Chapter Text
Uaaah! Something suspiciously cracked in jaw, but the urge to yawn again only grew stronger. Shouldn’t have stayed up late in front of the TV! On one hand, but on the other... I need to relax after a hard and stressful day, right? No, that’s enough! What’s the point of such "relaxation" if the alarm doesn’t wake me up in the morning until the second or even third minute of that annoying beep? Should take a cue from Officer Hopps; she’s always energetic and composed. Well, almost always, except when she’s up all night racking her brain over another tricky case and looks scarier than a ghost in the morning. However, that doesn’t happen often; that rabbit knows how to unwind. Oh, already at the precinct? Didn’t even notice how I walked from the subway. Alright, kitty, pull yourself together; work waits for no one! You’ve already proven your worth to your colleagues, so don’t ruin the impression!
The glass door to the precinct doesn't hide the usual bustle inside. Now need to be careful before entering because... This is exactly what I mean! That horned brute almost trampled me! Yes, rhinos have poor eyesight by nature, but they should at least look a little at their feet! Hmm, I wonder if Officer Hopps has similar situations? Probably not. She’s quite the prickly one; stepping on her would be a mistake, any thug would think twice and look down to avoid stepping on such a thorn. Alright, enough joking, time to go inside.
Noise, chaos, movement. There’s Delgato dragging a resisting skunk by the scruff, wisely pinching his nose with his free paw. Everyone instinctively scatters to the sides, cautiously glancing at the skunk. He’s shouting something about civil rights, but doesn’t dare use his "weapon." In the corner, near a pot with a decorative palm, Francine is flirting with the newcomer. A young patrol officer, just transferred from the Rainforest precinct. I wonder what he did to deserve that? There must be something; after all, this is the Central precinct, the best of the best. The experienced female is practically drooling and licking her lips openly, while the young male doesn’t know where to put his trunk out of embarrassment. Francine is quite the heartbreaker. I wonder how quickly she’ll get him on a date?
Alright, no distractions, let's move on. Oh, hi, guys! Fangmeyer and Delgato, constant partners, are rushing somewhere. Hmm, they've slowed down and are coming towards me. Mrr, as always, they look great. It's no wonder they say police uniforms are attractive. Besides, these two have excellent content, too. Tall, broad shoulders, aggressive black stripes on one, a fluffy yellow-sandy mane on the other... Okay, stop drooling. First of all, they're colleagues, it's unethical. Secondly... Well, a welcoming smile won't hurt anyone. A girl can dream, right? Brr, got so caught up that missed the beginning of the sentence. What? Officer Hopps? No, haven't seen her yet, just arrived. Alright, I'll pass it on. Fangmeyer winks before leaving. Without any particular hint, just out of habit. But still, ears feel hot for a moment, all the way to the tips. Okay, time to move on. Although... Okay, I'll just look at them for a few more seconds, fortunately there's plenty to appreciate from behind too, and then get back to work.
Damn... Completely forgot I wanted to slip into my office unnoticed because of those two. And now it's too late, he saw me. Alright, focus. Control yourself. Since we've made eye contact, I can't just walk away; he'll actually be hurt. But why should I care? I'm already mad at him, and he knows it. He knows why and for what. But... it's Clawhauser; it's not worth it to quarrel with him. He's a cunning guy, even if he looks like a chubby charmer, always smiling unless he's eating a donut at that moment. Yet even the toughest cops don't risk angering this seemingly good-natured chubster.
Put on a neutral-friendly expression - done. Calmly and unhurriedly head to the duty desk - done. Listen to the excited, rapid-fire greeting - done. Give an ambiguous nod in response - done. Damn, seeing his hurt expression makes me feel like a villain. Okay, hold on, don't give in! It’s his fault! By the way, I didn’t rat him out when Bogo tried to find out how that Wilde managed to escape from the cell and the precinct. And he still hasn’t told me about Officer Hopps and that fox! And he knows the whole story behind this complicated affair, I know for a fact, Officer Hopps told him everything. Him. But not me! How they met, how they started dating, how... everything!
Phew, I broke free. Can feel his offended gaze on my back. Never mind, let him suffer. Can't stay mad at him for long, he's Ben, after all, but I think I'll marinate him for another week. But still, how do I get that story out of him? I won't get any revelations from Hopps herself; it’s more likely Bogo will chop off his horns or Gazelle will start dating Clawhauser. Tempt him up with something tasty? That won’t work, the whole precinct is already regularly "bribing" him. Play on his sympathy? How? Appeal to tribal kinship? He must know what cat curiosity is, since he's the same? Alas, already tried. What else might work? Blackmail? Hm, the only thing that comes to mind is the incident with the fox’s “escape.” But that’s a double-edged sword. If that story comes out, Bogo will make fireplace rug of me in first place. And it’s not right. “Partners DO NOT rat each other out to the higher-ups.” Damn, it makes my nose hurt just thinking about it. So what’s left? Nothing. Unless I make a deal. A story for a story. But what can I offer him? What doesn’t the precinct’s main gossip know? Tell him about Roger? No way! I haven’t even told Officer Hopps anything! And I won’t. She probably wouldn’t approve... of that. Not that I need her approval. After all, I’m a grown female, and... and... Anyway, no. It’s better she doesn’t know.
Funny, almost knocked on the door before entering. My own office. Pulled my paw back just in time, it would have been awkward. Just a quick, furtive inspection. Clear eyes, calm expression, long ears falling like soft ribbons on back. Conclusion - not angry. For what, you ask? For anything! Officer Hopps always finds a reason. Sometimes I even deserve it. Not often, though. Very rarely, honestly. But not today, which is nice. She's back to burying herself in paperwork. Sigh, that means no calls for now. After the last high-profile corruption case in the mayor's office, Officer Hopps was assigned to a newly created department for particularly complex cases. Or something like that. The department hasn't been officially approved yet, and what it will do is still unclear, but her fieldwork has decreased. Now she no longer responds to petty thefts or fraud cases. For that small stuff, she sends me. Just a couple of months ago, I was angry that I wasn't trusted with any cases. Fool. Now I can't get through the pile of cases.
How did Officer Hopps manage such a workload alone before? But if she could handle it, so can I! Besides, to be fair, my partner helps as much as she can. Her experience is vastly greater, and her thinking is sometimes very unconventional. I remember that case last week about the theft at the jewelry store in Sahara. I racked my brain for three days, as there were no clues or suspects. Well, there were plenty of suspects, but zero evidence. She listened to my request for help and, in half an hour, came up with a plan to flush out the criminal. And it worked! A few fake threatening letters, a hint of blackmail and bribery, and within a day, I had the handcuffs on the thief's paws. When he realized he had been tricked, he spat so much that we had to put a muzzle on him. Camels, what can you do. In short, I'm managing, more or less. And gaining experience too; soon I'll be cracking such cases like nuts.
No, it's unbearable to sit next to her in the same office in complete silence, buried in paperwork. It painfully reminds me of the first months of our partnership. However, back then I saw her much less often, as she shamelessly pushed all the writing onto me while she roamed the city, solving crimes and having fun. Well, at least that's how I imagined it. Now, of course, I've felt firsthand that there's nothing fun about it. The same routine, just on my feet. But yes, it's still better than paperwork. What? No, ma'am, no questions. Just... I noticed that I was constantly staring at her. How could I not? For weeks now, I haven't been able to think about anything except this impossible pair. Fox and rabbit. Unbelievable! No, Zootopia has seen stranger things, and the boundaries between species are slowly fading, even scientists say something like that, but still... And besides, she used to hate him fiercely. Or rather, she pretended to, as is now clear, but... Damn, I never doubted her anger for a second back then. Is it really possible to just act that way, to imitate it? How? Especially since, according to Ben, it was because of her that Wilde got kicked out of the Academy. Grrr, my head is about to explode from thinking about it. Uh, no, ma'am, nothing. Just a bit tired.
Okay, need to pull myself together, allmost starting to growl out loud. What? Rest? Did I hear that right? Officer Hopps is suggesting a break, and in such a soft, sympathetic voice? And anyway, she seems a little too relaxed today. Her eyes aren't just clear, as I thought at first, but contented and even good-natured. A couple of months ago, I would have been worried; that's not a good sign. But now... now she has her fox. Recently overheard her telling Ben that she and Wilde officially moved in together. It must mean a lot for her... for both of them, to stop hiding and concealing. To stop lying. Just to be together. Damn, I'm envious. Things aren't going so smoothly for me. Roger and I... Ugh. I need to talk to someone. But... I'm still "mad" at Clawhauser, and Officer Hopps... No, she's out of the question. Oh, office phone is ringing. Just in time, or my thoughts would have turned even darker. So, so... Uh-huh, noted. A robbery on the waterfront. The patrol couldn't catch the criminal on the hot trail, which means it's a job for detectives. That is, for me and... What? Am I alone again? But... Damn, damn, and damn again. The attempt to argue failed miserably. For a moment, the former Officer Hopps flashed in her lavender eyes, and my tongue froze to the roof of my mouth. Alright, I'm heading out. At least they trust me with the service car now; I won't have to ask someone for a ride.
The hot sun and the humid sea breeze pleasantly ruffle fur and tug at the tufts on ears. It's beautiful. It makes me want to spit on work and dash to the beach, rip off my uniform, and dive into the warm waters of the bay. No, stay focused and don’t get distracted. The task is, in essence, simple, but still. So, a robber... a skunk?! The second one today? And he threatened a group of ladies heading to a beach party... Yes, with "that very thing." His natural "weapon." The outraged victims were indignant, but upon seeing the black-and-white tail and hearing the sound of a deliberately unzipped tail flap... Well, they handed over all their cash and even jewelry. I understand them deep down. If even a drop gets on the fur... Forget the party; you’d have to soak in a bath with odor neutralizer for a day. I remember, I had an episode like that in childhood. I learned for life why even the most aggressive school bullies never mess with these small, brightly colored beasts. Well, the picture is clear, and the description of the criminal is available. The patrols have already conducted a preliminary search, but the skunk has vanished, lost in the maze of old houses and narrow alleys. So, I need to think... There are no cameras nearby, of course; he’s not stupid enough to rob under surveillance. Let’s approach from another side. Besides the money, he took jewelry. Their description is also available. Unless he keeps them for himself, which is unlikely, he’ll have to sell them somewhere. Hmm... Who buys stolen goods around here? Damn. I’ll have to ask someone. And there’s only one option. Roger.
A few minutes of agonizing thoughts. We haven’t spoken in almost two weeks; I even changed my phone number to avoid his calls. Damn it. Twice. Should I ask my partner? But she’s not obligated to know all the illegal traders in Savannah. Although, I suspect she knows quite a few. Still not an option. Aaah, screw it! Can't keep running from him forever! Dial the number automatically; it’s literally etched in my memory after these two months. Hi, Roger, we haven't... What? Busy? It's noon, and you usually sleep at this time. Or just barely opened your eyes. Hmm, why does your voice sound so strange? Who's with you? I... Grrrrah! I struggle to keep from throwing my phone against the wall. What a bastard! The voice was clearly female! Through the blood-red haze clouding my vision, notice the frightened females backing away from me. Even the patrol officers look at me in confusion and caution. With great difficulty, I unclench my cramping fingers and retract my claws. Muzzle hurts from the forced smile. Everything's fine.
They don't believe me. And rightly so; I don't believe myself. Just two weeks. Even less. And he's already with someone else. It seemed... No, I need to stop; it’s starting to sting in my eyes. Damn, but it hurts so much... I quickly give instructions to the officers, get in the car, and... go nowhere. Just sitting there, staring into space.