The Bridesmaid Dress and the Nosy Guests (Early Release) (Patreon)

The Bridesmaid Dress and the Nosy Guests

It was probably our fault. 

Nick had led them outside to the venue’s veranda with a huge, flustered smile tickling his face. Judy’s face mirrored the same expression as she allowed her partner to lead them to a more private location. It was always hard not to notice the pair at the ZPD - rarely does one ever see a rabbit and a fox together as colleagues or as friends. But in this particular instance, it was virtually impossible. Whether they knew it or not, their friendship could best be described as “flirtatious” to the outside observer. While they always remained professional, whenever they’re alone or bantering with each other the vibe they give off just seems a bit friendlier than just friendly. As I watched them pass Clawhauser and his bride and the last of Wilde’s tail disappear behind the doors, I alerted Fangmeyer and Higgins of the pair and together we made our way to the entrance of the veranda to continue our drinks, hoping to catch the conversation between the two. My nose told me those two were up to something and a wolf's nose never lies.

We waited around 5 or 6 minutes before "innocently" entering the veranda. The minute we opened the doors Nick looked extremely guilty, like he was up to something he had no business with. The two were in the middle of their usual teasing banter. But this time, Hopps was standing dangerously close to Wilde, who’s paws were gingerly holding hers before they’d been interrupted. They’d been caught, and we were quick to take the opportunity to poke a little fun at the seemingly amourous pair. But unlike other times, Nick got flustered and defensive, saying there was no way the two of them were, or could be, more than friends with a little more exuberance than we’d anticipated. He seemed to expect Judy to chime in and agree with him, but our faces alerted him that something was amiss behind him.

And sure enough it was - the normally strong rabbit officer, Judy Hopps looked small, hurt, and possibly humiliated. She refused to look at him when he turned around, and a heavy silence filled the air. Judy then chuckled and agreed half-heartedly, to which Nick gave no response.

As we awkwardly excused ourselves from the veranda, we knew we’d screwed up. We’d either ruined a perfect chance for them to take a new step past friendship, or we’d forced Wilde to publicly announce something Hopps wasn’t prepared to hear. Maybe he never really was interested in Judy, and only she held feelings for him. Though that didn't seem feasible, the possibility that we’d robbed Judy of the chance of being let down privately was crushing. As we walked away, we could here him begin to follow-up on what he’d feverishly said. But she’d courteously excused herself and followed our exit, understandably wanting to get away from what had transpired between them and us nosy guests. From the inside we heard him call out to her, using her real name, which we’d never heard him say before. It seemed to stop her, but not for long as she too entered the venue and disappeared into the crowd. 

We’d only wanted to see what he’d say. We didn’t mean for it go so wrong.

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Niiiick... nooooooo!