Hey everyone!
This is part one of what I originally intended to be a single chapter. If all goes well, I will plan on releasing the second part shortly. I also don't have any considerable updates other than a poll question I put out for this story. Feel free to check it out on my profile if you are interested in voting.
-Trebor1982: It definitely took me awhile to figure out how I wanted to integrate the cover art into the story, but I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. As you mentioned in your review, it will be interesting to see how the newspapers cover Gazelle's impromptu performance. It's only a matter of time before it reaches the headlines, and there's no telling how such media speculation will affect the pair. Regarding that Nick-Gazelle kiss, you might re-read the final paragraphs last chapter. I made some adjustments you might be interested in ;)
-MarioDS01: I'm glad you noticed the inclusion of our favorite fennec! Finnick is always willing to lend a helping paw to his old pal, especially if he can make a buck or two in the process. Meanwhile, heartfelt emotions are blossoming between our two main characters. We will see how media exposure affects the duo, especially if Judy takes note of the developing relationship between them.
-Cerberusx: Thank you! I'm happy to hear you're loving the story. Because there aren't many Nick x Gaz fics (this is one of the first genuine attempts as far as I know), I hope I can do the pairing justice going forward. Thanks again!
-Jacob4664: I will continue this story for as long as I can. Right now, I'm trying to write one chapter per month, but hopefully I can update more consistently in the future. I appreciate the kind comment, and I hope you enjoy this chapter!
-Prismatic Floof: Thanks! Though it wasn't a full kiss, it's definitely a start as their relationship begins to take form. I'm also glad you enjoyed the setting for that scene, the contrast of a vibrant hillside against a frozen tundra seemed too good to pass up in the moment, plus it offered a good opportunity to root the cover art within the story.
-A5TRON4UTA: Yeah… Apologies for the hiatus. You and several others appeared to enjoy the dancing part last chapter. It's delightful to hear, because originally, I never intended for that scene to carry so much weight in the progression of their relationship. But I had so much fun while writing it that I just couldn't resist making it a more integral portion of the story. Now it's only a matter of time before news of the duo's antics reaches the wider populace. We will see what the other characters have to say about it soon. I'm thrilled you thought the chapter was perfect, it truly means a lot to me coming from you. As always, please let me know if you have any ideas or criticisms going forward, I'm always eager to hear your input.
-Guest: Thank you so much! It's always a treat hearing your thoughts on each chapter, and I'm glad you thought the last was worthy of a Clawhauser squeal! I'm always trying to write Nick and Gaz's feelings in a natural way that doesn't feel rushed or overly drawn out, but sometimes it's difficult for me to tell whether I'm achieving that properly. Your kind feedback is greatly appreciated in helping me to gauge the progression of their relationship. Thanks again, I can't wait to hear what you think of the next chapters.
-Bakugan's Reboot Dragonoid: I will continue to update this story :) Thank you for the support.
-Yaelxero: I am humbled to hear you think this story is the best of Nick x Gazelle! I very much appreciate the kind words, and I hope any future chapters can live up to your expectations.
-PH639: Thank you! I will do my best to update this story as frequently as I can.
As always, please enjoy this chapter and I'll see you on the next one! -Wilde
-23 Years Ago-
The ceiling creaked and rattled as the metro thundered directly overhead. The walls in the small room trembled, and the glass windows wobbled. But Nick hardly even noticed. The trains, which at one time felt like earthquakes when they hurtled by, were at this point no more bothersome than a passing breeze.
Even at 9 years old, Nick was acutely aware of his mother's reservations about their living situation. Their home on Cypress Grove Lane was connected to "Happytown"; a compact, favela-like section of the Rainforest District reserved for Zootopia's disadvantaged predatory animals. Despite the tongue-in-cheek misnomer, the area and its inhabitants could hardly be described as cheerful. Happytown was criminally underserved by the city development, with graffiti and unchecked overgrowth providing the only sense of color to the drab and crumbling brickwork on each cramped building. The winding roads were a maze of hole-pocked concrete and heaps of discarded waste, illuminated at night by flickering, iridescent streetlamps. This night was no exception.
As the sickly orange glow washed through his window, Nick sat in the back of his room, wiping his eyes with his forearm. The fur there was damp and matted with tears. In the dark, the young fox could still make out the crumpled junior ranger scout uniform his mother had bought him, now stuffed haphazardly into a mesh trash bin across the room. He sniffled quietly. What could he have done to deserve such abject hatred from those kids who didn't even know him? He had been raised to see the good in all mammals, predator, prey or otherwise. But no matter how hard he tried, the events from the previous evening continued to weigh heavily on his heart and mind.
A gentle knock drew his tearful gaze to the doorway.
"Nicholas?" He heard his mother say softly as she entered. "Honey, I know you're upset. But you can't stay in your room all night. You need to eat something."
"I'm not hungry." Nick replied lowly, his voice a murmur as he tried to mask the pain in his words.
The vixen stood in the doorway; her silhouette outlined by the illuminated hallway behind her. "I thought you would say that. So, I decided we could have something different tonight." She held up a small dinner plate. "Homemade blueberry pie, your favorite."
Nick turned his eyes downward, hardly convinced by the affectionate gesture. He held his knees close to his chest, sitting in determined silence.
"Come on Nicholas…" She pressed delicately. "Surely you don't want me to eat this whole dessert all by myself. You know how difficult it is to come by fresh produce these days."
The young fox could feel his bottom lip beginning to tremble. In that moment, he desperately wished to disappear. He imagined making himself so small and so unnoticeable that he could escape. He would vanish, and he would find a place where all the pent-up despair, confusion, and rage he felt coursing through his veins couldn't follow.
Sensing the rising tension in the air, his mother set the plate down gently on his nightstand. "Nicholas?" She said as she kneeled down next to him, reaching out to touch his shoulder.
"I don't want to eat! Just leave me alone!" Nick growled, his ears dropping defensively as tears streamed down his cheeks.
"I'm not leaving you, honey… Please, let me-"
"I don't care! I don't care about anything!" He yelled as he stood up to face her. "I… I'm just a stupid fox!"
Nick could feel his entire body shaking underneath him. He expected retaliation for raising his voice at his mother, and rightfully so. But as the young fox watched through a gaze hazy with tears, she responded only by leading him into her tender embrace.
The vixen held him tightly as he broke down, feeling his pain as though it were her own. She stroked his fur with her paw, rocking gently back and forth while she comforted him.
"What did I do wrong? What did I do to make them hate me?" Nick sobbed, burying his face into her shoulder.
"My sweet, sweet boy. You did absolutely nothing wrong… It wasn't your fault." She replied hushfully, her own voice laden with emotion. "I prayed that I would never have this conversation with you, Nicholas. I had hoped so deeply that it wouldn't be necessary; that our society could just leave these prejudices in the past where they belonged…"
There was a brief pause as his mother let out a heavy sigh, and Nick could feel her chest rise and fall as she did so.
"…When I was young, I was also bullied for being a fox." She explained, her tone soft like a whisper.
Nick lifted his head, his expression baring a look of shock and confusion. Until then, he had always believed his mother to be invincible; a real-life superhero. Thousands of questions raced through his little mind, but in that moment, he could only choke out one:
"Why...?"
"…It's because they don't understand us." She replied almost ashamedly. "And because they don't understand us, they're afraid."
"Afraid of what?" Nick asked, his voice small.
"It's difficult to say. It wasn't because of anything we did or anything we are. But there are some animals in Zootopia that don't see us as individuals. They only see foxes that are dangerous and untrustworthy… But it's not true, Nick. We're just as good as all the other animals in this city. Our species does not define who we are now and who we will be in the future."
She raised his chin gently, meeting his eyes with a reassuring smile that conveyed all the comfort and warmth in the world. she wiped away his tears with a stroke of her paw and nuzzled him softly.
"…And I believe that one day, maybe when you have kids of your own, all animals in Zootopia will live together in peace and harmony. And you, my dear, will be one of the mammals who helps to make it happen."
Nick's eyes shot open as the metro screamed past his bedroom window. He let out a long groan, drawing the bedsheets over his head in an attempt to block out the cloud of dust that was now raining down on him.
The familiar structure, now worn and tired with age, protested audibly with every vibration that shot through its interior. The wallpaper in the room had faded and was warped and torn along its edges. The air itself carried a scent stale with neglect.
Nick usually struggled to remember his dreams. Even the most basic details were occluded and fuzzy, and they hardly made sense when he tried to understand them. This dream, however, was bizarre. Not only could he evoke each event with distinct clarity, but it was also as if he had lived each action before. He didn't know what to make of it. The fox was like a spectre; a third-party to his own memory, loosed from any influence he might have to change it. What could have inspired such a poignant flashback? He couldn't say for certain, though recalling the intense emotions from the night prior, he certainly had his suspicions. Regardless, the gentle words of his mother, which he had long since forgotten, filled him with an enduring sense of peace.
Soon, the apartment returned to stillness. It took a few moments for the fox to gather enough motivation to rouse himself. He pushed his sheets to the side, snagging his phone and rubbing his sleep-filled eyes as he stepped sluggishly from the mattress onto the hardwood floor.
As the vulpine sauntered into the hallway, he stretched his arms over his head, letting out a long, dramatic yawn. He pushed his way into the bathroom, taking some moments to examine himself in the mirror. He was shirtless, clad in nothing but a pair of striped, green boxer shorts. His emerald eyes were underlined by two dark rings, and the fur atop his head had been matted in by his pillow. Clearly, he hadn't had his morning coffee.
Nick left his phone on the countertop before adjusting the shower's temperature as best he could. The water heater was a finnicky device, and so he almost always took his showers cold. At least it woke him up that way. Slipping out of his undergarments, he tuned the radio he kept atop the towel cabinet before entering the shower with a shallow, temperature-induced gasp.
[Good morning Zootopia! Welcome to 91.2 FM, your daily station for all things news, traffic, and weather! We hope you're ready for another exciting day ahead! Let's start off with a look at the weather. Today in Savannah Central we're looking at highs in the upper eighties, low temps in the mid-seventies, and clear skies into the evening hours. In the Rainforest District we're expecting some fog and light precipitation, so if you're driving in that area, make sure to take it slow and use your headlights. For those of you in Sahara square, expect strong sun and temperatures in excess of 100 degrees, and temperatures well below 10 degrees in Tundratown… Let's also take a look at the traffic conditions for this morning. As expected, we're seeing some delays on the highways and main roads going northbound due to weather conditions. We're also seeing some congestion on the I-21 due to an accident earlier this morning. Traffic is backed up for several miles, so if you can, try to find an alternate route…]
Nick worked his paws through his fur aggressively, washing himself from head to toe at lightning pace so as to escape the icy blast he was standing in. It didn't take long for him to finish, and he could soon begin the exhaustive process of drying his sopping fur.
[…Moving on to the news, closing arguments were made early this morning in the criminal trial of former mayor Leodore Lionheart. Lionheart is facing numerous charges, including fourteen counts of kidnapping and false imprisonment, as well as obstruction of justice for his role in the unlawful detention of numerous predatory animals. In a recent interview with ZNN's Quilda Townley, the former mayor admitted to falsely imprisoning the mammals in question but maintained that his intentions in doing so were justified.]
The fox scoffed through a towel while he wiped down his ears and face. It had been months since he had last heard any news of the former mayor's condition. Casting Lionheart's crimes aside, the name evoked fond memories of Nick's first investigation with Judy, and the transition of their initial rivalry into the best of friends.
[…In other news, pop-sensation Gazelle is back in the headlines, and she's turning heads with what appears to be her newest partner!]
The jarring whiplash from fond reminiscence to sudden terror sent a cold shock down Nick's spine. He ripped the towel off of his head, listening with bated breath at the mention of the singer's name. Had word of their antics already reached the press? What conclusions would they draw? Would Gazelle face backlash from her manager? How would Judy react after discovering he had lied to her? Nick could feel his heart sinking as a flurry of disastrous scenarios flashed through his mind.
[…A spokesperson for Gazelle confirmed the singer's partnership with "Preyda" early this morning after promotional photos with the artist were released late last night! The unannounced collaboration was an unprecedented marketing success for the luxury fashion house, propelling the company into the top ten trending searches on Zoogle in just a few short hours…]
Nick let out an audible sigh as an intense wave of relief washed over him. The details of his secretive excursion were still safe… for now, anyway. He rubbed his head slowly, focusing on his respirations to calm his nerves.
[…Speaking of Gazelle, here's her latest hit song "Try Everything" to get you started on your day. We'll be back again at 10 with the latest updates in traffic, weather, and news. Until then, have a wonderful morning!]
The fox's attention shifted to his phone as it vibrated to life. With a flick of his paw, he switched off the radio and swiped to accept the call, cautiously pressing the device against his ear.
"Carrots?"
"Oh, perfect! You're awake." The lagomorph replied, her voice bright and cheery as ever. "I didn't catch you at a bad time, did I?"
"Ehh, not all." Nick huffed, rubbing his head gingerly. "What's up?"
"Oh, nothing in particular. I just felt like checking in."
Nick raised an eyebrow. He couldn't remember the last time Judy had called him without a specific reason. "Is that so?"
"Yup! Also, this might sound a little strange, but where did you say you lived again?" she asked innocently.
"Me? Cypress Grove Lane. Why-"
"Oh, that's not too far!"
Nick was confused. "Wait… You're in the Rainforest District?"
"Er- I never said that… But if I was, do you think you could meet me at the intersection of Shady Place & Moss?" She asked, her voice slightly hesitant.
Nick was now intrigued. Judy wasn't usually one to beat around the bush when asking for favors. "I mean, sure? Though something tells me you have more planned than just a leisurely outing."
"If I said yes, would that change your mind?" Judy replied, her voice slightly teasing.
Nick grinned softly. "Have a little faith in me, fluff. Give me twenty minutes, I'll be there."
Much unlike Nick's home in Happytown, the roads approaching the center of the Rainforest District were vibrant and brimming with life. The air was humid and thick with the scent of wet leaves and blossoming flowers, and the buildings and infrastructure were seamlessly integrated into the natural environment, with tree trunks and vines providing support for the many walkways and bridges that strung the place together.
As the fox trudged along, he could hear the persistent roar of surging waterways growing louder beneath him, accelerated forward by an intense and steady downpour. Even with a raincoat, his fur was soon dampened from head to tail by the torrent assailing him. 'Yeah. Light precipitation…' He thought, rolling his eyes. Maybe he didn't need that morning shower after all.
The intersection of Shady Place & Moss Street was unique for a pivoting bascule bridge that could be raised and lowered to allow small airships passage throughout the canopy level. It was also nestled in the heart of the district, and housed dozens of shops, restaurants, and other businesses distinctive to the rainforest. For this reason, the area was almost always teeming with mammals; unless a tropical storm threatened to wash them away, of course.
After a few more minutes of walking, Nick found himself at the mostly deserted intersection.
"Nick! Over here!"
The fox's ears perked up at the sound of Judy's voice, and he turned and caught sight of her through the driving rain.
"Ah, there you are, fluff!" he called back as he jogged over to her. "I've gotta admit, you definitely have a knack for choosing the perfect conditions for our little strolls. Next time there's a tornado outside I'll be sure to return the favor."
Judy rolled her eyes and chuckled. "Aw, does the wittle fox dislike when his fur gets wet?" she teased. "Maybe you should scamper back home before you catch a cold."
"And let you have all the fun? I don't think so," Nick replied with a grin.
"Sly fox." Judy grinned back. "I bet you're wondering why I called you out here." she said.
"I have my suspicions." Nick replied, smirking.
"Oh, do you now?"
"Duh. It was only a matter of time until you fell for my charm. But I have to say, seeking me out in the middle of a hurricane is a touch on the crazy side, irresistible as I may be."
Judy groaned, shaking her head. "You're impossible, you know that?"
"You know you love me." Nick replied, grinning. "Really though, what's the reason?" he asked, turning serious again.
"See for yourself."
Nick's ears perked up as Judy pulled out her phone. Shielding the screen as best she could from the rain falling all around them, she brought up a recording from her camera reel, her lavender eyes sparkling with excitement.
The fox watched with intrigue as the video began to play. Immediately, he recognized the vantage point as being from a surveillance camera mounted not far from where they were standing. Initially, nothing appeared out of the ordinary. In fact, if not for the flickering timestamp in the bottom corner, Nick might've mistaken the footage for a still photograph rather than a video recording. However, any doubts he had about what he was witnessing quickly dissipated as an enormous truck rolled into view. It was painted white with dark, tinted windows. Most notably, the trailer behind it was a cylindrical cistern body made of stainless steel and numerous reinforcing rings. For several moments the vehicle remained motionless, idling in place as a thick plume of vapor poured ominously from its exhaust.
"Carrots, is that—"
"Just watch."
Suddenly, the door flung open, and two figures leapt forth from the vehicle cabin. Obscured by masks and loose black jumpsuits, they carried long hoses coiled over their shoulders as they rushed to connect them to the tank. They moved with haste as they worked, almost as if they understood that they were being watched. Then something happened that Nick did not expect. Without hesitation, the duo sprinted headlong into an adjacent building, bursting through a door which appeared conveniently unlocked. They disappeared for several long minutes, dragging the connected hoses behind them before eventually reappearing and driving off with the truck.
Nick looked at his partner with shock plastered across his face.
"Wanna know the worst part?" Judy huffed as she tucked her phone back into her pocket. "We have no trace of them before or after this surveillance footage. I spent hours searching, Nick. It's like they're teleporting in and out of thin air."
"Judy, does Bogo know you're looking into this?"
"What?"
Nick glanced at his partner sternly. "Does Chief Bogo know you're looking into this case?"
"I mean, I haven't expressly told him about it…" Judy replied, somewhat taken aback by the fox's shift in tone. "But what does it matter? Something suspicious is clearly afoot here, and I'm not just going to sit around and let it slide."
"I'm not telling you to let it slide, carrots. But you're operating way outside of our jurisdiction here." The fox crossed his arms, his expression conveying a look of caution. "If you get caught, we're both going to get canned."
"You're joking, right? It's not like you cared when I told you about all this stuff before. Why is it an issue for you now?" Judy questioned, her tone slightly accusatory.
"I don't know, how interesting can a few stolen cisterns be? I honestly figured you would just tire yourself out. Regardless, what's stopping you from sharing this evidence with the ZPD's Rainforest Division? I'm sure they'd appreciate any leads they can get their hands on."
The lagomorph shook her head, incredulous at what she was hearing. "You can't actually be serious."
"Just this once, Judy, I am." Nick replied firmly. "There's a process for these things', and you're not doing it by the book."
"Really, Nick?" Judy retorted, the frustration evident in her voice. "Since when did you of all people start caring about doing things by the book? If I did my duties by the book, I'd still be running tickets on parked cars, you'd still be slinging pawpsicles, and Zootopia would probably be under the loving care of assistant mayor Bellwether!"
The bunny paused, her long ears falling back at the harsh tone of her own words. Her eyes looked at her partner apologetically, her expression instantly remorseful for having gone too far.
"I'm sorry, Nick. I didn't mean that." Judy added, her voice softer this time. "I… I have a strange feeling about this. Okay? Just think about everything that's happened recently. We were arbitrarily requested for a security detail in Sahara Square where they clearly don't need us. Is it a coincidence that this mess is occurring at the same time when we're distracted?"
Nick listened to Judy's words carefully. She had a point.
Judy continued. "You and I know better than most that corruption can exist even in the highest offices of power. Is it so crazy then, to think that some mammals in the government, or in the police department might be complicit in something bigger? That they might have something to gain by keeping us as far away from this case as possible?" The lagomorph asked, looking straight into her partner's eyes.
"You're someone I trust, Nick. Please. I need you to trust in me."
"I do trust you, Judy." Nick replied, his voice conceding. "And you're right. After everything we've done together, I have no reason to doubt you. Just… promise me you won't get in too deep with this."
She smiled gently, nodding her head. "Of course. Thank you, Nick."
"No need to thank me, fluff. It's what partners are for." Nick said, smiling back at her. Judy was the best officer he knew. And at the end of the day, Nick trusted her instincts with his life. Still, he understood that if they got caught pursuing an unauthorized investigation, they would both be in serious trouble, even if they had noble intentions.
"So, let's examine what we know." Nick began, leaning his shoulder up against a lamppost. "Can we positively ID this vehicle as being one of the stolen trucks? There are lots of tankers in Zootopia, after all."
The bunny nodded, bringing her phone and its video evidence back into view. "I'm certain. They might've removed the plate and other identifying markers, but this is a specially designed cistern for transporting strong corrosives and other volatile liquids. They're very hard to miss."
"Fair enough. But there's something I'm still struggling to wrap my head around."
Judy raised an eyebrow. "Which is?"
"Any criminal worth his salt would know about these traffic cameras." Nick said, gesturing to the screen. "If they were able to successfully avoid detection up until this moment, I highly doubt they were careless enough to miss this vantage point.
"What are you saying? That they wanted to be seen?"
The fox shook his head. "Not exactly. But it's definitely a bold play. Whoever these two mammals are, they know what they're doing."
"And what about the clinic they entered with those hoses?"
"Clinic?" Nick repeated in a confused tone.
Judy gestured to the unassuming building tucked into the foliage across the street. "I did some research into that address. Apparently, it's a walk-in clinic, which is strange considering there's no signage to indicate it as such. I even dialed the listed phone number, but I gave up on getting through after two hours on hold. There's only so much Fleetwood Yak a bunny can take."
"You really think they had a part to play in this?"
"Fleetwood Yak?" Judy scoffed. "Way ahead of you slick."
"Har har." The fox rolled his eyes. "The clinic, carrots. From this view, it definitely looked like they were the ones getting robbed."
She shrugged. "Maybe. But the door was unlocked. Seems a little too convenient, wouldn't you agree?"
"It is odd, now that you mention it…" Nick admitted, scratching his chin. "So, what's our next move?"
Judy smiled, her eyes glimmering with that ever-familiar spark of determination. "We pay a visit to that clinic and see what we can find out."
The waiting room in the clinic reminded Nick of something he might see in a psychological horror film. With barely enough room for only a handful of chairs flanking the reception desk, the space was more akin to a narrow corridor than a functional lobby. The entirety of the building was eerily quiet, with no sign of patients or medical staff whatsoever. The walls were of a horrid yellowish-white complexion, such that the fox couldn't tell whether they were painted like that intentionally or if they had simply stained that way with time. The vapid monotony of the place was only broken by a single painting of a sad clown hanging above the entrance, which really, REALLY, creeped the heck out of him.
Meanwhile, Judy dangled her feet nonchalantly as she sat, appearing as though she didn't have a care in the world. She smiled brightly, humming to herself as she watched the front-end receptionist, a beaver, fidgeting behind his desk. It was painfully obvious that he hadn't been expecting any unscheduled visitors, and he was clearly unnerved by their presence. After several minutes of awkward silence, he plucked the office phone off of his desk, pressing it to his ear urgently even though it hadn't rung.
"Yes? Oh, right now? Yeah, sure thing. I'll be back there momentarily." The beaver's eyes darted to the duo for a moment, before he scurried out of view, disappearing into the back section of the premises.
"That can't be a good sign." Nick whispered under his breath.
"Oh hush." She chuckled. "This is playing out perfectly."
"Well, I'm glad you feel that way, because I'm starting to get the feeling that we might end up as minced meat if we stick around this place any longer."
"You're so dramatic, you know that?" the bunny rolled her eyes. "Besides, we're not actually here for a physical, dumb fox. We just need to gather enough evidence to get a warrant. Right now, they're making our case for fraud pretty easy."
"Yeah." Nick scoffed. "Too easy."
She stifled a laugh, her tail twitching gently as she turned to face him. "Sooo, are you ever going to tell me where you went last night?"
The fox looked at his partner with an alarmed expression. Her impromptu conversational switch had caught him off his guard, and he could feel a sudden and intense tension developing throughout his body.
"Last night?" He repeated slowly, feigning confusion.
"Mhm." Judy nodded. "We were supposed to leave Sahara Square together yesterday, remember? But you said something came up."
Nick couldn't decide exactly how to respond. He knew he had a quick tongue and a gift for thinking on his feet, and that in the past it had served him well in dealing with creditors, law enforcement, and even members of the mafia. But lying directly to his partner was as different from these situations as it was deeply uncomfortable for him.
"Er- Yeah, I guess I did say that…" Nick relented as he rubbed his neck softly. "It's funny that you should ask actually… You remember Finnick, don't you?"
"Of course! How could I forget little toot-toot?" She replied, grinning.
"He invited me to check out this new business of his in Tundratown. And before you ask, yes, it is 100 percent legit."
"Oh really? You were in Tundratown last night?"
Nick nodded cautiously. "For a brief while, anyway."
"And you didn't happen to recognize anyone famous while you were down there, right?"
Nick's heart skipped a beat at the bunny's question. He had been hoping that she wouldn't bring Gazelle into the conversation. "I uh… I don't think so. Why…?"
"You're gonna laugh at me for saying this, but my neighbors wouldn't shut up this morning about seeing Gazelle while they were partying in Tundratown last night."
"Wow, really?" The fox crossed his arms, pretending to be completely oblivious to what he was hearing. "Now that would be quite the sighting, wouldn't it?"
She shrugged. "If it were true, maybe. If you want my two cents on it though, I think Bucky and Pronk probably had a few too many drinks. At that point, any mammal with horns starts to look like Gazelle."
"Heh… For sure." Nick chuckled weakly, continuing to play it cool despite a heavy heart.
Thankfully, his charade was relieved the moment the beaver receptionist scurried back to his desk, drawing Judy's attention back to the task at hand. Trailing not far behind, an old zebra with greying stripes emerged, dressed in a white lab coat.
"Good afternoon. What can I do for you two?" The physician spoke as he adjusted his spectacles, his voice rattling with age.
Judy smiled kindly, removing herself from her chair as she approached the front desk with Nick behind her. "Hello! We're here for a walk-in consultation for my friend here. He has the most terrible cough, and I'd like to get him examined as soon as possible, please."
Nick could feel his partner kick him, and he quickly did his best to hack up an authentic sounding cough.
"I'm sorry, but we're currently unable to accept new patients." The zebra replied, pressing his hooves together.
"Is that so?" Judy tilted her head, tapping her foot against the ground. "But I thought this was a walk-in clinic?"
"Yes, well, we're a bit short staffed at the moment, and I'm afraid we cannot accommodate you. I can provide you with a list of alternative clinics if you would like."
Nick and Judy exchanged a knowing glance.
"Do you mind if we wait here until you can see us?" Nick asked, crossing his arms while he studied the doctor's attire.
"We actually close at noon, I'm afraid."
"Noon? Sweet cheese and crackers…" Judy sighed heavily, turning to the fox with a defeated gaze. "Fair enough… I guess we'll just have to visit another clinic then. My friend is very sick, after all…"
"It would be best." The Zebra admitted, still grinning softly. "Do get better soon, and we most certainly apologize for the inconvenience."
Judy nodded. "Thanks doc. We'll get out of your fur."
But before they could leave, the bunny turned back to the doctor.
"Oh, one last thing. I just happened to notice that you guys aren't displaying a valid certificate of licensure from the Zootopia Board of Health and Medicine… You are certified with the Zootopia Board of Health and Medicine, right?"
The doctor's smile faltered for a moment before he quickly regained his composure. "Oh! My deepest apologies for the misunderstanding! My associate here must've forgotten to replace it after he finished dusting down the walls." He laughed, placing a hoof on the shoulder of the beaver, who nodded vigorously in agreement. "But to answer your question, I assure you our clinic possesses all relevant licenses and certifications required by the Zootopia Board of Health and Medicine."
Judy nodded, looking satisfied. "Of course. I'm sure it was an honest mistake. I just would hate for you to catch a fine for something as silly as not displaying a piece of paper. Thanks again!"
Upon exiting the building, Nick immediately felt the rain pelting his fur. He followed his partner's lead, shielding his eyes as best he could from the deluge while they strolled down the block. After rounding a corner that was out of sight and earshot of the clinic, they took a brief pause under a sweeping branch that offered temporary refuge from the elements.
"Zootopia Board of Health and Medicine?" Nick scoffed, his expression skeptical. "How in the world did you know to ask about that?"
Judy only smiled. "That's the best part. There is no board of health and medicine. I made it up." She brushed her ears back with a stroke of her palm, drawing out a familiar carrot shaped pen from her pocket as she wiggled it between her fingers. "And with this evidence, something tells me we'll be getting that warrant in no time."
"No way. You got all that on recording?" Nick exclaimed, clearly impressed with his partner's investigative prowess. "You are one sly, sly bunny."
The lagomorph beamed from ear to ear, her ears aloft with an accomplished sense of pride. "Now all that's left to do is phone it in and wait for the judge to authorize our search."
She reached into her opposite pocket, bringing her phone into view as she attempted to dial a number on the screen. But before she could do so, the screen flickered, then went black.
"What the—"
Nick snickered. "Did you really forget that rainwater and phones don't mix?"
She shot a sarcastic glance at the fox, grumbling as she tried to coax the device back to life.
"Don't sweat it fluff. Just use mine." Nick extended his paw, offering his phone to his partner.
"Thanks." She smiled softly, returning her waterlogged phone to her pocket as she began dialing the number for the magistrate's office.
The fox nodded, his demeanor nonchalant as he leaned himself against some vines. "You know, I heard a bag of dry rice works pretty good for clearing up the moisture in those things."
"I'm pretty sure that's just a myth, Nick…" Judy's voice trailed off as a message from a phone number she didn't know flashed across his screen.
Hey Nick, It's Gazelle.
Sorry for not immediately replying when you gave me your number last night, I guess I got caught up in the heat of the moment. Regardless, make sure to save me in your contacts!
I wanted to thank you again for last night. Returning to Tundratown and performing on my own terms meant the world to me, and it wouldn't have been possible without you. I might also add that you're one hot dancer ;)
Anyway, I think I have a way to return the favor to you. Just let me know when you have some free time.
Can't wait to see you again soon, zorro. 3