Untitled

    “I’m just saying that it’s a little ridiculous that the first fox officer had to be a plus one,” Nick was talking at Judy as she nodded absentmindedly, “This is obviously just some big political stunt Swinton is pulling for attention.”

    “Whatever you say, Nick. I’m still attending because I feel like it’s the right thing to do,” Judy led the way through the doors of the building, “I’m only expected to show up, anyways.”

    The ballroom had been set up for a large, elegant dinner, which Swinton was holding in honor of those who had excelled through the implementation of the Mammal Inclusion Initiative, her pet project as a councilwoman during Lionheart’s mayorship. Judy had received a specific invitation as a guest of honor for her status as first bunny cop, and moreover a hero to the city. She was welcome to bring a guest, and she figured her partner on the force and best friend was as good a choice as any.

    “You sure nobody will misinterpret, you know, us?” Nick asked as they found a seat at one of the empty tables, settling in as the bustle of mammals entering continued around them. One or two noticed Judy and greeted her.

    “They can misinterpret whatever they like. You’re my partner, and you deserve to be here just as much as I do.” Judy glanced away from Nick to smile and quietly respond to yet another mammal congratulating her on her accomplishments.

More and more mammals filed in as the tables began to fill, and Judy soon found another bunny sitting across from her. He was a very plain grey. “Oh, hello! I didn’t see you sit down,” she said to the rabbit, “I’m Judy Hopps. You are?”

    The bunny across the table had been staring at her intently, and he seemed to shake himself out of a daze when she finally caught his attention, “Oh, you… You haven’t heard of me?”

    Judy shook her head, “Sorry, no-” She was interrupted by yet another mammal coming up to greet her. “Oh jeez, sorry about that. As I was saying, I don’t think I’ve seen you on the news or anything.”

“Don’t worry, you’ll get used to mammals coming up to talk to you like that eventually. Comes with fame. I would know,” he was very well composed in his speech, “I’m Jack Savage. You know, the movie star?” Jack offered the vague hint of a smile.

“Yes! That’s right! Nick and I have seen you in a film! I didn’t recognize you without those weird black stripes.”

The smile on his face brightened at the recognition, “Oh! Which movie was it? Goldenear? Or maybe it was-”

Judy pulled her attention away from the grey rabbit for just a moment to greet a cream-colored vixen wearing overalls despite the formality of the dinner. When she turned back, Jack was silent and scowling.

“Sorry. I didn’t expect I’d be this popular. You were saying?” she offered apologetically.

“No. It’s fine. Don’t worry about it,” Jack spoke in a slow, measured pace, “It wasn’t anything important anyways.” He continued, “Would you maybe like to get some dinner with me? So we can talk without interruption.”