Thanks so much for the prompt from Arandomperson2567 ;)
Wonder where we go from here, lol. It's great to write up a bit of Zootropolis fanfiction again, whether this remains a short sketch or becomes a chapter fic.
How is everyone? Looking forward to Zootropolis 2?
Officer Judy Hopps had rarely felt this uncomfortable in her life. She was sweating like an Alaskan Malamute stuck in a crowd of commuters on a busy morning in Sahara Square. Which was largely due to the ginormous bedazzled blown out and teased out of all proportion beehive wig she was sporting all too unwillingly. She was wobbling, swaying, she was tottering atop sky high heels she was NOT accustomed to wearing and could have happily forgone for her favorite sneakers, thanks very much. And she was jingling like some ridiculous bells and whistles display with every step she took, bangles and beads piled round her wrists and neck joyfully accompanying her movements.
– You look divine Judy! – a shrill voice sounded behind Judy. The compliment, though undoubtedly well-meant, did very little to lift her spirits.
– Thanks FruFru, – Judy managed, turning around and bending over gingerly to face her friend, the young arctic shrew. FruFru was the daughter of mafia boss and mastermind, the unexpectedly tiny Mr Big. She had intervened in an encounter between her father, and Judy and Nick on the memorable occasion the young mammals had been hot on the trail of the Night Howlers' case. Granted, Mr Big had started out by wanting to 'ice' Nick and Judy, FruFru's timely intervention and her revealing how Judy had saved her from being squashed by a giant donut display had led Mr Big to not only release the duo but also help them on their investigation.
It would seem at present that the unlikely partnership between mafia clan and police officers continued. For better or for worse, or for worst dressed Judy though sourly, as she tried valiantly to avoid thinking of the figure she cut, standing there dressed up to the nines for all the world as - well, for all, the world as FruFru. Albeit a much taller bunny version of FruFru.
– You look so cute! – FruFru chimed, bursting in on Judy's thoughts and annoying her further, what with the 'C' word, of all things.
Pausing to count to ten mentally (breathe Judy, it's just a case) Officer Hopps replied briskly,
– Thanks FruFru, and thanks for setting me up with the hairdresser and all, but like I said, this is all strictly for this undercover stunt. The sooner we crack this case, and the sooner I get out of this get-up and back into my slacks and trainers, well the better for all involved, I can bet you an honest last cheese puff on that.
– Not so loud Judy dear, hush! – FruFru implored her, casting a nervous glance around. – I understand your being eager to get going but let's be honest with ourselves, you are the best known rabbit in the entire city of Zootropolis and, if this disguise is to work in any way, shape or form, then we must really be discreet! – she ended in a dramatically lowered voice.
Judy had to admit her shrew friend had a point. Happy Judy might not be at this time, but she was definitely in the best possible position to get close to Harry Highlander, the vermin mastermind (aka bushy whiskered and bright eyed dormouse) who was responsible for several fur raising stunts of diamond and jewelry theft that had swept across the city of Zootropolis this past fall. Innocent until proven guilty, but Bogo had had a veritable hunch that Highlander had been the one behind the robberies and consequent reselling of the missing precious items.
Enter Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps on their first ever joint undercover job since Nick had joined the ZPD. Or rather, Judy was the only one finding herself undercover. Nick was, well, he was…
– There's no cover or foil dense enough, Carrots, - the fox had quipped, taking a long swig of his morning cold brew take out coffee, earlier that day.
– There's not? – Judy had replied idly, her eyes on the road, as their police car snailed its way through morning traffic along a bustling Sahara Square. They'd just been in and out of their meet-up with Bogo and were now headed to chat with FruFru and her father Mr Big, to put their heads together and see what they could think of together to get the job done. – Don't you go and get coffee stains on the upholstering Wilde, – Judy added with a flick of her ear.
– How high and mighty we are, following our promotion Carrots, – Nick parried lightly, swishing his coffee cup around in a purposefully precarious way. – I was talking about the undercover job, Carrots, – he added in a moment, his demeanor making it clear that he was not about to exert himself on the paltry subject of coffee stains.
– Oh? Do tell, – Judy replied switching gears.
– I've been undercover enough in the criminal world before joining the Force, partner, – Nick shrugged. – Though I'd love to be useful to the chief, I'd best be the backup walkie-talkie guy on this one.
– Your past coming back to haunt you? – Judy asked, amused. The fox looked sober.
– Too many happenings in the past Carrots, – Nick had replied, his face serious, but a twinkle in his eye. – Mammals I've offended unintentionally, money owed –
– That you forgot to return, – Judy added.
– Precisely. – Nick nodded. – How well we understand each other, partner. Your past is pristine, you are the bunny for this job.
Flash back to the present, as Judy gingerly picked her walkie talkie up, daring not to make any sudden movements lest her wig and entire get-up should crumble.
– How's it going, Carrots? -Nick's slightly crackling voice sounded over the speaker.
– Never better, – Judy replied, blowing a misplaced curl out of her face. A chuckle down the line told her the fox had a clear understanding of what her mood truly was.
– Keep your fur on, rabbit, – Nick's voice advised. – it's just a job. I'll get you an herbal tea and slice of carrot cake when the night's work is done.
– Two slices,- Judy said firmly.
-You know it, – Nick agreed and Judy felt him wink, though she couldn't see it.