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Judy's voice came from his phone resting on the nearby table, "This feels weird."
Nick chuckled softly, "Which part Carrots? You're going to have to be a bit more specific. Are you talking about the fact we saved the city from a psychotic animal again. Or after that where you were finally convinced to become a symbol of unity for Zootopia. Or perhaps you're referring to the fact we were sent across the pond on a press tour as part of said symbol."
The sigh he heard from his partner was a lot lighter than it had been, "First of all, against any mammal, psychotic or not, I'd bet on us Slick, that will never feel weird. Secondly, you convinced me to act as the poster girl, AND, you're on those posters right beside me. And yeah, the press tour is a little odd, but that's not what I'm referring to. I'm talking about this masquerade we're currently getting ready for! I don't fit in fancy balls like this already, I don't know anyone here anyway, why does everyone have to wear one of these stupid masks?"
Nick felt the urge to tease his partner, but he ignored it, "Carrots, you did fine at the Zootennial Gala. A bit stiff maybe, but fine. We're not working this event so grab a flute or two of champaign and relax."
There was a pause where he almost asked if she was still there but she finally spoke up, "What's your mask look like?"
"Uh uh uh Carrots, that's cheating. The whole point of events like this is you're not supposed to know who anyone is."
There was another long pause before she spoke up again softly, "Please?"
Nick felt his heart squeeze in his chest and it took everything he had to not spill the beans to the plaintive bunny, but he still took pity on her, "Listen Carrots, I'll give you one clue, okay? I have a boutonniere of a single yellow flower."
Judy thought back to the Zootennial Gala and the flower she had placed on his jacket, but quickly dismissed the sentimental thought, their outfits had been presented to them without their input. It was simply a coincidence. She glanced at her dress still hanging on the rack in her room, "Well I'll be wearing," but she was cut off.
"Sorry Fluff, it'll have to be a fun surprise. The tailor's here to make the final adjustments and I gotta subject myself to death by a thousand pins pricks. I'll see you at the party."
Judy tried to call out to her partner but her phone beeped once signaling the call had ended. She groaned in frustration as the fox's antics but let it go. She trusted him to come and save her once the party started, he always found her when she needed him. Before she followed that thought to the very dangerous places it could lead there was a knock on her door, that would be her own helper arriving. She was a bit taken about how extravagant her dress was, it was yellow, but that is where the similarities ended. Instead of the single shoulder strap there were two, but they were designed to hang off her upper arms. The dress was rather frilly, the layers of the skirt causing it to poof out a good deal by her feet. There was also a pair of long yellow gloves that were rather elegant looking. She'd felt the material already and was surprised how soft it felt against her fur.
The mammal waiting at her door knocked again and she shook her head before darting over to let them in.
Judy felt lost in a sea of mammals. Her mask was already firmly in place, though she wondered just how much it would protect her identity as it only covered her eyes and forehead. As she looked out at the party attendants she silently cursed Nick, more than half the men here were wearing yellow flower boutonnieres; they were clearly in this season. When she got her paws on him she'd throttle his little neck, and the gloves would mean that she wouldn't leave evidence behind. She took a deep breath and set of down a grand stairway that lead into the main floor, she wouldn't let his little joke bother her more than it already had. As a servant passed by with a tray of champaign and she decided to take Nick's advice and grabbed one for herself, sipping the bubbling drink as she made her way across the dance floor. The song that was playing was a quiet little number by a string quartet and no one was dancing just yet. Mammals were mingling and the mummer of conversation was everywhere, but Judy paid it little mind. Her ears were on a swivel, twisting at every voice in her area, constantly on the hunt for her partner, really looking forward to when her backup arrived.
Everyone she laid eyes on was dressed so elegantly, and while she knew her dress was immaculate, she feared she did the dress very little justice. For once she was glad for her small size, most mammals didn't even notice her, and the ones that did seemed to not really pay her any mind. The fact no one paid her any attention at all was just another sign that the dress didn't really suit her at all. She started trying to guess how long she had to stay before leaving would be rude.
She made it to the food table and looked around, she wasn't particularly hungry, but she never knew Nick to pass on a free meal. She grabbed a few snacks and munched quietly while looking out on the crowd, really hoping to see a flash of red fur somewhere. It didn't take long; a red fox in an extravagant suit and mask with a yellow boutonniere was making his way through the mammals currently milling about the dance floor. Judy raised a paw to call out, but she hesitated. The fox was the right color, size, and build, but there was something about the way he walked that told her it wasn't the fox he was looking for. She was certain he was some other fox once he started talking to some hippo in a simple mask as if they were old friends. Trying to hide her disappointment she turned to look back at the room trying to find any hint of her traveling companion.
As she took another sip of her glass she was brought out of her thoughts when she heard a voice just behind her, "Excuse me, are you Miss Hopps?" She spun around at the unfamiliar voice. It was the same fox she had spotted earlier, his accent confirmed that it wasn't Nick though. She couldn't quite place it, but it sounded exotic, perhaps South Mammalia?
She stopped herself halfway to sticking her paw out to formally introduce herself. She hesitated for a moment before she instead raised her glass to the fox, "Ah, sorry sir. I believe the point of a masquerade is anonymity is it not?"
His eyes sparkled behind his mask as he started to grin down at her, "Perhaps so. But sadly even with the mask there is no mistaking the bunny bobby from Zootopia."
Judy sighed in disappointment, "What's even the point of these masks then…"
"Perhaps I have spoiled some of the fun for you? My deepest apologies." True to his words he bowed deeply sweeping his paws wide appearing to show true remorse.
Judy giggled into her free paw and said, "Please rise kind sir, you have nothing to apologize for." When he raised his head she could see that he was still grinning despite the bow.
He stood back up and said, "As means of amends I could tell you how I managed to pick you out of the crowd so easily?"
Judy had to admit: she was curious, "Very well. Tell me how you found me out and all will be forgiven."
The fox took a moment to peruse the food and grabbed a small cracker with some items on top and popped it into his mouth humming in contentment. Once he was finished he said, "There's not much that can hide from a fox's nose. You are the only bunny I could smell from Zootopia. That, and you stood out a bit, you seem a little uneasy, like you've never been to an event like this."
Judy blushed in embarrassment, "Am I really so obvious?"
The fox waved dismissively, "I doubt anyone else truly noticed. I only noticed because I know everyone at these things. Besides, I was looking for you anyway."
Judy was taken aback, "For me? But why?"
"Perhaps I am a generous soul who likes to help mammals overwhelmed by the glitz and glamor of high society. Or maybe I had a favor to beg of you. Or…"
Judy took another sip, "Or?"
"Or perhaps I simply wanted to see if you were as beautiful up close as you are on the telly."
Judy very nearly spit out the mouthful of champagne at the unexpected compliment, but managed to swallow it down. After she managed to gasp for air she sputtered out, "I umm… thank you? Hehe…"
She hadn't really noticed before, but the fox in front of her was handsome in a roguish kinda way, much the same way her partner was. His smile widened even more as he said, "Now, I see I have perhaps made you uncomfortable. Can I make it up to you in any way?"
Judy wasn't exactly uncomfortable, but she wasn't used to this much attention from mammals and considered turning him away, but thought better of it, "Actually there is one thing you could do. My traveling companion still hasn't shown up. Would you mind keeping me company while we look for him?"
"Ah, this would be Nicholas Wilde correct? He seems to like to make himself scarce whenever the cameras are rolling. Could you describe him for me?"
"Well, he's a red fox much like yourself. About your size and build, not quite as charming as yourself, though I doubt he'd agree. Obviously from Zootopia as well."
He paused for a moment looking around briefly before he responded, "Well sadly I can't say I've seen anyone matching that description tonight, but lucky for me that just means I'll be in your compony for a while longer." He offered his paw which she took gladly, though she wasn't expecting him to raise her paw to his lips as he placed a tiny kiss on the back of her hand.
"You are rather forward sir."
He led them off towards the dance floor, "Ah, I am forever overstepping my bounds tonight. Truly I am sorry."
"I cannot help but notice that you are leading me directly towards the dance floor instead of towards that large group of mammals over by the staircase."
"Ah, but of course. Upon the dance floor everyone is moving this way and that, and we will travel all across the area. If he is in the room I will smell him out before too long." As the band changed the song he held out his paws which she took, "Have you ever danced a waltz before?"
"I have not, but I have to assume that you've taught plenty of innocent ladies before so I place my fate in your capable paws."
"Miss, I believe you must think me some fiendish cur. I can promise you I shall be nothing but a perfect gentilmammal tonight."
Judy quirked an eyebrow, "You mean starting now?"
He remained motionless a moment more before he starting moving with the tempo, "Starting now. Follow my lead if you would be so kind?"
She'd never heard the song before, never danced like this, and yet, somehow it all felt so natural, as if she had been dancing with the fox for years, if not her whole life. He lead her through the moves, simple and graceful, but held her at a respectable distance throughout the song.
As they spun around, changing the direction of their movements Judy spoke up, "If I may ask; where are you from sir? Your accent strikes me as Southern Mammalia, but you called me a bobby and mentioned a telly?"
"I see your ears are not just for show miss. I was born and raised in South Mammalia, but I did my higher education here. Mammals tell me I have an attractive accent, would you agree?"
Judy pondered the question for a moment before she answered, "I can understand the appeal, but I think home in Zootopia has the best accents." Her partner merely hummed once in understanding, but didn't press further.
As the music came to a close the two separated, though their paws remained clasped for an extra second before they both let go, "You are a fine dancer as far as bunnies go Miss."
"Wow, that was almost a compliment."
"Sorry, I should have made myself more clear. Bunnies tend to feel a bit nervous dancing with us foxes. That and their smaller size can lead to some awkwardness. There was none of that with you."
Judy's mouth formed a perfect O for a few moments before she decided a change of topic was warranted, "Well, we've been all across the dance floor, any sign of Nick?"
"Sorry to say, I neither saw no smelt any unfamiliar foxes during our dance."
Judy looked around, more than a little annoyed, "Dumb fox said he'd see me at the party."
Her dancing companion pointed to one of the corners of the hall, "Perhaps he was referring to seeing you in the papers tomorrow?"
She looked to where he was pointing and she spotted a group of photographers snapping photos of every conceivable angle. For once she was thankful for the mask as it would make it a little harder for mammals to recognize her on site, hopefully she'd just blend into the background of the dance while the mammals who wanted the spotlight would draw the real attention.
As the music resumed, with a faster pace this time, Judy spoke up over the noise, "Well I must thank you for the dance, and your help, but I fear I've taken up too much of your time. Enjoy the rest of your evening sir."
She almost missed the look of disappointment that flashed across her dancing partner's face before he got his expression back under control, "Well… I have nothing else going on this evening, and the song they happen to be playing is called a Foxtrot, seems a fitting dance, no?"
He held out his paw, and although she considered turning him down, she felt compelled to take his paw. Just one more dance.
He pulled her in a little closer than before, "I hope you don't mind the proximity, it is a bit of a faster dance; the closer you are to me the less likely you are to make a mistake."
She doubted that was the true reason, but she shook her head regardless, "You're the one leading here sir, I'll trust your judgement." And with that they set out onto the dance floor.
The two of them danced to 5 more songs before they finally stepped off the dance floor. It was his suggestion to stop for refreshments, but once he said it Judy realized she was rather parched, and slightly breathless if she was honest. The dances had gotten more complex and faster as the night had gone on, the last was some sort of tango, but thankfully it was much tamer than most movies would have her believe. They were supposed to be pressed together, cheek to cheek, but her dance partner made no move to lift her to facilitate that. Judy briefly wondered what it would feel like if he had carried her for the dance, their bodies pressed together, her feet dangling as she was held in his paws… it was tempting.
Before that line of thinking got out of paw the fox in question returned with two glasses of champaign in one paw, and a small plate of food in the other. He held out his paw to offer her a drink before he pulled it back a hair, "Oh, perhaps you would want to get your own drink? I wouldn't feel offended if you don't feel comfortable taking a drink from a masked mammal…"
Judy decided to cut him off by taking the glass and taking a rather large sip. "I appreciate you offering, but I wouldn't be dancing with you if I didn't trust you. At least this much." and she took another sip. For once her companion was lost for words, his mouth hanging open silently. Judy took a finger and pressed it against his chin until it closed with an audible click. She then took a moment to peruse the plate of snacks he'd brought with him and grabbed a fresh piece of carrot before nibbling on it daintily.
When he finally managed to break himself free of his stupor he said, "You know I don't think I've met another bunny like you before."
Judy took a cracker with something spread atop and munched into it, savoring its flavor before responding, "There aren't bunnies like me."
He took an appreciative sip of his own glass while staring at her over the rim. "I see that now. Once again I must say how sorry I am. I hope you know how delighted I am each and every time I underestimate you."
Judy took another sip, "Well, your delight wasn't really my intent, but I am glad to hear it never the less. I don't suppose you happened to notice Officer Wilde have you? At this point I'm getting a little nervous that he hasn't shown up yet."
She was looking for it so the flicker of concern that passed under his mask did not go unnoticed, "Alas, I have not. Truly I have failed you, especially after I was so confident that I'd be able to track him down without issue."
Judy reached into the top of her dress and pulled out her phone, once again catching the brief flash of surprise behind the mask of her dance partner, "It's not a problem. I think I'll give him a call see what's holding him up. I would have called earlier, but your company was so nice I didn't really feel the need."
The fox stammered for a moment before he said, "Well, uh, why don't I give you some privacy? I'm sure you don't want some stranger listening in to your private call."
Judy didn't even look up as she closed out a number of notifications that had popped up while she had been indisposed, "Oh please, don't trouble yourself on my account. Just making a quick call."
As she went to press the call button next to Nick's picture he spoke up again, "I think I'll take this opportunity to use the loo anyway. I shall return annon." and he darted away quicker than was proper. Judy shook her head and muttered to herself, "Dumb fox." then waited another moment before hitting Call.
It only took a moment for the call to go through, "Hello?" The voice on the other end was clearly Nick, but it sounded off.
"Oh, Nick, you sound terrible. Are you feeling okay?"
"Hey Carrots! Yeah, I'm feeling," whatever he was going to say next was drowned out by the sound of a flushing toilet. "Uh sorry, was just finishing up using the bathroom when you called. Yeah, I'm feeling a little under the weather. Sorry, should have called before and told you that I was going to have to skip the party."
"Oh, that's terrible. Can I bring you something? Some soup, or maybe some medicine?"
"NO!" he practically shouted, "No, that's okay Fluff. I already called room service for some soup and toast to be brought up. After I get some food in me I'll try and sleep this bug off."
"Okay, if you're sure."
"I'm sure. But enough about me, are you enjoying the ball?"
"Oh I definitely am. Some dashing fox has been doing his best to sweep me off my feet and I have to say, I think it might be working." She was a little curious how Nick would take that news.
He sounded a little off, but couldn't place the tone as he responded, "Good for you Carrots. I just hope you don't have too much fun." the sound of another flush came across the phone and Nick hurriedly said, "Gotta go Fluff, room service just got here." and the call disconnected.
Judy rolled her eyes at his antics, but put the phone back in her dress without further comment. Almost as if on cue; once her phone was away her dance partner returned, "Were you able to get in contact with your erstwhile companion? I hope he has not run afoul of some sinister forces. From what I've heard of your exploits the two of you cannot step foot outside without tripping over some villain or nefarious plot."
Judy smiled at him politely, "Thankfully no, not this time, seems the only thing he's run afoul of is some stomach bug. He's ordered some soup and will be resting quietly tonight. If it weren't for your excellent company I fear my night would be beyond saving. Are you certain I am not keeping you from more pressing matters?"
The fox retrieved his glass from the table and took an appreciative sip, "What could be more pressing than spending time with your excellent company?"
Judy raised her glass, "Then, here is to a wonderful evening with excellent company." they clinked their glasses together and took another drink. After they polished off their glasses Judy asked, "So, what's next? If the night is not yet over how shall we spend our time?"
He eyed her for a moment before he replied, "We could take to the dance floor once again, but I fear as the evening goes on the dances will become more intimate. I would not wish to press my luck with a lovely lady such as yourself."
"Something tells me that you'd like nothing more than to press your luck sir. How about this; you get another glass of this delightful champaign for me, and I'll return with you to dance floor. I shall continue to follow your masterful lead, but if I feel you are taking liberties at any moment I shall leave." She offered her paw to shake, "Deal?"
The masked fox considered her once again, "Truly there are no bunnies like you are there?" he took her paw, but instead of shaking it he once again planted a light kiss upon its back, "Deal."
Judy raised an eyebrow, "Pushing the limits already are we?"
"Just playing a hunch miss. I shall return in just a moment with your refreshment."
Judy was dead on her feet. They had been dancing for hours with only a few short breaks to snack, drink, or rest. For the last three dances she had been resting her head on the fox's chest as they swayed softly to the music that still played. He had taken to humming along to the music which caused his broad chest to vibrate pleasantly. As the current song came to a close he leaned down close to her ears and whispered, "I think it's time for you to head to bed Miss Hopps. If you stay any longer and I will have to carry you off, and that would cause quite the stir in the world of high society, a shifty fox dragging off a helpless little bunny."
Judy chuckled weakly at that, "Shifty? You are the second least shifty mammal I know, fox or otherwise. You are charming, kind, thoughtful, and more than a little graceful. You may like to tease me a bit, but I get the sense it's all in good fun, not mean or hurtful." She finally managed to pull her head off his chest and drew her hand off his back and placed it onto his cheek, "Could I ask you for one last favor before the night is over?"
The fox placed his own paw over hers, clutching it to his face, "Anything. Name it and it shall be yours."
"There is something I'd like to do, but I fear I may lack the courage. Could you get me another glass of champaign so I can have the courage to go through with it?"
She could hear his pulse quicken in his chest as he contemplated her words before he swallowed weakly, "Well, how could I say no to such an intriguing request." He looked around for a moment, "Looks like most of the staff has turned in for the night, but I see one server with a tray of drinks still mingling about. I shall be right back if you'll wait for me?"
Judy nodded once and they separated before he turned and nearly sprinted away. Judy watched him go for just a moment before she turned towards the stairs and darted away herself. As quickly as her paws could take her she made her way across the floor, up the grand stairs, and out of the ballroom. It had only taken her a moment to make her escape, but she still felt the urge to look back as she arrived at the elevators and mashed the button rapidly. When the doors opened she stepped inside and selected her floor and waited as the doors slowly slid closed letting out a sigh of relief once they had shut. She felt a little bad, lying to him like that, he had been a marvelous partner all night and she had left him without a word of goodbye. She just knew that if she had stayed, if she had gotten that champagne, she'd have done something she may have regretted. So she rode the elevator to her floor alone, stepped out into the hall and marched off, her mind abuzz with thoughts of a tall roguish fox in a mask.
She eventually stopped in front of one of the dozens of doors and pulled out the keycard, the door beeping once as it unlocked and she let herself in. The room was dark but she didn't bother switching on a light. She made her way across the floor in the dark until she got to the bed and flopped down onto her back, taking a deep breath as the events of the evening ran though her mind in quick succession as she smiled to herself. As she assumed she didn't have to wait long before the door beeped once more and it swung into the room, the light from the hall illuminating her surroundings. As she sat up she noted for the first time that while it wasn't a mess, there were some cloths laying here and there.
When the door closed the room was cast back into darkness, but she didn't need to be able to see, she could hear the shuffling of the rooms other occupant as they made their way towards the bedroom. When they entered she heard them call out, "Who's there?" She head him sniff the air before he reached for the wall and flipped the switch, filling the room with light. From her spot on the bed she got to see Nick's face flash though just about every emotion she could imagine. He was still looking dumbfounded when he said, "Miss Hop-… Carrots, what are you doing in my room?"
Judy slid to the edge of the bed and dangled her legs off and started swinging them back and forth, "Waiting for you."
Nick shook his head, "Right, obviously. What I meant was, HOW are you in my room?"
"Remember last month when we had to book our rooms, and you said 'Hey Carrots, since you're already getting your room can you just book one for me too?'"
"First of all, that's a terrible imitation. Secondly, still doesn't explain how you are in here."
"I was getting to that; since I was the one who booked the rooms they gave me a key to yours as well. I decided to swing by to see if you were feeling any better. I see from your tux you must have been feeling much better. That's good."
Nick glanced down at his suit as if he was seeing it for the first time, "Oh, uhhh yes. After I got some soup I was feeling a little better. I tried to head down to the party to find you, but I guess we must have missed each other…"
Judy hopped off the bed and cocked her head, "I guess we must have. Oh was that your mask?" she asked pointing to the very familiar mask he was holding in his paw, "It looks just like the one that handsome tod I told you about was wearing."
Nick looked at the mask like it was a blood stained knife and he was standing over a body, "No? No! It actually isn't mine: I bumped into another fox in the hallway and he liked my mask so much he offered to trade."
Judy nodded sagely, "Yes, that makes sense. And did you bring me the champaign I asked for?"
"No, once I saw you had left I set them down and…" Nick slapped his paw over his eyes, groaning as he realized his mistake. "Damnit. When did you figure me out?"
Judy walked right up to him and held out her arms which he took after a moment of hesitation. They began swaying much the same way they had danced that night. "It didn't take too long. When I first saw you I did think you were someone else. You were walking too stiffly, you didn't have that confident swagger you normally do."
Nick snorted out a laugh, "Ha! I wasn't even doing that on purpose. The tailor left a pin in my pant cuff. Had to walk just right for it to not stab me with each step. Once I realized what the actual issue was I managed to pull it out thankfully."
Judy patted him sympathetically, "Ouch, that sounds annoying. Anyway, when you approached I thought it might have been you, but when you kissed my paw I knew for sure."
Nick twirled her once, "Really? That seems wildly out of character for me… how did that tip you off?"
Judy grabbed his paw and turned it over, stroking the back of his palm softly, "Because you were so tense as you raised my paw to your lips the scars Milton Lynxley left stood out. There was no question about who was behind the mask after that."
Nick dipped her, a move he had not done all night before, despite it being appropriate for a number of dances. As he held her there he asked, "And yet you never called me on the lies?"
Judy shook her head, "I figured you had your reasons. If pretending to be some unknown fox was what you needed to have a pleasant evening, who am I to rob you of that?"
Nick pulled her back up and pressed her to his chest once more, "Thank you Judy. It was a wonderful evening."
Judy sighed happily, "Yes, it was nearly perfect." Nick resumed humming and Judy asked what had been bugging her all night, "Why did you pretend to be someone else Nick?"
Nick laughed sadly, "Because, despite it all, I am still an emotionally insecure source of your discomfort. But if I was someone else, anyone else, maybe I could be something more. Even if it was just for one night." Judy's heart broke at hearing that, she squeezed him harder, unable to speak.
They danced in silence for a few minutes before Nick built up the courage to ask something that had been burning in the back of his mind, "You said you wanted to do something but needed courage. Can you tell me what it was?"
Judy froze for a instant, but replied without looking up, "The way you darted off I think you were hoping for something in particular. Will you tell me what that was?"
Nick shook his head, "I can't Carrots. I'm afraid of what will happen if I'm wrong… or right."
Judy leaned back in his arms, "My poor cowardly fox. Can't dance without hiding his face, can't ask for what he wants. Whatever shall I do with you?"
Nick placed a paw upon her cheek, "Have mercy?"
She did take pity on the poor fox and gripped the front of his tuxedo, pulling herself so she was eyelevel with him. Judy stared into his eyes for a moment before she moved in and pressed her lips to his. Nick closed his eyes, groaning into the kiss while he wrapped his paws around her once more, holding her up. With her paws freed she gripped the back of his head and pulled his face against hers, deepening the kiss. Nick started probing her teeth with his tongue and she gladly allowed him access to her mouth. She decided very quickly that she liked the taste of fox as he pulled a moan with his ministrations.
When they eventually separated to catch their breath Judy snuggled up into his chest sighing contentedly. Nick brought a paw up to the back of her head and started petting her softly well letting out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. While the two of them attempted to get their breathing under control Nick broke out in a chuckle, then a laugh. Soon enough Judy joined in and the two of them were gasping for air once again, but for a very different reason. Nick eventually collapsed onto his bed dragging Judy with him. She curled up beside him and placed a kiss on his cheek sweetly.
Nick steeled himself for what would come next, "Fluff, you should hop along to bed now. It's not safe for little bunnies to be in a fox's den this late at night."
Judy grabbed his muzzle turning his face to give a tiny little peck on his lips, "Such a gentilmammal. And what would happen if I stayed?"
Nick grinned wickedly, "Nothing we'd regret, but I would like to take you on an actual date first. Not as some hoity toity member of high society, but as myself. I would like for Judy Hopps to fall for Nick Wilde."
Tears were swimming in her eyes when she climbed atop his chest and kissed him deeply, "It's much too late for that Nick, but I think you're right regardless. Any plans for breakfast tomorrow?"
"Plan to spend it with you, nothing beyond that."
Judy smiled and finally climbed out of bed, but paused when Nick hopped out as well and started following her towards the door. "I'm literally across the hall Slick, I think I'll make it back okay."
Nick grinned, "And skip kissing you goodnight in front of your door? Never. It's a classic for a reason Carrots." He reached over her head and opened the door for her and together they stepped out into the hallway.
Judy pulled her own keycard out and said, "Well, this is me."
Nick planted an arm on the door and loomed over her, "Are you going to invite me in?"
She smiled and pecked him on the lips once more, "Such a shame you didn't book the rooms. Then you might have one of these." she waved the card once in front of his face then buzzed the door quickly. Nick was taken by surprise by the door suddenly swinging open and he stumbled for a moment.
When he recovered he was only a little put out at seeing the door closing in front of him, "I'll call you?"
Safely inside her room Judy leaned against the door and said, "You'd better Slick." She didn't exactly regret locking him out, but she almost wished he hadn't stumbled and managed to follow her in.