Welcome back everyone!

After reading all the "Judy knows…" comments, I'd guess that many of you are probably anxious to see how our bunny will take this unexpected discovery, as well as how it will shape her relationship with Nick going forward. You will soon have the answers, though I should disclaim that the consequences of this revelation will likely span more than one chapter. Do go easy on me, this entry was rather difficult to write.

Also, the poll results are in. From here on out I will begin titling the chapters.

-trebor1982: Thanks for correcting me on Nick's age in the flashback, I appreciate it. Also, Judy knows! One can only hope this revelation won't detract from her investigation into the clinic and its connection to the stolen trucks. Glad you enjoyed the edit I made to the end of chapter 5.

-Jacob4664: Great to hear!

-Guest: Always a pleasure seeing you in the comments! Regarding the case, I'm essentially backtracking to arrange clues in a logical manner without giving away my plans for the big payoff in later chapters. It's been challenging for me to write thus far, so I'm very glad you enjoy it. And yes, Judy knows! Shock is a reasonable expectation along with a flurry of other emotions, but it's probably best I avoid spoiling the specifics here. Thank you again, I hope to see you for the next chapter!

-Prismatic Floof: If there's a rabbit hole, leave it to officer Hopps to explore every nook and cranny of it. And yes, that flashback is more than mere filler. It will definitely factor into the story later on.

-MarioDS01: I agree. Judy could possibly bring herself to understand Nick's relationship with the popstar, but with his lying, she would be unlikely to let that go. Glad you caught the bit about Judy's neighbors and their whisperings. Even if the news hasn't caught wind of such rumors, it is only a matter of time. As far as Nick's past, I can only say this won't be the last time we look into it. As always, thanks for your kind review!

-Zaeva: Judy knows! And with such inopportune timing to boot. To address your concern, this is a Nick x Gazelle romance. There are plenty of Wilde x Hopps fics out there already, this work is a deviation from that.

-A5TRON4UTA: Your analysis of Nick's dream is almost spot on, and it will certainly be relevant in later chapters! I left the fate of Nick's mother ambiguous for now, but you are correct in assuming that Nick has been living solo for some time now. You also noticed the suspicious circumstances of the investigation. Judy is intelligent, but seeing as how she tends to dive headlong into any lead she can get her paws on, it might be up to Nick to cool her jets. Though, this will be difficult after finding out the fox has been lying to her. Please let me know what you think of her reaction! Thanks as always for your thoughts and input.

-Mewto-TheLoneShadow: Very terrible timing. Knowing Judy, I wouldn't predict her to go "ballistic" so much as I would predict her to be disappointed or confused.

As always, please enjoy this chapter and I'll see you on the next one! -Wilde

Chapter VII

~The Threads That Bind Us~

Carrots…

Fluff…

"Judy!"

The lagomorph let out a shocked yelp as she came to her senses. In her absentmindedness, the phone she had borrowed from the fox slipped from her fingers, tumbling to the pavement with a loud, metallic smack.

"Good lord carrots, where are you?" Nick grumbled, his ears dropping back in slight frustration at his partner's clumsiness.

"I-I'm sorry…" Judy replied quietly. She kneeled to retrieve the device, noticing that it somehow felt heavier than before. She grasped it precariously between her fingers, her grip hesitant as though it were an incriminating piece of evidence.

The fox rolled his eyes as he reclaimed the phone from his partner, inspecting the screen expeditiously before tucking it back into his pocket.

"It's fine. Not even a scratch." Nick exhaled with relief, his attention turning to the bunny beside him. "You really checked out for a moment there. Is everything alright?"

'No, everything is not alright.' Judy's mind was an incongruent mess of questions, each one stabbing at her heart with more intensity than the last. Did Nick really betray her trust? How long had he been hiding this? Was Gazelle just a passing fling or something more? Her emotions clashed like a violent storm, with hurt, betrayal, and shock battling for dominance within her.

After several long moments, the bunny simply nodded. "Yeah…" She spoke lowly, staring at the fox with a suppressed, uncertain gaze. "Though now that I think about it, I should probably file for the warrant at the station… Better not to risk anything getting lost in translation, y'know?"

Nick studied her change in expression, immediately sensing that something was off. He furrowed his brow, concern etching across his features.

"Are you sure?" He asked again, this time with more concern. "You seem… different."

"What do you mean?" She said, biting her lower lip.

"I mean, one minute you're hopped-up on tackling this case, now you're acting as though you've seen a ghost." Nick crossed his arms, his ears dropping. "Did something happen?"

Judy's voice wavered as she forced out the words, "Of course not…" But the tightness in her chest told a far different story. Doubt gnawed at her from within, fueling a tempest of conflicting thoughts. Should she confront Nick about her findings? Should she walk away and pretend she hadn't seen anything? She fought to maintain her composure, masking her pain behind a fragile facade of indifference. "…I just think it'd be best if I request the warrant in person."

A flicker of worry passed through Nick's eyes as he listened to the lagomorph.

"Judy, if something is bothering you, I want to know. We're partners, remember? We're supposed to have each other's backs."

Her heart sank at his words. The weight of the deception became even more burdensome knowing that they were supposed to trust each other implicitly.

"I know, Nick." She sighed, her tone hesitant. "We just need to be smart. And right now, my gut is telling me it will be safer if I go alone."

Nick looked at the bunny incredulously. He didn't understand. Something about this entire exchange was setting off alarm bells in his mind; but then again, this was an unorthodox investigation. Maybe she had her reasons.

After some time, Nick nodded slowly. "Okay carrots… I trust you. But if you ever need anything, I'm one call away." He took a tentative step forward, extending his paw to touch the bunny's arm. But before his fingertips could make contact, Judy subtly shifted her position, avoiding his touch. She couldn't bring herself to let him in, not when trust felt so fragile and uncertain. She crossed her arms tightly, her eyes a mix of sadness and guardedness as she created a physical barrier between them.

The fox withdrew his hand, his eyes reflecting a mixture of hurt and confusion.

"Thanks, Nick." Judy spoke softly, taking a small step back. "I'll be seeing you soon..."

Nick opened his mouth to object, but before he could, the lagomorph turned abruptly away from him, walking briskly in the opposite direction. She ignored the wind and rain as it lashed against her fur, not daring to look back as she trudged through the empty streets in ankle deep water. In that moment, all she could bring herself to do was to march diligently forward without pause or purpose. Her gaze wandered aimlessly, scanning the verdure that descended from the canopy into the abyss of tangled foliage below for anything that could distract her from the weight of the truth she had discovered. But the harder she tried to suppress her emotions, the more thoughts and questions swirled within her, demanding answers that seemed elusive and out of reach.

Finding Gazelle, a celebrity, and her idol, in Nick's messages was shocking in its own right. And seeing her flirt with him was downright insane. But despite her hurt, Judy couldn't entirely say she hadn't expected something like this. The seemingly random deviation from their plans yesterday, coupled with his vague description and innocent tone of voice had admittedly stirred her suspicions about the fox's whereabouts. Besides, even if she would never say it to his face, Judy could appreciate that Nick was a handsome, confident, and kind-hearted fox. She figured if he hadn't already been swept up by a cute vixen, he was bound to be speaking to some other mammal after his shifts.

Still, just because she was aware of it didn't mean the possibility didn't bother her. Nick was her closest friend and ally, both on the force and in her personal life. And while she would always respect his privacy and his freedom to pursue his own interests, Judy had secretly hoped that one day Nick might take a similar interest in her.

Now, those dreams were all but dashed.

But as much as it pained her to imagine Nick leading his life with another woman, the true source of her heartbreak was rooted not in jealousy, but in disbelief that he would feel compelled to lie to her about it.

Judy's steps slowed as she approached one of several mossy wooden landing pads used for the rainforest district gondolas. She walked onto it silently, resting her wrists upon the damp latticing that held the platform together while she waited for a cable car to arrive. She glanced around, recognizing the area as where she and Nick had first encountered Renato Manchas all that time ago, and the place where her trust in the fox had truly blossomed. Those memories felt so distant to her now.

Judy didn't want or care for Nick to share every facet of his personal life with her. That was his business. But what really made her blood boil, was the fact that with each lie, excuse, and fabrication he conjured, the mutual trust between them would be whittled down. After this, how could she be certain that Nick wasn't lying about other, more important things? Because that's the tricky thing about trust: a single lie discovered is enough to create doubt in every truth expressed.

Judy's ears shifted at the subtle hum of the gondola gliding into the station. She ambled onto it, and with a gentle lurch, she was flying through the air. Gradually the torrent gave way to sunlight as the tram broke through the canopy level, basking the lagomorph in a comforting warmth that brought a small moment of peace to her woefulness.

Despite everything, Judy retained a flicker of hope that Nick would come clean to her of his own accord. Maybe he just needed time to process his own feelings about a developing situation, which was more than reasonable. And if Nick initiated the conversation himself, perhaps she could find it in herself to forgive his missteps. Only time would tell.

For now, she resolved to find solace and clarity away from the fox who had become entangled in her heartache. And she would do it in the best way she knew. She stared ahead, her gaze aflame with determination as she held the carrot pen tightly between her fingers.

"This is Officer Judy Hopps! Sorry I can't take your call right now, but please leave me a message and I'll be sure to get right back to you! Have a great day, and always remember that change starts with all of us!"

As the voicemail tone played into his ears for the fifth time, Nick finally recalled that the bunny's phone was waterlogged and likely not functioning. He grumbled, frustrated with himself as he sloshed through the heavy downpour. If he wasn't careful, his device would almost certainly end up in the same condition.

The fox struggled to collect his thoughts as he lagged along. The uncanny switch from enthusiasm to sudden detachment was very unusual, especially for Judy. Was it something he said? Something he did? Or was it possible she really did get cold feet and was telling the truth? But then why would she shy away from him like that? The more he tried to make sense of his partner's behavior, the more concerned he became.

Nick sighed. Maybe if Judy really was headed to the station, he could text Clawhauser to make sure the bunny arrived there safely.

He hunched forward, trying in vain to shield the screen from the deluge falling around him while he unlocked his phone. Carefully, the fox began sifting through his contacts for the cheetah's number, but before he could locate it, something peculiar caught his eye. Scrolling back to his most recent messages, his eyes widened as he studied an unknown number that glowed across the screen.

He swiped right, and like a wave, the playful banter and affectionate wording of the popstar's text washed away the worry clouding his mind. Nick's tail, soaking wet as it was, began to sway with excitement, and his ears perked atop his head.

…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.

Perusing that last part in her voice made the fox's heart flutter. He read it again, letting the words sink in like a warmth that could shroud him from the cold and unease he was feeling in that moment. But for all the excitement in his heart, he also felt a twinge of perplexity. Why was he only noticing the singer's message now? He usually received a notification for such things, and it was unlike him to miss those alerts.

"Officer Wilde?"

Nick's ears rose briskly at the familiar voice, his train of thought breaking as he turned to face it.

"Mrs. Otterton?" He replied, his gaze connecting with the soft green eyes of the shop owner as she peaked out from behind a glass doorway.

"Gosh, what are you doing outside in this weather?" She gasped, staring at the fox whose fur was sopping from head to tail. "Please, come in. You must be freezing."

"Oh, I'm okay, really. Just taking a little stroll. Besides, I wouldn't want to get your floors wet."

"Oh nonsense!" She said, rushing out and taking his wrist before leading him into the establishment. "We're otters. Our floors are more than capable of handling the water."

Nick chuckled as the door fell shut behind them. The air inside the shop was thick with humidity, but the temperature was comfortably cool. As he wiped the rain from his vision with his forearm, Nick glanced around curiously, finding himself transfixed by the beauty abounding from all corners of the place. Everything in the shop, including the walls and the ceiling was adorned in vibrant green foliage and colorful flowers, as though the establishment itself had fused with the tropical environment in which it resided.

"The storm should pass within the hour." Mrs. Otterton said as she helped him to remove his raincoat. "Do you drink coffee?"

"Me?" Nick questioned, surprised by the sudden hospitality he was receiving from the lutrine. After a slight pause, he nodded gently and gave a gracious smile. "I do. Black is fine."

"Perfect." She replied, beaming from ear to ear. "I have a pot brewing as we speak. For now, please make yourself at home, Officer Wilde, and holler back if you need anything."

She turned on her heel, weaving her way gracefully up an inconspicuous flight of stairs. Her movements as she walked were sleek and graceful, as though she were swimming through the air.

Nick tucked his palms into his pockets. Aside from their brief run-in during the concert, this was his first real experience with Mrs. Otterton. He knew well that she was a kind woman before, but in receiving her selflessness and compassion firsthand, the fox found himself affected that much more.

Equally as impressive as the shop owner was the shop itself. As he passed under a laminated jungle wood sign that read: "Otterton Floral & Design.", Nick found himself wading through an ocean of flowers, shrubs, and other flora arranged in such a way that the space was indistinguishable from a true rainforest. A quiet stream trickled through the center of it all, splashing soothingly across rocks that funneled water to irrigation pumps spread throughout the building. There was even an intricately fabricated bridge suspended by vines and saplings to connect both shores.

As the fox ran his fingers under the leaves, feeling the dew on his fingers and inhaling the pleasant aroma of nectar, he was awestruck by the sheer variety of plant life listed around him. Aphelandra sinclairiana, Rondeletia odorata, Hidalgoa ternata, Costus curvibracteatus, Salvia polystachya… Endless, fascinating, unapologetic, natural beauty.

"So, what do you think?"

Nick turned his attention to the otter as she approached, her long tail swaying behind as she clutched two cups of coffee between her paws.

"Mrs. Otterton, this is incredible." He replied, taking the drink with a grateful smile as she offered it to him. "I've passed by many flower vendors across Zootopia, but I've never seen anything quite like this place. It's like stepping into a different world."

"You really mean that?" The lutrine smiled at his compliment, her eyes conveying a look of sincere appreciation.

"Every word. The rainforest district itself feels dull in comparison to the vibrance of your shop."

She blushed, her paws fluttering in a modest gesture. "You're too kind, Officer Wilde. Emmitt and I really put our hearts and souls into this garden. We share a similar fascination with the beauty of nature, and we wanted to create a space where that beauty could be celebrated and shared."

"I can see that." Nick replied with admiration, taking a small sip of his coffee, and savoring the rich, aromatic flavor.

"…Though I have to admit, it didn't come without a few setbacks along the way." She laughed softly, her eyes glimmering with a hint of mischief and fond reminiscence. "But I shouldn't bore you with such things."

Nick stifled a laugh. "Bore me? I'd like to see you try."

"Are you sure?" She grinned sheepishly. "I don't want to hog all your time."

"I've got all the time in the world, Mrs. Otterton. And I'd be delighted to hear about how you and Emmitt came into this place."

Mrs. Otterton's smile widened, appreciating Nick's genuine interest. She settled onto a nearby wooden bench, patting the spot beside her for the fox to join. He gladly accepted the invitation and sat down, his eyes still wandering in awe of the lush surroundings.

"…It was a long time ago, but I still remember everything as if it were yesterday," Mrs. Otterton began, her voice filled with a mix of nostalgia and affection. "My parents at the time were... somewhat overbearing. Despite my own interests in the natural world, my family decided I would be better suited for something more 'respectable', like medicine. And so, I often spent my time at the university pursuing the career they had selected for me."

Nick nodded, his ears perking with curiosity at the lutrine's plight.

"Well, as fate would have it on my walk home one evening, I noticed someone on the street corner; someone new," Mrs. Otterton said, a wistful smile playing on her lips. "As I got closer, I could see him clearly; shrouded in flowers and with his paws blackened with soil, the most dashing otter I had ever laid eyes on. My Emmitt."

A soft glow appeared in Mrs. Otterton's eyes as she spoke of her beloved. "He was selling bouquets of the most wonderfully arranged flowers. Roses, tulips, carnations, everything you could think of. A genuine artist in his craft. And even though Emmitt might not seem it now, he was a real Romeo back in those days."

Nick chuckled, envisioning a younger, romantic Emmitt captivating Mrs. Otterton's heart. "Sounds like quite the charmer."

Mrs. Otterton nodded, her gaze drifting back to those cherished memories. "He must've taken a liking to me too because every day when I finished my classes, he was waiting with flowers, specially arranged just for me. Sometimes, he would even sneak a handwritten letter in between the petals."

The fox couldn't help but smile at the sweetness of the gesture.

"…Needless to say, when they first learned of him, my parents despised Emmitt. So much so that they threatened to make me switch schools so I would no longer be able to see him. But what they failed to understand then was that no matter what they said or how hard they tried, Emmitt and I would always be bound together by our threads of fate."

Nick's ears perked with interest. "Threads of fate?" He questioned, tilting his head slightly at the unfamiliar term.

Mrs. Otterton glanced at him, a mysterious smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "No one has ever told you about them?"

Nick shook his head.

"Well... put simply, there is a legend that speaks of invisible threads in our world," Mrs. Otterton explained, her voice carrying a hint of wonder. "Each thread, which spans the gaps between our lives, binds two souls meant to be together. And nothing in this life, be it time, distance, or difficulty, can sever those threads."

Nick listened attentively, charmed by the idea. "And so you followed your thread to Emmitt?"

Mrs. Otterton nodded, a sense of deep connection evident in her gaze. "And him to me. Fate has a way of connecting even the most unlikely of mammals in the most unexpected moments. And sometimes, such as in the case of my parents, all it takes is a little rain to appreciate the sun that follows."

As the otter spoke, Nick found himself captivated by her words. There was a profound wisdom in her simple observation, a wisdom that kindled a growing fire which already burned deep in his heart.

"You have a poetic soul, Mrs. Otterton." Nick said after a moment, his voice conveying appreciation and hope at everything the lutrine had told him. "Everything worked itself out then with your parents?"

She chuckled. "Of course. It's quite humorous actually. These days, my parents can't get enough of Emmitt. They couldn't be happier to see him as a loving husband and father to this family. I suppose it just takes a little while for some people to come around."

"That's wonderful." Nick said, clearly moved by her story. "What you have together is something special, really. And I appreciate your willingness to speak about it."

"It's my pleasure Officer Wilde. It's not often I get a chance to share these memories with someone who truly listens. And I should thank you again for everything you and Officer Hopps did to help us find Emmitt. This family is indebted to you both."

The fox shook his head gently. "No thanks are necessary, Mrs. Otterton. Besides, if it is as you say, and our souls are connected by these threads of fate, then I know that Emmitt was always destined to return to you. Our service just happened to coincide with that."

The otter chuckled warmly at his reasoning, exhaling slightly as she removed herself from the bench. "Whatever the case, our offer to you from the concert still stands. As a token of our gratitude, any plant you want is yours. Has anything caught your eye?"

"Golly, in this place, what hasn't?" Nick rubbed his neck as he surveyed his surroundings, seeming slightly overwhelmed at the thought of choosing one plant against the others. He didn't need any greenery, and even if he did, anything he chose would probably conspire to wither and die despite his best efforts to preserve it. Still, to reject the otter's gesture outright would be impolite, regardless of his ineptitude in plant care.

Mrs. Otterton took a sip from the coffee between her paws. "Anything that comes to mind, we likely have it. Saplings, shrubs, vines, cacti, succulents, fruiting plants, carnivorous plants, aquatic plants, and everything in between."

The fox furrowed his brow, appearing lost amongst the various options the florist was presenting to him. "That's quite the selection, heh… Which specimens would you recommend?"

"Well, if you're searching for something relatively easy to care for, I'd opt for a more resilient plant like a cactus or aloe vera. Just keep them in a sunny corner and water every few weeks, and you're basically good to go. But if you don't mind a challenge, you can always opt for more temperamental plants like figs and ferns, or even orchids.

At the florist's advice, Nick's ears flew to the top of his head. With a burst of emotion and his heart fluttering in his chest, he suddenly understood exactly which plant he desired.

Mrs. Otterton stifled a laugh, amused by the fox's quick change in demeanor. "Something caught your attention, did it?"

"Cattleya orchids." Nick replied without missing a beat, a determined spark shimmering through his eyes. "Do you have them?"

The lutrine looked on with surprise at his request. She hadn't expected him to have knowledge of these specific orchids given their exotic origins. Nevertheless, she nodded with a warm smile. "I must admit, I'm impressed, Officer Wilde! We've never had a customer inquire about these flowers before. Please, do follow me."

Nick trailed behind the otter as she started back across the bridge. Soon, they found themselves in a secluded section of the shop, illuminated solely by a small skylight overhead. There, glistening against a collection of vines and other tropical flora, stood an extraordinary orchid. Its petals along the periphery were a breathtaking shade of sky blue, and the lowermost part of the flower was icy white, contrasting its deep green leaves with a dramatic golden column that funneled into the orchid itself.

The fox's eyes traced the delicate curves and vibrant hues of the flower, unable to move his gaze away from its captivating beauty. "It's like a work of art." he murmured, his voice filled with awe.

"This Cattleya orchid came into our possession a few years ago. We have been extraordinarily fortunate to house it, because naturally, they can only be found in—"

"Bearranquilla." the fox quipped, completing the otter's statement with an eager grin.

"Well, well! I didn't take you for an anthophile, Officer Wilde!" Mrs. Otterton remarked, her eyes sparkling with amusement and surprise.

Nick chuckled, a small blush moving across his features. "Only recently."

"But yes, that is correct." She continued. "Because of this, they're quite rare, and they are notoriously difficult to grow. So I must warn you, even the slightest fluctuations in its environment can harm or even kill the orchid. Cattleyas needs light, but only a moderate amount. The temperature range is narrow, and a consistent level of humidity and airflow must be maintained around it. As for watering, it can be done once a week, but this depends on the environmental conditions and the dampness of the substrate."

"Oh, uh… wow. That sounds like a lot."

Mrs. Otterton shook her head, a reassuring smile playing on her lips. "Nonsense. In all my years of doing this, I've found that with the right care, a bit of attentiveness, and perhaps a touch of luck, even the most recalcitrant of orchids can blossom and thrive."

She reached forward with her palm, cradling the delicate flower gently. "I think you'll find the same is true for you… And the gazelle this lovely flower is for."

Caught off guard, Nick stumbled over his words, his voice betraying a mix of astonishment and vulnerability. "…H-How did you—"

"Let's just say that my husband and I have gotten to know a lot of people over the years. And the fact that you knew to ask about a Cattleya orchid is… telling." Mrs. Otterton smiled, her voice knowing, but also assuring. "Don't worry, your secret is safe with me. Just make sure to take good care of that flower. It's very special, after all."

A flicker of relief crossed Nick's face, realizing that Mrs. Otterton was not there to expose his secret but rather to offer her understanding and support.

The lutrine swiftly got to work, carefully moving the orchid into a small clay pot. With delicate precision, she slid it into an insulated foam casing, which would help to reduce any shock the plant might face as it passed through Zootopia's variable climates. Then she turned to Nick, cradling the package softly between her fingertips as she pressed it gently into his grasp.

"Thank you, Mrs. Otterton. For everything." The fox said after some time. "I'll take good care of the orchid. I promise you that."

"I have no doubt about it." She grinned with an expression that conveyed a look of confidence onto the fox. "No doubt at all."

As they returned to the entrance together, Nick could finally see an uplifting glow filtering through the windows. Taking his raincoat by the collar, he cast it over his shoulder as he stared into the pale blue beyond; a clear sky interspersed by graceful wisps of white, and the warmth of the afternoon sun. The storm had passed.

"Good luck, Officer Wilde." The otter spoke gently. "It's been a pleasure having you in our little shop."

"No, the pleasure is mine, Mrs. Otterton. I can't thank you enough for your compassion, hospitality, and your story. Everything you've said has moved me deeply."

"I'm so happy to hear that…" She clasped her paws together, a sheepish smile playing on her lips. "If there is anything else we can ever do for you, you know where to find us. Don't ever be a stranger."

"Likewise." The fox nodded, tipping his head respectfully as he opened the door. "Have a wonderful rest of your day Mrs. Otterton."

In that tranquil moment as he walked into the sunlight, Nick made a silent vow to protect the orchid nestled in his grasp. It was a promise to himself and a promise to the gazelle to whom he had grown so attached—a commitment to nurture a blossoming connection, and a resolve to follow fate wherever it led him, guided by a thin thread across time, distance, and difficulty.