Hey everyone!

As was expected, the events of the last chapter turned out to be somewhat controversial and that's okay. For those of you particularly concerned about Nick and Judy's relationship going forward, all I can say is that sometimes it takes a little rain to appreciate the sun that follows. ;)

-Trebor1982: Thanks! Honestly the beginning section was an absolute nightmare to work through, and I probably rewrote it ten times over while adjusting tone and pacing. I'm glad you loved it though, as well as the quote I included. Also, giving voices to some of the neglected side characters from the movie (Gazelle, Finnick, Mrs. Otterton, etc.) is one of my favorite things to do! Any recommendations on who I should write in next? Thanks again!

-Guest: Yeahhh I'm sorry to disappoint. And you're certainly right, I don't think Nick deserves all of her wrath either. Still, I wrote the scene to encompass Judy's initial shock in the context of having incomplete information. At least she had the maturity to separate herself from the situation as quickly as possible, taking time to process through her feelings and heartache instead of lashing out against her partner. Writing the flower/vow scene at the end was a nice change of pace from the heavier stuff in the beginning, so I'm elated to hear it struck a chord with you. By the way, when are you gonna make a FF account so I can address you formally? Love seeing you around, thanks as always!

-MarioDS01: Hello again! I will admit, Nick is definitely a bit slow to piece together Judy's conclusion, but he's certainly taken note of her strange behavior. Like you said, everything happened very quickly, so maybe with time he will come to realize exactly what happened. I'm delighted to hear you liked the meeting with Mrs. Otterton. Hopefully Nick can take care of that orchid!

-Pyrus Dragonoid: Glad to see you back! To address your statement, I am hoping for this story to be at least 25 chapters in length, possibly a few over. Thanks for the kind review!

-Cerberusx: Happy to hear you think I wrote Judy well in her reaction. I had two other writers review that scene and still I was a bit worried about it. Also, I think you're right about the flower. Gazelle is bound to take a liking to it, especially with its connection to her past… As always, your words of support are appreciated!

-Prismatic Floof: Thank you! Writing a backstory for Mrs. Otterton was definitely a highlight for me this chapter. As for Nick and Judy, I can't say for certain at this time. Let's hope your intuition pays off!

-Mewtwo-TheLoneShadow: Yeah, Judy was very hurt, but like you said, she probably just needs time to process things logically. With emotions running wild, it can be difficult to make sense of things. Glad you enjoyed the scene at the flower shop!

-Zaeva: Special future pop idol girlfriend. I like that. As for how Mrs. Otterton could have inferred Nick's secret, it's a mystery. Still, we do know from the movie that Emmitt was a florist for Mr. Big. Thus it's not a huge stretch to assume they might have other connections with well-known Zootopians, including Gazelle or people close to her.

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

Chapter VIII

~The Secret Weapon~

"And what of yourself, Officer Wilde? Do you dance?"

The fox could hear her sultry voice as he observed the scene before him. Hundreds of thousands of pieces of confetti flickered and sparkled in the limelight as they descended upon the singer, glimmering about the tight silver dress that contoured her shapely physique with immaculate precision. Gazelle's golden hair had been cast elegantly to one side of her face and her thin arms outstretched, beckoning with a daring gaze that questioned:

So You Think You Can Prance?

["Now entering: Agave Street Station, Sahara Square. Doors opening. Step back to allow customers to exit."]

Nick shook his head, realizing with sudden embarrassment that he had been staring wistfully at a gameshow poster for the past five minutes. Perhaps that explained the strange expression on the woman's face across from him.

The train shuddered as it slowed, a subtle hissing noise filling the passenger cabin as the car glid to an expeditious halt. The fox's fingers strained against the inertia of the vehicle, maintaining balance with a single hold as he cradled the delicate package nestled in his opposite palm. Right on cue, dozens of passengers rose from their seats and began shuffling towards the various exit doors as they slid open. Nick trailed shortly behind, allowing the largest mammals to disembark first to ensure his precious cargo wouldn't encounter any significant jostling.

As the fox stepped out of the train and onto the smooth red-rock path spanning the terminal, his senses were enraptured by the Saharan nexus that was Agave Street Station. The enunciation of voices bartering, small children laughing, and the sweet sound of monetary exchange collided with an overwhelming scent of spices, baked goods, and fresh produce. Dazzling displays of craftsmanship; fine textiles, beads, minerals, intricate works of carpentry, and ceramics abounded at every turn. This resplendent marketplace, which burst forth with life and unapologetic vibrance, was a pleasant consequence of Agave Street's location, being only a hop, skip, and a jump away from the crown jewel of the district.

Navigating the endless maze of stalls, Nick could sense the wrath of the desert sun beating down upon him. As much as he loved his police uniform, tailored to show a hint of a muscular build beneath his fur, the dark, woven material was terribly suited for the arid climate of Sahara Square. It wasn't long until the growing urge to pant came creeping through his body, forcing him to roll up his sleeves and loosen the tie around his neck. Was it unprofessional? Maybe. Was it a small price to pay for not bursting into flames? Absolutely.

Suddenly, the vulpine's attention snapped behind him as he felt something tug firmly against his tail. Nick spun himself around, following the sound of giggles and high-pitched squealing as he struggled to see what was clinging to him.

"Benjamin Treble! You release that officer's tail this instant!"

Emerging from an adjacent stall, a young rabbit with speckled ears sped to Nick's side, her voice chastising as she glanced sternly to the kit behind him. Seeing her approach, Nick stopped pivoting, his expression shifting from confusion to amusement as he finally caught sight of the tiny rabbit holding fast to his caudal appendage.

"Oh it's alright. I think I've taken a liking to this little accessory here. Very fashionable indeed."

Nick wagged his tail gently, prompting a high-pitched, "Weeeeee!" from the kit as he swayed about.

"In that case, I'll let you take him for free. This little demon is quite the handful." She laughed softly, plucking the kit into her arms effortlessly despite his squirms and protests. "Seriously though, excuse my little brother. We've been trying to teach him that not every animal with a tail is a jungle gym."

He waved his paw. "Don't sweat it. Who knows, with such an adventurous temperament, he could make for good police officer one day." Nick winked, prompting a bright grin from the child.

The young lagomorph laughed, lifting her straw hat out of her eyes as she put forward her paw. "Daisy Treble, from Treble Family Farms. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, mister…?"

"Wilde. Nick Wilde." Nick smiled as he took her hand and shook it.

As he introduced himself, he was surprised to see another bunny emerging cautiously from the same stall. She watched the fox with a timid disposition as she approached, whisking the child into her embrace before retreating hastily without a word. Strange.

"Erm… Is everything okay?" Nick asked, his ears dropping.

"Oh. Yeah." Daisy rubbed her neck, embarrassed. "I should apologize for my family. This is their first time in Zootopia. Being from Bunnyburrow, sometimes they get a little jumpy around predators. I hope they didn't offend you."

Nick watched the group of rabbits huddled in the booth with skepticism, and they did the same to him. He could sense the unease in their expressions and in the way they stood, fidgeting with their paws, and whispering amongst themselves without breaking eye contact.

"Not at all." Nick replied after a few moments. "But if it's worth anything, your family has nothing to be afraid of. I assure you, Zootopia is a wonderful city with wonderful inhabitants, predators included."

"That's what I keep telling them." She sighed, a trace of annoyance in her voice. "One day they will come around though. They have to if I make it through ZPA training."

"Wait a minute… You're attending the Zootopia Police Academy?"

"Mhm!" She nodded eagerly. "It's funny you brought up becoming a police officer earlier. I actually received my acceptance letter a few months ago, and my classes begin in July."

Nick hooked a thumb into his duty belt, studying her with astonishment. "That's an incredible achievement, Ms. Treble. Congratulations." He replied, an impressed grin playing on his lips.

"And I'm not the only one! Two of my classmates were accepted alongside me!" Daisy continued, beaming. "Of course, none of it would be possible without Officer Hopps. She proved that we bunnies can achieve so much more than just farming and… well… multiplying. For that, she will always be my hero."

"She really is amazing." The fox replied, nodding in agreement with her words. "Judy is an outstanding officer; dare I say, the very best among us. But she's also humble. And I hate to say that for as hard as she works, Hopps doesn't always realize the impact she's had on the those inspired by her."

"Hmm… Well, maybe you can help to change that." Daisy spoke softly, rolling a delicate beaded bracelet off of her wrist. Its color was a glossy carbon silver, with the largest bead reflecting the insignia of the ZPD with the words: 'Trust, Integrity, Bravery'.

"You work at the ZPD… If it isn't too much trouble, would you be willing to give this to her?" She offered the accessory to the fox, holding it out with a beseeching smile. "It's a small token of appreciation for everything's she's done to inspire me. Then after I finish the academy, I can thank her in person."

Nick took the bracelet carefully in his palm. As he examined it, he could see in the young lagomorph the same determination and drive that Judy possessed when he first met her. A genuine calling to make the world a better place.

"Sure, Daisy. I think I can do that." He replied, his voice affirming as he tucked the band into his shirt pocket. "Best of luck with your training this summer. I know you'll do great."

The bunny's face lit up at his words, her long, speckled ears standing atop her head in a way that reminded him of his partner. "I'll do my best, I promise. Thank you, Officer Wilde."

"Don't mention it." The vulpine gave a small wink. "Take care, future cadet. I'll be keeping my eye out for you at the station in the coming years."

Before resuming his walk, Nick took a brief pause at the Treble Family booth, where the rest of Daisy's relatives had gathered into a nervous heap. Undaunted, the fox pressed a crisp twenty-dollar bill onto the tabletop.

"Just a donation. Consider it a sort of 'Welcome to Zootopia' from yours truly."

But to Nick's bewilderment, not a single bunny attempted to touch his offering. The group simply watched him in bated silence, their eyes like saucers as he stood before them. Even little Benjamin, whose infectious laughter and lively behavior had caught his attention in the first place, appeared frightened in the arms of his mother.

The vulpine rubbed his neck. Perhaps he had overstayed his welcome. "Uh… Well, I hope you all have a good evening. Take care."

Nick backed away from the booth, his eyes lingering over their reactions as he retreated into the market with a bizarre shiver that made his blood run cold. This was far from his first unsavory encounter with prejudiced mammals; the majority projecting a combination of anger and insecurity. But something about the Treble family, and the uncanny way they detached themselves from all interaction with the fox felt particularly unnatural.

Whatever the case, his pleasant conversation with Daisy more than made up for her relatives' social ineptitudes. The handmade ZPD bracelet was also a kind gesture. If anything, Nick figured he could use it to lighten the air when he met Judy again. Hopefully then she would be willing to open up to him about her earlier reservations.

After a short hike, Nick found himself passing into the vast shadow of the hotel. Leagues above him, hundreds of building-sized palm leaves projected into the sky like beacons, bending the sunlight wrapping through them and commanding admiration for miles around.

"Officer Wilde. Precinct one."

He flashed his badge to the gate staff as he passed, moving through the security checkpoint swiftly so as not to draw any unwanted attention from Commander Raiona. For all Nick cared, that woman could go play hopscotch in a minefield, seeing as her only concern was to try and get him and his partner fired. Aneska too, that miserable goat.

But maybe, just maybe, if he kept a low profile and his tail between his legs, the lioness would be less inclined to rip his head off.

How wrong he was.

Like a shark sensing blood in the water, the feline was upon him in a matter of seconds. And as usual, she seemed stupendously pissed off for no apparent reason.

"You've got a lot of nerve slinking your way back onto my scene after that debacle with our guest yesterday, fox." She hissed, her long tail lashing as she towered over him.

Nick stood his ground, unfazed.

"Nice to see you too, commander." He replied, giving a half-hearted salute. "And please, do try to contain your overwhelming enthusiasm, you're making me blush."

The lioness clenched her fists, her knuckles cracking under the stress of her anger.

"Is this some kind of a joke to you? You think you can just waltz in here like you own the place and mouth off to whoever you want?"

"Darling, I just got here." Nick rolled his eyes. "And last I checked, I've done nothing but follow your orders. Well, aside from relinquishing this assignment. Though I'm sure you can forgive my objections there."

A low growl rumbled in Raiona's throat in response, her expression seething with such resentment that he half expected to see flames shooting from her nostrils.

"Remind me to throttle the genius that greenlit your induction into the ZPD." She muttered bitterly, pulling a clipboard into view.

"Aww, don't be like that, Princess Nala. My poor little heart can't take it."

"Shut your mouth, Wilde. Or I swear to God, I will shut it for you."

"As you wish, commander." Nick replied, the corners of his mouth twitching as he swallowed a chuckle. "Why don't you just point me to Officer Hopps so I can be out of your fur."

The lioness narrowed her eyes. "You mean she's not with you?"

At that moment, Nick's smile faded, and the meticulously constructed facade of sarcasm and nonchalance drained from his expression. She wasn't here? Judy never skipped out on her assignments, ever. So to hear that she hadn't yet arrived sent a bolt of worry racing through his mind. And after their strange farewell in the morning, Nick didn't feel especially confident about what that meant.

Raiona scoffed apathetically at his confusion, returning to her clipboard. "…Whatever. One less fledgling cop to keep track of."

The fox ignored her insult, his emerald eyes falling to the sandy ground on which he stood. Perhaps there was a small chance Judy was stuck in traffic. Or, maybe she was investing more time into her case. But without a means to contact her, Nick couldn't be certain. For now he could only hope, despite knowing the likelihood of her simply dropping off the face of the planet was probably higher than both of those things.

"You're on door duty. Floor number 70." The feline continued, pursuing her notes as she flipped through them. "Should be easy enough to handle; that is, if you can restrain yourself from breaching the entrance this time."

Nick couldn't find it in himself to reply with a witty remark. He simply nodded, sighing through his confliction as he stepped towards the hotel.

"Hold it, Wilde." Raiona barked, her eyes converging on the vulpine as he attempted to leave. "The box. Give it here."

Nick looked down. He'd nearly forgotten about the orchid, still nestled inconspicuously between his arms.

"It's a gift, commander. Nothing more."

"—And also a security hazard." She growled, extending an open palm with demanding intent. "I'm not going to ask again."

Nick stood there for a few moments, exchanging reluctant glances between the lioness and his parcel. Maybe he could make a mad dash for the hotel? A minor insubordination charge would be miles better than allowing Raiona to encroach on his personal affairs. But after some contemplation, Nick let out a defeated groan, a mix of uncertainty and disdain playing on his expression as he gave up the box to her.

"Please, be careful. It's fragile."

The feline promptly ignored his warning, plucking the package into her grasp. She unsheathed a single claw on her index finger, drawing it lackadaisically across the opening before peering inside.

Seeing the orchid appeared to almost stun her, fracturing her bravado if for only a second, and causing the commander's hard gaze to soften.

"Well, isn't this just delightful." She said, chuckling lightly. "You know, I suspected you were something of a Casanova, Wilde. But this is bold, even for my tastes.

"Yeah well, I hate to break it to you sweetheart, but the orchid's not for you."

"You'd be paying a visit to the nearest ER if it was." She retorted, quickly reassuming her venomous disposition. "And seeing as little Ms. Fleetfoot has abandoned you, I'm guessing this lovely rosette is for none other than… Gazelle?"

Nick's jaw hung open slightly at the feline's deduction. First Mrs. Otterton, now this? What was it about this orchid that insisted on giving him away?

"Gazelle? Pfft… Now you're the one making jokes." He laughed, shaking his head from side to side. "Nah, she's out of my league. And a little high-toned for my taste if I'm honest."

Raiona's lips curled into a sardonic grin. "I'll be damned… It is for Gazelle, isn't it." She snickered lowly, clearly unconvinced by his denegation. "Well, color me surprised! Glad to know they don't call you 'Wilde' for nothing. Hell, I'll even play along with your little fantasy, just so I can see your reaction after you find out she's gotten down with each and every one of her background dancers."

Nick glowered, unwilling to entertain the feline's unsavory remark. "May I have the flower back, commander?"

"Sure, lover boy." She tossed the package back to him, causing the fox to jump as he snatched it out of the air. "Just don't get too comfortable. You got lucky with Gazelle the first time, but if you so much as stick a single hair out of line on my watch, your ass is grass. Got it?"

The fox bit his tongue, nodding in restrained silence.

"Good. Get out of my sight."

Several long, monotonous hours came and went with Nick standing guard on the hotel's 70th floor. Filtering through the wide windows fringing the room, the sloping walls and floors of the sky lobby were ignited in a brilliant red light, practically aflame as the desert sun sank ever closer to the horizon.

Unlike the rest of the Palm, the topmost floor of the building was private and could only be accessed with a special elevator key. The lobby itself was minimalist in design, housing a few infrequently placed sofas, coffee tables, and a decorative waterfall, all centered across from the doors to the penthouse suite. Carved from solid ironwood and requiring yet another set of keys to open, Nick couldn't help but feel somewhat redundant guarding an entrance that could likely withstand a nuclear blast.

Regardless, the panoramic views of the city and the knowledge that Gazelle could come or go at any moment kept his thoughts busy while he paced about the room. As he walked, Nick's attention settled upon one of the coffee tables, where a small look lay quietly atop its sleek glass surface.

Weird. He hadn't noticed anything there before. Nick glanced around the lobby curiously, checking over both shoulders to confirm that he was indeed alone.

Surely it wouldn't hurt to take a closer look… The fox had nothing better to do, after all.

After some contemplation, Nick slipped onto the sofa, placing the orchid on the table before lifting the book into his paws and inspecting the cover.

Cien años de soledad. By Giraffriel García Márquez. The fox played with the unfamiliar syllables as he ran them through his mouth, grinning softly as he tried over and over again to sound as fluent as the popstar when she spoke. The book itself was heavy, weighted by what felt to be hundreds of pages between the binding. As he slowly thumbed through them, his eyes wandering through innumerable lines of a language he did not know, Nick suddenly found himself longing to understand the bearings and intentions of each word; a desire to comprehend a long distant story inscribed of Gazelle's native tongue. He knew enough from his conversations to translate a few scarce words within the text, but he would have to dedicate many hours of practice to truly grasp the grand idea.

Perusing further, Nick was surprised to discover a small inscription in the back of the book written in black pen:

To my guardian angel, who showed me light in my darkest time. Thank you for believing in me. ~Gazelle

"What are you doing with my book, fox?"

Nick let out a yelp of alarm, slamming the novel shut as he whirled around. There, he saw the elderly caprine staring at him, a disdainful lour contorted across her features.

"Aneska! W-what a pleasant surpr—"

"—Ms. Sinclair." She interrupted the fox as she ambled to his side, tugging the book from his fingers before placing it under her arm. "You predators really are entitled, thinking you can just rub your grubby paws on whatever you'd like. It's quite repulsive if I may say so."

You predators? Nick had to fight the urge to roll his eyes. "Uh… Sure. I had no way of knowing the book was yours. But please, accept my sincerest apology, Ms. Sinclair." He forced a grin, exuding the same level of enthusiasm as someone who just drove their toe through a wall.

The ibex huffed, narrowing her eyes on the vulpine as she adjusted her blazer. "How did you even get up here anyway? You do know this lobby is private access, right?"

"Private, and secure." Nick replied, briefly displaying the elevator key from his pocket.

"Geez. What is this city coming to…" She grimaced, as though the sight caused her great physical anguish. "Have we lowered our standards so much that this is the best protection we can afford our cultural icons?"

"Your vote of confidence is much appreciated, Ms. Sinclair. But I think I'll manage."

"You best hope so. Because so far, I'm not impressed."

That makes two of us. Nick stifled a groan. "I'm sorry to hear that."

"And that's another thing." She growled, poking his chest with her index finger. "Your attitude is utterly insalutary. Didn't your mother ever teach you to give respect where it's due?"

Hearing his mother's name on Aneska's tongue made the fox's fur bristle with a subtle rage he hadn't felt in years. With a comment like that, the only thing Nick felt compelled to give her was a one-way flight off the top of the Palm.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you." He replied lowly.

"You ought to be." She hissed, turning her back to him as she approached the elevator. "And keep away from Gazelle. I mean it. The last thing my client needs right now is a distraction from someone like you."

"Ma'am, I'm only here to carry out my security detail. Nothing more, nothing less."

If only she knew.

"Good. Otherwise you would force my hand." She said ominously, stepping onto the elevator as its large golden doors moved open. "—And believe me, we wouldn't want that, right?"

"Mhm."

Was that a threat? Nick could practically feel the venom dripping from her words, but he simply nodded again, unwilling to contribute anything further to the conversation. The caprine's presence was making him ill.

"Then we have a mutual understanding." She smiled crookedly, stroking her goatee as the doors slid shut. "I will be seeing you… Or not. Toodaloo."

Nick stood there in his lonesome for a short while, trying to make sense of the conversation he just had. Was there something in the water he didn't know about? Because it certainly seemed as though everyone in Sahara Square had some sort of vendetta against him today.

The fox grumbled, slumping down on the sofa again.

"Oh, you predators think you can just rub your grubby paws on everything, don't you?" Nick spoke mockingly, imitating the ibex's raspy voice. "Why yes, Aneska, as a matter of fact…" He, proceeded to grip indiscriminately at the chair and the table around him, muttering heatedly.

His expression of frustration was cursory however, dissipating at the sensation of his phone vibrating against his thigh. He removed it cautiously, his ears shooting skyward at the sight of the familiar number that flashed across the screen:

Are you coming in?

Nick's attention swiveled to the massive doors behind him, training on the long electronic hum ringing out from the locking mechanism as it slid open. He exchanged a series of rapid glances between the penthouse entrance and his device, an excited grin forming across his muzzle as he realized what the short text was asking of him.

Despite Commander Raiona's strict instructions to adhere to his post at all times, the fox felt duty bound to stick it to Aneska after her stern warning to keep away from the singer. Besides, the way he saw it, he could guard Gazelle more effectively from the inside of her suite anyway.

With a surge of determination, Nick swiftly pocketed his phone and approached the massive doors, their weight and grandeur imposing. He held the orchid tenderly under his arm, bracing himself as he pushed his palm against the cool, textured surface of the ironwood. The resistance gave way as the doors swung open, revealing the opulent sanctuary that lay beyond.

The soft light of the setting sun cast an ethereal glow, illuminating the spacious suite that spanned the entire circular trunk of the Palm. The delicate scent of the singer's perfume lingered in the air, adding to the enchantment of the place as Nick explored his surroundings. From the open balcony, light refracted through dozens of waterfalls, streams, and oasis pools flowing throughout the room, scattering reflections across the ceiling in a serene, unending dance. He noticed an enormous grand piano situated prominently amidst the verdure, its glossy black surface adorned with countless pages of crumpled sheet music, notes, and drafts overflowing with lyrics and other unrealized ideas. Behind it, a large hot tub had been built into the balcony, and an old telescope stood next to it.

"It is a very elegant space, sí?"

Nick's gaze swept across the room, instantly connecting with Gazelle's fierce, golden eyes.

"It's breathtaking." He replied, an uncontrolled grin playing on his lips.

The popstar giggled softly, straightening her posture against the bed, which was draped with a lavish canopy interwoven with the flora lining the walls. An acoustic guitar lay across her legs, her hooves still pressed against the fretboard as she cradled the instrument in her capable embrace.

"I hope Aneska didn't cause you too much trouble on her way out." Gazelle said, her ears fluttering. "She can be difficult, especially approaching performances."

"Lovely miss Aneska?" The fox laughed and waved his paw. "'Hardly even noticed her. She must've been in a cheery mood today."

"You're such a liar." She snickered, adjusting the tuning keys absentmindedly between her fingers as she looked at him. "By the way, what are you holding in your hands?"

Nick instinctually clutched the box to his torso, a sheepish grin flickering across his muzzle. "Oh… This little thing? It's my secret weapon."

The popstar raised an eyebrow. "En serio? And what does this 'secret weapon' of yours do?"

"That's the thing… I'm not so sure yet." He rubbed his neck. "With luck, maybe something really special. I'm hoping to find out soon."

"Oooo, so mysterious." Gazelle stifled a laugh, rotating her legs off the mattress as she placed the guitar gently back into its case.

As she did so, Nick could see how her outfit, which consisted of a bright yellow crop top, cutoff denim shorts, and ankle strap heels, fit snuggly to her form, revealing her toned, cream-colored abdomen and shapely legs.

Gazelle must've caught him staring at her. She smirked at the fox, a hint of mischief flashing through her eyes as she stood. "You like what you see?"

Nick could sense a familiar warmth flushing through his face at the question. But unlike before, this blush didn't come as a result of embarrassment or subtle diffidence. Here and now, his voice conveyed confidence as he looked upon the musical icon, his intentions firm.

He shook his head. "No. I love what I see. I don't know how, but every time we meet, I find myself even more captivated by your beauty than the last."

Now it was the singer's turn to blush, her own avidity made briefly apparent by the light fur lining her cheekbones.

"Dios, you flatter me, Nick." She spoke softly, pushing a lock of golden hair out of her eyes as she stepped towards him. "Though, I would be lying if I couldn't say something similar for you."

"Yeah?" The fox replied, his tail beginning to sway as the singer closed the distance between them. "How so?"

"Well… I didn't say it before, but I really like how your ZPD uniform suits you." Gazelle smiled, studying his attire with an intimate attention to detail. She strolled around him, resting a hoof on her waist as she drew her touch lightly against his shoulder. "The dark color is a wonderful compliment to your fur. And now that I see it closer, the way it accentuates your best attributes makes it very… handsome."

"I wasn't aware you had a penchant for mammals in uniforms." Nick said, straightening his posture despite the fluttering in his chest.

"Mmm… It's not that." Gazelle replied, bringing herself to face the fox with her palms rested tenderly upon his chest. "Without the charm of the wearer underneath, something tells me this uniform wouldn't grip me so much as it does now."

Nick's tail wagged even faster, a delightful shiver rushing through his body at the singer's flirtatious words and affectionate touch. "And what do you hope to find in the wearer of this uniform, Gazelle?" He questioned, his heart racing.

The popstar simply grinned, her eyes shining with unflinching intensity. "With luck, maybe something special. I'm hoping to find out soon."

She tapped the fox's nose lightly with her hoof, smirking and swaying her hips teasingly as she strutted away from him. He blinked his eyes for a moment, following the singer eagerly as she approached a large dresser next to the bed.

"You never replied to my texts earlier, you know." Gazelle said, bending over as she sifted through the drawers. "You received them, sí?"

"Er— Absolutely." Nick answered, his eyes focusing on the entrancing movement of the singer's tail. "I just wasn't in a good place to respond, sorry."

"It's no worry, Nicholas. What I mean to ask is, did you see what I wrote? About returning the favor?" She straightened her posture, bringing a Preyda handbag into view as she looked at the fox curiously.

"Yes. Every word." He replied, his voice filled with conviction.

Gazelle smiled warmly at the fox's response, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she brought the bag up to her forearm. "Then, if you will allow me to, I would like to show you something. But only if you are free. I don't want to interfere with your priorities here."

Nick moved to the singer's side, his reassuring grin reflecting all the fondness in the world.

"As far as I am concerned, my sole priority is you, Gazelle." He reached out, embracing her hoof tenderly between his fingers. "Wherever you lead, your escort will follow. Side by side; Hand in hand."

Gazelle bit the corner of her lip, appearing almost dazed by the words she was hearing from the fox. After a moment she gently squeezed his paw, an alluring expression flashing across her features. "Then follow me, zorro." She whispered softly, leading him by the hand as they exited the suite and entered the elevator.

As they ascended through the top of the building, soaring past the prominent golden palms on the exterior structure, Nick couldn't help but to wonder what exactly the popstar had planned for him. He could hear an indistinct whirring growing louder and louder with each meter gained, the sound slicing through the air with intensity that amplified the anticipation thrumming though his veins. Suddenly, an electrifying realization jolted through the fox's mind, his ears perking as he sensed what could be awaiting them on the rooftop above.

"Gazelle… Are we…"

The singer simply nodded, a mischievous grin playing on her lips.

"I hope you're not afraid of heights."