Chapter II: Welcome, Madam

Judy stared up at the ceiling as the morning light beam through her apartment window. Her mind still wrapped the call she gotten last night, causing her not to get much sleep. She took hold of her phone and held it in front of her face. It was almost nine o'clock, luckily for her today is her day off. Letting out a bothering groan, she forced herself out bed to start the new day. While she readies herself for her morning jog, she tried not to think about last night call. She hopes a nice jog through her normal route would ease her mind.

After covering her black sports bra with a sky-blue hoodie, Judy made her ways out of the apartment building. She spent a few minutes stretching body before she went off. When she was done, she put on her headset and began her daily jog through her area of the city.

Going at a good pace while ignoring some of her surrounds. Music was blasting through her ears, pushing her to go further than before. At sixty minutes in, she is still going at it. She was ignoring the pain her legs, her body was heating up while sweat fell off her gray fur. Her breathing was slightly heavy; her heart rate was pumping fast. She was getting tired, but she refuses to give up. The jog was helping her mind to push back the memories from last night and it was working. She quickly looks at her phone and smiled. She was impressed at herself, seeing how much distant she covered in an hour. It gave her enough energy to go a bit farther.

"Okay, Judy. Give yourself another forty-five." She slightly increases her speed.

Forty-five minutes in, Judy found herself at the local park. She slightly leans forward to catch her breath while her face glistens from the sweat. Finally given into the pain, she sat down on the nearest bench to ease her muscles. As she rests, she watches other mammals at the park. Some were exercising by jogging or doing some kind of sports. The kids were playing at the playground while their parents watch over them. Seeing them having a good time, placed a smile on her face. Across the park, she spotted a juice bar. After a good jog she had, Judy thought a nice healthy smoothie while be her reward. She got up from her bench and walks to the traffic light that leads to the bar.

While she waits for the light to turn, she looked across the road and spots Nick carrying a suit bag over his shoulder as he walks along the street. The emotions from last night came back to her thoughts. She wants to talk to him about what happened. As soon as the light gave the signal to go, she walks across the street towards him. So far, Nick has not noticed her while she approaches him from behind. She was going to tap his shoulder to alert him of her present, but she stops herself.

"What am I going to say?" she blurted out, almost an ear shot for Nick to hear.

Nick stopped and turns around. He thought her heard Judy's voice, but she was nowhere to be found. "I guess I might be hearing things." He shrugged it off and carries on. He shoves his hand into his pocket as a tie clip slip through the small opening of his suit bag.

Judy hid behind a sign as she watches him walk farther away from her. Sighing in relief, she popped out of hiding. She walked where Nick stood and picks up the tie clip. She placed the silver bar into her pocket. Still wanting to talk him about last night, she began to follow him. Keeping her distance while trying to figure out on how to bring up the subject.

While pursuing Nick from afar, Judy acted out how she would approach the incident with him. "So last night I got a call from you. Well, kind of. I mean you did call, but at the same time you didn't. You didn't answer when you called and umm…" Feeling frustrated, she reaches to her forehead and gently rub her temple. "Come on, Judy. It's Nick. Why are you being so nervous about telling him about the call?" she said to herself. "It's the same old Nick that you know and love…LIKE!" She quickly corrected herself. "Yes like! Not love, like." She was blushing underneath her gray fur. Looking down at the street while her ears rest behind her head. "Do I really love him? Maybe I'm upset that he has a girlfriend. I don't blame him if he does have one." Her voice took a sad tone. She shook her head a bit and gently slap her cheeks. "Stop being a negative bunny, Judy" she ordered herself. "Don't assume a thing until you have all the facts." Now feeling positive, she looked straight ahead and notice Nick was nowhere to be found. "Damn…"

Judy ran down the street and makes a turn on the next corner. She turned her head side to side, trying to spot Nick in the crowd of mammals. Seeing Nick a few block down, brought a smile of relief to her face. She jogged towards the spot while Nick enters the building.

Still feeling a bit winded from her morning jog, Judy catches her breath as she read the sign above the door. "Ouran Café?" She heard about this place before. Hearing Ouran Café makes the best coffee, tea, and smoothie in the city. "Maybe Nick came here to get something to drink?" Once she was done catching her breath, she pat herself down a bit to look somewhat presentable. "Maybe I will break the ice over a nice drink." she said to herself before she enters the building.

XxX

She was welcomed with the sound of classic music, the same from the night before. The walls were covered in pink while white painted on rose rest against it. Several crystal chandeliers lit up the room. Hand carved tables and chairs scatter across the white tile floor. while a few red couches took over the corners of the room. At the far back of the room was a stage, big enough for a small band to play.

Judy was amazed, almost lost in words. "Why would Nick come to a place like this?" she whispered to herself. Judging the décor and the layout of the café, the place looks pretty expensive. More than anything she could afford.

"Well then. Whom you might be?" A tall thin cheetah wearing black attire with a pink button up shirt and a dark blue tie approached her. He slightly bent forward as he adjusts his glasses. His amber eyes scan the newcomer as he said "Hmm… My, are you a sweaty little bunny." He stood up straight as he brought his tablet to his chest. "Coming in after a nice jog, madam?"

Judy's heart skipped a few beats while stuck in a trance. She looks up at the handsome and well-groomed cheetah. She was last in his amber eyes. His words struck her ears, forcing her out of the trance. She was blushing as she took hold of one of her ears and gently pets it. "Y-yeah…" Sound nervous as ever. "I'm umm… Judy Hopps."

"It is nice to meet you, Ms. Hopps." he said. "I am Zachariah Astray. The manager of this fine establishment."

Trying to act normal as possible while she replies back to him. "It's nice to meet you too, Mr. Astray."

With a small smile, he leaned forward and cups her chin. He staring deeply into her lavender eyes. Sounding cool and seductive, he spoke "Please Ms. Hopps. Call me Zachariah."

"By Mufasa's mane…" she whispered while looking back at him. Forcing herself stand upright while her knees weaken by his glare and his tone.

He pulled back and looked down at his tablet. "Now then. Would you like a table or a corner, Ms. Hopps?"

"A co-corner please." said Judy.

"As you wish." Zachariah turned around and gently yells out "Sora, would you take our fine guest to a corner."

Young lion probably in his early twenties with dark brown fur approach the two. He too was wearing a black suit, but a red shirt and necklace of a key instead of a tie. "Oh, we have a new customer?"

"Yes. Her name is Judy Hopps." Zachariah continued to look at his device. "I think the corner table by the stage is free. Guide her there."

With a bright smile on his face and a cheerful tone, Sora replied "Can do, Boss." His ocean blue eyes looked away from the cheetah and looked down at the bunny. "Welcome to our little café, Ms. Hopps. I do really hope you enjoy your time with us. Hopefully, we can be great friends soon." He turned around and began to lead the way. "Please follow me to your seat."

Judy nodded her head and let the lion leads the way. She gave one last look at Zachariah then glance around the room. As she followed Sora, she notices the customers were mostly ladies. Some were chatting among themselves while others were enjoying their treat alone. The remaining few were either star-struck by the waiters. It seems some of the employees were talking to some of the customers. More like light flirting then talking. Judy ignored it for now and went back scanning the room, hoping to see Nick among the crowds.

"This is your seat, Ms. Hopps." Sora gently pulled the chair away from the table to allow Judy to take the seat. Judy walked up to the chair and sat down. Sora gently pushed her closer to the table. He placed the menu onto the table and said "Would you care for some water as you read through our menu?"

"Yes, please." she said as she took hold of the menu.

Sora walked towards the bar and began to fetch the water for Judy. With the drink resting on a tray, Sora traveled his path back towards Judy. On the way to her, he somehow stumbles his way there. Time seems to slow down as he leans forward. The drinking flew off the tray as he tries to catch it. All the customers were shocked and worried as they watch him falling towards the ground. Before Sora could hit the ground, white blur appears almost out of nowhere.

"Damn it. I told you before you need to be careful." Sounding upset and bother, a white tiger wrapped his arm around Sora waist. His icy blue eyes stare deeply into Sora eyes while pressing his chest close to the lion. "Could've gotten yourself hurt if you're not careful." he said as he caught the tray of water in midair.

Looking up at him then quickly looks away, slightly blushing under his brown fur. "I'm sorry, Riku." said Sora.

The ladies were yelling on top of their lungs while some of them began to take pictures of the two male mammals. They were in awe of how romantical scene was between the two. Eventho Sora and Riku are close friends, there might something going on between the lion and the tiger. Just enough to fuel the imagination of almost every customer in the café. Each one coming up their own lovely idea of the two. Maybe forbidden love, both want dearly, but refuse to cross the line. Perhaps, two will lean in for a passionate kiss. Those were some of the scenarios going through some of the customer's mind.

After placing the tray on the table, Riku helped Sora back on his feet. Adjusting his black suit with yellow button up shirt, Riku looked back at his friend and said "I will drop off the drink, just take care of some of the customers before you go to break."

Sora was staring at the ground. Feeling ashamed for being clumsy, he said to him "I'm sorry, Riku…"

Riku shook his head a bit while sighing. "Just be more careful. I don't want you to get in trouble with our boss again. Now stop being shameful over nothing and get back to work." he ordered as he grabs the tray.

"Okay…" Still upset at himself, he turned around and went to attend the customers.

Judy shook her head to remove the image in her mind of the two friends. She was slightly blushing as felt somewhat ashamed of herself for thinking something naughty between the tiger and the lion.

Riku walked up to her then placed her cup of water in front of her. "I'm sorry about the delay, Ms." He took out a pen and pad. "Are you ready to make your order?"

After witnessing what happen earlier, Judy forgot to go through the menu she was given. "I'm sorry, can I have more time to go through the menu?" she asked as she opens the menu.

Placing his pen and pad back to his pocket, he slightly leans forward and said "As you wish." Riku turned around and left her alone to attend the other customers.

Judy began to scan through the options of the different type of drinks and treats the café could offer. Each one sounding good and delicious, she was a having hard time deciding on what to order. She read the description of a few that caught her attention. After having a difficult time picking on what to order, she placed the menu down and began to eye the room. She almost forgot why she came to this place.

"Where is he?" Judy question. "I could have swear I saw him entering the building." She was getting a little irritated as she tries to spot Nick among the customers, but with no avail.

"Is something the matter, Ms. Hopps?" Zachariah stood behind her as he eyes the young bunny. "Is there something I can do to help you in the matter?"

Judy looked up at him and thought about it. Probably the manager saw Nick coming in earlier. "Yes, I came here looking for a friend. He might be a customer."

"A customer you say?" With a smirk, he sat down across from her and placed his tablet on the table. "Would you please describe the person you seek." he said as he laced his fingers together. "More detail, the better."

Judy went through her mind to see a mental image of Nick P. Wilde. "He is a tangelo color fox, normally wears a light green button up shirt with a loose long skin tie." Judy extends her arm apart. "Oh, he also has a long big bushy tail. Very fluffy." She brought her hand to her chin as she tries her best to describe him. "He is highly intelligent, but sometimes has this relaxing lazy glare. He spends most of his time on his phone going through YouTube or Tumblr." She went for another minute or two, trying to give out has much detail as possible.

"With that much detail for a single character, it seems you care deeply for this fox person you speak of." he said as he adjusted his glasses. "So much so, it sounds like you see him more than just a friend. Could it be that you love him?"

His words cut through her like butter. Judy began to blush as her ears heat up. Her feeling towards Nick was still unknown. She was not sure if she really does see him as a friend or not. "Have you seen him?"

Zachariah brought his hand to his chin and gently rub his fingers across. He goes through his mind, remembering every customer that came through his door. After a short moment, his amber eyes went back looking at Judy. "I'm sorry, Ms. Hopps. I am afraid there is no customer that goes by that description."

Judy's eyes sadden from the answer. She clearly saw Nick walking into the café, but the cheetah might be right. She remembers seeing Zachariah at the front desk of the café. He had a clear view of the front entrance.

Judy looked at him, hanging on the small thread of hope. "Are you sure you?"

He gently nodded his head. "I fear so. There is no customer here you speak of."

A rush of disappointment went through her mind. She was not sure how she lose sight of him. Feeling defeated, Judy felt it be best to leave the café and just to call Nick to meet up sometime today. "Thanks for the help. I should get going now."

Sensing the sadness in her tone, Zachariah leans forward and he placed his hand on her shoulder. He looked into her eyes with a comforting smile. "Why not stay a bit longer? You are already here, please order any drink and treat you want. If you wish, you can even ask for a host."

"A host? What's that?" she asked.

Removing his hand away from her, he leans back against his seat. "This is a host café. Have you not heard of one?"

Judy shook her head.

"This café provided a unique way to give our lady and rarely gentlemen customers a relaxing environment." he explained as he took hold of his tablet. "The customers here plays off their fantasy of spending time with their 'type'."

Judy cocked her head to the side, somewhat confuse. "I don't follow."

"Some of our customers are into certain types of guy." He looked away from Judy and glance at the customers and waiters. "Remember Riku and Sora?"

"Yes I do." she answered.

"Sora is our loli type. Acting like a sweet innocent little brother. It seems some of our ladies are into that. Enjoying a cute brother to spend time with. As for Riku, he is the protective old brother. He may be harsh, but he cares deeply. Customers do enjoy the tough love type. When you combine the two, you get this brotherly love vibe from them." He looked back at her.

Judy remembers the fall Sora almost had. "So that trip earlier, was that an act?"

"That was not an act. However, it was a happy accident. The ladies did enjoy that lovely catch Riku did." he said with a sly smile. He reminded himself to sell some more photo books of Sora and Riku to some of the customers that saw the fall.

"So what about you? What kind of person are you?" Judy question.

"Ah yes, I." He stood up and took hold of his tablet. "I am the intelligent cool type. Always having a level headed mind." He began to go through his tablet. "By going through your detail. We do have someone that fit your fantasy. The bad news is he preparing for an event we are having." He stares back at Judy. "I can summon him for you, if you wish for it."

Judy thought about it for a moment. Wondering if she should spend her time with someone that almost resemble Nick. It would be fantasy, but she prefer having her Nick by her side. "It's fine. I would like to spend time with my Nick."

With a gentle smile, Zachariah nodded his head. "As you wish. You may order a drink or two. For your misfortune, the drinks would be on the house."

A tasty drink would be nice to have. What she has been through last night and today, would be a good way to ease her mind. Judy took hold of the menu and quickly read it. "Can I have the chocolate blueberry boba please?"

His fingers flow through the tablet. "Your order will be with you shortly. During the mean time, please enjoy yourself here. If you need anything, do not hesitate to ask." He turned around went off to take care of the other customers.

Judy placed the menu down. Her eyes wonder around the café. Watching the customers enjoying themselves. She soon felt left out, wishing Nick was by her side. Her mind began to wonder about last night. The call opened up new feeling towards Nick. Ones that she might not look at him the same way she used to. Judy knows she has to confront him about the call, but not sure how.

"Mistress. Your drink." Tall gazelle wearing the same outfit like the other waiters except for his white button up shirt. He placed the boba drink in front of her. "Would you like anything else?" His tone was low and almost sounding emotionless.

Judy took hold of the drink and brought the straw to her lips. Taking a quick sip of her drink. The rich flavor flows through her tongue and down her throat. She could taste the right balance of the chocolate and blueberry working together to give her the wonderful taste. It was strong enough to place a smile on her face.

"This taste wonderful." Judy said as she looked up at him. "Who made this?"

"I did." he said.

"You did a wonderful job." Judy took another sip of her drink, catching a few jello balls in her mouth. She chews on them for a bit.

The gazelle reached to his pocket and took out a card. "For the lottery." he said as he placed the card down on the table.

Judy was confused as she took hold of the card. "What lottery?" She looked up at him and noticed that he already left. She watched him walk away while noticing a thing hanging off his belt. She felt even more confuse on wondering why does waiter needs a sword. "I guess he is the strong swordsman type."

"Oh my, are you Officer Judy Hopps?" she said

Judy looked way from the gazelle only to see another one. She almost spits out her drink when she recognizes the person in front of her. "You're Gazelle!" Judy yells while feeling star struck. She was in awe seeing one of Zootopia famous pop star standing in front of her.

The young pop star lightly giggled as she sat down across from her. "That's my stage name. My real name is Shakira Longhorn." She smiled.

Judy took few deep breath to ease her down from her excitement. She clear her throat and said "Yes, I'm Judy Hopps. How do you know about me?"

"Nick told me so much about you." she answered as she took out a card, similar to the one Judy's has. "Are you here for today's event?"

Befuddled, Judy cocked her head to the side and said "Wait, Nick told you about me?"

Suddenly lights went out, almost having the entire room in darkness Everyone became mute as they all vent their eyes to the stage. A spotlight brightens up the stage. Standing in the light was Zachariah.

"We the Ouran Café happily present to you today's show and event." He spoke loudly enough for everyone to hear. "Please enjoy the show and do not forget your lottery card. We have a very special gift for today's winner. Again thank you for coming to our café. Please enjoy yourself." He walked away from the spot and vanish into the darkness.

A light chatter filled the air as they wait for the main event to start. Judy for one was silent. She was wondering how a well-known pop star like Shakira knows about Nick. Even in the darkness, Judy could still make out the

silhouette of the singer. She wants to ask Shakira what is her connection with Nick, but Judy can see Shakira was having a nice time waiting for the show to start.

"Oh, here he comes!" Shakira smiled as she gently claps with joy.

Everyone began to cheer and clap. Judy faced the stage and was amazed what she saw. Her eyes widen while her mouth opens in disbelief.

Thanks everyone for following my story. I was surprised to see so many followers this story has gotten on its first day. I was worried people may not like the story. Again, I am sorry for any mistakes on grammar I may have missed. I tried to find them all and correct them. Oh keep up with reviews, it really gets me going. Also I know the pop star name is Gazelle, but the name sounds so lazy. So I renamed her to Shakira Longhorn because it sounds so much better than Gazelle (How lazy Disney was to give her a proper name). I did some update on chapter one by fixing some of the mistakes that I missed.