Chapter 3 – Bunny Society Rabbit of the Year

Judy stepped off of the stage to a rousing round of aplawse, grateful that her acceptance speech was over. Even though she had given a few speeches before, she still got nervous before hand. This was the first time she didn't have Nick nearby to give her an encouraging gesture, which made her a little sad.

She didn't have too much time to reflect on this point, because the Hareman on Bunny Society, a very talkative Angora Rabbit, hadn't let go of her arm all night. Every 5 minutes he introduced Judy to a new bunny. Even though Judy had grown up in Bunny Burrow, which was known for its many rabbit families, never had she been around so many rabbits she didn't know and wasn't related to! She found it hard to believe that they all lived in Zootopia!

After the hundredth introduction, she quietly excused herself from the Hareman's grip begging leave to use the powder room. Judy found a quiet table in the back of the banquet hall and collapsed into the chair sipping the last of her glass of Champaign. She wasn't a big drinker, her standing bar room order being a glass of carrot juice, maybe with a twist of lime in it. However, there had been so many pre-dinner toasts that she ended up on her third glass of Champaign.

Just as Judy was about ready to leave her seat to make her thank-yous and good-byes and head home, another rabbit joined her at the table. He was a golden haired rabbit with bright green eyes who looked vaguely familiar.

"I hope you don't mind me joining you, Officer Hopps," her new companion apologized. "I'm Harrison Fleet, I'm a doctor over at Zootopia General Hospital, we were introduced a little while ago."

"Of course, I'm sorry I didn't recognize you." Judy replied, a little embarrassed.

"No worries, Officer Hopps. I think the Hareman tried to introduce you to every single rabbit here tonight!"

Judy chuckled and offered him her paw for the seconded time that night, "I think your right! Please call me, Judy."

"Well Judy, I just wanted to come over and tell you what a wonderful speech you gave tonight. You are quite the inspiration to many of my patients!"

"Oh, thank you," Judy replied, "What kind of doctor are you?"

"I'm a pediatric doctor, I specialize on kithood ailments. I can tell you that there are quite a lot of kits out there who see you as a role model. Your success in reaching your dreams give them hope that they can too." Dr. Fleet chuckled at Judy's humbled expression and continued, "Actually, I was hoping you might be interested in visiting my ward sometime. We have a few long-term patients with some hard diseases and I know seeing you would lift all of their spirits."

"I would love to come by!" Judy exclaimed. "I always want to help in any way I can, Dr. Fleet."

"Thank you! Please, call me Harrison," replied Dr. Fleet, flashing Judy a bright smile. Judy felt a blush rise on her cheeks from the realization that Dr. Fleet, Harrison, was a very handsome young bunny. Something about the flash in his green eyes in the dim light of the banquet hall particularly struck her.

"It's getting late and I'm sure you're ready to head out of here after being in the spotlight all night." Harrison pulled out his business card out of his pocket and wrote on it. "Here, this is my card and I wrote down my personal cell number too. Just give me a call and we can set up a time that works for you to come visit."

As Judy took the card, their paw pads brushed each other, causing Judy to blush again and thank her lucky stars that her fur was dark enough to hide it. "Thank you, Dr., I mean Harrision. I'll give you a call this week."

Dr. Fleet took her paw in his and kissed her wrist, "It was a real pleasure meeting you, Judy Hopps. I hope to see you again soon." Judy stood a little dumbstruck as Harrison walked away. She didn't have much time to recover as the Hareman quickly spotted her and press-ganged her into more introductions. It was an hour later when she was finally able to escape the event.

As she walked the couple blocks back to her apartment, she couldn't help but think about Dr. Fleet. He hadn't hit on her exactly, she didn't think, but his kissing her paw did surprise her. "Well, I guess there is no harm in seeing him, especially if I am helping some sick kits at the same time," she thought to herself. As she drew level with Nick's apartment building (it being on her way home), she wondered if he was still up. She couldn't wait to tell him all about her night and scold him for not coming with her.

She grinned at the thought and pulled out her phone and texted him, Hey, are you up/home?

Judy paused outside the entrance to his place, waiting for a reply. Yes/yes, I'm playing cards with the guys, want to come up?

She tapped her foot a few times in uncertainty, Nah, you have fun, tell Finnick I say hi. Try not to lose all of your paycheck this time!

Judy made it back to her apartment and collapsed on her bed, exhausted from the eventful evening. She fell asleep to the thought, "Maybe I'll give Harrison a call tomorrow…."