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The sound of whimpers and scraping metal filled the underground bunker as a wolf and her two cubs cowered underneath the barrel of the gun. The fox on the other end watched coldly as he picked at his teeth, shooting a glance every so often at his partner. The rabbit watched behind goggles as sparks flew in every direction, relishing in their craftsmanship as the cleaver became more are more enticing as its edge glistened.The mother squeezed her children closer, not removing her eyes from the rabbit at the far end of the room. “W-Why… why a-are you d-doing this?”The fox just chuckled. “Why my dear? Well, that is simple… because we can,” the last bit came out a growl as the barrel pressed more into the mother’s skull. “It matters not prey or predator, young or old, male or female… all that matters is fear, and fear is a universal concept.” The tod crouched down, gun unwavering, wearing an unnervingly soft smile as he stroked one of the children’s muzzles much to their discomfort. “The fear of a child is so… intriguing, don't you think? A child can fear so many things, they are easy to scare, but adults,” in one swift movement he had the mother’s face in his grasp. “It takes much more to scare them… and that’s all the fun…” Renewed tears ran down the wolf’s face as the sobs of her kid grew louder… and the sharpening stone came to a stop. A quick glance from the fox showed all he needed to see as the rabbit began examining the blade’s edge, flicking a digit over the newly sharpened edge and satisfied as a crimson began to flow from the cut.The rabbit smiled as they stepped into the light revealing a stout, brown-furred rabbit in a dark grey collared shirt, blue jeans, and a weathered leather apron. The buck removed his goggles to reveal hazel colored eyes, a scar running down his left eye. For a brief moment, the wolf mother stopped shaking as the rabbit smiled… almost kindly “It's always great when we have guests over, isn't that right John?”“Oh yes,” the tod responded in a similar kind fashion. “you see, it gets… very lonely here and it's always wonderful to see new mammals.”“Especially when they’re just in time for me to prepare dinner!” As if on cue, the light in the buck’s eyes faded as he snatched one of the cubs- a boy- by the nape of his neck. The mother screamed trying to get her son back only to be hit across the muzzle with the butt of the pistol in the fox’s possession. “I wouldn't do that if I were you… he gets aggravated when someone interrupts him during dinner prep,” the last part curdling the wolf's blood as she realizes what the tod meant.The mother began to openly sob. “Please… please don't do this,” she reached out to her son as he was struggling against the grip of the buck. “They’re all I have… don't take them from me…”“Oh don't worry I would never dream of taking a child from their mother… you’ll join him soon enough!” The rabbit growled as the mother’s blood-curdling wails filled the air once more as he raised the cleaver.
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Distant screams, along with unhinged laughter, filled the halls as girlish giggles echoed from inside one of the four other rooms. “Dad seems to be enjoying himself, doncha think Nick?” asked the doe as she turned to the corner of the room. “Guess you won't have to wait long for dinner after all!”“Good…” the russet fox growled. “...I was getting hungry, especially since there’s only one thing here to chew on…” The vulpine twitched his head around, his savage green eyes staring at his “prey”.The doe scoffed, “Oh come now Wilde, you know I only let you use me once a day and you’ve already used up your taste.”Nick Wilde stood from his seat, claws displayed, growling as he stalked towards the rabbit, “And who said you have a choice?!” The fox lunged fangs out… only to completely freeze as metal talons pressed against his throat and hooking his muzzle open.Judy giggled. “And who said you have the advantage here? Last time I checked… my claws are just as deadly as your fangs, remember?” The tod nodded ever so slightly, still growling. “Good! Now be a good boy and sit!” In a blink of an eye Wilde was cut on the inside of his mouth as he was shoved back onto the bedding. “Now you stay here while I go check up on Dad, because…” She comically lifted an ear she cupped it to hear more… only to be greeted by silence. “I think he’s just about done, so I’m going to go help prep!” She wore a girly smile as she skips out the door leaving Wilde behind. The tod continued to growl as he stared at the now empty room before panning down to his tense, shaking paw. “Tsk… fuck this I’m not staying here,” he stood up. “I’ll go for a walk… maybe spot a snack along the way…”
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The ungodly screeching of his alarm clock rose the sleeping tod as he brought a fist down on the snooze button. Leaving his paw there for a few seconds as he got his bearings straight, only then did he let out a heavy sigh and roll over to stare at his apartment ceiling. “...Time to start the day…” The fox reluctantly threw off the covers as he got out of bed and went over to rummage through his closet. Finding a fresh pair of underwear the tod sauntered off to the bathroom, turned on the water, and waited for it to heat up.He took this time to stare at himself in the mirror: slight bags under his eyes and matted fur all over. He smirked at the funny sight.The water reached the optimal temperature, so he hopped in and washed away the sleepiness and grime. His coarse fur softened as he lathered himself in shampoo and sighed as the warm water rinsed over his body, letting the previous day wash away along with the soap. As he cleaned, his brain started booting up properly allowing his eyes to open fully as wakefulness replaced his groggy feeling.Satisfied with his wash, Nick stepped out of the shower and began toweling off. Even with his longer fur he still managed good time, and now refreshed he wiped off the foggy mirror the see a bright-eyed fox staring back. “Good morning handsome, ready to start the day?”Wilde left the bathroom and grabbed his uniform, ironing it a bit before throwing it on. As he messed with his tie in the full body mirror he looked over the crisp blues that was his ZPD uniform and smiled. If you told him almost 2 years ago that he would be best friends with a rabbit while also being her partner on the police force, he would’ve laughed in your face. But after running into Judy Hopps, The Nighthowler Case, and going through 6 months at the police academy… he would say that he got a pretty good deal out of all the bullshit- derogatory slur aside.After smoothing out some creases he buckled his utility belt and grabbed his gold wristwatch and headed for the door. He stood at his front door watching the hands tick by until what he wanted to see. “Three… Two… One…” He turned the knob and smiled at his guest. “Good morning Carrots, how are you today?”Judy Hopps was left speechless as she stood there mid-knock. “How… how did you-”“Know that you were coming? Well, Carrots, you are a creature a habit and while I don't know what you do before arriving at my door, what I do know is that you always arrive at 6:15 with Snarlbucks for both you and me. Am I right?”The doe scoffed after shaking off her shock. “Pfft, you think you’re so smart don't you?”“Generally so yes.”“Whatever, come let's get going!”“Lead the way Carrots,” gestured Nick as he locked up his apartment and walked alongside his partner.In their year and a half working as partners Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps had become the face of the ZPD and practically the face of Zootopia itself. Their partnership showed even natural enemies like a fox and bunny could work to together: prey and predator working tam in tam. Though nothing like The Nighthowler Case had popped up since the two still racked up quite an impressive record with many arrests and closed cases under their belts. And even though the Chief of Police wouldn't openly admit it Bogo was certainly impressed with what the small duo was able to accomplish, and was glad to see the two mammals refine how they worked as a team.Nick’s apartment was only a 10 minutes walk from the precinct, and as they didn't really need to be in until 7 it gave them plenty of time to talk to Precinct One’s dispatch officer. Said portly cheetah was just finishing up a bowl of Lucky Chomps when the pair walked in. The predator cleaned off his muzzle before greeting them, “Nick, Judy hey!”The two smiled as they strolled up to the front desk. “Hey Spots,” Nick greeted. “Good to see you full of energy this morning, the mornings wouldn't be the same without your cheerful smile,” he raised his half finish coffee towards Clawhauser as the cheetah began to blush.“Aw, Nick! That's so sweet! But you’re still not getting your donut until later today as usual.”He shrugged. “Eh, I tried.”“And failed miserably too,” the bunny added. “Are you sure you’re not losing your touch?”“The day I lose my touch is the day you stop liking being a cop, so suffice to say that day will never come,” his statement was punctuated by a slug to his own arm by his partner. “You know I might write you up one of these days for police brutality.”“And it’ll be my word against yours. You do you think they’ll believe? The shifty fox or the adorable bunny?” Nick opened his maw before being cut off, “and besides I know the pen’s in the office, so neither you nor I can use it.”He snapped his jaw shut, a little stunned, before smirking once more. “Sly Bunny.”“Dumb Fox.”“But,” he began, “even without the pen I still have Spots as a witness.”“Oh come now Nick, we both know who he’d side with,” at the open statement both fox and rabbit watched the cheetah closely as the officer froze for a moment before sheepishly smiling. “She’s right Nick…”Wilde placed a paw over his heart in a dramatic fashion. “So this is how it ends… betrayed by my closest friends… whatever shall I do?” He placed a paw on his forehead as he swooned, getting a laugh out of both mammals present.“Enough with the theatrics Nick you gotta head over to the bullpen.”“This early?” His question received a glare from his partner. “Early it is then,” He downed the rest of his coffee before discarding the cup. “Guess we’ll talk later Spots.” “See ya Clawhauser!”And with that the fox and rabbit officer headed off leaving the cheetah to his thoughts, sighing as he watched them, ‘those two are perfect for each other!’
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The bullpen was rowdy as usual with some of the larger mammals conversing or showing feats of strength through arm-wrestling; What you would come to expect from larger prey and predators. Nick and Judy, however, had other things in mind.After situating themselves in their shared chair they went over their weekends, as it was Monday. Judy talked about going shopping with Fru Fru and seeing her goddaughter while also talking with her family over the phone. Nick had visited his parents to see how they were doing. He had pretty much cut all contact with them when he started hustling and was only recently convinced by Judy to reconnect, just before he went off to the academy.Suffice to say there were many hugs, some shouting and shoving, and even more tears- mostly his mother and father- but overall everything seems to work out for the tod.Their conversation died out as the Chief entered the room and the others howled and roared, “alright alright… SHUT IT!” The bullpen quieted down as Bogo situated himself at his pedestal. “Well it seems you are all ready to work, so let's get right down to it: assignments…
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“...This is Priority Number One,” a hardened, more grizzled Chief Bogo began. His uniform as pristine as ever while his figure was something to be left desired, scars lining his arms while three distinct claw marks ran down the side of his snout. “Any available officers will put all of their resources into catching these bastards!” He threw his hoof towards the board, which displayed four photos: two foxes and two rabbits. “John Wilde, A.K.A The Arsenal. This pelt knows his way around every firearm in existence lethal or otherwise. From what we've gathered he used to work as part-time gun-for-hire before devolving into a cold psychopath that murders anyone he sees fit.“Stuart Hopps, A.K.A. The Butcher of Zootopia. After murdering his entire family he has since moved here and has terrorized our fair streets, killing indiscriminately… though having a fondness for children at times.” This last bit had predators and prey alike growling in anger. “These two have destroyed the lives of hundreds of mammals… and that doesn't even include their kids.”The Buffalo shuffled through more papers. “Nick Wilde, A.K.A. The Savage. As his name suggests he acts like any savage mammal from the stone age does: hunts his food. Targeting mostly prey as he seems to hold a distinct hatred for them, occasionally going after other preds, and leaving nothing but a bloody heap in his wake. This monster does all he can to… fill up on his… meal.” The other predators scoffed in disgust as some of the prey, specifically the newer recruits, went wide-eyed with disbelief.He continued. “And lastly… Judy Hopps, A.K.A. The Scarlet. She manipulates anyone she comes across through her uncanny ability to play any role thought up in that sick brain of hers, ranging from Damsel in Distress to Crazed Ballerina and anything in-between. The steel-clawed gloves she wears is what she uses to tear her victims apart without remorse,” the Chief sighed. “These four have terrorized these streets for the last seven years… I want these demons taken off the streets and thrown into electric chairs by any means necessary! That doesn't mean, however, to take the law into your own hands, I want them alive understand?!”“YES, CHIEF BOGO, SIR!” Shouted the entire bullpen.“Good, now head off! I want these motherfuckers caught as soon as possible!”
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“Well Carrots it seems we don't have anything too exciting today, just finishing up paperwork then head off to patrol downtown,” Wilde plopped himself down in his desk chair as Hopps did the same. “You know, we wouldn't have to finish up reports if you didn't wait until the last minute.”“I did not! I just… took a little break from is all...” that last bit came out more of a mumble for the bunny.The fox smirked at his partner’s lame excuse. “Being a cop has a lot of pieces to it, partner, and some of those pieces just happen to be filling out reports.”Judy sighed. “I know…” Resigned, she sat at her desk, pulled out a pen, and got right down to work. Satisfied, Nick began doing the same cracking jokes once in a while to lighten the mood.That's how they work: she’s the cop and he’s the hustler. Even though both are on the “same side” of the fence they see the world in different ways. He sees opportunity and openings while she sees regulations and boundaries; They both see the line… their ability to have it work for them is their greatest asset. To see the Greys in-between all of the Black and White.Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps, a match made in irrational heaven.
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They finally finished up the reports the Chief wanted, more so Judy as Nick; contrary to popular belief; was very diligent with his paperwork… even if it was less than legible from time to time.They collected their cruiser keys from the front desk then headed for the garage. “Well then Carrots,” he held up his fist, “ready to make the world a better place?”Hopps genuinely smiled as she pounded him. “Isn't that my line?”“Eh, thought I’d try it out. It is more your thing though.” They jogged their way over to the cruiser and unlocked it. “Come on Hopps, let's get to work!”
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The wind howled as storm clouds hung overhead and the citizens of Zootopia distrusted every shadow, looked through every alleyway before jogging by, and those with children always kept them right next to their person- paws clutched knuckle white as to make sure they never left their side. It was four in the afternoon, the city had a strict curfew at eight: all businesses and parks were closed, and anyone who had any sense stayed home until the curfew lifted a six in the morning. Only those who had certain… jobs or had nothing to lose stayed out. There was also the stupid who didn't believe they’d ever run into these psychos, after all, there were over 80 million mammals in the city… what were the chances?That's what one deer thought as he stumbled through an alley, drunk off his rocker after getting laid off of work. The alley was littered with trash, dirt, and fluids of many kinds and as he walked further in. “Ugh… I gotta piss…” the deer mumbled out as he found a dumpster to hide behind, but as he tried to unzip his pants he heard to faintest of growling from nehind as claws dug into his sides, chest, and neck> “You’ll do nicely…” Fear riddled his body as the warm stream of urine ran down his legs. His voice was caught in his throat as he heard a loud sniff. “Mmm… I always did like a little alcohol with my snacks…” The first bite was quick, but rest… he would’ve wished Wilde killed him fast.The fox ripped out the side of his throat just off to the side of what was his carotid artery allowing crimson to fill his throat and lungs slowly as he experienced every slash… every bite… every gouge…Only barely holding on to a thread of life as he laid against the back of the dumpster, the sound of tearing and the slapping of wet meat echoing in the alley as the fox continued eviscerating him. “You know…” the tod grunted between chews, “you shouldn't worry yourself… stress makes you taste foul…”As the light faded from the deer’s eyes he wondered if there was anything he could’ve done… anything to change his fate…
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Wilde pulled out a red bandana to wipe his paws and maw as he looked over his fresh kill, the body stained red, disemboweled, and with a few organs littered on the ground and partly eaten. “Can't eat too much, I still have dinner to munch on…” After feeling mostly wiped down he turned around to head back towards the bunker, only to be stopped by the sound of whispers.
Don't leave… Much to do… Find me… Use me…
The voices echoed, which gave the fox an irritating headache like no other. The voices grew louder.
Find me, Find me!... So much to do… FIND ME!
Wilde scoured the alleyway in search of the mysterious voices, which grew louder and louder the further he pressed into the darkness. The search went on for a few minutes, frustrating the fox further… until a shine caught his eye.The voices stopped.With a cocked head, he headed into the shadows where the shine originated and reached down… only to pull a key back in the light. But it wasn't any ordinary key. The key itself resembles more of a skeleton key with gothic design, the bow having a symmetrical roundish feel to it as it connected with the sleek barrel leading to a bit that had a… unnatural look to it. The entire key was painted black with only a few areas rusting.The voices returned:
Use… use me… unlock… unlock door… doordoorDOOR!
The headache came back full force as Wilde tried shaking the annoyance out to little success. It wasn't until he noticed a large steel door to his right that the voices ran fiercely.
DoitDoitDoitDoitDoitDoitDoitDoorDoorDoorDoorDoorDoorDoorDoorDoorDoorUNLOCK IT! Use,unlock,doorUse,unlock,doorUse,unlock,doorUse,unlock,doorUse,unlock,door…
The whispers grew more frantic as Wilde inched his way over to the steel door, key outreached, and when he got the key in the lock did the whispers turn into screams.
TURNTURNTURNTURNTURNTURNTURNTURNTURNTURNTURNTURNYESDOITTURNTURNTURNTURNTURNTURNTURNTURNYESDOIT!TURNTURNTURNTURNTURNTURNTURNTURNT-
The lock clicked. The voices ceased.Nick retracted the key and as he went to turn the knob and open the door he was greeted by the brightest of lights. The sheer witness causes the fox much pain, and only when his eyes began to adjust did he actually see what was on the other side: an alleyway. More specifically the alleyway he was already in, but… different. Gone were the copious amounts of litter, various pungent smells, and caked-on dirt. It was just… bare.He cautiously stepped through the doorway and explored his surroundings: there was no grime, no scent of blood, and certainly no sign of his fresh kill. Looking into the sky he realized that the storm cloud that always hung over his city were gone, replaced by the bluest sky he had ever seen. Stalking further down the alley he could hear laughter, arguments, and various other emotions from the mammals passing by on the open street… all except one: fear. It was Zootopia, but not his Zootopia.The tod was baffled… until he remembered the piece of metal resting in his pocket. Pulling out the key he let it dangle from one of his claws as it hung in front of his face, a toothy grin forming on his muzzle. “How strange…” he growled. “Such a gift shouldn’t be wasted… they know no fear... that’ll change soon enough…”
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Hours slipped by uneventfully as Nick and Judy took one last heavy sigh before officially clocking out for the day. Nick was right on the money in saying the day wasn’t going to be exciting as there were only a few traffic offenses, but other than that the day kinda dragged on.After returning the cruiser keys the pair headed off to the locker rooms to change into their workout clothes before heading home. When Nick entered the men’s locker room Grizzoli, McHorn, and Wolford were already there. “Hey fellas,” greeted the tod, receiving varying positive responses.Truth be told not many of the officers of Precinct One were convinced the fox had it cut out to be a cop, and even some of the more speciest tried to spread rumors of him bribing his way through the academy. All worries and attempts of sabotage all but snuffed out as Judy tried to explain to the other cops of Precinct One the type of mammal Nick was, and seeing for their own eyes how proficient he was with Hopps most of them began to slowly accept him as a brother in blue. There still were a few naysayers, but they were normally ignored. By the time a year had past and Nick was more or less now an integral part of the precinct and it was beginning to grow harder and harder to imagine the building without the fox's charming personality and witty humor.As Nick tossed on a t-shirt Grizzoli called out to him. “Hey Wilde, a few of the boys were thinking of heading to The Watering Hole after work. You down?” The Watering Hole is a cop bar many of the Precinct One officers frequented, and on many occasion Hops and Wilde had been invited out at times and had even accepted on some nights.Nick, though, had other things in mind. “Sorry, I already have plans, maybe next time.”“Do those plans involve Hopps?” Wolford asked as he leaned against his locker. “You two seem pretty close, pretty much attached at the hip since you started working here. You don't have to do everything together you know.”“Is it so bad that I enjoy spending time with my best friend?” Wilde was finishing putting on his gym shorts as he stuffed his uniform into a duffle bag. “Carrots is pleasant company... not to say you guys aren’t, but I’ve just known her longer.”“Best friends huh? You sure that's all you guys are?” McHorn was spraying himself with deodorant as he gave the tod a suggestive look. “You two can’t seem to get enough of each other… You can't possibly tell us there’s nothing going on between you two,” the polar bear and wolf muttered in agreement as they looked at the fox, waiting for an answer.Truth be told, Wilde wasn't really expecting this type of questioning, on the other hand, that didn't mean he wasn't prepared for it. He lazily shrugged as he looked himself over in his locker mirror, “Sorry to burst your bubbles, guys, but everything between me and my partner is strictly platonic: no funny business here.” They seemed skeptical. “What? It's true! We're just friends.”“So Nick,” Wolford began, “you’re saying that you’ve never thought about getting together with her? I’m sure by bunny standards she’s very attractive.”‘And by fox standards too…’ “Sorry, there's nothing going on between us.”“Don't think we're pestering you, Wilde,” Grizzoli spoke up, “we just wanted to let you know if you do get together with Hopps that we have your back. My mama always told me that love comes in many forms… we're here for you,” the bear concluded as the other two nodded in agreement.Hearing that actually felt... nice, knowing there was a few who had his back. “Thanks, fellas, that means a lot.” He shut his locker throwing the bag over his shoulder. “And if I ever do get into a relationship, vixen or otherwise, you three will be the first to know.”
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Nick made his way out of the locker room just in time to see Judy walk out as well, wearing a tank top and loose shorts. “Hey Carrots, wait up!” he called out.
She turned to see her partner catch up with her. “Hey Nick, what’s up?”“I was just wondering if you have any plans later this evening.”“No, why do you ask?”“Well I was thinking I’d invite you over to my place to watch some movies, it's something we haven't done in a while so I thought it was an interesting idea. Whaddya say?”Catching the small smirk that formed on her face he watched as she “pondered” his idea. “I don't know… will there be food?”“Only the finest dollar store popcorn and soda money can buy, we wouldn't want her majesty to feel out of her element,” he cemented with a dramatic bow in her direction.Judy couldn't keep a straight face for long as she started giggling at his theatrics. “Well then how could I possibly refuse such an offer,” her acceptance sent butterflies through Nick's stomach as her warm aura was always comforting. “What time you want me to come over?”“Well to give you time to change, and me time to clean up a bit, I would have to say…” He looked down at his watch which read 5:23. “6:30, how’s that sound?”“Sounds perfect Nick I’ll see you then.”“See you then Carrots.”
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Nick apartment wasn't messy, per se, but it was a little unkempt. He had a few shirts and, maybe, some underwear lying around, but other than that some of his furniture was kinda dusty and out of place. He spent a good 40 minutes cleaning and rearranging before he was satisfied with how everything was. His place wasn't too big, but it had just enough space for a couch, a coffee table, a t.v. stand, and a small lounging chair. His kitchen was a decent size and down a hallway led to two bedrooms and a bathroom. The rent was cheap, and after Judy having him pay off his taxes, which left him with just under $10,000 and more added now that he had a steady income, he was glad to have any place to call home.After double-checking the snacks he had, then going to freshen up, he went into his bedroom to change into a dark green tee and some sweats. Nick noticed his bare wrist before heading back into his room and putting back on his watch, smiling warmly at as he checked the time: 6:28. “Carrots should here in a few minutes,” the tod said to himself as he walked into the kitchen, threw the popcorn in the microwave, grabbed a bowl and cups, then poured himself and Judy some blueberry flavored soda that he picked up at the store. He only had to wait a bit, as per the time, before he heard knocking. “Be right there!” The microwave went off at the same time, so he pulled the steaming bag out and poured its contents into the bowl before going over to answer the door.Judy wore blue jeans and a simple creme shirt. “Hey Nick.”“Carrots, you-” ‘Look beautiful-’ “-are right on time, as I expect someone of pristine punctuality to be.”They stood there for a moment. “Are… you going to invite me in?”“R-Right,” he moved out of the door putting on a smirk. “Welcome to Casa de Wilde.”“Nick, I've been inside your apartment before,” she pointed out while giggling.“And every time you come in I will always treat it like your first time!” he proclaimed as he fetched her prepared drink from the fridge. “Here you go m’lady, head over to the couch as I grab the popcorn,” he said from the kitchen before plopping himself down next to his best friend. “So, what’s the little bunny in the mood for?”“Hm, how about…”
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“...You idiot!” Judy slapped Wilde across his muzzle. “My father will skin you alive if he finds out you went to the surface!”“Then don't say anything… If you keep that fucking rabbit maw of yours shut then it won’t be a problem… understand?”The rabbit herself seem unaffected by the snarling and extended claws… instead, she began furiously giggling. “Okay okay, you have yourself a deal, but if you get ~caught!~,” she sang the last part, “then don’t blame me for your idiocy.”“FIne, but I got somethin’ to show after dinner…” That comment seems to intrigue the bunny as she started skipping down the hall once more with a huge smile on her face.
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Walking into the “dining hall”, John was off to the side sitting at a table cleaning his pistol while Stu was sharpening his cleaver once more- his apron still stained crimson. At the far left corner of the room there sat a pile of raw meat about 3 feet high, dripping and puddling with blood. The rancid smell raw meat the beginnings of decay would have deterred most mammals, but to Nick it was intoxicating as he watered at the mouth before lunging at the pile; The sounds of tearing meat and wet slapping filled the air, causing one of Stu’s ears to perk up. “I hope it's to your liking Nicholas, I know there isn't much fur in it but… The mother’s coat was too beautiful to waste, I hope you’re not too upset.”The fox stopped momentarily to lift his head as saliva and his feast’s fluids oozed from his muzzle. “Take whatever you want… as long as I get fed I don't care…” he groaned before resuming his actions.The older fox and rabbit watched for a bit before turning to each other. “So Stuart, what's our next move?”“I believe, Johnathon, that we should stay here for the time being,” the stout rabbit examined his cleaner for a moment looking satisfied before placing it back in its sleeve on his back. “Judith slipped up this time around, almost getting caught by the ZPD after one of her... escapades. She's only lucky that her natural skills as a bunny allowed her the ability to escape,” his eyes sent a cold glare his daughter's direction as she simply giggled, “or we would be having a very different conversation… but let's not bother about that now!” His tone shift was jarring to some but John had grown accustomed to it over the years, the rabbit now brimming with enthusiasm. “I have a feeling that the police will be attempting to look for us for a while so we should rest for a few days while their trail runs cold, so let's just enjoy dinner as a family for the time being!” The brown-furred bunny handed Judy and John sandwiches he had prepared earlier. “I hope they taste okay, it's been a few hours since I made them,” he thoughtfully worried with a warm smile.They ate in relatively comfortable silence, only really hearing the sound of Nick's sloppy chewing, and once they were all done with their food John and Stu went about planning their next moves, where they can look for new targets, and what they could do to have the ZPD continue chasing their tails. Meanwhile, however, Nick had nodded for Judy to follow him and by the time she made it to their shared room, she noticed the vulpine was holding something. “Whatcha got there?” she asked, snuggling right into the curve of his neck.The fox growled and was even more tempted to rip off her ears, but he needed to talk to her and he couldn't do that if she couldn't hear. “It's a fucking key, what else would you call this?”“I see that silly, but what's it for?” Upon hearing that Nick and roughly pulled away from the small rabbit so he could shut the door to their room. Once shut he inserted the let into the locked and turned it, he backed away.“Open it.”“What?” Judy quirked a brow at her vulpine companion.“Are you fucking deaf rabbit, I said open the door!”“You locked it,” she mentioned with feigning innocence in her voice.Nick was quite ready to rip out her fur. “Stop fucking arguing and do it!” Judy jumped a bit at Nick's roar but nonetheless smiled as she lightly skipped towards the door. Turning the handle the rabbit was more than confused when she didn't see a cold bunker hallway, but a slightly littered alleyway in the daylight of Zootopia, “What's-”“It's Zootopia.”“I can see that my wonderful Nicholas, but you know that's not possible right? This looks like the outside, which doesn't make sense as we are underground.” As the rabbit tilted her head back and forth, clearly still confused, but only started giggling once again when a thought came to mind. “Did you give me something?” she whispered earning her another growl.“What the fuck- no! That,” he gripped her skull and whipped her back towards the door, “is the actual city, you bitch! But it's not ours…”“Like another Zootopia?” Judy's curiosity seemed piqued, “How is that… oh, whatever!” Her squeaky laugh was grating to the fox's ears. “So it's the key right? That's doing this? How fun! Let's go exploring!” She came up to the vulpine, playing with his chest fur in a way that Nick really didn't like. “I know you want to…”
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Nick's fur bristled and his muscles tensed as he woke up to the feeling of a heaviness against his chest, ‘It's just the popcorn bow, nothing weird about that right?’ The part of Nick's mind tried to rationalize and would've succeeded too if it weren't for the fact that the weight on him was warm, fuzzy, and smelled of lavenders and oranges.Panning down Nick's breath caught in his throat as he saw Judy lying comfortably on him and snoring lightly. They had cuddled before, of course, Judy was a rabbit and they were very physical mammals as Nick came to know. Hopps would lean on him whenever they read over case files in their shared office, she would always grab his arm in excitement whenever she wanted to drag him places, and she always seemed… happy whenever she was near him. Safe in a way. ‘Of course she's comfortable around me I'm her best friend why wouldn't she? It's just because she's a bunny that she's this close…’ He continued to try to deny anything was going on when Judy stirred a bit, nuzzling further into his chest, 'Oh rabbit… you're going to be the death of me…’ Her scent was tickling his nose and beginning to do things to him that if he didn't get her off of him soon things were going very awkward very fast. “Carrots…” The bunny stirred. “Carrots…” she mumbled something but he couldn't make it out. “Hopps, come on, you know you want to get up…”“...No…”“Judy, I'm serious,” her ears shot straight up at the sound of her real name, which inadvertently smacked him in the face. As Judy rose to figure out her surroundings she let out a loud “EEK!” just seeing how close she was to Wilde, only to launch herself with enough force to throw her to the ground and knock some of the air out of Nick. “Ow…” The rabbit groaned while rubbing her backside as she did drop to the ground pretty hard. Her ears perked, however, hearing the sound of a light wheezing from the vulpine. “Nick are you okay?”“Fine… you just… have strong… legs…” he managed to get out as he rubbed his chest with a grimace on his face. “You… work out a lot, don't you?”“Well yeah, I have to keep in shape for our job you know. I may be a rabbit but I need to keep in shape,” Judy stated as she dusted herself off and stood back up. “I'm guessing it's late?”“It's…” Nick pulled out his phone, “a bit past 11 o'clock, which means, my dear partner, it is time for you to head home.” ‘But I REALLY don't want you to go…’ The fox thought though it didn't show on his muzzle.He walked Judy to the street where she climbed into his 1970 Ford Mustang Fastback, an older car but shined like that day it was bought. Judy had always asked where he got it as she admired how pristine and well kept it was, but Nick always managed to avoid giving straight answers. He did mention, though, that he didn't steal it so that alone brought up many more questions for the bunny.The drive was in comfortable silence as the streets were empty and allowed Judy to really take in the night sky and street lights whizzed by above them. Once they got to her apartment building Nick had insisted on walking her up, which she found very nice… while also very adorable, but she would never admit that. Once they reached her door she stopped, “That was… a nice movie night, even if I did fall asleep through some of it.”“Eh, don't worry about that, we're both guilty of that. I guess we were more tired than we let on.”“And, uh… sorry about that,” mumbled Judy.“Sorry, about what?”“Falling asleep on you, I know how you are with personal space at times,” though she would never admit it she did like the feeling of closeness when she awoke, but the thought of Nick looking at her is it discomfort was what freaked her out and ultimately launched herself away from him.“Not much we can change about the past, and I know that bunnies can be pretty clingy so I'll give you a free pass tonight,” Judy slugged the fox in the arm, albeit not hard enough as she was still sleepy, “So I guess this is where we part ways, 'night Carrots,” was all Nick said before strolling back down the hallway. But Judy didn't want this night to end and before she had any control over herself she shouts out for him, “Wait!” The fox froze and turned back, curiously arching a brow, “Uh… I… had fun tonight, I mean I always have fun on our movie nights but… yeah…”Though the words kind of fell out of her mouth Nick understood what she was getting at with a small smile. “Yeah, I had fun too.”“And Nick?”“Yeah?”“Wanna… get breakfast in the morning, before work?” They hadn't had breakfast together in a while, almost two months, so Judy thought it was a good idea.Nick also seem to think so. “Sure Carrots, sounds good, I'll be here to pick you up alight?”“Yeah, sure, sounds good.”“And no sleeping in, I won't be able to do anything to wake as, one, your door is usually locked and, two, even if I used the spare key you gave me my mother taught me to never go into a lady's room without permission.” He had a stupid smirk and half-lidded eyes and if that was from teasing her or from tiredness she didn't know.“I'm not the one who sleeps in sometimes you Dumb Fox.”“And as always the Sly Bunny makes a comeback from time to time,” they shared a quick laugh. “See you tomorrow Carrots.”“Yeah see you tomorrow Nick,” and with that Judy entered her apartment and flopped onto the bed and Nick made it back to his car.Both mammals thinking the same thing:
'What am I going to do with you?’
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Judy looked herself in the mirror as she straightened out her uniform and shined her badge, always wanting to ready for the day. She had checked her phone for any texts from Nick and though she hadn’t received anything yet she knew he would be coming soon. What the rabbit noticed, however, that even though they were only going to breakfast she had felt the small butterflies of nervousness well up in her, ‘What am I worrying about? Nick and i have had breakfast together plenty of times!’But that was when you were just friends… Her inner voice said.
‘Nick and I are just friends, best friends in fact!’
Do best friends cuddle with each other?
‘Of course! We're just close is all.’
Do best friends occasionally take a glance at their partner’s tail when they're not looking?
‘I mean… it is fluffy looking,’ Judy admitted to herself as she brushed out her fur.
Do best friends get bothered when the other talks to someone of the opposite sex?
‘We're cops, we talk to plenty of mammals while on the job,’ she tried to counter as to avoid thinking about times where vixens had all but been directly flirting with Nick, causing her some discomfort.
Do best friends usually feel like that without the other in their lives would seem boring, almost lonely in a way?
‘Uh… well… that's-‘ Ding! “Oh thank carrots,” exclaimed Judy as her phone went off, disrupting any other accusations she was throwing at herself.
Foxy Partner- I’m downstairs
Judy always snickered at the name Nick gave himself when he put his number in her phone, it was so stupid that. Judy wanted to change it… but never did.
Okay, be right down!
After she pressed send she grabbed everything she needed for the day and headed down. Judy had gotten up earlier than usual and though it was only 5:45 in the morning it was a particularly bright morning as she noticed that Nick had his sunglasses resting on his face. It as one of the first things she learned about the fox when they really started becoming friends. Foxes of all types had excellent night vision, which she found out when Nick first filled out his application for the ZPD, but what she didn't know was that their eyes were much more sensitive to sunlight. He always had his aviators on paw and Judy had asked if he had them just so he could look “cool” on the job only to find out they had a practical purpose. “Morning Nick!” Judy greeted while climbing into the passenger seat and buckling in.“Morning Carrots, ready to get some grub?”“You know it!” Nick never knew how the rabbit had so much energy in the morning and still, for the life of him, couldn’t figure if it was because she was a bunny or that was just how Judy was.Nick sipped the coffee he made, since none of the shops were open, and enjoyed the hot liquid warming his body as it was still pretty chilly even with the sun out. As he drove he took notice of Hopps taking the occasional glance at him and after a few minutes of this he spoke up. “I know I’m handsome Fluff so you can just say it without stealing looks,” he smirked as a blush bloomed on Judy’s face and her ear turned a shade of pink. She slugged him in the arm.“Dumb Fox…” she muttered.“Don't you mean Dumb handsome Fox?” Nick asked with a teasing smile.“Is this how you are with all your female friends?”“Not that many female just want to be my friend Carrots, sad to say, but I do act like this around Finnick. He's a handsome guy and I thought he'd appreciate having some compliments thrown his way, though sometimes I think he thinks I'm being serious... I'm not though, he's too aggressive for the type of guys I like,” his tone was even and calm as he tried not to snicker at seeing Judy’s wide-eyed expression at the small but equally important confession as it were. He knew she would probably had questions for him later, but after knowing her for two years he was pretty comfortable width her, it was the same with Finnick- albeit more violently as the fox tended to be with things.Just thinking about Finnick brought a proper smile to his face. The fennec didn't have much to do when Nick left for the Academy to join the ZPD and a few months after Nick joined the force Finnick actually got himself a real job. The small fox had always been a fan of music, usually listening to R & B, Hip Hop, and Rap, but would branch out and listen to other genres as well. You couldn’t tell by just looking at him but his deceptively deep voice also lead to some pretty strong vocals and Nick had been privileged enough to hear Finnick sing. The fox managed to open up a music store that sold vinyl, cd's, records, and a ton of other stuff for all types of music. Nick was glad to see his friend take a more honest path, even if he did force his paw a bit by “leaving him”.Nick snapped out of his semi-daydreaming as he parked outside of the diner that he and Judy would visit when they could: Bark and Howl. The name may seem deceptive but the place served both predators and prey with a variety of dishes, the name came from the wolf couple who owned the place. Hearing the jingle of the doorbell the hostess turned to greet the new customers walking in, glowing as she saw who it was, “Officer Hopps, Officer Wilde, it's great to see you two again!”“Good to see you too Malinda, it's been a while hasn’t it?” The red wolf simply smiled as she noticed how embarrassed looking Judy was as had been a while since they came around.“Oh don’t worry about that! You two are always welcome here! Your usual spot?”“Yes please,” answered Hopps as the wolf nodded and guided them to their seats. They normally took a booth near the back as it gave them some amount of privacy when they ate as they were pretty recognizable at this point. Unfortunately, however, it was a pretty busy morning, but they weren’t about to complain. As the two seated themselves Malinda took out a notepad to write on, “Your usuals?” Both mammals nodded. “Okay, so that’ll be the breakfast bug burger deluxe with extra fire sauce, buttermilk pancakes with a side of hashbrowns, and two coffees comin’ right up!” The wolf exclaimed before heading off to give the order to the kitchen. While Nick and Judy waited for their food they just started about whatever came to mind and most of it was just normal friendly chatter, but when their coffees came Judy grew a little quiet. “Carrots, you okay?”“Hm? Oh, yeah, fine. Just… thinking,” she tried to play off only to receive a quirked brow from her partner.“About what?”“Just… you know…” Judy, unconvincingly, tried to act like it was no big deal but failing miserably. “What you said in the car…” her voice grew quieter near the end of her sentence.Nick rolled his eyes in amusement as he raised his coffee to his muzzle. “And I guess you have questions?” Judy nodded. “Okay then shoot.”“Are you gay?” spat out Judy in a rather blunt fashion that it caught Nick off guard that he started choking on his coffee. Judy freaked out a bit as the vulpine pounded his chest, doing what he could to settle down. He managed to get air back into his lungs just as Malinda came by with their food.“Okay, here you guys… go.” She finished off, looking at the scene in front of her: a bunny blushing in embarrassment and a fox struggling to breathe. “Everything alright?” she asked in an amused tone.“We're great M, just… needing to talk to my partner about what is and isn't the right way to question mammals. Honestly, Carrots did you learn nothing at the Academy?” The red wolf couldn’t help but giggle as Judy tried to defend herself while she placed their food on their table and left. They saw the display in front of them but neither wanted to start eating as they still had to talk. “Fluff, why don't you backtrack your strategy and we’ll see if I can give you the answer you’re looking for.”“Okay… Do you find Finnick attractive?” She asked in the same low voice she asked her previous question in, realizing this could potentially be a sensitive subject if she was right in what she assumed in the car- even if Nick did blatantly say what she thought he said.“He is attractive in his own right, but I wouldn't date him as he's like a brother to me.” An honest answer, but not exactly what she was looking for.“Okay then how about this: Have you gone on dates with guys before?”“Yeah, a few, but nothing substantial,” he answered as he picked up his burger and took a bite, savoring each flavor.Once Nick finished chewing Judy continued. “What about women?”“Like I said earlier women don't always want to ‘date’ when they talk to me if you get what I’m saying, but yes I have gone on some dates with women.” He enjoyed seeing the confused expression on his partner’s face as she tried to rack her mind around what that meant. “Careful now if you overwork that bunny brain of yours steam might start coming out of those large ears of yours.” Judy kicked him under the table, almost making him drop his burger in the process.“You’re a douchebag, you know that?”It was Nick’s turn to be shocked, “Why Carrots I believe that's the closest you’ve come to actually cursing, bravo!”“Nick I’m being serious.”“I am too, I’m so proud of you!” he cheered, wiping away a fake tear. “My country bumpkin partner is growing up…”“Oh shush you,” Judy threw back as she cut into her pancakes, after covering them in syrup of course. “If you’re not going to give me a straight answer-““Pretty hard to do that when you’re not straight Carrots,” Nick smirked knowing this would throw Judy off.“What does that even mean?!” Judy was pretty exasperated at this point.“It means exactly that Fluff: I’m not straight,” he so casually confessed to her that he could almost hear the gears in his partner’s head turned while processing hat he just said.“Oh... so… you’re not?”“Nope.”“But-““You assumed didn't you?” He asked, not in an accusatory way but just trying to see her thinking. She nodded. “And what I said in the car has you thinking I bat for the other team, but my answers aren't really fully confirming anything for you, sound about right?” again, she nodded. “That's okay Carrots, wasn't exactly given you all the pieces to the puzzle anyway.”“Nick-““So ask, and I promise I won’t choke on anything. You just caught me off guard the first time.”“And what? My questioning was a game to you?”“A bit yes, I like confusing people sometimes,” Judy didn't look too happy about that. “I will give you a simple answer though.”“Okay. So are you gay?”“No, no I am not.” Judy tried to ignore the sense of relief that built up in her.“Then if you’re not gay and you’re not straight then what are you?” Judy was pretty confused at this point and had no idea if Nick was being honest or just messing with her.“You do know there’s more than just those two sides, right? A range of sexuality?”Judy blinked. “What?”Nick shook his head. “Oh Carrots… even after living in Zootopia for two years you’re still as naive as when we first met. What am I going to do with you?” The vulpine acted more like a teacher talking to a student rather than to his best friend, which set Judy off a bit.“You… You are so rude, Nicholas Piberius Wilde! Yes I grew up in Bunnyburrow so yes there are things that I don't always understand, but that doesn’t give you the right to-““Bi.”That caught her off guard, the growing anger from before fading. ‘What did you say?”“I said I’m bi Carrots, you know… as in bisexual?” Judy continued to stare at him in confusion, he sighed. “It means that I find both men and women attractive, it's pretty simple to understand but some confuse themselves over it and make it more complicated than it needs to be.”“Oh… Oh… Oh! Well, um… thanks for telling me, Nick. I, uh... I'm glad you trust me enough to tell me that.”“You’re my best friend, and besides you’re a pretty open-minded rabbit so naturally I assumed that you wouldn’t have a problem with it.”“And if I did?” She asked, not because that’s what she’d believe but moreso curious to Nick’s answer.“Then you’d probably want to be assigned to different partners if you weren't comfortable with it, at least that's what I’m guessing.”“Well lucky you that I wouldn’t want anyone else than you watching my back!” Judy beamed as she took his paw. “And I really am glad you told me, Nick, I feel like I understand you a bit more.”“Great! So.. are you gonna eat?” Nick points out, staring at her cooling pancakes and hashbrowns she’s barely touched while he had gotten a third of his burger.“Oh carrot sticks!”
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“So… what about Wolford?”“Oh my god I shouldn’t have told you…” Nick groaned out as he drove them to the Precinct, doing his best to avoid any questions his partner threw at him. “Are you just going to go through the entire list of Precinct One male officers until I give you an actual answer?” Judy had been listing off cops for the last ten minutes they were driving and at one point Nick was thinking if she would be fast enough to catch him before he jumped out the window.“Well I’m not gonna ask you what female officers you find attractive-“ ‘Because I don't want to know-‘ “-and besides isn't this what guys do, ask each other who they find ‘hot’ when they go to a bar or something?”“I mean, yeah, but-““Then what’s the difference?”“Well, for one, those are usually strangers and it's easy to say what you think off of first glances and, two, you’re you. You doing that just feels I don't know, embarrassing…”“Am I embarrassing the great Nick Wilde? Is his face of indifference finally cracking?” teased Judy.“In your dreams rabbit.”There was a brief moment of silence.“... So, Delgato?”“Oh my god Judy!” The bunny laughed as her partner’s freak out before deciding to leave him alone. She looked down at her lap where Nick’s less than half of a burger sat in a to-go container. He helped her eat the pancakes, much to her displeasure, and because of that, he couldn't finish off his meal so he took it with him. Curious, Judy opened the box and just looked at the unfinished burger and before she could stop herself she tore off a piece of the burger and just looked at between her digits. Nick saw this as well and before he could even get a word in Judy popped the piece into her mouth without hesitation. Wide-eye shock filled Wilde as he watched his partner crew for a moment… then swallow. There was a moment of hesitation on his end. “Uh… Carrots?”“Yeah?”“You know… that has actual meat in it, right?” While it as common for Predators to have fish or chicken, Bark and Howl was one of the few places in the city that made their burgers with turkey meat mixed in with the bugs more commonly used through the metropolis.“Yeah I know.”“So… what did you think?” Nick cautiously asked, worried that Judy was going to gag and throw up any moment.“It was… different.”“A bad different?”“No, just… different.”“You feeling okay?”“Uh huh!”“Okay then,” Nick parked the car and headed inside without any more words said beforehand. Judy trailed them as she checked her phone: 7:10, they had time before heading to the bullpen. The bunny noticed Nick talking with Clawhauser so casually like nothing happen and for a moment she thought everything was… … Until Nick smirked at her. “There’s our resident cannibal!”“Wha- Nick!”“Is it true Judy, did you eat meat?” Clawhauser asked with wide eyes and a curious and worried expression.The bunny sighed, “Yeah, by all accounts, I did eat meat,” she raiser her paw before he could say anything, “but it was only a small piece, so I doubt it even counts. I was curious is all.”“But… bunnies can't eat meat!” The portly cheetah glanced at Nick, “Right?”“Well… I guess Carrots can apparently. You’re not hiding any fangs in the muzzle of your, right? You’re not some secret hybrid?”Judy just rolled her eyes as she looked at the two predators, “No, I am not a hybrid nor do I have fangs.”
“Just asking- alright, as always, it's great to talk with you Spots but me and Carrots got to head to Briefing.”“Okay, have a good day guys!” He called out as they made their way over to the Bullpen. As they seem to get far enough Nick leaned over, “Well there’s one answer to your flurry of questions.” That was all he said before continuing to walk off, Judy pausing for a moment.The rabbit stood there for a moment, processing his words… before whipping back and forth between the receptionist deck and her retreating partner, “What?!”
_____
Another exciting day working for the ZPD done.Judy had been walking home from work, Nick getting off early since he finished up his paperwork faster than her and when asked if he should wait she told him to go, which in hindsight was probably a bad idea since her feet did hurt from the day’s events. She and Nick were put on patrol that day and everything seemed to go smoothly… only for a store’s alarm to go off, indicating that it was being robbed. Nick and Judy were the closest and almost immediately it had come to an on-foot chase. Nick, luckily, had been driven into the ground both by the academy and Judy so he easily kept up with his faster partner as they pursued the robbers. He had radioed in their location just as the robbers turned down some alleys and were promptly blocked off and arrested, ending the almost 30-minute chase. What also sucked was that the two were now many blocks away, at the time, so they had to jog back to their own cruiser in order to continue their patrol. They had a few more run-ins like that day so to say they were busy was an understatement.A sigh of relief left the bunny as she stood in front of her apartment building. She had moved to a nicer place once she accumulated enough funds, and though it was father from the Precinct she at least had a proper home to call hers.Before she entered, however, something moved at the corner of her eye and when Judy went to look what she saw confused her: It was… Nick, or at least she thought it was Nick, standing a ways away across the street. The fox was in a grey hoodie and jeans and for a second she thought she saw a glint of green in the eyes. Rubbing her own, however, revealed nothing as the figure Hopps saw standing away was gone- almost as if they weren’t there in the first place. Judy stood confused for a moment before shrugging it off as her imagination. Once upstairs and in her apartment, Hopps took the time to change into something more comfortable and take a shower, and just as she finished drying off and changed she heard her phone ringing from the living room. She smiled when she saw who was Muzzletiming her. “Hey Mom, hey Dad.”
“Hey there Jude, did cha just get home from work?”
“Yeah, it was a pretty busy day today,” Judy answered as she caught a glimpse of the time on her clock: 7:36. ‘Later than I usually get out.’“Well don't overwork yourself hon, we know how you can get about things,” her mother warned. “You have to stay healthy and you can't do that if you’re passing out from exhaustion.”“I know Mom and I’m doing fine on that end. I have someone watching my back, remember?”
“Oh right that partner of yours, what was his name again? Nate?”
“It's Nick, Dad.”“Right right I knew that,” Judy laughed seeing her father smile weakly after messing up Nick’s name. While her parents, her dad specifically, meant well sometimes it could be a little hard to talk with them since they were overbearing at times or forgot things she has told them multiple times. There were also times where they would bug her about finding someone to date, even though she had explicitly said that she wasn't looking to date anyone in the last two years. But you know that’s changing…This was one of those times. “So, Jude, are you… you know… seeing anyone?”“Dad…”
“Judith, honey, it's been two years and I know that you’ve been focusing on your career, but you have to leave yourself open to more things now. The Carrot’s Day Festival is coming up and-“
“No! You two are not setting me up on any dates when I go visit you!” Since the Carrot’s Day Festival was in the middle of April, it now being close to the last week of March, there were at least 3 weeks before then. “Anybody in Bunnyburrow wouldn’t understand all the important work I do here in the ZPD and for Zootopia, and dad already knows what they want from me,” Judy watched her dad shiver. During the times her parents set her up on dates out in the Burrows the guys always feigned interest in her job before trying to make a lightning-fast move on her. The officer had sent plenty of bucks into the ground, clutching their “family jewels”. Every time it happened she told her father, who almost every time was ready to “talk” with the guy.Contrary to popular belief, Stu Hopps, while a kind farmer, didn't take anything lying down and definitely didn't take kindly to anyone trying to take advantage of any of his children and especially his daughters.What surprised her, this time around, was her father speaking up before Bonnie could add anything else. “She’s right Bon, the bucks here are very… one-track mind,” he muttered with a bit of a growl, “and I can only hope that guys in the city might be a little more broad-minded, but I do agree with your mother that you could at least attempt to do some dating, okay? Don't bury yourself in your work.”“I know Dad, and… I can try to find some dates before going out there, but I’m not guaranteeing anything!”“You don't have to, we only ask that you try- you’ve always been a tryer!” There was some commotion behind both her parents, which cause both of them to cringe, “We have to get going now Judy, we’ll call you next week to check up, okay?”“Okay, I love you guys.”
“We love you too Jude, bye!” Click!
Judy rolled her eyes before making some food then heading to bed to sleep, a little irritated that her parent brought up dating again after so long of not saying anything. Though she had to admit that maybe they were right about this and maybe she should try to date, there wasn't anyone that she could think of to even start.The rabbit shoved it off, however, so she could sleep and for that night she dreamt of red fur, green eyes, and a warm smile…
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Two days later…
On a nice warm Thursday afternoon, Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps sat in a nondescript police car near the docks waiting for something to happen. Chief Bogo assigned them to scout out a drug bust as secured any potential exits the peddlers could take. They had no clue who the leaders were but knew they were smaller mammals which is exactly why he had Hopps and Wilde ready on standby. And for this very important assignment, they had to be absolutely-“So how come you're single Carrots?”-Distracted as they had been waiting hours at this point.Judy stared at him with shock. “What did you just ask?”“Single, Carrots, why is that one of your titles along with Badass Bunny and Daughter of a Farmer.”Hopps wasn't completely sure how to respond. “I-I’m not sure what you mean,” she said unconvincingly.“I can only assume that bucks would be clamoring to get with you, you're a pretty interesting mammal so I would’ve thought that I would have had to chase off unneeded suitors while on the job. I feel kinda left with nothing to do!”Judy scoffed at such a self-centered but obviously teasing, remark. “My parents have tried setting me up with bucks in the past. You know when I come back after a trip back home and I’m pretty upset for a bit?” Nick nodded. “Well, that's because I usually have a date right before I come back and every time they try to convince me to stay and ‘raise a family’ with them. It's completely absurd! To think I would uproot all that worked so hard for just to become some baby maker…” Nick had thought about that, multiple occasions and one nightmare, but always shook it off because of who Judy was. “...not that bunnies who do that are bad, but it's just not the life for me.”“And the anger?”“Even when I politely tell them no they always persist and get a little… pawsy,” just hearing that enlisted a small growl from Nick, but he reigned himself in, “but I do feel bad that I kinda take it out on you when I get back, it’s not very best friend of me.”“Eh, don't sweat it Fluff. If some guy or gal tried to feel me up I probably get pretty irritated too, so don't worry about it.” 'And if anyone tried to do that to you with me around then they’ll be introduced to my claws…’“...you?” Nick heard Judy say as he snapped back out of his thoughts. “Huh, what? You say something?”Judy rolled her eyes. “Are you even listening? I asked what about you?”“What about me what?”“Why are you single? You’re a…” Judy paused when she saw Nick smirk a bit. “...pretty decent looking fox, how come I haven't met any girlfriend or boyfriend of yours?”“Well, I am a rare commodity Carrots. There aren't that many pretty decent looking foxes around, so I have to make myself a prize to win.” Nick cherished every moment tha he made Judy laugh, because it was something he felt like he earned for doing something right, especially by her. “I’m serious Nick.”“So am I! I’m always serious.”“That's pretty hard to believe.”“Whatever you say Carrots,” Nick let out with a sigh, “but in all seriousness, it can be… pretty hard to find someone to be with.”“Whaddya mean?”Nick was trying to figure out how to tell this to Judy for a while, “Before I answer that answer me this: Rabbits, how… single pathed are you?”“What?”‘There's a better way to say that dummy…’ “Your mom is married to your dad, right?” weird question but Judy nodded. “and because they're married they only stick with each other, right? No venturing outwards?”“If you’re saying they don't cheat on each other then yes you are right. Mammals usually get married to the one they are fully in love with and don’t normally look for ‘outside pleasure’... otuside of more open relationships, but I'm guessing that's not what you're talking about right now.”“Yeah... anyway, I’m guessing sex isn't something that's a big deal with your species?”“Not really, rabbit families are normally big so privacy isn't something we get very often- you wouldn't believe how of my brothers I’ve ‘seen’,” Hopps shivered at the thought. “but sex is something we all usually understand and don't think much about, why?”Nick shifted in his seat a bit. “Well, Foxes… mate for life. The moment we pick someone we want to spend our lives with then we… you know…” Wilde was glad his fur as deep enough to cover any blushing. “It’s treated like a vow, a contract of sorts, saying that you’ll be with that mammal practically forever and you won’t bed anyone else. It’s basically marriage for foxes and highly frowned upon in our culture to break that contract.”“So can still date before then, right?”“Of course, we just don't usually have intercourse until we've decided on the one for us.” Judy perked up after hearing that, her learning new facts about her partner and his species… when another thought came to find, and Nick saw it. “No…”“So-”“Carrots, don't-”“That means-”“Hopps please-”“This means you haven't-”“Judy, please, I’m begging you…” Every time Nick uses her real name the bunny stiffens knowing that Nick is being serious.“Okay Nick, I’ll stop,” she relents, still with a teasing smirk on her face.“Thank you, and, yes, to satisfy that carnal curiosity of yours, I haven't slept with anyone yet. Happy?” Nick knows Judy wouldn’t use that little fact against him, she wasn’t that type of mammal.“A bit, yes. Thank you for sharing that, though, since I didn't really know that about foxes. Does every fox follow those rules as it were?”Nick shook his head. “That's where the stereotype of vixens come from. A chunk of us don't really listen to our instincts because some like to ‘play the field’, but my parents were traditional in that sense with how they raised me, wanted to do something right by me.” Judy nodded as they went back to waiting for anything…Nick hated the quiet. Tell her a story if you don't like this you Dumb Fox. “So one time this wolf I was with-”“Nick not now.”“But-”“Look,” Judy pointed and the fox followed her point of interest: Stopped across from where they were parked was a medium-sized white van where a poorly dressed weasel stepped out. Making their way over to the mammal was a hare dressed in a leather jacket and jeans. Nick and Judy turned all of their attention on the conversation they were having but couldn't do anything just yet.Judy picked up the radio. “Hopps and Wilde to Dispatch, possible drug deal in progress. Stay advised as we wait to move in.”
“10-4 Wilde-Hopps, be advised that backup is ready if needed.”
“Wilde-Hopps?” Nick quizzed.“Clawhauser has been referring to us like that around the precinct for a while now, have you never noticed?”“No I noticed, that's the first time he's said that over dispatch- well talk about that later because…” his words drifted off as Judy saw the handoff they were looking for, the hare handing over a baggy of something while the weasel forked over the cash. The fox didn't have much time to say anything as Judy jumped out of the car, calling in the crime as she ran over.“Stop, in the name of the law!” Nick couldn’t roll his eyes further into the back of his head if he tried as he saw both suspects seize up before bolting in seperate directions. He always wondered why cops, especially Judy, shouted that line knowing criminals would run. Every time.“Go for the hare, I got the weasel!” shouted Nick while sprinting down the docks. Grabbing his shoulder radio he to call it in. “This is Wilde, Hopps and I are in pursuit of two suspects- A weasel, early to mid-twenties, in dirty sweatpants and a hoodie and a hare in a leather jacket and jean, age unknown!”
“Copy that Wilde, sending two cruisers your way: ETA 5 minutes.”
‘Tsk, 5 minutes? Well I guess it's better than nothing.’ “10-4 Dispatch,” he responded before picking up speed and closing in on the weasel.Due to the mammal’s more lanky body, the weasel was able to maneuver around much quicker than Nick could while also keep up a steady pace that kept him continually out of reach of the fox. It was pretty irritating for the vulpine as his target kept knocking over crates and cages while dashing by or under some of the mammals at the docks for work, on-foot chases weren’t something Nick particularly enjoyed but, like he told Judy a few days ago, there's gonna be parts of the job you’re not going to like.Luckily for the fox, he’s lived on these streets for nearly two decades so he knew the ins and outs of every alleyway and street so when the weasel ducked underneath a rhino and took a hard left. He smirked. “Bad move buddy,” Nick muttered as he ran past the pathway the weasel ran down as he opted to latch onto a rope hanging off the awning of one of the warehouses as he briskly scurrying upwards to get to the roof and sprinting across. Thought the roof was sheets of metal Nick was too small to be noticed by anyone below him, so as he counted out the seconds going by before he saw the rope he needs to get down.Remembering his many occasions of chases through the Rainforest District his ability to swing from a vine has improved since the Nighthowler Case, so swing around on the rope wasn't much different as he expertly circled around in the narrow pathway and landing right in front of the weasel. “Sorry pal, these streets are pretty much mine. And now,” Nick drew his tranq pistol and aimed it at the weasel, “I suggest you come quietly because these kind of sting, so best you-” Nick didn't get much out before the suspect tried bolting back the way he came, only to get a dart in the rear and collapse without much of a fuss. The fox sighed. “I tried to tell ya, pal.” Fishing out his handcuffs he bound the weasel just as a police cruiser pulled up behind him and out stepped a female tiger and grey wolf. “Ah, Fangs, Howls, good to see ya!”“Afternoon Nick,” greeted Fangmeyer. “That the weasel?”“Yep, tried to run so he took a dart to the behind.” Wilde handed off the sleeping suspect as Wolford lifted him into the back of the cruiser before shutting the door. “And may I add you are looking positively radiant today, Fangs.” He winked at the larger predator, who blushed a bit as she coughed into her paw.“Hey, watch it Wilde,” called out Wolford as he came back from the front of the cruiser calling in they had the suspect in custody. “That's my partner you’re talking to, point that charm somewhere else.”“Then how bout you Howls?” Nick asked, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively. That got a laugh out of the two officers. The fox did enjoy teasing some of the officers back at the precinct.“I mean towards Hopps, you moron, the two of you seem to work really well together I just thought you know… you two seem to have it made for each other.”“Wolford I had no idea you were such a romantic,” commented Fangmeyer just as the wolf grumbled and jumped back into the driver’s seat. “Anyways, do you need a ride back to the precinct Wilde?”Nick shook his head. “No I’m good, still got a drug dealer to catch. I’m gonna go help Hopps, but something tells me she’s got it handled.”
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Judy only caught a glimpse of Nick in the corner of her eye before sprinting off after the hare who, unsurprisingly, was pretty quick on his feet. She had only had to chase down a handful of rabbits and hares in her time working for the ZPD but every time it happened it pleased the bunny, being able to see how her training went up against the natural prowess of her species/sister species.Being a smaller species, both Hopps and the hare bounced around crates and cages scattered about, maneuvered through larger mammals with ease, and squeezed through gaps that most would either have to push through or get stuck behind.The two made their way into one of the empty warehouses on the docks, and as there weren't many other exits that were easily accessed by someone their size or locked Hopps felt it was right to draw her tranq pistol. “Hands up! There’s nowhere else to go!”The hare froze for a moment before slowly raising his paws as he turned around, a smirk on his face. “Come on Hon, I wasn’t doing anything that bad. Do you have to arrest me?”“Selling drugs is illegal, didn’t anyone tell you that?” snarked Judy, her partner’s personality rubbing off a bit.“I’m a businessmammal, I help those who need, is there something wrong with that?” The hare voice was calm and collected, and a little higher than Judy would’ve initially thought.“A crime is a crime, I’m taking you in.”“Or,” the hare began., “maybe I could show you some good fun, and then you could let me off with a warning. Everybody wins.”Judy quirked a brow. “Fun? What are you…” and then it clicked. “Oh, ugh! Really?!”“We’re from similar ‘families’, so it shouldn't be an issue, so whaddya say Officer Hopps?” The hare walked forward. “You even been with a hare?” The closer he thought Judy noticed that he was a head taller than her, not unsurprisingly since he was a hare and they were usually bigger than regular rabbits.“Don’t come any closer!” ordered Judy, her tranq pistol still aimed high.The hare rolled his eyes. “We both know you’re not going to shoot me, after all,” he lowered his hands and went to reach for Judy’s wrist. “Who could pass up an opportunity like this? Alone and oh so-” the hare didn't get the chance to finish his sentence as Judy wrenched her wrist out of his grasp before swirling around behind him, kneeing him in the back as she pinned one of his arms behind his back before crashing into the ground. He struggled for a moment until realizing how much stronger the rabbit was compared to him as she slapped cuffs on him and hauled him back to his feet before putting away her pistol.“I’m just gonna pretend that you didn’t say anything, and just arrest on charges of selling illegal substances and call it a day.”“Oh come on rabbit we both know that you-”“You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you. Do you understand these rights as I’ve read them to you?” SIlence. “I said do you understand?”“Yeah I understand,” muttered the hare as she hauled him back towards where they entered the warehouse. “Crazy bitch…”“What was that?” More silence. “That's what I thought you said.”As Judy hauled the irritated hare back to the docks she spotted a cruiser parked just outside, Rhinowhitz and Snarlof, and handed off the hare to the other officers just as she spotted Nick walking over.“Guess I was right in thinking you had it handled on your end, he give you any trouble?”Judy shook her head. “Nope, everything was good on my end!”“Cool, well since the bad guys have been caught for the day I say we head back to the precinct and cross our fingers that the Chief will let us go early since it’s been pretty slow.”While walking back to their unmarked car Judy snickered. “What makes you think he’ll do that?”The fox shrugged. “Wishful Thinking, one, but mostly it just seems like the right thing to do. There haven't really been any major cases for us to do, so it just kinda felt like he was keeping us busy- not to say this wasn’t important but it's been a pretty boring week so far.”“Yeah, well, if he does give us the rest of the day off then I’ll give you 10 bucks,” she said as she buckled her seatbelt.Nick gasped. “Why, Ms. Hopps, giving ten unsuspecting rabbits to a fox seems so brutal… or a fun time for me,” Nick added as he wiggled his eyebrows, to which Judy socked him in the arm hard.“You know what I mean, smart alec.”“I do, but it’s just more fun to mess you with.”
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“Great work you two, I’ll get some officers to question Mr. Hindall and Barkloud,” Bogo commended as he looked over the police reports Nick and Judy handed him. “It’s a smaller drug ring, so it shouldn’t be hard to flip either mammal, again, great work officers.” Bogo checked his wristwatch. “I know it’s only a quarter to 3 but take the rest of the day off, it’s been pretty slow so I see no reason to keep you two here for much longer.” The water buffalo noticed Nick’s smirk grew bigger and Judy’s face fell a bit. “Is there something the matter?” Judy went to open her mouth before Bogo raised his hoof. “You know what? I don't care, get out.”As the two exited the Chief's office Judy couldn't help but glare. “Don't. Say. A. Word.”“Wasn’t planning on it Carrots.”The two changed into their casual clothes they had on hand, a navy blue t-shirt and beige shorts for Nick and a tank top and jeans for Judy before they met up again to which Judy shoved a ten-dollar bill in Nick’s face. The fox didn't say anything as they both waved goodbye to Clawhauser and left for the day.“You know,” Nick began as they made it to his car. “It’s plenty warm today, you wanna get some ice cream?”Judy’s face was blank as she glanced at him. “Does this have anything to do with you getting money from me?”“A bit, but I’ve wanted ice cream for a while now and I thought today would be perfect,” he answered honestly, gesturing to the clear skies as they pulled out of the underground parking complex. “So whaddya say Carrots, you some ice cream to cheer you up?”The rabbit was silent for a few seconds, watching buildings pass by outside her window, before answering. “Sure, why not. You’re going to be spending my money anyway so I might as well get something out of it.”“That's the spirit!” cheered Nick earning him another punch to the arm.After driving around for a couple of minutes Nick parked outside of an ice cream parlor in Savannah Central, and though he was tempted to drive down to Jumbeaux's Café he decided against it. He’d prefer a cold treat that he didn't need to break a sweat carrying.Judy waited in the car while Nick went inside to pay for their treats, but as the vulpine ordered and paid for their ice cream something caught his attention in the corner of his eye. As he was hand the two sundaes he noticed… a rabbit sitting in the corner at one of the tables in the parlor. Her fur was grey and the tips of her ears were black, just like Judy’s, and when he caught the rabbit looking at him and it hurt his head seeing her eyes glisten the same amethyst color Judy had. Combined with everything else… it was Judy, there wasn't anything to really debunk that and for a second Nick thought Judy looked up the car and came inside. He didn't really mind though, it was pretty warm outside and it would only- “Nick, what are you doing?” Judy’s voice caught him off guard as he whipped around to see his partner staring at him in confusion. “What are you looking at?”“Carrots?” Nick turned back around to see the rabbit he thought was Judy had disappeared. “But I thought… nevermind, here.” The fox shook his head as he handed Hopps her sundae. “Guess the heat’s getting to me more than I thought.”“Why do you say that?” asked Judy, spooning a mouthful of ice cream as they walked by to Nick’s car.“Head’s playing tricks on me is all, nothing to worry about.” Nick set down his sundae on top of his car as he unlocked it. “Just don’t drip anything in my car or you’ll be paying for the clean up!”“Yes, Dad…” Judy groaned exaggeratedly as she couldn’t hide the smile on her face. Nick was always a bit of a stickler about his car. "And while we eat maybe you can tell me about that tale of that wolf our job so rudely interrupted."Nick didn't realize she caught onto that, so hearing that she did put a bit of a smile on his face as well… even if she was eating in his car. "So, like I was saying, this wolf I was with- he was actually a lot like you with all that optimism in his eyes- we went to…"
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Nothing… They had nothing. The trail went cold in finding where the missing wolf family went and even though Bogo knew who it was that took them he had no way of finding them! And with no way to find them and with their initial trail already run the Chief of Police was certain that family was already dead and he couldn't do anything about it.The water buffalo stormed into his office and slammed the door shut, cracking the glass of his door a fair amount as he walked over the shelf in his office and hurled one of the crystal glass cups against the farthest wall. The sound of shattering glass was sharp and piercing as Bogo huffed for a while, gritting his teeth, before attempting to calm down in any way. He grabbed one of his remaining cups, as he's thrown many in the last seven years.Pouring a half-full cup of Scotch and downing it in one gulp, Bogo poured himself another glass before sitting down at his desk with files scattered all over it. Every single one of those files full but utterly useless at the same time, each one filled with the most basic of information on his four wanted mammals, what they do or use to kill, and their entire rap-sheet of every mammal they've taken the lives of: all random, scattered throughout the years, and never leaving behind much to follow.Becoming Chief of Police at the age of 38, Theodore Bogo, even with 18 of experience under his belt, was still bright and enthused by serving the citizens of Zootopia. 15 years of running Precinct One Chief Bogo slowly grew tougher and colder but nothing had snuffed out the light in his eyes quite like discovering the first bloody pile of meat, bones, and fur all those years ago.Bogo had seen dead bodies before, it was part of the job, but he hadn't seen anything like this before. It was brutal, it was vicious, it was… savage. And it only grew worse from there…Corpses piled up over the first two years causing mass panic throughout the city as more and more mammals started disappearing almost daily, mounds of mush sprouting up all over in varying sizes from pawfuls to piles feet high and wide. Every precinct in the city all had a chunk of their officers working on trying to catch these maniacs, but nothing seemed to be working. Stray fur samples here and there but all that really told the police was the species of their perpetrator, and when it was discovered that it was a band of perpetrators that just upped the difficulty in catching whoever was doing this.Soon enough into the third did things start to change, but not for the better: while whole bodies started to pop up their injuries didn't match up with what the ZPD already knew- predators and prey of all ages, genders, and sizes appeared with a simple bullet hole through the temple while dressed in nice tailor-made clothing and posed as if sleeping; bodies that had their entire chest cavity ripped open all the way to their crotch with organs and muscle spilled out everywhere, consumption obvious through fang marks and missing chunks; and bodies with their throats ripped out as you could see the other side, pants or panties around their ankles with signs of sexual abuse prominent.The fourth-year is when it became personal for Bogo as after a long day at work finding nothing substantial to catch these crazies he came home to find his wife dressed in a beautiful dress that fit her perfectly, posed as if she was sleeping in bed, and a single bullet hole through the temple of her skull. The bovine had never wailed in such distress as he did that night, it was then that the light died… and a fire burned.His wife had something clutched in her hooves, unlike other victims, and as Bogo removed and enrolled it he found that it was a polaroid of four mammals: Two red foxes and two rabbits, one brown the other grey, all in from of his wife and each of them dressed in clothes that ranged from a prim pressed suit, overalls and a leather apron and goggles, tight and exposing workout clothes, and baggy bloodstained hoodie and sweats. On the back to read "Family's Day Out".A few weeks later did Bogo run into the bloody fox in an attempt to catch him, only to earn the claw marks seen on his snout to this day.Chief Bogo made it his mission to friend whatever he could on this psychos and while their body count increased the water buffalo only managed to find scraps of info on each mammal, seeing there was more on The Arsenal and Butcher of Zootopia than what he could find on both of their kids.Bogo sipped on his scotch while scanning through the files at his disposal, surges of disgust filling his person as he reread The Butcher’s info as he tried to fathom why someone like this ex-carrot farmer would do the things he’s done. Though what they have on him is partially substantial they have been able to piece together the events that had unfolded in the past, but some things still didn’t make any sense. The same could be said for The Arsenal, but what bothered the Chief the most was how little they had on Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps- from when they were just tots to when they started killing is a huge gap of nothing and there wasn't much to fill this emptiness other than hearsay and rumors.He polished off his drink, grumbling as he went to fill his glass back up.“They’ll slip up, everyone does sooner or later… when they do…” an inkling of a smile formed for just a second before fading just as fast as it formed. “I’ll be ready…”
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“So here I was, wearing nothing but my boxers and a scarf, in the middle of Tundra Town because this reindeer chick- can’t even remember her name now- conveniently forgot to tell me that her boyfriend was back in town. I swear to you, Carrots, that if I had known she was taken I wouldn’t have even given her a second thought, so I spent a pretty chilly night running for my life so I didn't get gored by reindeer horns,” finished Nick just as he took another bite of his burger as he shook his head. “I really wish,” Nick said in-between chewing, “that mammals didn't see foxes as either shufty or ‘exotic’ to be with because, like, come on… it's really dumb. The ‘shifty’ part I get- stereotypes are a bitch- but like exotic? I’m just a red fox.”“Oh Nick,” Judy confided as she rested a paw on his, the other grabbing the next bite of her salad. “I’m sorry that happened to you, but I kinda get it in a way. Some mammals think since I’m a rabbit I’m just willing to jump into bed with anyone, which is totally off base!” Laughing, Nick really enjoyed seeing Judy so animated. “Like I understand that back home, there are rabbits that do go with anyone, but it gets really annoying.”“Amen to that.” The two pounded fists as they continued to eat their late lunches/early dinners at a diner Judy spotted while the two drove around. Taking their conversation from the car, Nick had enlightened his partner with many a tale of his previous romantic escapades. Some funny, some scary, some upsetting, but all ending virtually the same with Nick leaving them because they either pushed too far with him, pried too much, or ‘got bored’ of him. The fox had reassured Judy that he was over pretty much all of these mammals and telling these stories were pretty much like reading out chapters in a book. It didn't stop Judy from being upset at times, but she let it go as it didn't seem to bother the vulpine so there wasn't any point to fuss over it.The pair fell into a comfortable silence for a while as they ate, but Judy remembered something Nick had just said. “Why do people think you’re exotic?”Nick shrugged. “No clue Carrots, Red Foxes are a pretty common species maybe not in Zootopia but in the world in general. If you want to talk about mammal you don’t see often have you ever seen a Maned Wolf before?” The rabbit shook her head. “Well you’re missing out, never dated one before but I’ve seen a few in my time and let me tell you… just… wow, are they beautiful! Their fur looks so coarse but so soft at the same time that you just wanna-” Nick cut himself cut before the tangent fully formed and seeing the look of intrigue and amusement of the rabbit’s face had him glad that was plenty dark to hide any hints of blushing. “Uh, sorry about that I just kinda… lost it there.”Judy snorted. “Oh no, go on, I want to hear about those impossibly textured wolves you seem so fascinated by.”“Oh hah hah, make fun of my attractions why don't you,” Nick drooled as he ripped off a piece of his lettuce on his burger and flicked it at the defenseless rabbit, which earned him a shocked look and a kick to the shin under the table. The pain was brief, but their mixed laughter was always something to treasure.Though some would beg to differ.As their laughter died down both rabbit and fox ears swiveled as they caught onto some unsavory comments:“That rabbit shouldn’t be sitting with a character like that, it isn’t safe.”“Some mammals call rabbits promiscuous, but I guess that fox takes the cake.”“Would say they’re made for each other if it wasn't so disgusting to hear them just prattle on.”There were a few more that Nick didn't pick up but could see Judy could hear them with no issue by how her ears fell and nose started twitching to an alarming degree. “Hey, hey,” Nick spoke clear enough for only Judy to hear. “Don’t let them see that they get to you, remember? It’s just words they don’t mean anything.”“But they do Nick.”“But they don't have to,” Nick took one of Judy’s paws and squeezed. “Can’t stop mammals from having opinions, but they don't have to define you in any way.” Nick let his indifferent mask drop a bit to give his partner a kind smile that she definitely needed at that moment. ‘Rabbits are more emotional, but especially Judy.’The bunny’s ear perked up a bit as her nose slowed down. “Thanks, Nick.”“Anytime Carrots.” For a second Nick almost forgot that he was still holding Judy’s paw, and when it occurred to him he pulled back as if she burned him and he hoped that she didn't notice.Throughout the two years, Nick and Judy had been partner Nick had shown Judy many things about the city that she wouldn’t have known otherwise, but there were things she discovered on her own that did bother her just a bit.Interspecies relationships weren't a rarity in the large city of Zootopia, but that didn't mean that it was a commonplace though. There was still quite a bit of the populace that dismissed interspecies relationships as “perversions” or “ abuse”, but mostly the majority of Zootopia tolerated these kinds of relationships. What people seem to have a stronger opinion on were the kind of interspecies relationships that were “acceptable”.Seeing predators with other predators or prey with other prey wasn't as shocking- maybe if the size difference was pretty extreme- but when it came to predator/prey relationships they practically didn’t exist, or at the least were very hidden.That was the one thing Nick worried about as he did his damndest to squash any inkling of liking Judy, he didn't find it fair to her.“I’m pretty full right now, how about you Carrots?” The sudden shift in his tone was jarring but didn't surprise Judy as this is how Nick operated at times that she just went with it if it didn't hinder her or Nick. She nodded. “Great!” Nick called over their waitress to get their check, paid for it, and escorted Judy back to his car so he could drive her home.The drive was pretty somber and by the time he got back to her apartment complex, his mind was all over the place but didn't show it. “Welcome home Carrots, so I guess I’ll see you tomorrow?”“It’s Friday and we’ll both have work so yes you’ll see me you Dumb Fox,” commented Judy before tilting her head in concern. “You okay? You seemed a little… tense after you calmed me down.”“Nah, I’m fine, I’m like a duck: comments roll off my back like water; just didn't want to keep you out too late because a Sleepy Carrots is a Grouchy Carrots and a Grouchy Carrots isn’t a fun Carrots to work with.”Judy glanced at the time on her phone as she climbed out of the car. “It’s 5:30, Nick, do you expect me to go to sleep now?”“Yes, absolutely, 100%,” said Nick with no hesitation in his voice.The bunny scoffed. “Dumb Fox,” she muttered, shaking her head in amusement. “I’ll see you tomorrow Nick, you sure you’re okay?”“I’m always okay Carrots,” he commented before waving Judy goodbye as she entered her building and disappeared inside, leaving Nick to his own devices and thoughts.
You can't be with her.
‘I know…’
She’ll reject you.
‘Probably…’
Even if she didn't there's no telling what others would think of her, sure you have some support at work but what about the others? Random passersbys?
‘They’ll hate her…’
And can you really do that to her? Even for your own desires?
Nick sighed. “No, I can't… she’s too important…”
To the city or you?
He rested his head against the slight cool of the leather that was his steering wheel and shut his eyes. “She’s just too important…”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Though Hopps and Wilde would normally work together nine times out of ten there was the occasional time that the two did have to split up as the chief had separate assignments for them, seeing no reason to keep them together as they were pretty basic tasks. Hopps was one of five officers to head up to the Academy and help train some of the new recruits while Wilde went on patrol with Wolford- Fangmeyer went up to the Academy as well.The day was particularly for the grey and white wolf as though he was friendly and on good terms with Hopps and Wilde, he had no idea what the rabbit had to deal with on a daily basis: The constant jokes, the teasing remarks, and the snarky attitude the fox seem to exude. Wolford had also noticed that his vulpine companion was especially since he seemed to dial it up with the flirting all day much to the wolf’s dismay.Nick was having a great time though, so there wasn't much complaining on his end.After another partly serious-partly joking attempt to ask Wolford out for drinks- even offering to pay- their patrol ended around 2 O’clock, much to the relief of the fox’s temporary partner, leaving Nick to head back to his and Judy’s shared office to maul around through paperwork that he or Judy didn't finish up completely as it wasn’t high priority for either mammal.The ticking of the wall clock, the scribbling of pencil, and the humming from Nick were the only sounds that filled their humble office as time ticked by.It was around 3:30 when the fox’s phone started ringing and checking to see who it was a smile formed on the fox’s snout seeing who the Muzzletime was from, he swiped to answer. “Hey Carrots, how’s training the fresh meat?”“Pretty good actually! I’m in charge of the Practical Fighting class to show the recruits how to take on mammals smaller or bigger than themselves, I do have to say it was kinda nice taking some of them down a peg when they got into the ring with me,” Judy smirked as Nick saw a glint of mischievousness in her eyes.“Hey now, no need to break their spirit already. They still got a few more months to go you know.”
“Yeah but they have to realize that their natural strengths are only going to get them so far, that's why they’re training to be better than they are now!”
“Spoken like a true officer,” Nick teased as he took off his black-rimmed glasses to rub the tiredness out of his eyes.“Are your eyes okay?” Judy asked, knowing that while Nick’s eyes were one of his better assets, with his night vision and sharp sight, they tended to give out on him at times if he stared at the same things for long periods.Nick shrugged. “Yeah, they’re just a bit strained for some reason. I usually can get through at least a few hours of paperwork before I need my glasses, but they didn't want to work with me today, unfortunately,” grumbled Nick as he finished off a section he was working on.
“Aw, you poor thing, how was patrol with Wolford? Maybe taking a break to tell me how your day was night cheer you up.”
“Always the considerate one, arentcha Carrots? Well, it went pretty smoothly, stopped a few domestic disputes, wrote up a speeding ticket for a lion, and got stuck in afternoon traffic, so it was a pretty boring day. Oh! And Howls turned me down multiple times when I asked him out for drinks, so there’s that.”
“I thought you didn't like him?”
“Actually, I never answered you when asked me if I did or not,” remarked Nick.
“Well, maybe he’s not gay.”
“I knew that Carrots, I just kind of wanted to see if he’d actually go for it even if it was just two friends going to the bar. Not all was lost though, Spots said he’d go with me on Saturday when I talked to him so I still came out on top,” boasted Nick as a smirk fell onto his face. Judy rolled her eyes at the fox’s dramatics. “Plus he’s cute, so it’ll be nice to be in his company.”“Well, I guess as long as you don’t break his heart than I can’t complain,” Judy teased before the sound of more mammals became prominent behind her. “Darn, the recruits are coming back, listen, Nick, I’m actually going to be tied up here probably past 7 so you don’t have to wait up for me okay?”“You going to get home safely?”
“Yeah, Francine said she’d drop me off at my apartment once we’re done here.”
“Then I guess I’ll see you tomorrow, alright?”
“Okay Nick, see ya!” The call ended and Nick got back to work…
...Only for his phone to start ringing not even 5 minutes later.
He went to check to see if it was Judy forgetting to tell him something he was a little surprised to see who it was when he answered the call. “Hey Pops, what goin’ on?”
“Nicky! I hope I didn't call you at a bad time,” Nick’s father, John, said. The older fox’s voice deeper and more refined than his son’s.
“I’m just doing some paperwork right now, so it’s no bother."
“Great! I was calling to see if you wanted to go out for drinks tonight, it's been what? A month since we’ve seen each other? I want to catch up with my son and see what he’s been up to!” John’s natural charisma and wit were hereditary as well as infectious as Nick couldn’t help but smile while his father talked.
“Sure Dad, that sounds great. I get off around 5 so I’ll head down to house after I change back at my place.”
“Fantastic! I’ll see you then son!”
“See ya then, Dad.” As the phone call with Nick’s father ended there was a bit of a renewed pep to his metamorphic step as he didn't stop smiling kindly as he continued working on his paperwork vigor and a bounce to his foot.
_____
Pulling up into the driveway of his childhood home Nick grinned seeing his dad's 2017 Black Chrysler 300 in the driveway, his dad was always a fan of bigger cars even when he was little.Parking the car, Nick got out and walked over to the front door of his parents' place, a rustic looking home in the Rainforest District, and knocked on the front door. It didn't take long before the door opened to reveal a beautiful older vixen in a pastel sundress, kind hazel eyes gleaming at her son. "Nicholas, it's good to see you." Her voice was soft and sweet."Hey Mom," greeted Nick as he pulled her into a quick hug, his mother escorting her son inside. The inside of the house was very simple, furniture from the last decade but kept in nice condition, a sizeable kitchen, and plenty of old family photos lining the walls from the living room to down the hall where the other bedrooms were.“Would you like something to drink?” His mother, Victoria, asked, already heading into the kitchen.“Just some water thanks,” answered Nick as he sat down on the couch. He had on some dark blue jeans and a green V-Neck, something a little nicer than his usual green Pawaiian shirt and beige khakis.His mother came back with a cup and handed it to her son. “What brings you over Nicholas, you didn't call to say you were coming so this is quite the surprise.”“Dad didn't tell you?” His mother shook her head. “He called me at work and said he wanted me to come over, where is he by the way?”“Where he always is, Nicholas, in that forsaken basement of his working on whatever orders he takes home with him, do you want me to drag his sorry behind up here?”“Heh, no Mom it's fine I’ll just go downstairs and get him myself.” Nick gave his mother a kiss on the cheek before setting down his drink to go get his father.When he was younger Nick was never allowed into the basement on his own because that's where his father worked day in and day out, only being allowed down if he was invited. Don't get it wrong, his parents were strict on certain things but never overbearing, always wanting Nick to express himself so when he heard his father’s dream to one day open up a tailor’s shop it warmed his heart at the time. His father would bounce between fascinations and hobbies, but when the older tod discovered tailoring and found he had a real knack for it that is what he poured all of his efforts into perfecting; It was either hanging out with his family and taking care of his wife and son or down in the basement perfecting his stitching techniques and hemming.Heading down the wooden staircase the lighting became more atmospheric, reaching the bottom he could see on his father’s workshop was a plethora of pins, fabrics, and thread scattered about along with measurements for mammals Nick assumed were for customers. He spotted his father to the right of him further into the basement working on what looked like a forest green blazer. “Knock Knock.”His father paused and turned around as the light caught his figure, the more muscular russet tod wore a dark blue pinstripe shirt, black suspenders, and black slacks. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows where you could clearly see the beginnings of his tattoo sleeve, the swirly sharpness of the tribal-like design almost acted as fire as the black ink marked his fur starting at his wrist. “Nicholas, perfect! Come here I need you to try something on for me,” he blurted out, not giving his son much say in the matter as he grabbed his wrist and dragged him over.“Dad I’m not-”“Hush now, quickly, put this on, I need to see how it looks on a mammal before finishing it up!” Whenever his father got like this it was best to just sigh and give into his crazed attitude whenever he worked, it was easier that way. Nick did just that as he carefully removed the blazer from the dummy and put it on, surprisingly it fit the fox pretty much perfectly. “Beautiful! Now stay still, I have a few more things to touch up- keep your arms out!” He fixed the glasses on his face, the same style Nick had, and got to work pinning a few areas, measuring the length of the jacket, and checking the lining of it to make sure none of the seams had popped in any areas.A few beats of silence went by before Nick spoke. “So… how’s the shop doing? You getting enough business?”John scoffed. “I’m lucky if I get a moment to breathe, there are always mammals of all shapes and sizes coming into Suitopia that I can barely keep up!” Nick enjoyed hearing that, even if he did laugh at the name of Suitopia.It was his father’s dream to one day open up a tailoring shop of his own, and with such a ridiculous and unique name as Suitopia mammals would be drawn in by its peculiarity… or so John thought.Nick saw his father smile while he worked on the jacket he was wearing was exactly how he smiled when he took Nick with him to every bank he could to get a loan to open his shop, but even after every bank rejected his proposal through means of bogus claims or outright showing off their specism his father never stopped smiling and hoping for the future. Scrounging up what money he could make doing odd jobs and such John finally had the funds to rent a place out to house his Zootopian Dream… only for it to be ripped away when cops came banging on the door demanding John go with them. Nick was only 8 years old when his father was ripped out of his life and hauled off to prison on a false charge, never giving him any say in the matter as the guilty verdict was given and John Wilde was sentenced to 20 years for 1st Degree Assault of multiple female mammals.Rather than be angry or distraught John held his head up high and accepted this, though he knew that he was innocent he knew how the city was. That didn't stop him, though, from seeing his wife and son what he thought might be the last time for a very long time, even gifting Nick his favorite wristwatch so he could always remember him by.“I see you’re wearing the watch I gave you,” John spoke up, snapping Nick out of his quiet daze as he looked at the glint of gold on his left wrist.“I never stopped, you told me to hold onto it and that's what I did.”“There's not a scratch on it either.”“I never let anything I own show wear and tear, always have to keep up appearances or others start believing all the bad things that aren't true about you,” Nick said with as much resolute in his voice as he kept staring forward. “And it’s yours, why would I let fall apart?”“Correction, Nicholas, it's yours. I gave it to you, so it belongs to you. Just like a suit, it can be my design but at the end of the day the suit will eventually belong to another mammal.”Nick rolled his eyes. “Always with the words of wisdom, Pops.” His father thumped him on the back of the head.“Don't get smart now, you’re insufferable like that.”“That's what Carrots says, but just I don't see it. Maybe that's because I’m such a gem to be around.” That earned him another smack. “On a different note, whose this for anyway? Feels a little weird to be wearing something that you’re selling to another client.”“Oh this isn't for a client, it's for you, I just have to touch it up before you get married.”“What?!”“Nicholas don't jostle around!”“Sorry!” Nick was quick to apologize, knowing how his dad gets when he's tied up in an order. “But what do you mean it’s for when I get married?”“Nicky,” deadpanned his dad. “You’re a handsome man, but you’re getting up there in age. You’ll need to settle down sooner or later, preferably sooner as I want gandkits, but I’m just preparing for what I believe is an eventuality.”“Don’t you have other orders to do?”“Nope finished up those suits for that Big fellow’s employees. Such a nice shrew and those polar bears under his dime are some of the best customers I get, regulars too! Don't meet a lot of larger mammals that aren't ticklish in some way or another, which makes it a little difficult to work at times, so they are a blessing! Always compliments my craftsmanship as well, which does right by the old ego.” John had gotten out of jail early on good behavior, ten years early in fact, and though it hit him hard to find out what had happened to his son after he was incarcerated he’d always hoped that he could inspire him wherever he was at the time.Victoria had been putting everything she could into her husband’s savings whenever she could, always splitting that between what she used for her and her son. After the Junior Ranger Scout incident, it was difficult to connect with Nick, and when he ran away when he was 12 it hurt more than she cared to admit. She’d tried her best to be there for her son as well as support the dream her husband as she still believed it might work. And it did. John had opened his tailoring shop of Suitopia there was a small inkling in the back of his mind that it might not work but he quickly squashed that down in favor for hope.Business was slow at first and customers were hesitant to get their clothes down by a fox in fear he might swindle them with cheaply made items, but fears and doubt slowly faded away as every customer left his shop satisfied and willing to return. Word got out and soon enough Mr. Big had come into his shop with a few of his men and, like any other customer, asked for suits for him and his men. Though an honest fox, John Wilde was not stupid and though he knew in some aspect what Mr. Big did a client was a client and he would never turn anyone away unless given good reason to. Measurements were marked out, fabrics and materials were handpicked, and John got to work. Much to Mr. Big’s surprise, the tod was done within a week and when they came back down to try the suits on it was astonishing to see that they fit perfectly with no-fault and looked even better than they ever imagined.For his gratitude, he’d offered the fox a larger lot that he didn't need as well as payment for the exquisite pieces they had gotten, ever since then Suitopia had been a big hit with everyone and anyone who walked through his doors.“Mr. Big did always like to look sharp no matter the occasion,” Nick mumbled.“What was that?”“N-Nothing, just wondering if you’re finished yet.”“Just… about.” John stepped back to examine his work for a few moments before nodding with satisfaction. The tod helped his son take off the suit jacket lest he messes up any work he had just finished, whipping the measuring tape off his neck before tossing onto his workbench. “Alright, let me go upstairs and change then we can head out.”“Mom didn't know I wasn't coming, did you tell her what you had planned?” Nick remarked, smirking a bit seeing his father freeze in his tracks.The fox glanced over his shoulder with a shy smile. “Uh… no?”“She’ll get pissed if you don’t, you know how she gets sometimes.”“Don’t I know it,” mumbled John in defeat. The fox sprinted up the stairs with Nick in slow tow. “Victoria, honey, the light of my life…” Nick chuckled as he stayed on the basement stairs just in case his dad invoked his mother’s wrath and not wanting to get caught up.“Oh really?” Nick heard his mother’s voice, slightly cold and annoyed. “Nicholas Piberius Wilde, mind coming up here for a moment?”Uh oh.
_____
"Well that could've gone better," grumbled John as he rubbed the back of his head. "I swear she's a force to be reckoned with when she needs to be.""That's Mom for you, I’m actually glad she didn't see what I did during my teen years. She’d definitely’ve come down on me like a hammer,” joked Nick, but he could see the fall of his dad’s ears hearing that as they entered the bar.The two tods sat down and order their drinks, a vodka cranberry and scotch on the rocks respectively, when John cupped his son's shoulder. “Nicky I’m… I’m sorry I wasn't there for you, I know you mean well but hearing that makes me feel like I failed as a father.”“What? Pops, no, it had nothing to do with you I just…” Nick wasn't really sure what to say. “I just… didn't have that type of boundless optimism that you seem to have. I saw what the world was and let it suck me in, it wasn't your fault.” Their drinks arrived and John didn't have time to stop him before a larger gulp of drink, the burn of alcohol in his throat in an instant. “I was the type of fox that you hated and didn't want me to be, so if anything I was the one that failed you.”“No, Nicky no, you just… lost yourself a bit, but look at you now! My son, a police officer, and one of the best in the city! Hah!” John gulped his scotch in one go as he gestured for a refill. “So enough of that gloomy talk, I want to know how you’ve been. How’s work treatin’ ya?”Nick shrugged. “Oh you know, high-speed car chases, busting huge drug rings, mitigating gang fights, you know… the usual.” That earned him a playful smack to his head, the tod couldn’t help but smirk as his father eyed him.“You really got a mouth on you.”“Where do you think I got it from?”“Yeah, but your tongue’s more silver than mine. I’m just honest.”They clinked their drinks together, deciding to go much slower than when they walked in. “Seriously though, it's been pretty slow the last few days. A few weeks even. It’s good work, but nothing really too exciting- maybe every once in a while but not all the time.”“But that's just it, Nicky, you are doing something exciting. You’re protecting the mammals of this city, and that itself is extraordinary!” His father’s eyes glowed with a mixture of a proud parent and a thankful fox. “I do my best to be honest, to show foxes aren't how they’re built up to be, but you do all of that just by putting on that uniform of yours and then some! And that bunny too, what was her name again? Jenny?”“It's Judy, Dad,” Nick rolled his eyes knowing his dad was messing with him. “You’re only 54 Pops, that's not that old.” He eyed his father as he took a sip of his drink.“Well, of course, it isn't, I know when to remember the name of my son’s girlfriend.” The vodka burned Nick’s throat on the way back as he started violently coughing, his ears burning just ever so slightly as he stares wide-eyed at his dad.“S-She’s not my girlfriend!”John cocked his head, sipping his scotch. “Oh! Am I mistaken? Is there’s a strapping man in your life you’ve neglected telling your mother and me about?” Goaded John as he jabbed his elbow into his son’s ribs, a smile of hopefulness on his muzzle.Nick just gaped at his dad and shook his head. When the fox had told Judy, after passing the Academy, that he hadn’t seen his mother and father in over 20 years she spent a lot of time to convince to go see them again, which the fox was very against. It took some time- a few weeks in fact- until Nick humored Judy and going to see his parents, she didn't go with him as she trusted he would go.His father held onto him like his life depended on it while his mother cried tears of joy. They sat in their house as he told them of his new career… as well as some personal things about himself.Like with Judy he had wished he didn't tell his parents about his preferences as it made things unbearable with him. “No, Dad, there isn’t a guy in my life.”“Then what's the issue? From what you’ve told me and your mom she’s smart, funny, and has that light that everyone needs in their life. Your mother is mine, Judy could be yours.”Nick slumped in his chair as he tried hiding behind his shoulders, focusing more on his drink and the music than his own father. “She’s just a friend, Pops.”“Friends can become something more, son, I met your mother in high school and look where we are now!”“She’s a rabbit,” Nick threw out.“From what I’ve been able to extract from you over the past year and a half you don’t care that much about species.”“We’re partners at work, we can’t date!”“I read the ZPD manual, out of curiosity when there was a lull in my work, and there's nothing against partners being romantically involved as long as it doesn't affect your work. You and Judy work pretty well together, so I don’t see that being a problem.” Nick glared at his father while he failed at hiding his own smirk behind his glass, half-lidded eyes annoying the younger tod as much as it would Judy.“You’ve thought this out, haven't you?”“Yes, absolutely, 100%.” Hearing the line he threw at Judy during the Nighthowler Case through his dad’s voice made him realize why Judy hated him in that moment. “Can’t out-con your dad, Nicky, so tell me what’s really holding you back.”Wilde was silent for a few minutes, the bar beginning to fill up with more and more mammals as time went by. His dad waiting for an answer while he went over it in his head what he could say.
Don’t tell me anything! Lie!
‘He’ll know if I’m lying, he went to prison which is full of cheats and liars. He knows when someone is trying to pull something with him.’
Make up an excuse!
‘Anything I come up with won’t be good enough for him to believe.’
Ignore him and change the subject!
‘Pops won’t let this go that easily.’
Then what are you going to do? You’re not going to actually tell him why you won’t ask the rabbit out.
‘...’
“I… I’m scared,” he admitted, his ear falling back a bit as his voice grew quiet. He hated how no matter what he did any mask or facade he tried to create always fell apart when it came to his parents. It was one of the reasons why he didn't want to see them because it didn't matter how much he planned… they saw how he truly was.And Judy was starting to be more like that, harder to hide from.“Scared?” quizzed John. “What are you scared of? That she won’t feel the same?”“No… well yes, but that's not really the main concern here.”John cupped Nick’s shoulder. “Then what is it?”A few beats went by. “...You know how interspecies relationships aren’t rare, but not super common, right?” His father nodded. “And usually they’re pred with pred or prey with prey… do you know what they say about the type of relationship you’re suggesting for me?” For a moment he thought his dad was going to say yes until he shook his head. “They’ll call me a r… a ra…” the word wouldn't leave his throat, Nick sighed. “They’ll call me an abuser since no prey would ‘willingly’ be with a predator, that we have to force them to be with us. And that's not even my full worry!” Nick was on his third round of drinks, and while that normally wouldn't be much it seemed to be affecting him more this time around. “Carrots is seen as the face of the ZPD, the bunny who beyond all expectations went past the odds, and if people catch wind that we’re together they won’t see the Hero of Zootopia… they’ll just see her as just a rabbit, a small bunny trapped by the Big Bad Fox. Someone needed to be saved.”“Nick-”“And all of that work, all of the fighting she did to prove that she’s more than just a meek bunny will be washed down the drain like Poof! And I like her Dad, I really do, but I keep squishing it down, washing out the flames in some minute hope that I’ll stop feeling like this but nothing’s working!”“Son-”“I’ve been with so many mammals Dad, you don't even know, and I’ve felt like this few times before but it's… stronger with Judy? So even if I ask her and she doesn't flat out reject me and says yes there’s going to be that looming cloud that I’m the one ruining her life, that I’ll be the one trapping her, and the public will just see a fox taking advantage of-”“Nicholas!” John’s voice roared louder than the music, somehow, snapping Nick out of his rant and spirling state of mind. Nick was breathing heavily, so John waited for his son to calm down before he said anything more. “Are you good?” Nick didn't say anything, just nodding. “Okay, so I’m going to say my piece so I want you to just listen okay?” Nick nodded once more. “Okay, here’s what I think: You’ve been with plenty of guys and gals to snuff out any of those pesky arguments of ‘being confused’ and ‘not picking a side’, you understand yourself. There have been times you’ve felt more for one of your partners, but nothing goes anywhere and though you say to yourself that it’s fine, it's really not.”“But-”“Ah! My turn, ya hear? Now you’ve told me and your mom that you weren't the nicest to Judy, and though I’m still a little peeved about that- we raised you better than that- you’ve changed for the better and that's because of her: A proper job, a good friend in her, and life going the way you always dreamed. She’s the center of all that, she’s done more for you then you or even her even realize and that's why you’re conflicted. Here’s my two-cents: Nicholas Piberius Wilde, my wonderful and handsome son… stop sitting on your tail, get off your ass, and ask her out already!”“But I can’t!”“You just think you can’t, and you're stopping yourself because of that. ‘Never let them see that they get to you’, remember? That's your slogan, right? Well, you’re, to me, letting others guide your actions because you fear what they’ll think of that rabbit of yours- since you don’t seem to care about yourself, God knows why. Look, Nicky,” John sighed as he gave his son a small smile. “Just think about it, okay? I don’t want you throwing away a perfect opportunity here because the small part of you that still cares about what others think is rearing its ugly head. Think about it, ya hear?”Nick mulled over his father’s words carefully, a part of him wanting to deny him- to shout and yell and throw everything in his face and say he’s wrong and it will never happen… but the more he thought about it the more his dad was right and he was wrong, in a way.He hated being wrong. “I… I’ll think about it, okay? I’m still worried beyond belief, but what you said… makes sense.”“Good, oh and invited her to dinner on Sunday.” That's when Nick properly spit of his drink and turned to his dad with the most “What the fuck?!” face he could muster. “I want to mee the rabbit that changed my son’s life for the better.” Nick wanted to shoot that idea down right away, but John looked like he got when working.And when he got like that it was just best to sigh and nod.
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Saturday morning, Nick stood side-by-side with Judy as they stood in front of the doors to the gym they always go to. “Come on, let's get to business!” Judy was always pumped up to work out at 9 in the morning, Nick never knew why.Entering the gym they waved hello to the receptionist, who smiled back, as they headed to the main floor to start their workout; Normally starting with the treadmills before moving onto weights then some light sparing. A short workout sure, but nonetheless grueling when it came to Judy and her boundless energy.The treadmills went pretty smooth, both fox and rabbit listening to music while they ran for a whole 30 minutes, took a break, before running another 15 minutes. Once they finished with that they moved onto weights, Judy working with dumbells and Nick working on one of the barbell benches. The fox had gotten a bull to come over and spot him while he put on 60 pounds, 30 pounds each side. “You gonna be able to lift all that, dude?”“It’s 15 pounds more than I usually do, so it shouldn't be too bad.” Nick laid down on the bench and began his reps, which were easier than what he first thought.As he hit around his 12th rep his mind starting drifting a bit as he stared at the bull hovering over him, his pecs bulging and abs tight. There was a bit of fat on the mammal, but it did its job to highlight the guy’s body to a perfect degree. “Dude, you okay?”“F-Fine, never better,” grunted the fox as he did his damndest to let his mind fall into the gutter. ‘Don't focus on the incredibly hot guy above, think about your reps and nothing else! Don't think what you could do him… or him to you- No, Stop it! Think about ANYTHING ELSE! Think about the reps and not this dude’s bulging muscles, and rock-hard abs, and kind face… and warm smile… and curvaceous body… grey fur… bright purple eyes-’ “Ack!” Nick drifted too far, the bull just grabbing the bar before it could crush his chest.“Hey, fox, what happened? You were doing really well.”Nick sat up, rubbing his chest and throat. “Just… let myself get distracted is all, thanks for the spot though.”“No prob! Be careful though, alright?” As the bull left for his own workout Nick felt himself growl at himself as he distracted himself of thoughts about the bull… with thoughts about Judy.
Idiot, this little crush of yours is getting out of hand…
‘Not a small crush it if almost got me killed…’
“Nick, are you alright?” Judy set her dumbbells down and went to his side. “What happened there?”The tox threw on his best mask as fast as he could before Judy noticed. “Guess I got a little cocky, a bit too much weight.”“Hmph, well you never did know when to quit.”“I’m supposed to say that to you, anyway, are you ready to spar?”Judy quirked her brow. “You sure? Don’t need to rest longer?”“Nah, just gonna get some water and I’ll be ready to go!” he cheered. Judy staring at him for a second before nodding and heading to an open sparring mat.Once she was just out of earshot, with all of the noise around them, the fox sighed. “You don’t know what you’re doing to me Carrots.” Nick took a generous gulp of water before heading over to Judy to ultimately get his tail handed to him, as usual.Just as he predicted he held out his own against his partner in hand-to-hand combat, as they always worked on, and every time he thought he had one up on the bunny she always managed to turn it against him and win their rounds. She didn't win every time… just most of the time.As they settled down on a regular bench, drinking water and toweling off sweat, John’s words from the previous night circulating in his head. “Hey, Carrots.”“Yeah?”“You wanna come with me to have dinner at my parents’?”Judy paused for a moment before looking at her best friend. “You want me to what?”“Those satellites stop working?” teased Nick, already feeling a bit calmer. “I said-”“No, I heard what you said I’m just… confused, as to why you’re inviting me.”Nick shrugged. “It’s more like my Pops is inviting you. You know how I told you he invited me out for drinks yesterday?” Judy nodded. “Well he said to invite you to dinner tomorrow, he wanted to meet the rabbit who ‘changed his son’s life for the better’ or something like that.”Her expression softened hearing that. “Aw, well when he puts it like that I would love to come!”“You would?”“Yeah, that sounds nice!”“Oh…” Nick wasn't expecting this. “Okay… cool, I’ll pick up when it’s time to go down.”“Awesome!” Judy wrapped her arms around his neck in a hug, her scent dominated by sweat but with hints of her natural lavender and citrus smell that made it bearable. “What should I wear?” she asked, pulling back a bit.“Just wear whatever, I’m sure they’ll love you either way.”“Great, see you them Nick!” she called out as she packed up and ran out the door.Though he expected her to be excited it still brought a smile to his face.
‘You really are something arentcha, Judy Hopps?’
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Before long it was Sunday evening and Nick had just pulled into the driveway of his parents’ place, Judy in tow as they got out of the car and walked up to the front door. Nick stopping right before he knocked, turning to his partner. “Ready to do this? You’re technically going into a proverbial Fox’s Den, your parents would freak out about that!”“It’ll be fine, no come one I want to see baby pictures!”“...Don’t you mean meet my parents?”“...Yeah, that too.”Nick shook his head as he took one last breath before knocking. ‘Show Time.’
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Before long it was Sunday evening and Nick had just pulled into the driveway of his parents’ place, Judy in tow as they got out of the car and walked up to the front door. Nick stopping right before he knocked, turning to his partner. “Ready to do this? You’re technically going into a proverbial Fox’s Den, your parents would freak out about that!”“It’ll be fine, no come one I want to see baby pictures!”“...Don’t you mean meet my parents?”“...Yeah, that too.”Nick shook his head as he took one last breath before knocking. ‘Show Time.’ Only a few seconds went by before his mother stepped through and greeted her son.“Nicholas, two visits in one week. It must be a special occasion.” She embraced her son before catching her eye on the smiling but slightly nervous rabbit. “And you must be Judy, it’s so nice to finally meet you,” she cooed while embracing the rabbit just like she did her son.The doe, on the other hand, was freaking out a bit- not because she was being hugged by a fox, but by how young the vixen looked. ‘Is this Nick’s sister? No, it can't be. He’s never mentioned having siblings, then again he’s never been super forthcoming about his family and such…’ “It’s so nice to meet you… Nick’s sister?” Judy cautiously asked only to earn her a chuckle from the vixen and a facepalm from Nick.“Oh, you’re too sweet dear. I’m Victoria, Nick’s mother.”Judy was a little shocked by that. “His mother? But you look so young!” Hopps knew that bunnies didn't show age as much as other mammals, if they took care of themselves, so seeing a fox that didn't look much older than Nick was a surprise.“Why thank you, dear, it’s nice to know that somebody appreciates my looks,” she shot, playfully glaring at her son.Nick rolled his eyes at this. “You have Dad for that, I don’t need to stroke your Wilde Ego as well,” he griped.“Well compliments do wonders to a mammal’s self-esteem, you never know what might put a pep in their step…”Nick sighed before kissing his mother on the cheek. “You look great Mom.”“Thank you, dear, now why don't we get you two out of the cold. Come in, come in!” Victoria escorted the pair into the house and seated them, Nick more relaxed now and Judy in awe as she soaked in the decor of her partner’s childhood- even noticing the wallpaper that suspiciously looked like those ugly shirts Nick always wore.After Nick’s mothers fetched the both of them water it didn't take long before the patriarch of the house joined them, wearing a soft blue button-up, sleeves rolled, with red suspenders and brown pants. His fur and eyes were darker than Nick’s own, seeing clearly where the fox had gotten his looks from. “It seems that our guests have arrived, good to see you son, and you,” pointed his deeper and more refined voice at the bunny, “must be Judy, John Wilde, it’s a pleasure to meet you!” Judy shook the fox’s paw, noting how much stronger and more muscular he was compared to Nick just as said fox wandered over to his wife, hugging her from behind, and gave gentle kisses on her neck while rocking. “And hello there, my love, am I too assume that things are going extraordinarily well in this kitchen here?”Victoria gently pushed her husband off and looked at him with a deadpan face. “Flattery will get you nowhere, so sit. Dinner will be done in 40 minutes.”John went to argue but seeing his wife’s face his tail fell a bit as he sighed. “Yes Dear,” he mumbled before taking a seat in the recliner facing the couch. His wife, though, did come by with a crystal glass with his favorite whiskey, so that did cheer the fox up a bit.While the three of them waited for dinner to finish up, Judy’s mind started to wander as she wondered what Nick’s mom was cooking she actually caught a glimpse of the markings on John’s right arm. The tod also noticed where her eyes fell. “Curious, aren’t you?”His voice snapped Judy out of her stupor as he ear turned a shade of pink. “S-Sorry sir, I just… never seen fur markings like that before.”He chuckled, almost in a way that reminded her of her own father. “First of all drop that ‘sir’ stuff, you’re a friend of my son so call me John.”“Oh, uh… okay… John.” The words felt weird on her tongue, always being taught to call someone older than her “Sir” or “Ma’am” out of respect so this would take time to get used to.“Now with that out of the way would you like to know about these?” John asked, tapping at the swirls on his right arm. Judy nodded, her curiosity wanting to know more. “Well I actually got them during my stint in prison, if I remember it was a very jittery badger who had paws a still as the dead. He did a wonderful job, I just got them touched up once I got out.” The older fox reminisced while Judy found herself stuck on one small detail.“Wait, prison? Why did you go to prison?”“On charges of 1st Degree Assault on multiple female mammals,” he said with no hesitation in his voice, as if listing off the time.“Dad!” his son shouted.John raised a brow. “What?” Nick nodded to his partner who had her mouth agape and eyes wide in shock. “Oh! Sorry, let me clarify they were false charges. Some people found it easier to blame a fox than actually look for proper evidence, but that's just how it was years ago.” The older tod thought for a moment. “I think they caught the actual culprit I think a few years later when he was caught in the act, wasn't even a fox so that did peeve me a bit when I heard about it on the news.”“But they freed you, right? After catching the actual perp?” Judy felt her heart drop into her stomach as John shook his head solemnly.“Mammal’s opinions on foxes were worse than they are now, so even if I was innocent nobody really bothered to get me out.”“I’m… I’m sorry to hear that.”“Oh, don't be!” the fox cheered, catching the doe off guard. “I made some wonderful friends while in lock-up, and though they were wary of me at first once they got to know me they found out I wasn’t so bad! They made sure I had plenty to eat, had time with any of the workout equipment when I asked, protected me against the more hostile inmates, and even gave me these wonderful tattoos to commensurate my time there! It was an experience, but I wouldn't say it was a bad one.”Judy truly wasn't expecting this, to hear that her best friend's dad had gone to jail and from what she could tell enjoyed it, talking about it as if he had gone on vacation and not gotten locked up because of incompetent police officers. The fox actually peeled off his shirt more so she could see the doe squeaking as she whipped her ear in front of her eyes, and after some berating from Nick she calmed down enough to peer out from behind her ears- blush still filling them and her cheeks. All of that faded away though as she was caught in a trance of sorts, wanting to trace them but stopping as she thought it would be inappropriate to virtually feel up Nick’ dad.The fox saw her dilemma and smiled. “It’s fine, my dear, you can touch them.” Judy cocked her head at that, a bit taken aback knowing he was okay with it. “Nick was the same when he first saw them, so I only see it fair that his partner gets a closer look at them as well.” The rabbit glanced at her partner for a moment before getting a slightly reluctant nod, saying it was okay before she went for it.John’s fur was much like Nick’s, thick and a bit coarse, but when her digits glided over the inked areas the fur grew much softer than what she would’ve expected and even a hair taller than the rest of his arm. Judy accompanied that to the ink used for the design as to really set off the tattooed to the regular fur, and the tattoo itself was complicated while also being simple at the same time, its swirls and sharp points reminding Judy a bit of… fire. She wasn't really sure why but it did.Pulling back she thanked the fox who just raised his glass, a smirk on his face almost identical to Nick’s. ‘I see where he gets it from.’“Now if everyone’s done for the moment,” Victoria’s voice chimed in from the kitchen. “I would love the help from my lovely husband and wonderful son in helping set the table, dinner is done.”“I can help too!” Judy piped up.“Oh no you don’t,” John sat the bunny back down before she could do anything. “You are a guest in our house so you’ll be doing do such thing, you sit tight while Nicky and I set up okay?”“But-”“No ‘buts’ missy! Just wait right here, we’ll be done in a jiffy!” John beamed as he went to help his son with setting up the plates, leaving the rabbit baffled at how easily he disarmed her. Not even her own father could do that!What a weird start to this trip...
______________________________
Many years ago…
John Wilde loved his family the moment he laid eyes on Victoria in high school, and when he held his son, Nick, in his arms just a few years later.
He didn't plan on getting his girlfriend pregnant, but while he was freaking out with a mixture of excitement Victoria was nothing but excited. Each of their parents were worried at first, but when they all saw how committed each of them was to this they were nothing but supportive and there for them…
...that's what made it hurt so much worse when they were all taken from the two all at once, leaving Victoria and John with little money of their own, many much of what they got was put into the massive funeral, so they had to make do with what they had left.
John would do odd jobs whenever he could get them as it would net his family cash to pay for food as well as save up for a house, not wanting either his wife or son to be cooped up in an apartment the whole time. It was hard, though, as even in Zootopia mammal’s opinions of foxes was very low so getting jobs consistently was difficult. He eventually saved up enough money to buy a modest home in the Rainforest District, which elated Victoria as their kit, just over a year, to bounce with joy seeing his parents happy.
Once settled into their new home John found a passion in tailoring and had one daydreamed of opening his own tailor shop for mammals to come in and leave satisfied and well dressed. He would often test his skills by continuously making his wife dresses, shirts, and skirts for her to wear- some beautiful so… not so much, but her was learning at that's what mattered.
“What do you think Nicky, what should we call the shop?” The tod asked his kit who was happily playing with the few toys they managed to get for him. The older fox sitting at the dining table with scraps of paper strewn about in front of him as he scratched out or tossed away any terrible names he could think of.
“Su!” Nick cheered, smashing some blocks together.
“Su? Hm… how about… Suitopia? How does that sound?”
For a moment Nick paused his destruction and his face contorted into what John thought was a frown. “Glugh!”
John chuckled at that. “Yeah, it does sound a little cheesy doesn't it? Alright, we’ll put a pin in that one. Any other suggestions?”
“Wah!”
“Wah? Are… are you trying to say Wilde?”
His baby giggled as he looked up at his father while sitting in his playpen. “Wide! Wide Wide!”
John stopped scribbling down ideas as he paused. “What… What did you just say?”
“Wide! Wide Wide Wide!” John stared at his son, baffled and amazed at the same time, before roaring with excitement, pulling his kid into a huge hug as his wife entered the room.
“What’s all this commotion?”
“He said his first word! Like an actual word!” Victoria lit up at that as she couldn't stop the smile from blooming on her muzzle. “Go on, say it again for mommy.”
“Wide! Wide Wide!” Nick exclaimed, bouncing in his father’s arms.
“He’s trying to say 'Wilde', I’m sure of it!” The fox pulled his wife into a warm kiss for a moment before pulling back, a lightbulb going off above the tod’s head as he handed his kit to his wife. “Wait… that… that's it!” John scribbled something down quickly as he displayed the name in front of Victoria.
The vixen, on the other hand, wasn't fully following her husband’s sudden epiphany. “Uh… what's this?”
“The name of my tailoring shop! Wilde and Son’s, it's perfect! That way Nicky can help me around the shop and maybe even one day take over and have his own son help!” John cheered excitedly.
His wife, though, couldn't help but chuckle at her love’s theatrics. “Isn’t it a little soon to assume he’ll take over let alone have his own kid?”
“Details Details my dear Victoria,” John dismissed with a wave of his paw. “The point is… I have a name, now all I’ll have to do his get a loan from the bank in order to rent a place I’ve been looking into and we’ll be set!”
The Zootopian Dream was just within Johnathon Wilde’s grasp and he was going to run with it all the way…
… Only for every bank in Zootopia to deny him over and over again, using increasingly bullshit excuses or outright being speciest towards him. For an entire year, he tried and tried and tried, but ultimately no one was willing to give a fox money in fear that his business might tank or that he’d run off with the money never to be seen again.
That didn't stop John from earning money, though, as he would occasionally bring in large quantities in random intervals and whenever Victoria asked him how he got it, he would always say that some of the odd jobs he picks up have pretty good payout in between all of the low paying ones. She always believed her husband, knowing that jobs could be hard to come by even if they weren't foxes so every little penny counted in helping keep the house and raise their child.
One night, though, it was a particularly bad storm outside when John came after a pretty grueling day working on a construction site. The fox managed to avoid getting too wet as he peeled off his coat and rested his umbrella against the wall. “Honey, I’m home! Sorry for coming home so late traffic was a bit of a nightmare.” Though the fox kept up a cheery attitude, knowing that no one would accept the business proposal from the fox and how the place he wanted to rent raised their prices it became harder and harder to keep up appearances. “Honey?” It had just occurred to John that the lights were all off, his night vision giving him the chance to see that the house looked completely ruined. “Victoria? Where are you?” he cautiously stepped over broken glass and splintered wood from room to room trying to find his wife.
The living room was torn apart, the kitchen was a disaster, picture frames were shattered and torn off the walls, and the basement was completely torched and stripped bare. Panic rose in the fox’s chest as he ran upstairs to see Nick’s room was completely destroyed.
“Nicky?! Victoria!” he called out, but no answer. He ran towards his own bedroom… and he wished he hadn’t…
There laying in bed, amongst metal, wood, and glass laid his wife. Her favorite sundress that she wore was torn to shreds on her body, blood pooling from areas that told John that whoever invaded his home had their own “fun” with her, in addition to the large gash carved into her neck jaggedly cut and exposing the muscle underneath.
The sounds the tod produced weren't natural or sane in any way as tears pooled down his face as he clutched at his wife’s body, collapsing to the ground and ignoring the glass digging into his legs and arms as anguish filled his person. His claws tore into his wife’s clothes even further as his heart broke into a million pieces and any trace of hope faded…
...until he heard a small sniffle coming from the closet at the foot of the bed.
Cautiously, John stood up and stumbled over to the closet- confused- as he flung to doors open only to see a scared fox kit, only three, sitting in a pool of his own urine and tears streaking his face. “N… N-Nicky?” Through all of the chaos that filled his home he couldn't really believe that his son was sitting there, far in the corner, mostly unscathed.
“Da…” The kit called out as he looked up to see the older fox looming over him. “Da!” The fox practically jumped into his father’s arms as John held onto his son for his dear life.
“It's okay Nicky, I’m here… I’m here…”
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In Bunnyburrow lay the Hopps Burrow with Stewart and Bonnie Hopps as the heads of the family. They ran their family farm with all of their kids are always ready to help out whenever they could as the farm was pretty huge and harvest season could get pretty hectic.
Having many children isn't viable for certain families, but when you own a farm and you need hands on deck at all times you are bound to invite cousins and sich to live with you as well as enlist your kids as a small army to get things done when they can. Bonnie Hopps loved her family and her husband and she wouldn't trade her life for anything, and Stu Hopps was protective over his land and his kids and wouldn't let anything happen to either.
A beautiful family, a loving wife, a successful farm, what more could a rabbit ask for?
Every morning at 5 Stu would wake, kiss his wife on the cheek, and explore the fields in order to check for any failing patches or tampering from any rival farms as that did happen- not often but it did.
One he was done with that, which usually took about an hour, he headed back to his large family home to see his wife up and already in the middle of her prep to cook breakfast for the entire family: Both parents, some cousins, and all 276 children that they had. It was grueling work, but Stu appreciated every moment his wife spent catering to their large family. That's not to say he wouldn’t help, the two of them prepping gets both breakfast and lunch planned out and ready to cook, but once he did what he could to lessen the load on his wife- who would be adamant that he didn't need to help her- the patriarch would head down into the Basement Level of their home and pick up the produce from their last harvest to sell at their stand at the edge of their property. On his way down Stu would wake the floors of all of his children and extended family so they could grab breakfast, the stout rabbit smiling seeing all of the excited faces running around as they all headed to the kitchen.
“Harry, leave your brother Hubery alone! Sasha go check up on Dennis, Roger, Makeliya, Jenny, and Odin- you know how they get in the morning. T’s behave yourself or your mom won't let you grab any of the food she’s slaved over the stove to cook!” Stu shouted at just some of his kids while heading down, hoping they got his messages, just as he felt a small mass bump into him.
The rabbit looked down to see a small grey-furred doe, much like her mother- no older than five- with black-tipped ears and large amethyst eyes. “Mornin’ Jude the Dude!” He picked up his- secrectly- favorite daughter and spun her around, ellisting a torrent of giggles from the small bunny.
“Daddy, no, stop!” Judy cried as her father began his flurry of kisses to the top of her head.
“Can’t Jude, just love you so gosh darn much!” he gave a few more kisses before setting her down, ruffling the fur on her head, and went on with his journey.
“Are you going into the basement?” Judy asked, eyes wide with curiosity. Stu nodded. “Can I come?!”
The rabbit shook his head. “Now Jude, you know the rules. No one is allowed in the basement other than me, your mother, and a few of your older cousins.”
The young doe visibly deflated. “Aw, but why?”
“Because I don’t want you youngins playing down there, it’s cold, dark, and unsafe for you guys. I also don't want you guys to damage any of our goods- and I know you wouldn't do it on purpose,” added Stu, seeing his daughter open her mouth. “But accidents happen as we wouldn't want anything happening to our family crops before we sell them, right? Both in and out of the fields?” Judy nodded, understanding his point. “Now go on, gets some food before your siblings steal it all!”
The young bunny gasped. “No! I can't let that happen!” shouted the doe in a determined and playful matter as she sprinted upstairs, even bouncing off some of her sibling’s heads to get ahead. Stu chuckled at that as he continued his task of fetching produce from the basement, one of his cousins could work at the stand that day.
By the time it was 11 the morning chaos had settled down with the older kids and adults heading into the fields to work for the day, the younger teens watched over many of their younger siblings, and Bonnie and Stu had a moment to recollect as they sat in the study- the buck sipping on some scotch while the doe read a story to Judy, who never seem to leave her parents’ sides.
After centering themselves, Stu went to go check up on the fields and head into town to run some errands while Bonnie stayed back to finish cooking lunch as well as prep dinner. It was like this every day in the Hopps household and the stout buck wouldn't have it any other way.
In town, however, no matter how nice you were to mammals in such a close knit community there would still be some that didn't like anybody. Case in point- “HOPPS!”
The buck turned around to see a furious burly red fox stomping towards him, the mammal wearing a stained tank top and shorts with fire in his eyes. “M-Mr. Grey, what can I d-do for ya?” stuttered Stu, frightening him seeing such an angry predator that he wanted to run all the way back home.
“What did you do to my son?!” The fox stopped right in front of him, the stench of booze wafting off of him like no other.
“I-I’m not sure what you-”
“Don't play dumb with me rabbit!” The tod picked Stu up by the overalls, his breath even worse than before, as he glared daggers into the rabbit. Other patrons around town could see the altercation going on. “I know you did something to Gideon!”
“Gideon? Y-You mean your boy that's been t-tormenting my Judy?” Though the buck was terrified of what the tod might do he still stood his ground some. “I didn’t do anything to him! The last time I saw him was the other day when h-he pushed Judy off the swings at the playground, I had a talk with him before leaving.”
“Liar! He had bruises all over him! Even scratch marks! What did you do to him?!” The fox growled, his claws puncturing small holes in the buck’s overalls.
“Your son likes to roughhouse with his friends, that explains the bruises and scratch marks perfectly!” shouted Stu, now irritated that this mammal would even imply that he would do something to a child. “And who's to say that you didn't leave those scratch marks and bruises, you’re not k-known for being-” Stu didn't get to finish his sentence as a large brown fist caught him right in the face and sending him careening into the ground. His head spun and he could clearly feel the tickle of blood pouring from his nose.
“How dare you?! I would NEVER hurt my son you filthy carrot muncher!” The fox tried lunging at the downed rabbit, not getting close as the wolf sheriff and ram deputy latched onto him.
“What the hell is going on here?!” Sheriff Grimswald shouted.
“Get the fuck off of me! This fucking flatfoot hurt my son!” Mr. Grey thrashed around in hopes of freeing himself from their grasp but to no avail.
“Cool it Grey!” urged Deputy Woolshire as the Sheriff asked him to hold onto the fox as he went over to help Stu, the ram agreed.
Grimswald walked over to Stu and helped him back to his feet. “Stu, you okay?” he asked, producing a handkerchief to give the rabbit for his bleeding nose.
The buck nodded. “Y-Yeah, I’m okay, nothin’ a little ice won’t fix!” Stu smiled as he tanked the sheriff for the handkerchief. “What are you gonna do about him?” he asked, gesturing to the raging tod.
“Well he’s clearly been drinking, probably wanting to start a fight for whatever reason, but for formality, I have to ask: When you last saw Gideon did you hurt him as he said?”
Stu lightly scoff at that. “Come on Joe you know me, would I ever do something like that to a kid?”
The sheriff shook his head. “No, didn't think so, had to ask though.” Grimswald went back over to Mr. Grey and slapped cuffs on him when pinning his arms back. “You, sir, are comin’ with me.”
“WHAT?! Why?! It should be him you’re arresting!”
“Do you have proof that he did what you say he did? Did Gideon say anything to you?”
“I don't need proof I know it was him!” The fox went off to spit off every vile and perverted comment he could come up with about Stu as he was hauled away back to the Sheriff's station. It was barely one when this happened and all wanted Stu wanted was to get back to his family, so he finished up what he went into town for and headed back home. ‘I hope Jake feels better after some time in lockup. Me? Hurt a kid? What a thing to say…’
By the time he got back home Bonnie was already called about the event that happened in town, ready to soothe his nose and serve him lunch since he had gotten back late. The rest of the day was spent with his family either in the fields or in the house as he played with the younger children, chased off romantic partners from some of his kids’ rooms- even finding out some were gay, not to the surprise of the patriarch with a family that big- and read to Judy until it was bedtime.
Once everyone was asleep Stu went into his study to have himself a drink in peace after such a crazy afternoon, the warm tingle of alcohol drifting him off the sleep as he dozed off on the couch…
...Until smell of burning wood and charged for filled his nose, jolting him awake the matter of seconds. The leather couch boiled underneath the buck as his neck fur singed against the heated hide threw Stu into a fit of panic as fires raged all around him, burning books, chairs, and porcelain as he attempted to burst through the Study doors. They didn't budge. He tried again… nothing.
It was blocked.
Frustrated and fueled by adrenaline Hopps lifted up his wife’s armchair and chucked it through the blocked door, cheering as the chair smashed through with ease and opened up a path to the rest of the house. Wasting no time he headed right into the main living room of the Hopps household… only to be hit with even more blazing fire and the sound of screams echoing through the home.
“Help!”
“I c-can't breathe!”
“What's going on?!”
“Dad! Dad help!”
“I’m Scared!”
“It burns!”
“I can't get out! Daddy, Mommy, what’s happening?!”
“Stu, Bonnie, anybody!”
“I don't wanna die!”
“Please, someone help me!”
“Stu!”
His family was screaming, burning, dying around him and the rabbit just… froze. He didn't know what to do. Looking at the stairs upstairs they were completely burned away, downstairs had fires blocking the way down, and the heat and smoke was becoming too much for the older buck it was becoming hard to see and breathe.
He couldn't do anything… there wasn't anything he could do… his family roasted above and beneath him and- “Daddy!” The shrill voice sounded close, Stu recognized it as-
“Judy!” The rabbit ran towards the voice, damn all of the burnings beneath his feet and sting of his eyes. Judy’s voice was close, and if Stu couldn't get to the rest of his family he would get to at least one of them. “Judy, where are you?!”
“Daddy? Daddy! Daddy I’m here!” Judy’s voice was the closest as it ever was as Stu sprinted towards her room, which was on the main floor the moment she could form her own thoughts and make her own decisions.
Coming up to a halt in front of her door he was almost blasted back by the fires that raged from the debris blocking everyone one else on the main floor from escaping, Judy’s door the only one not blocked off. “Judy, Judy are you okay?!”
“Daddy, I’m scared! Get me out of here!”
“Stay away from the doors and edges!” shouted the buck as he reeled back, only taking to shoulder bashes before his daughter’s door splintered at the edges. The moment he saw his daughter he grabbed onto her arms and hoisted her to himself as he ran for the front door.
“Daddy, where are you going?! What about Mommy? My siblings?”
“I can't, honey, I’m sorry!”
“Daddy we can't leave them!” The house was starting to get almost impossible to breathe, both bunnies coughing periodically as the amount of fresh air kept dropping. Judy pushing against her father as he tried to dodge falling debris and blistering flames.
Stu ignored her cries as his only goal at that moment was to make sure they lived, tucking her close as he made one last stupid decision and throwing himself through an already cracking window. Fresh air flood the house, which enraged the flames even more as Stu didn't stop running- ignoring the stinging coming from the glass in his head and face- until he felt as if he was far enough from the house before collapsing, still keeping the screaming child close.
People in all of Bunnyburrow rushed towards the Hopps Farm as they couldn't believe their eyes: The entire home was engulfed in fire, along with their fields.
Nobody had even noticed at first, thinking it was just the lights on, but the moment it grew too bright it was plenty clear to everyone that it was a fire, just as it spread to the fields. It was a horror to watch, but seeing Stu crash through one of the windows neighbors rushed towards him as he ran as far away from the fires as he could before falling. The sheriff was the first one by his side, seeing young Judy in his arms as he couldn't stop his heart from tearing in two as the child screamed and fought her father’s grip wanting to go back for her mother and siblings.
As the fires burned and the sound of screams started to echo less and less, Stu continued the now crying and hiccuping Judy as the older buck watched as everything he built for himself collapsed and turned to ash. His once impressive home becoming a tomb for his entire family.
It was all gone… and all he had was the five-year-old doe in his arms. “Shoo… It’s okay Judy… It's okay…” He did his best to calm her down but it only seem to make things worse. “I’m here… Daddy’s here…”
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"The moon’s out for once, Johnathon, don't you think it looks stunning tonight?" asked Stu, staring at the stars and black sky, as him and the older tod stood on the roof of an abandoned construction project in Happytown, the Ghetto of Zootopia. No one would bother them if they saw them, and even if someone had seen them there wouldn't have been any reason to approach them. No one really wants to die.“It would be much more enjoyable if my idiot son didn't keep disappearing to God knows where I don’t need him causing any unneeded trouble for us. I taught him better than that.”“Well I, uh…” Stu stumbled over his words, staring at the back of the fox. “I… think you might want to keep him on a tighter l-leash, you know how famished he gets at times.” The buck gauged the body language of his partner, and when he saw him nodding in approval he let out of a safe sigh.“Hm… you might be right about that. He’s gotten more aggressive than his earlier years, I can tell he’s still loyal but he might be going off on his own too much,” John mumbled to himself as he felt the arms of his partner wrap around his thick waist. Years of perfecting his craft had buffed up the tod quite of bit compared to his earlier days, being a sight to see even at 54. “What do you think you’re doing?”“Giving you some comfort silly,” Stu said, kneading his fingers into the fox’s abs and chest. “I love these, you know that.”John chuckled darkly but softly as he grazed his fingers over the buck’s arms to feel up his forearms and biceps. “You’re not too bad yourself in that department. It’s quite impressive when you wrestle down larger mammals, you remember that bull you drugged a few months ago?” He could feel the rabbit nodding against him. “That was beautiful! He never saw you coming as you slammed into his back, oh the look on his face when he saw a rabbit standing on his back… priceless!”“Well I’m not one to brag,” Stu's face came around and John saw that crazed look in the buck’s eyes that he fell in love with, “but I enjoyed every moment of that! If you can't defend yourself against one little bunny, then do you really deserve to keep your life?”John grinned. “No, no you don't,” he answered before pulling the rabbit into a deep passionate kiss, even catching his fangs on the bunny’s lips before pulling back. Stu always jumped when he did that, skin tearing before blood leaked from the cuts… and sending shivers down the rabbit’s spine as the taste of copper touched his tongue.“If you do that again I’m gonna have to teach you a lesson…” John dug his claws into the buck’s ass before both growled at one another.“I’d like to see you…” The fox looked ready to pounce before his eyes caught a glimpse of red fur on the street. Tossing the stout bunny on his tail he growled for a different reason as he spotted grey fur and long ears running around with the red. “Maybe I’m not the one who should keep their child on a short leash!”“What?” Stu scrambled back to his feet, peering over the ledge to see his daughter and Nick together, talking about whatever, something he couldn't hear, as they weaved through the back streets and out of sight. The rabbit’s eyes lost all light as his fingers began to twitch violently. “I’m going to kill her…” uttered Stu, but before he had the chance to climb down John grabbed his arm.“No… they’re up to something.”“What?”The older tod thought for a moment. “I’m not sure yet, but they’re doing something that’s going to bristle my fur I can just feel it…”“Then what do we do?”“What we do best,” he turned to his partner, a devilish smirk on his muzzle. “We stalk, we corner, and then we hunt.”
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Dinner was amazing! A vegetable lasagna, chicken stew, and fresh salad, it was all Judy could ask for! She found it quite funny when Nick’s parents went bug-eyed when she ate the beef stew, meat and all, with no issue even surprising her partner.The day she ate some of Nick’s burger she felt… fine. What Nick didn't know, though, was that she snuck into the Break Room when he wasn't looking a took another, bigger, bit out of his food and… she didn't feel sick. She didn't feel like she was dying. She… liked it, loved it even, so when Judy saw the chance to have more meat she wasn't going to pass it up!She avoided it for all of her life because she believed that it would make her sick as her system might not be able to process the meat without causing problems, she had seen it happen to some of her family when they ate shrimp. She must’ve been one of the lucky ones, which had Mrs. Wilde ecstatic as she was happy to see someone “appreciating her cooking down to the last bite” as he sent a pointed look at her husband and son who just shrunk into their seats.Dinner was eaten, stories were shared, and baby pictures were shown- giving the rabbit plenty of ammo against her fox as his blush was almost fully visible on his cheeks despite his fur. After snapping a few shots of some charitable picture to shove in her partner’s face from time to time she offered to help clear the dishes with John, not taking no for an answer this time around.“So, how is Nicky? As a partner I mean, he’s not giving you too much lip is he?” John asked. “Don't need to sugarcoat either, I may have not seen him since he was 8 but even then I could tell he would become a troublemaker in his years.”Judy chuckled at the fatherly annoyance in his tone. “He’s… bearable, frustrating and a bit egocentric but bearable.”“That's good, and what about you, work treatin’ you right? I can tell the job’s hard on Nicky at points so I would have to guess it’s the same for you.”Judy shrugged. “Yeah, sometimes the day lulls on and I really want to clock out, but every day I get to wake up and put on that uniform… I wouldn't change it for the world. It was what I was made to do,” Judy glanced at Nick who was talking to his mom. “And I have the best partner at my side.”“So… you trust my son? To have your back?” The tod asked, trying to gauge the rabbit’s reaction. He had picked up some things from his son in the short time they’ve reconnected, so he just wants to make sure his gut is right.Judy didn't even hesitate with her answer. “With my life.”John nodded. “Good, he feels the same. I want to thank you for that actually.” The bunny paused for a moment, looking up from the sink to glance at the fox. “If it weren't for you I wouldn't even have the chance to know my son again, hell, he might not have even been alive with how reckless he told me he was if he hadn’t met you. So… thank you, for bringing my son back and guiding him out of the shadows.”The older tod’s sincere response had Judy blowing up with a red glow as her ears burned furiously, keeping her eyes now in the sink as she continued to clean with him. “I-It was nothing, really. If it weren't for Nick I might not even have my job right now, he was there when the rest of the precinct didn't support me and that was even before he was a cop! Your son is an amazing mammal Mr. Wilde, you did right by him.”“For the last time call me John, I won’t tell you again. I’m going around calling you Ms…” the fox trailed off as he brunched up his brows. “What is your last name, I don't know if you told us and I can't remember if Nicky told us.”“Oh! It's Hopps, Judy Hopps,” she replied with vigor, but didn't expect the fox the drop the glass he was holding in the sink and shattering it into pieces with how fast it fell.”“Dad!”“John!”Both Nick and Victoria rushed to the vulpine’s side as he gripped the edge of the counter, checking to see if he was hurt but didn't see anything wrong with him. “You okay Dad?” Nick asked.His father nodded. “Y-Yeah, I’m fine, but… did you say Hopps?” directing his question at Judy. “That's what you said, right? I didn't mishear you?”“N-No, that's what I said.” Judy seemed a little confused, as did the other two, seeing the older tod react so much to just her name. The rabbit saw sadness, pain, and… nostalgia in his eyes before he shook his head and smiled. “Did I do something?”“No, no, just… nothing it’s fine,” John checked the clock on the wall and sighed. “It’s getting pretty late and I’m sure you guys have work tomorrow, so I think it's time we concluded this wonderful night.”“Oh right, we do!” exclaimed Judy, already forgetting about the weird encounter in favor of needing sleep for work. “Where’s the bathroom?” Victoria directed her and the rabbit ran off with anymore prompting.While Judy was gone Victoria and Nick sat John down even while he was insisting that he was fine. “Well I’ve never seen you act like that Dad, you sure you’re okay?”“Positive Nick, but enough worrying about me I need to talk to you.”“About?”“Asking the fine woman out.”Nick sadly rolled his eyes. “Dad-”“No, Nicholas, listen to me. You care about her, right?” He nodded. “You'd protect her, correct?” Once again he nodded. “Then Victoria, quickly, can you go fetch those boxes from our room? The ones on in my dresser?” The vixen nodded as she disappears for a brief moment before returning with what she was sent to fetch. John took the boxes from her hand and opened them in front of Nick, whose eyes widened beyond belief.“When did you-”“The day after you came back to us and told us about your bisexualty. I never knew what kind of mammal you would charm, male or female, so I had a few designs made just in case. So take this one,” John handed his son a closed medium-small velvet box. “I know you’re still worried, but I believe in you Nicky, and if you care for that rabbit you’ll believe in her too, alright?”Nick wasn't really sure what to do, but a swell of confidence filled his chest- not his masking confidence either, real proper confidence. His nerves were all over the place, but he nodded anyways.“Good, now hid that quick, I think she’s coming back.” Both Wilde men hide the boxes in their possession in their own ways just as Judy came back.The fox and rabbit said their goodbyes to the married couple- John and Victoria making Judy promised she’d come back- before waving the two off.“Do you think he’ll do it?” his wife asked.John shrugged. “It's all to him in what he chooses, but I think he’ll make the right choice.”
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The night was cool as Judy had her window rolled down just a bit, feeling the breeze pass between her ears as Nick drove. A smile blessing her face thinking about the wonderful dinner she had with Nick’s parents and how they loved her, she didn't understand why that made her so happy… or maybe she did but wanted to block out those thoughts.She wasn't so focused inwards she would have noticed the car had stopped moving… but they weren't at her apartment complex. “Uh, Nick? What are you doing?” She noticed that they were at the beach, the sound of crashing waves against the near cliff and the sand highlighted by the moonlight.“Come on, I got something to show you.” Nick didn't say much after that as he stepped out of the car, Judy following suit and following him into the cool sand. The bunny was severely confused as Nick had this look of… nervousness, mixed in with hope, in his face and body as he took her paw and walked her over to the water, just out of reach of it as the water, black as night, was calm and smooth. “Nick, what is this?” She wasn't sure how to feel about what her best friend was doing as he was part confused and part excited.“Judy,” her name tickled her ears, her body going stiff ever so slightly. “We’ve known each other for just over two years, right?” The bunny couldn't get words out, just nodding. “And we’ve done a lot of good, right? Helping the mammals of Zootopia and even stopping that crazy as hell conspiracy when we first met.” Again Judy nodded not knowing what the fox was planning. “But you’ve also done a lot of good for me, if it weren't for you I probably would've stayed a hustler until I croaked- which might’ve been sooner than I thought since I was still hiding from Big.”“Nick-”“What I want to say is… Judy Hopps,” her full name shocked her, heat rising in her clothes. “You’ve done so much for me and I don't think I can thank you enough. You got me a proper job, an apartment since I was living on the street, and even pushed me to reunite with my parents! So, Judy Hopps,” The fox reach into his back pocket to reveal a velvet box and opened it, showing off a metal band stained a light purple with a green gem, an emerald, embedded in the front. “Would you do me the honor of going out with me on a date?”The rabbit’s mind broke. ‘W-What?”“A date, Carrots, you and me, whaddya say?” Hearing her nickname again caused his shoulders to relax before the question she was holding back spilled out of her mouth.“W...Why? Why me?”“Because you’re smart, funny, put up with me most of the time, and… I’ve liked for a while now.”That caught her attention, her mind still a little baffled as to what was happening. “H-How long?”“Not long, maybe… six months? Maybe longer? But in truth, I was pretty against doing anything like this with you.”That caused her chest to tighten a little. “W-Why’s that?”“Because I didn't want to hurt you.” Okay… that's definitely wasn't what she was expecting. "I didn't want you to feel like you had to go out on a date with me and I was also scared with how you would react. Those fears lessened a bit when I told would I was Bi and when you didn't seem bothered by me having non-fox partners in the past, but I didn't want to ruin you- or that's what I played through my head while I tried my damndest to hide my feelings for you.”“Ruin me? What do you mean ruin me?” Her brain was starting to work again, her questioning gaze locked on Nick.“You’re a rabbit, I was worried that if people found out that you were dating me that they would automatically assume I was forcing you in some way to date me, that you needed help- that you were some meek bunny who didn't know what she was doing.”“Then what changed?”“My Dad,” he answered honestly. “The night we went out for drinks I told him I felt, about you and about what people might think of you and me, and he tossed it in my face that it was the antithesis of what I follow- Never let them see that they get to you. You, metaphorically speaking, weaseled your way into my heart and there wasn't anything I could do about that… other than saying ‘fuck it’ and asking you out.” It was then Judy noticed his paw was shaking while holding the box. “So… you never answered my question.”Judy blinked. “No… No I didn't.” She stared at the band for a few moments longer before asking one last question. “Why now?”“Because you’re my partner, my best friend, and I would do anything for you. I trust you with my life just as you do for me, and who knows maybe this won't work but we won't know unless we try.”At that Judy smirked. “No, no we wouldn't.” She reached out and placed the band over her right wrist, it feeling loose enough to slide on but enough to fall off without taking it off. “So what do you got planned Slick, for a date that is?”She could see the visible relief in his posture. “We’re both off Wednesday, so I’ll figure out something by then.”“Do I get to know what?”“Nope.” His sly smile was back.She rolled her eyes. “I hate you.”He chuckled. “No you don't.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The sun barely peeked over the horizon as the day started for some mammals, needing an early start in order to provide for family and loved ones.This applies fully to one large panda bear, dressed in a simple button-up, vest, and pants as he goes to open up the restaurant he ran with his husband and adult daughter. Business had been booming since they opened it three years ago and he had attributed that to his husband's cooking and daughter's personality as the hostess, he was just the manager that ran the background stuff.He always went in early in order to do half the prep for his chef of a husband before setting up the dining room, it was then that after unlocking the restaurant and heading inside that he heard scurrying behind him. Spinning around, the panda looked around the dark and empty restaurant. "Who's there?" The scurrying continued behind him forcing him to turn towards the sound, spotting a glimpse of red. "The restaurant's closed right now, please leave or I'll have to call the police." A shiver went down his spine hearing a guttural growl to his threat, the sound bouncing around the walls."Are you sure? Where I'm sitting… the main course has just arrived…" the voice growled, the room felt like it grew colder."Where are you? Show yourself!" The panda demanded, only getting another growl and a deep-throated chuckle from his trespassers.Though a bear, and as such, classified as a predator, there was an itch at the back of his mind telling to run! To get out as fast as he could! He didn't really want to think about why his instincts were screaming at him to leave, but he didn't want to question it at that moment as he turned on his heel and headed for the door.The intruder knew he would do that as a blur of red swiped by him as he reached for the door the blur shot past him, burning hot pain shooting through his paw as he reeled back.The panda took a look at his paw and his stomach dropped just feeling the spurts of blood dribbling down, the torn away digits in the mouth of the fox standing in front of him. The bear was in too much shock, and it only deepened when the fox slurped the digits into his maw and began chewing. “Hm… not bad,” he said in-between chews. “Nice fatty taste, can’t wait to have to rest!” The panda didn't have any time to react, still in shock over his fingers, as the tod lunged at his throat and sunk his teeth in. The wet sound of spurting blood and tearing muscle was prominent in his ears as he tumbled back, his body fell into shock as the fox tore through his clothes and began clawing and digging into his chest.The pain was unbearable, but just as he began to slip away- the fox’s surprising strength prying open his ribcage- he looked at the fox one last time as he smiled… crimson coating his teeth and his hungry emerald eyes staring right through himHe wasn't a mammal to him… he was a meal…
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It was early in the morning, the sun barely peeking through the rabbit’s blinds when her phone started ringing. Judy’s ears perked up immediately as she answered the call, her body already waking her up. “Hello?”
“Carrots, where are you?”
“Nick? I’m… in my apartment, why?” she asked, throwing her covers as she grabbed her hanging uniform.
“I know we aren't supposed to go in until 10, but Bogo needs us right now.”
“What? Why, did something happen?” Judy had already been putting on her uniform when she got the call, believing it was a work emergency and she was right.“I’ll tell you when I pick you up, just be ready and downstairs by the time I get to your place. I’ll be there in 5.” The fox hung up the phone after saying that, sounding the most serious as he’s ever been. It worried the bunny hearing her partner’s voice completely neutral and pensive as he usually filled in the grim tone their job took with jokes and quips to her- and possibly himself- grounded and just a bit distracted.The moment Judy was changed and satisfied she grabbed her utility belt and headed downstairs to see Nick as he pulled up in his car. “Get in.” Judy didn't hesitate before bouncing over the hood of the car and jumping into the passenger seat.As the rabbit buckled herself in. “So what’s happening? Why does the Chief need us now?” Nick didn't answer her right away, which worried her. “Nick, what is it?”“I’ll explain when we get there, Hopps.” She saw his jaw was clenched and his knuckles were tight around the steering wheel. Something was wrong.“That's not what you said over the phone.”“Well I’m saying it now.”“Nick just tell me, Bogo only calls us like this when it's super serious.” When the fox didn't respond she held his shoulder, him relaxing ever so slightly. “I’m your best friend, Nick, but I’m also your partner. You can tell me what’s going on.”There were a few beats of silence that unnerved Judy about her partner at the moment, but after a few minutes of driving did he answer.“There’s been a murder.”
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Pulling up just outside of The Bear Claw Nick parked his car along with the other cop cars around, him and Judy stepped out of the fox’s car and walked over to the restaurant entrance. Police lights shone off the caution tape as they walked underneath, many of the cops scattered around did nothing but acknowledge Hopps and Wilde as they went over to the Chief who looked as stoic and intimidating as ever… but there was a sadness behind his eyes. “What’s the situation, Chief?” asked Nick, void of any snarkiness.Bogo sighed. “I think it’s best if you saw it yourself, but before that,” he added just Judy tried marching off, “I need to let you know that this isn’t a typical homicide case by any means.” The water buffalo glanced at the rabbit. Just because the bunny had been on the force for a few years didn't diminish the fact she was still very much a greener type of cop, not having been exposed to many things like murder. It was true the two had worked on a few murder cases before, but more in the way of support and not really dealing with the corpse directly. “Are you up for this Hopps? I’m not sure what Wilde’s seen in his past but I have an inkling that you don’t normally run into dead bodies in Bunnyburrow, you can back out at any time.”Judy bit down on her cheek as she took a deep breath. “Chief, with all due respect, I don't see any reason to back out now. You called for us, we’re here to help.”Chief Bogo laughed, but it felt empty. “Okay then, head right inside. Body’s in the dining area, you can’t miss it.”Nick didn't have any time to react as his partner marched off, the fox heading off after her as the smell of copper was distinct from the outside even for him. Unfortunately Judy was faster than him so he didn't reach here until after she walked in, the bunny frozen in place at the scene directly in front of them: A large panda bear splayed out on the ground with his shirt and vest ripped open, the mammal’s chest cavity was pried open revealing the shattered ribs. If that wasn't disturbing enough Nick took note of the scattered organs laying in the pool of crimson as the bear’s entails laid splayed on his legs.The fox felt bile rise in his throat as he forced it down, but nothing could’ve stopped Judy as she backtracked back outside coughing and sputtering up stomach acid as she hadn’t eaten yet. She was glad she didn’t.While the two recovered from their initial shock Nick had taken the time to stuff a bit of issue into his nostrils to block some of the smell while he did what he could to comfort his partner, the rabbit shaking and eyes shiny as she refused to tear up. After a few deep breaths, they both walked back over where Girzzoli was waiting. “Grizzoli,” Judy began, her voice a little shaky at the moment. “What… What can you tell us about the victim?”The polar bear was leaning up against the bar counter as he gave the two smaller officers a sad smile before returning stoic and showing off the wallet in an evidence bag. “His name was Brandon McCarthy, age 45, and he’s… he was the co-owner of this restaurant along with his husband. We contacted both his husband and daughter who should be on their way to the precinct now.”“I’m guessing he was here to open up?” Nick asked the bear nodded. “Okay, so what can you tell us about the crime scene?”“Well,” Grizzoli began, stomping past them as he pointed out some markings on the arms. “He obviously put up some sort of fight based on some of the bruising around his forearms, but whoever killed him didn’t kill him quickly as whoever did this tore out a chunk of his neck but just nicked the artery. He bled relatively fast, but it wasn't fast enough.” The two younger officers felt a shutter run down their backs hearing that. The polar bear continued. “There isn’t much disturbed around the dining room, so it was a quick fight sadly, but whoever killed him though was pretty sick in the head, just look,” the polar bear pointed out random tears into the bear’s body that almost looked like-“T-Teeth marks?” Judy stuttered out as she grew to the realization of the random chunks missing from the victim. “So whoever attacked him was a predator, right?”“Looks that way Hopps,” Nick chimned in. “Those are definitely fang marks, but... “ The vulpine trailed off as his partner watched as his eyes widened as he panned down to the scattered organs… with identical fang marks.Grizzoli knew what the fox was looking at. “Yep, like I said, sick in the head.”“Wait,” the realization hit Judy like a freight train. “Are you saying whoever killed Mr. McCarthy... ate parts of him??”“Not just parts, the forensic investigators said there are a few his organs unaccounted for with the big one being his heart. It’s a wild assumption but… they’re saying since there aren’t bite-sized chunks of the dude scattered around that he was… consumed.” The large predator tried holding back a gag just thinking of that kind of implication. Nick just balled his fists while Judy grew very cold and felt very small. “Look, I know the Chief called you guys in but you don’t-”“Don’t try to persuade us,” it shocked the large bear to hear this coming from Wilde and not Hopps, the fire in the fox’s eyes not directed towards him but the murderer. “The Chief called us because he thought we could do this, that we can handle this, and that’s exactly what we’re going to do. Right, Hopps?”“Y… Yeah, yeah, Nick’s right.” The bunny’s confidence brewing once again as she shook off the dread. “We can do this! Don’t worry about us, Girzzoli, we can handle this case!”The polar bear took note of the two smaller officers before smiling. "Alright then, you two are the best we got so if anyone can figure out this shitshow it's you. Once we're finished up her we'll send all the evidence and crime scene photos back to the Precinct." Hopps and Wilde nodded as they headed out to talk to Chief Bogo, but as they exited the building Grizzoli sighed. "Hope you two know what you're doing."
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After discussing with the Chief on taking the case he had been maybe a little surprised, but ultimately he knew they could take the challenge. He instructed them to head back to the Precinct to interview the husband and daughter.The drive back was held in silence, Nick focused solely on the road, knuckles aching from his grip on the steering wheel, and Judy laid her head against the window and stared absentmindedly at the passing world. For the rabbit, death had been something you get used to, especially with such a large family like hers: Siblings in litters didn't always make it, Uncles and Aunts getting into accidents or dying during childbirth, stuff like that just becomes the norm. But this… this was different. Every dead person that she’s seen had always looked like… themselves and even the times she and Nick have helped out with murder investigations the mammals didn't look much different to how Judy would’ve imagined them when alive. This time it was different. This time it felt real.The distrubed body… the pungent smell of blood… the tearing claw marks… it was just- “Judy?”Nick’s voice snapped her out of her spiraling thoughts, his paw over hers as she noticed the trembling in her paws. “Are you okay? You haven't moved for 5 minutes, we’re here.” Judy finally blinked and looked around to see they were sitting in the Precinct parking lot.“Oh… sorry about that,” she muttered, shaking her head before forcing her ears up and smiling. “I’m okay Nick.”“Are… you sure? Look, Judy, I know you’re trying to put on a brave face,” he started already seeing through what she was pulling, “but you don't have to, it’s okay to feel shitty after what we’ve seen.”“I know Nick.” She patted his face as her eyes softened. “But I can’t worry about that right now, it’s our job as police officers to help those in need and right now…” she glanced away, taking a deep breath. “There is a confused husband and daughter in the Precinct right now that need closer, protect and serve remember?” Judy stepped out of the car, Nick in tow. “We come second in moments like this.”Nick wanted to say more, but he knew she was right. They had to be strong at that moment because there were mammals inside that wouldn’t be and they had to be there for them… they never had to do this before, and the first time was never easy.The second they walked through the front doors they spotted a muscular grizzly bear and a lean jaguar sitting by the front desk with Clawhauser bringing them refreshments and donuts. Both looked a little worse for wear only because they were worried, and it was only going to get worse when the young jaguar spotted the two officers and jogged over to them with her father trailing behind. “You’re Officers Hopps and Wilde, right? We were told not too long ago that you wanted to speak with us.” The daughter’s voice was shaky and uncertain. “Is my dad okay? That's the only reason why Pops and I would get a call like that, what happened? Is it bad?”Hopps and Wilde just turned to each other… and sighed. “Mr. and Ms. McCarthy… we’re… we’re so sorry to have to tell you this but…” Judy trailed off, not even bothering to look up from the floor as choked sobs racked the young girl as she collapsed to the ground, her father kneeling down beside her with tears in his eyes and let out shuddering breaths.Nick took over as he placed a paw on his partner’s shoulder, doing what he could to center her. “You have our deepest condolences, we’re sorry that we didn’t have better news for you.” The fox wasn’t sure what else to say so the four of them just stayed close to one another, the bear doing what he could to comfort his daughter while Nick held onto Judyto keep her from falling apart as well.After almost 20 minutes Wilde suggested moving to one of the interview rooms for more privacy and Mr. McCarthy was thankful for the suggestion, another officer fetching a blanket for his daughter and the four of them moved to be more comfortable. Judy had gone to fetch them all some coffee and once she came back and sat down she knew she had to get down to business. “Is it okay if we ask you two some questions? I know this may seem sudden but-”“No, it’s alright,” Mr. McCarthy, Jacob he said, answered. “You’re just doing your job, what do ya need?”“Well… did your husband have any enemies? Anyone who would’ve wished ill will on him?” Jdu asked, pulling a notebook and the carrot pen out of of of the pouches on her belt.Jacob shook his head. “No, everyone loved him. He was a kind soul that never failed to bring life into the restaurant or at home.”“D-Did someone kill him?” His daughter, Bethany, asked, her voice raw from crying.“Yes, we have strong evidence that your father was murdered.”“But… B-But why? He wouldn't hurt anyone!”“That's what we're trying to figure out,” Wilde added as he took a sip of his coffee. “So anything you can think of that might help us in catching your dad’s killer would be a great help to us, even the smallest detail can help in a situation like this.”Both father and daughter took a moment to think before nodding, grief very apparent in their features but strength burning in their eyes. “Okay then, so…” And the interview went on, for about an hour as Hopss and Wilde tried to get everything they could think of that might’ve been relevant for them in the case and after an hour they both Mr. and Ms. McCarthy head back home as the two officers when back to their shared office and put together everything they had some the interview as well as gather the evidence photos and bags from the crime scene.Forensic reports showed no sign of any recent fur that wasn’t the victim’s at the scene, which meant the killer was very careful somehow. Any markings on the body itself weren't very distinguishable, only that they were definitely claw and fang marks to show that it was a predator that attacked the panda bear but they already knew that. What’s more is that the interview shined a light onto the kind person the bear was but it didn't lead to anything or anyone that would’ve wanted him dead, it didn't make sense.After a few minutes of spitting ideas back and forth, Hopps had grown very quiet, and that was never a good sign to the fox especially in a moment like this. “Carrots?” He tried using her nickname to livity the heavy tension in the air. “You alright over there?” He didn't look up from the stuff scattered in front of him at his desk but his ears swiveled to get a better angel towards his partner.“F-Fine, I’m fine.” Judy’s voice hitched.“Carrots?” This time the fox did turn around to see his partner hunched over her desk, shaking around the shoulders. “Hopps?” Getting out his chair he slowly walked over. “What’s wrong?”“N-Nothing Nick, I’m fine,” she lied, her back facing the fox.“Hopps talk to me.”“I said I’m fine Nick, go back to-”“Judy,” he spoke, resting a paw on her shaking shoulder. “It’s okay to not be okay, you’re not doing this alone. You don’t have to hold it in.” Now while Nick wasn’t the most overly emotional person he knew Judy was and knew to continue to hold anything in for her was going to eat away at his partner and he didn’t want that. “Look at me.”Her shoulders tensed. “N-No…”“Judy, please, look at me.”“...I don't w-want to…”Nick sighed. “Why not?”“B-Because you shouldn’t see me like this…”“I’ve known you for two years Carrots,” he spoke while slowly spinning her chair around to reveal a red-eyed rabbit doing what she could to hold back hitches in her voice and tears in her eyes. “You’re my best friend, it’s okay to feel shitty. You don't have to hold it in anymore, I’m here.” Wilde opened up his arms and softly smiled. “I’m here.”It didn't take long for Judy to let the dam break as she launched herself from her chair and into her partner’s arms, sobbing directly into his chest as she clung to him tight. She tried to talk, tried to form any kind of coherent sentence, but Nick just hushed her. “Don’t speak, just let it all out.” The fox let his own tears fall but he knew he had to hold strong for Judy, she needed someone to be there for her right now and it was going to be him no matter how much he wanted to scream and punch something.At that moment nothing else mattered, just the two of them as the morning finally set in and they were finally able to let loose.
_____
They held each other for what felt like hours before Judy finally felt herself calm down after so much crying. Her head pounded from lack of fluids so Nick went to fetch the two of them water as they just sat in silence and drank. Once she calmed down she thanked Nick who just smirked and nodded. They finally got back to work, with clearer minds this time, and had been brainstorming with what they had, which wasn't much.They stopped for a lunch break and had a hefty lunch as both realized that neither of them had breakfast, so once their stomachs were bursting with food they dove right back into their work and that's how Chief Bogo found them: Nose deep in papers, analyzing evidence, and spitting ideas back and forth for any possibility. He had instructed the two of them to go a quick patrol before clocking out, “to clear your heads” he said.It was now around four as Nick drove around in the cruiser with his partner, the sun really beginning to wane as shadows grew longer and the sunlight shifted to a more orange hue.Judy was quiet, but this time it wasn't a bad quiet. The two of them needed to clear their heads a bit before heading home after a very long day, so it was a nice contempt silence while they still looked around vigilantly for any suspicious behavior they might come across. And, normally, Nick would be the one filling the air with stories and jokes but the rabbit felt it was her time to really poke at him- not with jokes mind you but with the other thing that was on her mind. “Are you sure you’re not gonna tell me what we’re going to be doing for our date?”“Nope, sorry Carrots.”“Why not though? I mean, as one of the recipients of this date I think I have the right to know what we’re doing.”“You would think so, but no… not really,” he teased, both feeling a bit better now.“You are the worst you know that? You give me a beautiful bracelet, ask me out, and you won't even tell me anything about it, the nerve!” pouted Judy.“Truth be told Carrots,” began Nick. “I have fully fleshed out what we’ll be doing just yet. I had some ideas last night and I was going to plan a bit during our lunch, but… you know… happened, so I guess I’ll just wait until I get home.” The fox glanced at his partner and smirked. “It’s gonna be fun watching you squirm for the next two days.”“You get joy out of seeing me not know things not related to work, don’t you?”“Yes, absolutely, 100%.” Ugh that line. Judy hated that line and every time Nick used it she wanted to smack him.“You know what-”“All patrolling Units,” Clawhuaser’s voice cut through the radio, silencing the rabbit in the process. “We have a 10-67 on Vincreek Road in Savannah Central, at the Worcester Apartments.”Nick knew where they were when he picked up the phone and flicked on the sirens. “This is Wilde-Hopps, en route to location ETA 2 minutes.”
“10-4 Wilde-Hopps, be careful.”
“Always.” He answered before setting the radio back down, focusing fully on driving as he took a left and parked right in front of the building moments later.Walking up to the front desk they asked the security guard, an older wolf, about a call they had just received to which he instructed them to head to the 8th floor. Upon arriving they could see an elderly possum knocking on a door, clearly concerned as tinted water poured from the apartment. “Ma’am, are you the one who called?”She jumped a bit as they approached. “Oh yes, I’mso glad to see you officers.”“What seems to be the problem?”“My neighbor, Anthony, seems to have left his water running but I’ve been trying to call him for the last 20 minutes and he’s not answering.” The water spilling out into the hall from under the door was worrying enough, so when Nick asked if the landlord was in to open the apartment she said that he wasn't home- visiting family she said.“Okay, ma’am I’m gonna have to ask you to stand back, okay?” Nick said as he scooted the possum away. “Just stay in your apartment until we scope out the situation, alright?”“Of course officer.”As the elderly lady went back into her home Nick turned back to see his partner knocking a few times and alerting Anthony that if he didn't open the door that they would come in, and after getting no response both had drawn their tranq pistols as the rabbit nodded to her partner. Nick smirked. “I always love doing this,” he mumbled before him and Hopps kicked in unison, kicking in the door with ease. “ZPD!” It was one of the only times Nick ever yelled that with his partner, though he still felt like it was alerting any criminals to run.The fox wandered over to the kitchen sink, which was clogged, and shut off the water. The entire place had hardwood floors so the shine of water reflected all on the ground as Hopps and Wilde slowly made their way through the apartment. Clearing the living room and bathroom- shutting off the clogged sink in there as well- the two reached the door to the bedroom and burst it open.The fur on the back of their necks stood up as they were greeted to a goat with his shorts and underwear around his ankles, and blood spurting from the huge hole that was ripped into his throat all over his shirt. He was slumped over slightly in the chair he was sitting in, which allowed his blood to squirt into the water below him and tint the liquid pink as it spread.“Hopps, call this in.”
_____
Deep in an alleyway, not even 5 blocks from Worcester Apartments sat a fox crouched behind a heavy dumpster gorging on the fatty organ he had taken from his kill earlier that day, and with it still bleeding he had taken the back ways to avoid being seen.“I’m back!” sang the rabbit as she stepped into the alley with two bags in paw. “You should’ve seen the cashier at the convenience store, she didn't think twice about me as I paid for this stuff. They really trusting around here, aren’t they?”“Stupid is more like it,” growled the fox as he took another juicy bite of his heart. “Should be scared… need them to be scared.”“And they will Nicky, but we need to take this slow for now. We’re still high profile around here after all,” giggled the bunny once again thinking back to seeing their counterparts here in this world. ‘Cops! Who would’ve thought!’ she snickered at the thought while taking out the wipes she bought and cleaned her privates, remembering the fun she had earlier that day. 'It's always funny to see their faces after our little tussle when my paw digs into their necks... it's priceless!'She cracked open a water bottle and unwrapped a protein bar and started eating, even handing her partner water as well as he finished his snack and needed to wash off.“Idiots, all of them, for trusting a fox,” he said washing his hands and muzzle off. “He, what saves the city and that makes him good? Ha! Pretty fucking stupid if you ask me.”“Now now Nicky there’s no need for that,” chastised the bunny before smiling like a schoolgirl. “That's good for us: They trust us here. That means we can walk around without anyone batting an eye, mammals won’t bother you or me… and we’ve already started our fun, so they’ll be running around with just the appetizer.”“Heh… fucking idiots.” The fox groaned as he stretched and chugged down the rest of his water. “A fox and rabbit saved all of them and that same pair is gonna destroy all of their happy insignificant lives.” The vulpine couldn’t help but chuckle. “This is fun already Judith.”“Yes, it is Nicky… yes, it is.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The next two days were hectic.Chief Bogo was fuming when he heard the call Judy had made about another murder, but it wasn’t because it was them that found the victim but for the fact, these murders were hours apart and nobody would’ve noticed them without others passing by.He pulled out all the stops to get that scene blocked off and examined and when he heard the victim had vastly different injuries compared to Mr. McCarthy, which worried the Chief of Police immensely especially after seeing the two officers on the case: The fox very clearly gritting his teeth trying to keep a neutral face and the rabbit confused, frustrated, and annoyed all at once. He got their statements before sending them back to the precinct while he left the CSI’s to their jobs, the water buffalo sighing as a headache was starting to come on and a stiff drink in his future.
_____
The office was quiet with nothing but the sound of scribbling pens and the clicking keys filled the air between the two mammals. Neither one said anything during the drive back that day, but the bunny could see her partner’s stressed knuckles around the steering wheel as he glared daggers at the road. He had been like that since and it wasn't sitting right with the rabbit.Judy stopped typing letting out a small sigh before turning her chair around to look at her partner, the blank look on his face as he tried recalling every detail he could disturb her because Nick was never the one to completely discard emotion- suppress it, yes, especially when was upset but usually threw up his conman smile. “Nick?”“What is it, Hopps?” The fox’s voice plain and dismissive, something that would have normally upset the bunny not given their current assignment and atmosphere.“I think we should talk.”“Nothing to talk about,” said Nick trailing off to show he wasn't interested in chatting.Judy, however, didn't see it like that. “Let me rephrase, we need to talk. I can’t bottle up what's running through my head right now and I don't think you should either,” Judy said with concern creeping into her voice. “This is a hard case, probably the hardest we’ve ever had, so I need to make sure I’m not losing my partner over it.”The seemed to cut through the fox’s wall as he sighed, setting his glasses down before going to face his partner. “Okay, I’ll give, what’s going on in that rabbit mind of yous?” he asked though still sounding a bit disinterested.Judy rolled her eyes at Nick’s tone. “Nick I’m being serious, we’ve assisted on murder cases before but this is the first time we’re heading one and so far things haven't really gone our way. In the span of a few hours, we’ve gone from one victim to two and each with totally different M.O.’s and I’m not really sure what to think of it,” she admitted. She started playing with the ends of her sleeves. “They’re not sitting right with me but for different reasons: I can’t understand someone who acts like a savage mammal with no incentive and how we found that goat…” Her eyes began to water thinking back to the distraught looks on Mr. McCarthy’s husband and daughter and the goat’s blood dripping into the water below him, but she shook her head as she steeled herself. ‘No time for crying, we've done that enough already.’ “It can’t be a coincidence we came across two dead bodies within a matter of hours of each other and I know we’ve looked into both victim’s backgrounds and didn't find any connections but there has to be! I’ve been racking my brain about it and every time I want to spin out theories with you you’ve shut down since that day! It’s like talking to an ice wall at this point!” Once Judy spoke her mind all of her frustrations with Nick spilled out along with her concerns, being unable to stop she went off while Nick continued to stare with no change in expression. “You’re supposed to be my partner on this, but not hearing you crack any jokes or casually flirt with others around the precinct or even tease me is annoying, scary, and lonely! It f-feels like you’re n-not even… like you’re not even here…” she punctuated with a defeated sigh, at this point she wasn't even looking at her partner but the floor.“I get it, I know you, Nick, you like to close yourself off, like to internalize everything you’re feeling, but you’re my best friend and I know this may seem like a lot but-” Judy didn't even get to finish her thought before arms wrapped around her and pulled her into the crook of the fox’s neck as he held her close. She felt his tail brush against her legs just as her breath hitched, reaching out to hold the fox as he held her.“...Sorry…” Nick’s voice came out soft and tired. “I’m frustrated too, frustrated that everything we do seems to lead to a dead-end and because two mammals lost their lives on our watch. I know we can't be everywhere… but it’s still frustrating.”“That's the job Nick, we protect and serve but there are mammals we can't always protect.”“But it feels different, at least with me,” he muttered as he relinquished his partner so she could see the conflict written across his face. “When you spend two decades of your life hustling mammals you end up running into not-so-friendly mammals that no matter what pride themselves in their lack of empathy and morals. You spend a lot of time scouring the streets in not-so-safe areas, and I did all I could to ignore the calls for help, the cries in pain, the smells of decay because ‘it wasn’t my problem’.“But now I’m here, a cop, your partner, where now it is my problem and I know it hasn't been super long since I've graduated and became your partner and I’m still getting the hang of this… I can't help but feel like I’m messing up.” The fox looked so torn about this, but he soon stretched his body before smirking and bopping Judy’s nose catching her off guard. “But you’re right, I haven’t really been fun to be around so I sincerely apologize for that. Talking did help though, so I’ll give you that Carrots, as I do tend to be a Dumb Fox and forget I have you here with me,” commented Nick, his tone much lighter than before and much more lively.“Well… I’m glad you’re feeling-”“You liked it when I flirted with others in the precinct? Naughty naughty bunny, what would your mother say if she heard that?” teased Nick wagging his finger in Judy’s face a pouting.The rabbit would normally be thrown off by a sudden flip in personality like this- going from a serious conversation to immediate jabs- but in Nick’s case it usually shows that he does feel better after one of their talks, so it’s not that much out of the ordinary.His question, however, was. “W-What!? No, of course not!”“Ah, so you mentioned it because it makes you jealous when I do that.”“I do not get jealous! But now that you’ve mentioned it, why do you flirt with everyone in the precinct? Even now after you’ve already asked me out on a date?”“Because, my darling best friend, it’s how I interact with mammals. A few compliments thrown here or there and some playful teasing doesn't really mean much to me, it’s like breathing.” He glanced over his shoulder and smirked more as he put his glasses back on. “So you shouldn't worry that cottontail of yours, you’ll have me all to yourself tonight won’t you?”The mention of her and Nick’s date later that day brought out a blush in her cheeks, still having no clue what he has planned. “And no I’m telling you what we’re doing- and before you ask yes I have set something up prior to all of the doom and gloom, though making sure everything was set did keep my mind off of everything that's happened so that was nice.”Judy huffed. “Why do you have to be so mysterious?”Nick laughed. “Because it’s not fun if I’m not.”
_____
Foxy Partner: Be ready by 7, formal wear if you have it
Nick had texted that just a few minutes after their shift ended at 5.It was 6:30.Judy wanted to scream.She had never been a fan of dresses when she was younger, hell even now she didn't really get the appeal of them… Judy could have really used a dress right about now.She had dresses, yes- her mother would not let her leave for the city without a few- but she didn't feel like any of them screamed “fine dining” as she was guessing that's what was happening for her and Nick’s date. Nice but not what she would consider something you wear out somewhere fancy… well… “He did say ‘if I have it’ so… nothing says I can't cobble something together! Problem solved!” ‘Something that wouldn't have been a problem if you didn't moan and groan about what was in her closet for 90 minutes.’Ignoring that cynical thought she threw down a few options and tossing down some blazers she bought over the last two years and after 20 minutes of trying and retrying the few dresses that she owned and pairing them with her blazers she finally settled on a looser bluish-grey dress with a small floral design paired with a darker blue blazer, grabbing the small purse Francine had convinced her to buy one Girls Night Out.As she looked herself over she played with the bracelet Nick had given her when he asked out days prior still mesmerized by its simple beauty being brought out by the stained metal matching her eyes and the gem that reminded her of her fox.Soon enough knocking erupted through her apartment and the rabbit’s nervousness spiked for a moment before going to answer the door, and what she saw took her breath away.There, standing in front of her, was the fox she had come to know over the last two years and she assumed she knew the fox’s wardrobe in its entirety.She was wrong.What stood before her was a fox in a forest green suit with a satin finish, a pitch-black button-up, and a green tie that complemented his suit as well as look freshly tied. His fur washed, brushed, and even a bit trimmed- needless to say he looked much nicer than what was typical- and his gold watch peeked out from under his sleeve being much more noticeable with darker color he was wearing..There was a lot that the bunny wanted to say… but the snarky part of her spoke first before anything could be processed. “Is there any reason as to why you don't dress more like this instead of looking like a gaudy tourist all the time?”That caught the fox off guard as he brought one of his paws from behind him to cover up the smile that formed when he laughed. “Usually mammals go ‘You look amazing!’ in situations like this, but why would I ever expect the usual from the first bunny cop in Zootopia.”“You do look very handsome Nick,” Judy admitted, “but that doesn't excuse the rest of your clothes.”“Well if I always looked this good all the time then it wouldn't be special right now, would it?”Judy sighed in defeat. “I hate it that you’re right.”“You love it, don't lie.” She slugged him the arm, though not as hard as usual. “And now we’re past the abuse portion of this little escapade, what do you say we head out?” he asked while holding out his arm.Judy smiled as she took his. “Alright wise guy, lead the way.”
_____
It was a short drive as they pulled up to a fancy looking restaurant, what Judy assumed they were going but never somewhere so nice. Nick had parked the car and walked around to open Judy’s door guiding her out of the car, a small smile blessed her face at the small gesture.The inside was even more decorated with chandeliers, bathing everything in a soft crystallized amber glow, the dark granite-like paint made everything look like it was made of the expensive stone, and every occupied table Judy saw were filled with mammals that looked like they stepped right out of a drama with their expensive-looking clothes and jewelry. The rabbit felt a little underdressed for a place like this.Arm still wrapped around her date Nick walked them up to the hostess stand where a dignified looking elk stood. “Bonjour, welcome to Clair De Lune Béni, I am Claude Deerclaw, how may I help you?” the elk greeted with a prominent french accent.“Reservation for two, under ‘Wilde’,” said Nick.The host coked his head slightly before searching through his book for a bit before pausing. “Ah, here it is, Wilde, though… are you any way related to Monsieur Wilde of Suittopia?”Nick chuckled, clearly not expecting this. “Yes it is, that would be my father.”“Ah! Le Fils De Wilde! Je ne me serais jamais attendu à voir sa famille à mon merveilleux lieu de travail.” The son of Wilde! I would have never expected to see his kin at my wonderful place of business. “Your father’s craftsmanship is Magnifique! A humble man he is also,” the host had the brightest smile on his snout as he collected two menus and guided the pair to a booth off in the corner. “I would think you would want some privacy as for others not to bother you and Mademoiselle Hopps this evening.”Caught a bit off guard the rabbit blinked at the host. “You know who I am?”“Pardi! I may know Monsieur Wilde’s father but there isn't a soul in this city who doesn't know you,” he explained, and even after two years the bunny still didn't get used to people knowing who she was.The elk gestured for the two of them to sit as he placed down the menus. “Now, I hope you two have a wonderful evening and Monsieur Wilde please tell your father Claude said hello, okay?” Nick nodded. “Excellent! A server should be with you shortly, enjoy your evening.” And just like that Claude had excused himself away leaving the pair on their own leaving Judy, still a little wide-eyed, to finally confront her date.“How-”“Called in a favor,” Nick explained already knowing her question. “Told Pops what I was planning and, sadly, while I didn't have any connections to this place he did- when you service many types of tailoring clients you end up with plenty of connections around for places like this.”Judy let that process as she looked over the menu. “Okay that answers that, but what about money? Just looking these prices over I can tell you right now, with a cop’s salary, I can't afford much.”“Don't worry about money since I’ll be paying,” he added by pulling out a money clip filled with 20s, 50s, and even some hundreds as the fox fanned it slightly. “Some of this is my own saving while the rest was gifted by dear old Dad who, in his words, ‘wanted us youngins to have beautiful time with little worry’.”“Nick, I can't ask you to pay for everything, at least let me pay for half.”“No can do Carrots, us Wildes are raised to be as gentlemanly as we can. Showing anyone we want to ‘court’ that we have a semblance of competence and regard for the one we’re going for, and while for the others I’ve been with it was to stray away from that I was a Hustler here it is one hundred percent genuine.” The fox softly smiled as he took one of Judy’s paws in his own. “I’m the one who asked you out, so please spare this fox’s fragile ego for one night?” he pleaded with sad eyes.Judy scoffed. “Your ego is the size of a hot air balloon, but… I will back down for one night.”“Thank you, now, how about we order? I don't know about you but I’m starving.”
______________________________
Some Years Ago…
In the dead of night at the Blacklight Roamer, where late-night partiers and the shadier reside, sitting at the club’s bar counter was a dazzling white rabbit with piercing blue eyes, a form-fitting black dress, and a head of flowing black hair slowly sipping at her martini as her nervousness could be palpable as her eyes darted around the room, glancing at the other patriots of the club.
The club itself didn't consist of many smaller mammals like her, mostly made up of at the smallest rams and at the biggest rhinos, but that's not what made her nervous… truth be told she was waiting on a date.
They had agreed over text that they would meet at this club around 11 and while the rabbit didn't expect the man to be exactly on time with each passing moment she thought she might of been stood up… that is, until the stained squeak of a bar stool took her attention off the dance floor and door and to the seat next to her.
The polar bear next to her had heavy dark circles around his eyes- whether because of his species or lack of sleep she couldn't tell- wore a dark grey blazer and black turtleneck, with his neck decorated with gold chains, and a warm smile on his muzzle. “Are you Miss Rebecca Cottontail?”
The rabbit beamed. “I am! I assume you’re Koslov Turgenev?”
That is correct,” his voice was deep and velvety as he leaned down gently, took her paw in his massive one, and placed a soft kiss on her knuckles. “Apologizes for my tardiness, there was… much needed wrap-ups at work that I had to attend to.”
“Oh, what is it that you do? If I’m remembering correctly you’re… a limo driver?”
Koslov chuckled, sending shivers down the rabbit’s spine. “Close, Head Mechanic of limo service. Located in Tundratown and while cars are suited for the cold some parts are not, had to do a lot of replacing as well as yell at supplier. Boss was not happy.”
“I’ll bet.”
enough the two mammals fell into a comfortable conversation as they bounced from topic to topic growing more familiar with one another, drink after drink served leading the two to grow more pawsy as the night went on.
Though it was their first proper date the two had been talking for weeks, so when the polar laid a gentle digit on the rabbit’s thigh with his eyes asking the rather carnal question to some. Koslov, on the other hand, always thought of himself as a gentleman so whenever it came to anything regarding the bedroom he left it to the women’s paws whenever he went out of dates that went more towards that direction. And while it may have seemed strange to be asking a rabbit this question as a polar bear he saw no reason to two of them couldn't make something work.
caught onto his suggestion as a flash of nervousness washed over her before smiling shyly and nodding. The bear, pleased with how this night was going, had gotten one of the private rooms you could rent at the club and scooped his date up and headed off.
It was a simple room with a large bed with red bedding, a small minibar, and some chairs for those who never really made it to the bed. Koslov locked the door as to not be disturbed, even with the room rented for two hours, before sitting down on the bed and sprinkling delicate kisses around the rabbit’s collarbone and going down her back.
With this going on Rebecca set down the large purse she had with her while gently caressing the polar bear’s clothed stomach. “You l-look pretty trapped in your clothes, y-you can take them off if you want,” stuttered the bunny which got a chuckle out of the large predator.
“Of course my dear,” he said before laying down his chains on the bedside table as he stripped off his blazer, peeled off his turtleneck, and tossed both on the closest chair. “Better?”
“M-Much,” she got out as she continued to rub his stomach, hearing the rumbling of pleasure and seeing his strained pants as an indication of what she was doing was good just as Koslov laid down fully on the bed.
This went on for at least another hour as things grew more and more as the air of the room grew thicker with each passing moment, soon enough the two getting to the “main course” leaving Koslov spent and bewildered by his date and what she was able to do.
“M-My dear,” he got out between pants, “that was… fantastic… I hope I didn't hurt you in any way. Polar bears are rather large in this aspect.”
“Not to worry Koslov,” Rebecca huffed out as she crawled further on the bear and right up to his neck. “I’m not new to taking large mammals such as yourself,” she whispered in a sultry tone, contrasting much to her normal attitude for most of the night.
Too tired to notice until it was too late, the large bear felt a small prick in his neck and it only took a few moments before his body loosened to the point of stilling. “W-What?”
The rabbit let of a girlish giggle as she lay on top of the bear, the result of their fun coating his fur slightly as she sat on him. “I don't do this often, but for mammals as large and strong as yourself it is more of a precaution for myself. It only lasts… 20 minutes I think?” Another unnerving giggle. “But that's plenty of time for what I have in store since we already had some fun with each other.”
“R-Rebecca?” His voice was a bit slurred but otherwise he could still talk. “W-Why?”
“Oh you silly bear,” she reached over to her purse pulling out a thick rag and long-clawed glove, “you didn't realize, did you?” Her tone grew more playful as she peeled off her hair, a convincing wig, before getting some water, damping the rag, and wiping it all over her face and ears… her white fur slowly melting away to reveal a grey coat. The polar bear felt his heart drop as she snickered while she peeled off her dirtied dress, showing off her naked form, as she wiped the rest of herself off including his lower region but only a bit.
A quick pinch and rub of the eyes fished out the contacts, revealing shining purple eyes. “How do you do Mr. Turgenev, it is a pleasure to meet Mr. Big’s right-pawed man.”
“Y-You...”
“It's me, Judith Hopps at your service, and it oh-so-does warms my belly to hear mammals know who I am! ...Or is that warmth coming from something else?" the bunny pondered before shrugging. "And I do have to say out of all the ones I’ve been with you are by far the best one I’ve had!” Her piercing laugh fueled the anger brewing the predator's chest, but with no ability to move he just had to lay there and watch. “Though I have to say it hasn’t been that many- I'm still getting out there after all- but you’ll probably still rank high later down the line.”
“You bitch…”
“A bitch? Me? Oh most definitely…” her eyes grew more sultry. “I’m a rabbit, and that's all we’re good for, isn't it?
“But this was fun!” She squeaked out, digging her paw right into the polar bear’s thick throat and tore through muscle and skin with ease, almost as if tearing fabric apart: a bit difficult, but with the right leverage, it would come apart with no issue. “Nothing against you, of course, but Mr. Big needs to be taken down a notch so this was the best way to do it!” Her constant flip between tones wouldn't throw off any mammal, and that's exactly what she wanted.
The bear’s eyes went wide as cool air tickled the inside of his esophagus in ways that should never be, blood slowly filling up his throat as it squirted over his white fur and staining it crimson. During this, Judy hopped off the large mammal and fetched her larger purse. “You should have known something was wrong the moment you saw my bag,” she said in a much more serious and calculating tone. “Why would a bunny need such a large paw bag? It's half my size, that should’ve been a clue to you Koslov.” The bear continued to choke on his blood as it pooled as he watched with fading vision the rabbit pulls out a sparkling red dress, a heavy fake fur coat, and a brunette wig. Quickly changing she perched a pair of sunglasses on her face and smiled at the drowning mammal. “I thought of leaving a kiss on the cheek of those I play with, but it seemed to on the nose for a scarlet such as myself.” The arrogant air around was dizzying before another school girl-like giggle filled the air as Koslove felt his mind fading away. “Bye-Bye polar bear! It was fun while it lasted!”
_____
Judy left the room and the club without so much of a bat of the eye in her direction, the bunny grinning to herself after another successful night that she could wait to tell her father about!
Later that night Mr. Big would be informed of his lackey’s death and the fury of the arctic shrew washing over Tundratown as he grieved, though because of this cementing the name of “The Scarlet” amongst criminals and the whispers of ordinary citizens.
The mammals of Zootopia knew of The Arsenal and The Butcher of Zootopia in whispers and rumors as the names popped up whenever talks of them filled conversations, but with the turn-up of mutilated and eaten bodies as well as violated corpses the trickling of “Savage” and “Scarlet” touched the lips of others.
A new area fell over Zootopia, and it was one painted with tears, fear, and blood.
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“Woo! *hic* Weeeee!” Judy’s wails of joy filled the car as Nick drove down the streets of Zootopia back to the rabbit’s apartment, said fox snickering to himself seeing the rabbit so free and loose.Their date went off wonderfully as the pair ate, drank, and talked about anything that was on their mind- apart from work as they both wanted to forget about all of that for a few hours- and as the night went on the fox could see his best friend being a little more frisky than usual: gentle pets of his paws, playfully kicking at his feet during dinner, and much more open inhibited flirting that never failed to put a smile on the fox's face.While neither drank particularly too much, at least for their standards for going out, Nick had a higher tolerance especially for the wine they had with dinner, which was one of the reasons his date was acting all weird at the momentQuickly enough- much too quick according to Judy's slurred mind- Nick pulled up to Judy's apartment complex and parked. "Alright my dear drunk bunny, time to get you home." Walking around he helped Judy climb out of his car, some stumbling inevitable, as they began their trek inside and upstairs. Knowing where the bunny's apartment was second nature to the fox at this point, so upon arriving at her door said bunny feel against it and giggled."We're hooooooome…" Judy dragged out."Yes, yes we are Carrots. I'm sure you have the keys to get in?"Judy giggled a little more. "Why? You planning anything more?" Her innuendo not lost on the vulpine as a heat in his cheeks bloomed."One, definitely not on a first date and, two, you're drunk so no funny business even if I had something planned- which I don't as I wouldn't have the first clue as to what to do." Even with this point made his date still caressed his lower abdomen a bit with some not-so-quiet snickering. "Carrots," called Nick as he removed her paws from him, "I'm not going to repeat myself, okay?"The rabbit huffed. "Fine, but can I have one thing?""And that would be? Because I am a man of my word and- mmrph!" Judy mashed her face against his muzzle in… an attempt of a kiss, but once the hackle raising surprise faded Nick fixed himself and deepened said kiss.The taste of wine still on her lips which was just as bonus as the fox took in her natural scent, the earthy smell of lavender and the citrus hint of oranges really brought out where Judy was from. Her body pressed ever so slightly as he wrapped one arm around her waist and rested one paw on her cheek.It was a brilliant and warm dream come true.As they broke apart, seconds feeling like an eternity, the pair stared into each other's eyes and smiled, Nick seeing the kiss sobering his best friend somewhat. "Wow…""Wow is right, Fluff. How was that?""It was…" the blissful look in her eyes shifted to that mischievousness that made the fox oh so proud. "...okay.""Okay and Wow don't really go together there.""Had some time to process."There was a beat of silence between the two before light and uninhibited laughter was shared between the two, the rabbit over how stupid they were being and the fox because of how relaxed and himself he feels right there with her.Once they settled down their smiles didn't fade. "This was a fantastic first date Nick, thank you.""Oh there'll be plenty more in the future, just maybe not as fancy.""Doesn't have to be Nick, just sitting around eating junk food and watching bad movies is great on its own." Judy let out a kiddish giggle, the effects of the wine not lost on her at this point.Nick held his date for a while longer as he fiddled with her bracelet. "Wish you could wear this all the time, but I really don't want it to get damaged or lost while we work.""You never told me what it means, if it does mean anything that is," added Judy, head still dizzy from wine but starting clear. "You did make it look like a proposal when you gave it to me.""It's… I guess you can say it's like a proposal of sorts, it's what we give to the mammal we want to start seriously going for. Normally it's tradition for said mammal to wear it during the whole dating period the entire time, but, as I said, being a cop doesn't really let wear jewelry all the time." He gave Judy one last kiss, a quick peck on the head, before smirking. "But knowing you have it is all I really need, goodnight Judy.""Goodnight Nick." Judy managed to fish her keys out of her purse and unlock her apartment, waving her fox goodbye as she stumbled in.Even out of sight of each other neither could stop smiling…
'I'm so lucky to have them…'
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The next morning wasn't the greatest for the bunny as she woke up with a pounding headache and very little will to keep going. The only thing that pushed her out of bed was work and the pleasant memories of her dinner with Nick, the tingle of his lips against hers warmed her heart as she got ready.After she cleaned up as much as she could, taking a quick shower and spritzing herself with some perfume, her paw wrapped around the knob just as she caught a glimpse of shining metal in her eyes. The purple stained metal was breathtaking and the emerald gem did its job of reminding the rabbit of Nick, and with his words still echoing in her head she quickly snatched it up before heading downstairs to wait for Nick.Judy wasn't waiting very long- her burning eyes would beg to differ- as Nick pulled up and she climbed in. "Morning Nick.""Not as enthusiastic as usual, your head killing you that much?" he asked.Judy nodded. "Somewhat, I took some aspirin but the sun's still-" the quick wave of sunglasses, smaller than the ones Nick wore, cut her off. "...hurts… when did you…?""Had them for a while, though you don't usually drunk on the weekdays when you do drink so there wasn't a call for them. There's a call for them now." She took them and placed them on, her eyes already relaxing. "There's coffee for you too, thought you'd need to caffeine to offset some of the headache.""Oh… thank you Nick, that's very kind of you," she proclaimed as a smile formed.The fox just shrugged. "Just taking care of my partner, ready to head out?" After taking a sip of her coffee she nodded, the car setting off once again towards the Precinct.It was a comfortable silence between the two of them, not really needing to say how wonderful the night before was, but after some time Nick did see the glint of metal on his partner's wrist. "You're wearing it.""Yep.""May i ask… why?""Do you not want me to wear it?" she teased.Nick caught on quick. "Do I want you to lose it? No, no I do not. Am I happy to see you wear it? Yes, very much so. Call me curious after our little chat last night.""Well I don't think we'll be doing much other than paperwork and maybe going after some leads we may have, so I thought today seemed like a good day to wear it."Nick nodded with understanding as he kept driving, pulling up to the parking structure soon enough. "Nicely done Hopps, nicely done.""Why thank you," she said as they got out and walked in.Clawhauser was enjoying some Lucky Chomps at the reception area when the pair walked in and as he waved hi to them he saw the bracelet in Judy's wrist. "Oh. Em. Goodness! Judy, where do you get that? It's beautiful!""Oh!" Judy wasn't expecting anyone to notice her wearing it, but Clawhauser had sharp eyes. "Well…" She wasn't sure if it was supposed to be a subtle thing or not so she glanced at her partner as he nodded. "Nick gave it to me when he asked me out on Sunday."This caused a pause in the portly cheetah. "I'm sorry I don't think I heard you right, Nick gave it to you when he did what?""Asked me out, we actually went on a date yesterday."There was silence… then a piercing squeal that had the rabbit, fox, and most of the wolves in the Precinct in pain. "I can't believe it, I'm so happy for you two!""Y-Yeah Spots, I'm pretty sure the whole precinct and some blocks outside could hear your happiness," snipped Nick as he snapped a few times next to his ears to test his hearing."Sorry, sorry, l'm just so happy!""Happy about what?" asked Snarlov as he and other officers came over."Ah, well, uh…" the cheetah wasn't really sure now what to say.Nick, thankfully, saved him from any further embarrassment. "Hopps has this snazzy new bracelet as of me asking her out, we went on our first date last night." He wasn't ashamed of this fact and now that he's already asked her out and she did say yes he was pretty much done with those annoying negative thoughts.Luckily plenty of the officers the pair were friends with cheered and congratulated them. “‘Bout time you guys got together!” Grizzoli cheered as he slapped the fox on the back being careful enough not to knock him over.“Congrats,” bellowed McHorn, the stoic rhino grinned as he observed the fox and rabbit. “I’m sure you two will have a wonderful relationship ahead of you.”Various other praises were thrown the pair’s way which left Judy blushing beyond compare and Nick happy to let the others fuel his ego and heart.Even over all of the voices that may have overwhelmed Judy’s ears, Nick had spent many years on the streets and gained the ability to sift through all the noise and the sound of scoffs and disgusted groans were not lost on him.It hurt, but at the end of the day he made the best choice of his life asking his best friend out.What everyone should’ve realized that all of the commotion they were causing at 7:30 in the morning would attract some… attention from the boss of it all. “What’s all the noise about!?” Chief Bogo shouted, effectively silencing all of his officers as they parted to let him through. His eyes landed on the fox and rabbit as he huffed in defeat. “Why is it that anything that happens either here or in the city you two are at the center of it?” Judy opened her mouth only for Bogo to hold up a hoof and silencing her. “I’m not upset I just want to know why most of my officers aren't in the Bullpen right now?”“Oh, well, everyone was just-”“Congratulating us on our brand-spankin' new status as a couple Chief, nothing too out of the ordinary,” cut in Nick, his eyes level and his voice calm as he looked at the intimidating water buffalo.There weren't any regulations against them being together, Nick knew that but even if that was the case and many things had changed in the last two years the fox still remembered when arrogance and downright dismissive attitude Bogo had towards Hopps during the Missing Mammals Case. He wasn't sure if that type of attitude would be thrown their way, but he wasn't a hustler for 20 years because he was ill-prepared.Seconds stretched on before the Chief of Police grunted. “Come to my office after assignments, you two need to fill out the proper paperwork for this change in status. Am I to assume, though, that this won't interfere will your work?”“I won’t Chief, we promise.”“Good, now quit standing around and move!” The officers scattered and just as Nick and Judy headed off he stopped them once more. “Hopps, Wilde,” they turned around to spot the everso rare smile on their boss’s face. “Congratulations.”The two officers had smiles the entire time assignments were being dished out and as they followed the Chief to his office and filled out the required paperwork- which was more tedious than either of them liked- they bid Bogo farewell once it was all done and headed back to their shared office to start their routine work for their case…...that is until an elderly panther snatched up Judy. “It’s you!”