spent all his vacations from the academy to take you to movies, to dinner, to carnivals, to walks in the park-"

Now that she started to listen , the more Ben started to put ideas in her head.

"Yeah? I don't... See how that-"

"Tsk, tsk. Girl. He is crazy about you."

"Ben, first of all, i am a bunny. He is a fox. I am a prey. He is a predator."

"You are the one that made the whole city understand that such things won't matter. Do i smell hypocrisy?" Benjamin teased and leaned in the desk with his tail wagging.

"In living with each other and filling our dreams. You are talking about romance.

Nick would never be interested in such things. He... You know how society thinks about prey and predator relationships."

"Judy. I know that you are too pure hearted to think like them. Who cares if it's very rare? It really would not be that crazy. I also really doubt that Nick would be one of those extremists that hate on such things. The city is different now and much more accepting than it was in a long time."

Judy tried to not sound interested in topic as much that she actually was.

"Ben, do you actually know any couples that are predator and prey?" ask'd like she was bored with the subject already.

"I don't. Well to be honest, i have not ever even heard of one."

"See?" Judy tried to keep the disappointment from her tone.

"You and Nick could be the first one!" Benjamin squealed.

"Ben. I don't see that happening." Judy spoke with a bit of annoyance, but from the inside she was sad. In reality she wanted to try being with Nick.

Talking about this subject just made her mood go down, since she knew it was all wishful thinking. Life is not one of your romance novels.

Benjamin suddenly changed the topic, seeing that Judy was getting a bit uncomfortable.

"Where is that fox anyway? He is going to be late if he still lingers any lo-"

"You are lying Nick! He would never do such a thing!"

The cheetah and bunny turned their attention to the front doors as they heard someone yell in gruff voice, full of disbelief and frustration.

Judy recognized Finnick immediately. She watched as Nick tried his best to calm his friend down but it looked really hard. Nick had two cups of coffee on his paw as he clearly tried to hurry towards them, almost like he would be safe form some kind of surprise beating if he went behind her.

"Finnick just wait a second, these cups burn my paws!" Nick pleaded and put the cups on Clawhouser's desk.

"Whatever." the sand fox said and put his arm's on akimbo, as he still followed Nick's every move like hawk.

"Your coffee. You owe me. Save me from murderous friend, please carrots." Nick desperately whispered to confused Judy and look'd behind him. Finnick had heard him.

"Ohoohoh, no. Nicky boy i swear that if you won't let me see him right now, i will make you regret it."

Benjamin tried to quietly say something between.

"Um, mister. I don't think it's wise to give threats to police officer in middle of the ZP-"

"Shut up." Finnick gave piercing look to clawhouser like thunder, startling him a bit.

"Okay." He just quickly said and kept following the situation.

"Look, Finnick right? I believe we haven't met for a while." Judy came next to Nick and spoke warmly.

"Oh great, this is just what i needed. A counter hustler." Finnick rolled his eye's.

"Look, if you could just clear me what you two are arguing about, i could help o-"

"Mike. We are talking about Mike. He is still locked in here, i know it. You arrested an honestly working car salesman, who also happens to be like a brother to me.

And even Nick here should feel the same. You have known him since he was twelve Nick! And you really are telling me that he is selling night howlers to Steve fucking Levron!?

That is a lie! He would never deal with such mammals! Steve Levron is known to be one of the most dangerous and influential mammals in Zootopia!"

Nick and Judy gazed at each other quickly and Nick started talking carefully.

"Look Fin, I was never even suppose to tell you about Mike's involvement in this. He begged me to not tell anything to his parent's or you and Ben."

"So you still expected me to believe that he, a predator himself, was selling night howlers to Levron? Who happens to be most dangerous rabbit on earth?"

Nick and Judy really didn't know that the bunny they released yesterday was such a big shot as Finnick claimed. That might explain why Mayor was so scared.

Judy cleared her throat and spoke.

"Look, i was with Nick the whole time when we spoke with Mike. I normally should not give details since it's against the law but i can clear out the info a bit,

since you are so close to him. Mike was not the one selling the actual night howlers to mister Levron. He was a bodyguard of the mammal that did.

He told us sincerely that he did not know about his employer's product. Nick believed him, so it's enough to convince me that he was talking truth.

It still does not take away the fact that he was involved in it, so it still does not look good for him. But i assure that since he is cooperating with the police quite willingly and has given lot of information about the events, he might even walk out with mild consequences."

Finnick stood without saying a word, pondering on what she had just said. He raised his paw and was about to protest.

"Why would he work as bodyguard to shady mammals if he is working as car salesman on Tundra Avenue?! It does not ass-"

"He lied." Nick blurted out.

"... What?"

Nick cleared his throat and tried to avoid eye contact with his angry friend.

"Look, the whole car salesman thing is a front. He does not work there. It... It really would be better for you to talk with Mike personally Fin.

We can't tell these things to civilians. I am sure that they let you talk to him if you just ask from the permission to visit a friend. They will record the conversation and-"

"Yayay whatever, who do i have to talk in this shit hole to see my frie-"

"KRHM."

Nick, Judy, Finnick and Benjamin all saw that Chief Bogo was standing behind Finnick, looking at him first and then his two officers.

After a while he spoke with frustrated voice.

"Officer Wilde and officer Hopps. Do you have an explanation of why you two are five minutes late from where you were supposed to be?"

Nick and Judy look'd a bit terrified as they took a look at the clock. It was six minutes over eight.

This was first time Judy had ever missed the bullpen count.

"I-i can explain Chief! We were helping a civilian with his urgent request to meet someone in here! We are both so sorry that we were late, it won't happen a-"

"Ease down Hopps, sheehs. As long as you had and valid explanation, it works for me. Just try to not make this an everyday habit. Now,

where is the civilian and what is his request?"

"Down here buffalo butt." Finnick said as he stared the mountain like figure without fear.

Nick's eye's widened as he was sure what Finnick had just said. Judy's and Benjamin's jaws dropped as Bogo stared at the mere feet long mammal staring at him back.

"... Excuse me?" Bogo's voice got bit aggressive, making Nick cringe from it. He joked around Bogo constantly but that was a bit over board.

"Yea, you heard me big dude, where is Mike Rollins? I am here to speak with him, and i won't take NO as an answer."

Bogo was a bit stunned about such a small mammal showing absolutely no fear, but it only made him angrier.

"Is that so?"

"Just let me see him."

"I don't like your tone mister."

"And i don't like annoying cops."

Bogo's eye twitched a bit and he gave a small smile.

"Well here is my answer. How abouuuttt... NO."

"You have reason for that?"

"Aggressive and poor mannered mammals give me headache."

"So you want to play games huh?"

"Maybe i do."

All three stared from the side in terror as the banter went on between the two. Judy saw that the tension was getting way too over bearing and stepped between them.

None of the two even gave a look at her as she spoke.

"Hooow about we settle down a bit here? I'm sure that if we all just relax a bit we can-"

"NO." came from both Bogo and Finnick at the same time as they kept staring at each other.

Judy took a deep breath and tried again.

"Listen, Finnick here is just concerned about his good friend and wants to see if he is okay. You see he happens to be also a good friend of Nick's here,

so you can kind of expect him to be a little... Unexperienced when it comes to talking officers the respectable way ."

"Hey! What is that suppose to mean?" Nick said until Judy shot him a glare and he realized she was referring to Nick's manners against her around the first couple of times they met.

A grin came on Nick as he spoke.

"Ok she has a point Chief. How about you two start off with another paw? I'm sure you will become best friends in no time. You have lot inco-"

"Shut up Wilde!" Bogo and Finnick shot on Nick's way. Benjamin tried to contain his laughter and Nick went quiet, knowing more words from him promised death sentence.

Judy shaked her head and turned to Finnick.

"Ok Finnick, let's start this over. You require seeing mister Rollins as soon as possible?"

Finnick seemed to calm down a bit and now look'd at Judy.

"Yeah."

Judy continued.

"Aaand I'm sure that Chief here would be more than welcome to-"

"No. If your friend here had spoken with more manners and fewer insults, i would have had time to answer that mister Rollins is no longer at the station."

"What do you mean he is not at the station?" Finnick felt the aggressive tone coming back.

"Mister Rollins was released quite early this morning. If officer Hopps and Wilde had been where they was supposed to be, i would have informed them about his release. I watched the interrogation tape we had, from Wilde's request. After watching the tape i personally went to talk with mister Rollins, who i might add was WAY MORE WELL MANNERED THAN HIS FRIENDS..."

Bogo stopped to glare at Finnick and continued.

"I needed to clarify some of the questions and required also all the possible dates of his contacts with the employer, to get better image of time table and digging information of any other possible crimes his employer was involved in. He gave me little and probably not everything possible... But he gave me enough.

After that i saw to keeping my promise to not tell his parents about any of the crimes he was involved in. I also released him, but i told him that he is now on ZPD's radar control, which means that if we catch him doing any kind of work like this again, he goes straight to jail. I assume that i was quite fair."

Everyone went quiet and after a while Finnick spoke.

"Where is Mike now?" He tried not to sound a bit disturbed by the fact that Mike was indeed involved in night howlers. If the same story came from everyone,

it could not be lies.

Bogo shrugged his shoulders.

"I don't know. I don't care. Probably home?"

Finnick started walking straight towards the front doors and mumbled by himself.

"Mike, i am going to strangle you.."

Nick yelled back to him as he was at the doors.

"Hey Fin, I'm sorry okay buddy!?"

"Whatever!" Finnick yelled and exited the ZPD.

There was quiet for a while between all four mammals and after a while Bogo cleared his throat and turned to Judy and Nick.

"I believe you two have some certain panther to interrogate?"

Judy and Nick look'd at each other and nodded to Bogo.

"Great. Get to it then."

Bogo turned around and headed to the elevators.

Benjamin let out air loudly, like he had been holding it for eternity.

"I have never seen Chief that angry. That was most tense couple of minutes of my life. Your friend is quite brave. No one has ever talked to Chief like that."

"I know right?" Nick chuckled.

Judy shook her head.

"All this only proved to me that foxes act like kits."

"But you still love me don't you?" Nick leaned in and gave his smile again to sleepy looking bunny.

She giggled and pushed Nick from front of her face with her paws.

"Yeah yeah i do, now let's get going. Bogo will kill us if we linger our work hours any longer."

Nick chuckled and fixed his tie.

"Do i look good? The panther might not be so grumpy if he starts off with such a charming sight."

"Let's just get going you goof." Judy laughed and pushed Nick by the waist to start walking.

"Okay okay, I'm going, I'm going." Nick chuckled and turned towards the pointed direction.

Judy could feel the cheetah's gaze on her back and turned around to see him looking at them like a romantic movie again.

"Benjamin, stop it. Don't say anything."

"Mmmmm, i am just counting the days..." He whispered.

"Har har..."

"Their lips slowly touched with the moon on the backgro-"

"BEN!"

THE INTERROGATION HALLWAY / 08:25 _

"You like the coffee carrots?" Nick asked as they were still outside of the room where panther was banging his head on the table.

"It's really good. How did you know that i like double cream with one sugar?"

Nick turned to her and smiled.

"I pay attention to important things."

Judy smiled and sipped her coffee again.

"How do you think this will go?" Judy ask'd.

"Let's hope for the best. He does not look to be in the best mood, but spending two days straight in that small cell and a bunk bed does that to you."

"I guess so. Should we bring him coffee too?"

"Then he would have more energy to shout at us. I prefer him a bit sleepy. Like you. You look cute when you are sleepy."

Judy sighed and facepalmed herself while smiling.

"Stop calling me cute."

"Never."

Nick chuckled and opened the door to Garlow's room.

The panther raised his gaze right away and frowned as he saw who the two were.

"Noooo fucking wayyyyy..."

"Pleasant to see you too Jack. How are we doing this morning?" Nick chuckled as they made their way to their seats.

"Completely fucking horrible, thanks for asking."

"Sweet cheese and crackers, can you watch that language a bit?" Judy scolded and panther stared at him wide eyed.

"What are you, my mother or something?"

"Well who ever your mother is, she should had teached some manners to his son."

"Whatever, i assume you two are here to waste your time like all the rest? I ain't tellin shit."

Nick sighed started to speak with grin.

"You do understand that you are last one held here? Roy, Mike and Steve have already been released out of the ZPD."

Now panther raised an eyebrow at the two and snarled.

"Let me assume what happened. Levron was saved by his lawyers, Mike made up some cover story and Briggs told you both to fuck off."

Judy and Nick gave confused look at each other, giving Jack confirmation that he was right. Not completely right but almost.

"How did you.." Judy started.

"I know the mammals i work with."

"Did you also know that Briggs said that he will beat you up after you get out? Maybe even give you something sharp?"

Nick could have sworn that Jack's face flashed with fear for a moment.

"W-why would he do that?"

"It seems that even maniacs with knifes have morals. Once he heard that you were dealing night howlers to Levron, he went pretty mad."

Jack was quiet for a moment and stared at the table, almost like considering odds of his survival.

"What about Mike? Is he okay?"

The question took Nick and Judy a bit off guard.

"Mike... Is okay. Why do you ask?"

"Because he is important to me. I am sorry that i put him in this situation.

Briggs can go fuck himself but Mike probably took this a bit harder.. Am i right?"

"He did. So you care to explain why you, a predator, were dealing stuff that was supposed to be banned from everywhere?"

"I got about a million reasons in cash to explain myself."

"... So you are really that petty? You are ready to risk hundreds of lives to get money?" Judy asked in disgust.

"So what?"

"Jack have you ever seen animal going savage?" Nick asked with concern.

"No."

"We have."

"Yes, the whole city knows about you two superstars, so what?"

"Well the thing is, once mammal goes savage, he does not feel fear. He does not feel remorse. All he wants to do is hunt and eat you.

And you become fast. Fast and deadly. Imagine if let's say savage lion was released in school full of kits? Is that something you want to take blame for? The last time mammals went savage, we were lucky. We had to only deal with one. He happened to also be a panther like you,

and i can say that i have never been so scared in my life. Think about the mammals that could have died because of you."

Jack look'd a bit concerned now and rubbed the back of his head. He spoke out in a bit defensive tone.

"Look, how do you even know that Levron was going to use them to do such crap? Believe when i say that he is not the type who hates predators.

His boss is a predator. Their respect for each other is something that controls the whol-"

Suddenly panther stopped, seeing that Judy and Nick had cornered him to accidentally spill out a lot of info.

"Please do keep going." Nick wiggled his eyebrows.

"Screw you both! I have told enough. I do not gain anything by telling this shit to you."

"Mister Garlow, any information that you share with us right now, may take much away from your final sentence." Judy assured.

"It's not enough."

Nick stepped in the conversation.

"Look buddy, if you hold back with all this information that can lead to catching more mammals that are involved, you end up in jail.

Which i believe has someone already in there maybe by now. Someone who likes sharp things? Remember that it was also kind of your fault that he ended up there?"

The panthers eye's widened in realization and he banged his head to against the desk and mumbled.

".. I am so fucked..."

"Garlow, if you tell us all that we need to know, this won't end up so badly." Judy now spoke and winked to Nick for good job.

"So you keep saying. I don't buy it. If only you would know the mammals that i am dealing with, you would not speak word either."

"Like mister Big?" Judy blurted out.

Jack slowly raised his head from the table and look'd at her.

"What about him?"

"Yooouu do know that he wants to ice you?" Judy asked carefully.

The panther look'd at her with annoyed look and banged his head on the table again.

"Yes i know. He has been searching for me for about a week now."

Nick sighed and spoke now.

"Mike kind of spoke us about the issues between you and him already."

The panther mumbled.

"I love that damn dog but sometimes he should keep his mouth shut."

"Look, he wasn't very precise about the events but he told that you started having trouble with mister Big while working with him?"

There was silence for a while in the room. Jack seemed to think if to talk or not. After a while he mumbled.

"You are godmother to her granddaughter, aren't you Hopps? Mike told me that mister Big told him that."

"... Yeah i am." Judy answered carefully. This was going to be a problem since this conversation was being recorded.

Judy had told that she was a close friend of mister Big to Chief Bogo but she never told that she was this close. She would have to explain later. For now it was just best to get Garlow talk.

"So you are quite close to him."

"Weeee talk occasionally yes. I visit him once to two times a month."

"... If i talk, will you convince him not to ice me, if i get out and dodge the prison?"

Judy wondered if she would be capable to convince the shrew to contain his anger, wherever it came from.

After a while she spoke.

"Yes."

Jack sighed deeply and raised his head from the table collecting his thoughts before he started to talk.

"It all started about a month ago. I have been working with mister Big for like... half a year now? He has even met my family and everything.

I worked with him as his right hand. I counseled meetings, collected information, was there to represent his word when he could not make it.

We did not always see eye to eye on things but we respected each other. It was my brother-in-law that introduced and recommended me for mister Big.

You both know him. The mammal that went savage and attacked you. Mr. Manchas."

"... Small world." Nick blurted out.

"... Anyway, it all went well for a while. Mister Big moved me to more... Dangerous type of jobs. I started to make exporting, dealing stolen stuff on the alleyways with Mike and Roy. The thing is, i got paid well enough but i wanted more. I had to pay quite a lot to Roy for protection and to Mike just because i wanted to.

The thing is, my way of dealing things so smoothly got out on the streets and finally to the other mob."

"Other mob? What other mob?" Judy interrupted Jack in middle of talk.

"Are you talking about Mister Jones?" Nick asked. Judy look'd at him in confusion.

"Yeah. His mammals started to pay attention to-"

"Whohohohoh, who is Mister Jones?" Judy motioned the conversation to stop.

"... How long has this bunny been in this city again?" The panther ask'd in frustrated tone from being interrupted all the time.

"She's quite new. She's lived here like seven months, so can't really blame her for not knowing."

"So any of you like to explain to me who he is?" Judy ask'd, getting clearly annoyed.

Jack sighed and started explaining.

"Mister Big controls Rain-forest district and Tundra town. Mister Jones is the wolf that own's Savannah and Sahara district. Simple shit.

They are the two biggest crime bosses in Zootopia. Mister Big's way of working is more of a shady and rough. You know, old school type of mob activity.

Jones is more of a political and clean. Owning businesses to laundry dirty money. He even owns the Mayor they say."

Judy turned her gaze to Nick. That explained a lot.

"You had any intention to light these things up for me at all?" Judy scolded the fox.

"I did not know that Levron was working with mister Jones. I thought that mister Big has told you about Jones anyway." Nick shrugged his shoulders.

Jack cleared his throat.

"It would make sense if he didn't. The love between Big and Jones is kind of one sided. Jones sees mister Big as a god. Big on the other paw sees Jones as annoying arrogant wolf, who is way too young for his role, and who's way of dealing with things is way too new school for his taste.

You should see the meetings they have, when they have to be in the same room talking about business and territories. It's awkward. Also, kinda fucking funny."

There was a moment of silence after. Jack continued from where he left off.

"So anyway, i got a call from Levron about month before you two busted us. He told me that if anything interesting came to the market, he would want to deal with me personally. It was an honor to me. There was one side point though. Mister Big does not want to do deals with Jones and his mammals.

I mean more than it is necessary. I still had to tell him about Levron's offer. He told me strictly no. We had umm... Quite a vocal banter in his office.

He told me that i should obey him and not speak with Levron again. I did smuggling to Levron behind his back. The money was so good. But of course he found out. He punished me and moved me from my position as his right hand. He told me that one more deal behind his back and he would ice me. I started drinking a lot.

I had never brought anyone else but Mike with me on these alleyway deals when it came to Levron, so i feared that Big might punish him too, if he found out that Mike had been helping me. I had to get us both out of this. Then it came out of nowhere. A mammal i had never met before called me and said that he had something interesting to give for me, if i would deliver it to mister Levron and nobody else. He told me the suitcase contained night howlers."

"You thought it was good idea to keep doing these deals behind mister Big's back, when he just told he would ice you for doing so?

Why would you risk your and Mike's life like that?" Judy asked in disbelief.

"ONE MILLION FUCKING DOLLARS! I could have hired so much protection that mister Big could have not done anything to us.

I called Levron and that was his offer for the suitcase! I could have maybe even joined Jones and his crew if the deal went perfectly! Levron even hinted me about working with their side in the future. So i could not let this offer go. I hired Briggs and took Mike with me just in case. And then you two fucked it all up. That is all i know. There is nothing more that i can tell."

The panther leaned back on his chair after finishing the whole story and gave Nick and Judy some time to think what he had just said.

Nick raised his paw to ask something more and got annoyed look from Jack, who seemed a bit broken at the moment.

"Garlow, you have told us a lot of useful information. It will be noted on the court. You might even dodge jail but you will still end up in parole,

maybe do quite a lot of community service, and the fines will be pretty huge. Also, you need a good lawyer. See? This might end up way more bright than you think."

"Well yippee fucking hurray. It won't still make out the fact that i am now officially a snitch and have to probably move out of Zootopia for a long time,

after all this court hassle that will make drink even more for the following months."

"It was worth it though." Nick added.

"How?" The panther once again laid his head in the desk.

"You won't get iced, stabbed, and you can start all over."

"Crime is all I've ever known. What on earth would i start doing now?"

Judy spoke up.

"Well, how about an honest job or maybe even a family? Nick right here was not always on the good side of the law. Now he is a cop.

In Zootopia anyone-"

"Can be anything, yes yes, excuse me while i puke on the floor from the sunshine attitude Hopps. Can someone bring me a fucking cigar or something?

I think Iv'e earned a smoke."

Nick grinned.

"Will do, if you tell us only one more thing."

Jack groaned from frustration and sat up.

"What?"

"Who was the mammal you bought the night howlers from?"

Jack wondered for a while and then answered to them.

"A ram named Doug."

Nick and Judy dropped their jaws and look'd at each other.

Jack look'd puzzled.

"Did the name ring a bell or something?"

".. You could say that..." Nick answered quietly.

"Whatever, now bring me my god damn cigar!"

The two left the room and stood on the hallway in silence.

Judy spoke after a while.

"We never did catch him. He just vanished after everything. I can't believe he is still in middle of all this! This whole thing is coming together like pieces of the puzzle. Nick, we are close of solving something very big here. This is great!"

Judy placed her paw under her jaw and started to think about something.

Nick suddenly realized something and spoke in excited voice.

"You know what else is great!?"

"What?"

"I made him talk! I get to drive the car now!"

"Oh for the love of-"

Chapter Management

• Edit Chapter

Chapter 7: Night out with Wilde/ Part 1

Summary:

Sexuaaaal tensioooon

Chapter Text

Chapter 7

"Night out with Wilde part 1"

The scent of the leaf's. The refreshing and moist air against the red fur. The smell of forest.

Nick smiled as he was jogging up the small and muddy road in the rain-forest district,

panting slightly as he slowed his speed down a bit.

His heart pumped rapidly but this was not a moment rest.

Just push the limit Wilde. You can do it.

It was his free day from work. After the impressive results they got from interrogating Garlow,

they had went straight to Bogo and told everything they dug out of the panther, without minor details.

Judy thought that it would be best for Bogo to listen the conversation from the tape later when he had the time. Some awkward questions would be answered if he required them later.

Chief had been so pleased with his two officers, that after the shift he had told them to keep a day off from the work tomorrow. Judy of course did not think it was necessary at all but Nick had talk'd her out of protesting. Such a workaholic bunny all the time. Well, Judy had accepted to not deny the short vacation, if Nick would take her out to spend some quality time between best friends in the local restaurant and after that in the movies.

Nick was glad to accept the deal. He seriously would have hated having day off,

if Judy would be working instead. He wanted to give some time for Mike, Ben and Finnick,

since everything was a bit awkward between them now. He did gather bravery to call Finnick last night and ask'd if they could all meet on Tuesday evening at local bar, just to clear out the air and such things. Finnick had told with his usual grumpy attitude to think about it.

Nick was sure that he was would still accept. Finnick was grumpy almost all the time, but they had all been such a good friends since they were kit's, so it would be kind of cruel to shut him out just because he wasn't hustling anymore. They just really needed to talk between friends.

But for now only thing that brought smile on Nick was idea of having fun with Judy again.

One whole day to tease and laugh with his favorite bunny was the best activity he knew.

Judy had been angry when Nick told him on the phone that he would get to pick the movie.

The fox had promised paw over heart that it was not going to be another horror movie,

but Judy knew Nick too well. She had taken control once again and they ended up doing the plans the other way. Nick got to pick the restaurant they would eat at, and Judy would get to choose the movie. Fair enough.

Also, there was something most stressful about this day. Nick had decided to be a brave male and ask Judy to go tomorrows dance and music festival with him. He had participated almost every year since he was eighteen. He did not want to skip this one. Especially when it came with possibility to invite someone he secretly loved with him. The way he would invite her was the one that made him anxious. He had practiced the ways to ask her out while laying on his sofa the whole last evening, speaking to imaginary Judy in his head. He ended up banging his head against the wall from frustration. None of the ways he ask'd her out sounded good to him. Even after all the practicing.

He had hustled animals his whole life and his silver tongue had always gotten him results.

But on this one he was completely helpless. Just the idea of her staring at him with those stunning eye's,

waiting for him to ask his question. He didn't want to freak her out. Then again, if he just straight ask'd her, the answer would show him where the limit goes. But it would make her wonder the intimate question for the rest of her life probably. It would even make things awkward.

Well, you will figure the right way to ask her. Later. After the dinner and movies.

Just for now, focus on this slippery hill front of you.

Nick felt his grey hoodie moist and tight against his fur, just like his completely tone matching college pants.

He hopped over the log and panted as he continued to run up the hill. As he stared up quickly, he could see the same gondolas that him and Judy rode during the missing mammals case.

The deja-vu hit him and he almost stumbled on the rock. He had opened up to Judy about his childhood trauma half a year ago in one of those gondolas. The reason he told the story for her at that time was still very odd to him. He just wanted to make her feel better and gave a piece of himself as a price. He did not regret it but it still made him wonder sometimes. He had never told any of that stuff to anyone else but his mother. He had let her see behind his mask after knowing her only one day. Thinking about afterwards freaked him out a bit. He was always so concealed about his life to even his close friends. But there was something about Judy from the day one that he felt. Trust. Okay, at their first meeting it was complete annoyance and insulting and hitting her with reality check.

After a while though, he had realized that Judy was way too kind mammal for her own good. It was admirable, since he had never met anyone like her. How things change...

He felt his pulse getting higher as he finally finished running up the long hill. The dim sunlight peek'd trough the tropic environment and wet palm trees, making the spot he took a break at, quite beautiful.

As he was huffing the moist and chilling morning air and taking a sip of water from his water bottle, he slowly looked around the area.

He would have to call a cap back to his apartment if he was to meet Judy there in time. He look'd at his phone. It was ten. He had told Judy to meet him at his front door around half eleven. Better start jogging towards the main road.

He took one more sip and put his earplugs back on and played the music again as he started slowly jogging towards the sound of cars. He had never even thought that he could enjoy so much about a little sport session like this.

He had woken up around eight and walked all the way from the Savannah to rain-forest district, just to get his morning started by trying to break his record of straight running. When he was halfway the ZPD academy training, he swore to never do any sports on his free time like this, since his lazy nature was screaming from the annoyance at the time. But ever since he graduated and his physique got better all around, he had started to like jogs like this a bit more. And he also did not want to fall from hard worked shape by just going back to his former lifestyle. He could run longer distances now more than he ever had dreamed of.

And now he also had even more things to brag to himself when he took his clothes off and stared the mirror at mornings. So much win.

After a while Nick reached his destination on the side of the road and dialed to call the cap.

"Phew Wilde. Not bad run huh. Aaand time."

He finished the countdown on his wristwatch. It told him that had now jogged almost two hours straight.

The grin came to his muzzle as he stared his watch and huffed air.

"Broke the record huh?" He chuckled and remained to wait his ride back to Savannah.

The fox could not see that large leaf on top him was staring to bend down from all the water on it. The fox was whistling happily while listening his music until his heart almost skipped a beat when the cold water dropped on his clothes all at once. He just stood there and slowly raised his gaze up,

as the leaf still dropped water on his nose from five meters up.

"... Seriously?"

SOMEWHERE AT SAVANNAH CENTRAL / 10:20 _

The bunny was walking down the street in broad daylight, smiling as mammals recognized her and waved as she walked by. She had put on her favorite buttoned shirt, the same one she had on when she apologized to Nick under that bridge half a year ago. It seemed like forever ago. Had the time really gone that fast? She had only known her favorite fox for a short time but it felt like years.

Judy waited on the streetlights for the green's and stared the clear blue sky above her. The sound of cars and talking mammals all around brought this place to life. She smiled as she started to cross the road and saw small jaguar kit's cheering as she walked past them.

"Morning officer Judy!" All cheered at the same time to the bunny.

"Morning boys." She answered happily and ruffled their head-fur as she continued to walk down the road.

She had really good feeling about this day. She had even been quite sneaky with her movie choice. She wanted to push the limit a bit and chose romantic movie. At least it sounded like romantic by the title. Just to test how far was fox ready to go for her. And it would give her a chance to hold his paw and maybe something else.

"Judyyyy you sneaky bunny.." She heard Nick whisper inside her head. A small blush came on her as he thought about idea of Nick holding her during the movie. It was hard enough to contain her affection towards the fox at work but free-time was like a true challenge.

She would have to gather bravery to have.. The talk. Any of these days now-"

She could feel suddenly feel her pocket vibrate because of the incoming call. I wonder if it's Nick.

Judy took her phone out and stared for a while as she saw the caller. It was her parents.

She smiled a bit but embraced herself for whatever came from the other side. She pressed answer with the video-mode on and saw her mom and dad straight away with the loving smile on their face.

"Hi guy's." She spoke happily as her father started enthusiastically.

"Jude the dude!"

She rolled her eyes and her mother gave scolding stare to him quickly.

"Dad, how many times have i told to not call me that! It's embarrassing." She muttered.

"Sorry Judy." He apologized but they both knew that he would never stop calling her that.

"Sooo how are you doing Judy?" Her mother ask'd lovingly.

"I'm doing very well. It's a nice day out here and i got a day off from work."

"Well it's good that they reward you like that from hard work."

"I guess. How's things at home?"

"Oh, you know. The crops are doing well and the annual bunny-burrow festival is making it's way here.

It would be great if you could visit around that time. All your sisters and brothers would be so happy to see you after all this time."

"I might get vacation time if i ask. I miss all of you."

"We miss you too honey." She said lovingly with a hint of sadness.

After a moment of silence Stu suddenly spoke to avoid the tears coming on him. They really did miss her.

"So, since it's only few weeks away, I'm sure you will figure something out with your boss."

"I'll try."

Then her mother spoke suddenly with excitement but also a bit carefully.

"Sweetie, i don't mean to push but-"

"No mom, I'm not dating." She rolled her eye's. She knew her parents too well. Every call would include this subject after a while.

"Why not? Judy, you are beautiful young mammal. You have to start giving a chance to relationships. We are trying to help you as best as we can."

"Mom, i really wish you didn't. It's getting annoying. I have to focus on my work right now."

"Honey, you are thinking about others way too much. You have to start doing something for yourself. There's this really handsome young buck named Cody.

He is from the Walton's family and he just moved to Zoot-"

"Mom. No. I am getting really tired of you guys pushing me about this. I don't want to date. Why do you guys bring this up every single time when we talk? Can't we just talk about something else?"

Stu came between with his enthusiastic attitude again.

"Jude, we already gave him your number. He was really excited about the idea of meeting one of the most famous-"

"You did what?" She stop'd walking and sighed deeply while face palming herself.

"Look sweetie, you have to give him a chance. We already told him that you are interested too."

Judy wanted for a split second to end the call but sighed deeply and spoke.

"I have told you both to not do that. I am not interested. I am tired of answering the calls from the mammals i don't know.

You guys are way too obsessed about this. Stop doing it please. I love you both but trust me when i say that this is not okay."

"Judy we are just-"

"Thinking about my future, yes. I can do it all by myself thank you. I'm a grown adult. I start dating when i feel the need."

Her mother sighed and felt like giving up but she still continued.

"Sweetie, i just don't want to see you lonely. Are you really saying that everyone we recommended were not suitable?"

"... Mom, most of the buck's you and dad threw this way were horrible."

"Now that's a little harsh."

"Yeah whatever, look guys-"

Then it hit her. She smiled for a while after she thought about one special fox.

"Actually i would like you tow to stop doing that because i already have a crush on someone." she said genuinely.

They both went speechless for a while and then almost started to parade with flood of questions.

"Then why didn't you say so sooner Jude?!" Her dad cheered and her mother started to hassle.

"Does he feel the same way?"

The question struck her a bit harder than i should have. Okay this might had not been such a good idea after all.

"I... I guess he might. He certainly likes to flirt all the time."

"What's the Buck's name? Maybe we know him?" Her dad ask'd.

"His name is umm ... Nicholas." She used the name, trying the ice a bit. Of course they did not seem to recognize the name.

Or at least not to link it to her partner. She felt kind of odd that she had not even mentioned that she was partnered with fox now.

Judy knew that her parents were not full of prejudice like they were before, since they hired Gideon, but she knew that it was not completely gone. So it was better not to mention it.

"Is he handsome?" Her mother ask'd and giggled a bit.

Judy sighed and smiled as he thought of Nick.

"Very handsome."

"Where is he working?" Stu ask'd.

"He is ummmm, office worker in the Savannah central. Neat and all that. Does important stuff. Help's lot of mammals."

"Well that's good! We are so happy for you Judy! We really hope it works out between you two!"

Judy felt a bit sad but forced a smile on herself and spoke quietly.

"I.. Hope so too."

After a while of silence, Bonnie spoke.

"Ok sweetie, it was really nice talking to you! You know you can always call if you want to.

We will be going now, i think your sisters are trying to start a fire or something, i smell smoke."

"Okay see ya guys." Her ears drooped a bit. Her parents could be really annoying time to time but she loved them so much,

nevertheless. The call ended and she sighed.

Judy raised her gaze from the ground and realized that she had walked almost to her destination without noticing.

She could see Nick's apartment on the other side of the road. She stood on the light's and waited for the green,

until she saw a cap pull up on front of Nick's place. He saw the familiar fox hop out and speaking something to the driver and then sprinted into the building like lightning. Judy didn't even have the time to yell to him from the other side of the street. She was sure that she could hear the taxi driver yell something after Nick. Something about making his seats all soaked.

Why was the fox in such a hurry? And was he wearing a jogging gear? Odd. She saw the cap driving away after a while.

The lights went green and she crossed the road, slowly walking inside the building after the fox.

Just as she entered the lobby and was starting to walk the stairs up, she could hear some form of ranting from two floors up.

The voice was definitely Nick's. She could not make out what he was ranting about very clearly and started to hop up to steps.

After a while she reached the hallway of the second floor and smiled as she heard the fox at the end of the hall and around the corner, mumbling something while apparently shoving the key's to his door. Judy staid behind the corner and listened. She thought about the idea of hopping from behind the corner and give him a little scare jump. Would be only fair play to revenge his constant teasing. Any second now. Wait for the right moment. His face will be priceless.

"How can this door be such a pain in the ass?" She could hear him curse and she giggled quietly. She just wanted to enjoy this funny show about fox struggling with the door for a while. It really sounded like he had indeed been out jogging, since he huffed the air all the time between the words. She grinned and took a careful sneak peek from the corner and saw Nick about three meters away from her,

trying to open the door with some trick. It seemed like his keys were stuck or something. Now was the moment. Prepare to yell loudly. Sweet revenge. Just as she was about to jump out she stopped when she saw what Nick did.

"Ugh, this stupid soaked hoodie!" He mumbled and with smooth motion with his paws, removed it from top of him.

Judy had not seen Nick without his shirt once, except that one time about two days after he joined the ZPD academy.

That was half year ago. She could not believe what she was seeing now.

His sweaty red and white patterned chest revealed itself in front of her to see. He was way more muscled up than he had been almost half a year ago.

The fox's chest was wider and much tighter looking. Judy's eye's wondered all around him with burning blush on her cheeks. This was definitely not looking like the same Nick he had met the first time when he was selling Popsicles. The bunny could see his biceps tense up as he tied the hoodie around his waist by the sleeves.

How much had he been working out in the academy?! She knew that he was in better shape than before, but it was hard to tell from under the uniform.

Judy felt like fainting as her eye's wildly went lower, reaching his stomach.

She could see some sweat drops slowly ran down on his fur, along with his somehow almost noticeable six pack. Very faintly but still. She should have not kept watching him creepily like this but she could not remove her eye's off him. This is something that her naughty and concealed part of her wanted to remember.

Every detail. She could not probably get another chance like this. He look'd so stunningly hot that her ears burned as she kept watching the fox huff and struggling with his keys once again. Judy almost wished that his door would not open, so she could watch his worked out body just a little bit longer.

"I swear if i run late because of this stupid key-set I'll sue someone.." He groaned as he still tried to adjust the keys.

Judy smiled a bit and kept looking at him carefully. Then her gaze went lower from his stomach. The small naughty voice took completely over her as her mind tried to fight against watching. She realized that Nick's grey college pants with logo ZPD on the side, where just as damp as the hoodie.

She felt like her brain exploded as her eyes reached the intimate spot. The pants he had on were so glued to his fur that she could clearly notice a small bulge. From this distance she was sure that she saw a small devilish details about Nick's quite noticeable size of his... Well, huge maleprides.

She turned her gaze from him and hid behind the corner now, moving her paws in front of her mouth as her tail wiggled furiously.

"Sweet cheese and crackers." She muttered as she tried to contain her possible nosebleed. That was the image that she could never move from her head.

"Look again. You want to." She could hear Nick's voice so lively in her head, that she almost jumped of the idea of Nick actually being next to her ear, whispering it.

"I shouldn't.." She muttered but the temptation was way too much for her. She slowly peeked again and her eye's greedily stared the same spot again,

making her heart race faster and faster. She jumped a bit and hid behind the corner as Nick groaned once again and finally removed the key from the lock.

"Let's give that another try won't we?" He said with complete annoyance like he was losing his mind and showed the key in again and carefully started to turn it.

The door clicked. Nigh laughed evilly like mastermind and muttered.

"Gotcha!"

He opened the door and went inside. He slowly locked the door and left silence in the hallway.

Judy still held her paws over her chest, still buzzed about the images of topless Nick in her mind.

"Okay Judy, just walk in there and act normal. Erase everything you saw for now. Take a deep breath."

NICK'S APARTMENT 10:25 _

"Hoookay, quick shower, neat clothes, a little fox charm and you are ready to roll Wilde." He spoke as he tossed the hoodie on the dining chair. He also removed his pants and was completely naked now. I really have to take the shower quickly. She could be here any minute now. Just as he was making his way to bathroom, someone knocked on the door.

"Carrots, that you?"

He could hear a happy voice answer behind the door.

"Yeah Nick."

"Just a second, i umm..." He realized he was shirtless and sweaty. He quickly took a large and dry white towel that was hanging from the bathroom wall and tied it around his waist. Okay Wilde just open the door and tell you are going to have a quick shower. Also, perfect time to flirt a bit. Almost too perfect.

The fox went to the door and opened it with wide grin on his muzzle. He could see her eyes widen a bit. He wiggled his eyebrows a bit and leaned down.

"Sorry if I'm not properly dressed whiskers, i was struggling with the door quite a while, I'm going to take a faster shower before we get going,

since i doubt that you want to walk around the city with smelly fox."

It looked like she did not even pay attention to his words. She was just zoning out. If only Nick knew that it was exciting enough for her to see Nick topless from far away, but now all the goodness was straight in her face, mere half meter away. He could not see her tail wiggle like drum.

"Mmmm, fluff, is everything okay?" He mischievously asked.

Judy woke up now from the trance and started to blabber.

"What? NO! I MEAN, I MEAN Yes! Everything is fine. Just.. Sheesh Nick, you could have warned me that you are half naked!" She avoided the eye contact.

"Mmmm, what would be the fun in that?" He leaned down and she could now smell his musk pretty well. Those damn eye's trying contact with hers again.

"Just get going with the shower you dumb fox!" She said a bit more aggressively than she intended. Her ears were burning hot as hell again.

"Heyhey, slow down Judy, take it easy. I'm sorry." Nick chuckled but felt a panicked too.

Judy actually sounded way more uncomfortable than he would expect. It seemed that this was the limit of flirting with her. This he had to keep in mind.

Deep down he felt quite bit sad about it but he respected her way too much push the limit like that again.

"Just... Just take your shower. I'll wait on the couch." Judy said and refused to make eye contact with him. He had used her real name again.

"Okay. There is ummm... Some soda in the fridge if you want some. It's your favorite." Nick said with smile and swished his tail as he walked to the bathroom and closed the door.

There was quiet for a while after she closed the front door and sighed as the sound of pouring water was heard from the bathroom.

The bunny slowly walked over to the large couch and sat down. She started to mutter by herself quietly.

"Judy get it together. Stop acting weird. You are strong minded police officer... Ignore the idea of Nick in the shower... Oh for the love of-"

She face palmed herself and spoke quietly.

"I hate myself... Why are you like this Judy? ... I should have not yelled to him like that.."

SOMEWHERE AROUND SAVANNAH CENTRAL _

The fox and bunny walked side by side in middle of the warm street, turning left from the current street. They had not spoken for a while. Nick's usual smile was on his muzzle like always but Judy felt still a bit awkward about what happened back at Nick's place. Maybe it was time to stop being so quiet. It was not like her at all.

She cleared her throat.

"I do have to give something to you Nick. You have really been working out." She said shyly to the fox without looking at him.

Nick raised his eyebrows and spoke like he had waited her to say that all this time.

"I totally knew you were checking me out whiskers."

"I was not, i was just surprised. Don't let it get into your already fully stuffed ego box." She rolled her eyes and groaned.

"I won't. Don't worry, i know i can be a bit too much sometimes. I won't do something like that any longer from now on. I promise Judy." He said and now avoided the eye contact with the rabbit. He could not see Judy stop walking for a moment and look at him like that was the last thing she wanted him to promise.

She wanted to answer something but could not find the right words. She reached up to him and they kept walking towards their destination in quietness.

After ten minutes of walking in silence they finally reached the place. The neighborhood was very classy area and seemed very expensive to live at.

The fox smiled as he signaled Judy to stop walking. He turned to her and smiled as he motioned towards the front doors of golden door'd restaurant right next to them.

It had red carpet and everything. Two neatly dressed beavers were standing on both side of the doors. It was large white marbled building with large golden letters on top of the entrance.

"Casa di madre" Was written on top of the doors. Judy stared at the place in awe and then look'd at Nick with disbelief and back to the front doors.

It was five star restaurant. Just as she was about to speak, a long black limo pulled behind them and they both stood aside as the driver came out of the limo and walked over to open a passenger door. Outside step'd a small bear in a pure clean white suit. He gave a confused look at them both, like he did not expect to see someone like them hanging out in the place like this. He went to the reception desk outside and spoke couple words with the wolf and after a while he entered inside the place trough the golden doors.

Judy look'd at smiling Nick again with confused look.

"Uhhhh, Nick?"

"Yeahhh?"

"Are you... Are you sure this was the place we were supposed to go?"

"I am, one hundred percent." He winked and gave proud smile.

Judy look'd at the front doors and wolf staring at them and back at Nick.

"Nick this looks... Really, really expensive.. You don't need to.. I mean why?"

"Don't worry about prices. I want to have quality time with you carrots." He waved his paw like this was nothing.

"Nick... You don't have to do this for m-"

"I want to. Don't worry so much fluff." He said warmly and gave genuine smile to her.

"Are you .. Sure? I don't think we are really dressed well enough for this place. You have a green tropic shirt and blue tie and I'm dressed like I'm from a farm- "

"Pfft, they are just going to be stunned about my tropical shirt. I am creating a trend here. And when it comes to you... You look nice no matter what you wear."

He could not see that Judy blushed a bit and smiled.

"... Are you still sure that they let us in?"

"Yes. Silly bunny, let's go already. I am so hungry that i could eat a..."

He leaned his face a mere inches away from her twitching nose.

"Don't s-" Judy warned.

"Rabbit."

Nick laughed and Judy shoved his face away but could not contain her laugh.

"Okay i changed my mind, i am so going to take most expensive meal this place has for that one."

"Be my guest whiskers." He chuckled as they both walked to the wolf, who was looking at them both a bit warily.

Nick cleaned his throat and spoke.

"We have reservation here with the name of Wilde and Hopps."

The wolf started to search the name list and after a while he found their names and spoke with civilized tone.

"Certainly sir, you are on the list. I have to point out that you have most... Odd selection of outfit for this occasion.

My apologies, you two must be completely new here." He gave a bit scolding look at them.

Nick placed his paw on his chest and started to imitate the way wolf spoke with mocking tone in it.

"Oh i assure you good ser, we are stylists from the most snob nosed area of the snob town, trying to create a new clothing trend that even the poor and dirty animals like half of the mammals in this city can afford. All for the tons of money of course. Who cares about charity? I think once i get home,

i shall eat my diamond cereal with golden spoon and-UMF!"

Nick earned an elbow strike from the bunny with scolding look.

"Nick!"

"What?" Nick shrugged his shoulders and snickered like a kit to embarrassed bunny.

The wolf look'd at Nick angrily and sighed. He was about to say something but Judy spoke first.

"Sorry about my friend here mister. Is it allowed to go inside even if we don't pass the dress code?" Judy spoke.

The wolf turned his eye's to Judy and spoke calmly.

"It is madam. It is unusual but not necessary. I do hope you two enjoy your stay. Once you go inside, your table is number twenty-three."

"Thank you." Judy answered politely. The wolf nodded.

"You are welcome madam."

Nick spoke to the wolf with same tone as he did earlier as Judy started to walk towards the doors.

"Oh my good ser, do they sell one of those suits of yours at the lobby? I would be more than welcome to put on something like that to seem more civilized and smarter than i actually am.

I bet you have about ten of these in your golden home AGH-!"

"Dumb fox." Judy muttered with smile and started to pull Nick towards the doors by his tail.

"Owowowowo, okay okay coming fluff!"

The wolf shook his head and look'd at the Nick in annoyance.

He spoke quietly by himself after they entered inside the place.

"... If he only knew how shit my actual pay is from this boring ass job.."

CASA DI MADRE _

The fox and rabbit entered the large hall full of mammals. Even Nick was a bit amazed by the architecture of the place. White marble pillars and full floor red carpet.

The place look'd stunning. The sounds of dining and conversations filled the hall and echoed quite loudly. Now that the fox started to pay attention,

they were indeed the only ones breaking the dress code. But it did not bother him at all. He gave a look at Judy next to him. She stared at the place with his mouth a bit open, and wide eyed. It looked like she had never seen anything this elegant in her life. Sometimes he did forget that Judy was from the farm.

He smiled warmly as he followed Judy's wagging tail. She gazed all over the place in excitement. God, she is so beautiful, Nick thought as he watched her cute amazement about the place. Then he started to wonder.. If Judy was quite uncomfortable about him without shirt.. What would she think about him asking her to tomorrows dance?

The depression and anxiety hit him a bit as he wondered Judy's answer to the question. Okay just relax. You will figure it out when the time is right. Just have fun for now.

"Nick, this place is incredible!" Judy said and turned to Nick. She really had not seen places like this before.

"It is quite something, i admit. Shall we get going to our table?"

"Yeah."

They both searched for their spot by counting the table numbers. After a while they finally found their spot from the corner of the place. It was quite comfortable looking spot.

The wine red couches felt silky as they sat down. The place was full of expensive looking paintings all over and Judy gasped a bit as she saw the huge looking crystal chandelier at the ceiling. The way it was sparkling was quite beautiful. Nick gazed around the place. It seemed like most of the waiters were quite busy with the other mammals orders, so it gave time for them to look at the menus.

The fox searched for something juicy. Maybe a steak. His gaze slowly went down of the list. Hmmmm, yep that one looks good.

"Who comes up with these names? Frela de muerte? What the heck does that even mean? Why can't it just be a fish steak with potatoes and cream sauce with some vegetables?" Nick chuckled as he spoke from behind the menu.

"Nick." The fox heard bunny say with very concerned tone in her voice.

"Yeah carrots?" Nick ask'd without taking his face from the menu.

"Look at me." Her voice was serious. O-oh. What had he done?

Nick set down the menu and stared at Judy with smile.

"What's up?"

"Nick i... There is no way you are paying for this!.. This salad that i wanted.. It's hundred dollars Nick! It even includes a desert that costs fifty dollars on top!" She spoke to Nick like he was crazy.

"Shhhh, just let it happen." Nick motioned with his claw front of his muzzle and smiled warmly.

"Nick no. What are you think you are doing? I know that our pay is good but it is not this good! You can't just buy me something like this!"

"There is no law that forbids that." He stated calmly.

"Nick I'm serious, stop playing-"

"Judy." He spoke again tenderly and placed the menu front of his face as he kept reading.

The bunny froze again as he spoke like that to her and felt her chest tighten.

"You are my best friend. You have saved my life, couple of times in fact. You believed in me when no one else ever has. You are the reason my mother came to see me after all these years. You made me believe that mammals can change... And now i am working with you as partner. You remember how much we talked about how awesome it was going to be? Every time you visited me in the academy we talked about it. And now it finally came true. It has been just like we thought. Needless to say,

i have never been this happy in my life Judy... I just want us to have fun. I want you to have fun. So don't bother yourself with these unimportant thoughts like my money. I don't want you to. Not with me... "

Judy felt herself tremble a bit. The way Nick spoke, was something she had never heard from him. She wanted to go and kiss him so badly that it hurt. She would never let go if she would. It would freak him out but she felt like she no longer cared. Just do it.

Just as he was about to actually do it, Nick started to talk in completely different tone. He started to talk with his joking mood again, almost like covering up himself with a shield that he had just let down for way too long. It almost even spooked her a bit.

"At least i owe you a salad, no matter if it's hundred dollars. Kind of small price to pay for what i got in the end right? So don't worry whiskers. I also think they have those nice green olives you like. I might even snatch a few. Have you seen that the drink's here? Now that one look's very nice! I wonder if we-"

"Nick." She spoke, with her voice trembling a bit.

Nick's ears winced a bit and he put down the menu right away.

He stared at the bunny, who stared at him back with shining eye's. Nick knew that look. She was about to cry but was holding back.

"Heyheyhey, did i say something wrong?" Nick felt a bit of panic hit him.

"... No i just.. I just wanted to say that i..."

Nick waited for her to gather herself a bit and wondered if he should just hug her like he had under the bridge. Because for a while it look'd like she was about to run away or something.

Suddenly Judy just took deep breaths and smiled to him warmly.

"Thanks Nick. I am really happy too. We are good team together." She said with forced happiness and dried her eye's a bit while sniffing.

Nick had an odd feeling that Judy wanted to say something completely else. He had to ask.

"Fluff, you know that you can talk to me. Just say what is troubling your mind."

"It's nothing Nick. I'm sorry. I was just... Very taken about the things you said. It means lot to me."

"I.." Nick was about to say something until unknown voice came from next to them.

"Excuse me, are you two ready to take an order?" A goat in a suit ask'd from them.

Both woke up from the emotional atmosphere and gazed at the waiter.

Nick cleared his throat and spoke.

"Oh ummm, I'll have the Frela de muerte. I think I'll take a glass of Merlot too."

The goat wrote the order down and look'd at Judy.

"And for the madame?"

".. I'll.. I take the Sidro salad, please. And I'll have glass of water." Judy controlled herself from emotional outburst and tried to speak like nothing happened.

"Will do." The goat said and wrote it down. After he was supposed to be on his way,

he just stood there for a while and eye'd both of them.

Nick spoke in confusion.

"Is something wrong?"

"Well ser, it's just that i have never encountered mammals with this kind of clothing around here."

Nick grinned and placed his paw on his chest and was about start his show again. Judy noticed and kicked his feet from under the table, making him yelp.

"Don't you dare Nick. Not in here. They would probably poison your food."

"... Smart bunny." Nick chuckled.

The goat went on his way and the silence settled in the corner again.

Nick spoke again a bit carefully.

"Carrots are you sure you are all right?"

Judy did not answer right away and look'd a bit sad. She was clearly wondering what to answer.

"... I just wanted to say that..."

She was about to say what she really felt but it was too hard. Nick just stared at her with worried look. She forced the smile on herself and sighed.

"Thanks for the meal Nick. I won't forget it."

Nick kept his eye's on her as she stared the table. She was sometimes so hard to read. But she was smiling now so that eased him a bit.

"... You are welcome. No need to thank me so much."

The quietness in the table settled in again. Judy's mood seemed to still be down. Seeing her sad was one of the worst feelings Nick knew.

... Then Nick realized how to lift her mood on the spot. After a while Nick spoke with mischievous tone. Anything to just get unbearable silence out of the table.

"Soooo carrots? What movie did you pick for us to watch?"

"Huh?" The bunny woke up from her deep thoughts.

"I ask'd what movie did you pick?"

Judy grinned now with half lidded eye's. Nick was happy that it was always easy to lighten her mood with a bit of fox charm.

"It's a secret."

"At least give me a tip?"

"Na-ah."

"Please at least tell me that it's horror movie."

"Thank the heavens, no." Judy shook her head and giggled.

"Pfffff, don't tell me that you picked some drama and escape to the sunset together kind of movie?"

"You are such a jerk." Judy laughed to grinning fox.

The fox started imitating the some random characters from known movies.

"Oh Ann your eye's shine like thousand sparkling stars in the moonlight, oh if the angels were sent on earth, you would be the most beautiful of them all!" He spoke with heroic tone.

And switched to girly voice.

"Oh Jack, you are so manly and handsome! If only would you kiss my tender lips, this magical moment would feel like a dream! Your muscles are so big and so strong-"

Judy threw one of the napkins that she had rolled into a ball straight to the fox who dodged it and laughed.

"You are such a dumb fox! That is not how they talk!" Judy laughed uncontrollably and made Nick continue with even more dedication to the imitations.

"Actually this is exactly how they talk. Like this! We have defied your parents will to come between us oh my Julia! I shall shield you from the evil and harm with my steroid filled muscles!" Nick posed with his arms and gave kiss to both his biceps. Judy held her stomach and gasped for air.

"Nick, stop i can't breathe!"

Nick almost started to laugh himself but now switched to girls voice again.

"Oh my Chief Bogo shaped hero! My fragile body is waiting for your sweet love! Let us run together in the cornfields while laughing in slow motion! We are so much in love that i almost want to puke from this horrible dialogue that the writers wrote!"

Judy now banged the table with her paw and giggled hysterically. She could barely speak the next words between laughing.

"I am so... Not ever... going to dine somewhere... Public with you again!"

Nick chuckled while leaning in and spoke while wiggling his eyebrows.

"Well to me it seems that you are having quite a fun time."

"That's only because you-"

"KRHM!"

Nick and Judy turned their gaze to the waiter next to them. The goat was looking at the two like he was following two kits ruin a well mannered party.

"Are you two quite ready to eat? Or do you want to keep disturbing the other mammals?" He ask'd .

Nick and Judy look'd behind the goat and saw at least ten tables stare at them, some angry and some amused.

Judy turned her gaze away and blushed horribly, her nose twitching furiously. Nick only chuckled and waved to other mammals.

"Yeah, i think we are ready. I'm starving. Look how cute she is when she's all embarrassed."

Judy did not answer anything and look'd like she wanted to sink to the deepest hole in existence.

The goat gave a confused look to Judy after looking at Nick with disgust who just stared back with smile.

"Did this fox just call you cu-"

"Yeah she did... I'm sorry for his behavior, it's normal from him. We are ready to eat. We promise that we won't cause hassle anymore. RIGHT NICK?"

"MMmmmh, i don't know. Depends how good my meal will be. If the steak is juicy enough-"

"Nick." Judy said firmly.

"Fine, fine. We will behave."

"Thank you ser and madame. Glad that we cleared that out. I hope you two enjoy your stay." The goat laid the plates on the table.

Nick cleared his throat.

"Thank you good ser. I do have to ask, do they serve the Merlot with the tears of the poor and hungry? I heard it gives certain unique flavor-"

"I will murder you." Judy muttered but tried to contain her laugh once again once he saw the goats stare Nick like he was crazy.

"I... Just finish your meals please. Quicker the better." The goat shook his head and left.

"... WHY?!" Judy blurted out to widely smiling fox.

"For the fun of it. His face was priceless. And so that you know, i will trade one of my precious onion slices to your juicy looking olive!"

The fox snickered and made trade with his fork from Judy's plate.

"Hey!" Judy scolded but could not contain her giggle as the fox swished his tail.

"I wonder what other goodies are hiding in that large salad of yours. But i am fair trader. You shall have some of my fish if you are nice."

Judy shook her head and giggled as she grabbed her fork.

"How do i put up with you?"

"You know you love me."

Judy sighed and answered quietly.

"Do i know that?... Yes, yes i do."

Chapter Management

• Edit Chapter

Chapter 8: Night out with Wilde/ Part 2

Summary:

Even more tension...

Chapter Text

Chapter 8

"Night out with Wilde part 2"

RANDOM STREET IN SAVANNAH _

The mammals stared in wonder as the fox and bunny were laughing like the last day on earth and leaning to each-other. Nick tried to gasp for air and Judy's giggle was out of control.

They were standing in the middle of the street near Savannah movie theater. They could not see that half of the mammals around the streets staring at them both with interest as they howled like wolves.

"Carrot's, carrots stop! Let's take a break! My lungs!" Nick finished and tried to contain his hysterical laugh.

Judy stopped and could not help but to laugh even more as she leaned on the nearest streetlamp.

"Nick Wilde, you are crazy!"

"You did the half of it, team strikes once again!" Nick chuckled and tried to contain his breathing as best as he could.

"I can't believe we just did that! I knew that you had an idea but that was not what i expected! I am a police! Nick we were cruel!"

but she still could not contain herself from laughing too.

"Because he deserved it! It was awesome."

Judy started to realize after a while what they had actually done. She could not hide her smile but still covered her face with her paws and muttered.

"Oh god, if someone was filming us and Bogo would find out... You mister Wilde, are bad influence!"

"But they deserved it! Besides, it was not actually illegal." Nick still pleaded like it was completely worth.

"But it was so wrong in so many ways!"

"That's why it was so damn funny! That should teach him a lesson how to talk to mammals."

Nick started to laugh loudly again, making Judy laugh even more.

ABOUT 30 MINUTES AGO IN CASA DI MADRE _

"I hate olives! The taste, the smell and everything about them disgusts me! How can someone eat that shit!?"

"Ron! The language!" The female hippo scolded her husband.

Nick and Judy winced as the large hippo was arguing about different tastes like a passionate freedom fighter to his wife in the booth next to them. He had been ranting about different tastes and especially his hate for olives the whole time they were there.

Nick and Judy were still sitting on their table and kept eating their meals. Nick was in the middle of the story he was explaining to Judy.

The bunny could not notice something most unpleasant that Nick could. This place had started to pay a lot more attention to them.

First they had been almost very unnoticeable before his little show with Judy but now he could see them whisper with each other occasionally.

Also, looking at their way with disturbed look's. This might had not been such a good idea after all. He had not thought this through as much as he could.

He just wanted to Judy have the best time possible but he started to get nervous for her sake. They look'd like a couple. Nick knew that some of the animals thought about it as they watched them from time to time and talked. Okay calm down Wilde. They won't confront us about it.

... I really hope they won't. Judy might not know it but such things, especially in the place like this, gathered most unwanted attention.

Why did he have to be a fox? No one would pay a mind to their way if he was a bunny like her. Okay just tell your story, finish this food and leave. Suddenly they both winced again as the hippo roared near them again.

"No! I swear if someone would make me eat that disgusting stuff, i would sue them! How can you like them?"

"Ron, for god's sake... It's not that bad! Having meat in your food is bad if you are a prey but olives are just olives." The female hippo muttered.

"I'm just saying, that the last time i ate that stuff as kid, i almost barfed. So don't ever suggest me to try that stuff. I will not try any food that has olives in it!"

"Okay, okay, sheesh Ron. I just suggested. Don't be over dramatic."

Nick was trying his best to tell the story to the bunny next to him,

after they were sure that the family next to them calmed down, so he would have Judy's full attention again.

The hippo couple had been on their banter about foods for quite a while. Must have been some kind of food critics.

Nick continued his story.

"So what did Finnick and Ben do when they found out that you crashed the van with Mike?" Judy ask'd, clearly very into his story again.

"Needless to say that fox almost slaughtered us! I'm glad that Ben was a bear after all. He was the only one that could put himself between us and save us from Fin's rage. Fin loves that van over everything. We had it fixed of course. Took us quite a lot of time to gather the money for it-"

"Excuse me but could i have a moment of your time?"

The bunny and the fox snapped from the intense story to the unknown mammal next to them. A ram in tuxedo in front of them stared at both of them with blank expression on his face, almost like studying both.

Judy put her fork down carefully and spoke.

"Is something wrong?"

"... I see many things wrong in this picture in front of me. I don't even know where to begin."

Judy was confused but Nick knew that tone and that look. He should have guessed. Of course someone would bother them about this. It was a matter of time.

"Don't. We are just good friends. That's it." Nick stated calmly to the ram but he was clearly in charge here. He had no intention to stay silent. Judy had no idea what they were talking about but she had a feeling that it was nothing good.

"I have heard enough from the other customers from here to think otherwise."

"Look we really are not-"

"Do you have any idea who i am, fox?" The ram ask'd, almost like demanding respect.

"I assume that you are owner of this place?" Nick ask'd and clearly knew the answer but felt the frustration in his voice.

The ram nodded and then spoke.

"I am Garvia Defluff and indeed the owner of Casa Di Madre... And I admit that i do not like the look you are giving to me now fox." He said with a bit of anger.

Judy was way too confused about the situation. What was going on? Did these two know each other or something? Judy could feel the tension between the ram and the fox and she did not like it at all. The way ram referred to Nick as fox made her feel uneasy. She carefully and respectfully spoke to the ram now.

"Mister Garvia, is there something you wanted to announce? Have we done something wrong?"

The ram slowly turned his gaze to the bunny. The disgusted look he gave her made Nick want to jump over the table and smack his teeth in for a moment.

"You could say that yes. I do not know how to begin this with but... This is something i can't allow. When one of my waiters came to me and said that there are guests in the hall without required outwear, i paid it no mind. It's not the first case we have had. Then he informed me something way more disturbing."

The ram took a moment as Judy kept listening but Nick was just staring the table, digging his claws into the couch under them, trying to contain himself.

"Never let them see that they get to you" rule was getting harder. Not because of himself but he did not want Judy to be treated badly.

"We have a fox and a rabbit in the same booth. First i thought that he was pulling my tail but i had to see it myself. And here you two are. In my restaurant.

Defiling its purity with this... Most disturbing sight. Bunny, i don't care if such things are legal in Zootopia but this is my establishment. These kinds of perverted things can be surely practiced somewhere far from here. Out of the eye's of civilized mammals."

"Now hold on just a minute-" Judy was starting to understand what ram was implying. She was not mad that he thought they were together. She was angry because how he was treating them because of it.

"Judy. Don't. It's fine. Let's just do as he says. He is mistaken anyway." Nick said quietly and gave comforting look to her. Like there was no point to fight back.

She was about to protest until the ram kept going.

"You should listen to the fox. If you intend to cause trouble, I'll be sure to call security. This is my kingdom and i can speak my mind in here.

I don't know where this shifty creature got his money to pay for my food but it will not eat here. If it was dressed properly and had at least predator with him, i would accept it. But in a casual wear, with a.. Bunny. You two disgust me. I am going to have to ask you both to finish your meals as fast as possible and leave. My guests don't have to look something like this. It destroys the apatite."

Nick said nothing but Judy had her mouth open from the comments. Nick motioned her to leave with him like was told but the bunny slowly set her fork down and spoke.

"Okay, look you jerk. I don't care how important you think you are but you have no right to talk to us like-"

"Don't speak to me that way you filthy freak." The ram spat on her way in disgust.

Judy went quiet as rock. Nick felt his claws dig into his paw as he squeezed it to fist, ready to punch. He could feel a bit of blood dripping to the couch from his paw. He growled almost like savage as he raised his gaze and met with ram.

"You don't ever... Talk to her like that. Apologize to her. Right Now." Nick said every word so seriously that it even scared Judy. She gave him concerned look as he gritted his teeth.

There came complete silence in the booth. No one saw or heard that many from the hall had stopped their dining and stared at their way.

Nick stared the ram in the eye with burning hate in them, ready to leap over the table from one wrong word.

He could see that for a moment, the ram was scared.

"What if i don't?" He asked quietly.

"Then i will break your jaw."

"Nick!" Judy gasped a bit but Nick was not hearing it. She had never seen Nick so angry. She was disgusted by the ram but she did not want this to end in violence.

If he would attack civilian like that, he would get suspended from ZPD or worse.

The ram suddenly smiled widely and spoke quietly. He even leaned in to the table so only they could hear him.

The civilized tone and act was gone from his presence, like he turned to completely different persona. A cocky and dangerous one.

"I am under a protection of Mister Jones. The name that I'm pretty sure you know well fox. I doubt that she does so maybe you can tell it to her as bedtime story sometime."

Nick felt a bit of his anger now turn into hesitation and fear. The ram meant what he said. He kept going.

"So you do know them huh? Thought so. Think about your next actions very carefully. You are in my home. In Jones's turf. You attack me like a knight in a shining armor to impress this bunny right here, you might end up missing. Is it worth it?

Maybe it even is. I'm sure that she finds another fox to fuck once you are gone, like a freak she is. So just try me. Mister Levron and Jones are always up to show their power to the mammals."

Judy was about to snap. She stared at the sheep like a target. Her inner cop was about to explode all over the place. She was about to rise up from the couch with her badge ready for showing. There was going to be arrest but Nick quickly grabbed her paw under the table.

Her heart jumped for a moment from the anger state as Nick gave it a comforting and tight squeeze. She gave a look at him. Nick did not look back. He stared at the ram with look that could kill but said nothing. He could feel his heart beat so fast as he fought the urge to tear the rams smug face off but kept squeezing her soft paw,

to signal to do nothing. Also, it made it easier to calm down.

But he swore from that moment to mark this ram for the rest of his life.

"No? I thought so." The ram said with cocky voice and leaned out of the table and straightened his expression to civilized one.

"Now, unless you haven't noticed, we have one of the most famous food critics at our restaurant. Ron Halwire and his wife. They do not need this kind of stuff in their presence. Their word for our food is very crucial to our restaurant, so they want as much as peace as possible. Right Ron?"

The ram asked sideways, clearly having much respect and fear for the hippo.

The hippo's turned to him in confusion. They had been on such a deep conversation about the food that they had not even noticed anything happening around them. Mister Halwire just nodded without even hearing what he had asked'd and kept eating.

Ram gave satisfied look back to Nick and Judy and spoke.

"See? Now, since i am a gentle mammal, i will give you five minutes to eat your food. You don't even have to pay. It's on the house for being such a good sports.

It must be rare for you to eat such fine foods so by all means enjoy. If you are not gone after five minutes, i will inform the security. I hope you two...

Things.. Have a most wonderful rest of life. Dig in."

After a while he cleared his throat and announced something to everyone dining.

"These two will be leaving shortly! Continue like they were not here! Better that way!"

He stated and bowed. No one was looking at them anymore and everyone started to continue eating.

The hall was full of sounds of random conversations again.

After that the ram continued his way back to the cooking area.

Nick gently let go of her paw and relaxed. He had never in his life been so angry. The worst thing is that had no choice but to let him speak to her like that.

The consequences were too big. Judy spoke to Nick after the ram was out of sight, in complete outrage.

"Nick! I won't allow him to do this! I swear i will arrest him for the things he said! He just confessed to being connected to the crime organizations!

We have to call Bogo right away-"

"Carrots." He spoke quietly, almost like anything she was about to do was empty effort.

"No. Don't carrots me. I will do this. I have something that will make this official." She said completely determined.

Nick lifted his gaze her and saw that she put something on the table.

It was the recording carrot pen of hers. Nick stared at the object for a while and his eyes widened and then he finally looked at her.

"You..?" He spoke quietly and after realizing what she had done and he smiled a bit.

"Yes. I recorded everything. I learned to hustle from the best. I will get him behind bars. Nobody talks to me or you that way. I will-"

"That was very smart, i admit that. But we have to play by his rules, even if we don't want to."

"No we don't! What are you-"

"Fluff, look at me. He said he is under protection of Mister James and Levron. You already saw how much influence and power Levron had. And he works for James.

I have heard enough stories about that wolf. He will kill us if he wants to, famous cops or not. Now that sheep did not recognize us, but it was better that way.

Otherwise, he would have never revealed all that to us.

We will be sure to remember his name in the future, if he is more openly involved to shady business. We are working right now on a case that involves them.

The worst thing we could do is arrest another one of his mammals so early after Levron. We have to be careful with this. "

"But... The way he spoke to you!" How can someone be so sick in the head that he says things like-"

"Judy." Nick spoke now and made her heart skip a beat when he look'd at her like that again.

"You can't change everyone. Some mammals will always be like that. I am more sorry that you had to go trough that. The things he said about you. I wanted to..."

Nick didn't even finish as the rage built inside him again. Judy went silent for a while. She thought if she should talk about that with him some other time. For the first time she had been a bit scared of him. It bothered her. Nick had already defended her once against her boss but this was way more different... Way more different.

After a while he cleared her thoughts and spoke again.

"We are not even together! And so what if there was a fox and bunny that could be?! That does not make anyone a freak! Sweet cheese and crackers I am not letting this one go!

I want to teach lesson to this jerk right now!"

Nick was first a bit taken back from her comeback. He had to dwell on it for a second. Wait...

So she had absolutely nothing against the idea of prey and predator being together? Why had he ever even thought otherwise anyway?

She was way too pure hearted to hate anyone. Well at least he had her opinion on the matter. Even if the situation was awkward.

This is something that gave him more hope than he had expected about confessing to her, under otherwise dark situation.

But he straightened his mindset and spoke to her.

"... We can't use the law for this one, carrots. He owns the place. He did not give actual solid information about his criminal ties to your recording.

Just boasting. But I'm pretty sure that he was telling the truth. Still, .. To anyone listening that recording, he is just an asshole.

There is no law that forbids the right to speak your mind. There is nothing that we can actually arrest him for.

It would be dangerous and also waste of time. I know it sounds stupid but that's just the way it is."

Judy knew that even with her frustration and anger, that Nick was right. She still wanted to protest but could not come up with anything. She felt like the whole day was ruined.

"This food is not even that good! The soup has way too much salt." The hippo said in frustration from the booth next to them.

This guy just kept complaining about the food.

They both kept staring at their plates in awkward silence.

"I still just can't believe that jerk gets away like that. I just wish there is some way of-"

"Revenge?"

"... Attitude adjustment." Judy corrected.

"Hmmmh." Nick leaned back and stared at his plate.

He wondered his options as he kept staring at his food.

Then it hit him.

"Whiskers."

"What?"

"I got an idea. I know something most appropriate. But i need your help." The mischievous grin grew on him. It's like the old Nick had come back with up to no good.

"... I'm listening?" Judy answered a bit unsure.

"It is going to be awesome. Risky, bold and sneaky. But if we succeed with this, we have our payback." He rubbed his paws together, making Judy smile with puzzled expression.

"Is it uhhh... You know... Legal plan?" Judy asked carefully.

"... It's not illegal." Nick shrugged his shoulders and swished his tail in excitement.

She did not know what to think but Nick's expression told it all. It was going to be good but something that she might regret later. But the temptation to payback was way too much for her, since she could not arrest the ram.

"... Okay, what do you have in mind slick?"

Nick chuckled and pointed his paw to the hippo's booth behind her seat.

"You distract those two just for a while. I only need about ten seconds, if even that. Just grab their attention and speak to them."

"What are you-"

"Judy. Trust me."

Judy was completely confused. This was not much of a plan. It did not make any sense.

But when he had used her name, she knew that he was serious about trusting him.

"... Okay." She nodded.

Nick was clearly very happy and winked to her and motioned her to action.

Judy nodded a bit hesitantly but hopped from her seat.

She made her way in front of the two hippos and cleared her throat.

"Excuse me, Ron wasn't it?"

Both hippos stopped eating now and turned their gaze to the small rabbit.

"Is there something i can help you with? Are you another fan? i hate fans.

They always disturb me when I'm eating."

As he kept talking Judy tried not to notice that Nick was now peeking from behind the booth with one eye open and his tongue out. What the...

"Hey, rabbit are you deaf? I'm eating. Is there something you wa-"

In middle of his talk, Judy saw as Nick was aiming with his paw and was about to drop something to their table.

She tried not to look at him.

"Umm yeah, i was wondering that do you give autographs? I would really love to-

Judy saw as Nick dropped olives from her salad, aiming to Ron's soup bowl.

In that second she realized. Just as the olives were about to land in her soup, she started to cough loudly,

covering the sound of the jumping soup as the olives landed in.

She held her stomach and kept coughing. She put up her paw in front of her to signal that she was alright.

"I'm so sorry mister, i might have mistaken. I'll return to my booth now. Don't mind me.

I'm okay. Have a nice day both of you." She bowed and walk'd away fast.

The female hippo stared at his husband in confusion.

"Someone was dropped on their head as a kit.." She muttered and kept eating.

Judy hopped in their booth and she stared at the smiling fox and was too astonished to say anything.

"Did you... Did you just..." She tried to speak. Nick chuckled and laid his feet rudely on top of the table like he was in office.

"One." He just said and leaned back.

"Nick was that-"

"Two."

".. Oh my god."

"Three."

Suddenly there was horrible sounds coming from the booth next to them, someone was clearly puking.

"Ron!" The female hippo yelled in horror as his husband was puking up on the table.

Judy put her paws to block her mouth and stared at laughing Nick in front of her.

Everyone from the hall was now staring at the hippo couple in complete horror.

Judy just stared as Nick wiggled his eyebrows to her and leaned back.

After most of the filthy sounds stopped next to them, the hippo stood up from the table and coughed loudly, gasping for air. His wife was terrified next to him, after his husband went quiet and rose from his couch. He roared like a thunder in the hall with all his might.

"I WANT TO SEE THE OWNER OF THIS FUCKING PLACE RIGHT NOW! I SWEAR TO MY MOTHER I WILL SHUT THIS PLACE DOWN!

I WILL BOMB YOUR STUPID RESTAURANT IN COURT SO HARD THAT YOUR DAMN KITS WILL WORK IN THE MINE'S TO PAY THE DEPT!"

Everyone including Judy and Nick leaned from their booth to see the ram run from the kitchens in complete panic with some bodyguards.

All they could hear was ram trying to calm the hippo down. He was terrified.

"YOU ARE DONE GARVIA!"

"Please let me explain! Whatever it is i will make this up to you!"

"OH I'M SURE YOU WILL. BY SHUTTING THIS PLACE DOWN YOU PRICK!

I HATE OLIVES! EVERYONE KNOWS THAT! THERE WAS MANY OF THEM IN MY SOUP AND I ATE IT! IN A BROCCOLI SOUP!

IF YOUR COOk'S ARE THIS STUPID, I BET THEY HAVE PUT MEAT IN PRAY FOOD FOR ALL I CAN GUESS!"

The hippo yelled and grabbed the scared ram by his collars,

starting a complete chaos in the hall as all the mammals started to look at their food and talk in paranoia between each-other, some even leaving the place right away.

Judy turned her widened eye's to Nick, who had satisfied smile on him as he was enjoying the show.

"So fluff... You still up to that movie? I really feel hunger for popcorn."

PRESENT _

The fox and the bunny were catching their breath on the street, finally calming down from the laughing.

They huffed for breath for a while and after that Nick spoke.

"Well fluff... You still up for that movie?"

"... Shouldn't we still inform Bogo about this? I mean... Take this pen and information to the ZPD?"

"Carroooots, we can do it tomorrow. Like i said, it's not very important information. It's not enough, as harsh as it sounds.

If James owns the whole Savannah square, he must own lot of more important mammals like that loser.

He is just one among others and for now he has his paws a bit tied at the moment.

I do hope that the guy will sue the place and do everything he promised."

"... It sounds kind of harsh. We might had actually destroyed his job.. Oh god." Judy look'd like she started to really regret what they had done now.

"Judy. Look at me. He deserves even worse than that for saying those things about you. Much worse.

Nobody talks about you like that. They do not know you. I do. You are better person than any of them.

So stop feeling like we went overboard. We didn't. Screw him and his stupid restaurant. They did not deserve you there anyway."

Nick said it seriously and look'd at Judy, like he wanted her to truly understand that he meant it. He had used her name. Judy went quiet and just stared back at his emerald eyes.

What they had done bothered her even if it was funny and satisfying... But when Nick talked to her like that..

She just wanted to tear his clothes off in the middle of the street. She was about to speak as her eye's trembled.

"Nick i..."

Nick just smiled as she struggled with her words and spoke warmly.

"You are welcome fluff. Now, how about we get going? The movie starts in twenty minutes right?"

Judy snapped from her fantasies back to earth.

This fox was driving her crazy.

"Oh, yeah. Let's go... But i am paying the popcorn."

"No chance."

THE MOVIE THEATER IN SAVANNAH _

"A night of tails." Nick stated blankly as he stared the title of the movie on top of the entrance.

"Fru fru said that it's good!" Judy wagged her tail excitedly as they stood in the line, waiting to buy their tickets.

"It sounds like a title for cheap porn." Nick snickered.

"No it doesn't..." Judy scolded. She did not really watch that stuff, so how could she actually know?

She blushed a bit as Nick leaned down.

"I can already feel the cringe of this movie."

"Don't be a jerk Nick, give it a chance."

"Anything for you. I'll try to stay awake as best i can."

"I swear, if you start snoring, i will strangle you by your stupid tie." Judy grinned.

Nick gasped dramatically and placed his paw on his chest in hurt.

"My ties are elegant. This one has cool looking stripes.

It's my favorite."

"I really have to take you shopping something new. See what options we have."

"I have heard enough about mall trips with girlfriends from my friends. It sounds like a hell."

"But I'm not your girlfriend. There is difference. I will be a style artist for you. Completely professional for my best friend." She said excitedly,

already thinking about what she would buy.

Nick went quiet for a while and turned his gaze from her. What she had said started to bother him a bit. Just say something.

You don't just want to be her best friend. You want more. Tell it to her.

"Nick? Did i say something wrong?" Judy suddenly asked a bit nervously.

The fox turned his gaze to her carefully and put on his mask again.

"Nope. All good. Just zoned out for a bit. Carrots.. I umm.."

"Hey, are you two planning to buy tickets, or just stand there?"

The amused teenager tiger ask'd from his booth. He look'd like he was about fourteen. Probably on a summer job.

"Oh, sorry!" Judy apologized and they approached the counter.

"No worries, two tickets it is."

"Thanks buddy." Nick smiled as he was giving money to the counter.

"Wait a minute... You are Officer Hopps and Wilde?" The tiger froze and look'd at them both carefully.

"Are we officer's Hopps and Wilde? Yes. Yes we are." Nick grinned as the young tiger look'd at them both with his mouth open.

"There is no way that you two have to pay for tickets! I'll contact the manager right away. We are honored to have public heroes in our theater!"

"There really is no need for-" Judy tried to object with a bit frustration but Nick signaled her to be quiet and smiled.

"Well isn't that nice of you. We really appreciate this youngster. We've had a quite.. Rough day."

Judy gave scolding look at Nick who just winked back and swished his tail.

"Yeah, mister Mires? Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde came to our theater to see the movie!... Yes i am sure.. No i am not joking.. Yeah I'll inform them...

Of course mister Mires... Yeah.. Thank you! Glad to be of service. No problem!"

The tiger hanged up and rapidly waved his tail as he spoke to them in admiration.

"The owner was very positively surprised! You will be offered popcorn on the house in the lobby. I hope you two have pleasant evening! Please enjoy the movie!"

"Thank you so much ummm..." Nick smiled.

"Jimmy!"

"Jimmy. I'll be sure to watch through the paws if you ever get caught doing anything naughty."

"Nick!" Judy tapped her foot and gave disappointing look at the fox.

"Let's just both pretend that she didn't hear that. Right buddy?" Nick smiled and gave his paw to fist pump the tiger,

who answered it in awe and could say nothing.

"Let's go fluff. The movie will start soon." Nick motioned the angry looking bunny to follow him inside. After a while she did.

They could not see the tiger look at his paw as they both left the entrance.

"So coooool... Guys won't believe this..."

The bunny and fox were about ten feet inside the place until Judy spoke.

"Nick. What was that?"

"What was what?" Nick shrugged his shoulders and gave mischievous smile as bunny blocked his way to the doors.

"You know what i mean. You know i don't like when mammals are treating me like that."

"Well i do. You do have to admit that what just happened was quite better welcome than we had earlier this day."

Judy stared at him for a while and then spoke.

"Yeah. I know. But still, you said that money does not matter. What changed your mind?"

"Free is always good. But I still meant what i said about the money earlier. Besides, did you see how he look'd at us?

We were superstars in his eyes. He was happy to do it, so why not? Refusing would have been rude.

Besides, he probably earned a promotion from his boss by informing about us. It's a win win situation."

"... I..."

"Just accept that you are famous. Don't see it as a burden like you want to all the time. You should enjoy it.

You have earned it whiskers. And if you won't, i at least will enjoy it to the fullest. I luuuuuv the attention. The positive kind."

Nick wiggled his eyebrows and smiled to speechless bunny that just stared at him back with faceless expression. He leaned down close to her face.

After a while she could not contain her smile as Nick kept staring at him.

"There's that smile i wanted. That's my bunny."

Judy giggled and pushed his smirking face away with her paws.

"You are one of a kind mister Wilde, you know that?"

"Mmmmm, is that a compliment?"

"Maybe."

"Fair enough."

"Come on, let's get going. We have about minute before the movie starts. I really don't want to miss anything."

"Right behind you." He chuckled as Judy turned to open the door.

He smiled sneakily as his eyes followed her wagging tail and her cute butt. Wilde you pervert. Look somewhere else. Have some dignity.

The fox turned his gaze to his left and stared at the poster. It was the poster about the movie "A night of tails". Under the title there was picture of male and female wolf. The male was dressed in tuxedo, holding the female wolf in his arms and pointed a tranquilizer to a mob of dark dressed mammals.

Nick had to admit that it look'd kinda cool. Romance she says huh? Nick leaned down and read the description of the movie. He kept reading and suddenly his face lighted up like a candle. This is too good to be true.

"Nick? You coming? What are you doing?" Judy asked as she held the door open to him.

Nick slowly turned his gaze from the poster to the bunny and had to most satisfied smile.

"It's a horror slash romantic movie. It tells about couple that discover mansion of cult mammals and-"

"No. Nonononono! Nick don't lie." She was getting a bit worried.

"I'm not lying. Come have a quick peek here." Fox smiled even more widely and pointed his claw to the print.

Judy closed the door and came to read the point where Nick pointed. She kept reading and look'd at Nick.

"... You have got to be kidding me."

"This is going to be awesome."

"I refuse."

"No you won't. It's free for us." Nick gently grabbed her paw and started pulling her towards the doors.

"Niiiick!"

The fox gave evil laugh as he closed the door behind them.

"Why are they going in the mansion, if they heard all those disturbing noises coming out of there? They should call the police..." Judy whispered while her nose was twitching. They were only twenty minutes into the film.

"Now what would be the fun in that?" Nick whispered and kept watching the movie excitedly.

They watched as the wolf couple entered the mansion through the window. The house was all dark and they had nothing but a flashlight from the phone to light their way.

The odd creepy chanting noises kept going as they went from room to room. Every door they opened slowly made rusty and loud sound.

"... What is the romance in this?" Judy whispered as her nose twitched. Her paw was coming closer to his by an inch.

"You can hold my paw if you are scared carrots." Nick smiled and kept watching as the wolf couple opened the doors. He knew that she would not do it but you could always hope right?

Judy said nothing and gave a quick look to Nick. Did he really mean it? He had told many times to her the same thing when they watched horror movies together.

She always said it was unnecessary. But why not try it? What would be the harm? If he really was okay with it, would he be offended if she would just grab his paw?

Maybe the imagination is running wild again... Yeah. There is no need for-

"MARIA!" The wolf yelled as couple of dark robed mammals grabbed her girlfriend and pulled her into the darkness. The wolf was surrounded by another bunch of robed mammals and he pulled out his tranquilizer, still screaming after his love. Judy's eyes widened and she grabbed Nick's paw tightly like an instinct, without even noticing.

She did it so fast that she didn't realize Nick jumping a bit on his seat and turning his gaze to Judy. She just kept staring the screen a bit horrified, her nose twitching like crazy.

After a while Nick turned his gaze back to the movie and smiled warmly as she started to give light squeezes to his paw. He could feel his ears turn a bit more red.

Judy was even more into the movie than he was. Right now all he could think about was her soft paw in his own. She felt so warm.

He gave a quick look to the bunny next to him as her lavender eyes trembled, following the movie with passion.

Nick, the most beautiful mammal you know is holding your paw right now. Act normal. Don't get weird. Just follow the movie.

The fox kept looking at the film with the bunny and smiled the whole way through, just wanting the movie to last forever.

EVENING _

After one hour the lights came back in the dark hall and end credits rolled in.

Judy spoke after a while and let go of his paw.

"That movie was awesome Nick! Fru fru was right!"

"It was okay." Nick admitted but was a bit sad that Judy let go of his paw.

Judy hopped from her seat and started walking out from the hall with Nick among everyone else.

"I never would have guessed that i would like a horror movie so much. I guess all the romance was making up for it." Judy sighed happily.

"The ending was a bit cliche."

"Okay i won't argue that. There is always explosions."

"Way too many explosions." Nick chuckled.

They both smiled and walked outside of the street.

The night air was chilly and fresh, making it a welcome change from a warm theater.

Stars were all around the black sky, making the scenery look beautiful, even in the concrete jungle.

Nick was gathering his courage. This was the moment. You have to ask her out. Not as friends. Ask her to the dance. Do it.

He was keeping solid expression as he walked with the bunny down the street, towards Nick's place.

Only a block away Nick. Don't chicken out now. Breathe. Just do it. In a minute.

"Nick what do you think?"

"Huh?" The fox woke up from his pressured state and look'd at Judy.

"Let me guess, you were daydreaming again?" Judy smiled and shaked her head.

"I'm sorry whiskers, what was the question?"

"I was thinking about your opinion about the Jennifer Wolfen?"

"... I'm sorry, who?"

"The girl that was acting in the movie. Many males find him attractive. Was she beautiful in your opinion? I think she was.

Some males say that she is one of the most beautiful mammals that exist. Among Gazelle of course."

"Some would think that yes..."

"I was asking your opinion slick, don't evade the question." Judy giggled and kept walking.

Nick stopped walking and Judy did not realize it first and kept going a couple of steps.

He was supposed to talk loudly. Speak his true opinion on the matter. But all he got out was small whimper.

"You are the most beautiful mammal i know..." He whispered.

Her ears didn't even perk up. That is how quietly he had let it out.

After she realized that the fox was not on her side anymore, she turned around.

Nick stood there, watching her almost nervously, like he was about say something he was not supposed to.

"Nick? What is it?"

"I... Want to ask you something."

"... Okay..." Judy asked carefully. Nick felt the pressure hit him as those stunning lavender eyes watched him carefully.

"You... Don't freak out okay?"

Judy did not answer but she felt that whatever it was he was about to ask, was very important to him.

"Carrots i... Would like to ask you if.. If you would like to.."

The words stuck in his muzzle as he tried to take the final leap that might freak her out for good. But there was no turning back now.

Cards on the table. Then you know where the line goes. After the rejection you can finally go on with your life. Ask her to the dance. DO IT.

"If you would like to come da-"

BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZT DING DING DING

Nick's face fell and Judy almost jumped in the air as she received a call on her phone in the middle of the tense situation.

"I'm so sorry!" Judy motioned as Nick watched her.

"It's alright carrots, just look who it is. I actually need a moment here."

"O-Okay.." Judy answered, still a bit apologizing and took out her phone.

Actually the phone call might had saved Nick from fainting. Just let her see who it is and continue. She isn't going anywhere.

Gather yourself again.

Judy stared at the phone screen and a puzzled look came on her face.

Nick noticed it and ask'd.

"Who is it?"

"... It's Bogo." Judy turned to him quickly and pressed answer.

"What on earth.." Nick muttered and kept listening what was going on.

"Evening Chief... I am at Savannah... Near the Carlton Cinema... Yeah it's... What? ... Nick? Ummm yeah, he actually happens to be with me...

Speaker?... O-Okay chief."

Nick stepped closer to her as she put the phone between them, so they could both hear what buffalo had to say.

"I assume that officer Wilde is hearing this now as well?" Bogo's frustrated voice answered.

"I always have time for my favorite sunshine buffalo." Nick said with teasing tone, making Judy almost laugh.

"... One of these days.." They could hear him faintly mutter.

"Chief, you were saying something about the case?" Judy ask'd.

"... Yeah, i did indeed. Now both of you listen. Whatever plans you have for tomorrow, prepare to cancel them.

We need you two at the station, asap. There are couple of other officers i have called here too. This is very crucial for our case,

and we need to have you both on board."

Nick was quiet for a while after he understood what Bogo had just said.

"Wait what? Cancel your plans for tomorrow?"

"That is required yes. Is there a problem officer Wilde?"

"I... Is that really necessary?"

"Nick, we have to do our work. If this helps with the case, we have to go. We promised to do this as partners." Judy spoke to Nick seriously.

In her surprise she saw a bit anger in him.

"Fine. Just great. Why not? Perfect. Thank the galaxy for this timing. It could not be any better."

"What the-" Judy gave puzzled look as the fox moved away from her to lean against the nearest brick-wall almost like in defeat.

After a while Bogo cleared his throat on a line and woke up Judy to the present as she stared Nick with concern.

"I assume you two will be here in agreed time?"

"We will chief. I promise." Judy answered hesitantly as she stared Nick kicking the wall in frustration.

"Good."

"Can you at least tell us what kind of project do i have to be part of? I want to know what fun time we have ahead of us."

Nick said from the side so loudly that Bogo surely heard it. Judy gave a scolding look to him but he just kept staring the wall and sighed.

Bogo was silent first but then spoke.

"I will explain more once you get to the station. I can still give you the quick version of the operation on the phone, if you really require it Wilde."

"Please do." Nick answered blankly.

Judy did not know what had gone into Nick. This was not like him.

"Tomorrow there will be an event where our known mammal, mister Levron will be. He is hosting the occasion. We are there to make sure that nothing illegal happens.

But i have a reason to doubt that something big will happen. I don't like it. Mister Big, our known mammal will take part in the event to. We believe that he is meeting mister Levron at the place for a reason."

Nick and Judy spoke nothing. This indeed sounded huge. They waited as Bogo continued.

"The thing is, they are not stupid. They know that we will be present at the place. It's almost like common understanding."

"So we are just trusting your hunch that something will happen?" Nick asked in frustration.

"Nick! You know that we have to be there." Judy scolded the annoyed fox.

"Yeah, yeah, keep going with the mission chief." Nick waved his paw without moving his head from the cold brick wall.

Bogo kept talking with frustrated voice.

"... We have received a multiple anonymous calls that threatens the tomorrow's event. Very disturbing ones. I promise to give more details at the station."

"Okay." Judy answered.

"There is one question that i would like to ask. Something that might seem a bit odd but i do have to ask anyway...

Does neither of you know how to dance?"

"... Uhhhh?" Judy gave confused look and Nick's ears perked a bit.

"I know that it sounds odd but, the thing is, the tomorrow's event is an annual music and dance festival.

Officer Wilde must recognize the occasion, since he has lived in this city most of his life. It is something that happens every year in Zootopia. Only troubling thing is,

usually mayor has been the host of the party. This year it is mister Levron. So you can see why we pay attention to this. Especially if mister Big is involved."

"... I understand Chief but what has dancing skills have to do with it?"

"The thing is that we don't want to cause the unwanted attention from the civilians, even if the mobsters know that we are there. We are there to make sure nothing bad happens, with hidden tranquilizers of course. Some of us have to dress as waiters and dancers. That is why we require willing officers with some dance expertise,

to stay among the crowd in case of any-"

"Chief. Could you repeat that?" Nick spoke in disbelief.

"Repeat what?" Bogo asked in frustration.

"About the dancers."

"... We need willing officers among the crowd as waiters and dancers. Couple should be enough. Just to prevent any kind of-"

"Carrots. Let us get going to the ZPD. I need details." Nick said happily, his mood changing in a blink. Maybe the galaxy has not forsaken me a

Chapter Management

• Edit Chapter

Chapter 9: Preparations

Summary:

Meet the team

Chapter Text

Chapter 9

"Preparations"

ZPD _

Judy opened the door, entering the bullpen with smiling fox following her steps behind her. The room was somewhat crowded,

having some other officers sitting on their seats. Nick smiled as he saw Oliver near the door, also in his seat. His wolf friend was looking quite focused and determined, like he was in the room for a specially important reason.

Same went for the other three officers in the room, but Nick did not recognize any of the mammals on the right side of the room. They must have been new or something. As Judy was halfway to her seat, the animals turned to look at her from their spots in awe, like they had laid their eye's on a superstar. Judy did notice this, but she did not know what to think of it, so she just kept going to her seat. Nick followed the odd actions from the side, and after a while all three laid their eyes on him now. Nick just gave unsure smile and turned to Oliver and spoke quietly.

"So buddy, what's going on? Where is the grumpy captain?"

Oliver chuckled as he relaxed his serious posture a bit.

"He is still in his office, finishing some reports' up or something boring. I dunno. I am not even sure why i was called here."

"Who are these guys? I believe i haven't met any of them." Nick said as he eyed the room.

"... To be honest i have no idea. Probably new recruits. Haven't really talked with them.

But I'm pretty sure they are here for the same reason as us."

"Nick, chief might be here any moment now, get on yourself on your seat or he gets angry when he arrives here." Judy whispered rather loudly from front of the room.

Nick just smiled and started walking away from chuckling Oliver.

"You know i love him when he is all grumpy. It's kinda satisfying."

Judy just shook her head as the fox swished his tail and hopped next to her on the seat.

"Just try to behave okay?" It seems that we have new recruits in the room. Or i could be wrong, but please Slick... Try to set professional example. They clearly seem to know who we are."

Judy said in serious tone but was smiling nevertheless.

A mischievous smile came on his muzzle, signaling Judy that she had chosen the worst words possible.

"Is that so?"

"Nick. Don't. Don't do anything Nick'ish. Not now."

Nick smiled and acted insulted at the same time.

"Nick'ish? What is that suppose to mean? Are you implying that i can't express myself without giving-"

"Professional example." Judy finished and stared at him seriously.

Nick cleared his throat so that everyone in the room surely heard him now.

"Professional example. Yes, i will be sure to do my best to be exceptionally formal to mammals that are in our civilized presence. I shall also sit like a stone statue, my eyes determined against the dangers ahead, because that is my job and nothing else."

Judy knew that the battle was lost. She sighed deeply and hid her face with her paws as Nick hopped on their table and sat down,

facing all the mammals behind them. They all turned their attention to the fox with interest as he eyed all three of them with mischievous smile. Oliver turned his gaze from the other side of the room also, following the situation like he knew it was about to happen sooner or later.

"This i want to see." Oliver muttered as he grinned to the fox who was eyeing all the three and winking to his way.

"Don't worry there is no danger. No buffalo's. Can you guys see any buffalo's? No? Me neither. So we are clear to talk normally.

Unless he is hiding behind that podium of his. I doubt it though. But if you see his tail peeking from behind there right now, i am pretty much dead. No tail? Good."

Even as Judy was embarrassed she still snorted and laughed a bit. This fox sometimes...

"Sir... You wouldn't happen to be Nicholas Wilde?" One of the recruits ask'd with held back admiration in his voice.

It was very young looking lynx with cream brown fur, staring at him like a hero with his hazel eye's.

"What gave it away? Oh wait, let me guess. It was one of the most famous mammals next to me right?

This grey furred bunny right here? The one that pretends to not listen to us right now?"

He said, enjoying the situation way too much, and it was showing. Oliver was enjoying the show just as much.

All three nodded in smile, every single one of them looking a bit nervous under his alluring gaze.

Almost like this was test of some kind. The lynx spoke carefully but ended up sounding like excited kit.

"It's just... It's an honor to meet you both in person. I think i speak from everyone's behalf here when i say that you two are an inspiration... I'm just trying to contain myself best as i can but I'm failing. This is... So awesome."

All three started to nod furiously and now one of the other new comers spoke. It was beautiful looking snow leopard who felt a bit of blush coming on her as Nick's gaze hit her, with nothing but subtle flirt in it. She spoke softly, trying to hide the nervousness under Nick's eye's.

"All of us three were half way of our academy training when all that night howler stuff happened. All the news that came out of you two, we followed it all. All the news broadcasts and articles. You both are our inspiration."

Even Judy stood on the stool now and faced all three with proud look.

She spoke in official manner to the lynx, leopard and raccoon that stared at her like they were holding breath.

"I appreciate the compliments, but we are not super heroes. We are just cops like all of you."

Suddenly Nick came in between.

"Says the bunny who chained a savage jaguar by his foot, saved my butt multiple times, avoided getting iced by mister Big,

changed the rails of a train that went over hundred kilometers in an hour by kicking a ram,

putting an evil mastermind behind bars with power of carrot-pen... Do i need to go on with the list of why we look to you as a hero orrr-"

"He is right though." Oliver yelped from the back of the room.

Judy smiled and kept going.

"All i mean to say is.. Thanks all of you three. We did what we had for Zootopia. No more or less. I am sure that all of you can do great things for this city too when you believe in yourselves just like us. We are honored to have all of you on board. You all look very promising officers for the ZPD."

All of them stared at her so proudly that Nick could almost tell that the girl snow leopard was holding tears.

Nick grinned and cleared his throat after silence.

"She never grows tired of giving inspiration. Take a good look at her because that speech is just one of many. She does know how to give them though, i give her that.

But you must admit that when she gives them, she is kinda cu-"

"If you say that in front of the new comers, i will murder you Nick." Judy said darkly, placing her claw in front of Nick's muzzle, making even Nick look a bit scared for a while.

Oliver roared in laugh as he saw Nick go quiet as stone. The wolf got snarky look from Nick as he banged his fist on the table.

"I would listen to her if i were you Nick! Free check on that word is reaching the limit." Oliver wiped the tears of his eye's.

Judy spoke again after giving a quick look at Nick, getting silent confirmation of knowing where the line goes.

All of the three followed the show in silence, a bit amused about their way of talking to each other.

"Now that you have met me, i can introduce my partner right here. This is Nick Wilde, proud face of ZPD and the only fox officer in whole Zootopia."

"You forgot most handsome." Nick added and could hear Oliver snicker in his seat.

"... He also happens to be far from modest, so excuse his manners. This is what i have to work with." Judy sighed but still smiled.

"Look how she pretends that she does not enjoy every second with me."

Judy shook her head and gave a light punch on his arm and continued. That actually might leave a mark. She is quite strong for a bunny.

"You are free to hit this fox every single time he says something like that."

"So you are trying to get me mob lynched now carrots? These three are way too easy pickings for a little fun making."

"Then maybe you would want to try different approach when talking to mammals?"

"What are you implying officer toot-toot?" Nick leaned close to her and grinned widely.

"You start every conversation like you are trying to get them on a date. Or to buy something from you."

"Hustler never forgets his ways. You have learned a couple of things from the master yourself, haven't you?"

"I guess..." Judy grinned too.

"Just guess?" Nick leaned in a bit more.

"That is all you are getting for now." Judy leaned in too.

"... Sly bunny."

There came brief silence as the two just grinned at each other and all three turned to Oliver in confusion.

"Not quite what you expected these two to be huh?

Seriously i could follow that stuff for hours." Oliver chuckled and shrugged his shoulders.

Judy suddenly realized how awkward that must have look'd in they eyes of the new officers so she coughed loudly and came back from the moment,

back with professional attitude, only getting chuckle from the fox beside her.

"So as i was saying, i am looking forward to work with all of you."

"Likewise..." Nick added as he look'd at everyone but when he met eyes with the snow leopard, he gave her a playful wink. She smiled a bit and tried to avoid eye contact,

maybe fearing that her blush might show. This was especially noticed by the bunny but she just shook her head like it didn't bother her. But what could she do?

Nick did this to almost every female he met. There was no right to feel jealousy from such act. Still, every time Nick did it to someone, it made her feel sad and uneasy.

That is what made it so much worse. One thing Bogo had been right about, even when she had not let it get to her at the time. Not everything comes true, even how much you would wish for it.

At that moment the door opened rather loudly and Bogo stepped into the room, looking grumpy like always.

All the little noise that was left in the room disappeared and every officer in the room gained their posture back.

Well, if you don't count one fox who was only one smiling in the room.

The buffalo made his way to the podium and put on his glasses. After a while of scanning the room he spoke.

"Good. Everyone seems to be here. Without further a due let's get started. Officer Hopps and Wilde, please represent yourself close to me so i can begin."

Judy seemed to know the procedure but Nick look'd a bit confused. The rabbit hopped to the floor from the seat, followed by the fox. Judy walked in front of Bogo and turned around to face the officers in the room. After that she straightened her posture and saluted everyone with paw on her forehead and put her paw down just as quickly. Just like in the graduation. Nick did the same but almost started laughing halfway as Oliver snickered in the end of the room, trying to get him laugh.

"I believe you all know who these two are, or am i wrong? If i am, i am sure that one of the representatives has already made his own personal introductions while i was gone, or am i wrong?" Bogo rolled his eyes.

"Chief, don't be like that, my charm always makes itself known."

"Wilde don't test me. It's a late night and I'm not in the mood."

"Implying that he ever is." Nick whispered to the class with his paw, making sure that everyone heard. Oliver snorted a bit and all the other three just tried to keep straight face and act professional. Judy gave a scolding side look to Nick, only getting a small grin back.

For a while Bogo look'd like he wanted to kill himself. He just sighed and signaled the new comers to stand up.

"Represent yourselves please. One at the time."

The raccoon that was about the same height as Nick, rose up and saluted them both. He was exotic looking for a raccoon. Now that when you look'd at it,

There was no way that his both parents had been raccoons. His fur was almost just as red as Nick's but he had features of a raccoon.

Meaning that his father or mother had been a red panda. Seemed interesting. Nevertheless, he look'd like nice guy. But maybe a bit too formal and over professional. Bogo was going to like him, Nick gave a bet.

"Officer Rasheed Coonway at service!"

"Good. I will skip most of their resumes and keep telling the most noticeable parts and arrest cases."

The buffalo gave quick look at the two to get a quick nod of understanding.

Bogo went through his papers and cleared his throat.

"This raccoon here is officer Coonway. Graduated three months ago from the ZPD academy. Age, twenty-five. He has been stationed mostly in Sahara district department.

In his career of three months he has successfully arrested three high class smugglers, two armed robbers,

and he has also earned the recommendation for being one of the best shooters with rifle tranquilizer during ZPD training.

He had scored the perfect points from three hundred meter shooting range. Impressive. You may sit officer Coonway."

"Yes sir!"

The raccoon saluted and sat down.

"Next up we have officer Garnett."

The pretty looking snow leopard look'd a bit nervous as she sat up and tried to collect herself.

"O-officer Hailie Garnett at service."

"Officer Garnett also graduated three months ago. Age, twenty-six. Stationed at tundra town most of the time. In her career of three months she has arrested five violent assaulter's and has taken part on one stakeout that led to arrest. She earned recommendation from the ZPD to be one of the best drivers that we've had. She passed perfect points in chase and apprehending. Also in the mountain road challenge against hard weather conditions. Very good. You may sit now officer Garnett."

"T-thank you sir." The leopard stuttered a bit and sat down.

Now then, half way there. Next up we have officer Fring."

The happy looking lynx sat up and could barely hold still from excitement as he saluted to them, his tail wiggling furiously. This reminded Judy of her first day in the force. Ready to prove herself any way possible. This lynx must have been youngest of the bunch by the looks of it.

"Officer Luke Fring! It's honor to be here sir!"

Bogo nodded with approving smile and kept going.

"Officer Fring. Graduated also exactly three months ago. Age, twenty twenty-four. Stationed at Rain forest district. In that time he has caught five rob and run cases.

Also, he is the only officer in ZPD that successfully captured known criminal ferret," light-feet Saul."

"Hahaha, now there is a title." Nick laughed, knowing the actual goon ferret from his younger days.

Bogo continued like the side comment never happened.

"He also has recommendation and award of being one of the fastest runners in ZPD. Among Hopps. Looks promising. You may sit."

The lynx sat down with proud smile and Bogo turned his hoof to Oliver, signaling him to stand up.

"My two officers here already know Oliver but since you are all new, i would like to give the needed introduction.

Officer Howlton. He is at his first week at the force, just like officer Wilde here. Even in such time they have done outstanding police-work.

So even if officer Wilde here happens to be very well known, do note that he is still a rookie on the force like Howlton. Treat him as one."

"Hey! That is uncalled for. I would work well as a leader. I would get to pick the code names. And i have so many good ones in store." Nick grinned as he eyed the mammals in front of him.

Bogo just sighed as everyone in the room could not hold a small smile.

"Whatever. Now that the introductions are out of the way, let's get to the point. All of you three are now officially part of Savannah central officers.

You have proven your skills, and it leads me to believe that i have picked quite a team on this case. But the case is large. Maybe even one of the largest since the Bellwether case, if i dare to say."

There came a silence in the room and even Oliver look'd way more interested to be here now. All of the three new recruits gave amazed look to each other and continued to listen chief Bogo.

"If you have not read from the files already, officer Hopps and Wilde went on a routine stakeout. All we had as our tip was that it was going to big. But we stumbled onto something far deeper and darker. We ended up with a million dollars of dirty money, two incredibly important mobsters among other criminals, and night howlers. Later the mobster that we were supposed to squeeze information out of, get's his lawyers on the spot, and suddenly mayor Lionheart calls me, yelling over the phone that our department gets cleaned from most of the force, if we don't let the suspect go. So the mammals that we are dealing with, have some kind of power over the city's most important mammal.

To me, that makes it serious. Other of the mobsters talked, giving us information that gave us a lot to go on with this. Lot of leads. But the bad thing is,

these mammals now know that we are investigating them. They might even have eyes in this very building. We never know."

Everyone in the room went quiet. This indeed sounded very large operation to cover. It could take months. Even years.

Bogo kept going after reading his notes.

"We are dealing with big names that involve the case. Mister Big. Steve Levron. And most importantly, Mister James or Jones, or hell, i don't even know which one is it.

He is such a ghost to our department, that we don't even have his real name. Even some of his associates change the name all the time in the recordings. It's confusing and annoying. But it is good strategy. I doubt that most of them know his real name either. Only one that actually knows the real one,

is Levron. But nevertheless, a first name is not even important. With last name we would have lot more to go on. we have confirmation that he is a wolf. That one is sure.

Point is, this is the main target we have to catch. If mammal with that significant influence is interested in night howlers, nothing good won't come out of it."

Everyone soaked the information in with a silent moment and Bogo kept going.

"Now. I have gathered all of you here because i think i might be looking for a promising team. Officer Coonway, Garnett and Fring. I know that you will do great things for this city.

I have trust on all of you."

Every single one of the mammals gave proud smile on their seats. Bogo continued after a while.

"Officer Hopps will be leading the case as supervisor. Follow her lead in the field and in the objectives, when it comes to future operations.

We are going to get to the roots of this. There cannot be more incidents like Bellwether case. It almost destroyed this city. I won't let it happen again.

Are we clear?"

"Yes Chief!" Everyone in the room yelled.

"Good. Now, about tomorrow's first operation. This is not exactly something that would lead us forward in capturing any of these mobsters. This is more of a.. Peacekeeping.

As most of you might know, tomorrow is the day when Zootopia has its yearly music and dance festivals at Savannah Central."

Nick's ears perked up from his half asleep mode.

"The thing is, every year the event is hosted by Mayor. This year it is hosted by this... Levron. We don't know what to make of it but i don't like it.

Also, like every year, mister Big will be present at the occasion with his daughter and some other family members. One crime lord and high profiled mobster in the same place. I know that it's not coincidence. They are meeting there for a purpose. What does this have to do with us? Well... The thing is, Mister Levron actually requested police to be there. We have security all over the event every year, but the thing is... He especially asked Officer Hopps and Wilde to be present."

"Wait .. What?" Judy asked in confusion, also having the fox's attention.

"I know. I did not know what to think of it. Maybe he wants to intimidate you two to lay off the case. Bribe? Could be anything. But i am making sure that every mammal in this room is wired so that we can hear everything. I'm sure that they will know you are wearing one but we have to play for sure."

The idea of meeting the bunny again frustrated Nick. The way he had talked to Judy last time still lingered in his mind.

Nick cleared his throat and spoke.

"So... Chief. On the phone you mentioned something about dancing?"

"... Yes. The thing is that it's best for us to go undercover. So many mammals in uniform wandering around the place will make everyone nervous.

So you all shall have roles to play in this event. You will all be dressed as waiters. Carrying around beverages and such. I believe you suggested that you have plans for role to be among dancer-"

"Yes! I would like to officially represent Officer Hopps and myself as dance pair of the evening. Right carrots?" Nick said it with large grin, like it was already settled.

"... Is that so?" Bogo asked bluntly and raised an eyebrow at Judy.

"Uhhh Nick.. Absolutely not."

"Why not?" Nick asked worriedly.

"... I.. I can't dance?" She said with a bit of embarrassment.

"... It won't matter. Not everyone is good at it. Come on whiskers, it will be fun."

"You are not there to have fun officer Wilde.." Bogo reminded.

"Right, right, but you accept, right Hopps?

Judy went a bit red on her ears and look'd at smiling Nick.

"I... I haven't danced since the high school prom..." She stuttered. Oh god.. I did not just say that in front of everybody, Judy thought.

"Don't worry, I'll be sure to go easy. You will learn fast. I promise." Nick was not going to let this one go. This was only thing that mattered to him right now.

He knew that he should be in this case with full determination, but all he could think about was doing something romantic with Judy. Even if it was on work time.

"... Are you.. Sure about-"

"Yes Judy. Partners, right? Trust me." Nick said warmly and stared at her with comforting gaze that made her legs feel light.

She thought for a while and tried to gather strength for her answer.

Suddenly Bogo spoke.

"It's alright. Maybe officer Garnett would also volun-"

"I'LL GO." Judy said suddenly in determination, as image of Nick dancing with some other girl burned her mind. From the looks of it, the snow leopard would have been more than willing to be Nick's dance partner,

being a little disappointed.

"Yes!" Nick yelped happily, wanting to actually jump in the air and then kiss the bunny right here and now. That would be quite a sight for everyone to witness.

After he realized that everyone stared at his outburst a bit wide eyed, just like Judy, he cleared his throat and gained his posture.

"I'm sorry chief, please do go on."

Bogo shook his head and kept reading the notes.

"Well now that's being settled, we can go forward... Next up are the timetables of the event. Report to station tomorrow at six pm. I think that we-"

Bogo kept going with his speech but Judy fell to more deep thoughts. Sweet cheese and crackers.. What am i going to wear? Why is he so eager to dance with me?

What if i stumble? Do i have to wear makeup? Would he like that? He just wants to prove that he is good at dancing or something. It's not a date.

Why did we not choose to be waiters? Why am i thinking these things? We are there to keep an eye on a mobster meeting. And what is with that smile of his?

Judy could only wonder what on earth was going on inside Nick's head. She just drove herself puzzled as she stared at the dreamy looking fox who had wide mischievous smile on his muzzle.

JUDY'S APARTMENT / TOMORROW EVENING _

"Sweet cheese and crackers, what do i wear?!" Judy groaned as she went through her cabinets. She could not find anything that satisfied her eye. His whole apartment floor was full of clothes, scattered all over the room.

"Yes, why of course mister Wilde, i would love to dance! Why not? It's a perfectly normal skill to posses. We both could have been waiters. But no. You just have to take us to the spotlight. Mess with my mind. Flirt with me and do all these romantic gestures all the time, like you probably have done to all the vixens in your life. If you only knew how it makes me..."

The words got stuck in her mouth and she just shook her head and kept looking. There had to be something. If she was going to dance with the fox, she might as well try to see his reaction to see her wear something she had not worn before.

Then she remembered. She could always go to the mall. She had plenty of money to spend. So why not treat yourself for once? Just go to the mall and buy something nice.

Something classy and sexy. Why not? No... Maybe if...

Her gaze turned to her bed. She remembered at that moment, that last time she visited her parents, her mother had given her something among other stuff. Lots of her childhood stuff. But there was one thing that sparked her mind. Her prom dress. If it could fit... Worth a shot. She started to wonder that where she could have put the suitcase of her's. It still had to be in the apartment, that one was sure.

The bunny went through her closet again and kept looking around after not finding it from there. Under the bed was the last option.

Judy crawled next to her bed and saw the familiar looking suitcase at the darkness. It was the same one she had with him when she first came to Zootopia all that time ago.

She reached for the suitcase from under her bed and laid it on top of her blanket, and snapped the locks open. There was some old crime novels on top.

A small smile came on her as she started to read the book covers. "Street cop Lydia", "Shadow of law" and " Mammals in blue". She chuckled as she laid the books on her small bed and kept emptying her suitcase. She never had time to unload it. Now it brought all kind's of nostalgia to her, as she went through all her stuff from her teenage years, when she only dreamed of being a cop one day herself. Oh, how far she has come from those times. After all the books and magazines, plush's and all her stuff, she finally ended up staring her prom dress. It brought her bad memories in part. Her prom had been nothing but a complete disaster the last time she wore it.

She stared at the sparkling lavender dress and cringed a bit. Maybe this was not a good idea. She had only worn it once in her life but only now she remembered how revealing it was. She slowly took it to her paws and kept looking at it for a while. It could fit. Worth a shot.

After couple of minutes she ended up looking herself from a small mirror. Surprisingly it did fit. But it was way wilder than she remembered. It was classic attired dress without sleeves, being quite revealing by showing a lot of her upper body. It also had the cut from her right side, almost completely revealing her other leg. Would Nick like this? Or would it be too forward? The dress sparkled with its lavender color, making it look like something that would definitely scream for attention. She gave a sad look to the floor, wondering if it would be embarrassing to ask something from Nick. Maybe just asking him about it would be okay.

Since they were supposed to go to work so late at evening. She took out her phone and pressed a call on Nick.

It only buzzed for a couple of seconds until the familiar voice answered.

"Carrroooooots, what's up?"

Judy could feel her stress slightly go away and a small smile come to her just from hearing him.

"Hi slick. I umm.. Would like to talk about the operation today..."

"Please don't tell me you've changed your mind about it whiskers. Come on, it will be fun!"

"I'm not bailing out on the dance. I just..."

"Waitwaitwait, let me guess.. You are worried about what to wear, right?" Nick chuckled from the other line.

"How did you-"

"I have mystical and ancient powers that can read mind of bunnies. Travels in the family." He snickered.

Judy snorted and started to giggle for a while and continued.

"Yeah, that must be it."

"Are you questioning my powers carrots?" Nick gave a challenge.

"I might."

"Try me. Imagine something right now, and i can guess what it is."

Judy started to wonder for a while and blushed a bit after the image of shirtless Nick came to her mind.

If he would guess this one, she would be freaked out for life.

"I am thinking. What is it?"

Nick took a sweet while and spoke.

"... Something... Good?"

She could feel her ears redden a bit and then she spoke quietly.

"Close enough."

"I'm the best at this." Fox said confidently and Judy could feel his dumb grin from the other side.

"You think you are best at everything!" Judy snorted and put the phone on her bed with a speaker.

"Jealous bunny."

Judy rolled her eyes and smiled.

"I was wondering about this case... What do you think of our new team?"

"Raccoon has funny name, leopard look'd like she was going to bail out, lynx reminds me of one over-excited dumb bunny, and Oliver is my hype male."

"Nick!" Judy gasped but could not hold her laugh.

"What? Honest opinions!" He snickered.

"First of all, Raccoons name is attractive, leopard was just nervous because you flirted with her, the lynx just wants to prove himself, and Oliver is a promising officer."

"I already have code names for all of them. This is going to be so awesome." Nick said, completely ignoring what Judy said and she could hear his evil laugh.

"You are horrible."

"Nonono don't be like that. Listen to these. Rocket, Snowflake, lynx-nator, and Howler. Awesome right?!"

Judy face pawed herself and sighed deeply a wide smile on her.

"You know Bogo is never going to accept those."

"I can be very persuasive." Nick said with flirting tone.

Judy now laughed and sat on her bed.

"You are going to seduce our Chief on accepting the dumbest code names ever?"

"HEY! I worked like... Two hours on those! I think they are awesome."

"Nick i doubt that they even want code names."

"Who cares about their opinion? I worked hard on those and I am leading this operation."

Judy snorted.

"Is that so? I distinctly remember Bogo saying that i should be in charge."

"But we are partners and best friends so... fifty-fifty leadership?"

"I don't think so but nice attempt."

"Come ooon, can i at least choose the name of our operation?"

"Do i even want to-"

"Think about it... Operation : Fox dance. Awesome right?"

"... Seriously?" Judy giggled.

"It has certain charm in it, admit it."

"We are not naming our tonights operation as operation fox dance..."

"Why? Do you have better idea?"

"... Not really, but if i let you pick the name of the operations, Bogo will lose the last of his sanity."

"Meh."

"Now... What are you going to wear?"

"It's a surprise."

"So is mine." Judy shot back.

"Fine. I will come to the party with my ugliest, most tropical shirt that i can-"

"Okay okay, you win Nick. It's ummm... Promise not to laugh?"

"I promise." Nick said sincerely.

"It's a... Dress that i wore last time when i was in prom... In high school."

"What is there to laugh about that?"

"It's ummmm not something I'm used to wearing."

"Well now this sounds exciting."

"Your turn to tell yours Slick."

"... I look like badass in it. No more needs to be told."

A warm smile came on her as she look'd at her phone and chuckled.

"You are one case Wilde, you know that?"

"So you keep reminding me. But you still love me."

"Yeah, i do."

"That's my bunny."

"Pfft. Whatever. I'm going to continue with this dress of mine. See you in an hour slick."

There came a quiet moment as she stared herself on the mirror, wagging her tail a bit to see that it had some free space. After a while Nick spoke.

"Carrots. I know that you are nervous. But i told you to trust me.

You worry about those things too much, just like in the restaurant."

She turned her gaze back to her phone.

"I..."

"Whiskers. Mind reading trick? You already forgot?"

She giggled and picked up the phone from bed.

"I guess i did."

"Now, get that super police bunny mode on whiskers. Someone has to. I am there to just have fun. You know dance, avoid mobsters, eat all the neat stuff from the buffet and drink all the free beverages as much as i can."

"The worst thing is that you are probably not even pulling my tail." She laughed and could hear Nick chuckle on the other end.

"Mobsters are bad for health. Cheese sticks rolled with salmon are not."

"They are actually if you eat them too much."

"You never tried one. So how do you know?"

"I like to read."

"I like to eat."

Judy bursted out in laughter and collected herself after a while. She took a deep breath and spoke warmly.

"See you soon slick. Just try to behave. We have example to show for the new recruits."

"So i keep the fox style at only ninety percent?"

"More like forty."

"... Your requirements are quite large fluff."

Judy sighed and smiled, knowing that battle about this is useless. She changed the subject.

"I just hope that this goes well. I really hope that nothing bad happens at the festival."

"The worst thing that could happen is that i get drunk on a work-time."

"... Aaaand I am already regretting this decision."

"Don't. I'll promise, I'll try to behave."

"... Good. But i really got to get on with this dress Nick. See you soon."

Judy turned around and started to place a silver necklace around her neck until Nick's voice could still be heard from the line.

He had not hung up yet.

"Carrots you ummm.. Still there?"

Judy's ears perked up and she kept talking as she locked the necklace.

"Yeah?"

"I just wanted to thank you."

".. For what?" Judy asked in confusion and stared herself from the mirror.

"... For umm... Accepting to go dance with me... This may sound awkward but... It means lot to me... Thank you Judy."

Judy turned her gaze from the mirror to the phone on her bed as she heard Nick finish. She felt her legs melt again as he spoke with his emotional tone again.

She was about to answer but was stopped from the awkward silence when Nick yelled from the line.

"Oh, shit! Oh excuse my language fluff, i just realized that my meal is burning up in theeee uuhhhhh, microwave! And you would you look at the time and all,

i haven't still put my clothes on! Gotta go!" BEEP BEEP.

The call ended and the silence settled in the apartment as Judy kept staring her phone on the bed.

NICK'S APARTMENT _

Nick kept staring at his cellphone right after the call ended. Why did i have to be so emotional again while thanking her? That was probably so awkward to her. She did not even answer. Great Wilde, just great.

He sighed and kept looking at himself from the mirror. His west suit still went well on him. Actually he look'd way better in it, since he had gained some muscle.

I wonder if Judy likes this. He had long sleeved white polo shirt with stylish black west on it, and to finish it all he had a wine red tie. He closed all of the buttons of his vest and adjusted his tie.

"I have to give it to ya fox... Looking cool." He muttered as he smiled and gave a lick at his paw, and fixed his head fur a bit.

He took a quick look at the clock. Still, half an hour left.

Nick walked to his living room and made his way to the couch. He fell on it and exhaled as he laid there, staring at the slowly spinning ceiling fan.

He started wonder all kinds of things in his mind as he started to zone out, wondering what was about to come. He could finally get to dance with her. Touch her paw and feel her close to him,

stare at those lavender eyes of hers. Feel her delicate scent all over. Only the idea of her so close...

Nick knew that any of these days he would break and have to confess. But it scared him so much. The more he spent time with her, the harder it got.

He cursed quietly in his mind for not being born as a bunny. If that had happened, he would have not waited all this time, he would have already asked her as girlfriend by now. The weirdest thing was that he never would have guessed that he would fell in love with a bunny, of all mammals. It felt like some cruel joke to be attracted to someone who was a prey, but still perfect in his eyes.

He knew that Judy did not mind being teased or flirted from time to time, but Nick where the line went now.

Judy had made it clear at his apartment door yesterday. Besides, he had quite a lot of competition already. The idea of some cocky and disrespectful buck having his paws all over her, not caring about her feelings or knowing anything about her at all, made his blood boil. He wanted to smack himself for being such a selfish idiot,

but the idea was stuck in his head and could not leave. He wanted her. No one else. Not any vixen, not any wolf. Nick wanted Judy. If she would actually find someone in her life, he could not imagine how he would take it.

This dance might have been a bad idea after all. There was no way he could hold these feelings inside him so easily anymore. He had started to be careless with his words these days anyway.

Now he would have to dance with someone who he was in love with, and keep his mouth shut and focus on the task that was given. What an emotional hell.

Nick laid on his couch, still staring at the spinning fan and sighed loudly. He lazily took a look at his wristwatch and mumbled. There is no point on just laying down in here and pondering all this for the hundredth time. I need fresh air. Better be early than late...

The fox hopped from the couch and grabbed his keys, making his way to the front door. He stopped in front of his mirror and look'd at his reflection one more time and shook his head.

He wondered how his mood had changed to depressed from his usual self in such a short time. You are going to have fun, even if it's at work. Just roll with it.

Who knows what might happen? He gave himself a small reassuring smile and put on his mask once again. Just act like your normal foxy self so she won't ask questions.

Piece of cake Wilde.

He slowly closed his front-door, leaving a lingering silence in the room.

Nick walked through the hall and down the stairs, exiting the building and walking out in the fresh air of Zootopia.

Little did he know, after just a couple of minutes had passed, someone in a dark hoodie walk'd up the stairs and whistled as he walked up to the second floor,

arriving at Nick's door. He stared at the wrecked looking door. The mammal took a careful look around him, listening for a while in a bit of paranoia, making sure that he was not followed,

and was indeed alone. He took out a small note from his hoodie, checking that the door number was right. It was. He slowly took his cellphone out. He dialed a number and waited for a couple of seconds.

Someone answered after a while from the other end and the hooded mammal talked quietly.

"Yeah, i am at his front door... He just left the building... Okay, count on me boss. I will wait for him all night if i have to... Yeah..

This door is easy to unlock... Yeah. Understood... I promise.

I am a mammal of my word."

The hooded figure closed the call and started to pick the lock of Nick's apartment, carefully still looking around the hall from time to time.

"Easy." He said quietly and disappeared into the apartment.

Chapter Management

• Edit Chapter

Chapter 10: Let the music begin

Chapter Text

Chapter 10

"Let the music begin"

...

Nick was starting at the evening sky as he walk'd slowly on the street, whistling a catchy tune and swishing his tail from side to side. This is it. Just a one block away from ZPD. Stay roguish as ever and smile. Don't act weird.

Collect yourself. Example, right? Stay cool as ever, and take the girl you love in a dance. Don't screw this up.

Nick crossed the second last street and stared at the large familiar building coming closer. He smiled by himself a bit as he walk'd past of one vixen with some of her wolf friends with her, giggling and whispering to each other loudly about his handsome looks.

After a while of walking, he arrived to the last crossing and walk'd over the last street. The fox was already at the steps up to the ZPD, until he felt a buzzing vibration in his phone, signaling him about some text message. Nick stopped where he was and started to take out his phone, but he accidentally lost it from his grasp, as he tried to grab it too fast.

"Dammit." He muttered as the phone hit the pavement, bouncing to another step behind him. He sighed and muttered as he slowly prepared to turn around.

"If that phone just broke.. Remember to hit yourself..."

"Seems to be still working Nick. At least the screen didn't break."

Nick could hear Judy's comforting voice say from behind him. He smiled a bit and turned around.

"It seems that rabbits bring luck-" Nick froze in middle of his sentence and he felt like the time had stopped for a moment.

Nick stared as he saw the bunny stare back at him. The sparkling dress with the same color as her eye's, was probably most enchanting thing he had ever seen.

She even wore a little eyeliner. Nick had never seen her use that stuff. He could see her bare shoulders and arms.

His eye caught that her grey fur pattern changed to pure snow white, from her neck down to her upper chests.

Nick tried not to swallow hard as his eyes quickly met her cleavage. The voice in his head screamed him not to linger around that area for too long, or he would probably earn a slap to face. The dress really brought up her stunning curves as his eyes traveled lower. His heart skipped a beat,

as he saw the dress being cut from her right side, revealing her beautiful leg almost completely for him to marvel. His eyes traveled back from her toes to back up. Only now he realized that she also had a small silver necklace around her neck. He had never seen her wore that either. As his eyes finally met hers,

he realized that Judy stared at him back wide eyed, her face and ears completely blushed as she was investigated by his friend's gaze nothing but subtly.

Nick realized that his mouth had been open trough the whole thing like an idiot. He shook his head to wake himself from this stunning sight.

"I'm sorry whiskers, i just-"

Judy turned her eyes away from his in complete embarrassment.

"I know right, it looks dumb! I should have not-"

"Hey." Nick said firmly, startling her from the tension filled moment.

She turned her gaze slowly and nervously to his, and saw a warm smile on him.

"I was about to say that... You look beautiful Judy."

"..." She could not even answer as she felt her face burn under the fox's gaze, turning even more red.

If that was even possible at this point.

She felt the unsure smile come to her, and once again tried to dodge the piercing gaze from the fox.

"... N- Nick are you..?"

"Playing around? No Judy. You look beautiful. I mean it." Nick finished, still marveling her, as she stayed quiet.

After a while she look'd at him back but still said nothing. There was something odd in her look.

Something that he could not place really well. The moment was only brief until she turn'd her gaze away and Nick could hear her whisper.

"You... Don't look bad yourself Nick..."

A wide smile came on him and he straightened his tie.

Clear the tension a bit Wilde, she is clearly uncomfortable.

"I knoooooow, i look like the guy from the movie we watched."

Judy smiled now and felt her blush calming down.

"You mean Robert Wolfenton?"

"I wouldn't know. You always seem to remember every actors name. Must come as a forever teenage trait."

"Har har. I just remember name of actors that i like slick."

"Which are like... Anyone who is handsome but can't act at all?"

"Nick, that is so not true!" Judy giggled and shook her head.

"You know, i am starting to think that you hang around with me just for my looks... I should have known all this time."

Judy snorted and took a quick look at Nick's phone in her paws. Not even scratch on his screen. Talking about luck.

She handed the phone back to Nick, who took it back with a smile.

"I like your screen saver." Judy said happily as she referred to Nick's phone about the picture where they were together in the park long time ago.

"Thanks. It reminds me of something important every day." Nick said and turned around, starting to walk up the stairs to the ZPD.

Judy started to follow the fox and spoke.

"About how good you look in the camera? Am i right?" Judy giggled and rolled her eye's.

"No. I meant You. Silly bunny." Nick said quietly and chuckled as he kept walking. The bunny took a quick stop before walking again.

He could not notice how Judy smiled at him as her small tail wiggled a bit from his words.

"Nick.." Judy whispered so quietly that the fox could not hear, and bounced up the steps, entering through the doors with the fox leading her way.

Bogo was standing in front of Clawhouser's reception desk with everyone else, already in full discussion about something.

Clawhouser stood at his post, eating donuts and listening the conversation from the side. Bogo was probably giving some kind of details about the case, since he had everyone's full attention on the subject once again. Nick just chuckled as he approached the group, straightening his tie as Judy followed his swinging tail. Only now they both noticed that all of four familiar officers were dressed in clean suits, ready to play their part as waiters.

"As those two arrive i can get started on det-" Bogo was interrupted by mischievous voice from behind him.

"Yohoooo, uncle Bogoooooo.." Nick sang and he heard Bogo sigh and turn at their way, eyeing the fox for a while.

"Right on time it seems. Good." Bogo said bluntly and turned his gaze into Judy, lingering there for a moment in awkward silence.

"Is everything alright?" Judy asked nervously under Chief's gaze.

Awwwwww, you look beautiful Judy!" Clawhouser squealed from behind his desk."

"Thanks Ben..." Judy shot back quietly.

Bogo spoke after a while.

"Everything is alright Hopps. I am just surprised about how seriously you took the undercover part. Impressive. The question that concerns me is that umm...

Where did you plan to hide your weapon? This clothing choice seems to have left... Not much room for it."

All of the four cadets stared at her now in a bit of confusion, wondering the same thing as they stared at the bunny. Judy cleared her throat like she had expected this question to come at some point. The nervousness was gone from her tone as she started to explain everything professionally, like she had rehearsed it.

"I thought about it too first, because the holster for the tranquilizer is quite big. So is the tranquilizer in itself. The normal model that ZPD has, is Volter-300 model that has the ability to normally stun someone with twenty-second full charge. Very practical and used model around the force for good ten years. The most problems that it has, is the fact that it's size and the grip handle, is not as well suited for all the mammals as it is for others.

So i went trough a little digging through our armory files for any updates. What i found out was, ZPD has manufactured also all kinds of different models from the standard equipment. There have been made couple of other kinds of weapons, that are suitable for smaller mammals, but were never put to use since...

The ZPD never had uhh... Well..."

Judy motioned with her hands that they would catch her drift. She was the shortest mammal on the force, followed by Nick and now their new raccoon.

Everyone nodded, signaling that they understood. Judy continued.

"So, i went through a couple of clarifications and paperwork a couple of weeks back to see if they still had any of those available for order.

They did. And they told me that they were more than glad to know that i would be the one to be the first mammal to test their new model in the field. I also told that if the new untested models would get great feedback, they were always ready to send more. So, lucky as i was, i got phone call from Clawhouser early this morning, telling me that finally after three weeks of waiting, the equipment was finally here. Benjamin?"

"Yeap, here it is." The cheetah giggled excitedly as he took a clean and black suitcase from under his table and handed it over to Judy.

On the box where large logo of ZPD and under it was white small letters titled, "Stinger 2.0" and some other info. Everyone gathered around excitedly to see as Judy opened the small suitcase in her hands and revealed a small but very expensive looking dark red stunner gun with black and yellow stripes on it.

The smell of plastic and metal mixed in everyone's nose as Judy excitedly took the weapon from it's molded place and tried it in her paw with a smile.

"Look's so cool.." Officer Coonway said in awe from the side.

"Is it heavy?" Oliver asked with interest.

"Heavier than i expected but i think I'll get used to it." Judy muttered as she smiled and took out the instruction manual sheets from the case.

"Well Hopps, you just keep impressing. You've earned it." Bogo said proudly as he gave genuine smile and watched Judy let everyone try the blaster in their paws.

"Wowowowowo, hooold ooon a minute here. I am small mammal too. And i have been such a good behaving guy from day one. When do i get the cool stuff?"

Nick teased from the side,

earning laugh from Oliver as he saw Bogo's reaction.

"Officer Wilde, i am sure that if you manage to at least work through your first month in the force, WITH GOOD BEHAVIOR I MIGHT ADD,

we might consider you also having something... Cool." Bogo said with annoyance.

"Geeez thanks pop's. I'll promise to be a good boy just for you." Nick said and wiggled his eyebrows to Bogo with wide grin, making even Judy and the others laugh now.

Once again Bogo just sighed and tried to keep them in the subject again.

"Officer Hopps. They said that your new weapon has not been officially tested yet. Before we leave, you should go and give it a try on the shooting range.

Grab the new comers with you too. Show them a little of marksmanship from the finest of the ZPD." Bogo said proudly.

"You give too much credit chief."

"I doubt it Hopps."

"You guys are giving way too less credit for me. I scored twenty thousand points in mammal crisis three at the arcade hall. My high-score is still on the boards. Besides, i have already used my tranquilizer once. It's easy."

"No freaking way Nick! Are you the player named foxtrot420 at the boards?!" Oliver asked in disbelief.

"The one and only. That is why i have quite an expertise in shooting. I deserve the same kind of stuff as fluff here."

The two started to talk about some game that none of the other mammals understood nothing about.

Judy gave frustrated look at the two and cleared her throat before talking to Bogo.

"You know, i could always suggest something else." Judy said.

"What's that?" Bogo asked in confusion as mischievous smile came on her face.

"I could test it for someone willing to take a little day nap. Nick seems like willing subject.

He said he is expert when it comes to dealing with weapons. Let's see if he can take, like he can give."

A small evil grin came on Bogo as he look'd at confused fox.

"Permission granted." Bogo said.

"Wait, what?!" Nick realized what they had just said as Judy pointed the gun at him with her both paws.

"Don't worry slick, it won't hurt a lot. You will just be nice and silent through our ride to the festival.

I'll promise to wake you up. I know you can take the shock, i have faith in you."

Nick's eyes widened as he turned to Bogo who gave zero intention to come between and seemed way too happy about the situation.

All of the other mammals also stared in interest, like they actually wanted to see how the new taser worked.

The fox quickly stepped behind Oliver, grabbing him and using him as a live shield.

"Get off me Wilde, she is supposed to try it on you!" Oliver struggled in fear as he saw Judy turn on a small switch from the side of her gun, making a bright red line point at Oliver's chest.

"Cool, it has laser sight!" The lynx officer said as they all watched Nick and Oliver fight to avoid being the main target.

"Sweet. They really overdid themselves with this one." Judy said with smile and turned down her aim. She put the gun back to safe mode and everyone kept watching in amusement as the two had not even noticed that she was just joking around. Nick was still trying to hide behind the wolf. Oliver had his eyes shut tightly as he prepared for the taking shot any moment now.

"Carrots, don't shoot, this is not funny!"

"Hopps, aim for his tail!" Oliver screamed in fear.

"Don't!" Nick screamed in even more fear.

"Oh you big kits, i am not going to shoot either of you." Judy snorted and even Bogo laughed with others as they saw both of them settling down and realizing that it was all a joke.

To Nick the joke had not been funny at all.

He let go of Oliver and fixed his ruffled up suit back to shape, same time giving Oliver apologizing look.

Nick tried not to sink in a whole as his tail fur was still all buzzed up from the fear.

"Carrots that was mean..." He mumbled as he stared the innocent looking bunny.

"Here is example of bravery. You saw how the hero of our first week did, while under imaginary gunpoint." Judy presented to everyone.

Nick and Oliver wanted to die from embarrassment as they just now realized how they had probably looked in front of all the mammals.

"Whatever..." Nick said as he straightened his red tie and avoided eye contact with everyone.

Then Bogo spoke to the new mammals.

"And think about the fact that our action hero officer Wilde here requested to be the first cop in the force to wear two tranquilizers like in the movies...

Prove yourselves and then ask for such things. Take an unofficial lesson from this moment."

For the first time in his first week Nick had no comeback for Bogo.

Judy gave comforting smile to annoyed fox and spoke.

"Cheer up slick, now is time to prove yourself even more. Especially to officer Garnett." Judy said, earning confused look from the female snow leopard.

"What do you mean fluff?"

"You won the bet we had. Now i will let you drive like you always wanted. But try to show your best. We have ZPD's finest driver on our backseat to monitor your every move."

Nick gazed at the interested looking leopard with a bit nervous look.

"Is this his first time driving in ZPD?" Hailie ask'd.

"Yep. Just one of the other things that he claims being better at than me.

Now we shall see how it goes. You have my permission to point out every mistake he made after he is done."

"Understood." Garnett said hesitantly and smiled to the bunny.

"... Sly bunny..." Nick muttered quietly. He was supposed to show the image of famous super-cop to new recruits in his outfit but ended up being roasted by Bogo and Judy. He wondered if any of them would take him and Oliver seriously after their little show.

"So! Now without further a due, let's get this operation started. Officer Hopps, go test your gun on the range with officer Coonway, Garnett, and Fring. We have twenty minutes for departure. We will go through the minor details about the operation at the festival. Understood?"

"Yes chief!" All the three said and started to follow Judy, as she began to lead them to the shooting range.

Only one's that were left on the spot with Bogo, were Nick and Oliver.

They both stood side by side as Bogo turned around.

"Now, you two go, and get us two cars in front of the building. Time is essence. Any questions?"

"I assume that my request for the two tranquilizers is still acceptab-"

"Officer Wilde. Do not make me pull you out of the case and put you on parking duty."

"... Understood chief." Nick saluted with the dumb grin on him.

"... Good. Now off you two. I will see how our new officers are doing." Bogo finished and turned around.

He walked slowly to the door where the bunch of mammals had just went and entered in.

Only thing that was heard in the hall was quiet hymn of some Gazelles new song that Clawhouser plaid from his phone.

"... Shall we get going?" Oliver ask'd from Nick.

"Yeah..."

They both had walk'd only halfway to the elevator when the fox spoke.

"You know, i was not really scared that carrots was going to shoot."

"You were scared like a kit, you should have seen your tail dude."

"Hey, you were the one whose legs were all wobbling."

"Pffft, ya right."

After a while they stepped in the elevator and Oliver pressed the button to the garage hall.

Just as they started to move Nick spoke again.

"... You still think that chief might accept my request about the two tranquilizers?"

"... No chance in hell."

"... Wanna bet? He likes me. He just won't admit it."

"Delusional. Easy money. Twenty?"

"Forty."

"... Deal."

BLOCK AWAY FROM SAVANNAH CENTRAL AVENUE _

The sky was already taking the darker blue tone as they arrived on time. The two huge police vehicles stopped next to large project building, and they could see all the various of mammals chatter and walk on the streets like a one huge mass. The area was very crowded all over, making it impossible to travel forward with the cars. The sounds of conversations filled the air, making Judy stare it all in wonder from her seat. She had never seen so many mammals at once.

But after a while she turned to Nick with scolding look. She did not know if it this was his actual way of driving or his idea of funny revenge.

He had driven couple of times like he thought he was on race track. Bogo had even screamed to their car radio from the vehicle behind them,

asking if the fox was touched in the head. She now knew that more than couple of angry words were needed.

"So how did i do?" He asked innocently and turned to smile to the snow panther on the backseat. Her fur was all puffed up from the ride and her claws had been dug into the seat the whole time. She slowly turned her gaze and shook her head before talking under Nick's alluring gaze.

"With all due respect officer Wilde... May i be honest?.. Umm.. You might want to slow down a bit when you drive. I noticed about fifteen violations against the law, but at least we are alive and early.

Where did you learn to drive like that?"

"Games..."

"Well that explains way too much. You and your video games" Judy said angrily to the smiling fox who turned innocently to look at her back.

"Also from Flash and Finnick."

"... Seriously?"

"You just have to admit that i was pretty damn good."

"Yeah, if you were like a getaway car for the bank robbers in a movie. I am seriously thinking about revoking your drivers pass."

"Carrots, don't be like that. You can't drive a car like this without giving it some honor. I did what was needed."

"Yeah, and now you might have just killed yourself before the operation starts." Judy sighed.

"What do you m-?"

KNOCK KNOCK

Nick slowly turned his gaze to his window side as he heard a knock from the outside. Bogo stood on the pavement with his hands crossed, waiting for him to roll down the window. Nick did as gestured and the window slowly rolled all the way down.

"Hey, how's it going chief? I wasn't driving too fast was i? Maybe there is something that we could... Work out?"

Nick said with flirting tone and unbuttoned his upper buttons from his shirt, playing the role of stereotypical female who tried to flirt her way from law's grasp. He wiggled his eyebrows to the buffalo, making him go speechless for a while.

Needless to say, Hailie could not contain her giggle, almost making Judy laugh too to fox's clownish behavior.

Bogo spoke with ice cold voice that held back some serious anger,

making the funny mood go away in a blink.

"Officer Wilde. Out of the vehicle... NOW!"

"Yeah give me a second, i have to roll the window back up. No need to yell sir."

Nick stared the stone statue looking figure with smile as the window slowly went all the way back up.

"Good luck." Judy said in frustration as he was about to open his door.

"I got lucky rabbit with me. Nothing can harm me."

"Don't be so sure." Judy shook her head. This fox sometimes...

All the mammals now stood next to their cars as one bunch. Oliver suddenly spoke first, in complete hype.

"Nick, you have to teach me how to drive like that! You did a perfect drift at the Saint's crossing!"

Only a quick cold look from Bogo silenced the wolf and he then turned his wrath to Nick.

"Officer Wilde, do you care to explain why you were driving over the speed limit several times,

used handbrake in almost every turn, and almost knocked down a postbox?"

Nick smiled and was about to have one of his charming explanations again, all figured out. Bogo stopped him before he even started.

"You know what? Don't bother. You are driving me insane. Officer Hopps. Please have talk with your partner about how the roles of the driver are switched from now on. Or you teach him how to do it without violations. Clear?"

"Clear chief." Judy said seriously.

"He said DRIVING me insane. Get it? He made a pun and didn't even notice it. That goes to my locker!"

Nick laughed and could even see that Oliver, Hailie, Rasheed and Luke had the hardest time of keeping a straight face.

Judy and Bogo both gave scolding look to the fox, making him go quiet.

"Nick. Not the time."

"You guys are way too serious about everything..."

Bogo ignored the fox's attitude as best as he could but for a moment Judy swore that he was about to ask for his badge there and then.

Why can't he just behave when he's been told to?

"Now, i will go and inform about our operation to the events' security manager. Just to let them know that there are cops in undercover to back them up if anything bad happens. All the rest of the details will be provided by officer Hopps for now. Good luck everyone. Now excuse me but i need my head ache pills."

Bogo left and blended in with the crowd of mammals, leaving all of the officers in moment of silence.

All of them turned to rabbit in the lavender dress, waiting for instructions from her.

Judy took a quick breath and started.

"Okay. So. The plan is this. All of you four enter the place in orderly fashion. Me and Nick will follow after couple of minutes.

To avoid as much suspicion as possible. The chef's have already been noted about four extra waiters for the occasion, so there won't be any questions from the waiters about sudden newcomers. Once Nick and me have entered in the middle of the masses, we will locate the mobsters and see how it goes. Once we know where all the mobsters meet, we signal our location, so you will know to spend the rest of the operation on that area, keeping an eye on them for the rest of the evening.

Sounds simple enough?"

Everyone nodded and she continued.

"Okay. Now, i don't know how this will go, so keep your eyes open. Nothing bad might happen through the whole operation at all. I would prefer it that way, but we never know what might happen. Anything suspicious you see has to be reported to me through the radio, okay? I trust all of you to do your best.

Even if this is just peace keeping, i have high hopes on all of you. Make the ZPD proud, officers."

All four saluted her proudly and gazed at her like a leader they always dreamt about having.

Nick suddenly came between the moment with his claw up, as in suggesting something important.

"Carrots, how about we inform them about the code names?"

".. Code na-? Nooo Nick. Don't. We are not having the code names. We talked about this." Judy protested.

"Why noooooot?"

"Code names?" Oliver asked in confusion.

"Ever since Nick was informed about the operation, he's been working on to give you all code names that we would use through the radio." Judy rolled her eyes.

"... Well are they good?" The raccoon asked suddenly in interest.

"Yeah? I mean it sounds cool! What is mine?" The lynx asked excitedly.

"... Seriously?" Judy said as he look'd at all of the four mammals in disbelief.

"SEE! I told you they would love the idea!" Nick said happily and ruffled her head, making her shoo him away.

"Ugh. Fine. Let's just get this out of the way." Judy gave up.

"What's mine?" Hailie asked happily.

"You... Are snow ball." Nick winked.

"Oh. Sounds nice!" She giggled happily, clearly liking the name.

"Annnd you, are rocket." Nick said proudly, pointing his claw at Rasheed.

"... Why am i rocket?"

"Because you are good at shooting stuff?

This ain't rocket science. HAHahahah get it? See what i just did?"

"But... Rockets are illegal in Zootopia.. I have never shot one.

Would be cool though."

"Hmmmm... What if... I did have another one... OH! I got it!... Hotshot."

"... Cooool." The raccoon muttered in smile.

Judy shook her head but couldn't hold her smile as he watched all of the grown mammals wait for their new name like kit a candy.

"Annnndd you... Areee..." Nick wondered as he stared at the lynx who was wagging his tail excitedly, waiting for the name from his idol.

"Light-feet. Since you won one of the fastest mammals in Zootopia, it's only fair that you take Saul's title. You have earned it."

"... Awesomeee!" Luke yelped happily from his name, Nick's claw now turning to Oliver.

"What you got for me dude? Something agent like? I hope it's cool as the others have."

"Howler."

"... Wait what? Why?"

"Because of reasons. What is this flood of questions, i didn't ask for this." Nick smiled.

"Dude. You named me howler because i am a wolf. That is not very creative."

"Oh come on Oliver, don't be such a stickler for details, it suits you."

"How?"

"Because when someone howls, you do as well."

"No i don't, that is stupid propaganda." Oliver shook his head.

"Yeah you do. Carrots is the one who figured it out. You have to do it well enough. Allow me to demonstrate."

"Nick if you howl in the middle of the street, i will lock you in the car for the rest of the evening." Judy warned, knowing damn well that the howling worked,

but there must have been tens of wolf's around the area. They would cause a massive scene.

"Understood. Oliver just take the name. It's badass, don't look so disappointed buddy." Nick assured.

"Yeahyeah, fine. But i get to complain about it later." Oliver mumbled and quiet moment settled between the six mammals.

"What is yours officer Wilde?" Hailie asked suddenly, making all the mammals wait for his answer.

"i am.. Foxtrot. Yep. It's sexy but dangerous at the same time."

Judy shook her head and spoke.

"Okay, let's get this started. Remember guys, ears and eyes open."

Everyone nodded and started to slowly walk into the crowd, every single one of them disappearing after a while. Nick and Judy stood there for a moment without saying anything.

After a while, Nick spoke calmly.

"They will do okay whiskers. Don't worry. You are good leader."

Judy turned her gaze to the smiling fox and smiled back.

"I know they will. I am more concerned about you."

"Me? How so?"

"Because you are about to embarrass yourself by having such a bad dance partner. I will stumble. A lot."

"Who cares if you do? All of us did that the first time. Just follow my lead."

"Follow your lead you say?" Judy grinned to the smiling fox but her smile went away when suddenly Nick gave her his paw.

"If we are going to act like one of the dancers, we have to stay in character. May i have the honor my lady?" Nick said warmly, hoping that she would take the unusual offer, as his paw waited hers.

Judy stared back with a bit of blush coming on her and slowly grabbed Nick's paw, melting under that charming smile of his as their eyes met.

"Good, let's get going partner." Nick said happily, his chest feeling warm as he felt her soft paw in his again.

"Okay..." Judy whispered quietly as they started to make their way to the festival, disappearing into the crowd of various mammals, ready to start their mission side by side.

THE FESTIVAL _

The things that mammals can do when they all come together for the certain cause, is incredible. Nick smiled as they finally reached the avenue, with the amazed looking bunny next to him. Judy could only marvel the beautiful sight ahead of her. It was really something to witness.

The whole area from the avenue and the central park was just like always, except they had built the dancing stages all over the place. There must have been about tens of these wooden platforms around the park, all already crowded with dancing mammals. All the different kind of music echoed around the area.

On some of the grass spots and under the trees were families on picnic, laughing and enjoying their time together. Judy could feel the scent of different grilled food's all around the magical looking place, making her marvel everything in smile.

"Nick... This is incredible."

"I know right?"

And the lights. They were all over the place. All different kinds of led lights and tree decorations filled the whole area. There was no cars on sight.

All the local streets were now topped with wooden platforms and stages for the dancers. The festival was way bigger than Judy had imagined. It was going to be hard to find the mobsters in this mess. They could be meeting anywhere on this large area, and they would have hell of a time to search all of it.

Nick didn't seem to be concerned on that point though. All the rabbit could see was the smug smile on his face as they walk'd on the park road,

clearly heading somewhere.

"Nick... How many times have you been on this festival?"

"Almost every year since i was eighteen."

"Oh... Is it always this crowded?"

"Indeed it is. You like it?"

"I have never seen so many mammals in one place at once. It's kind of overwhelming."

"There was the Gazelle concert, remember?"

"But this is way bigger."

"I guess... Oh, guess what i see now?"

"Mobsters?" Judy ask'd quickly, in full cop mode again.

Nick chuckled and signaled one of the local waiters to come their way.

"Food!"

"... Seriously?" Judy rolled her eyes as the otter waiter walk'd over to him and Nick picked some kind of piece of feta and fish from the tray.

"That... Was delicious. I do think we are going to have a blast carrots."

"We did not come here to eat slick. Focus now."

"Mmmmmm i am very.. Focused.." Nick muttered as he munched his food and stared at the smiling bunny.

"You better be."

"Focused on the salmon rolls. I need to find another waiter."

"We are never going to find any mobsters if you drag as to eat at every place possible."

"Better that way. You know how i think about mister Big."

"Nick, he does not have a grudge for you anymore. Why are you so bothered by him?" Judy asked in concern.

"In your eye's he forgave me. But i know that we can never be cool. We go way back. I did dirty on him. He is never going to forgive me that. Mobsters never do."

"How can you be so sure? He helped us in the night howlers case."

"Because they were your requests and you ask'd for his help. I just came along. If you would have not been present, things would be different.

He likes you. I was in his favors too at one time. I even dined with his family. And i screwed it up by doing something disrespectful. I seem to have habit of doing that. I disappoint."

"No you don't. You are not a bad mammal Nick.

You are a cop now. You saved this city with me. You always seem to forget that."

"You always want to see the good in everyone whiskers." Nick chuckled.

"Because there is good in everyone. Stop being so skeptical.

You are great partner and a great cop. And no matter what mammals think about you,

i know that you have a good heart."

She said it almost angrily, trying to make her point to him.

Nick smiled and stopped walking. He turned to look at the beautiful mammal who was holding his paw.

Judy just stared in confusion as Nick just stared at her with those emerald eyes again, clearly trying to say something.

She just stood there and waited as Nick started to speak.

"You know... You never answered Bogo's question back at the station fluff." Nick wanted to slap himself for once again bailing out on opening his heart to her.

But maybe it was for the best. Just stop acting weird and change subject.

"Huh? What question?"

"About your gun. You never did answer where you were going to conceal it, in that dress of yours."

"Oh... Ummm, with the suitcase there came all different kinds of holsters for the weapon. I'll show you. The one that i use now is concealed around my left leg. It's more comfortable than i imagined. Must be the leather they use. See?"

Nick stared at Judy raised her leg a bit in the air and he saw the gun holstered around her left inner thigh. But the gun was not the one that got his attention as Judy was excitedly talking about the holster. Nick saw that her fur pattern changed to snow white close to her thighs. He could see a peak of her black panties as she went on with the description about the gun. Nick had not listened anything she had said and his inner male felt butterflies as he kept staring the rabbit, trying to contain his nosebleed.

"- And they even said that the leather used to make the holster is one of a kind.. It's flexible and.." Judy turned to look at Nick for the first time and saw the fox look away quickly with innocent smile on him, like he was just caught stealing something.

"YES. LEATHER. GREAT. VERY NICE." Nick mumbled in panic and started whistling fast, making his steps forward the park road.

Judy was confused for a while and then took a look down. Was something wrong in her weapon? Then it hit her. She only now realized that her panties had been showing the whole time because of her revealing dress. Her face turned completely red and she quickly gained her posture back. Judy turned to fox who was only three steps ahead of her.

"NICK WILDE!"

"I saw nothing! I swear!" Nick laughed half scared, half in panic as he ran into the crowd of mammals with the bunny pursuing him.

Liar! I bet you planned all that!"

THE GRAND STAGE OF THE FESTIVAL _

(To get the full atmosphere, i suggest you always follow the track from Youtube as i say it, to get the full experience.)

"Aaaaaaand ladies and gentle mammals! Let us put some of our mood started with something groovy and smooth! I, Gregor Pawerton, will be your humble Dj of the evening at the Grand stage of our beloved music and dance festival! Now let's get this party started!"

Every mammal under the gigantic white tent raised their glasses and cheered as the cheetah bowed in his booth.

"Now let us get into the mood with Norman Brown, the grooviest bear of all time!" Gregor yelled from his booth, earning applause of paws as the song started to play around the large stage, making Nick smile as the song started. (Youtube: Norman Brown - West coast coolin)

"He is the best Dj every year. I love this guy." Nick said happily.

"Nick this place is huge..." Judy muttered as her eyes traveled above them. The large white tent took at least hundreds of meters of space. It was going to be really hard to find anyone among this crowd. And the stars were already making their way to the sky.

"Carrots, you have to try one of these." Nick said as he munched an olive and cheese mix with crackers.

"Do you do anything else than bother the waiters?

And seriously, we are not going to find anyone from this place."

Nick chuckled as he gazed the stressed out bunny.

"Relax carrots. Enjoy the music."

"Nick, we have job to do here. How can you be so relaxed?

We have zero idea where the mobsters meet and the clock is ticking."

"You bunnies.. Fluff, we will find them."

"How can you be so sure?" Judy asked in desperation.

"We have four mammals around the place looking for them. They will radio us when they see them.

Besides, the Levron guy told that he would like to talk to us. So he will probably try to look for us.

We have long night ahead. Many hours. So get that super bunny cop mode of yours on ice and enjoy the party." Nick smiled and snapped his claws to the rhythm of the music.

What Nick said made sense but Judy was way too stressed out to listen. Nick chuckled as she clicked her earplug and spoke. Same time Nick's earplug activated making him wince a little from the sound.

"Officer Hopps to the field, any signs of the vip targets?"

After a while of silence came buzz and they both could hear Officer Garnett speaking.

"Snowball reporting. N-no sight of the targets yet. Where are you located officer Hopps?"

"I am at the entrance of the grand tent with officer Wilde. We are going to keep looking.

Anyone else seen anything?"

After a while they could hear the lynx speak from the radio.

"This is Light-feet reporting. No sign of the vip's yet officer Hopps. I am located at the fountain area, about a hundred feet from your location. Will keep eyes out. Over."

"This sounds so cool. Hotshot, you got something?" Nick ask'd with his agent voice, like he was in a movie.

He even got Judy to smile even with her nervousness.

"This is Hotshot. Negative. Can't seem to locate any of the targets. Lots of area to cover. Over and out."

"Copy that Hotshot, we will proceed to find our Vip's. Foxtrot out." Nick said and his tail swished from excitement.

"You are enjoying this way too much Nick." She giggled as he straightened his tie and spoke to the earplug once again.

"Howler, you got anything?"

After a moment of silence they could hear odd munching noises from the other end.

"Officer Howlton, is everything alright?" Judy asked in concern.

After a while came an answer.

"Mfmffhmfh... Nope, Uhm, excuse me. I was just eating the tuna bread sticks..." Oliver explained in embarrassment.

"Dude, you have to try the salmon rolls. I swear, they are the best from the seafood." Nick told excitedly.

"Really? Sweet, where are they served?"

"Near the picnic area. They also have melted-"

"Nick!" Judy gave scolding look and interrupted drooling fox, making him laugh.

Oliver spoke again.

"Sorry officer Hopps! No sign of the targets yet. Will proceed with the locating."

"Picnic area." Nick whispered, making sure that Oliver would find the food. Judy rolled her eyes as she clearly heard him.

"Thanks bro... Oh crap.. I think i just saw my ex." Oliver whispered back like an idiot. Every single mammal on their line would hear what they said when the plug was on.

Lynx spoke suddenly on the line.

"Wait, that pretty wolf was your ex?"

"Yeah Light-feet. But don't talk about her. She is a complete-"

"KRHM." Judy cleared her throat, signaling them to stop talking about such things.

"Oh. Sorry Hopps. Nick i think i see the salmon waiter."

"Foxtrot." Nick corrected professionally.

"Right, foxtrot. Over and out."

"Males..." Judy muttered as he stared the smiling fox.

The silence came into the hall for a while as the song stopped playing and Nick ended up staring the silent bunny.

Judy turned off the frequency by a small click from her earplug and stared at the fox.

"So... No sign of mobsters. We have time carrots." Nick assured.

"I know... I am just a bit stressed out Nick... I'm sorry. This is my first big operation that i've led. I just want to do good job."

"You always do fluff. But right now all we can do is wait and blend in."

"... I guess.."

Suddenly they could hear the cheetah once again speak from his booth to the crowd.

"Let us get some speed up for this party with a bit of old classics! Next up we have us the soulful and our loved dog! Redbone!"

(Youtube: Redbone - Come and get your love)

All the mammals cheered and started to pick their partners for dancing. The widest grin came on Nick's face as recognized the song and turned his flirting gaze to the bunny, wiggling his eyebrows at her. Judy knew instantly what was going on his fox mind.

"Nick. I am not sure that i can... I would just emb-!" Nick grabbed the nervous bunny from her paw and took her in the middle of the crowd.

Judy tried to protest in panic as the smiling fox dragged her through the crowd for a while, making his way somewhere. Judy was not sure about the area but she was pretty sure they were probably at the middle area. This was not her idea of discreet undercover work.

After a while Nick stopped and they arrived to the small spot among the crowd of some bigger mammals. The violet spotlight pointed straight at the spot where Nick and Judy stood. This spot was craving for attention. The song went on as Judy stared nervously at the smiling fox next to her.

"Allow me, beautiful." Nick said warmly and smoothly made their paw as one. He then gently slid his other paw to her waist, making her blush and her eyes widen as he started to move. She felt like she was going in panic. Only thing that kept her from that was that damn warming and affectionate smile that Nick was giving her,

telling her to just relax.

"Nick i... What are you-YIP!" Judy yelped in surprise as Nick gave her a spin and the song started to play louder.

Judy felt like she was Nick's instrument in his paws, leading her all the time. He was way too good at this. Even with their small size difference,

Nick made it completely work. She could only stare in awe as Nick gave her another spin, and suddenly leaned her down almost all the way to the floor,

supporting her back with his strong arm. She gasped as Nick leaned in with that smug smile of his and winked to her, before raising her back to standing.

Where on earth had the fox learned to dance like this?! Judy could not to help but smile in wonder as Nick let go of her back and let go of her paw,

sliding a couple of steps away from her. Judy was confused at first but then the fox started to step closer to her again slowly, motioning her to come to him with his both claws while giving a playful smile. Judy started to move her hips and giggled as she stepped closer to the flirting fox.

"Nick what are you-" She giggled as Nick quickly stepped closer and took her another paw again. With smooth motion Nick pulled her tightly against his chest and raised their both paws up in the air, his handsome face staring at her only an inch away from hers. Her eyes widened and the blush hit her as he stared those emerald pools. But the moment was gone just as quickly as Nick gave her a quick spin, making her yelp in surprise. Nick made all kinds of moves, almost like playing with her. But she started to like it. For a moment in middle of all this, she forgot for a while that they were there for a work.

Finally, as the song was making it's way to an end, Nick gave challenging look to giggling Judy, throwing her in the air, making her heart skip a beat.

Just as Judy thought that fox had lost his mind and she was about to hit the floor, Nick cached her just in time with his both paws around her waist,

and gave them both a final spin before separating them both with one smooth step but still held her paw gently, smiling mischievously as the music stopped playing in the background.

"Thank you for the dance Judy. Ready for another one?" Nick said and bowed while still holding her paw, staring at the amazed bunny with a smile.

"Nick i... How did you.. What was.. I-" Judy was in complete loss of words as she stared the chuckling fox.

Suddenly her ears shot up as the roar of clapping was heard all around them, echoing all over their spot.

It took a moment for Judy to realize, that all the nearby mammals had clapped for her and Nick's little show,

whistling and shouting their amazement. Nick bowed respectfully to all the mammals.

"Thank you, thank you, what a great audience!"

"..." Judy stood next to him completely embarrassed from this sudden attention, trying to force a smile on her face as the mammals still clapped for them.

Nick just chuckled as he grabbed Judy by her waist, smiling as some mammals took pictures of them with their phones.

This was far from discreet operation now.

"Wait aren't those two Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde?!"

"They are! Oh my god!"

"Did you see how the fox danced?!"

"She look's so much more cute out of uniform!"

"Are they together?!"

"No way!"

"What is the police doing here?"

"Can i dance with him next?!"

"He is so hot in that vest suit!"

"Mom won't believe this!"

All this talk surrounded them as Judy tried to pull Nick out of the spotlight from his sleeve.

Nick gave confused look to Judy and followed her, escaping the spot and disappearing into the crowd.

"Carrot's, what's wrong?" Nick asked innocently after they had walk'd over to the nearest buffet table.

Judy turned around, giving a scolding look to the fox.

"Nick, we are drawing too much attention! This was supposed to be undercover job!"

"Eeeeh don't worry. Everything is fine. We aren't drawing too much atteeeeenntiooon.." Nick's voice went quiet and his smug smile was off in an instant as he saw a large shadow behind Judy. The bunny turned around slowly to see what had caught Nick's attention. She ended up staring a large polar bear front of her.

It was Raymond. Mister Big's known bodyguard. The intimidating looking polar bear gave a neutral look at the fox.

"Wilde."

"Heyyy w-wadap Reymond?" Nick answered nervously, trying to hide his fear.

The polar bear did not answer and turned his gaze to Judy, his expression was gentler now.

"Miss Judy."

"Hi Ray." Judy said happily.

The polar bear smiled for a moment before talking.

"Boss requests your presence. Both of you."

Judy gave questioning look to the fox and turned back to the polar bear.

"Lead the way." Judy said with determination and grabbed the scared looking fox by his tie,

following the polar bear through the crowds.

"Carrots, i have bad feeling about this."

"I don't. Trust me. Nothing bad is going to happen." Judy said casually.

"... I do hope you are right fluff..."

"And Nick..."

"Yeah?"

"Don't worry. I promise to dance with you again, if we have time. It was fun."

"..." Nick only gave warm smile as he followed the bunny who wiggled her tail a bit.

"Best night ever..." Nick muttered excitedly.

...