12

unexpected proposal & prospect

╔══ ஓ๑ ๑ஓ ══╗

Judy spent the next day replaying the evening in her head, but all she had were more questions. What had Duke done instead of being with her? Would the pranks against her ever end? Would her or Diana's behavior last night affect Priscilla and her prospects? Were the students at Zootopia Academy really going to be so cruel and judgmental?

Unfortunately, the bunny already knew the answer as she raced out of the music room the second her lesson was finished. Her paws were still tinged with the scent of polished wood and music sheets when she spotted an unexpected visitor waiting outside.

"Judith, did you find your coat?" Gareth, with his neatly combed wool and polished hooves, motioned toward Priscilla's 'Coco Camel' blazer that the doe had borrowed until spring finally arrives.

"Unfortunately, no," she replied, forcing a smile.

"I'm sorry to hear that," The ram's eyes drifting into a memory. "I once lost a jacket I loved very much. It was tweed and onyx black. Really, it was a fine coat. My sister had a matching one but hers was opal white. We often wore them together. But then, one day, I left it in a park. When my nanny and I went back for it...it was gone."

The bunny could feel her eyelids growing heavy, the same way they did during the third section of the piece Mrs. Otterton made her practice. She tried to shake the thought away, but his narration only added weight on the events of last night pulled at her mind.

"Anyway," he continued, oblivious to her distraction, "I was wondering if I might speak with you for a moment."

"Sure." The rabbit perched on the edge of a nearby bench, trying to appear interested.

"There are certain rites of passage that I think are very important to students of our dear Zootopia Academy," Gareth said, puffing out his chest a little as he began his speech.

Judy nodded, her thoughts still drifting to the piano keys she'd practiced just moments before. Did Mrs. Otterton notice her distractedness? She always had a way of seeing through the layers, yet she chose to remain silent, guiding the doe through her lessons with a concern look and knowing smile.

"Prom is one of those rites." The lapin's stomach dropped. "It is a momentous occasion, especially for someone like yourself, and I believe that we'd make a great match to attend. Obviously, we have the dancing part down." He chuckled softly, his confidence unwavering.

'Was he really suggesting what I think?' Judy's felt a hint of flattery stirred in her chest, mixed with an awkward sense of disbelief. She opened her mouth to respond, but the words tangled in her throat.

He let out a small laugh. "And I know with your circumstances you may have some difficulty with the dress, but I would be more than willing to pay for your accoutrements if that would make you more comfortable. I ..." the ram's prim stature faltered for a moment and he seemed to be at a loss for words. No doubt this was the first time such a thing had ever happened to him. "I do. . . find you most appealing. I've never met a mammal like you before. You certainly are someone that I've always found very curious."

The doe knew that she should've probably taken everything Gareth has said as a compliment, but from the way he said it, she couldn't help but think he found her more interesting as an oddity in his rich world than someone he found genuinely attractive and worthy of dating.

"We can obviously work out all the details at a later date, but I thought it would be best to move forward with our plans."

"Uhm, thanks, for thinking of me," she finally managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper. She didn't want to get his hopes up, but before she could say anything more, he continued.

"My pleasure, Judith. We'll be in touch." Gareth started walking away, leaving her feeling lightheaded.

"Wait, what?! Hold on!" The lapin called out after him. "I didn't give you an answer!"

Gareth turned back, a hint of confusion on his face. "Well, I just assumed..."

"Well, you shouldn't." Judy stood up, her ears flattening slightly as her heart sank. "While I'm honored that you'd want to take me to prom, I'm going to have to decline."

The ram laughed, clearly misunderstanding her. "Ah, I am familiar with this. Playing hard to get, are we?"

Her surprise turned to offense, a flush creeping to her cheeks. "No, I'm not!"

"Judith, I know how girls like you are. The ones who want to be pursued first. Very well, I'll play your game."

"No, Gareth." She stepped closer, her heart pounding. "Yes, I'm flattered, but the answer is—and will always be—no." She hated the firmness in her tone, but he was making it impossible to be gentle. "My response won't change. I'm sorry."

He paused, brow furrowing in thought. "This is why I like you so much, Judith—you're unpredictable. I am more than sure we'll have a great time."

"Apparently, you aren't hearing me."

Gareth sighed, his expression shifting. "I do hear you, but—please know I mean no disrespect—do you really think with your circumstances that you'll be getting other offers?"

His bluntness struck her like a sharp note out of tune, sending her stomach twisting.

"No," she replied quietly, "I'm sure I won't. But I know that prom here is probably something that I wouldn't enjoy, and you should really go with someone who you'd have fun with."

"I have every confidence that next time I discuss this with you, your answer will be different."

"No, Gareth. Please tell me if there's anything I'm doing right now to make you think that there will be another answer. Because if you let me know, I will correct it so you can ask somebody else."

"Oh, Judith Hopps, you really are something else." He squeezed her shoulder lightly, the gesture making her feel trapped, and then walked away.

'How much clearer could I have been?' Judy couldn't help but feel a mix of disbelief and frustration as she walked back to the dorms. Her mind still swirling with thoughts of Gareth and his unsolicited proposal. The hallway felt long, each step heavy with the weight of her emotions. As she entered her shared room, the lively chatter of her friends greeted her.

"Oh, g-good—you're f-finally here!" Dawn exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement before the rabbit even had the door halfway open.

"Well, I uh, had a. . .visitor," the lapin replied, her gaze falling on a large silver box perched on her bed. "What's that?"

Priscilla jumped up from her seat, her movements betraying her enthusiasm. "We don't know. . . that's why we've been. . . dying for you. . . to come home. . . I think it was... delivered an hour ago."

'What in Luna's name?! Judy raised an eyebrow. "But I didn't order any—"

"O-open it!" The ewe practically bounced with anticipation, grabbing the box and placing it in Judy's arms. "I w-want to see w-who it's f-from!"

"And I want to. . .know what it is," Priscilla quipped, leaning forward.

Judy sat down on her bed, excitement tinged with trepidation. As she untied the purple ribbon and carefully peeled back the paper, her heart raced. When she revealed a beautiful cream winter coat, she gasped, nearly dropping it. The designer's name on the tag made her feel lightheaded.

"Who sent this?" she exclaimed, her eyes darting around for a card, receipt, or any hint of the sender.

Dawn and Priscilla joined her, sifting through the tissue paper strewn across the floor.

"Izzy?"

Her best friend looked up, a mix of concern and excitement on her face. "It wasn't from. . .me, I swear. . .Maybe it's from Flash. . .but why wouldn't he. . .have sent a card. . . or said something... to me about it?"

Suddenly, Judy's stomach twisted with realization. She knew exactly who it was from, and it made her feel awful. "It's from Gareth."

"H-how do you k-know?" the ewe asked, her voice laced with curiosity.

"Because he. . . just asked me to prom."

"What?!" Her two friends echoed in unison, surprise written all over their faces.

"And I told him no," she added, filling them in on the details of the ram's proposal—how honest and somewhat rude she'd been. Though in her defense, the ram was one of the smartest students in their year, yet he seemed completely oblivious to her feelings.

"I can't b-believe you aren't g-going, Judy!" Dawn said, her tone incredulous. "Besides, it was t-thoughtful of him to o-offer to buy your d-dress—and now this."

Judy groaned, looking down at the coat. "I can't keep this; it's too much. And it's not like I have anything against Gareth." She sighed, fingers grazing the soft fabric. "He's nice and generous. But I'm not going to fool myself into thinking I'd be welcome at prom. Every time I go to a party, something bad always happens."

'And I want to go to something like that with someone special', she thought, the ache in her heart growing slightly heavier.

Dawn shrugged, a wistful look crossing her face. "I w-would be d-disappointed if I d-didn't go. Plus, Gareth is a-also right; you and I are t-tainted goods."

"I can't believe. . . you would say. . .such a thing, Dawn," Priscilla interjected, horrified. "At least you two. . . don't have a cousin. . .who has no issue. . .humiliating you in front. . .of the entire world!"

"Oh, I didn't realize the entire world fit into the restaurant last night," the lapin remarked, trying to lighten the mood. "And to think, I missed the opportunity to poke fun at Diana about her dancing."

"I t-think she was d-doing something that looked like Celtic s-step dancing but with her p-paws in the air and occasional wooing," Dawn supplied, her expression amused.

Priscilla shook her head as she pulled up her latest 'ICarrot', her eyes narrowing. "Ugh, don't remind me. . .the family's so proud." She turned the screen toward them, showing a video of Diana's impromptu performance. "Behold the latest. . .internet sensation!"

The bunny scrolled through the hate-filled comments, her heart aching for her friend. "Oh, Izzy... I'm so sorry."

The sloth sighed. "Someday, I'm going to. . .get over it like. . .everyone else."

A heavy silence settled in the room as they absorbed the gravity of Diana's situation. Just then, someone's phone rang, cutting through the tension like a knife.

Judy's heart raced as she saw the caller ID light up with Duke's name. She stepped into the hallway for some privacy, a smile tugging at her lips.

"Hey," she said, running a paw behind her ear.

"So, still talkin' to me even after I left ya alone to be with 'em trust-fund babies last night?" His drawl wrapped around the words, warm and friendly.

"Hmn, I guess I could see my way to forgive you."

"Aww, that's gen'rously very un-Zootopian of ya, Judy." He chuckled, the sound sending a thrill through her. "Careful now, ya might find yerself gettin' kicked out next."

"At least then I'd be in better company," she replied, a teasing grin spreading across her face.

A tingle went up her spine as he laughed. "Listen, I'm real sorry for bailin', especially at the last minute. I truly wanted to be there, had every intention of makin' it. But last night, as I was gettin' ready, it hit me—if I showed up, it wouldn't be good for ya. No way I could be in the same room with you-know-who, and I didn't wanna stir up any trouble for ya."

"I understand. I don't like being in the same room with him either," she admitted, remembering how the tension had crackled in the air whenever Nicholas Wilde was nearby.

Just then, Dawn emerged from the shared room. "Judy? Izzy n-needs you."

"Listen, can I call you back?"

"You better," he replied, the warmth in his voice lingering as she rushed back inside.

The sight that greeted her was concerning: her best friend curled up on her bed, clearly upset. "Izzy, what's wrong? You know nobody will be talking about that stupid video in a week."

"No, it's not that." Priscilla handed over her phone, her expression heavy. There was a text from Flash:

'Can't make it tonight. Things are hectic. I'll be in touch.'

"Oh." Judy's heart sank. This wasn't like the sloth's beau at all. He'd been so devoted, hovering around Priscilla like a bee to nectar at the party. "I'm sure it's nothing serious, Izzy. Why don't we go grab some dinner together? A little time out might help clear your head."

Dawn nodded enthusiastically, trying to lighten the mood. "You n-need some good f-food and company to r-remind you how much a-awesome you are to w-worry about this l-little hiccup."

Hesitantly, Priscilla agreed and got ready.

Judy then quickly called Duke back to explain the situation. He was sympathetic, understanding her concern for Izzy's feelings. Once her companions were set, she hung up so they all could head down the long staircase toward the dining hall. However, as the trio reached the bottom of the staircase, they caught sight of Beatrix sauntering through the main entrance alongside Phern. When the lynx's sharp gaze landed on them, her lips curled into a smirk.

"I'm so glad you're coming out tonight with us, dear." she cooed to the beaver, her tone dripping with insincerity. "Oh, I really think you and Flash will hit it off."

Priscilla froze mid-step, her eyes wide with disbelief, the color draining from her face.

The feline continued, her voice laced with condescension. "You know how crucial it is to protect your family name. When you're both a Swift and a Slothmore, like a Beaverly, it's important to choose your company wisely. I'd think most students would know that well." She cast a disdainful glance toward the trio, her smirk growing. "Or at least those who care about their reputation."

Phern nodded obediently, her gaze cast down, as if the weight of Beatrix's words pressed heavily on her shoulders. Together, they swept out the door, leaving the folivoran staring in shock.

"Izzy..." the lapin began, but the sloth's expression hardened, her voice barely a whisper.

"So, that's it. . .then! I've been. . .replaced by Phern Beaverly!"

"That's ridiculous! I'm sure there's an explanation—"

But before the words could fully form, Priscilla turned on her heel, retreating up the staircase. "I'm not. . .hungry anymore."

The two does exchanged worried glances, the oppressive air of Flash's stepsister's words lingering like a shadow.

"Wait, Izzy!" The lapin rushed after her, Dawn trailing behind. "Anybody who has ever seen you and Flash together knows that he is crazy about you."

Priscilla's voice was small, almost hopeful. "Real. . .ly?"

"Oh p-please, if Nicholas Wilde l-looked at that Beatrix Swift with e-even half the affection t-that Flash looks at you..." Dawn paused dramatically, "She'd be w-walking around campus w-with her prom d-dress on."

"Exactly—" the bunny hummed.

"Which of c-course would never h-happen because that fox's too b-busy gawking at Judy."

The words hung in the air like an unexpected note in a familiar melody. Realizing what the ewe just said, Judy felt her cheeks flush a deep crimson. "W-wait, what? Nicholas Wilde? A-and me? Seriously Dawn, this again?"

Leaning closer, a sly smile creeping onto the ewe's face. "Judy, he s-stares at you w-whenever he thinks no o-one is watching — I've c-caught him multiple t-times already!"

"So? That doesn't mean anything!" The bunny felt heat now creeping into her ears.

"And, l-let's not forget, a-at the party," the sheep continued, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "He o-only danced w-with you! You should've s-seen his face when y-you left. It's l-like someone stole his f-favorite treat."

The smaller doe's heart raced at the thought, as bewilderment twisted in her stomach. "He was probably disappointed about me not being tortured enough last night."

Dawn crossed her hooves, unconvinced.

Judy turned to Priscilla, who was watching them with a mix of curiosity and exhaustion in her eyes. "Izzy, you know Flash cares about you. He wouldn't up and date someone else," she said softly.

"You're s-special to him." The ewe added in a much gentler tone. "He w-wouldn't let the l-likes of Phern come b-between you two."

Priscilla's expression softened but doubt lingered. "You guys really. . . think everything. . .will be alright?"

"One hundred percent." both preys assured the sloth, and a glimmer of hope returned to her eyes.

But as their conversation shifted to the dinner menu, Judy couldn't shake her own worries and hoped with all her heart that Flash Slothmore wasn't involve with Phern Beaverly — especially for Priscilla's sake.

╚══ ஓ๑ ๑ஓ ══╝

All major or minor characters and settings (even brand names) are owned and trademarked by Disney, and I do not claim ownership over them and the world of Zootopia (aside, of course, from my original characters and some fictional places that I added) - though I would like to thank Byron Howard and Richard Moore for giving us these anthropomorphic mammals that we love to hate (oh you bet I would include Jack and Skye) or hate to love (sorry not sorry for being a Nick and Judy shipper) because without them, this retelling would not have existed.

Hey there, stranger! Long time no see (lol)! I hope y'all don't think I was going to up and leave without coming back, because I honestly spent my free time drafting all my stories and putting into my "future projects" other Zootopia related story ideas I've been having lately (believe you me. . .they are plenty).

As for my updating schedule, I'll try to post at least once a week (probably with a day or so allowance) for both my stories here (or other platforms) since I'm still settling in (I just arrive home a few minutes ago) and still making sure that my workload would be less packed (and I'd have more time writing stories. . .yay!).

Before I do that though, I want to thank every single one of you who continued to show support in my works (by extension, 'me' as well) even with my absence for the past few weeks. Hearing notifications about a like or a comment whilst I'm inactive not only made me want to head back home but also made me want to hustle more for my alternate Zootopia universes and my writing endeavors in general.

P.S. I'm writing this author's note with just three hours of sleep for two days, so if I'm not making sense yet. . .please excuse it (and blame it on the jet lag).

P.P.S. One of said ideas I have involves a Nick Wilde centered POV and could be both serving for Judy x Nick shippers and Skye x Nick shippers (which would mean for Judy x Jack pairing too) but it's only an outline still and perhaps I'd write that one next (or there's also a Wolford X Fangmeyer in the list that would have a solid foundation). . .andddd I'm rambling now so I better gooo (lmao).