The Bridesmaid Dress (Complete) (Patreon)

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The Bridesmaid Dress and the Nosy Guests

Wilde had led them outside to the venue’s veranda with a huge, stupid smile on his face. Judy’s face mirrored the same expression as she let him 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.

As I watched them pass Clawhauser, and the last of Wilde’s tail disappear behind the doors, the bride - Zoe - alerted me that she needed one of her bridesmaid’s help. Perfect. 
I grabbed Fangmeyer and Higgins and we made our way to the entrance of the veranda to grab Hopps, 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 guilty, like he was up to something he had no business with. The two were in the middle of their usual teasing banter, but it was hard to ignore how close they were and we were quick to take the opportunity to poke a little fun at the seemingly amourous pair.

But unlike other times Nick seemed agitated despite his collected face, saying there was no way the two of them were, or could be, more than friends with a little more exuberance than we’d expected. He seemed to expect Judy to chime in and agree with him, but our faces alerted him that something was amiss behind him. Hopps looked small, and possibly humiliated. It took her several seconds before she chuckled and agreed half-heartedly, a heavy silence filling the air.

As we awkwardly relayed Zoe’s request for help and made our leave, we knew we’d screwed up.  I don’t know how, but I know we did. I hate to think we’d forced Wilde to publicly announce something Hopps wasn’t prepared to hear. Maybe he was never really interested  and it was all in our heads? If that’s true, we’d robbed Judy the chance of being let down privately.  And that’s going to bother me all night. 

 We stayed far away from the veranda, but were still anxious to know what was happening. Not more than a minute past before hops came back in and went to Zoe‘s aide.  But Zoe‘s face faltered, and soon the girls were leaving the hall through the main exit. And Wilde still hasn’t come back. 

The Bridesmaid Dress and the Bride

Judy Hopps was both loved and loathed by the city of Zootopia when I first learned who she was. I was a newbie accountant at the ZPD back then, barely knew anyone besides Ben, and was still trying to find my place amongst the vast workspace. As it turned out, I was able to bond with those predators who had ill-feelings regarding the tiny rabbit officer. It’s like when you’re a new kid on the first day of school trying to make friends and you go along with the first group that accepts you. I suppose we never grow out of that stage, some of us.

And as I sit here with Judy, I want to believe the same can be said now. Part of me wants to believe that Nick, backed into a corner, tried to save face a little and wound up saying the wrong things. But another part of me is afraid he was saying what he truly believed and was unaware Judy would take it so hard. I caught the bunny leaving the hall while talking with Ben and his parents. She had the walk - the unfaltering, determined walk of a bunny on a mission and a place to be. Or in this case, to get away from. Ben didn’t notice his coworker walking towards the doors leading outside, and I quickly caught a glance of Nick weakly re-entering the hall from the veranda, head falling into his hands with a pained grimace contorting his face. He seemed to be looking for Judy and would have no idea that she’d left the crowded hall. He spotted Wolford, Higgins, and Fangmeyer, and, after scowling annoyingly in their direction, started his search for his partner. Nosy mammals, those three.

Well, make that four.

Once outside she wasn’t too hard to find; her large feet made a loud enough noise that I knew she was walking along the flagstone path that lead to the venue’s garden. It was the perfect place for a sad little bunny, who’s floral dress and surroundings contrasted the atmosphere that settled around her. Even her dress, which seemed so bright and colorful hours before, seemed somber and melancholy now. Once she heard my arrival she scrambled to appear cheerful despite the obvious trail of damp tears that had previously fallen down her face. Secretly, I didn’t think the rabbit officer was all that bad during the Nighthowler incident. She seemed so remorseful for the state of affairs in the ZPD and Zootopia itself. I saw her sometimes after work on the news breaking up local protests between predators and prey, and admired the fact that she was trying to save the city while it fell down around her. Judy could’ve used a friend back then, and I wished I was a little more brave to talk to her and find out her side of the story. But I have a feeling the mammal she needed to talk to was, like now, Nicholas Wilde.

But I can be here for her during her low point for however long she needs me, despite her concern over me missing my own wedding party. She’s so sweet. And her dress is so pretty, too. I’d wanted my bridesmaids to wear floral dresses for the wedding, and while I know she doesn’t like me saying it, I think she looks so cute in hers. Come to think of it, Nick seemed especially attracted to her dress. But then why this?

All I can do is convince Judy to come with me back to the party. The ladies will wanna go out and party after Ben and I leave. Judy should go. She has to go with them, have a good time without that stupid fox for once.

“Carrots!?”

The Bridesmaid Dress and the Slacker

“-then after they left he put his hands in his pockets, and it seemed like - for two seconds - he was going to say something, but… oh well. I just didn’t expect it to hurt this much. The rejection, you know?”

I don’t know why I even bother. 

Everyone knows the garden is the worst place to take a break. All of the stereotypical events happen here: brides and grooms escape for a moment alone, the bitterest of guests talk about how imperfect the couple is for each other, some start their own romances - it’s all sickening. All I wanted was 10 minutes away from the madness of this job. Working as a wedding coordinator is very difficult. Even worse is when all of your colleagues feel the need to gossip before, during, and after every event. Betting livens things up; I made a killing last week on that one guy I knew was itching to propose to his girlfriend at the reception. The bride was not pleased. The good news about tonight’s event is that we have high-profile clients tonight. And they always tip well.

“Zoe!”

Oh boy, the show’s just getting started. ‘Bout time to head back.

“Mrs. Clawhauser, Carrots, I'm so glad I found you two” the fox sputtered breathlessly while the two stood there expectantly. “Mrs. Clawhauser, first off I've got to say you look stunning in that dress. What is it, Vera Fang?”

“What is it, Wilde?”

“Okay, okay, listen. I'm here to apologize. I've made a huge mistake and... I didn't want this to go on for too long. I need you to know the truth…”

But maybe just a few more minutes.

“...Zoe... the cameraman…he never loaded an SD card in the camera...”

“What?!”

“But! Look on the bright side! Your kid nephew is a master smartphone photographer. Seriously, they’re really good - only half the pictures had his thumb over the lens.”

The Bridesmaid Dress and The Return of the Fox

And off she went. A beautiful, terrifying tornado storming up the garden path to the hall, and her poor unsuspecting victim. Leaving me with the friend-zoned rabbit and the heartbreaker groomsman. I’d heard through the grapevine earlier that they seemed really close this evening, so I put my $60 on them being a thing by the end of the night before I heard later that he shut her down.

Shoot. I put $60 on them being a thing by the end of the night.

“Nick… I saw that guy load a card before the guests even arrived.”

“Yeah, I didn’t think that one through. The poor photographer. I’ll cross that bridge later; I wanted to talk to you. Do you mind..?”

“You know, I think I’ll go with her. I‘m one of the bridesmaids after all. And someone has to clean up after your mess-”

“I’m here to clean up my own mess. I…” the fox trailed off, obviously not having prepared a speech prior to. “ I like your dress.”

She gave her floral dress a lookover before smiling and joining him in small talk. She appeared just as apprehensive as he was at first, but they eventually grew more comfortable as the conversation got lighter. What is their backstory is? How long have they known each other? How would that even work? I mean, a bunny and a fox… you know what, nevermind. I’ll be the first to admit that they do make an interesting pair.

“You’re going to get yourself killed doing that, Slick.”

“The look on their faces is worth it, I swear,” the fox said gaining a chuckle from the bunny.

“Why in the world did I ask you to be my partner?” she said in mock exasperation, seemingly having forgotten all about her previous conversation with the bride. But before she had time to remember, a sudden breeze prompted the bridesmaid bunny to suggest they head back inside - if anything, to help the poor photographer. The fox, however, had been pondering her last statement and finally came to a resolution, sitting down in the bride’s earlier spot, the garden light directly above him. He gestured for her to come closer, back facing me, and it was then that she remembered why they were there in the first place. 

The Bridesmaid Dress and the Little Black Card

“Listen Carrots... I meant what I said before. About us never being a thing”, he started while moving to his pockets. She was trying to brace herself, but his flustered searching piqued her curiosity. He’d finally found what he was looking for and offered it to her - a black, velvet-looking business card with a gold border. She gave him a look before examining the card. Whatever was written changed her mood immediately.  

“I don't get it, Nick. ‘Rooftop at the Sahara?’”

“I got it from the owner. Remember two weeks ago when we got that call about a stolen vehicle in Sahara Square? That was his car we found. Told me if I ever needed a posh place to woo a lady at to give him a call. And, well...”

She could only look back and forth between the card and him staring at both confusedly.

“At the risk of messing this up again, I've got to tell you...It's been two years and somehow you’ve made it really difficult for me to be your ‘just a friend’ he said looking over to her nervously before continuing, “that’s why I asked you to join me outside earlier. I thought it could go either way, but I didn’t expect that to happen. They came out there and I just… blanked. Somewhere in the recesses of my mind, I thought you’d agree with me. Then at least I’d have an answer.”

“...”

“Do I?” he said gesturing softly towards the card before continuing, “we’ll never be anything more than friends unless we try something new.If you’re willing to...” And with that she finally looked up at him, whatever expression he received releasing all of his previous tension.

“But if that didn’t persuade you enough-” he said springing off the bench suddenly, “-I was prepared to dance here until you said yes” he finished, swinging his fists in a windmill from side to side with a roguish smile.

“For the rest of the night?”

“Don’t tempt me,” he said picking up speed earning a laugh from her before they both joined together in a happy embrace.

Between the bet and the tips, I’m going home a very rich mouse tonight.

The Bridesmaid Dress and the Chief

Why’d he have to go on his honeymoon this week?

We’ve got city hall reps coming to the precinct all week, and his replacement is a horrible receptionist. But what’re you gonna do. The boy’s gotten married.

It’s quite a nice venue they chose. A bit on the pricier side though - my bull-headed sister insisted she get married here and complained when the bills started rolling in. I knew Clawhauser was getting ready for big things when his usual morning snacks got replaced with, ‘you know, Chief, I’m trying to save some money.’ He’ll do fine. And he looks like he knows it too as they both parade jovially to their limo. Let me get out of the way; something about the bouquet toss makes even the meekest mammals go savage. 

I’ve gone to quite a few of my officer’s weddings and they’ve always been fine events. But as Mr and Mrs Clawhauser ride off to their happily ever after I’m pretty sure this has been the best one I’ve been to.

I just wish I didn’t agree to go to this after party.

“Listen up everyone! Thanks to all that came out and made this an awesome wedding for Ben! The groomsmen and the bridesmaids are about to head down to Rockfish for round two, and if anyone’s interested we’d love to see you there! On Dune Street in Hyenahurst.”

“Did anybody find out what happened with the photographer?”

“Wait! We’re missing some heads. 2, 4… where’s Judy?”

And just as the cars and limos rolled up so did a ZuberBLACK right behind them. Pretentious. Enter Hopps and Wilde making a beeline to the black car.

“Hold on, there they are! Alright then we’re all set to-“

“Guys, where are they going?”

He ushered to the driver waiting with the door open that they were fine, taking his place to help Hopps in the car. He noticed the eyes on him in his peripheral however, and trotted quickly to the other side to get in. 

“ … maybe they’re gonna meet us there?”

Just then the tangled sound of several different text alerts rung from the bridesmaids’ phones.

“It’s from Judy. Sorry girls, as it turns out…” one trailed off opting to read the message in silence. And then, screaming. Oh, the incessant screaming. Several excited voices started chattering about the two officers. ‘Rooftop’? Nice choice.

All I know is they both better be at work - on time and alert - tomorrow afternoon along with the rest of these folks. 

The Bridesmaid and the Groomsman

On the top of one of Sahara Square’s swankiest buildings sat “Rooftop at the Sahara”, an elegant restaurant known for it’s amazing sunsets and its reputation of being one of the toughest places to make a reservation in Zootopia. And yet, two mammals with no reservations were graciously welcomed to a spot just for them with a stunning view of the Zootopia Sound waterway. Dim lights and candles set the mood for the live music showcased that evening and everyone seemed to be in high spirits. One guest, however, was out of her element never having paid more than $50 for a meal while her partner confidently showed her to their seats, despite never having been to the establishment before.

“This place is amazing, Nick” 

“It’s nothing special. It’s just one of the best restaurants in Zootopia, don’t get too excited.“ Nick remarked jokingly. “You doing ok there?” 

Judy batted at a crimped spot on her dress with a sigh. “Yeah, I’m sorry it’s just...my dress. I think I got it caught in the car door,” she said fussing over her dress.

“It’s hardly noticeable, darling” he chuckled, amused at her exasperated fiddling.

She gave a little laugh before jokingly replying, “Are you kidding? It’s probably the only reason I caught your eye tonight.” She gave a few final pats at her dress before resigning and turning her full attention to him with a smile. She was met with a fixed stare, eyes full of intent and a soft smile that grew slightly before he gave his response.

“I’ll have you know, Miss Hopps, that I’ve had my eyes on you well before the bridesmaid dress.”

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