Judy smiled as she made her way through the archway and onto the college grounds. As she passed under it she looked up and read the words inscribed in the metal: "The Zootopian College for Gifted Minds," it read and Judy's smile widened as she read it. The archway, like the wall surrounding the campus, was made of stone but the letters itself were made of a metal Judy couldn't put her paw on. Bronze, she guessed, or maybe copper, she wasn't the best when it came to identifying metals.
She passed under the archway with her luggage trailing behind. There was someone waiting on the other side for her. A ram whom she identified as Brock, thanks to the name tag on the left side of his chest.
"Welcome!" Brock greeted "are you here for the orientation?"
"Yes I am. Could you tell me where I should go?" She asked stopping beside him.
"Why yes I can, you see that building over there?" He pointed to a building just across from the entry way, past what appeared to be a small garden.
Judy looked where he pointed and nodded. "Good! The orientation is happening in there young one. Have fun and good luck!" He said waving as Judy walked in the direction he had pointed.
On her way there she had a chance to take in the area. There were cement paths and wide open grassy areas for animals to run and play in alongside the various buildings. By far Judy's favorite part were the flower beds. In this area of the campus there were long and wide plots filled to the brim with the colorful plants in all colors from dark green to bright pink. The trees were also very much to her liking. They were large and thick with dark green leaves, offering ample shade for Judy as she made her way to the orientation building.
As she made her way she noticed another tree a little far off and on a small hill. It was a cherry tree, bright pink flowers growing alongside the dark green leaves. It wasn't a common species in the region, and its oddity kept her attention for long enough to notice a figure under the tree. She couldn't make out anything about them from far away, but something told her that she'd meet them eventually.
She moved on from the tree and entered the building for orientation. Once inside she was able to see the theme of this university. It was all set in a modern fashion; mirrors were incased in bland frames, the furniture shaped in strange designs and almost the entire place was painted white. She could hear a loud crowd somewhere deeper inside the building but she couldn't find anyone after a few minutes of searching.
The only people she did find were a male sheep and a female deer having a little chat. They were obviously professors here by the way they held themselves, so Judy walked over.
"Excuse me." She said trying to as politely as she could interrupt their conversation.
"Yes child what is it?" The sheep said in an expectant tone that held impatient undertones.
"I was wondering if either of you could show me where to go for the orientation?"
"The orientation?!" the sheep bleated. "If you're going to the orientation then why didn't you go through the front child?"
"I-I-I" she tried to say but before she could the deer stepped in.
"Oh now look at what you did, Brian! You're making the poor dear shiver like she's nude in Tundratown. Harkins DID say that there would be some students coming in through this way so hush"
"It was a legitimate question, Mrs. Thorn." He muttered under his breath.
Hearing this, the deer shot him a glare and the sheep slowly backed away. The deer wasn't done with him however.
"I'll have none of that now Brian, now be a dear and go fetch those notes I told you about Allomantic studies in nature. Remember they're on my desk, to the left and under a few papers. Should be easy for you to find." She said with a smile and waving him away.
"I swear Martha one of these days..." He trailed off as he looked back and saw her expression. She was glaring at him with such intensity that it was surprising that there weren't holes being drilled through him. "I'll... Just be on my way then. I'll meet you in your classroom!" He said slowly at first but picked up speed, along with his legs as he moved off into the distance.
Once he was around a corner, Mrs. Thorn sighed and turned toward Judy with an apologetic smile.
"I'm sorry about him dear, he tends to be a little overly dramatic sometimes." She said.
They stood there for a few seconds before she spoke again a hint of fondness entering her voice "more often than not that overly dramatic episode will either make him look like a complete Buffon or a complete asshole, sometimes both." She finished with a small giggle apparently remembering a time when that had happened.
As if remembering who and what Judy was she gasped loudly and brought her hands up to cup the underside of her muzzle. "Oh goodness me! We better hurry you don't want to be late for the orientation do you?! Well?!"
"Uhhhmm no ma'am" Judy said as Mrs. Thorn started to walk away, Judy followed.
"Ohhh no no no no none of that young lady. Next time we meet whether it's somewhere on campus or in my classroom, you address my as Martha when out of class and Mrs. Thorn when in my classroom understand?" She said as she approached a set of double doors.
"Yes ma- Martha" Judy said as she walked up next to the professor.
Martha smiled as she opened the door "here we are!" She exclaimed as the set of doors swung open. Inside was a large theater-like room and it was filled with animals. Animals from all shapes and sizes from all species from mammalian to avian and reptilian.
"How many seats are in here?!" Judy asked with astonishment. Judy was used to big crowds -she grew up in BunnyBorrow for Hopkins sake- but she just wasn't used to these large of crowds with such... Variety.
"Hmmm" Martha hummed " I'd say around five hundred. This is a very big school my dear."
Just to the right of them stood a male gazelle. He stood behind a podium and had had a clipboard in front of him. He immediately recognized Martha so he focused his gaze on Judy.
"And what would your name be miss?" He asked adjusting is spectacles and glancing down at his clipboard, pen at the ready.
"Hopps" Judy said pulling up in front of the gazelle and setting her luggage next to her.
"ah yes here you are misses Hopps and good timing too the principle is gonna give his speech in a few minutes." He said checking something off on his clipboard.
Judy turned to Martha "thank you for your help" she paused "Martha"
the female deer smiled and padded Judy on the shoulder "you'll get used to calling me that one day, child, one day. It was nice meeting you I hope that we'll get together soon and have a nice long chat maybe over some tea!" She said clapping her hands together in excitement.
Before Judy could say her goodbye to the professor the gazelle at the podium made a sound of frustration. "Ohhh we're so close Martha I can't believe it!" He exclaimed slightly but firmly taping his pen against the clipboard.
"How close are we Eric?" Martha asked making her way over to his podium and leaning against it. Judy was intrigued by what they were saying she just stood there listening in.
"We are just one student away from having everyone on the list here!"
Hearing this Martha smiled and chuckled softly. Raising a hand to cover her eyes as she silently laughed. When she was able to speak again which was a few seconds of nonstop silent laughter she said " oh Eric you and your damned lists, you know life isn't all about making a list and checking everything off." She chuckled, smiling at him in a friendly way.
Eric looked at her mouth agape. When he was able to speak he said, "first off Martha I like making lists because it helps me keep track of everything." He said raising one finger. He raised a second finger and said "secondly: do you really think it's wise to be spouting profanity around the students?" He finished pointing at Judy over Martha's shoulder.
Martha looked at her and waved a dismissing hand "oh hush you." She said attempting to smack him.
Judy suddenly jumped in surprise as someone cleared their throat behind her. Which also reminded her that she was in the middle of the way into the theater like room. Judy along with Martha and Eric, turned to see who had caused the noise. Seeing who and what was behind her Judy felt her heart flutter a little and her breath caught in her throat along with her mouth slightly falling open.
Now. Judy realized at a very young age that she was attracted to predators. Specifically, ones closer to her own height, why yes she would like to have fun with anyone she decided to bed but she didn't want to die in the process, so smaller predators worked perfectly. So she felt her heart do a little summersault when she gazed up into probably the closest thing she'll get to living emeralds.
The one who stood behind her was a fox. A red fox to be precise and he was one of the most beautiful creatures she'd ever seen. Eyes that shone with a green excellence that Judy had never seen before in any animal. His red fur reminded her of a field touched by autumn. His adorable ears twitch ever so slightly at hearing her slight gasp -and that tail. That big, bushy tail, she could sleep on that tail, so big, so long. In the back of her mind, she hoped that another part of him fell under those same terms.
Moving past his physical look Judy took in his attire and was thoroughly dumbfounded. For one he had a ring on each finger, the metal glittering in the light of the theater. Going up his arms there were two bracelets on either arm and moving up towards his face he had what appeared to be two small collars around his neck. Moving ever upward he had two ear rings in either ear as well and if she looked at his feet she could barely make out the glint of what she guessed was an ankle bracelet.
And to top it all off he wore a top hat they had lines at the sides with a silvery substance. The rest of his apparel was remarkably less odd. He wore a regular black colors winter coat, even though the university was located in savannah central. The shirt underneath was a deep purple V-neck and his trousers were dark, olive green, loose-fitting cargo pants..
The fox was currently twirling what looked like a coin between his fingers. Looking back toward his face she noticed that he had a smug looking grin on it. Before any of the original three could speak the fox spoke first.
"I think it's safe to say that this is where orientation is happening? Don't tell me I've stumbled into the wrong classroom already." He said that smug smirk still sitting proudly on his face.
The joke made the three chuckle. Judy having to cover her mouth with her hand to cover up her open mouth as she laughed. Once Eric and Martha composed themselves Eric responded.
"If you're looking for the orientation then you've come to the right place young man. Now may I get your name?" Eric said with a small smile raising his clipboard.
At this point Judy saw no reason in staying so she turned to her luggage grabbed it and started to walk away. She was unable to catch the small gasp that escaped the fox as he saw her for the first time. before he was looking at the two professors.
"Sir?" Eric asked "your name please?"
"Wilde"
Judy's ears twitched at hearing his voice again. He had such a low voice but it wasn't too low. Putting the fox out of her mind -it was harder than it should've been- she gazed about the room looking for a spot to sit. A spot that would give her a good view of the speaker but an also a secluded spot for privacy. Seeing one in the back corner she made her way over. As soon as her temporary task was done the fox popped back into her mind and she felt a wave of mixed feelings. On one hand, he was by far the most attractive man she'd laid eyes on in a long while. On the other hand, the only people she'd seen dress in that much jewelry were complete assholes. He probably wasn't her type, she thought to herself, slightly upset at getting her hopes up.
She sighed as she silently accepted defeat as she sat down in the raised back corner of the room. Even though the room had apparently around five hundred seats in it there still wasn't enough students to fill them all, so Judy had some separated space between her and the nearest animal, giving her some privacy. Reaching into her pants pocket she pulled out her phone to check up on her furbook account. She was scrolling through a good few notifications, mainly her family asking how things are going so far. She was about to respond to them when...
"excuse me?" A familiar male voice said. She looked up and her amethyst eyes met emerald eyes. It was the fox.
He looked down at a small nervous smile spread across his lips. His paws were down shoved into his pants pockets. Just like his smile he had a nervous air about him and Judy could not tell as to why that is.
"You..." he began but stopped, then taking in a deep breath he continued, "you looked quite lonely all the way back here. So i thought I'd give you some company." He added in a soft voice, "if that's alright by you," he finished pulling the tip of his hat down to try and cover his eyes.
Judy opened her mouth to politely refuse his proposal. Given that this was very little in terms of privacy it was privacy nonetheless and she'd have too little of that growing up. She would politely refuse him this time just ensure him that she'd love to spend some time with him after the orientation but then out of nowhere, her thoughts took a complete 180, and she felt more than willing to have his company.
"Why I'd love some company" she said patting the seat right beside her.
"Many thanks" the fox said with a tip of his hat.
Some time went by as the two just sat there in silence. Judy wanted to say something, ask something, but she was having trouble thinking straight. Probably because they had been on this college campus for less than a couple hours and she'd already developed a crush on the fox currently sitting next to her.
"So..." He started but before he could continue Judy flinched.
She didn't know why she flinched specifically, her best guess was her sudden feelings towards this fox and that he was right beside her. That and the fact that she wasn't used to interactions like this. So currently she sat there shaking a little unable to move or speak or to justify herself for her current behavior. Wilde on the other hand looked at her with what she guessed was genuine concern, a frown spreading across his red furred face.
"Oh I'm sorry did I scare you?" Wilde asked with concern.
"Oh! No, no I'm fine it was nothing" he looked at her, a playful expression spreading across his face.
"Oh come now don't tell me the whittle wabbit is scared by the big bad foxy?" His grin widened when he saw her blush at his statement. Judy should have been infuriated outraged even for someone to say such things to her. But instead she found herself giggling, to the brink of outright laughter.
She eventually got herself out of her little laughing fit and replied "No,no,no mister it's nothing I swear you just startled me is all."
"please" he said taking his hat off and setting it on his lap "call me Nick" he stated while reaching his paw out for a handshake. Judy did likewise as when their paws collided he asked "miss?"
"Judy" Judy said releasing his hand "Judy Hopps"
"Hopps" he said raising one of his hands to cup his jaw, his face bearing a curious expression on his face. "I can't say I'm surprised that you'd have a last name like that." He said in a casual tone, then added "Judy"
"why would my last name surprise you Nick?" She couldn't explain it but she felt... Safe she guessed that was the right word for the feeling slowly growing inside her. Other than that she just felt comfortable around Nick even though they've known each other for less than ten minutes.
"I didn't say that now did I? I just find it comedic I guess."
"What would be comedic about my last name?"
he looked at her with a bemused expression on his face. A small knowing smile spreading across his lips again.
"Well for one" he said raising his arms to the side as in a shrug "you're a rabbit"
"Yeah? So?" She wasn't understanding what he was getting at.
"And what's the stereotypical way rabbit get around?" He said that smug smile still on his face, one eyebrow raised.
Judy thought for a moment but it didn't take her long to come up with the correct answer.
"Why you little..." She said in mock anger, smacking him on his arm. Yet she couldn't help but giggle again at his joke.
he just laughed while rubbing his arm. Judy on the other hand sat with her arms crossed and pouted like a child until he spoke, which thankfully wasn't long.
"Listen Judy" he started "if I've offended you I'm sorry. I don't mean to be offensive or mean that's just my kind of humor." He said in a sincere way. Which touched Judy's heart. He looked away from her a saddened frown now on his face. Judy admitted something to herself right there: he didn't look nearly as handsome when he wasn't smiling.
"Listen Nick," she said, reaching over and touching his arm, "while yes your jokes were offensive I don't take offense by them as one of my many grandpas once said: 'good comedy is driven off someone else's pain,' meaning," she squeezed his arm tighter making him look at her. "The really funny people out there use offensive jokes to get laughs out of other people. It's fine if you make jokes about my species" she squeezed even tighter and brought her other hand up and pointed it in his face. "But not too many ya hear?"
she was relieved to see that smug smile come back when he said "don't worry carrots I hate everyone equally"
His smug smile widened when she gave him a blank look. "Carrots? Since when did I give you permission to give me a nickname?"
"from my understanding of society, carrots, you don't need someone's permission to call them whatever you want." Judy just sighed and looked away but eventually her frowning face grew a smile and she giggled.
"Carrots" she said testing the old yet new word with her own mouth. After some thought she turned to him and said "I guess I can live with this, just as long as you're the only person using it."
"I'll guard it like it's my own child carrots" he said and they both laughed at that.
They both say there talking about random things and laughing at the others jokes. Until it was ruined when a middle aged wolf walked up on stage. This wolf was apparently the principle, principal Harkins and the speech was nothing special. All he said were what the school had to offer and what the students could offer the school mainly. Other than that he just stated stuff that everybody should already know; like the rules while on campus.
The conclusion of the orientation was him explaining that due to certain circumstances instead of classes starting tomorrow they will start the day after. So they've set up some maps of the campus for students to use tomorrow, Harkins said that he highly suggests that each student grabs a map and uses the next day to explore and get used to the campus grounds. With that the orientation was over and students were getting up and heading to the various exits in the room. with the wolf stepping down from his podium, Judy turned to her new foxy friend.
"Shall we?" He asked gesturing toward the nearby exit.
"I think we shall" she said and the two made their way to the exit. on their way out they both grabbed a small map of the entire campus. once outside they both walked to a nearby bench and sat down.
"Man," Nick sighed as they sat down, "good thing classes don't start for a couple of days; it's already getting dark"
Judy just nodded as she watched the other students make their way outside. Some were making their way toward the dorms, some by themselves others in a group.
"So," Nick said obviously trying to make small talk, "what classes are planning on taking carrots?"
Judy glanced over at him, that face splitting grin was still plastered on his face. There was something in his eyes, a look that had a kind of pleading in them. It's like they said that not only did he want to know but he also cared about what she wanted to do at the same time.
"What I plan to take?" She said raising a finger to her chin in thought. "Well after college I plan to go into some kind of law enforcement like the ZPD"
"the ZPD?" He asked a little shocked "you seriously plan on joining the ZPD carrots?"
"yeah, is that a problem?" She asked definitely meeting his stare.
"No no!" he said quickly raising his hands in front of him and waving them back and forth. "No no carrots it's just that the idea of a bunny joining the police seemed a little crooked in my brain. I guess I just needed some help to make it straight," he said his smile returning quickly. "But seriously carrots I'm sure if you plan on joining the ZPD then you've given it a lot of thought and more than likely you've heard enough of the 'oh well some dreams are just unreachable' BS."
Judy stared at Nick mouth agape. Nick looked at her and noted the look of surprise on her face. "What?" He asked
"Nick... You're probably the first person I've told this to who hasn't immediately asked me if I was joking," she placed a paw over her heart, "thank you"
Nick coughed into his fist. "Well your welcome carrots, but you still haven't told me what your classes are."
"Oh right," she said quickly, "like I said, I plan on applying to the ZPD after college." Nick nodded "so" Judy continued "I'm gonna major in psychology and minor in anatomy and Allomantic studies." She finished with a proud grin.
"that's a pretty big plate for one so small as you" he said "no offense" he quickly added after seeing her glare.
Forcing her glare to retreat for now she asked, "so Nick now that I've shared what about you?"
he shrugged "fair is fair I guess"
"You guess?"
"shut up" he said that playful smirk still ever prominent "well if you must know" he said in an over exaggerated tone "i plan to major in metallurgy" this part he reverted back to his normal voice "i also plan on getting minors in molecular engineering and Allomantic studies."
"Metallurgy?" Judy asked with genuine shock "I never took you as a metal guy Nick"
"well that's probably because we just met carrots"
"Yeah hours ago"
"and what were most of those hours consisting of? Someone else talking my ears off."
Judy guessed that was true but before she could respond Nick yawned loudly and laid back into the bench. Stretching he said "sorry carrots I hate to be the one to end this lovely conversation, but it's getting pretty late and a fox needs his beauty sleep.
She still had some questions she wanted to ask him but he was right it was getting pretty late. Any minute now and the sun will be completely gone. She guessed that those questions could wait until tomorrow. "So I guess this is the part where we separate then." With a hint of sadness in her voice.
"Hey how about this" Nick said reaching into his pocket, he then pulled something out "how about you give me your number and I'll give you mine and then we could spend the day tomorrow exploring the campus" he said tapping away at his phone.
"Are you asking me out on a date Mr. Wilde?"
He stopped his tapping and looked up a small smile now on his lips, leaning back he said "well that depends on the answer Mrs. Hopps"
Pulling out her own phone she opened the device and replied "why would I say no?"
they both say there for a few more minutes until it started to get really dark. Then the two waved goodbye and headed to their designated sleeping quarters. Judy never realized that the warm feeling she had felt and grown accustomed to while around Nick went away almost as soon as his back was to her.