Hold Your Horses Close, & Your Fox Closer

Hold Your Horses Close, & Your Fox Closer

Chapter 1: Anticipation

The year looked bright for Zootopia. The clouds of uncertainty had lifted to admit a ray of sunshine in equine form. Life had changed a lot for Judy Hopps, the ZPD's top officer, and she was enjoying every minute of it.

Judy still couldn't believe that her friend Herb was now mayor of the city. In this case, belief wasn't the opposite of doubt, but a feeling that all was right in the world that remained in her soul despite the surreal detachment that came with experiencing something truly wonderful.

Light streamed through the windows of Nick Wilde's apartment as Judy stood in front of his full-length mirror, trying on dresses for the evening's big event. Nick lay in bed trying to block out the light—from outside, and from Judy's bubbly chatter. It was way too early for either.

“I can't wait for the Mayoral Ball tonight, Nick! It's going to be amazing!”

“Yeah—amazingly boring. Tell me again why we're going to this?”

“Because it's a meeting of minds in the name of the greater good…! You know how important public service is to Herb!”

“So is that why he decided to put on a fancy-shmancy artsy shindig?” Nick drawled. Judy glared at him.

“Yes, it is, Nick. Zootopia's never had a Mayoral Ball before. It's kind of a big deal.”

“I dunno, Carrots—I think I might be coming down with something...maybe I should stay home.”

“What are you, a kit?! It's only a few hours.”

“Do I have to?”

“Ugh. No, Nick, you don't. But it's important to Herb, and it would be nice to support him.” Nick's ears drooped; maybe he was taking this too far.

“Look out, Zootopia, here comes everyone's favorite hustler-turned-cop.” Judy's grimace faded, and she giggled.

“Get over yourself.”

Nick was procrastinating. That morning, after finally dragging himself out of bed, he'd gone to chilllax with Finn while Judy had Fru over for dress consultation. He'd promised Judy he'd be back in time to get ready and take her to the gig, but now it was almost 7 and he felt like he'd been run over by an elephant-sized pickup.

“Carrots!”

“Where the heck have you been?”

“With Finn.” At her raised eyebrow, he added, “All we did was watch a pawball game—I swear. I fell asleep on the couch--I think I really am coming down with something.” Judy seemed unconvinced; as if on cue, Nick's nose twitched, and he gave a mighty sneeze. Judy remained cautious.

“Nick...”

“Judy, listen. I acted like a jerk earlier. You were right; Herb doesn't deserve that. But I guess this is what I get for it. I'm sorry.”

“Aw, Nick...” She hurried over to him and gave him a quick hug. “I forgive you.” Now he could relax and take in the sight of her in that periwinkle blue dress, the one that made her eyes seem to sparkle.

“Thanks, Carrots. You look--” Judy smiled at the compliment, but if Nick was speechless, he must be sick! “Poor, poor, thing. Go get comfy; I need to make a phone call.”

When Nick returned, dressed in his favorite Pjs and slippers, he flung himself onto the couch. Judy was just finishing her call. “Okay. You guys are awesome! See you soon, 'bye!” Nick could tell who she'd been talking to by the way her face lit up. “So, what did His Honor have to say?”

“He said he and Sam are on their way over. Sam wanted to keep you company, and Herb said I could be his date.” Nick's jaw dropped; he was only half-joking.

“You're getting a personal escort to the first-ever Mayoral Ball by the Mayor himself?! Judy Hopps, how do you manage?” She only shrugged—and blushed, as she always seemed to do when Herb was mentioned. Though he knew better than to overthink it, he couldn't stop the jealousy that gnawed at his gut every time. He knew her reaction must have something to do with the fact the Herb was the kind of superior she'd hoped for—the kind that focused on putting others first, taking pride in his work, and not worrying too much about bottom lines. He knew that it had nothing to do with what he did or didn't do. So why did it bother him so much?

Chapter 2: Relief in sight

When Herb and Sam arrived, the same thing happened. Judy's excitement transformed her in the most the most thrilling way, and Nick was once more filled with simultaneous bitterness and guilt, feeling torn and helpless. But, naturally, he knew how to hide it. 'Never let them see that they get to you,' he reminded himself. Lost in these thoughts, he was only half-listening to Judy.

“...Sam, are you sure you don't mind doing this?”

“Of course, Judy. Crowds make me nervous. I hate having to miss this, but at least this way I can do something useful.”

“That's sweet of you. Feel better, Nick! I'll see you later!” She blew him a kiss, then followed her host to the door.

“Behave yourself, Nick,” Herb told him. Despite his sour mood, Nick found himself smiling.

“Sure thing, Mr. Mayor. Do me a favor and bring Carrots home by midnight, or she'll turn back into a country bunny. Ciao.” Herb laughed.

“What did I say? I'm glad Sam's here to keep you in line. Bye, you two.” With that, they were gone.

“Nick, I'll be in the kitchen if you need anything.”

“Don't worry about me, Sam; I'm good.”

“If you say so. But I was planning to do some baking tonight anyway.” Nick's ears twitched at the word, and he sat up. “Baking?”

“Yes—I was telling Judy that I need more stock for the bakery, and if I'd gone to the ball, I would've run behind. So, really, it all worked out for the best.”

“In that case—mind if I watch?”

“Not at all.”

In no time, Sam had all the ingredients out on the counter and was taking scouting out the appliances. “You keep a very tidy kitchen, Nick,” she remarked as she perused the cabinets.

“I can't take the credit for that, Sam; Carrots helped me organize it.”

“Ah—I thought I sensed a rabbit's touch. We bunnies have to keep everything organized, or else we'd never get anything done with all the family to keep track of!” She laughed, and Nick felt himself relax.

Chapter 3: Happiness at hand?

Judy and Herb had arrived at the ball. They were greeted by a sleek ferret sporting a vest and monocle. “Judy, this is my assistant mayor, Phineas Fairchild. Phineas, this is my friend, Officer Judy Hopps.”

“Delighted to meet you, Officer,” the ferret said, smiling.

“You, too, sir,” Judy answered, returning the smile.

“Judy? Is that you?” At the sound of her name, Judy turned to see a familiar female fox.

“Oh, hi! Darla, right? You're with the ZEMTs?”

“Yeah, that's me.”

“It's so nice to see you…!”

“Excuse me, Judy, but I need to check on some things. I'll be back soon.”

“No problem, Herb. Go ahead.” Judy turned back to Darla, shaking her head.

“That's Herb for you—always busy!” Darla was incredulous.

“You know the mayor personally?”

“I sure do! Remember that accident Nick got into?--thanks for looking out for him, by the way—Chief Bogo was also injured, and Herb took over his duties while he was on the mend. Nick and I are good friends with him and his wife, Sam.” Darla was impressed.

“Small world! What's he like?”

“He's a really good guy...”

By now, Nick's kitchen was filled with the mouthwatering smells of savory pastries and sweet confections. Sam was straightening up the counter. “Is something bothering you, Nick?” Sam asked, her voice filled with concern.

“Why would you say that, Sam?”

“Usually you have a lot more to say. I've only been to one of your office gatherings, but I can tell you're the life of the party.” Her observation stunned him.

“Well, I—I try to be, but, really, that's all Carrots.”

“I don't think so, Nick. Let me tell you something; you saved me a lot of trouble that night, and not because you had to. You went out of your way to make sure I was safe.”

“I hate to break it to you, Sam, but that's what cops do.”

“That was your night off. You did it out of the goodness of your heart, and you know it.” She stood there, paws on hips, looking every bit the feisty country bunny Judy had described the night of the Halloween party.

“You bunnies—so stubborn,” Nick quipped.

“Nicholas.”

“Oh, cheese and crackers! You give the stare, too?!” Her expression softened, and she laughed.

“We pick up habits from those we love most, Nick.”

“Bunnies do that?”

“No, Nick—we all do. And Judy's are such a part of you that you don't even realize it.” Nick's eyes went wide, and then he calmed, settling in to the realization.

“You got me there. She did change me. But I still go nuts when she's around—ah—you-know-who.” Nick was ashamed to admit that he only felt that way when it came to Herb. The guy was a saint, and as far as Nick could tell, so was Sam...unless he'd blown it and now she was going to go into tough-country-bunny mode on him. But she only smiled in reassurance.

“So I've noticed. Why do you think that is, Nick?”

“I have no idea. Maybe there is some biological thing going on...”

“If that were true, wouldn't you be territorial over Judy around others, too?” Nick shrugged.

“I guess so. But then why am I doing this?!” It was more a rhetorical question than anything else; deeply frustrated, Nick was convinced that this was a case he couldn't crack.

Chapter 4: Reveling in recognition

“Sorry to keep you waiting, my friend.”

“Hi! It's no big deal; I'm enjoying myself. You should, too, you know; this is your big night.”

“Thank you, Miss Hopps; I am enjoying myself—present company included.”

“Aww, you…!” Judy hid her face in her paws in an effort to compose herself. “You're too much!” she amended, smiling, and added rather suddenly, “Cheese and crackers! I forgot to give you your Crittermess present! I had it in my bag all this time; I left it in my locker that night, and...Cheese! I can't believe I did that!” She was laughing now.

“Those things happen,” Herb said with a shrug. “But I'm afraid I don't have anything for my favorite rabbit officer!”

“Nobody said you had to get me anything!” She waved off his concern. “It just so happens I picked this out for you because I knew you'd love it.” She handed him a brightly wrapped, midsize rectangular package.

She waited expectantly, watching him open it and hoping her instinct had been right…

“A signed copy of Catsby?! How on earth did you manage that?!”

“Well, I do have some detective skills up my sleeve. When I realized how rare it was, I knew you must not have one, or you would have mentioned it. I researched bookstores all over the city; it took awhile, but that one turned up!”

“Thank you, Judy. That really made my day.” Judy could hardly believe her ears; she hadn't done much at all, not compared to the support that Herb had given her from the get-go.

“What are friends for?”

Chapter 5: How sweet it is…!

Selfishly, Nick had gone back to the couch in order to avoid Sam, and was now waking up from a restless nap. She had really hit a nerve by harping on him over his jealousy issues—didn't she get that he didn't want to be that way, but he couldn't help it? It just sort of...happened.

He sat there, sulking...and then, suddenly, he sniffed. The smell of blueberries wafted in from the kitchen. He was hesitant to move, but, since he couldn't sleep, why not go investigate?

“Alright, Sam, what gives?” Without looking up from her work, she replied cheerfully,

“Well, since you asked—as of this moment, a bunny gives a fox a blueberry snowflake as a peace offering.” She turned from the oven with a smile on her face and a piping hot baking tray in her oven-mitted paws.

Her thoughtful gesture made Nick feel guiltier still...but that didn't stop him from selecting a snowflake and taking a grateful bite. “Look, Sam—I was out of line. That was my bad. I don't know what to do with myself when I feel like that, so...Out of sight, out of mind, you know? It wasn't your fault.” He took another bite of snowflake—fresh out of the oven, even without the icing, it was delish--and Sam took the opportunity to resume their conversation.

“And it isn't Herb's fault, either,” she prompted. Nick swallowed, sighed, and slouched against the counter.

“Right again. I mean, how could it be? He's a total softie.” Nick smirked, and Sam was glad to see her friend at ease again.

“That means a lot coming from you, Nick.” The fox raised an eyebrow.

“How so?”

“You don't let just anybody see the real you—the one that values loyalty and compassion just as much as anyone.”

“That's me, loyal to a fault.” His tone held a trace of bitterness.

“It's not a fault, Nick. You choose to be that way; I know you do. Nobody makes Nick Wilde do something he doesn't want to do; but you have to learn to control it. Your heart is in the right place, but your mind is still on the streets.”

“O-kay...”

“You went through a lot, Nick. Trust isn't easy to come by for you, I know; I don't blame you. Nobody sheds that outlook overnight. You love Judy, and she loves you, so you feel compelled to protect her. But you're still wondering who you can trust; Herb cares about Judy--we both do.”

“I still say this domesticity stuff is going to my head. I'm not really meant for that.”

“You say that now, but I think there's a bright side to the way you lived; it taught you to go with your instincts. That must be why you're a great cop, and, remember what I said about the party...You really came through for me. I've heard it said that in order to follow your heart, you have to lose your mind. If that's the case, you seem well on your way. I have no doubt it's confusing for you, but always trust your instincts, and you'll be fine.”

Nick was amazed. Sam had said things that he hadn't even thought of, and every word was spot on. “I think you missed your calling, Sam...You oughta be a shrink.” She laughed.

“I don't know about that...not sweet enough for me!” she teased. “Care for another snowflake?”

“Don't mind if I do.”

Chapter 6: Aww-inspiring

It was almost time for Herb to make his big speech. Judy was very much looking forward to it; she had been in awe of him when they'd first met, because she'd immediately sensed that he was going to do amazing things. Perhaps because she, too, aspired to bring lasting change to the city, she saw in him a kindred spirit.

Judy had always loved her job, but in this moment, as she watched Herb take the stage, she was beyond grateful that it afforded her the ability to work with him. Affecting change in Zootopia was a big task, and, other than Nick, there was no one she'd rather achieve that with.

“Fellow Zootopians—I stand before you with the utmost gratitude for entrusting me with our beautiful city. For me, this opportunity has been many years in the making. I owe my long-standing love for the city to my parents.

My mother is a mare, and my father is a boar. Those of you who know me well will recognize that this is often the first thing I say when meeting someone new. My parents taught me never to be ashamed of my heritage, and to embrace each new background I encountered. My parents knew that no matter our species, we all have a story to tell.

I was aware of this from a young age. I would help my mother, a nurse, bring gifts to patients in the pediatric ward of Zootopia General. There were cubs, kits, colts—all sizes, shapes, and species—and it never failed to open my eyes to how lucky I was, or how good it felt to help others. Several times a year, my dad would arrange for school groups to tour the firehouse. When I did this as a student, it had a profound impact on me, but the real reward came in later years, when Dad let me lead the tours myself. It was so important to him, and Mom as well, that I learn to care for and about everyone in this city.

My parents' influence has always inspired me to look for new ways to help others. As a result, my calling was always more of an all-encompassing mission than a steady career. In that time, I was fortunate enough to do many wonderful things, too numerous to mention. But the one break that never came my way was teaching. Still, I often thought about how I would approach it if given the chance.

No one of us has all the answers—certainly not me. To teach is to share how you have lived, what you have learned, and what you believe in. I believe that we, citizens of Zootopia, can bring change to our city if we understand and experience it through the eyes of others, and that if we do so together, our great city will be greater still. Thank you.”

The applause in the room was deafening. Judy's ears recoiled at the noise, yet she jumped right up and joined in. Herb's speech had been everything she'd hoped it would be, and it made her proud to be his friend.

As she sat reflecting on the Mayor's speech, it was strange to realize that she hadn't thought of Nick more than once or twice this evening. Well, not exactly—only, the way she thought of him had been abstract, and different than it had once been. She no longer viewed him as a token fox, the way she had when they'd first met. He was Nick, sly and sweet, who she trusted instinctively and loved profoundly. In some strange way, she felt that this explained her reaction to Herb's attention. Whereas she and Nick possessed distinct differences that enabled them to bring out the best in each other, the life-affirming outlook she shared with Herb was reflective of everything she herself strived for. Fox and horse were each a compliment to her personality, but in strikingly different ways.

Pulling out of her reverie, she spotted Assistant Mayor Fairchild and several others waiting to wish Herb well as he was leaving the stage. He greeted every one of them with a smile and a warm hoof-shake. Judy considered going off to mingle while she waited for him; just then, he caught her eye and waved, making his way towards her. She couldn't wipe the smile off her face.

“That was the best speech I have ever heard!” she exclaimed, clapping her paws together in excitement.

“I wouldn't say that, but—thank you nonetheless. It sounded better on paper, namely because I'm not the greatest public speaker.”

“What are you talking about?! You did great!”

“Well, I did spend some time on Ewetube in search of inspiration—Martin Luther Kingfisher Jr., Barack Ollama...and a certain rabbit's commencement speech...”

“Mine? From Nick's graduation?!” Judy was beside herself when Herb nodded.

“Inspiring message, solid delivery...That is the mark of a capable speaker.”

“Awww…!” Herb laughed.

“Whatever you say, my friend! Now—I've been a terrible host this evening, so...May I have this dance, Miss Hopps?” Judy beamed.

“Absolutely.”

Out on the dance floor, Judy was surprised when he whisked her into a waltz. “Another one of your many talents, I see.”

“Remember what I said about the firehouse tours? We would also hold holiday parties for disadvantaged youth. There was always dancing, and...I was appalled by some of the moves they would try! These were some of the most suggestive motions you'd ever seen; I'm hesitant to even call it 'dancing'! From then on, I was adamant about taking ballroom.” Judy burst out laughing.

“Wow! Who knew?!” Suddenly, she snickered. “I just had the funniest thought. Well, it isn't funny per se, but...that sounds like something Nick would do! I wonder if he ever went to one of those!” It was Herb's turn to be surprised.

“Well this will be our little secret then; I wouldn't want to do anything to embarrass you.” Judy knew from parties past that, through no fault of Herb's own, it was too late for that where Nick was concerned, so she could only speak for herself.

“That would never happen.”

Chapter 7: Espouse your truth

A few more blueberry snowflakes later, Nick was willing to speak his mind again. “What was I thinking, Sam?! I mean, foxes mate for life...”

“Bunnies do, too,” Sam spoke softly, a note of encouragement in her voice.

“I know; she told me. We've both made it clear that's what we want, so...Why does it have to be so complicated?”

“It can be, but it doesn't have to be. Just take it one day at a time, trust each other and your hearts, and always do what's right for you.”

“When you say it, it sounds like a piece of cake!” Nick marveled.

“It's a baker's special flair! But, really, Nick—I promise you, it's possible.”

“We're back!” Judy entered the apartment with a smile on her face, and her arms outstretched. “How's my poor sick Slick?” He opened his arms to her.

“Better—especially because my dumb bunny is back.” She giggled into his fur.

“Behave yourself, Judy,” Herb said from behind them, the smile evident in his tone. Sam laughed and joined him at the door.

“Take care, you two, and remember...make good choices!”

Both Nick and Judy knew that it was easier said than done, but they had a good start...Deciding to always keep one another at their side.