Chapter 3: The Fan

Nick and Judy are not the only movie stars that you can find in Orlando.

"The difference between fanfic and a "real" novel is that fanfic is honest about its inspiration." ― Mary Robinette Kowal

(Inspired by WANMWAD's story, A Brush With Death)

Seasons 52 Restaurant, Orlando

The restaurant's bar was busy, but since most of the patrons were local and they were used to seeing many of the Disney stars eating there, the fox and rabbit were left in peace to enjoy their cocktails. It was a nice break after spending the day signing autographs and having their pictures taken at one of the Disney properties. A late afternoon summer thunderstorm had rolled in and the pattering of the rain could be heard inside the restaurant, causing Nick to scurry over to the window so he could watch the rain batter the waters of nearby Little Sand Lake. Why the fox loved to stare at the falling rain had always mystified Judy, maybe it was a vulpine thing? She smiled while she watched him standing there looking mesmerized, his tail was slowly wagging and his ears were perked up straight.

KKKKAAAAABOOOOOOOMMMMMM!

There was a flash of bright light, followed by a tremendous boom that shook the very foundations of the building, almost causing the startled rabbit to spill her drink. After the crash of thunder had finally finished reverberating, Judy heard a hauntingly and strangely eerie tune being whistled very close to her. The bewildered rabbit looked over in surprise at the newcomer, for she hadn't seen or heard him approach her, he was just suddenly there. "Well, well, if it isn't Judy Hopps herself, in the flesh," the white wolf in a black suit said in a bemused tone that almost sounded like a predatory growl. He had taken the seat next to her at the bar.

"Uh, hey," the rabbit said in an uncomfortable manner while she stared up at the imposing newcomer. For some reason, his presence had the fur on the nape of her neck standing up and her instincts cried out for her to either fight or flee.

"There's the famous outfit, the light blue neoprene shirt, the utility belt, and, of course, the dark blue Kevlar tactical vest. My compliments to your tailor," he continued while offering her a thin smile.

"Thanks."

"Hey, I never do this, but can I get your autograph?" The wolf suddenly gushed out after he pulled a small autograph book, along with a pen, from his jacket and slid it over toward her. His tail was now wagging behind him. "Please, sign right here."

Judy sighed in relief before she picked up the pen and scribbled her name where he pointed.

"Thank you and I'll be seeing you around, coneja," he said before he tucked the book back into his pocket and stood up.

Nick stood there staring at the departing wolf. "Carrots, do you know who that was?" he exclaimed after he finally sat down.

"Some fan?" she replied.

"That was Death!"

"Who?"

"Death!"

"Nick, that was just a wolf and he was quite alive."

"He wasn't just any wolf, Fluff, he was the actor who played Death in the movie, Puss N' Boots: The Last Wish."

"He was? Oh well, you know that I don't watch DreamWorks movies."

"You should have asked him for his autograph," the fox added in a disappointed tone. Judy didn't reply but looked past the fox at someone approaching.

"Well, well, if it isn't Nick Wilde himself..." a voice suddenly said.

"GAAAAHHHH!" Nick exclaimed when he jumped in a startled manner. The surprised fox fell off his barstool and landed with a resounding thump on the ground.

"I guess he really is a fan of yours?" Judy said to the large white wolf who had just returned.

He glanced down at the still sprawled-out fox and shrugged before he offered him a helping paw off the floor.

I have owned several dogs who loved to go out on the porch and watch the falling rain, I think it has something to do with how the dampness enhances their sense of smell and that the pattering rain draws their attention. Most of them would quickly scurry back indoors when the thunder booms. My neighbor had a German shepherd we nicknamed 'Thor' because he would rush to the door to growl, bark, and snarl at the thunder.