"And finally," Chief Bogo adjusted his glasses as he was concluding the morning briefing, "Hopps. Wilde. You two have some paperwork to do. Happy new year, everyone. Don't screw it up. Dismissed!" The policemammals dispersed, but Bogo cleared his throat as Judy and Nick were the last two out of the room. "You two. I need to see you in my office." The buffalo nodded in that direction, his expression neutral.
"Great," Judy threw her hands down. "What did we do now?"
"Nothing wrong," Nick folded his arms in mild defiance. "Maybe he's going to get on our case because of the last few crimes we solved."
"Yeah, yeah," Judy groaned. "So we've been a bit lax on filing the appropriate case files. But we've been busy doing good!" Judy hopped in place.
"Anyway, let's get this over with," Nick grumbled, heading to the buffalo's office. Said buffalo was seated at his desk, giving the two a serious expression.
"Close the door," Bogo instructed, and Judy did so while giving Nick a wary look. "Now, before we go on, I should let you know that anything said in this office will be held in strict confidence."
Judy and Nick both swallowed nearly simultaneously. Their eyes darted to each other briefly, nervousness bubbling forth in the both of them.
"I need to know the parameters of your relationship with each other," Bogo stated flatly. Nick didn't let his expression change, but Judy's eyes widened a little.
"Nick and I are partners!" Judy smiled. "That's... well, that's that."
"Mm hm," Bogo said, folding his hands. "And to what extent are you 'partners'?"
"What... 'extent'?" Judy repeated with her lip curled up.
"Frankly, sir, I don't see how that's your business," Nick said with practiced ease. "As long as we're doing our work, whatever-"
"Ah, but are you doing your work?" Bogo's voice became smooth and dangerous, and he grinned. "The last half-dozen or so cases you've brought to a close, all in the last ninety days or... the paperwork is lacking. So I need to know if you two are being distracted..."
"We know what we have to do," Judy shook her head. "Wilde and I will have our full attention on the case files until we've completed our reports-"
"Hopps, I'm not seeking to punish you two," Bogo's brow fell. "I just need to know. Do you think I could let you two go for getting 'too close' even if I wanted to? Mayor Mousawitz would be breathing down my neck if I put pressure on a benign interspecies joining." Bogo looked off to the side. "Figuratively speaking, of course, since he's a mouse."
"Well, Hopps?" Nick sighed slowly. "How do you want to play this?"
"Honesty's the foundation of a good relationship, yeah?" Judy asked with a guarded voice. She turned to Bogo. "Sir, Nick and I are indeed romantically involved."
"Splendid," Bogo smiled broadly with his eyes nearly closed. "Dating?" The two nodded. Bogo turned to his intercom and hit the button. "Clawhauser. Bring the chart."
"Yes, sir!" Benjamin's voice came over the speaker in a chipper tone.
Judy's jaw dropped and her eyebrows turned up, her lip curling. "Wait, this is about that stupid betting pool, isn't it?"
"God, you're right, I nearly forgot about that," Nick groaned. "My heart was ready to beat out of my chest."
Bogo's brow wiggled. "It's called a hustle, you smug little mammals." His expression became serious. "Consider it payback for all the grief you two have caused me while you have admittedly been making this city a better place."
Judy and Nick both looked indignant and like they wanted to speak, but thought better of it. Benjamin entered with a rolled up chart, looking excited to the point of bursting. He rushed over to the Police Chief's desk.
"Where are we at, boss?" Benjamin unfurled the chart, his expression even.
"According to them, 'dating'," Bogo said. Benjamin nodded rapidly with a smile, getting a pen to make a mark.
"Whoa, whoa," Judy held her hands up, looking at the chart. "What exactly are all the fields there? Split up? Just friends... dating... engaged? Clawhauser, did you really think we'd be- so soon?"
"Hope springs eternal," Benjamin shrugged with a sheepish grin.
Judy's face looked perplexed. "What's... 'home run'?"
Nick cleared his throat. "Ah, I believe that means 'have I visited the bunny-burrow?'."
"Oh, yes, he has," Judy smiled placidly. Bogo and Benjamin chuckled lightly, to Judy's confusion.
"That's... have I visited... uh... your bunny-burrow?" Nick attempted to clarify.
Judy's eyes flew open, but then they quickly half-closed and her expression became sly. "Oh, yes. He has. Several times."
Bogo and Benjamin both blinked, then the latter gasped his signature huge gasp.
"Ha ha!" Bogo slapped his desk. "Trunkaby and I got it! It's a home run!"
Benjamin giggled. "Congratulations, sir!"
Judy winced. "This is pretty embarrassing."
"Well, you're the one who fessed up," Nick chuckled.
Bogo's face suddenly hardened. "All right, well, that's all well and good. And, it's somewhat gratifying to know the source of your sudden zeal in your police work, but that doesn't absolve you from the 'exciting' paperwork. Now get to it." Nick and Judy saluted.
"Yes, sir, thank you sir!" both said, exiting the office in a hurry.
"Well, that could have gone worse," Nick hummed in amusement.
"Sometimes I feel like we exist just to bring amusement to other mammals' lives," Judy groaned. The two got seated at their desks and began to work. Soon enough, Francine lumbered by and the elephant smiled down at the two of them.
Nick looked up and smirked. "Seems like someone got an early bonus this year, huh?"
"Sure did!" Francine chuckled. "And the fact that you two look just precious together doesn't hurt." Nick chuckled and Judy sighed and smiled, shaking her head.
"Eh, I give 'em a year, at most," Fangmeyer said. The tiger walked up to the three and folded her arms.
"Oh, don't be a sourpuss just because you lost, Stripey," Francine giggled, giving Fangmeyer a noogie, which she didn't appear very pleased about.
"Okay, okay, lay off!" Fangmeyer spat, and Francine chuckled and walked away, wiggling her trunk in farewell.
"A year, huh?" Nick smirked. "That's a big step up from thinking we'd crash and burn by the start of this year." The tigress made an irritated face as she saw Nick and Judy making precisely the same lazy-eyed simper at her.
"Psh, whatever," Fangmeyer rolled her eyes and flicked one of her paws dismissively at them. "Enjoy it while it lasts." She made her way off as well.
"Though it was touch-and-go there for a little bit," Judy admitted in a small, meek voice.
"Don't let Fangmeyer catch you saying that," Nick leaned back in his chair, turning his head to look at Judy. "Felines prey on those who lack self-confidence."
"Well that sounds a bit stereotypical," Judy twisted her mouth.
"Until Fangie stops acting like a typical cat, then..." Nick shrugged, but then his countenance lifted as he saw Wolford walk by, trying not to catch their gaze. "Wolford! Hey, my mammal. 'Just friends', huh?"
"Uh, hey you two," Wolford turned slowly, showing a sharp, sheepish smile, his tail wagging about. "Yeah, sorry about that. I kinda lost my nerve there once you two started dating other mammals. But it was too late to change my bet back once I knew things were going on."
"You knew...?" Judy blinked.
"Oh yeah, the smells," Wolford said plainly. The wolf chuckled as Judy began sniffing at herself. "Uh, canid-level smells."
Judy drew in the air with her finger. "Note to self, buy stronger scent-blocker." Nick and Wolford both hummed a little in amusement.
"Your loss anyway Wolford," Nick snapped his fingers and pointed at him. "No harm done." Wolford smiled and nodded, leaving.
"Okay, okay, okay," Judy waved her hands in front of her. "Everyone needs to shut up. We've got work to d-" Judy followed Nick's gaze to Benjamin, who had his paws on his cheeks and was smiling enormously. Judy pointed at him. "Clawhauser, no."
Benjamin ignored her and snatched the two out of their chairs, engulfing them in a huge hug.
"Ooh, I'm so happy for you two!" the excitable cheetah proclaimed loudly. Judy groaned.
"Just let him get it out of his system," Nick suggested, bemused.
The streets of Sahara Square were lively with activity that evening. The neon signs promised food and fun, and the temperature was just about to plunge for the night. Judy walked along with Nick on the sides of the streets, checking her phone.
"Huh, that's weird..." Judy remarked. Nick turned his head to regard her while they walked. "I'm getting a lot of messages from bunnies who don't like you... they're kind of wussing out on the things they said before."
"No kidding?" Nick scratched at his cheek.
"'Nick can come over if he wants, just keep him away from me', for instance," Judy read.
"Flattering," Nick grinned.
"'Warn me if he comes over, but I'll try not to make a ruckus'," Judy said. "Mm... I wonder what happened?"
"A little mystery," Nick raised his eyebrows once. "Think your dad or mom had a say in that?"
"Dad's too soft for the bunnies old enough to really hate foxes," Judy shook her head. "And mom, well, she can be stern, but we're just as likely to rebel against whatever she says."
"Ah, that explains you," Nick smiled wide. Judy reflexively punched his arm. "Deserved? Mm... true? Yes."
"I'll ask Vi what's up," Judy said, texting her. Shortly, she received a reply. "Oh. Oh." Judy's face scrunched up and she looked at Nick. "Violet talked to them."
"Is that bad?" Nick's face also scrunched, but in confusion.
"I almost have pity on whoever she talked to," Judy said mirthfully, starting to skip.
"So Violet's on our side? Ms. Worrywart? Ms. Organization?" Nick scratched his head. "That bunny is a complete mystery to me."
"Wouldn't be the first time," Judy said slyly.
"Hey hey," Nick protested. "I had you read pretty well the first time I saw you..."
"Oh yeah?" Judy said impishly as she grabbed at Nick's tie and tugged him closer. "Then explain how you fell madly in love with me."
"Give me a day and about ten thousand words and I'll see about that," Nick replied flirtatiously. Judy smooched him, then looked at where they were standing. "Here we are, Judy. Different Tails. Never really had a reason to go in here before, but, here you are. Let's go, shall we?" Nick offered his paw to Judy, who graciously took it as they were admitted.
The club was quite busy. Judy quickly took in the sights of the dimly-lit club. It seemed spacious to her, room enough for many types of animals. There was a pretty, lithe cheetah for a DJ, dressed in some colorful, punk clothes. The bar looked populated, and Judy pointed to it, noticing the margay tending to it.
"Ooh, look, Donna's there!" Judy rapidly pat at Nick's arm and led the way there. The two found a couple of empty chairs and occupied them. Donna did a double take at noticing their presence.
"Wow, you two sure don't waste any time," Donna put her paws on her hips, leaning her head in. "I didn't expect to see you one night after my invitation!"
"Well, when Judy knows she wants something, she'll go after it as soon as she's able," Nick pat his bunny on the head.
"Never mind how long it might take her to actually realize she wants something," Judy grumbled. Nick smiled with amused pride.
"Speaking of wanting something, your first drinks free," Donna said. "But!" The cat pointed at the fox and bunny. "You only get one free drink. Good sized, two straws. Deal?"
"Wanna try that margay-rita?" Nick nodded at Donna, looking at Judy.
"Okay!" Judy agreed. Donna clapped once and then prepared the drink for them, sliding it on over. Nick and Judy both went for their straws at once, ending up nuzzling each other as they tried to drink at the same time. Neither relented, nuzzling with almost aggressive affection as they slurped the drink. "Mmm. I can see the game here."
"Mm hm," Nick growled quietly, his tail swishing behind him. Donna tossed them a satisfied grin, then went over to serve more customers. Judy opened her eyes and gasped quietly.
"Nick, look," Judy pointed. "It's Karen!"
"Skip?" Nick saw the arctic hare in question seated at the bar a few chairs down. Karen looked a bit despondent, nursing a drink.
"C'mon, let's go bother her," Judy got off her chair. Nick didn't seem convinced
"I dunno about that... there's only one chair open next to her, as well," Nick noted.
"Then I'll sit on your lap," Judy shrugged. Nick nodded, relenting. He got into the chair and Judy hopped into his lap.
"This reminds me of how Serendipity plopped you right down into my lap to change my whole life," Nick said quietly.
"You sure that wasn't Karma biting at me for harboring those views about foxes?" Judy whispered back, nudging his stomach with her elbow.
"Hmm, yeah, if I ever see Karma, I've got some words to say to her about her timetable," Nick grumbled. The two chuckled, then looked over at Karen.
"She still hasn't noticed...?" Judy said furtively, as if they were keeping a great secret. She giggled quietly as Nick rolled his eyes.
"Something got you down, Skip?" Nick asked her abruptly. Karen flinched in surprise, and looked over the two.
"Oh, hey," Karen twisted her mouth, looking at the two. "Uh, yeah, kinda. Just a little annoyed with myself that I didn't bet on you two. Probably could have made a nice buck or two, even if it would have been split three ways."
"Why didn't you?" Judy wondered, leaning her head back so her ears framed Nick's face.
"It's just-," Karen interrupted herself with a small huff at seeing the two posed as they were. "I dunno. It would have felt wrong somehow. But either way, I didn't, and I'm none the richer for it."
"Karma might pay you back for that," Nick said, holding out a hand in a half-shrug. "If you pass up on a dishonest gain, you're supposed to gain an honest one."
"Karma, puh," Karen rolled her eyes. "As if I believe in that drivel. No, you know what Karma is? Karma's having to defend a governmental network against hackers when I used to be one of those delinquents trying to get into said networks myself when I was younger." Judy let out an interested scoff, and Nick smirked. Karen realized what she said and looked spooked. "Oh uh. I did not just say that. Maybe I should ease up on the alcohol. Hmmh..." Karen sighed and looked off in the direction of the DJ.
"So why are you here, anyway?" Judy smiled. "Hoping to meet someone?"
"I uh..." Karen shrugged. "I dunno. This place is nice when you just want to go somewhere and I get hit on a lot less here for whatever reason. I like DJing from time to time, and the DJ here, DJKC, she's pretty good."
"Easy on the eyes, too, huh?" Nick wiggled his eyebrows and leaned in.
"Uh? If you're into that sort of thing...!" Karen recoiled slowly. Nick smirked mischievously and looked over the dance for. "Ooh. Hold tight, Fluff. I think I see someone I know." Nick picked her up curtly and placed her on the seat.
"I thought you knew everyone, mister," Judy shouted after the retreating mammal, who ignored her.
"Rgh, I hope he's not going to try to drag the DJ over here," Karen cringed.
"Worried you'd like her?" Judy smiled genuinely.
"It'd be awkward, is all," Karen played with her paws.
Nick slunk his way through the crowd smoothly until he was next to an energetically dancing snow leopard.
"Hey, Crystal," Nick said evenly.
"NICKADEE!?" the snow leopard shouted in response, freezing mid-dance. "Oh my God! What are you doing here?"
"Got myself a little 'different tail'," Nick wiggled his eyebrows. The snow leopard pushed him playfully in response.
"You idiot!" Crystal laughed, then perked her head up, looking around. "Where are they? I've got to see what poor mammal you've suckered into your den!" Nick jerked his thumb to the bar, and the snow leopard followed him over.
"Who's this pretty kitty?" Judy smirked, sipping the last of her drink.
"She's Crystal Lumi," Nick introduced. "And this here's... uh..." Nick snapped twice. "No, wait, don't tell me, I've got this." Crystal laughed.
"I'm Judy Hopps..." Judy said in an affectionately irritated voice. "I'm mated to this moron."
"Oh my God..." Crystal looked at Nick, narrowing one eye. "You little showoff! How'd you snag a hot bunny babe like this!?"
"It wasn't easy," Nick admitted with a more genuine smile.
"He's right, it wasn't," Judy laughed, nodding her agreement. "We almost died several times!" Crystal's expression became baffled.
"Long story," Nick explained. "Also... I'd like you to meet this arctic hare here. Her name's Karen Skippel." Karen squeaked in surprise, but maintained a guarded posture over her drink.
"Hey there!" Crystal waved.
"This seat is no longer taken," Judy said with a gracious air, vacating it.
"Then do you mind if I...?" Crystal indicated the seat with her paw, looking to the arctic hare.
"Um, no...?" Karen showed her teeth. Crystal hopped into the seat cheerfully and looked at Karen. The arctic hare shot Nick a look, then her eyes locked back on Crystal's. "Wilde...!"
"Have fun, you two," Nick tossed out with a teasing inflection, waving at them and walking toward the dance floor again. Judy paused, but then rushed to keep up with the fox.
"What was that?" Judy scoffed. She looked back at the two, seeing Crystal trying to start up a conversation with a prying, coy look on her face. "You think that'll work?"
"I'm not a betting fox," Nick claimed. "I do think I feel a dance coming on, though." He beckoned at Judy, nodding over to the dance floor.
"Yeah? Who's going to be dancing? Me?" Judy rolled her eyes. "That stuff you do isn't 'dancing'."
"Judy, whatever you want to call it, I want to do it with you," Nick said invitingly, offering his paw to the bunny. Judy's smugness melted away and she smiled with sudden serenity, nodding. She took his paw.
"Okay, Nick."