Chapter Text
It has been almost a year since the night howler case, and six months since Nick completed his training at the police academy. The past six months as partners establishes an enviable reputation in solving their cases. Officer Wilde’s street smarts are invaluable in getting into how a criminal thinks. Other officers start coming to Nick to get his thoughts on their own cases. There has even been talk of Nick teaching a course on the criminal mind, and thinking like a criminal at the police academy.
Judy is so proud of him, which she tends to remind him of on a regular basis. She is very cognizant that if it were not for him, she would not have this life. They become inseparable playing off each others strengths, to solve their cases. Not only did they spend time together at work, they text each other after hours, to bounce thoughts and ideas on solving their outstanding cases.
This constant banter between them has not gone unnoticed by the Chief, and the rest of their fellow officers at the ZPD. Clawhauser, who always sees them, as they enter Precinct One would refer to them as a couple, or would make comments on how they fight like they are married. This only results in both blushing profusely, and adamantly denying any such affiliation other than being partners.
Nick being nocturnal by nature, Judy would race over to Nick’s apartment every morning, to make sure he makes it to roll call on time, stopping only to pick up a coffee, and blueberry danish for him. They fall into a habit of meeting for dinner, to discuss how to proceed with their present case. Soon they are meeting because they enjoy being together neither one would admit to it though. It was innocent enough, and Judy didn’t know when it started, but a gentle touch, or an impromptu hug would start her heart pounding bringing out feelings she couldn’t ignore. Late one evening while she is lying in bed Judy starts to question what is happening.
“Nick is my partner, and my best friend. I can’t be falling for him, can I? How would that affect our lives at the ZPD? We have become the face of the ZPD, and although inter-species relationships are not illegal, it is still viewed by many as unnatural, and wrong. And then there’s the fact that Nick is a predator, and I’m prey.”
She didn’t even want to think about what her family would say. They might just disown her.
Judy feels something wet rolling down her cheeks. She brings her paw up, and wipes it away but not before looking at her paw. It is damp, she is crying.
“Oh sweet Cheese and Crackers, I have fallen for him.”
She smacks her paw into her face.
“I wonder how Nick feels about me? Do I really want to know? Would it change the dynamic between us if he did feel something for me? And what if he didn’t?”
That thought was even more frightening. Realizing that tomorrow they both have the day off, Judy decides it is better to talk to Nick, and get it all out in the open. She sends Nick a text inviting him out for dinner tomorrow. Being nocturnal, she is not surprised he responds almost instantly.
“Sure thing Carrots, what’s the occasion?”
“No occasion, I just wanted to talk to you about something.”
“Ok, I know this great restaurant in the Sahara District, I will make a reservation, let’s say seven o’clock.”
“Sounds good. Does the restaurant have a dress code?”
“Yes, it does. So I tell you what, if I wear a nice suit how about you wear that beautiful dress you have hanging in your closet.”
“Wait, you own a nice suit?”
“Carrots you wound me.”
She giggles at his comeback. She can imagine him with his hand over his heart feigning hurt.
“Why would you want me to wear that dress?”
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in anything but a police uniform, or jeans, and tee shirts. And I think you would look stunning in it.”
Judy starts blushing, and she is glad he can’t see her right now.
“Ok then seven o’clock it is. Shall I come over to your apartment about six?”
“How about I pick you up Carrots?”
“You are such a gentleman Nick. Ok, I will see you at six.”
“Great, it’s a date. See you at six beautiful.”
There are those feelings again. She is giddy, her heart pounding, and it is wonderful. Then it struck her.
“Was he flirting with me?”
She puts her phone down, and pulls up the covers quickly falling into a restful sleep.
The next day, Judy is up early for her morning run. As she reaches her starting point, she notices someone else there warming up. It is still a bit dark, but she can tell it is a predator. She approaches cautiously, only to find it is Nick.
When he notices her approaching, he calls out.
“Good Morning beautiful! I thought, I might join you this morning.”
She beams with happiness.
“Oh Nick, this is wonderful. It will be so nice to have someone to run with.”
There is that sensation again. Her heart is pounding, and she hasn’t even started her exercise.
They warm up, and start running. Nick keeps up for a time, but starts to fall back near the end of her run. Once Nick catches up to her, they stop in at a coffee shop deciding to sit at a table, while they recover from their run. When they get settled, Judy places her paw on Nick’s arm. She feels a slight tremor, and couldn’t tell exactly because of his thick reddish fur, but she thought he might be blushing.
“Nick, thanks for doing this. It means a lot.”
“Well, Carrots, I can’t say I’ll come out everyday, but I will make the effort.”
Finishing their drinks, Nick insists on walking Judy home. Dawn has broken, and it looks like it is going to be a fabulous day weather wise. The hustle and bustle of the city is just starting to build. Both are quiet seemingly lost in thought, as they make their way through the city streets to Judy’s apartment. Arriving at her front door, Judy turns to face her partner giving him a warm hug.
“Thanks again Nick, I have had the best morning. I will see you at 6 tonight.”
She is just about to turn to put the key into the lock on her door, when Nick grips her shoulders.
He stands there for a moment looking into her face before his paws cradle her face, and he plants a soft kiss on her lips. Pulling away he says, “See you at 6 sharp beautiful,” turns and makes a quick exit.
Judy is left standing at the door, dumbfounded at what has just happened. She brings her paw up to her lips. They are tingling and there is the hint of blueberry. Her heart just soars, her smile is ear to ear as she faces the door, places the key in the lock, and turns it. Once in side, she leaps in the air and lets out an ecstatic “YES!”
Judy showers, and changes into some comfortable jeans, and a blouse. She heads out the door to do some errands, as her mind thinks about the events of the last twenty-four hours. There is an extra bounce in her step, as she makes her way through the city.
Returning to her apartment around three, she starts preparing for her date with Nick.
The gown Nick had mentioned was a gift from her older sister Alice, when she moved away from Bunny Burrow to take up her position with the ZPD. It is a one shoulder draped full length gown, pearl white in colour. She never thought, she would ever have a chance to wear it.
Alice had said, “You never know when you might need it. You might meet some handsome mammal who sweeps you off your paws.”
“Alice, always the romantic,” she had thought, never thinking that it would actually happen.
She hadn’t worn it since she was fitted for it, so she hopes she can still wriggle into it. As it turns out it fit perfectly. She loves the way the material feels on her fur, soft and luxurious. It is five to six when she finishes.
“Just one last check in the mirror,” she thought.
At exactly six sharp, Judy hears a strong firm knock at her door. She opens the door, to see Nick dressed to the nines in a dark suit, a crisp pleated white shirt, and a bow tie expertly tied. In his lapel is a beautiful boutonnière consisting of a single red rose with a touch of white baby’s breath. She gasps.
“Nick, I’m just … WOW, you look … amazing.”
He chuckles.
“You look amazing yourself Judy. Stunning, gorgeous, ravishing, and sensational are a few adjectives, I would use to describe this vision standing before me.”
He is making her blush, and she knows it. She can feel the heat rising in her cheeks.
“So, shall we go?”
Nick offers her his arm.
Judy locks the door to her apartment, takes his arm, and they head out. As they exit the building, Judy is shocked to find a waiting limo, to take them to the restaurant. She hadn’t thought about how they would get to the restaurant, but this was over the top. She turns to Nick.
“Nick, this is too expensive. At least let me pay for some of it. After all, I was the one that asked you out.”
“Not as expensive as you might think Carrots. The owner of the limo service owes me a favour, so he gave me a discount. As I told you before Judy, I know everyone.”
The chauffeur is waiting patiently, the door already open.
Not accustomed to wearing a dress, especially one that hugs her curves so precisely, she finds, she has to sit down into the limo, and swing her legs in afterwards.
Once he is sure she is in, the chauffeur closes the door.
Nick walks to the other side of the vehicle, and gets in beside her. He moves close to her placing his arm around her.
This just sends a shiver through her whole body. She leans in resting her head on his shoulder.
Once they are settled, the driver starts the car, and they are on their way.
When they arrive at the restaurant, Judy is stunned. This is the King’s Edge, a five paw restaurant noted for its service, and exquisite vegetarian cuisine. It is near impossible to get a reservation on short notice, booked up months in advance. She turns to Nick who promptly places a finger gently on her lips knowing full well, what she is about to say.
“No questions Judy. They can wait for another time. Let’s just enjoy our dinner, and each others company. We have more important things to discuss.”
She is about to protest, but thinks better of it.
The chauffeur has already opened the door to allow her out. Moving closer to the door, she swings her legs out.
Nick has exited from his side coming around to offer his paw. At the same time, he informs the chauffeur that he will call when they are ready to leave.
She gratefully takes his paw.
He pulls her up, wraps her arm around his, and proceeds to the restaurant entrance.
The doorman opens the door, allowing them to quickly pass through to the reception.
The Maitre d’ a screw-horn antelope steps up to welcome them.
“Monsieur Wilde, it is a pleasure. And who is this exquisite creature,” as he takes Judy’s paw, and kisses it.
“Henri this is Judy Hopps.”
“But of course, the famous face of the ZPD. Mademoiselle Hopps, it is an honour to meet you, and let me say your pictures do not do you justice. You are even more beautiful in person. Please let me show you to your table.”
They are seated at a table with a wonderful view of Sahara Square. The Maitre d’ pulls out a chair for Judy, while Nick promptly seats himself. The Maitre d’ bows, and leaves them to peruse the menu.
Their waiter arrives shortly after, to take their order.
They decide to start with some traditional flat bread topped with red pepper hummus, as an appetizer. Both Judy and Nick order the vegetable soup. Judy selects a bulgar dish with zucchini, broccoli, pumpkin, cranberries and brazil nuts with a side of braised carrot spears while Nick orders the chickpea and cricket burgers with a side of barley tabouleh. Nick whispers into the waiter’s ear, once they have finished ordering.
Once the appetizer arrives, Judy tries to begin. She is extremely nervous, and it is difficult to look at Nick directly. Her paws are nervously tapping on the table.
“Nick, you know how proud I am of you, how far you have come. We make a great team, and through everything we have become best friends. Its just … I think, I want more … I want us, to be more …”
The silence is killing her until Nick reaches over to take her paws in his. She looks up into his emerald eyes, that twinkle with joy and love.
“Judy, I love you too. I have for some time, and didn’t know how to broach the subject. I didn’t want to lose, what we have. I thought because your prey, and I’m a predator, you might not be open to a relationship with me. My heart is soaring knowing you feel the same.”
Knowing that they both feel the same way puts them both at ease, and makes the rest of the date more relaxed.
Judy has tears in her eyes which Nick quickly wipes away. The tension they both felt dissolves, and they settle down to enjoy the amazing food, and atmosphere of the restaurant.
When the main courses arrive, the waiter also arrives with two glasses of golden carrot champagne.
Judy’s eyes are wide with astonishment.
“Nick, golden carrot champagne is very expensive.”
“I want to celebrate our relationship.”
She looks at him scrutinizing his face.
“I’m not going to be forced to arrest you for something illegal you sly fox?”
Nick chuckles at the very thought while shaking his head no. He leans in close.
“You know you love me”
“Do I know this?” “Yes, Yes I do.”
The couple laugh, and joke the whole evening. Even as they discuss the possible issues that could arise in their jobs, and from their families, it couldn’t take away from the happiness they were experiencing. The night flies by, and soon they are standing at the door of Judy’s apartment.
Nick snakes his arms around Judy’s waist, while she wraps her arms around his neck. They gaze lovingly into each others eyes for a moment. Nick plants a soft kiss drawing back to gauge her reaction, before returning to those wonderful lips in a deep passionate kiss.
When the kiss ends, Judy somewhat embarrassed asks if Nick wants to come in. She is blushing profusely.
Nick smiles lovingly at his girlfriend.
“Judy as much as I want to you know where that would lead. The walls in your apartment are paper thin, and someone might call the police on us for disturbing the peace.”
Judy stifles a nervous laugh at being caught together by some of their fellow officers.
“Besides I’m not sure I can handle any more happiness in one night. So how about we leave that aspect of our relationship for another time.”
Judy throws her arms around him holding him in a tight embrace. After a few more passionate kisses, they say their good nights.
“So I guess this means were dating?”
“I guess it does.”
“Good Night Judy, I will see you early tomorrow for another run.”
“Good Night Nick, I can’t wait.”
Nick and Judy keep they’re budding romance on the down low, to avoid any complications at work, however a few of their fellow officers suspect that something more is going on between them.