Chapter III: Death Of A Bachelor

The audience were surround in darkness. The spotlight brightens up the center stage. A vintage microphone stood in the middle of the light. From the darkness, a person approaches the light. The crowd lightly cheered and clapped as the fox stood in the spotlight. His emerald eyes stare at the audience in front of him. He was wearing a black suit, his dark green shirt was slightly wrinkled with a few skipped buttons and a part of his bottom shirt was stuck to his pants. His skinny dark blue tie with orange stripes was not in a knot. He was in complete mess.

"Nick?" Judy was almost in disbelief. She was wondering why Nick was standing the middle of the stage. She wanted to call out to him, but she remains silent, wish not draw attention to herself.

The sound of the crowd slowly died down as the music began to play. The music almost resembles a 50's style music. He slightly nods his head to the beat of the music. He took a deep breath and grabbed the stand of the microphone. His eyes sadden and with slight sorrow in his tone, he began the show.

Do I look lonely?

I see the shadows on my face

People have told me I don't look the same

Maybe I lost weight

I'm playing hooky, with the best of the best

Put my heart on my chest, so that you can see it too

I'm walking the long road, watching the sky fall

(He reached to his neck and wraps his finger around it.)

The lace in your dress tingles my neck, how do I live?

(He let go of his throat and grabbed the mic once again as he lightly dance to the music. His movement was not much, but the way he moves body was sexual enough for the audience wanting more. With energy, he leans to the side and yells into the mic.)

The death of a bachelor

Oh

Letting the waterfall

The death of a bachelor

Oh

(Moves to the other side as he looks back up the crowd in front him. He could see the excitement in their faces. A roughness smile form across his lips as he began to snap his fingers to the beat. The audience took wind of his action began to snap their fingers as well. He quickly stood up straight.)

I'm cutting my mind off

It feels like my heart is going to burst (He brought his hands over his heart and quickly separate as if something explode between his paws.)

(Nick removed the microphone from the stand and moves towards the nearest table while the light follows him. He sat down and face the coyote in front of him. She blushing red under her dirty brown fur while Nick's seductive eye connect with her.)

Alone at a table for two and I just wanna be served

And when you think of me am I the best you've ever had?

(His greens eyes stares deeply into the coyote brown eyes. His face moved closer to hers while she continues to listen to his voice. Their lips almost touch as if they were about to kiss.)

Share one more drink with me, smile even though you're sad

(With smirk, he quickly removed himself away from the table and light jog back to the stage. He turned around and face the crowd again. He placed the mic back on the stand.)

I'm walking the long road, watching the sky fall

The lace in your dress tingles my neck, how do I live?

The death of a bachelor

Oh

Letting the waterfall

The death of a bachelor

Oh

Seems so fitting for

Happily ever after

How could I ask for more?

A lifetime of laughter

At the expense of the death of a bachelor

(The music began to play louder as Nick claps his hand to the beat. The crowd soon joins in, clapping along to the music. Dancing a bit, moving his hips side to side. He began to rebutton up his shirt as he then shoves the bottom of his shirt into his pants, tucking it in. Taking his tie, his fingers flew across his neck to form a Loop Knot with his tie. He brought the knot close to his neck then ran his fingers through his the fur on his head. He no longer looks like a mess. The black suit fit firmly against his body, like it was tailor made for him.

With joyful energetic tone and smile, he lung at the mic stand. He held on to it as he leans forward with the microphone. He cried into it as if he pour his heart in soul into his singing.)

The death of a bachelor

Oh

Letting the waterfall

The death of a bachelor

Oh

Seems so fitting for

Happily ever after

How could I ask for more?

A lifetime of laughter

At the expense of the death of a bachelor

Lights went out, leaving everyone in the darkness. The audience cheered and clapped at Nick's astonishing performance. Judy was lost in words. She never saw this side of Nick before. She was in awe on how well he sang the song. There were so many emotions in his tone and energy. She was clapping so hard, she will not be surprised if her hands turn beet red. She called out to him several times, but her voices were lost in the cheering crowd.

The café lights went back on, brightening up the whole room. Nick was back on the stage, he waves at the ladies. Cheering got louder while he bows down to them. He was smiling as he catches his breath. He felt a bit winded from his act, but he still felt energize. All those days of practicing paid off.

Zachariah came to the stage as he gently claps his hands. He stood beside Nick and raise his hand. The crowd died down as he took hold of the mic. "Did everyone enjoy the show?" The audience cheer to his response. He smiled and holds up his hand to quiet the crowd. "I'm delighted that all of you loves Nicholas Wilde performance. He will do another song in a few hours. In the meantime, enjoy your stay here."

Nick turned to the cheetah and said "I guess I did pretty well." His famous sly smile appears on his lips.

Zachariah turned away from the mic and stare back at him. "You did a suitable job, Mr. Wilde. You may take your break then you can go attend the customers. There are some ladies that wish for your request."

He sighed while he rolls his eyes. "How many?" he said as he made his way backstage.

"Just two. Shakira Longhorn and a new customer." Zachariah walked next to him. "The new customer seem eager to spend some of her time with you." He lightly smirks under his breath.

xXx

"So did you enjoy his singing?" Shakira faced Judy as she smiles.

Judy stared back at the pop star and nods her head. She still memorized from the show. With a smile on her face, she took a sip of her drink before replying back. "Yeah very much. I didn't know he can sing so well."

Shakira lightly giggled. "He is an amazing student." She raises her hand in the air to call for a waiter.

Judy titled her head to the side as she cocks her brow. "Student? You taught Nick how to sing?"

"Pretty much." she answered. "Nick and I go way back." She slightly smiled as she remembers her time with the fox. The time spent together before she was famous. "Helped me out so much when I was barely starting my career."

"I didn't know that." Judy's eyes widen a bit. She soon looks back at the time when Nick and herself went to one of Shakira's concert. It does explain how he got his paw on pair tickets close to the stage during one of her shows.

Shakira looked up at the waiter as she makes her order. When she was done, she looks back at Judy. "Guessing Nick never told you about me."

Judy lightly nods her head. "Nick rarely talks about his past." Judy's still remembers the moment Nick and herself had during the Night Howler case. She remembered, Nick had a difficult time explaining his childhood trauma to her. She was happy because she felt Nick can always go to her when he needs someone to talk. With Nick, she felt needed. As if Nick chooses her to help him, she honors it. "But I can understand why. I'll let him open up to me in time."

"Mistress. Your coffee." Same gazelle that brought Judy her drink approach the two. He placed the cup down in front of her and began to pour Shakira.

The singer looked up at him as she smiles. "How are you doing, Takashi?"

Once Takashi was done pouring the coffee, he placed the pot down one the table. His eyes stare down at the singer. "Doing well." he replied with the same emotionless tone.

"That is good to know." Shakira took hold of her hot drink and gently blew it to reduce the heat. With a smile, she sips the coffee a bit before placing it back down. "Good as always. I can always count on you to make the best coffee."

He lightly bows his head. "Thank you, Mistress."

Judy took another sip of her drink as she watched the two. It always a one-sided conversation, Shakira talk him to him like a normal person. Takashi will reply back with his short answer emotionless tone. Judy vented her eyes away from the two and focuses on the sword hanging off the belt line of Takashi pants. She was curious why would anyone carry such a weapon.

Judy looked at him and said "Takashi, if you don't mind me asking." She pointed to his blade.

Takashi looked at his sword then slowly looks back at Judy. He could see the curiosity in her eyes. "Don't worry about it." He turned around and left the two ladies alone.

"What kind of answer is that?" Judy was befuddled as she watches him walk away from them.

Shakira lightly giggles on Judy's reaction. "Takashi is always a joker."

Judy rolled her eyes and ignore the answer she was given. She took another drink of her chocolate blueberry boba. Her mind wonders what is the history before Nick and Shakira. "How did you meet Nick?"

A small smile appeared across her lips as she stares into her coffee. "Before I was a star. I sold my music at some corner street in Zootopia. Nick was one of the mammals that bought my CD. He told me that I have a great voice. About a few days later, he approached me and told me there was a café that was hiring mammals that could sing for their café. I was nervous at first because I never perform in front of anyone. I was scared, but Nick encourages me to go for it." She sat straight as she tries to interpret Nick. "Blondy. You have to at least try it. A girl with that kind of voice should not be on the street corner letting her dream floats away." She looked back at Judy. Seeing Judy lightly laugh at her failed attempt at being Nick Wilde. She too laughed at herself before continuing. "So I went to the tryout and I got the job. It was not long before a few managers offered me a record deal. Nick did the interview. I guess he wanted to make sure I go to a good company."

Judy was quiet at first. She suddenly remembers her encounter with the fox. Remembering how much Nick was a jerk to her, but over time she saw how much he would care for a person. "Nick is something." she said as she smiled.

Shakira sipped her coffee before asking "So long have you two been dating?"

Judy was drinking her boba when Shakira asked. Judy lightly choked on her drink while she coughs, trying to get as much of the liquid out of her windpipe. After hitting her chest a bit, she said while feeling surprised by the sudden question "Nick and I are not dating." She gave an awkward smile that soon faded away. She felt slightly bother by her answer.

Taken back by the bunny's response. "Odd. The way Nick talks about, I thought you two were dating."

Becoming a shade of scarlet under her gray fur, Judy releases an embarrassing smile. She played with her ear as she said "What those he say about me?" She looked away from Shakira to hide her flush face. "Good things I hope…" she said under breath.

"Well he called you a dumb bunny." Shakira blurted out.

Judy slammed her head against the table. Feeling of embarrassment and frustration, she said "Of course he did…" She lightly sighed and ignore the comment.

The gazelle brought her hand to her lips and lightly giggle at Judy's reaction. "He is right. You're an adorable bunny."

A light blush coated her cheeks as she slowly sat up. Eager to know more, Judy leans in closer to the singer. "What else?"

Shakira began to tell Judy what she knows about the bunny. She remembers Nick told her about Judy's like and dislikes. He even told stories about what Judy did during her work hours and what they do in their day offs. As the singer continues, Judy was amazed how much Nick talks about her. There are few things Nick had left out. Things herself and Nick had done together. Those types of moments can only share by Nick and herself. Moments just for them to talk about and to look back. Memories for them to treasure alone.

"I believe that is all." she said as she took another sip of her coffee.

Judy was staring into her drink for a moment. Hearing Shakira talking about her made the young bunny feel joyful. She was kind of embarrass, but in the same time happy. She did know Nick paid that much attention to her.

Growing concern on how quiet Judy was, Shakira feared she might have offended her. "Are you okay, sweetie?"

"Yeah. I just didn't know he cares that much about me." she said. She soon began to wonder if things would work out before herself and Nick. She cares deeply for him and knows Nick care about her as well. She was still unsure if she should venture through her feeling towards the fox. Judy was worry she might lose her close friend.

"What's the matter? Is something the matter?" Shakira asked.

Judy released a bothering sigh. "Today and last night kind of opened some feeling I didn't know I have."

Slightly confuse, the singer said "Last night? What happen last night?"

Judy began to explain to Shakira the phone call she received last night. Telling her she felt hurt and bother, like a piece of had broken off as she listens to the small conversation. She wanted to confront Nick about last night, she still not sure how to tell him that she was listening.

"What's the name of the lady?" she asked.

Judy looked to the side. She felt a bit salty as she said "Some girl name Marry."

Shakira lightly giggled at Judy expression. She could see the jealousy on the bunny's face. "Marry is a customer. She's not dating Nick."

Judy snapped her view back at the gazelle. She relief as if the weight of last night call was lifted off her shoulder. "So Nick doesn't have a girlfriend?"

She slightly nods her head to confirm her answer. "As far as I can tell, Nick is available."

A huge smile appears on Judy's face. She was overwhelmed with joy, almost bouncing a bit on her chair. "That's great to hear." she almost yelled, but through her excitement she still manages to control her tone.

Placing her cup back down after she took another sip of her coffee, Shakira said "So are you going to ask him out?"

The weight came back crashing down on her shoulder. An enough force to slam her face back down on the table. Removing the joyful smile on her face while a new problem came to her mind. She was not even sure about her feeling towards her close friend has changed or not, let alone asking him out on that day. She wanted to scream her new problem away, but she decided not to.

Shakira released another light chuckle. Giggling on Judy's reaction. "How cute." She quickly covered her mouth when she remembers Nick mention about calling bunnies cute. "Sorry, it just came out." She quickly apologizes.

Judy did not to acknowledge the "C" word. Her mind was occupied with a different matter. "I don't even know how to ask him out…" Her voice was slightly muffled by the table.

"Ask who out?"

A familiar voice reached her ears. She lifted her head to see Nick approaching the table. Marvel at the sight of Nick, Judy quickly sat up straight and took hold of her drink. She began to take a few sips as she tries not to stare at him. She was feeling nervous near his present. Her heart rate was beating fast, almost like a drum line. She took few deep breaths to lower her the heart rate as she placed the cup down.

Nick was surprised to see Judy in the café, but he still keeps his cool. He sat down between the two ladies, slightly closer towards Judy. He reached into his coat pocket and placed down a deck of cards on the table. He looked at Shakira who smiling at him then he turned his head towards Judy. He could see the nervous expression on her face. With a low tone, he whispered "How cute…" His lips form a roughness smile. His emerald eyes released a mischievous and enticing gaze. A light cough came through his lips as he then said "Ladies. My name is Nicholas Wilde. I will be your host for the time being."

Thanks again for the reviews and comment. This chapter was a bit hard for me to type. I did so many rewrites. I also had a difficult writing the singing a part of the story. I like to point out that I don't own the song. The song is from Panic At The Disco.