The Long Game, A Zootopia Fanfiction

A Thorn in my Side

Disclaimer: Zootopia and all related characters are owned by Disney. All other characters, product names, trademarks, and copyrights, belong to their respective owners.

.....

Judy slowed Nick's convertible down and took the right turn wide to avoid a hidden pothole she remembered from her last trip this way.

"Taking 8th street to Magnolia would have been quicker," grumbled Nick. "And easier on the suspension."

"Nope, Magnolia goes right through the Warriors' territory, and I don't want them knowing we're headed to Thorn's place."

"Okay, why not Rampart Avenue then?"

"The Rogues. One of Axl's guys told me they took over what was left of the Hurricanes' territory and might be scouting for a chop shop somewhere. If Bogo had let us check out an undercover jalopy, I wouldn't care, but I don't want them seeing Sally, they'd go after her in a heartbeat."

"How about..."

"Not happening Slick, the Lizzies' territory is strictly off-limits to all males, especially fox tods."

Nick snickered, "Jealous much?"

Judy smirked, "No, I just know how some of you scoundrels can get around a bunch of pawsy bad girls."

Leaning closer to Judy, Nick kissed her on the cheek and said, "Not this scoundrel. There's only one princess in his sights."

Judy groaned.

Nick waggled his brows.

Judy rolled her eyes.

Nick smirked.

Judy–

"Pothole!"

–swerved to the left, back to the right, and then straightened out. "Sorry."

"Are all rabbits bad–"

"And not a word about my driving."

"ymmm mm'mm," Nick replied through the soft paw holding his muzzle shut.

A few minutes of relatively smooth driving, and rough snickering, later, Judy turned into the gated parking lot of Thorn's place.

Judy rolled down her window and greeted the young Xoloitzcuintli manning the gate, "Judy Hopps..., oh, hi Xo, how are you?"

"Hi Miss Judy, Thorn's inside," and leaning closer to the window while eyeing Nick, the hairless canine whispered, "Is he okay? The way he's dressed, he kind of looks like a cop, and you know I'm supposed to keep the riff-raff out."

Judy smirked, "Yeah, don't worry, he's a friend of mine, besides how many cops would purposely wear a shirt that ugly?"

"Okay, if you're sure. Park over there, but back in just in case, you know," Xo nodded toward Nick, "it turns out he's trouble."

Judy backed into a spot, just in case, and getting out of the car, she waited near the hood for her partner.

And waited.

Pulling open the passenger side door, Judy huffed, "Out."

"I don't look like a cop," groused Nick.

"You sort of do."

"Do not," replied Nick getting out of the car. "This is primo hustler gear. Top of the line for remaining anonymous. So loud, everyone remembers the shirt, and no one remembers the guy wearing it."

"I remembered you. I booted your stroller."

"Yeah, well..."

Judy knocked twice on the large entry door as she leaned toward Nick and whispered, "Follow my lead, and you'll be fine."