Chapter 2

I looked through my closet for something comfy to wear to the party and found a pair of jeans and an old T-shirt. I stripped off my police uniform and threw it casually on my bed. I pulled on the pants and shirt and looked into the mirror next to my closet. My grey fur was looking especially soft and I loved the way the grey morphed into black when it reached my paws. The top of my tail was grey, and the bottom of it was white. I studied myself for a while, then looked at my watch.

6:37.

It wasn't a far drive from Clawhauser's, but I decided to go early anyways.

xxxxx

When I arrived at the house, I saw Judy standing at the door with her notepad. I walked over to her. "Evening, Hopps," I said as I walked to the door. She put a hand up to stop me as I pushed it open. "What?"

"I need to see if you are on the list," she replied as she smirked. She flipped through the notepad. "Nope. I'm afraid you aren't on here."

"What? But you wrote it down yourself!" I fumed.

She laughed. "I'm just kidding Jakey! Take a joke."

Jakey.

That was something new. I decided I didn't mind it.

"I'm going inside. When Slick Nick gets here come find me." She nodded and I walked inside.

Wonderful smells filled the room. I was so glad that Ben was always in charge of food. He always picked the greatest delicacies. Balloons were crowded on the ceiling. A DJ stood behind his turntables. Let's hope there isn't any alcohol here, I thought. Alcohol wasn't supposed to be present, but Ben always got it anyways.

I searched the room for the booze and found it on a large rectangular table in a cooler.

Damn, I thought, looks like I'll just have to try and stay away from that.

I sat in a cozy chair and waited for the other guests to arrive.

xxxxx

The music was pumping, people were dancing, drinking, eating, laughing. It was a real party.

Judy walked in with Nick. I stood up and walked over to the pair. "Hey, guys."

Nick was wearing his usual light green shirt, blue striped tie, and brown-grey pants. Judy was wearing her pink flannel shirt with the rolled up sleeves, and her stone washed blue jeans.

"Hey, Jake! Nice party isn't it!?" Judy yelled over the loud music. I nodded.

"Let's go get drinks!" Nick shouted. I shook my head.

"I try to stay away from alcohol! Things get a bit wild when I drink it!" I yelled. Nick punched my shoulder lightly.

"You're at a party! Just let go for a while!"

"Fine! One drink." I replied reluctantly.

We walked over to the booze table and grabbed three red solo cups. Nick and Judy both poured their drinks and I tried to procrastinate pouring mine.

"We should go dance!" I yelled.

Nick looked at me, his tail swaying back and forth to the rhythm. "Get your drink, bro."

I poured it reluctantly and took a sip. "Now, let's go dance!"

We all got on to the dance floor. Nick was an OK dancer, but he might need some lessons. Judy was doing just fine. And I….well….everyone was staring and cheering. I had busted out my moves and really got into it. After a while of dancing, the music turned down low and Clawhauser approached the microphone.

"Ladies and gentlemanmals! It's time for the Shots Competition! Whoever wins gets a spectacular prize! Raise your paw if you are in!" he said excitedly. I shook my head and kept my hand down. Nick raised his paw. He grabbed my arm and raised my paw up as well.

"We're in!" he shouted. I quickly pulled my hand down and punched him. He just laughed and gave me a toothy smile.

"I hate you," I muttered.

"No you don't," he replied.

Judy chimed in. "Relax, Jake. It'll be fine. I'm sure you can win!"

"It's not abou-" I started.

"Alright! Participants take your seat at the large rectangular table over there!" Clawhauser pointed. I shook my head and decided to stop worrying. I walked to the table with Nick and we sat down next to each other. I smirked and looked at him.

"I'm going to crush you," I said.

"Not if I crush you first!" he replied chuckling.

As soon as all the shot glasses were filled, the competition began.

I inspected my glass and swirled around the liquid, deciding if this was a good idea.

Relax, you're at a party. Just have a good time. Don't let anything stop you.

I gulped it down. Nick was already two shots ahead of me. I quickly started drinking more. And more…and more…

I lost count eventually.

xxxxx

"And the winner is…Wait uh….It's a tie between Jake and Nick!" Clawhauser reported.

Everyone cheered. I felt the alcohol starting to kick in. Nick tapped me on the shoulder.

"Nicejobwewon!" he shouted, his words slurring together. He laughed, and I joined him.

Clawhauser returned to the mic. "Now…The game you have all been waiting for… Spin the Bottle! Make a circle if you are playing." I decided to play. I sat next to Nick again.

The game started on the other side of the circle, and after watching tons of animals being kissed, or being kissed myself, it was my turn. I gave it a good spin and it pointed to…

Nick.

My stomach dropped. I can't kiss him! He laughed.

"A little nervous are *burp* we?"

I giggled. "*burp* No!"

The crowd had been chanting.

Kiss! Kiss!

My thoughts blended together and I couldn't even remember who I was supposed to be kissing. I was dead drunk. I pulled the animal in front of me to my face, and we kissed.

A little too long and passionately.

I didn't pull away, or did I? I think I did. I also thought the crowd was cheering. Thoughts were blending into a smoothie of feelings in my mind. Everything seemed to be moving so quickly and I looked at Nick.

Then came the blackout.