Hello! I'm back from the dead again, and with another update to boot!
After 1.5 years, we've finally reached chapter ten! Thank you to everyone who's read, followed, and favorited up to this point, and especially to those fans who take the time to review and critique my work. My motivation to continue this story persists largely because of you.
On to the replies!
-Trebor1982: Told you I was bringing that spice! Yes, there were many occasions where the kiss between them could've happened, but in the interest of maximizing romantic tension, I wanted to save it for the end. As you guessed, Nick might be in for a chastising upon his return, but luckily for both him and me, that is a problem for later ;). Thanks for the review!
-Guest: Wow! This review is so amazing that I have trouble deciding where to start! I'm so glad you feel I've depicted the progression of Nick and Gazelle's relationship in a natural and realistic way. I sometimes wonder if I'm moving too quickly, so reading that comment was just perfect. The pool scene was interesting for me, as capturing a nice balance between playful nothings and profound confessions was tricky, but simultaneously enjoyable. I didn't know you were a musician! How wonderful. I originally had a comedic, far less impactful exchange between Nick and Gazelle before I replaced it with that piano scene, so I'm elated you and some other readers took a liking to this decision. As you predicted, the repercussions of this crazy relationship will be insane when word finally gets around, putting our duo in some truly unique and challenging circumstances. Let's hope they can navigate them with love, and with grace. Your comments are delightful to read, as per usual. Thanks again, and I hope to see you in the next chapter.
-Cerberusx: That's a very creative idea, having Gazelle record a video to get Nick off the hook with his superiors. I haven't entirely figured out how Bogo or Clawhauser will react to the news of this relationship, but it's something I'm eager to dive into in the coming months. Also, in case you missed my initial PM to your question, Gazelle's name is simply "Gazelle" as confirmed in an interview with co-director Rich Moore. That's not to say I won't take liberties with it later, I just haven't decided to yet. Also, Gazelle will get her flower in due time ;). Thanks as always for the review, and it was nice seeing you on "An Angel with Horns: Archangel"!
-Prismatic Floof: Thank you! If you ended up reading the Archangel spin-off, I think you already know that your guess was on point. I will of course try to bring the next chapter sooner than later, but this final semester is going to be one heck of a slog.
-Spirallira17: They are finally a couple! And someone else noticed Nick's strange reaction to the photographs! Congrats on your astute attention to details that will be important later on. No worries if the explicit spin-off isn't your thing. Thank you for reading here, your input is always valued.
-Zaeva: I'm happy you liked the piano scene. While I would certainly include additional songs to capture Nick's various states of mind, it would probably take a very long time to write. Detroit Become Human is a great game though, and the hopeful option is my favorite as well.
-A5TRON4UTA: I am moved every time I read this review. Seriously, this single comment probably inspired at least ten more chapters out of this story. Without repeating everything I said in my PM to you, I want to thank you again for the constant support and wonderful insight you never cease to provide. I am profoundly honored you would deem AAWH your favorite story in the Zootopia fandom, and I will do everything I can to continue to earn that accolade. Some more plot specific replies: So glad you liked Andrés! Despite his brief role in the last chapter, the jaguar's relationship with the singer carries more significance than initially meets the eye. On the same note, you took interest in Gazelle's past, her family, and the mysterious events that led to her being all alone. I love to see you following and commenting on this trail of breadcrumbs, because even though you may not realize it, your speculations do give me certain ideas for where I want to take this subplot later on. Additionally, I'm so happy to hear you felt some magic in my first true attempt at romance. I assure you, there will be much more to come, along with more drama, action, and suspense as part of the rising action. And you caught the "Ojos Así" reference! Just perfect.
-Cleveland: Hah! Way ahead of you pal. Don't worry, Nick and Gazelle will have several marks to evidence their activities in the next chapter. Stay tuned!
*Special thanks to WarOfRights99 for beta reading this chapter!*
As always, please enjoy this chapter and I'll see you on the next one! -Wilde
Chapter X
~Creatures of The Night~
-11:30 PM, Savanna Central-
The smell of spent tobacco and cleaning products stung Judy's nose as she waded through the shoegaze melody of that dimly lit barroom. The dense soundscape coursed through her bones like a riptide on the sea, beautiful, swirling, and violent. Blue neon lights fluttered overhead, buzzing, and blinking against cocktail glasses like fireflies on a moonless night, guiding her deeper into the frosty glow.
As she walked, she passed by a moose splayed out on the bar top; six drinks shifted about him with a seventh still in hand. Two leopards dragged on cigarettes near the billiards table, handling their cue sticks like sniper rifles as they tried to sink the perfect bank shot. And in the booths a young vixen waited, sipping quietly at her lipstick-stained cosmopolitan.
Judy placed herself away from the other patrons as best she could, leaping onto a vacant stool near the entrance and resting her forearms against the lacquered crosspiece.
"Я могу вам помочь?"
The lagomorph jumped slightly; ears flagged atop her head as she faced those strange, foreign-sounding syllables. They belonged to none other than the bartender, a towering silver mare with eyes of iron, and an icy mane that flowed across her features like a glacier.
"Er— Come again?"
"Oo, my apologies dear!" The equine exclaimed, hastily correcting to the bunny's language. "Welcome to Midnight Mirage! May I get you anything to drink?"
The distinct inflection of the mare's voice instantly reminded Judy of the Purrussian spies she'd seen in GoldenPaw, with accents as harsh and spellbinding as the characters themselves.
"Not tonight, thanks," Judy waved her paw with an awkward chortle. "Actually, I was wondering if I could use your phone, if it's not too much trouble."
"You only wish to make call...?"
The bartender cocked her head to one side, and the lagomorph nodded.
"Please. It's important."
The mare threaded an index finger through one of the steel loops dangling from her ears as she appeared to contemplate the lagomorph's request. Her tail swayed behind her; long and whiplike as it mingled with the floor.
"Okay. But I give you drink after, Да?"
In all honesty, Judy really didn't feel like drinking. She drowned her sorrows in work. Never alcohol. But then again, she did just waltz into a bar and ask to use their phone. It would be rude to refuse outright.
"Uh, Sure, da!" Judy said, faking enthusiasm. "One drink."
The bartender smirked, typing in the passcode to her cellphone as quickly as she had it twirled into her palm.
"For you."
"Thank you," The lagomorph replied as she accepted the device in her grasp. Soon she had it pressed to her ear, with fingers tapped nervously against the bar top. She waited for the electronic whirring to transition to voicemail as it nearly always did when she called the fox.
"Heyyy, you've reached Nick Wilde's personal. If this is carrots calling, keep it up, you'll definitely get me on the next one. Everyone else, leave it at the beep."
Judy took a slow breath.
"Hey Nick, it's Judy. I uh… I'm sorry for buzzing you so late. This is the first working phone I've had all day."
The bunny's tone was soft, carried on words devoid of her signature vivacity.
"The magistrate denied our warrant. They said the recording I took constituted search without probable cause, which is… nonsense. I'll fill you in on the details later, but I thought I should let you know."
She rubbed her neck, pausing for a brief moment as she considered her next few words.
"Listen… About earlier… I'm sorry for leaving you in the rainforest district. That wasn't right, and you deserve an apology for it," She sighed, her voice barely above a whisper. "But there are some things that came up. Things we need to talk about face to face. It's important."
Judy could sense the emotion welling in her chest as she spoke. Even the thought of having that conversation with her partner elicited a pang of dread strong enough to make her nose twitch.
"So, I hope I'll find you at the station tomorrow. Have a good evening, Nick. Wherever you are."
With a flick of her finger and a small gasp of relief, the lagomorph ended the call. Her ears sagged against her neck, practically drained of life.
"You are okay?"
Judy glanced up quickly, connecting yet again with the friendly, albeit concerned gaze of the equine staring down at her.
"Yeah! Totally," Judy replied reassuringly, returning the phone, and beaming a little stronger than she should have. "Thanks again."
"The pleasure is mine. Anything for Judy Hopps."
"Aheh… You know me?"
"Dear, who in Zootopia does not know Judy Hopps? You are like superstar on the police force, no?"
The bunny laughed weakly. "Well 'superstar' might be a tiny stretch, but still I appreciate the compliment, ma'am."
"Call me Adele!" The mare exclaimed, nodding amiably, and leaning against the glass rail with her palms. "And don't think I forget the drink for you. Tell me, what is your poison?"
Judy shrugged. "Oh, I wouldn't know. What do you recommend?"
"Mmm… For you? I say night howler cocktail. Gin, Dolin blanc vermouth, Crème de violette, lemon juice, and grape syrup. Have one too many, and perhaps you go savage! Xexexe."
The joke evoked the smallest of smirks on Judy's lips. It was an awfully creative moniker, after all.
"Sounds like it packs quite a punch. How much?"
Adele waved her hand dismissively. "Is not necessary dear. For Judy Hopps, drink is on the house."
"Come on now, I wouldn't feel right if I didn't."
"Nonsense! Consider it as gesture of kindness for saving whole city."
Judy rolled her eyes, helpless to stop that begrudging smile from growing more pronounced on her features.
"Buy one for yourself then," The bunny insisted, slipping a ten-dollar bill onto the crosspiece. "I've never been much of a solitary drinker anyway."
"Xa! You twist my arm," Adele laughed, accepting the donation with a defeated, yet amused expression. "Though, I may settle for martini. Yours is a little sweet for my taste."
"That's only fair."
Judy allowed herself to lean into the bar top, and to breathe a little easier. She watched as Adele worked, carefully measuring and combining each potent ingredient in a shaker with the skill and grace of a chemist in a laboratory. With a twist and a few gravity-defying flips, the equine tossed the container between her hooves, straining that purplish-blue concoction into a chilled coupe glass.
Soon the lagomorph had it between her paws, but not before Adele could garnish it with a "night howler" made from a freshly cleft violet.
"Sweet cheese and crackers," Judy gasped, stunned by the uncanny resemblance of the liquid. "It actually looks like night howler serum!"
"Perhaps it tastes like it too." Adele snickered at the bunny's remark, brushing some hair from her eyes as she poured her own drink into a martini glass; Distilled vodka, finished with an olive skewer.
"Будем здоровы! Or as they say here, cheers!" The mare grinned, raising the glass to her counterpart.
Judy nodded with a smile, returning the gesture as she took the cocktail past her lips. The equine did the same.
As advertised, the "night howler" had a mean kick to it, though significantly tempered by the delicate flavor of the Crème de Violette, acidity of the lemon juice, and candy-like sweetness of the grape syrup.
"Woah," the lagomorph huffed, feeling her ears levitating as a bristling numbness swept into her extremities. "This is dangerous."
"Then it is perfect drink for Judy Hopps! Just like Gazelle, you must try everything, right?"
"Hmm. Yeah, just like Gazelle." Judy murmured as she swilled her cocktail, compulsively downing two, three gulps from her glass.
Adele's tail lashed behind her excitedly as she placed her martini on the glass rail. "Also, you must excuse my curiosity. You never said what brings you here tonight."
"I needed to use your phone, remember?" The lagomorph flashed an innocent smile.
"Да. It is just… Odd to see you choose bar at this hour. There is no other reason?"
Judy hesitated for a moment, her ears twitching as she considered how much to reveal. She didn't want to get into the details of her recent struggles, but she also didn't want to be evasive with Adele, who had been so kind to her.
"I guess I needed a moment to clear my head. Work has been… challenging. Among other things, lately," Judy replied, choosing her words carefully. "So I just… walked. Eventually I found your bar and, well, you know the rest."
"I see," The equine said, nodding her head understandingly. "If it means anything, you are always welcome, dear. Sometimes good drink and someone to talk to can work wonders for the soul."
Judy smiled appreciatively at Adele's words. She was starting to warm up to the bartender, finding her to be a genuinely friendly and caring individual.
"Thank you, Adele. That means a lot."
The mare nodded, grinning. "Of course. It is nice to finally have another ZPD officer gracing our bar."
Judy cocked her head. "Oh? There are other ZPD officers here?"
Like a whip cracking behind them, the sound of the front door striking the wall cut through the ambience. Adele's ears pitched through her mane, a brief flicker of annoyance flashing through her expression as she threw up her arms.
"Пиздец! You break door, you buy it, Raiona!"
Hearing that name very nearly caused Judy to spray alcohol through her nostrils. She whirled around on her seat, her stomach plummeting at the sight of that unsavory lioness strolling towards them.
Under the fluorescent glow, the commander looked a far cry from a police officer. The telltale sheen of a black biker jacket and ripped jeans could be made out against her fur, cropped to reveal a defined midriff, and to Judy's complete bewilderment, a titanium piercing floating just above the feline's navel. Her ears were similarly adorned, with several rings looped about her orbitals, and two studs at the eyebrow.
"I missed you too, Bikorn," Raiona sneered, bringing her elbows to the bar top without paying any mind to the wide-eyed lagomorph aside her. "Tell me, how's that freelance artistry side-hustle going for ya?"
"Dear, do you not see me working here? You tell me how it goes."
"Heh. I thought so," The lioness snickered unsympathetically. "You know what they say: money talks. God bless Zootopia."
The equine rolled her eyes. "You are such brute. I don't know why I serve you."
"You serve me," Raiona replied, snapping her credit card assertively against the crosspiece, "because I pay you to. Unlike those lovely patrons of yours."
"Xa. Don't make me laugh, kitty-cat," Adele scoffed as she swapped the feline's payment for a double shot of whiskey. "Maybe you learn manners from Judy Hopps; Actual good customer."
Raiona gave a hearty chuckle, shaking her head as she swung the drink to her lips. "Oh, yeah. Like that lightweight would ever set foot in a dramshop like—"
"Lightweight?" Judy raised an eyebrow.
Hearing that voice, the lioness leapt high enough to strike the ceiling. She spiraled about, her eyes narrowing on that deadly lavender gaze across from her.
"What the hell are you doing here?!" Raiona snarled.
"Me? What are you doing here?!"
"Eh… You two know each other?" Adele probed, grinning awkwardly as she fidgeted with an earring between her thumb and index finger.
"Yeah," Judy grumbled, straining to repress the antipathy in her tone. "She's my boss."
"Oh. My condolences."
"Shut it, Bikorn! Stay out of this!" The feline barked, and without taking her eyes off the bunny. "By the way, where were you today, Hopps? What happened to fighting tooth and nail for your job?"
"What's it to you? I thought you wanted me gone."
The feline scoffed. "I do. Unfortunately, your partner didn't get the same memo. Pawky little bastard couldn't follow the one order I gave him today."
Judy's ears flagged tellingly at that comment. "What are you talking about…"
"No one told you? Your partner, Nick Wilde, ran off hand-in-hand with the goddamn matriarch of Zootopia, that's what."
Raiona lifted her whiskey, slamming that poisonous liquid past her lips with the same indifference to pain as to the lagomorph's stupefaction.
"Sent the entire district into lockdown," She continued. "And now my tail is on the line to find them. So, next time you elect to roll over and die, convince him to do the same, thanks."
Adele's mouth hung open in amazement. "Nick Wilde and Gazelle are missing… together?"
"Yup. Which, as anyone with at least three brain cells can guess, means they're probably shagging it out in some godforsaken corner of the city."
"Hey!" Judy hissed, her eyes smoldering as she stood atop the barstool. "Don't bad mouth my partner right in front of me. You don't know anything about him."
The lioness's retort was blunt. "I know enough. More than you, apparently," She tapped her neck in a signal to Adele for yet another round. "Now sit down. I can't enjoy my drink with you being this cute."
"Don't call me cute."
"Would you prefer 'jealous' instead?"
Judy gnashed her teeth, incredulous. "Jealous? Of whom?"
"Don't play dumb, Hopps," Raiona shot Judy a knowing look.
The lagomorph could sense her paws balling into fists, bewitched by black lightning. Her heart railed against her ribcage, a hellacious timbre edging her to recklessness.
"I am not… Jealous of her."
"Come on now. You might've fooled yourself, but you're not fooling me," The lioness huffed, swirling the renewed contents of her glass. "The writing's on the wall, clear as day. You abandoned your post just as your partner abandoned you. Doesn't take a fuckin' PHD to crack that."
On the sidelines, Adele writhed her hooves in bated silence. Never one to interject in matters that didn't concern her, the equine watched with ears pitched atop her head, her eyes darting between the pair as they warred with each other. She could only pray this would have a peaceful resolution.
"How insightful, coming from the self-pitying, companionless boozehound, whose only friend is the bottle!" Judy lashed out, her entire body trembling with atypical hostility.
"Self-pitying and friendless!" Raiona cried in amusement. "Rich, coming from the bunny who lost her loyal fox to 'miss hips don't lie'. Tell me, how much do you think he really cares about you, Hopps? I'd wager it's a helluvalot less than you think."
"It's a helluvalot more than anyone's ever cared about you, that's for sure."
"Darling, please don't tell me you actually thought you had a chance with Nick. Even if you did, you can bet your little cottontail he won't be batting an eyelash in your direction ever again now that Gazelle's in the picture."
Then, with a goading extension of her arm and a mocking grin, the feline placed a palm on Judy's shoulder.
"But hey, don't beat yourself up! These kinds of things happen inevitably. I mean, what the hell did you expect from a fox?"
That was it. The lioness had found the bunny's line, and she'd crossed it.
Judy lunged for the drink betwixt Raiona's paws. And with a single ferocious motion, she launched it into the commander's face.
Adele clasped her fingers against her muzzle, unable to halt a horrified gasp from seeping through them.
For several spine-chilling moments, there was silence. Raiona sat motionless, her expression sheared between shock and rage as that stinging liquid streamed down her cheeks. She could feel it trickling into her jacket and onto her lap, saturating her. Insulting her.
With a single paw she wiped it out of her gaze, flicking the residual drops onto the floor.
"Well, now you've done it."
The lioness kicked her chair away with a crash, her voice fulminating into a thunderous growl. Judy simply glowered, hardly impressed.
"Okay, okay! That is enough!" Adele cried, rushing to separate the two before they resigned to killing each other. "This is my bar, and I will not tolerate any more fighting!"
The equine waved away some nearby patrons who had been watching the commotion with a mix of amusement and concern to go back to their conversations and activities.
Raiona grumbled but didn't protest, choosing to bite back her bloodlust in the presence of Adele's towering frame.
"Whatever, Hopps… You're not worth the trouble."
The feline's slight fell on deaf ears, or more precisely, a lack of ears to begin with. Judy was already at the door. And she slammed it behind her as she exited.
An offensive stillness hung across the bar, shattered only by the booming voice of Adele, commanding, and uncharacteristically livid.
"What is your problem?!"
Raiona said nothing as she mopped the remaining liquor from her expression. She righted her upended barstool and took a seat.
Adele huffed, returning to her side of the bar with a scolding look plastered across her features. "I know you're miserable, and you're angry. That doesn't give you any right to bully my clients."
"Spare me your attempt to shame, Bikorn," The feline sighed, maybe feeling a little guilty. "You know what she did."
The equine rolled her eyes, as though she had heard this excuse many times. "Judy Hopps was just doing her job! Same as any other officer. You cannot blame her for what happened with your father."
"The hell I can't. To whom else do I owe the destruction of my family? Of my reputation?"
"Dear, you are my friend. But you are pathetic, mean drunk. You let your hatred define you, as though it will not also devour you."
"Good God. When did you become so poetic?" Raiona groaned weakly.
"I mean it. Every night you come into my bar. And every night, I hope it is last time. That I never see you again. For your sake, Raiona. It would make me happiest mammal in whole world."
Hearing the mare's wish, the lioness slumped against the crosspiece. Her ears sunk and her eyes softened, and for perhaps a flicker of an instant, a glimmer of vulnerability shone through that once-impenetrable barrier of vitriol and indifference. A glimmer of weakness.
"I… No. Respectfully, Bikorn, we're not having this conversation. You're not my shrink," She shook her head embarrassedly. "Just give me my whiskey so I can go."
"I can't do that."
"Why the hell not?"
"Because I am tired," Adele growled. "And I refuse to be part of whatever this is any longer."
The mare pointed to the door with an intensity that made the feline flinch.
"Apologize to Judy Hopps, or you're out."
Outiside the Midnight Mirage, Judy settled on the curb, completely and utterly demoralized. Her ears fell across her back, two limp weights to broadcast all the pain in her soul.
It was amazing how, just a few days ago, the lagomorph had enjoyed some of the happiest moments of her life. She had earned the respect of her peers at long last, cementing her right to serve alongside the best precinct one had to offer. In Nick she had a partner she trusted; a loyal confidant, and the fiercest friend she had ever known. With his support, she would bring an entire city to believe in themselves. To believe in each other. To believe in hope.
Now it was Judy who didn't know what to believe. She could sense a looming danger in her investigations; a danger that the ZPD seemed suspiciously willing to ignore. Nick, the dumb fox she cared for with all her life, felt more distant than ever. And to top it off, Raiona just had to kick the bunny while she was down.
Judy swabbed her sleeve gently against her eyes. She shuddered a long, deep breath, reigning in her emotions as she turned her sullen gaze into the night.
"Tomorrow is another day…" She reminded herself, nodding in a self-soothing way.
"Yeah, but it might be worse."
Judy's ears raised in alarm, wholly unaware of the lioness's presence lingering just behind. She stepped from the shadows, and without so much as a word, parked herself beside the bunny.
"Come to finish the job?" the lagomorph huffed, trying to mask the dejection in her voice with defiance.
"No."
Judy didn't believe her. The lioness certainly didn't blame her.
In the field, Raiona was a distinguished tactician. A skilled fighter. A formidable adversary in every sense of the word. Yet, for all her years of commandeering experience, here and now this steely-eyed, no-nonsense, tough-as-nails feline seemed… afraid. She swallowed nervously; a look of deep confliction plastered across her face as she gazed into the pavement.
"I went too far," She relented, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry."
"Hmph."
"Judy… I mean it."
The bunny met her look, surprised at hearing her actual name on the lioness's tongue.
"Why should I believe that?"
"Because I'm asking you to believe it," Raiona said firmly, before adding with a hint of resignation, "—And because Bikorn will tear my limbs off if I don't make amends."
Judy couldn't help but let out a small, wry laugh at her candidness. "So that's why you're out here then? Adele's gonna cut you off?"
"That's part of it," The lioness gave a begrudging nod. "She also told me I was a pathetic drunk."
At this admission, Raiona's ears fell flat, postured defensively against her skull like two flags to turmoil and woe.
"'Called me a mean, miserable drunk; blinded by hatred…" She continued. "And she's right. I am all of those things."
The lagomorph stared at Raiona with astonishment. She could see the same gravity in the feline's appearance as carried in her tone. Her long, whip-like tail lay coiled on the ground, lifeless, as if to evidence wounds inflicted by her own confession. Here, there would be no witty remark; no sardonic follow-up to allay her shame.
"So… why do you hate so much?" Judy asked, her voice divided between caution and curiosity.
"You know, with you being the ZPD's star detective and all, I'm surprised you haven't already pieced it together."
Raiona slipped a paw into her jacket. When she brought it back, a metal badge lay in her palm, scuffed, and weathered like the officer to whom it belonged. She held that emblem for a few moments, quietly debating.
Then with a shallow huff, she thrusted it into Judy's paws, instructing her simply, "Read."
The lagomorph didn't know what game the lioness was playing at. She turned her lavender eyes downward, venturing a skeptical glance at the gold-plated insignia between her fingers.
She immediately recognized the words 'Trust, Integrity, Bravery' engraved about a star symbol; the three essential tenets of the ZPD. And just below this was a formal inscription of the officer's name. An inscription that, as she began to utter it, caused the bunny to freeze.
"Go on," The lioness conceded. "Say it."
Judy steadied her breath, and with trepidation in her tone, verbalized that familiar byname.
"Raiona Y. Lionheart."
Judy looked at the feline, whose sapphire gaze had drifted into the distance; contemplating and cold, shrouded about the rarest glimmer of fragility.
"Raiona, I had no idea—"
"Don't," The lioness halted her, her expression a mix of pain and abnegation. "Now you know why I only use my first name."
She returned the badge to her jacket with a swipe of her paw, as though its concealment would somehow abjure her from all disgrace.
"Mayor Lionheart wasn't the best father, you know. But he was the only father I had… Now, he's facing sixty plus years in the big house for the charges you levied against him."
Judy winced at that punishing number. And though she in no way regretted arresting the former mayor, she couldn't help feeling a small pang of guilt at playing a part in the commander's misery.
"…For a long time, I pretended to believe he had noble intentions for what he did," Raiona continued, her voice tinged with bitterness. "That my dad had some... bullet-proof justification to imprison all those predators. But deep down, I know it's all bullshit. You just happened to be the easiest mammal to blame."
The lioness shook her head, taking a pause to pacify the last shreds of resentment in her words.
"It was his fault. No one else's. The only thing he ever cared about was the ballot. And for that, he's paying the price."
Then, in a voice as soft as it was resolute, the feline insisted, "So, when I tell you I'm sorry, understand that it's the truth. Okay?"
The lagomorph nodded acceptingly, with eyes that finally expressed understanding at the lioness's plight. She was not deluded into thinking they could ever be friends. But Raiona's genuine admission, like an extended olive branch, gave Judy the smallest hope that she could make an ally out of this bitter feline one day.
So she reached out, placing a comforting paw on Raiona's shoulder, at which the lioness's icy exterior seemed to crack.
"Mayor Lionheart was always fair to me. I never had anything personal against him," Judy said softly. "And without his mammal inclusion initiative, I think it's safe to say that my career as a police officer would've never left the ground."
The feline's ears snapped to attention, shocked, and impressed at Judy's mindfulness. She looked onto that bunny she had so fervently believed to be her enemy and smiled.
"Screw the mammal inclusion initiative. You're a good cop, Judy. You earned your place in the ZPD yourself."
"I know I'm a good cop," Judy replied, reciprocating with a grin of her own. "And you are too. Maybe a little rough around the edges. But a good cop."
Raiona snickered, not daring to deny that statement.
"I need a cigarette. You smoke?"
"No, thanks," Judy declined politely. She watched as the lioness snuck a tab from her jacket to her lips, lighting up with a short drag before blowing those curling, toxic fumes into the night.
"So… Nick and Gazelle are really missing?"
Raiona gave a gentle nod. "Yeah. I know I was trying to provoke you back there, Judy. Unfortunately, that part was true."
"Any idea where they went?"
"Not a clue," The feline replied bluntly. "And to be frank, I don't really care. Gazelle is her own mammal. Where she goes and who she goes with is no concern of mine. It is, however, the concern of her manager. So my paws are tied."
"I see…"
The lioness raised a brow, sensing the sorrow returning in Judy's voice.
"You seriously didn't know about them?"
"No… I had my suspicions," The lagomorph replied, sighing as she rubbed her temples. "I just… I didn't want to believe them."
"Why?"
Judy gave a dispirited shrug, feigning ignorance. She wasn't prepared or willing to discuss her affections for Nick in front of Raiona. In front of anyone, for that matter.
Hardly dissuaded, the feline turned her gaze to the stars. For several pensive moments she appeared to choose her words, all the while exhausting the smoke from her nostrils like some dormant, smoldering machine.
"Y'know, when you didn't show up at your post today, Wilde was worried. I could see it in his eyes. In his mannerisms." Raiona's voice was gentle, but firm with intent. "The fox truly cares for you."
Judy couldn't help but feel a glimmer of warmth in hearing that her partner was concerned for her wellbeing.
"Then why would he keep Gazelle a secret from me?" She asked in a voice practically imperceptible.
Raiona sighed, watching her breath form a small cloud in the chilled air. "I don't know. Maybe he felt afraid."
"Pfft. Afraid," Judy scoffed. "What would he possibly be afraid of? We're partners. Two peas in a pod. We're supposed to have each other's backs no matter what. No matter the circumstances."
The lioness shook her head.
"Listen, Hopps. Nick is a clever mammal. But take it from me when I say, he's still a male. And like nearly every male, he probably has the same emotional intelligence as a goddamn cantaloupe."
"Huh?"
With a forceful drag, the lioness finished her cigarette and flicked the butt away. "What I'm saying is, he probably didn't know how to process his own feelings."
The bunny rolled her eyes. "Oh please. How would you know that?"
"Is it so difficult to believe? Hell, put yourself in his position. If you were the one falling for a mega popstar, wouldn't the thought of disappointing, or God forbid, hurting Nick, frighten you? Would you really want to jeopardize your relationship with your partner for someone you only met a few days ago?"
The lagomorph mulled over the feline's words, her arms crossing on themselves as she considered the outlandish scenario. If Judy ever found herself in a whirlwind relationship, she liked to imagine she would approach the situation with honesty and with grace. But from Nick's perspective, perhaps she could bring herself to understand. Especially if his confliction was rooted in hurting someone he cared about.
"I didn't think so," Raiona huffed. "Here's some time-tested advice. Don't wait. Talk to him."
"I know…" Judy replied meekly, and with a gentle nod. "I will."
"I mean it, Hopps. I've made more than a few mistakes in my life… When you have a relationship worth fighting for, never allow it to slip through your fingertips for something as silly as pride."
Raiona's tone was imploring, and in her gaze, betrayed, a glimmer of a long-forgotten dream. Judy didn't press the issue.
"I won't." She replied, this time with more resolution. "I promise."
That seemed to appease the lioness.
"So… What's the plan now?" Judy asked, quickly changing the subject. "Are you going to continue searching for them?"
"I'll do what I can," Raiona grumbled, fidgeting with the nub of one of her ears. "To be honest, It's a goddamn mess. Aneska Sinclair is raising absolute hell about the palm, and now my higher-ups are instructing me to keep the whole situation quiet. Between both of them, I might just blow my brains out, heh."
Judy rarely entertained such morbid humor. She was surprised to find herself cracking a small grin at the feline's jest.
"And you?" Raiona continued. "Should I expect to find you in Sahara tomorrow?"
The lagomorph shook her head, remembering the extent of her ad hoc pursuits in the Rainforest District. Though, without a warrant, she couldn't sustain such scrutiny for long.
"I don't know, Raiona. I have an investigation of my own to follow up on."
This remark caught the feline's attention. She raised a brow, her shoulders postured forward with intrigue. "What kind of investigation?"
For a moment, Judy considered where she wanted to go with this. There was more to Raiona than met the eye, of that much she was certain. But could she be trusted with a case as delicate as this?
Judy sighed. And with a vague admittance, simply replied, "The unauthorized kind."
This was exactly what Raiona wanted to hear.
"Heh. Alright, Judy." The lioness remarked, grinning roguishly. "Now you have my attention."
-A/N: **Some quick post chapter announcements:**
-"An Angel with Horns: Archangel" is complete and published on my AO3. Head over and check that story out if it's something you are interested in!
-I am planning on reworking some of the older chapters. If you are interested in assisting with this process or in beta reading for future chapters, please reach out! Any help will greatly expedite my writing time!
-The lovely Bikorn Adele belongs to ZHADART.
That is all! Thanks again everyone.
