Judy might be Nick's partner but that did not entail they had to be together all the time. Nick had the experience and the contacts that proved useful to Zootopia's Police and Bogo was not above exploiting that.
The first time Bogo called him in to consult on a case following a failed drug bust operation, Judy wasn't even allowed in the chief's office. Judy had to settle for filing their reports alone and patrolling with Trunkaby for next two days.
On the third day, she found out Nick was practically living in Precinct One.
"I'm just as unhappy about this as you are, believe me," the fox grumbled through the phone.
He had to leave with Wolford on one of ZPD's undercover surveillance vans before Judy could clock in. Bogo must have been putting on the pressure if two of the most lackadaisical officers in Precinct One barely leave the office and were out and about before the sun was even up.
"But, hey, making the world a better place and all that shit, right?" the fox added, "Honestly, Carrots, when have you rubbed off on me?"
Grumpy Sleepless Nicky was Potty Mouth Nicky.
Judy just sighed, resigned. If she were to admit it, she would have done exactly the same thing if Bogo came to her instead.
"Call me when you're done with the case," she said, "I want to try that burger place you mentioned."
"Bug Burga?"
"Yeah, that one. My treat this time."
"Aw, Carrots," he cooed, "I didn't know you cared so much. It's like you're asking me on a date."
"Wait, what?! No!"
She might have reacted a little too loudly because everyone in the break room stopped and stared. She waved them off but every inch of her face was bristled to the roots.
Judy heard snickering from the other end of the line. There might be another one cackling in the background, who she was sure was Wolford.
"Seriously, Nick?"
"I wish I could see your face," he said and she could almost see his grinning face.
"Whatever. Just call me when you're done, okay?"
"Will do."
They ended the call with Judy feeling more flustered than she should be.
Notes:
I've noticed most posts, if not all, would make the mammals in Zootopia blush even through their fur. Just didn't sit right with me though. I mean, how can you see the blush when the entire face is covered in hair or fur? But since Zootopia features anthropomorphic mammals with attributes closely similar to humans, one cannot disregard blushing entirely.
What would make a Zootopian equivalent of blushing then? It would have to be a visible involuntary reaction involving the psychological fight/flight mechanism because that's what blushing basically is.
I thought of goosebumps but that would still involve skin being visible. It came to mind that most mammals tend to have their hackles up when they feel threatened. "Hackling" did not sound right though, so I settled for "bristling".
