Chapter Text
When Judy Hopps opened the tiny, rusty mailbox and discovered the orange envelope, she was in a hurry. Her alarm clock had finally conked out overnight which caused Judy, who hadn’t been able to sleep before 1 am because her neighbours were fighting loudly over a piece of toast, to oversleep and therefore turning this morning into a chaotic marathon run.
“Excuse me, sorry, can I just -, thank you!” Swiftly and smooth the rabbit cut her way through the large crowd.
A relieved sigh escaped her mouth once she saw the police department. She had three minutes left before Chief Bogo would notice that Officer Hopps wasn’t there yet. After pushing the doors open she saw, as usual, Benjamin Clawhouser first. He was busy eating his favourite cereals and listening to the latest song of famous singer Gazelle (he’s most likely her biggest fan in the world).
“Morning Benjamin!” Judy greeted him before passing the reception desk with lightning speed to get to the conference room. She didn't even hear his response. Chief Bogo was just about to say her name when the rabbit opened the door and jumped with a dart on her usual seat, next to her partner Nick Wilde.
“Present, Chief!” Judy exclaimed determined and exhausted simultaneously.
Everyone was staring at her for a brief moment. Chief Bogo then cleared his throat and continued to check attendance of the next person on his list. Judy took a deep breath to calm her, still racing, heart before turning to her partner.
“Morning, Nick.” She whispered and smiled wryly.
“Morning, Carrots.” He whispered back. “I see you’re quite on the ball this morning.”
“Yeah, my alarm clock is offically dead.” Judy chuckled. "I could really use a coffee."
Nick raised an eyebrow, his smile turning into a soft grin. “Well, then let’s get you one later. I know a great place just around -”
“No flirting in the conference room, Wilde. You can do that after we’ve discussed the new case division.” Chief Bogo interrupted the fox with a groan and put on his glasses. Some police officers in the background began to laugh quietly. Judy didn't understand why the Chief had to make such remarks. Why did everyone think that she and Nick were a couple?
“Bogo, didn’t you want to talk about the vacation planning?” Bernard, an elephant, reminded the Chief.
“Ah, right. Thank you Bernard, I almost forgot.” Chief Bogo looked through his notes. “I want you all to come to my office during the next three days and inform me when you want to take your next vacation. Officer Clawhouser requires the information as quickly as possible since he is designing the new plan of action. If I don’t see you in my office within those three days you can forget to have any vacation at all. Clear?” Everyone nodded understanding and the Chief continued with the daily plan.
Nick and Judy were selected to keep an eye on a jewellery store in Savanna Central. Its owner, Mr. Zebrano had received several threats lately and feared for the safety of both his store and his own.
As they were sitting in the large police car, eating some burgers from Bugs Burga, Judy finally opened the letter and started to read it.
“What’s that?” Nick asked curious and peaked over Judy’s shoulder.
“It’s - ….It’s an invitation to a class reunion at my old school.” Judy said surprised. “Wow...It’s been so long since I saw everyone.”
“Well, as for me, I was very glad when school ended.” Nick hungrily bit into his burger.
Judy raised an eyebrow. “Why? Was school so bad for you here in Zootopia?”
Nick swallowed the piece of bug burger before answering her question with a charismatic grin: “Well, I guess the Zootopians in my class were unable to handle my amazing intellect, love.”
“I’m sure they were, sweetheart.” Judy said teasingly. They both laughed.
“So, what are you going to do?” Nick then asked.
“What do you mean?”
“Are you going to go to Bunnyburrow and meet with your class?”
Judy looked back at the invitation. Her expression gave away how uncertain she was. “I don’t know…There are some people I’m not really eager to see but then again…I could use the time and spend some days with my family...”
“And you could show all those people who doubted you how wrong they were.” Nick added.
She laughed softly. “Yeah, you’re right. I should go. I mean, what could possibly go wrong, right?”
“Hey and if it really all breaks into chaos, call me and – “
“Wait!” Judy’s ears cocked up from excitement. “I just got a brilliant idea!”
“What kind of brilliant idea?”
“You are coming with me!”
Nick nearly spat out the coke he was drinking. He coughed. “Wait - …what? You want me to go to Bunnyburrow with you?”
Judy nodded enthusiastic. “It’ll be great! You’re finally going to meet my parents, I could show you all the places I went to as a kid and of course you’ll also come with me at the class reunion!” Nick's eyes widened with each sentence she spoke.
“…Well, um, okay?” He finally said after a few seconds of silence.
Judy felt slightly bad for overrunning him like that with her idea. He didn't seem very enthusiastic about it. “If you don’t want to, you don’t have to, Nick. I just thought it would be a great idea and – “
“It is a great idea.” He assured her. “Don’t worry, Judy. If you really want me to join you, I’ll join you.”
Judy gave him a soft smile. “Thank you, Nick.”
“No probs.” He briefly patted her head before leaning back and closing his eyes for a moment. "This is boring, I doubt that anyone will attack toda-"
He hadn't even finished his sentence when suddenly the alarm of the store sounded shrill and a masked person ran out of the building with a big bag.
“Seems like 'boring' is over!” Judy said grinning and activated the police siren.
“Guess so!” Nick got the same expression and put on his sunglasses. The two partners brofisted, then started to follow the robber.