The deserted target range was completely forsaken. Since it was located underground of ZPD Department (mostly in order to repel the loud and noisy sound provided by shooting practice), fairly almost no one visited other than those who were up to loosen stiff muscles. Most Officers believed that getting to fire their guns helped to clear clouded mind after full day of troubles, but since there were other options to relax, the target range was given less credit.
There were a variety set of arsenals ; their common hand taser, long range sniper, heavy gun set designed for bulky mammals like Officer McHorn, some set of paralyzing pistols, and even traditional weapons like spears, katanas and bows resting on each different racks. Much to everyone surprise, someone actually handled the maintenance of every single thing here, so everything was on their good shape.
A certain merry bunny was engaged with interest on the racks with the old style weapon. Judy loved sharpshooting, and bows had been one of her favorites during her early years. What she loved more was when she wasn't alone on her practice, for there was another mammal with far less amusement at the room.
Nick wobbled to the other side of the lane, grouchy and sulky, with two apples in his respective paws. He had interest to dispose one of them to his hungry stomach, but Judy did not look appealed on the idea. At the very least, he was free to devour both after her practice session.
"You sure about this?" Nick grumbled aloud, the soundproof walls provided no resonance of his protest.
"Yep," Judy replied with slightly louder voice. "Even if I happen to miss, you won't die," the bunny had her paws on her hips when Nick glanced back, confidence clearly painted her face. "But worry not, since I won't." her last statement compelled Nick to chuckle.
"I'm so excited now." Nick rolled his eyes sarcastically, juggling the apple before he stopped on the red line and spun backward. Setting one of the fruit carefully on his head, right between his ears, he steadied himself so that the apple wouldn't slip and fall, and the other apple was tossed carefully out of the line. After he was certain, the fox gave a quick thumb up to his partner while maintaining his balance as best as he could.
Doing nothing was definitely not on his favorite list of hobbies, but at least he could practice his own not-very-well-patience. Two birds in one stone, like people said. He chewed inside his mouth, stifling a chuckle on the thought. One single move would just ruin her moment and his already depleting limit of patience which had started to grow in fear of Judy performed a wrong shot. The practice arrowheads weren't made of steel, but rather, a red rubber that would cease the movement of the arrow once it landed.
Still, getting shot with rubber arrow was not less threatening.
At the other side of the lane, Judy didn't waste her time either. Seconds after Nick gave the signal, she drew her bow and latched her arrow, aiming with one squinting eye to the poor apple. She had let the quiver rested safely on her back.
"Get ready!" she yelled as she let the arrow pierced through the wind. Swiftly, she pulled another arrow and made a quick aim before shooting her second arrow.
Nick's eyes widened when he found out the approaching blur of arrow was below his eyesight, an indication she failed to lock on the apple. Before he could even move, the arrow hit him straight at his chest.
One arrow never weighed more than a pencil, but given the velocity, the momentum sent the fox stumbled backward. He lost his balance and the apple rolled over his snout before doing a free fall, the fox clumsily fell on his rump.
In a flash, another arrow was coming right after, aimed less lower and somehow perfectly hit the fruit mid-air. The apple was then sent by the force, stumbling backward and ungracefully hit Nick's forehead.
Judy, with glory and pride filling her heart, making her way to her partner. The whole commotion was against Nick's favor of course, but she assumed he would just be fine with it. Right now, the said vulpine was rubbing his head in slight annoyance.
"See?" Judy held a very arrogant smirk, holding the bow like a harp and strummed the 'cord'.
"You aim at me on purpose!" Nick looked up, whining and pointing the arrow at his chest. The fox grabbed it with both paw and made another whine as he pretended in trying hard taking off the arrow. He didn't even take a single second to appreciate Judy's wonderful shots.
"Well, in my honest opinion, getting a mark on shooting a falling object proves that you're an excellent marksman." Judy offered a paw to help him up, which was taken reluctantly by the grumbling vixen. He eyed the triumphant bunny with slight interest, and his eyes caught a very peculiar accessories on her head.
"And what's with that ridiculous thing above your bunny head?" the thing on Nick's concern was a yellow circle resembling halo, with thin wire holding it up. "Going to afterlife after killing your partner?" he stood up, chuckling at his words.
"I'm a cupid, you idiot," Judy pointed out, drawing another arrow. "And to whom should I let my second arrow fall?" she cooed softly, looking right on Nick's eyes with her ears splayed on both side of her cheeks. The fox uncomfortably covered his snout as he shifted his glance.
Almost blurting out the c-word, he thought.
Seeing that Nick didn't present her a name, she made a mocking laugh. "Let me guess, the fox on your past?"
Nick wasn't that stupid not to have a knowledge of Cupid. He figured out Judy would like to perform as a Cupid, trying to pair him with someone to fall in love with.
And for every love in the air, he would certainly get a payback on this ; his wit had come up with a wicked plan.
"Pass." Nick shrugged, the mention of his former crush left a distaste in his mouth.
"Hmm, or should I pair you with anyone I care to see fit your soul?" Judy challenged, pushing the arrow on his chest forcefully.
"You're nerd," Nick laughed, fascinated by her play. "And go on, that ain't work anyway." he challenged her back, a paw waving dismissively following with a self-contented smirk.
"So, who's the lucky person?" Judy decided to pry him further, her ears perked up in curiosity
"No one." Nick replied flatly, examining his body and claw with bored expression. He let out a loud yawn, showing his best row of fangs.
But Judy was adamant.
"The deity of love demands answer." she straightened up, her finger thrust against his chest .
"Carrots, you're starting to creep me out," Nick gently pushed her back. With one paw, he took off the arrow from his chest with a 'plop' sound. The fox then lowered his gaze and met with her eye level, whispering.
"As long as you're the cupid, you won't find it."
He handed the baffled bunny the arrow, grabbing one of the apples, walking away from her and munching his treat with a happy whistle. He was actually making a safe escape from the impending outburst he expected to happen.
It took a moment for Judy to work out the said statement. By the time she made it out, her ears burnt scarlet and Nick was nowhere in sight
"You sick fox! Come back here you filthy vixen!"