Hello everyone! Before you burn me at the stake for my extended silence on this project, it might be worth mentioning that I was once again out of country for a considerable length of time. Hopefully the fact that I got to sample some of the special coffee Gazelle was bragging on can serve as a redeeming factor to justify my travels. ;P
Allen Vth: Happy to hear at least one reader appreciated the title drop lmao. Of course, Judy can't resist following up on that investigation in the Rainforest District. We'll examine her findings more in future chapters.
The Bizarre Star: Can't say for certain. Though I can't imagine the secrecy is something she'd appreciate.
MarioDS01: Thank you for your kind words! You and several others have inquired into jealousy on the part of Judy, and understandably so. Right now, she may have some mild suspicions as to Nick's whereabouts, but it's unlikely to be something significant at this point. That may change as the relationship develops.
Prismatic Floof: Very curvy indeed! ZHADART did a phenomenal job with the cover, and I can't recommend her enough. Story wise, I intentionally kept the details of Gaz's family vague, but in the future, I'd love to delve more into this uncharted area of her past.
A5TRON4UTA: I understand haha, the final match between France and Argentina especially was incredible. But I digress. As always, your astute observation has me impressed. Your insight and assistance regarding certain elements in the last chapter is deserving of special thanks, and it probably won't be the last time I ask for your input. I have special plans for Gazelle, Aneska, and her family. Here's hoping I can pull it off in a plausible and coherent manner.
Guest: Thank you so much! Writing dialogue has always been somewhat tricky for me, so I'm pleased to hear you enjoyed Nick and Gaz's conversation during the coffee date. To address your concern, I have no intention of pursuing a love triangle with these two. If you're looking for a "sweet monogamous romance", I think you'll enjoy the progression of this story ;)
Pumaxdogo: I'm glad you like the cover! As you and some other readers noticed, Judy has a suspicion Nick may be up to something, but nevertheless decided to trust him. We will see whether that trust deteriorates as Nick gets deeper into this relationship with Gazelle, but for now it's anyone's guess. Thanks for the kind review!
Zaeva: Nick x Gazelle is a rare ship indeed, but it's one I very much enjoy exploring. I'm glad you liked Sam! After watching Zootopia+, I felt it criminal to not at least include some reference to the show.
Jacob4664: Glad you like this ship!
Moons of Jupiter: Thank you! Nick x Gazelle is a pairing some might consider odd, so to hear you enjoy it and that it feels natural makes me very happy. I also appreciate the comment about my use of Spanish. I'm far from fluent, but I'm always trying to increase my proficiency in the language. I hope you like the story as it progresses!
As always, please enjoy this chapter and I'll see you on the next one! -Wilde
P.S. this chapter has considerable reliance on song and rhythm. Titles are listed for those of you who wish to listen as you read.
Chapter V
~Feel Your Heart, Feel The Music~
The deep thump of bass boosted speakers rippled through the air, beating steadily through the frostbitten ground outside the building's back entrance. Brilliant lights flashed against the darkened windows, casting flickering shadows of the patrons raving within.
Gazelle tucked her arms close to her torso, curling her shoulders forward to conserve what little warmth she had. The singer cursed herself for not dressing more appropriately in anticipation of the bitter temperatures, especially as she felt each frigid breeze lash against her exposed thighs. Was Tundratown always this cold? Or had she simply grown accustomed to an exclusively tropical climate?
Meanwhile, Nick wandered back and forth in the snow. His thumbs danced across the screen of his phone, typing fleetly despite a persistent cold-induced numbness throughout his paws.
"My contact should be down here in a minute to let us in through the back door." Nick huffed as he stuffed the device into his pant pocket. "Don't mind his temper, I promise he's a real sweetheart on the inside."
Gazelle smiled, suppressing a shiver as it moved down her spine. "You seem to be a very well networked fox, Nick Wilde."
"Well, they do say that I know everybody… But sometimes it takes a little longer for me to know certain folks than others." Nick returned her grin with a wink.
"Of course." She laughed quietly. "I like to think that life has a funny way of introducing people into our lives in the right moment, be it for better or for worse."
Nick leaned his shoulder against the snowy exterior of the building, nodding in agreement with the popstar's words. "Yeah. I like that theory. Who knows how our lives might've turned out if not for the people we met, and the bonds we made with them."
"Just like you and officer Hopps, sí?" Gazelle asked in an inquisitive tone.
Nick nodded his head slowly. "Yeah… exactly."
The fox's eyes fell to the snow-covered ground beneath his feet, and for a while, a brief silence persisted between them. Nick couldn't help but to remember his companion that had brought him so far from that day in the ice cream parlor. It pained him greatly to think that someone who had given him so much joy in life now filled his conscience with guilt. He didn't know what he was thinking, concealing this outing from her. Judy was his closest friend. She would always support him no matter what, even in his personal pursuits… Right?
"For what it's worth…" Gazelle said, breaking the stillness as she gently pushed a lock of golden hair out of her view, "I'm happy to have met you, Nick."
Nick raised his eyes to meet the singer. There was something about the intonation of her voice and the expression of those words that made his heart flutter.
Without warning, the sharp, metallic clank of a locking bolt sliding through its brackets could be heard, followed immediately by the door flying open in Nick's direction. It slid over his tail at lightning speed, prompting a high-pitched yelp from the vulpine as he sprang away and cradled his caudal appendage.
"Gahh! What the hell are you doing Finnick?! You're supposed to open the door, not drop-kick it!"
Standing at just over two feet in height, the low-slung silhouette of a fennec fox could be made out against the lower third of the open doorway. "Good to see you too, Nicky." He snickered in a distinctively low voice. "And to be fair, I wasn't the one hiding behind it, fool."
Finnick pushed his sunglasses down his snout, craning his neck upward to view the popstar in front of him. "Holy… So you really were telling the truth."
"You really think I would waltz through the discount Antarctic just to badger you? I'm flattered." Nick scoffed.
Gazelle laughed softly at their bantering. She stepped forward, bending at the waist as she extended her hoof to the fennec. "It's nice to meet you Finnick. Thank you for allowing us into your establishment on such short notice."
"Uh… Yeah, you too, Gazelle. Don't mention it." He took her hoof and shook it firmly.
"So, you think you can get us on stage without anyone noticing?" Nick asked, raising an eyebrow. "Remember, we're trying to keep this whole thing on the downlow."
The fennec only laughed, his enormous ears falling back as he did so. "Maybe… But let me in on the scoop first. Are y'all dating now? 'Tryina to keep the paparazzi out of your fur on date night or something?"
The reply came simultaneously, and somewhat frantically from both Nick and Gazelle. "No!"
The red fox grumbled, and he pinched the bridge of his nose. "Finn, be serious now. This is the gig of a lifetime, but to pull it off we need to be clever. If Gazelle gets outed, it could be a PR disaster. Are you going to help us or not?"
"Okay, okay. Don't get your tail in a knot now." Finnick crossed his arms, pushing his sunglasses back over his eyes even though it was nighttime. "Follow me. I've got an idea."
"I can't believe this was the best idea he had…" Nick grumbled as he exited the Fennec's office.
"Oh, come on. I think it looks cute, don't you?" Gazelle fidgeted with the mask, which obscured both her eyes and most of her defining features behind an ornately colored sugar skull.
"It does. I'm just trying to figure out if anyone will notice you through it."
"Some may have their suspicions, sí, but I doubt anyone will truly recognize me." She wiggled her head back and forth to make sure the accessory had been fixed in place. "Besides, this place is dark, and I'm hardly the only gazelle in this city who can sing."
Nick rubbed his neck. "Still. Your voice is highly recognizable. Let's just pray no one wises up to your actual identity."
The singer shrugged. "Sure, it's a risk. But depending on how you look at it, maybe that's part of the fun." She turned to the fox, giving him a reassuring look. "Don't worry so much Nick. You gave me this opportunity, and I'm determined to make the most of it. Everything that happens tonight will happen exactly as it needs to."
Despite his reservations, Nick had to admit she had a point. "Yeah… You're right." The fox smiled, returning the popstar's confident grin. "Honestly, I'm really excited to see what you've got in store for everybody."
"I promise I won't disappoint." Gazelle winked. "For now, we should see what all the craze is about here. It sounds like a real party, and it could be a good way to test this expertly crafted disguise." She snickered.
Nick stifled a small chuckle. "Of course. Lead the way."
After working their way through a short section of corridors, they found themselves in the main body of the building. It didn't take an expert to notice that the dance hall was at peak capacity. The profiles of countless rollicking animals could be made out dancing against the deep, ambient glow of red, purple, and green lights. The room itself trembled against their raucous cheers of excitement, but even this riotous display was drowned out by the intensity of the enormous speakers located at the head of the room. There was even a permanent fog generated by specially installed dry-ice vents. It swirled about the floor, scattering the harsh green light of laser strobes, adding to the already incredibly kinetic atmosphere.
With Gazelle leading and Nick following close behind, the duo cautiously joined the prancing crowd. The fox was careful to observe for any attentive mammals which might recognize the singer. Yet, as they continued deeper into the room, he gradually began to realize the absurdity of his initial concerns. The dimly lit space coupled with the generalized chaos of the party made it all but impossible to make out the finer details of a person's figure. He could hardly believe it, but in this light, Gazelle looked just like any other gazelle… well, minus the curvaceous physique.
"No one's recognized you so far." Nick spoke lowly. "Call me crazy, but this might actually work."
"See, I told you! You'll have to give your friend some credit for this lovely piece of eyewear." Gazelle laughed. "Speaking of which, he said he's going to call me when everything is ready, right?"
Nick nodded. "Correct. I think there are a few more songs in the queue, but when they finish, he'll announce the live performance, at which point you can take to the stage."
"And, this place, your friend owns it?" Gazelle asked, turning a curious gaze to the fox next to her.
"Finnick? He does. But only in these last few months. Itwas originally an upscale diner used by the Tundratown crime syndicate as a shell company for money laundering. Since then, it's migrated through the care of several owners, but only the most recent one had the gall to convert it into a full-blown nightclub."
The singer laughed softly. "Well, we animals do love to dance."
"It definitely seems that way." The fox chuckled to himself as he surveyed the crowded dancefloor around them. "'Practically turned the place into a goldmine overnight."
An interested grin formed on the singer's lips. She crossed her arms and shifted her stance to one side, with ears perked inquisitively as she looked to the vulpine aside her. "And what of yourself, officer Wilde? Do you dance?"
Nick's ears shot skyward. "Do I dance?" He repeated softly, pointing a finger against his own chest, to which the singer nodded. "Er- Well… I'm not one to brag, but I'll have you know that I am the most talented arm-roller from here to the burrows." He rolled his arms in a sarcastic way, snickering and moving his shoulders as he pretended to 'dance' for the popstar. He hoped she wouldn't judge him too harshly for his childish jig, as in reality, he was clueless in all things dancing-related.
But when the fox's gaze switched to the singer to gauge her reaction, his gesture came to a sudden halt. Gazelle had started to sway her hips in tempo with the heavy bass as it shook through the room. Her movements weren't shallow or rushed, but instead flowed naturally from side to side with ease and intent. Gazelle was a master of her own motion and agility, and she knew it too. She grinned as she made eye contact with him, all the while continuing to move in such a way that left the fox at a loss for words.
"Something is wrong, Nicholas?" She spoke through a snicker.
"N-not at all. Far from it, actually." Nick gulped. "You uh… You dance very well."
"It's a way to get the blood moving, sí?" Gazelle closed her eyes for a moment, letting the rhythm guide her body as she danced. "Well, one of several ways, anyway."
"One of several ways?"
The singer nodded, smirking as she ran her palms through her hair, then down the length of her body as she followed the music. Nick could feel himself sweating. He didn't even know how that was possible in subzero temperatures.
Gazelle inched closer to him as she moved, weaving her hips back and forth without missing a beat. "Mírame." She spoke in hushed tone, offering her hooves to him.
Like usual, Nick had no idea what she meant. But he wasn't about to take a chance at disappointing the artist, especially after getting this far with her.
Soon they were hand in hand with their forms practically pressed against each other. Nick could immediately sense the subtle warmth of her body, and the way her chest would rise and fall with each controlled breath. His heart was racing. It certainly didn't help that Gazelle could probably feel it too.
'Focus Nick. Pull yourself together.'
It only took a moment to gather his resolve. Turning his chin upward, Nick looked to his partner with a quasi-confident grin. He could only hope that he wouldn't screw this up royally.
"Put your paws here." Gazelle spoke lowly, taking Nick's wrists, and guiding them to the lateral portion of her back. At his touch, she arched her spine slightly, appearing almost to linger in the sensation of his fingertips.
"You can move your paws and arms in a way that feels natural to you as you get more comfortable. For now, just keep them here. Now, stagger your stance. Keep yourself between my legs, vale?"
The fox did as he was instructed. He maneuvered himself such that his left leg was between the singer's thighs, and her left leg was between his. Soon they were interlocked in a position that had them sandwiched thoroughly against each other. Before Nick could even savor the thought, he felt Gazelle wrap her arms behind his neck.
"Follow me." She purred into his ear, her voice barely above a whisper.
(Bang La Decks – "Aide")
As the music intensified, Nick could feel the gazelle's hips beginning to gyrate slowly to the tempo of the beat. He did his best to move with her, despite feeling his own movements as both sluggish and clunky.
If there wasn't enough evidence already to prove the popstar's superior dancing talent, Nick could now feel the movement in her body that his eyes could not. Nearly all the motion was localized to the lowest half of her back, especially within the pelvic region. At every fourth beat, Gazelle would thrust one hip higher than the other, wagging her hips before repeating the same motion at the opposite side. Her mobile prowess could also be felt in her abdomen, which weaved from side to side in an almost serpentine manner with the beat.
Despite the fox's feeble attempts to mimic her moves, Gazelle couldn't help but to beam with excitement at him. "Wepa! Eso Es!"
"You know I can't understand you…" He replied, still holding the singer close to his body.
She stifled a giggle, shaking her head. "Tranquilo Nicholas. Dance is the language of the soul. You need only to understand the music. Feel the rhythm in my movement and follow it." With these words, Gazelle let her eyes fall shut. She resumed the liquid-like motion of her hips, but not before bringing her forehead against Nick's.
Nick's initial reaction was to go wide-eyed and rigid-bodied, and it took a moment or two for the fox to mentally slap himself.
'Right... Feel the music. Feel her movement.'
He inhaled slowly, closing his eyes, and leaning himself more into the singer's embrace. His body still felt somewhat awkward at first, but as he gradually removed himself from the circumstances of the situation, he began to feel the dance coming more naturally. He tried to relax his mind and body, moving only as a reflex to the sound of the music and the motion of his partner. Soon, he could feel himself matching the general 'figure-eight' path of the singer's hips.
Meanwhile, the low rumble of heavy bass thundered throughout the hall, shaking the very foundations of the ice-bound structure. Frenzied howls and cheers of the crowd surrounded them. Lasers and colored spotlights strobed overhead, making the whole scene appear as if it were some sort of unhinged stop-motion animation.
"Muy bien… Let's try something new." Gazelle spoke in a breathy sigh, opening her eyes as she brought her hooves to her partner's chest. She took a half step back, and retaining the rhythm in her dance, raised her arms above her head.
"What did you have in mind?" Nick grinned, moving his shoulders while keeping the beat in his form. He studied the artist with dilated pupils, unable to part his gaze from the mesmerizing belly dance occurring in front of him.
"You'll see." She replied, rotating her body away from him. She took his wrists once more and led them to the crests of her iliac bones, bringing Nick's chest to her back. Just as before, Gazelle emulated the music though the motion of her legs against her partner's, which for his part, nearly sent the fox into cardiac arrest.
Undeterred, Nick swallowed back the adrenaline-fueled panic that dared to move him off tempo. He danced in fluid accordance with Gazelle, his fur bristling as she gently guided his fingers from her hips to her toned abdomen. He could sense the pressure of her strong legs as she grinded along him, with motion that exuded a bold confidence in her mastery of each refined movement.
At this point a large number of other mammals in their vicinity had taken notice of the cavorting display between the two and had begun to emulate their movements while chanting in line with the rhythm. Gazelle grinned amusedly, looking back at her partner with an expression that said, 'I don't want this to end', to which Nick beamed similarly.
As the music crescendoed into its final drop, Gazelle twirled her body to face her partner. She extended her thin arms away from her sides and began to step back and forth in a rapid choreography, rolling her shoulders and drawing her hooves along her body. She maintained eye contact with the fox in front of her, who could only two-step from side to side in bewitched amazement as he watched the singer work her stuff.
Gradually, the beat began to fade out on the speakers. The audience roared in approval, ready as ever for the next song as the atmosphere appeared to be nearing a fever pitch. Despite this, Nick held his gaze with Gazelle for a short time, and she did the same. The moment was only interrupted by the sporadic popping of a microphone emanating from the head of the room. It was difficult to see between gaps in the crowd, but Nick could make out Finnick clambering onto a stool to boost his height, and still wearing his sunglasses indoors.
"How's everybody doing tonight?" The fennec questioned, prompting a series of howls and whistles throughout the nightclub.
"I'm sorry, was that a murmur I just heard? I asked how y'all are doing tonight?"
The audience responded this time with a feverish cheer, which surely got the message across more effectively.
"That's more like it!" Finnick exclaimed, his deep voice booming through the speakers beside him. "Boy, do I have a special treat for y'all, let me tell you…"
While the fennec worked on rousing the audience in the room, Gazelle bowed her torso so that she could whisper into Nick's ear. "I'm going to the stage now. Find me there after the show, vale?"
Nick smiled, turning his neck slightly so he could see her. "Of course. I'll be there."
"Perfecto. I will see you soon Nick." The singer straightened her posture as she began to carefully weave her way toward the front of the room.
"Hey."
Gazelle stopped, turning her head over her shoulder to see the fox.
"Good luck." Nick winked.
The popstar grinned, followed by a small blush from under her mask. With that, she disappeared into the sea of animals around them.
"It's been quite some time since we got a live artist up in this joint." Finnick continued. "But that all changes tonight!"
Whistles and cheers resounded through the nightclub, followed by an excited murmuring as to who the guest could be.
"Now, this ain't my first rodeo with you wild fools… So I'm gonna lay down some house rules. Because this is her first gig, I want y'all to try and go easy on the gal. No heckling. Can we agree on that? Yeah? Excellent… Then with that outta the way, let's hear some noise for this debut performance by the talented, the elegant, the one and only… Cattleya!"
The lights in the nightclub dimmed, filling the area with darkness amid an atmosphere thick with anticipation and whispers. In the blackness, Nick began to push his way to a better vantage point. His nocturnal vision afforded him a slight advantage over the other mammals, but in the gloom, he still struggled to navigate.
It wasn't long before the stillness was broken by lighthearted strumming from an electric guitar. A mix of percussion joined shortly thereafter, pulsing through the speakers as bright lights swiveled down from the ceiling. Bathed in light fully from head to tail, 'Cattleya' stood in center stage. She turned her chin up to face the audience, smiling confidently through her disguise as her fingers moved effortlessly across the strings. She leaned into the microphone, and closed her eyes as she began to sing.
(Shakira – "Can't Remember to Forget You")
And I left a note on my bedpost
Saying not to repeat yesterday's mistakes
What I tend to do when it comes to you
I see only the good, selective memory
The way you make me feel, yeah
You got a hold on me, I never met someone so different
Oh here we go
You're part of me now
You're part of me
So where you go I follow, follow, follow
Gazelle tossed her arm back as she launched into a ferocious guitar riff that threatened to blow the roof off the building. From this point, the gloves were off. The crowd erupted into hellacious cheers and shouts, dancing frenetically as they packed into a dense mass surrounding the artist. She moved her body to the rhythm, casting the full range of her voice into microphone as she did so.
Oh-oh ooh oh, oh-oh ooh oh
I can't remember to forget you
Oh-oh ooh oh, oh-oh ooh oh
I keep forgetting I should let you go
But when you look at me
The only memory is us kissing in the moonlight
Oh-oh ooh oh, oh-oh ooh oh
I can't remember to forget you
I can't remember to forget you
After desperately fighting his way through a literal wall of screaming mammals, Nick found himself in a position near the singer where he could see her, and she could see him. He grinned supportively, tossing his arms up with the audience and singing the lyrics he could catch. Gazelle beamed back, making eye contact with the fox as she moved into the next verse.
I go back again
Fall off the train
Land in his bed, repeat yesterday's mistakes
What I'm trying to say
Is not to forget
You see only the good, selective memory
The way he makes me feel like
The way he makes me feel, I never seemed to act so stupid
Oh here we go
He a part of me now
He a part of me
So where he goes I follow, follow, follow
Oh-oh ooh oh, oh-oh ooh oh
I can't remember to forget you
Oh-oh ooh oh, oh-oh ooh oh
I keep forgetting I should let you go
But when you look at me
The only memory is us kissing in the moonlight
Oh-oh ooh oh, oh-oh ooh oh
I can't remember to forget you
Nick might as well have been watching the performance in slow motion—like a scene straight out of a movie. The lights were sparkling overhead, shining across the singer's golden fur, highlighting all her curves, and accentuating each movement of her body. To him, it was reminiscent of the first time he saw the singer during her concert in Savannah Central, except this time, there was no question as to who she was watching in the crowd. Her fierce gaze, even when viewed though the mask appeared defiant, unapologetic, and unyielding. Her eyes were fixed upon only one person, and she demanded that the fox take note.
I rob and I kill to keep him with me
I'll do anything for that boy
I'd give my last dime to hold him tonight
I'll do anything for that boy
I rob and I kill to keep him with me
I'll do anything for that boy
I'd give my last dime to hold him tonight
I'll do anything for that boy
Inside, every voice in the Thaw joined with the artist's to sing the final chorus. So noticeable was the commotion, that a crowd was beginning to form even outside the building. Meanwhile, Gazelle continued to dance across the stage, rocking her head and horns back and forth as she drummed down on the guitar like it her life depended on it. What she failed to realize in the heat of the moment was that her mask had begun to slip.
Oh-oh ooh oh, oh-oh ooh oh
I can't remember to forget you
Oh-oh ooh oh, oh-oh ooh oh
I keep forgetting I should let you go
But when you look at me
The only memory is us kissing in the moonlight
Oh-oh ooh oh, oh-oh ooh oh
I can't remember to forget you
But when you look at me
The only memory is us kissing in the moonlight
Oh-oh ooh oh, oh-oh ooh oh
I can't remember to forget you
Gazelle uttered the closing lyrics through an exhilarated grin, wrapping up the guitar solo with an improvised open string hammer-on for some concluding flair. She lifted her gaze to see the reaction of the nightclub, but immediately noticed that something felt… off. Though most of the crowd burst into discordant applause and whistles, many of the animals in the front row were staring at her in wide-eyed silence. She looked down, only to discover the sugar skull she had been wearing over her eyes was now lying at her feet.
It only took one person to notice.
"…Dude, is that Gazelle?"
In seconds, her name had spread across the room like wildfire. Excited buzzing and speculative echoes quickly pervaded the atmosphere, which then devolved into a cacophonous cry as patrons clambered over each other to catch a glimpse of the celebrity up close. What began as only a few intermittent camera flashes rapidly built into an avalanche of blinding light. Gazelle winced as she raised a forearm to shield her eyes. She instinctively stepped back as the crowd encroached inward, but with her concentration divided in all directions, she couldn't be blamed for tripping over the instrument cable attached to her guitar. The singer let out an audible gasp as she lost her balance.
But before she could tumble backward, a familiar paw slung forth from the crowd. One could've said that it grabbed her wrist in the nick of time, as Gazelle raised her eyes to see the familiar vulpine pulling her back to center.
"Come on!" Nick shouted, which was persuasion enough for the popstar. She quickly ditched the instrument strapped across her torso, covering her face as much as she could with her hood as they scurried off the stage.
They burst into the alleyway outside the building, with Nick leading the way as they charged through the ocean of animals surrounding the establishment. Many of them had heard rumors that Gazelle was the on the premises, and so naturally they were on the lookout. The singer could only keep her head low and pray that no one would be bold enough to follow them to wherever Nick was leading her.
After countless twists and turns, and what felt like an eternity of running, Gazelle could hear Nick's exhausted voice. "Quick, under here. Watch your head."
She peeked out of her hood cautiously, ducking under a chain link fence as the fox lifted it just enough to clear her horns. They appeared to be entering an empty construction site, though Gazelle couldn't place the exact location of it. The only thing she knew for certain was that she wasn't taking any chances until Nick gave her the all-clear. She quickly veiled her face once more, but not before noticing the bolded message on the sign as they entered the site:
'DANGER: CLIMATE WALL UNDER REPAIR'
After a few more minutes of what felt like uphill walking, Gazelle noticed the ground changing under her feet. The air temperature began to increase as well, from a mild chill to a comfortable breeze. Soon, she felt the fox release her hoof.
"Okay…" She could hear him say through his panting. "I think it's safe now." This was followed by what sounded like a heavy slump onto the ground next to her.
Gazelle lowered her hood carefully, and her jaw dropped at what she saw.
The singer was standing atop an enormous hill on the outskirts of Tundratown. From it, she could make out the snowcapped rooftops of the town square, as well as east side of Savannah Central shimmering in the moonlight. But the panoramic views were only an accessory to the unique features of the hill itself. Despite being in a district notorious for its glacial climate, the entirety of the area appeared to be in full bloom, with flowers interspersed among a thick mat of lush, green grass as far as the eye could see.
"Care to join me?" Nick said, watching the gazelle's state of awe with an amused grin. "I promise, it's as comfortable as it looks."
"Nick, how did you know about this place?"
The fox crossed his arms behind his neck, stretching his legs as he reclined into the hillside. "I used to come here when I was a kid. I still do, sometimes. I guess the city just never got around to patching up this section of the climate wall. Over the years, the heat bleeding through from Sahara square warmed the area enough for all the vegetation you're seeing now."
"It's incredible…"
"It's definitely one of the unsung gems of this district." He replied.
The singer nodded in agreement as she lowered herself to the ground, resting her hooves on the lawn beneath her. "You don't mind if I remove this, sí?" She gestured to her sweatshirt, tugging in an upward motion on the hem. "The temperature is warmer here."
"Er- not at all. Go right ahead." Nick replied impulsively, an 'innocent' grin curling on his lips before he could even register his words.
Gazelle rolled her eyes and smirked at his antics. She straightened her back, crossing her arms as she removed the sweatshirt in a fluid motion to reveal a deep blue, glittering top. It was bound tightly to her chest, emphasizing her well-endowed figure, though not in any immodest way.
Nick stifled a laugh. "I just knew you had to be wearing something sparkly under there."
"Tranquilo, zorro." She chuckled, laying down next to him.
The ground felt warm, and the grass soft. For some time they laid there saying nothing, but thinking the same thing, and hoping quietly that the other person would have the courage to initiate the conversation they both wanted to have.
"Nick, I… I don't know what to say."
"What do you mean?" The fox replied, intrigued.
"About tonight…" Gazelle sighed, her words heavy with much thought. "Dios, I-"
"Hey. That performance you gave back there was unlike anything I've ever seen. Don't go dwelling on how it ended." Nick spoke reassuringly. "Besides, these people will probably forget the entire fiasco even happened by tomorrow; they always do."
"No, no. it's not that." She shook her head, rubbing her temples gingerly with her fingers. "It's so much more than the performance, or the coffee date, or anything else..."
Nick pushed his torso off the ground so that he could see the popstar. He turned to his side, his eyes filled with anxious curiosity.
"Okay… Then what is it?"
The singer continued, choosing her words with careful meticulousness. "I… haven't had this much fun; felt this alive… Felt so close to anyone in…"
A few moments passed with no words. Gazelle let out a frustrated groan, covering her face in clear embarrassment. "Ay.. como digo esto! I don't know what I can say, or how I can describe it, Nicholas." She shifted to look at the fox imploringly. "…But spending this night with you has been like a dream I never want to wake up from. I can feel it; something special, deep down in my bones."
Nick could feel his heart pounding at what he was hearing. His head was spinning, and yet, he felt as though he could fly. For now, he had to keep his cool. He inhaled gently, gathering his thoughts and emotions in an attempt to articulate them.
"You know, I like to think that life has a funny way of introducing people into our lives in the right moment, be it for better or for worse." He said, reciting the singer's words from earlier, which prompted a small, heartfelt grin from her.
"And for me? well… I feel like the luckiest fox in the world to be spending this moment with you now." He gently slid his paw into Gazelle's hoof, which she allowed him to do without breaking eye contact with him.
"There is something special." Nick continued softly, interlocking his fingers with the singer's. "…And if you'll allow me, I'd like to keep in contact with you, Gazelle."
The words had barely left the fox's mouth when she pressed her lips delicately to his cheek. He could feel the singer squeeze his palm tightly as she did so.
Her gaze was practically aflame as she parted from him, and for a moment, it was as if he could see the whole world sparkling through her bright, golden eyes.
"Of course, Nick… I'd love that." She responded with an exhilarated grin, which she couldn't conceal no matter how hard she tried.
For a short time, they remained together in the shadow of the climate wall, savoring the company of the other beneath the stars. And they could only dream of what surprises the future could hold.