HUSTLE

An alternate version for the first meet-up with Nick and how he continues to hustle Judy's heart.

I do not own Zootopia.

- O – O – O – O – O – O -

Judy's first day as a cop… was not any good at all.
She ended up acting as a meter maid, enduring all the bad looks and remarks she was given by a limitless number of civilians.
What should have been an achievement of a quick two hundred tickets left her rather sour.

Lunch break was about to come and Judy reported her progress.
She did not expect much.
She only received a grunt from the chief.

The bunny had one hour to eat lunch and rest.
Remembering that she did not have much food left on her room, she decided to go to the nearest grocery store, removing her meter maid outfit in the process.

It started out as a good day coming to Zootopia.
Then it became a bad day.
Nevertheless, Judy would always end up amazed by the city's image.
Even the grocery store was lovely.

The rodents had small stalls specifically for them.
There were higher stands for the taller animals' convenience.
It all looked planned out in which anyone can remain as they were.

Judy walked briskly to the vegetable section, where she found what she was looking for.
Carrots. What else?
Not surprisingly, the place was filled with her kin although she could not recognize anyone.
She looked at the time and realized she had less than half an hour left.

The bunny took some fresh carrots and put some additional blueberries on the small basket she was carrying.
She quickly made for the line before the cashier.
Looking in front of her, she realized majority of the line was filled with rabbits.
It was a good sign for her as she was sure rabbits would not buy much.

That was when she noticed a pair of eyes seemingly glancing at her.
It was the eyes of a fox.
The animal was of a species she was not particularly fond of, as it would always remind her of a certain Gideon Grey.
She was not there to harbor any anger. Being trained as a cop told her to stay calm while vigilant.
Still, she would not be complacent around a fox.

As the line became shorter, the fox seemed to be coming closer.
Needless to say, it made her nervous.
The fox could be aiming for any of the rabbits along her lane… or even herself.
She just hoped she was not looking any kind of anxious on her face.
It would be a shame to her cop image and would bring no security to the rabbit family.

Everything about his looks told her he was dangerous.
The fox was wearing a green shirt with the art of leaves, partnered with a loose ti-

Judy momentarily froze as she saw the remaining space between them.

A few more animals were ahead of her.
A few more meters were the place of the fox.

The close distance finally gave her the urge to confront the fox.

"Look sir, you've been suspiciously standing there for so long, particularly near this lane. May I ask what you want around here?" Judy asked, subconsciously moving her cart behind her.
The fox looked down with a puzzled look as if it was the first time he noticed her.
"Whoa there, fluff. I got the right to do anything I want."
Judy gave him a sharp eye. "I am a cop and I think your actions look suspicious and dangerous."
"Looks can be deceiving, but it does not make an animal what they are."

The fox smirked as if he made a very sly comment.
It was a good one but Judy was certainly not ready to admit it.

"I think I have the right to ask what you are doing anyway."
"What? You're just a meter maid."
Judy frowned. "How did you know? I'm not wearing my uniform."
"Your uniform is of a cop, yet you've already accepted being a meter maid, eh?"
"I…" Judy's frown deepened. "What's your point? Was I your target all along?"

The smirk of the fox and his amused look did not help her mood at all.
"Careful. You're next in line."
"What- I…" Judy mentally scolded herself for thinking of actually thanking the fox. That came out of nowhere.
Still, she adjusted herself on the lane then continued the conversation, seeing as the wolf in front of her had a bigger basket.

"Anyway, I still haven't heard an answer," Judy insisted.
Nick paused, giving a solemn look. "Alright, here's the deal. You remind me of a bunny I've gotten very close with. Her name is Judy-"
"Hey, my name is Judy too!" The bunny closed her mouth, embarrassed of suddenly cutting him.
The fox's eyes widened and a little genuine smile formed. "Isn't that a nice coincidence? I… Can you do me one favor?"
Judy rubbed her hands nervously, almost dropping her basket. "I… I guess? It depends really."
The fox shook his head. "It's nothing much. Just bid farewell to me as if I'm your uncle."
"I…"

If it were on any other situation, it would certainly feel like an outrageous favor.
Yet Judy felt terrible being asked for such a favor.
So, it was all about moving on but she easily got suspicious of him, just because he was a fox.
It was definitely not a good mindset as a cop… as an animal, in general.

"If it's too weird for you, it's nothing really. It's just-"
"Ca- can I know your name first, Sir?" Judy blurted out.
"It's Nick. Nicholas Wilde." The fox offered a hand to shake.
Judy took it.

The touch of their furs felt surprisingly comfortable.
Her worries immediately vanished.

"Sorry, I really have to go."
"I…" Judy looked down with a grimace. "See you, Uncle Nick."

The fox raised a hand, showing he got the message.

On the verge of actually crying, Judy realized she was being called by the cashier, which was an otter for the lane.
"That's 200 dollars, Miss."
"What?! I only put carrots and…" Her eyes grew large as she saw the random things in front of her. "…blueberries."

There were lots of prey food and even condiments she knew she would never use in her room.

The otter gave her an annoyed look. "They're already registered as bought in the machine. Aren't those things for your uncle?"
"Unc-" Judy frowned. "I don't have an uncle in Zootopia."
The otter rolled his eyes. "That. Fox. A. While. Ago." The tone emphasized. "You even bid him farewell."
"He's not my uncle!"
"Look, there are still a lot of animals in the lane. You do not want me to report you to the cops."
"I am a c-"

Judy thumped her feet in frustration.
She looked around and saw no trace of a fox in a green tee.

She immediately regretted trusting a fox.