Chapter 9: Unknowingly Placing His Heart In Her Paws

Alex had just finished pouring his water over Judy's concrete-covered legs, and the two of them were sitting in Alex's police cruiser. It was actually a decent height for Judy, and she didn't feel as awkward and small as she did when she was in her meter maid vehicle. "I didn't need you to stand up for me… but I really do appreciate it." Judy solemnly said.

"Oh, you don't have to thank me. Nick had it coming to him for a while. Can't believe he was able to keep me in the dark about it for so long… I'm really disappointed in him. Thought he had really changed." Alex sighed, downing the remaining water in his bottle. "Mind if I ask how you two know each other?" Judy asked curiously.

Alex blinked, thinking about it for a second before responding. As he sat there silently, Judy studied his eyes. They were filled with weariness and sadness, as if he were much older than he looked. It reminded her of some of the war veterans in Bunnyburrow that she had met. "I'm not going to tell you about how we met, that's a very personal story for both me and him. I will say though, that I lived on the streets for most of my life. I ended up saving someone's life, someone who was related to a very powerful animal in this town. They gave me a place to stay and a job. Nothing illegal, actually it was more like bodyguard work. Nick somehow ended up working some of the more risque jobs, and ended up sending our employer a present that was very offensive. Called him and warned him away… that call ended up saving his life." Alex explained.

"I'm a little hesitant to ask, but… the other officers didn't seem to like me, aside from Clawhauser. Do you know why that is?" Judy wondered. Alex smiled. This girl knew all the right questions to ask. "You see, Judy, though this is a place where predator and prey animals live in harmony, ninety percent of the population are prey animals. And regrettably, Nick was right about the fact that not all animals get along. Though many will find it hard to admit it, deep down, there's still a part of them that is a little afraid of predators. Some show it more easily than others." Alex began.

"And how does this relate to the other officers not liking me?" Judy inquired. Alex chuckled. "Patience, young doe! As I was saying, some animals show their dislike of carnivores more than others. Many business owners are prey, and a fair few of them bar carnivores from earning jobs there. That's part of the reason why the Mammal Inclusion Initiative was created: to give prey and predator animals more equal chances of earning employment." Alex continued. Judy nodded, beginning to understand, but also wanting Alex to go on.

"The Zootopia Police Department was always open to prey and predator animals, with the police force initially being created to represent the power of predator and prey working together to keep everyone safe. However, they always favored… larger size herbivores, such as rhinos and elephants. Then you came along and joined the squad, with the highest scores in your entire class to boot. Honestly? I think some of them might be scared of you. You might put them out of a job." Alex explained.

Judy's eyes widened. "That's…" Judy gasped. "Crazy. Yeah, I know. Predators are always going to be needed." Alex replied. The white wolf looked at her and saw that her ears were still drooping. She had a look of sadness on her face. In that instant, Alex knew that the last thing Judy needed was to be alone. It was getting late. "How about I take you to your apartment? Just tell me the address and then I'll take you there." Alex offered. Judy then gave him the address, and it turned out she lived in the same apartment as him, only a few doors down.

Alex was a little surprised to see that Judy's room was quite small in comparison to the other rooms at the apartment. And rather unfortunately, it was right next to the Antlerson gay couple. The canine had no problem with the fact that they were gay, or that they were herbivores, or anything like that; but, they were rather annoying, and as the resident cop in the apartment, several of the residents had asked him to give them a warning for their noise complaints.

Alex sat down on the ground while Judy warmed up a microwave carrot meal. The bunny groaned as she saw the tin had been mispackaged, and only contained a single, tiny carrot. Alex growled in frustration, and hurled the carrot into the trash can. "Come on. Let's get you a real meal. Your second day on the job is tomorrow, and I'm not going to let you show up to work on a nearly empty stomach." Alex insisted, gently tugging on Judy's arm so she would follow him. "O-okay…" Judy replied.

Before they could leave, Judy's phone started ringing. She groaned. "Oh great, it's my parents!" Judy sarcastically said, before answering the Muzzletime call. "Oh, there she is! Hi sweetheart!" Judy's mom said. "Hey there, Jude the Dude! How was your first day on the force?" Her father enthusiastically said.

"Oh, uh, it was real great." Judy lied. Alex arched an eyebrow at this. She was lying to her parents? Why? The mother seemed to pick up on Judy's discomfort. "Yeah? Everything you ever hoped?" Her mom asked. "Mm-hmm, absolutely and more! Everyone's so nice, and I feel like I'm really making a difference." Judy responded, keeping up the act.

Then the dad leaned in closer to the screen, and all hell broke loose. "Wait a second... Holy cripes, Bonnie, look at that!" The father exclaimed. "Oh my sweet heavens! Judy, are you a meter maid!?" Bonnie gasped.

Judy's eyes widened, and she quickly tried to cover her vest. "Oh, t-this!? NO! Oh no, this is… just a temporary thing!" Judy exclaimed. "Oh! It's the safest job on the force!" Bonnie gleefully said. "Meter maid, meter maid, METER MAID!" Her father screamed at the top of his lungs. At this point, Alex snarled, and snatched the phone out of Judy's paws, which caused the two parents to become visibly startled. "Mr. Hopps, Ms. Hopps, why do the two of you not believe in your daughter?!" Alex growled.

"Who are you?!" The father exclaimed, a little frightened by the sudden appearance of a predator. "My name is Alex Moon. I trained your daughter in the academy. She's a real cop, whether you like it or not! She can kick ass and take names. She can go toe to toe with a rhinoceros and win. She's even kicked my ass!" Alex yelled.

"Alex…" Judy said in amazement. "I'm sorry for my outburst, Mr. and Mrs. Hopps. I just wanted you to know that your daughter is one of the best cops I've ever met. She's going to make the world a better place." Alex solemnly told the two parents before giving Judy her phone back.

The bunny and wolf duo went to eat pizza at a small bakery that was only a few blocks away from the apartment complex, eating their dinner in silence. "Alex?" Judy asked softly. "Yeah?" The wolf replied. "Thanks for being here to support me." Judy gratefully said.