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Nick trudged through the snow, feeling the soft powder crunch beneath his feet. He pulled out his phone, double checking the instructions. He stopped in front of a chain link fence. Nick peeked over his shoulder to make sure he wasn’t being watched, then climbed over the fence. He passed by rows of limos, reading each license plate as he went. When he found the matching plate number (29THD03), he gave the passenger door a knock. The door cracked open slightly, and Nick caught a glimpse of white fur.
“Hey, can I’m here to speak with your boss.” Nick said. There was a moment of silence, then the door opened fully and he was met with a pair of tall polar bears. Raymond, and behind him in the driver’s seat, Kevin, as usual. They glared down at him, and Raymond flexed his paw.
Nick sighed. “Come on guys. Is this really necess- oof!” Raymond’s large paw quickly enveloped Nick’s throat, and he soon found himself stuffed in the trunk of the limo.
Nick would have thought it would take place during some grand moment, like their confessions on the weather wall. There would be some big heroic takedown, everything down to the wire (as was usual). After yet another case full of action and stress, they would confess their truest, deepest feelings, kiss, and live happily ever after. Or maybe, after weeks of agony, of will they/won’t they back and forth, with plenty of inconveniently timed miscommunications, they would declare their love for each other and kiss in the rain. Maybe Nick had watched one too many rom coms. Regardless, Nick expected it to happen after a lot of mental and physical pain. That was the story of his life, after all. Good things do not just happen naturally to Nicholas Wilde.
Nick was dragged by the scruff of his neck into the mansion. Nick had been given assurances of his safety, but he was also pretty sure neither polar bear liked him that much. He followed them through the hallways, as the cold slowly seeped into his fur. It was the fall in the rest of the city, and his winter coat hadn’t had a chance to grow in yet. They reached their destination, and with one final shove, Nick entered the office. The one with the trapdoor. Of course, this was where Mr. Big would meet him.
The arctic shrew was already sitting on top of the desk, flanked by his usual entourage. He raised his hand, and Nick quickly dashed across the room to plant a kiss on the ring.
“So, Nicky,” Mr. Big said, “You come to one of my places of business and demand a face-to-face meeting with me. You have it.”
“I, uh, yes.” Nick straightened. “I believe you have, in your possession, some items that don’t belong to you.” Nick saw Mr. Big’s bodyguards bristle and felt the floor shudder. He heard a faint growl behind him. Mr. Big simply smiled and spread his arms.
“Do I, now? And with what evidence do you make such an accusation? Need I remind you, fox, that you are here sans warrant, sans firearm, and most importantly, sans Judy.”
“My evidence is right here!” Nick pulled out a photograph and showed it to Mr. Big. A screenshot from a recent interview Fru Fru did with Vanity Fur.
“What am I supposed to be looking at?”
“Don’t play dumb with me, sir.” Nick pointed to the upper right of the photo. There, sitting atop a dresser, was a tuxedo and a golden dress.
Mr. Big leaned back in his chair. “Ah. So, tell me, Nicky, why would you go through all this trouble for some clothing?”
“You see, sir, I’m running out of clothes that fit. And that tux, well, fit like a glove. You know me, can’t afford much on an officer’s salary. Gotta keep ahold of anything good, right?”
“The real reason.”
“I’m taking Judy on a date. She –“ Nick paused. He wondered how honest he should be. “I just want to make sure it’s perfect. For her.”
“I know you, Wilde. And I want nothing but the best for Judy. So tell me, why should I help you?”
Nick looked down at the carpet, gathering his thoughts. The carpet that, had it not been for Judy and her unwilling devotion to do good in the world, would have led straight to his demise. “I know, to you, I’ll always be the fox who conned you and disrespected your family. I’ll save you the sob story, but for most of my life, that’s who I thought I was. A shifty lowlife and nothing more. I told myself it was because that was the way the world made me, but honestly? I just didn’t have the courage to be anything different.”
Nick lifted his head and stared straight at Mr. Big. “Judy changed that. For the first time in a while, I try. I put in effort. I act like the mammal my mother always thought I was. It hasn’t been easy, as you well know. But it’s worth it, because Judy is at my side, and I’m at her’s. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for her.”
Mr. Big stared back. Nick could see minute movements of his eyes, as Mr. Big analyzed every tuft of fur on his body. A moment passed. Then another. Until finally, Mr. Big made a dismissive wave in his direction. “I wanted to judge you myself. Fru Fru has already told me. Very well. Koslov?” The tallest polar bear pulled out a small box and threw it across the floor. Nick collected the box and gave a hasty bow to Mr. Big.
“Thank you, sir. And I can find my own way home. Your, uh, hospitality is too generous.” Nick started to leave the room.
“Nicky?” Nick stopped and turned to look at Mr. Big. “I don’t usually ice cops. Too messy. But I hear anything from Judy, and you’ll be eating with Gram-mama. Kapish?” Nick gave Mr. Big and quick nod and walked out the door.
It happened last Thursday afternoon. It was a slow day, which meant a whole lot of breaks in the snack room. This time, when Nick and Judy entered, Fangmeyer was boasting about the wonderful date she had been on the night before. Nick always felt uncomfortable when others talked about their dating lives. It made Nick ever more aware of his distinct lack of a love life, and recently, it always gave Nick a pang in his heart. That other mammals had something he had always wanted. He looked over at Judy. One day, he thought. One day, he would have the courage to ask her out. But not today. After exchanging the usual pleasantries with their coworkers, the two of them headed back to their desks, fresh cups of coffee in paw.
“So,” Judy said matter of factly, “What’s our first date going to look like?”
Nick stopped. “What?”
“You heard me, Slick.” Judy kept walking towards their cubicles like she hadn’t just dropped a bomb on his brain.
“I did. I just… what?” Nick hurried to catch up with her. “First date? Does this mean we’re dating?”
“I mean, unless, that’s something you don’t want?” Judy sat down and swiveled her chair to look at him, wearing a nervous smile. “I just thought that-“
“No, no, Carrots, absolutely.” Nick sat down next to her. “I didn’t realize that was something you wanted.”
“Well of course. I’ve been dropping hints for weeks.”
“Have you? I mean, I didn’t realize, what were-“
Judy laughed and gave his shoulder a solid slug. “Don’t worry, Nick. I didn’t realize it either. I’ve been, apparently, subconsciously flirting with you for months now. I didn’t think anything was out of the norm until my mother pulled me aside at Gary’s housewarming party, demanding why I hid the fact I had a boyfriend.”
“I, but, what,” Nick sputtered.
“When I insisted we weren’t dating, she didn’t believe me, because quote ‘I refuse to believe both of you are that dumb.’” Judy paused, putting her detective face on. The one she wore whenever she solved a case, and was explaining how. “Look, you already said it’s something you want. I like you. You like me. It’s that simple.”
Nick blinked a couple times, staring at the crazy bunny in front of him. This didn’t make sense. She just up and asked herself out, for him? Well, this is the woman you chose to love, he told himself. Just accept this new reality and be happy, Wilde. He felt a wide grin forming on his muzzle. “I guess it is just that simple. And don’t worry, Carrots. I’ll cook up a date that’ll blow everything else out of the water.”
Judy matched his grin. “Oh, I’m sure it will.”
“Ow!” Nick yanked his paw back and gave it a quick lick. He angled it under his lamp and inspected the pad, where he saw a bead of blood forming. He dropped the needle he was holding and pressed a small square of cloth against it. Luckily it was a small wound, and it would clot soon enough.
Nick surveyed the scene on his desk. The mess that usually occupied it had been cleared (well, more like relocated), and in its place, a mess of a different kind moved in. An old sewing machine was in one corner, surrounded by various cuts of cloth and spools of thread. Splayed out in front of him was a dress. The golden dress, the one that completely stunned Nick when Judy first wore it.
The dress, that, currently, had various rips and tears courtesy of a brief brawl in the study and subsequent tumble through the snow. Nick had been at the repair for hours and had made little progress. He was nowhere near as talented as his father. If he were here, the dress would be fixed in the time it took Nick to order takeout. He sighed wistfully. He didn’t have many memories of his dad, but as he stared at the dress, one bubbled up in his memory.
Nick had stayed up late; his mom was out working a night shift. Nick had found his dad hunched over the workbench, eyes focused and paws moving swiftly. In his paws was an old dress that Nick would occasionally see his mother wear, one that he had seen his dad mend many times before.
“Dad, how come you keep fixing that dress? Why don’t you just buy mom a new one?” Nick said. His father’s ears twitched and he straightened in his chair.
“It’s not so simple, Nick.” His Dad said.
“Why not? It’s old. It’s broken. You get me new toys sometimes when my old ones break. Why not do the same for mom?”
His Dad cocked his head, considering Nick’s words. “Here, let me show you something.” He leaned down and picked Nick up, setting Nick in his lap. His dad ran a paw over the back of the dress, where one of the straps met the main body.
“See here? Your mom got this dress when we had just started dating. She loved it. Every time we went on a big date, she would wear it. Then, one day, she just stopped wearing it.”
“How come?”
“Your mom wouldn’t tell me why. One night, I was at her place and I saw it. It had a big tear in it, right here. She finally told me what happened. She was going home and got mugged. Some big mammal snatched her purse and clawed the dress at the same time.”
“That’s horrible! How come she didn’t tell you?”
“She didn’t want me to worry or blame myself. I would always walk her back to her home, but that night I had some important business to do, so I didn’t. She was right, of course. I didn’t let her out of my sight for a month.” His Dad paused, still stroking the seam.
“Anyways, I snuck it out to fix it up for her. Back then, I didn’t know how to. But I learned. For her. Oh, Nick, you should have seen the look on her face when I gave it back to her. Ever since, anytime it got so much as a missing thread, I’d patch it right up.”
His Dad picked up the dress and examined his handiwork. “Whenever your mom looks at this dress, she doesn’t just see a dress. She sees all the love and care I put into it. It’s a symbol of my love for her, same as her ring. That isn’t something you can just replace.”
“That’s why I keep fixing it. As long as I’m alive, your mom will always be able to wear it. It may take a lot of time, but it’s worth it. One day, you’ll find someone who means everything to you. Then you’ll understand.” His Dad looked longingly at the dress. “No matter the cost, it’s worth it.”
Nick lifted up the fabric and inspected his paw pad again. The bleeding had stopped. Nick ran his paw over the one seam he had fixed. One patch, standing out against hundreds more imperfections that still needed attention. No matter the cost, it’s worth it. Nick picked up the needle and got back to work.
“Well, hello, Nick! I wondered when you would call!” Bonnie said over the phone.
“Hello to you too, Mrs. Hopps.” Nick said.
“Please, I already told you, Bonnie is fine. I assume you have some questions about your upcoming date with Judy?”
Nick’s eyes drifted to the calendar haphazardly taped the wall. The one where he had circled the upcoming Friday, three days from now, and scribbled “date nite – gala v2.” “Yes, Mrs- er Bonnie. How did you know?”
“Oh, Nick, Judy told us the night after she asked you! She’s very excited. So, what’s the question dear?”
“Right. I was wondering if there are any rabbit traditions for a first date I should know about.” Nick scooted over towards a piece of paper and picked up a pencil.
“Well, traditionally, the male would bring a small bouquet of flowers. Only one type, usually. He would select the flower that best signified something he felt important. Whether that be his feelings towards her, or a flower that represents her, or anything else of that sort. Afterwards, if she wanted to continue dating, she would plant the same type of flower.”
“Is there a guide for these flower meanings?”
“I’m sure there is somewhere. I’m sorry, dear, I won’t be much help with that. Stu and I both come from families of crop farmers. We always consulted the florists for help.”
“That’s alright, Bonnie. This is super helpful.” Nick scratched some notes down. Flowers, one type. Special meanings? Ask florist. Seeds also? “Can I ask, what did Stu get you?”
“The most wonderful bouquet of morning glories. He grew them himself” Bonnie hummed. “But that wouldn’t really fit Judy. Remember, the flowers have their own language. Just choose the one that speaks to your heart.”
“Looks like I’m off to find a florist. Thanks for your help, Bonnie.”
“Of course, Nick! I’m sure you’ll find the perfect flower. Take lots of pictures, please. We’ve all been waiting for Judy to finally find someone. I have to say, I think she chose very well.”
Nick put down the phone and felt a smile tugging at his lips. Maybe good things do happen to him after all.
Nick plodded along down the street, feet splashing in the occasional puddle. The air was so humid Nick felt like he was swimming. The weather walls had been processing a lot more water recently, ever since the thawing of Reptile Ravine. Nick grew nearer to a big glass building spilling out soft, orange light. Nick felt the heat radiating from the building. Just past it was a small storefront, letters on the awning spelling out “Otterton’s Flowers.”
Nick pushed through the door, which let out a soft ring throughout the store. The store was packed from head to tail with a kaleidoscope of various plants. He made his way towards the back and spotted a bespectacled otter in a neat sweater behind the counter (how he wore that without dying of heat stroke Nick didn’t know).
“Hello!” Emmitt said. “Can I help you with anything today?”
“Yes, I’m here to get a bouquet of flowers for a first date.” Nick said. Then, thinking for a second, he added “with a bunny. I was wondering if you could help me with meanings?”
Emmitt looked Nick up and down, and Nick saw recognition flicker across his face. The otter broke into a wide smile. “Officer Wilde! The flowers are for Judy, yes?”
“Yup.” At this rate, Nick wondered if there was anyone in Zootopia who didn’t know he was taking Judy out on a date. Emmitt stepped out from the counter and walked deeper into the store, beckoning Nick to follow him.
“Let me show you to the greenhouse. Only the finest will do for Judy. You know, I never got to thank you for finding me and bringing down Bellwether last year.”
“That’s alright, sir. Just doing my job.”
“Yes, but that is what’s most impressive. You weren’t even a cop back then. I always wondered, how come you helped Judy?”
“Just doing my duty as a citizen, then.”
Emmitt chucked at Nick’s deflection. “Did you know back then you were in love with her?”
“No, not yet.” Nick answered, surprising himself with his honesty. “But even when we first met, I could tell there was something special about her.”
“On that, we can agree, Mr. Wilde” Emmitt opened the door to the greenhouse. Nick had to keep his jaw from dropping at the sight. Clearly, being the choice florist to Tundratown’s biggest mob boss had its perks. The greenhouse stretched further than Nick could see, filled to the brim with plants in various stages of growth. The low whir of climate control fans filled the air as Nick followed Emmitt. They stopped in front of a row of budding flowers, with a couple of blooming ones interspersed between them. Emmitt looked at Nick expectantly.
“So,” Nick said. “Help me out with flower meanings?”
Emmitt shook his head. “Not to start with, Nick. Just peruse the selection. I’ll help you only if you really need it.”
Nick furrowed his eyebrows, but eventually shrugged and walked down the aisle. What had looked like an arbitrary array of flowers turned out to be an intricately organized matrix, with one example bloom in front of each collection of buds. Nick walked up and down, glancing here and there, stopping to sniff the occasional flower. He felt a little lost, brain identifying little more than “yup, that’s a flower” and “smells nice I guess.”
Right before Nick was about to turn around and beg Emmitt for help, a small cluster of purple flowers caught his eye. The exact shade of Judy’s eyes. A bit cliché, sure, but Nick was grasping at straws at that point. He approached the example blossom. They were star shaped, five petals, vibrant violet with a splash of cream at the center. He leaned down and took a sniff. Fragrant vanilla hit his nose, with a hint of almond. Just like the shampoo she uses. He heard Emmitt walk up behind him.
“Ah, those are heliotropes.” Emmit said. “They’re are some of my favorites. I’ve been breeding these for their scent. The strain they originated from had a sickly-sweet scent, and I’m happy to have toned it down to something much more pleasant.”
Nick reached out and felt a petal between his fingers. They felt sturdy, and yet also soft. Not delicate. Smooth, but not waxy. Nick knew they were the one.
“Heliotropes,” Emmitt continued, “especially these purple ones, represent devotion and everlasting love.”
“They’re perfect.” Nick murmured.
“Wonderful! You can make your way back to the store. I’ll just get these ready for you. When is the date?”
“Friday. In two days.”
“Splendid. Now, off you go. Let me get to work.” As Nick retraced his steps, he heard Emmitt humming a familiar tune.
It was about a month ago. They were sitting in their patrol car in Sahara Square, panting, AC on full blast. The song came up on the radio, and Judy immediately turned the volume up. A cheesy love song, from before Nick was born. He shot Judy a look as she began to sing along.
“You know this song?”
“Of course. It’s a classic!”
“It was a classic before I was alive, Carrots.”
“Wow, that’s saying something. I didn’t know they had music in the stone age.”
“Har har.” Nick took a sip of water and glanced out the window. Judy’s voice was horribly out of tune, and often off beat, but he didn’t mind. He closed his eyes and imagined Judy was singing for him. Sweet words of gentle, tender love. He felt himself being pulled into a fantasy, where they were together. If only he could find the right way to ask her. That was the excuse he was currently using. Because how do you say something deeper than “No one else in the world matters more to me than you?”
Nick shook his head, clearing the memory. If only he had known back then that no fancy words were needed. He counted his lucky stars that Judy had made the first move, because if it was all up to him, he wasn’t sure he would have ever done it. Surely she was scared too, but then again, she was always braver than he was. Not that she would ever admit it. Whenever he tried to put himself down, she always adamantly refused. Because that was who she was. Always seeing the best in people. In him.
About 10 minutes later, Emmitt emerged from the shrubbery holding a pack of seeds and a neatly wrapped bouquet. “These should be in full bloom by Friday. Just make sure to keep them well hydrated until then. And these seeds are for when the date goes well. Won’t find these anywhere else, these are my own special variety.”
“Thank you so much, Mr. Otterton.” Nick started to pull his wallet out, but Emmitt started fussing at him.
“No, no, take them. Gift from me to you, a thanks for returning me to my family.” Nick began to protest but was quickly shot down again. “Please, I insist. Judy will love them. You two have done such a great service to me and the city. Besides, you can clearly see I’m not hurting for business.”
Past Nick would not have believed the sight. A kind store owner insisting on a free product because Nick had done something truly nice for him. Nick still insisting on paying. And all because he had someone who believed in him. Things really were different.
Thursday night, the night before the big date, Nick was behind schedule. Judy’s dress was finished, but Nick still had a litany of repairs on his own tuxedo. The heliotropes sat in a vase, next to the framed newspapers of their two big cases.
Knock knock knock. Nick groaned. He didn’t have time to buy more scout cookies, no matter how badly he wanted them. He tried to tune out the knocks, which only got more consistent and intense. After a minute, they finally ceased. His brief moment of peace was interrupted by his phone ringing. The caller ID read Carrots. Frowning, Nick picked up the phone.
“Nick, open your door!” Judy screamed through the phone, and through the door.
“What, why, what’s up?” Nick answered, hastily covering any incriminating evidence of his big surprise for tomorrow.
“The Glacier Falls break ins! I was out on my evening run and I got an epiphany. I need you to check my work.”
“All right, calm your tail. I’m coming.” Nick finished pulling a sheet over her dress and headed to the door. The door slammed open the moment he unlocked it, luckily obscuring the flowers. Judy dashed inside, spilling a case file onto his coffee table. Looking back into his room, Nick could still see his tux clear as day, hanging off his desk. As Judy busied herself organizing the case file, he made his way back to the desk and shoved the tux underneath some scrap fabric.
“Ok, Nick, come over... Oh!” Nick turned to look at Judy, who was staring at the calendar next to him. Nick promptly tore the calendar down and gave Judy a plastic smile. “What was that, Carrots?” Judy narrowed her eyes and scanned around him. Nick quickly realized how poor a job he did hiding his work. While the tux was covered, his bowtie was still on the desk, next to the sewing machine. The sheet he covered Judy’s dress in was clearly transparent. From the couch, she could easily see the flowers too.
Nick cleared his throat, attempting to divert her attention. “So, the case?”
Judy’s gaze jumped back to Nick, smug smile on her face. “The case.”
Nick checked himself one last time in the reflection of Judy’s doorknob, smoothing his bowtie. Flowers in paw, check. Dress hidden behind his back. Check. Tickets to the gala, check. Now or never, Wilde. He reached up to knock on the door. To his surprise, the door opened before his paw even contacted the wood. Replacing it was Judy looking up at him, with bright eyes and wide grin. “What took you so long?”
“How did you know I was here?” Nick asked.
“Nick, you were standing outside my door muttering to yourself for the past 5 minutes.” Nick felt his skin flush beneath his fur. Judy glanced at the flowers he was holding, then scanned Nick up and down. “Wow, flowers!” Judy said in faux surprise. “And look at you all dressed up. You weren’t planning on taking me to another gala, were you?”
“Can you at least pretend to be surprised? I had this whole thing planned out.”
“Oh, ok, fine. Go ahead.”
“You know what? Never mind, you ruined it.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I had no prior knowledge of anything.” Judy batted her eyelashes, playing dumb.
Nick groaned. “Alright. Judith Laverne Hopps, will you be my date to the Palm Society Gala tonight?”
“Why, Nick, are you asking me out?”
“Yeah, yeah.” Nick walked into her apartment. “We get it, you’re a smart bunny, you figured out my plan. No need to rub it in.”
Judy giggled. “It wasn’t hard. You basically spelled it out for me in your apartment. You practically had my dress on display. Plus, every mammal you asked for help this past week called me right after.”
“Of course.” Judy closed the door and sat on her bed. He definitely wasn’t coming across as smooth as he had wanted. Nick sat in the chair and attempted to plan his next move. Unfortunately for him, Judy kept a relentless pace.
“So, why another gala?”
Nick shrugged. “I figured you owe me a real gala night, since the last one we went too ended up with a fanging and us being wanted criminals.”
“I seem to recall you not even wanting to go.”
“Well, I didn’t realize what would be waiting for me at the gala.” Nick said, spotting a faint blush creeping up Judy’s ears. “What do you say. Do over?”
“mm, I don’t know…” Judy teased. “I haven’t replaced that dress…”
“Well, lucky you.” Nick pulled out the dress and handed it over to Judy. She made an exaggerated gasp.
“Oh, Nick, my dress! How did you find it!” Judy ran a paw alongside the dress, mischievous expression being replaced with true awe. “It looks perfect.”
“You don’t have to lie, Carrots. I believe these are also for you.” Nick said, extending the flowers as well. Judy carefully put the dress on her bed and gingerly took the flowers. She took a deep sniff and looked at the cream and violet blooms. Her expression softened even more, and she looked back to Nick.
“Heliotropium arborescens.” Judy said. “Oh, Nick. These mean-“
“Eternal love.” Nick finished.
“They’re perfect.” Judy whispered. She stood up and gave Nick a quick kiss on the cheek, before walking to the windowsill. Nick spotted a vase and a flowerpot, already filled with moist soil. She gently stuck the stems into the vase, then looked back at Nick.
“I know Emmitt gave you seeds. Where are they?”
“But we haven’t even gone on our date yet! Isn’t that the tradition?”
Judy shook her head and reached out her paw. “There’s no need. I’m already sure. Are you?”
Nick considered her words, finding himself still shocked at her confidence. He wondered how she could be so certain. Just jump blindly into the abyss, not knowing what would be there. Something clicked in his mind. He wasn’t afraid either. He was simply excited. It didn’t matter where they went, he realized. As long as they were together. He reached into his pocket and tossed her the seed packet. “Absolutely.”