Work Text:
Nick Wilde had long ago accepted three universal truths.
First: Paperwork multiplied when unattended.
Second: Judy Hopps possessed an alarming capacity for optimism before coffee.
Third: His partner absolutely refused to leave work at work.
The third truth was currently ruining his evening.
Nick balanced a stack of folders against his hip as he stood outside Judy’s apartment door, tail flicking in mild irritation. He had been minding his own business when a certain pretty rabbit had texted him to pick up some case folders on his way back to the station. Judy herself had rushed off to a witness interview and asked Nick if he could run some searches in the meantime. Using her emergency key, Nick had expected one or two case files for what they were currently working on together, not an entire bed buried beneath case files.
It felt like a crime scene swallowed by administrative failure.
He squinted at the mountain of paperwork. “Cotton Tail,” he muttered, “one day I’m staging an intervention.”
Still, he gathered the folders; partners helped each other. That was the arrangement. Also, if Bogo saw this avalanche tomorrow morning, both of them would suffer consequences measurable in paperwork-related trauma.
Back at the ZPD, the office was unusually quiet, lit by the soft hum of overhead lights and the distant clatter of a janitor’s cart. Nick dropped into his chair, stacked the folders neatly, and began sorting.
Parking violations.
Petty theft reports.
Witness statements.
Normal stuff.
Then he reached the final folder.
It had the appearance of any other folder, except it had a tiny carrot sticker on one corner.
Nick stared at it.
“…That cannot be regulation.”
Curiosity tugged at him. The sticker alone told him that this wasn’t actually an official ZPD case folder, though Nick was amused by the idea of Judy stealing official office supplies. On the other paw, Judy had asked him to bring these back, and this one had been mixed in with official cases.
Which meant it was probably still work-related.
Probably.
He thumbed the folder open.
The title page read:
ZPD INVESTIGATION FILE
SUBJECT: Wilde, Nicholas P.
CLASSIFICATION: CONFIDENTIAL
LEAD INVESTIGATOR: Officer Judy Hopps
Nick blinked.
Once.
Twice.
“…Okay,” he said slowly, “either I’m under investigation or this is the most flattering ambush of my career.”
He turned the page.
Objective:
Determine whether Nicholas Wilde harbors romantic feelings toward Officer Judy Hopps.
Nick nearly fell out of his chair.
He clamped a paw over his mouth to muffle a laugh that threatened to echo through the office.
No way she actually did this.
He flipped further, helpless curiosity taking over.
Evidence Log
Evidence #1 — Voluntary Continued Association
Nick Wilde initially assisted Judy only for personal gain. However, after the case deadline expired and he had no incentive to help, he chose to stay.
Conclusion:
Nick continued partnership despite lack of reward. Indicates emotional motivation.
Judy’s Note:
Criminals do not usually reform their entire lives because of someone they met yesterday.
Nick squinted at the page – letting the contents sink in. He was still trying to decide whether he should laugh… or panic.
Eventually, a delighted grin slowly spread across his face – Wow, okay. Starting strong, Carrots.
Nick quickly surveyed the area; McHorn and Grizzby were chatting by the coffee machine, Pennington was by the photocopier and Delgato was absorbed in whatever paperwork he was working on. Nobody was paying attention. Good.
Evidence #2 — Disclosure of Deep Personal Trauma
Nick revealed childhood humiliation involving the Junior Ranger Scouts.
- Subject demonstrated vulnerability.
- Voice softened.
- Avoided eye contact.
- Attempted humor immediately afterward (classic emotional deflection).
Observation:
Nick Wilde does not typically open up to anyone.
Conclusion:
High trust behavior. Possible emotional attachment.
Nick’s claws pause mid-page turn. The humor drains a little, replaced by something softer. He doesn’t move for a second longer than necessary. “…Wow, Fluff. You were really paying attention.”
He spoke without thinking – quickly he cleared his throat; looking around the near empty office like witnesses might materialise. Luckily, his comment went unnoticed, masked by the sound of the photocopier.
Evidence #3 — The Bridge Apology Hug
After the press conference incident:
- Nick forgave Judy rapidly.
- Invited physical comfort.
- Allowed prolonged hugging despite personal boundaries.
- Wrapped tail around subject (unconscious protective gesture).
Judy’s note:
I accidentally stood on his tail, and he still didn’t push me away.
Conclusion:
Fox prioritizes bunny emotional wellbeing over personal pain.
[Attached was a still from a security camera which shows the hug in all of its low grainy quality glory.]
Nick almost snorts at the sight of the surveillance photo. No way did she search through hours upon hours of security footage just for that. Nick vaguely wondered if she did that during official hours.
Evidence #4 — Career-Altering Decision
Nick joined the ZPD.
Known facts:
- Previously cynical about institutions.
- Distrustful of authority.
- Comfortable as independent operator.
Logical deduction:
Motivation unlikely to be civic duty alone.
Alternate hypothesis:
Wanted to remain Judy’s partner permanently.
(Highlighted three times in pink marker.)
[Attached was a photo of Nick’s badge ceremony. It was taken during the exact moment Judy pinned the badge to Nick’s uniform, both looking proud]
Nick’s eyes lingered on the pink-highlighted line longer than necessary. His tail gave a slow, thoughtful sway behind his chair. He had always told himself the badge was about second chances. About proving something to the world.
But seeing it written like that - simple, obvious - made something flutter in his chest. She was right, of course. He wouldn’t have made that decision without her.
Evidence #5 — “You Know You Love Me.”
During friendly banter:
Nick: “You know you love me.”
Judy: confirms affection.
Judy’s analysis:
Subject expressed confidence in emotional reciprocity.
Conclusion:
Nick testing romantic hypothesis through humor camouflage.
Nick grinned, smug. And how right I was, Carrots - this is adorable.
Evidence #6 — Protective Instincts
Repeated behavioral pattern:
- Steps between Judy and danger.
- Volunteers for risky roles.
- Maintains visual tracking of partner during operations.
Professional Assessment:
Exceeds standard partner concern.
Nick snorted. She runs toward danger like it owes her money. Someone has to keep up. In the corner of his eye, Pennington approached Nick’s desk, finished with the photocopier. Nick slowly – as if nothing was out of the ordinary – picked up one of the other case files and placed it on top. He pretended to read its contents as the elephant passed. They both share a friendly nod of acknowledgement before Pennington continued on his way to his own desk.
Nick watched Pennington sit down in the corner of his eye and begin sorting through his paperwork. Slowly, Nick removed the decoy file and resumed Judy’s… diary?
Evidence #7 — The Dance Party
Nick attends Gazelle concert.
Key observation:
He dances only after Judy pulls him in.
Interpretation:
Nick displays social openness primarily when encouraged by Judy Hopps.
Nick groaned. Oh, come on, she logged the dance? He stared at the page like it had personally betrayed him. He hadn’t even realized it mattered. Someway, somehow, Judy Hopps had turned mild public embarrassment into official investigative material.
Before him, chairs scraped across the floor.
McHorn and Grizzby were gathering their things near the office exit, shrugging on jackets. “Hey, Wilde!” McHorn called. “Don’t work too late.”
“Yeah,” Grizzby added with a grin. “Try going home for once. See you in the morning!”
A moment later Pennington pushed back from his desk, stretching hard enough that his back popped loudly.
“Oof. That’s my cue,” he groaned. “Night, Wilde.”
Delgato was already grabbing his coat, falling into step beside him. “Don’t let Hopps catch you reorganizing her files again.”
Nick lifted a paw without looking up from the file. “Night, gentlemen. I’ll try not to solve all crime without you.”
They laughed and headed out, the precinct door thudding softly shut behind them.
The lights seemed a little dimmer after they left. The office settled into quiet - only the hum of electronics and distant city noise for company.
Nick glanced around.
Empty.
Alone.
Perfect.
He turned back to the folder.
Evidence #8 — Undercover Couple Operation
During investigation, Nick suggested posing as:
A couple with a baby.
Important details:
- Proposal originated from Nick.
- He appeared suspiciously comfortable playing domestic partner.
- Maintained role even when no suspects were present.
Observed behaviors:
- Protective positioning.
- Casual shoulder contact.
- Smiling at Judy when she laughed.
- Called Judy “Babe”.
Conclusion:
Nick enjoys hypothetical domestic scenario involving Judy Hopps.
[Attached was a snapshot of them in their undercover disguises. Nick had one arm around Judy and one arm taking the photo – an expression of smug confidence on his face. Judy was leaning into his side with both hands on the stroller. She had a gleeful expression. And Finnick… well, Finnick had an expression of thunder.]
Nick choked. She logged the babe thing?! He rubbed one ear, embarrassed.
Slowly, almost reverently, he slid the photo free from the folder. A paw touched the image tentatively as if it might wither away if roughly handled.
The precinct faded away around him.
In his mind’s eye, their ridiculous undercover outfits slowly melted away; his loud Pawaiian shirt presented itself and Judy’s disguise shifted into comfortable athletic wear, ears bouncing as she laughed at something only he’d said.
The stroller changed too.
No grumpy Finnick glaring up at them.
Just… small blankets. Tiny paws. A warm little weight between them.
Nick blinked, startled by how easily the picture formed.
He knew the biology didn’t work. Foxes and rabbits didn’t get that kind of future, but his mind didn’t seem interested in technicalities.
Maybe a fox with soft grey fur and Judy’s eyes.
Maybe a bunny with a flash of red and a sly little smile.
Something that laughed like her.
Something with her relentless enthusiasm.
In his imagination, Judy lifted the bundle gently, rocking it with instinctive warmth while Nick stood close behind her, arms circling both of them without hesitation - like he belonged there.
The realization settled quietly.
He wanted this.
Never even let himself consider it before Judy.
Because before Judy… there hadn’t been a future that included anyone else.
It was never an option before.
Nick suddenly realised that with his new footing in life – being a city hero twice over – he is in good standing to be an acceptable adoption parent.
Adoption. Nick’s eyes widened with shock at his own thoughts. Would she do it?
Nick exhaled slowly, ears warm, and slipped the photo back into place with careful precision.
He turned the page.
Evidence #9 — Partner Therapy Session
Nick willingly attended ZPD partner therapy.
This mammal avoids emotional discussion whenever possible.
Implication:
Relationship maintenance prioritized.
[Attached was a photocopy of the therapy attendance sign-in sheet].
Nick let off an amused huff. Judy went out of her way to sneak away the attendance sheet and photocopy it.
Evidence #10 — Jealous Behavioral Response (Subject: Pawbert)
When interacting with Pawbert:
- Nick displayed irritation.
- Increased sarcasm levels.
- Inserted himself into conversations unnecessarily.
Detective Assessment:
Classic territorial reaction.
Judy’s handwritten addendum:
Nick claims he was “just annoyed.”
He was not just annoyed.
[Attached was a photo of Nick in his gala tuxedo. It had been taken when he was unaware. Judy had drawn tiny pink hearts around the edges in unmistakably enthusiastic pen strokes].
Nick’s ears swivelled back; she was not supposed to notice that.
Behind him, someone cleared their throat.
Nick jumped nearly a foot out of his chair.
“GAH-!”
He spun around to find Benjamin Clawhauser standing there, clutching a paper bag of snacks and looking deeply pleased with himself.
“You should wear a bell,” Nick hissed, heart still racing.
Clawhauser beamed. “I’ve been standing here for, like… thirty seconds.”
Nick’s ears shot upright.
“…You what?”
Clawhauser leaned sideways, trying very obviously to peek around him. “I didn’t mean to snoop,” he said, which meant he absolutely had. “But I saw the picture and-”
He pointed.
Nick slapped the folder shut.
Too late.
Clawhauser’s paws flew to his cheeks. “Oh. My. Gosh.”
Nick stared at him flatly. “You saw nothing.”
“That is not an official case photo,” Clawhauser whispered loudly. “That is a crush photo. Judy made a crush file!”
Nick slid the folder closer to himself protectively. “It’s classified.”
Clawhauser leaned closer anyway, eyes sparkling. “I only read a little bit. Just enough to know this is the cutest thing that has ever happened in the history of law enforcement.”
Nick narrowed his eyes. “You were reading over my shoulder?”
“I was emotionally supporting from a distance.”
A beat.
“…What else does it say?”
Nick didn’t hesitate. “It says I’m busy.”
Clawhauser gasped softly, vibrating with barely contained excitement.
Nick pointed toward the vending machines without looking away from him. “Go eat something, Clawhauser.”
Clawhauser clutched his snacks, practically glowing. “I am so happy for you guys.”
“We’re not—”
Nick stopped himself.
Closed his mouth.
Because arguing felt pointless while Judy’s heart-covered photo sat hidden inside the file.
Clawhauser backed away slowly, whispering, “I didn’t see anything,” while very obviously having seen everything.
When he disappeared around the corner, the office fell quiet again.
Nick waited.
Listened for retreating footsteps.
Then, carefully… he reopened the folder.
His smile returned before he even reached the first page.
Evidence #11 — Near-Death Reunion
After narrowly escaping disaster:
- Eye contact established immediately upon confirmation of survival.
- Both parties initiated simultaneous forward sprint.
- No verbal communication prior to physical contact.
- Immediate full-body embrace initiated by both subjects.
- Duration exceeded standard partner reassurance behavior.
Emotional Indicators - Subject: Nick Wilde
- Visible tears present.
- Breathing irregular.
- Voice unsteady when attempting to speak afterward.
- No humor deflection observed during initial interaction.
- Did not attempt emotional concealment.
Critical detail:
Nick Wilde was visibly crying.
Historical Comparison:
Subject typically employs sarcasm or humor when distressed.
No historical precedent for crying.
Nick states:
- He does not care about differences between them.
- Judy is the best thing that ever happened to him.
- Nobody else matters more to him.
- Fear of losing her drives his decisions.
- Joined ZPD because he wanted a pack - and Judy is that pack.
Conclusion:
This exceeds friendship parameters.
No historical precedent for crying.
Nick huffed quietly through his nose. That feels unnecessary. “You really filed that under evidence.”
His thumb lingered near the margin where Judy’s writing grew slightly tighter, as if she’d been trying very hard to stay objective and failing just a little. He could practically picture her at home, ears tilted forward, tongue caught between her teeth while she tried to sound like a detective instead of… whatever this was.
The image brought a fond smile to his face. Judy you’re adorable. He gave a soft huff of laughter.
A muffled squeak came from behind him-
“For the love of- Clawhauser!”
Nick immediately pulled the folder toward himself, but not before Clawhauser had clearly read enough. He pressed a paw dramatically to his chest. “You cried?”
Nick stared at him. “…You came back.” He said flatly.
“I forgot my soda,” Clawhauser waved him away, pointing vaguely behind him without looking away from the file. “But also- you cried?”
Nick slammed the folder shut so fast the papers inside rustled loudly. “…You accidentally stood here reading an extremely emotional document.”
“I didn’t read anything.” Clawhauser’s expression said he absolutely had.
Nick groaned into his arms. “You need louder footsteps.”
“I’m a cheetah!”
“Wear tap shoes!”
“I knew it,” he whispered, bouncing slightly on his toes. “I knew you two were- I mean, the way you look at each other? The synchronized concern? The emotional growth arcs?”
Nick raised a brow. “Please never say ‘emotional growth arcs’ again.”
“No promises.” Clawhauser’s gaze drifted back to the folder, then to Nick. “You know you’re gonna have to tell her you read it.”
Nick’s smile turned sly again, though softer than usual. “Oh, absolutely not.”
Clawhauser gasped. “Nick Wilde.”
“I am going to sit on this information,” Nick said calmly, “and enjoy knowing Detective Hopps conducted a full romantic investigation without realizing the suspect already confessed.”
Clawhauser clutched his snacks like a witness to history. “That is diabolical.”
Nick stood, tucking the folder neatly back into Judy’s paperwork stack exactly where he’d found it.
His paw lingered on it for just a second.
Then he straightened his tie, composure sliding back into place.
“Alright,” he said lightly. “You saw nothing.”
Clawhauser saluted solemnly. “I saw nothing.”
A beat passed.
“…But I am emotionally invested now.”
Nick sighed.
“…For the record,” Clawhauser added carefully, “I think Detective Hopps is very thorough.”
“Go away, Clawhauser.”
The cheetah grinned and finally retreated, humming under his breath as he disappeared down the hallway.
Nick waited.
Listened.
Counted several long seconds after the footsteps faded.
Only then did he slowly pull the folder back out from under the pile.
He stared at the cover.
Shook his head once, ears warm with embarrassment.
But he opened it again anyway.
Evidence #12 — Carrot Pen Restoration
Restored carrot-shaped audio recorder pen gifted by Nick Wilde to Judy Hopps following the Lynxley-DeSnake case.
Stored audio file:
- “Love ya partner.”
Observed Details:
- Recording captured in Nick’s voice.
- Message saved intentionally rather than erased.
- Device kept by Judy among personal belongings rather than standard equipment.
- Gift presented during emotionally significant moment between partners.
Detective Analysis:
Subject expresses affection indirectly through humor and symbolic gifting.
Conclusion:
Emotional statement disguised as casual partner language.
Attached was a picture of the restored carrot pen, having been glued delicately back together with great care, including all tiny splinters of plastic.
Remaining Question:
Does he like me the way I like him?
Nick closed the folder slowly. The office felt very quiet. A smile tugged at his muzzle, softer than his usual grin. “Well, Hopps,” he murmured, “you missed one crucial piece of evidence.”
He pulled a blank report sheet toward himself and grabbed a pen.
With deliberate care, he added a new page, scribbling something down and slipping the page back into the folder. He closed it just as a brief shadow crossed behind him.
Nick didn’t even look up.
“For the last time, Clawhauser,” he said, “if you forgot another beverage I’m filing a restraining-”
He turned.
And froze.
Judy Hopps stood directly behind him.
Ears upright. Eyes wide. One paw still holding a notebook she clearly used to gather witness statements.
Nick’s brain stopped functioning. “…Judy.”
His paw remained halfway over the folder like a suspect caught holding stolen evidence.
Judy blinked once.
Then her gaze dropped.
To the file.
Silence stretched between them.
Nick’s ears slowly lowered as realization hit all at once.
Oh.
Oh no.
He glanced sideways instinctively-
-and spotted movement near the photocopier.
Benjamin Clawhauser was very obviously peeking around the machine, half-hidden, gripping the edge of it with both paws. His expression was one of absolute, scholarly fascination, like a wildlife researcher observing a rare emotional event in its natural habitat.
Nick narrowed his eyes at him.
Clawhauser slowly ducked down.
Then immediately peeked back up again, giving him an enthusiastic thumbs-up and very deliverately did not leave.
Nick inhaled slowly, turning back to Judy. She was still staring at the folder, her ears tilted back.
“…You read it,” she said.
Not accusing, not even angry but… stunned.
“Well,” he said carefully, adopting the calmest voice he could manage, “in my defense, it was disguised as official documentation.”
Judy’s eyes widened further. “It was a working draft!”
“You used department formatting,” Nick countered weakly. “Very misleading.”
Her face flushed beneath her fur. “You weren’t supposed to see that!”
Nick winced slightly. “Yeah. Picking up on that now.”
Judy crossed her arms tightly, mortification beginning to overtake shock. “How much did you read?”
Nick hesitated. “Everything up until Evidence Thirteen.”
Her ears dropped flat. “Oh my gosh.” Judy covered her face with her paw, “No!”
Then realisation hit. One of her ears lifted a bit, “Evidence Thirteen?” Judy tore the folder away from Nick and flipped to the back page.
Evidence #13:
Subject found investigation file.
Observation: Subject experienced immediate affection overload.
Additional Note: Investigator is incredibly adorable.
Conclusion: Subject is hopelessly, ridiculously in love with Investigator. Would love to date her.
Signed,
Nicholas P. Wilde
Judy stared at the page.
For a long moment she didn’t move at all. Her eyes tracked the handwriting - unmistakably Nick’s - lingering on every word. Her ears lifted slowly and color spread beneath her fur so fast Nick was fairly certain it qualified as a medical event.
“…You,” Judy said faintly, still staring at the page, “added evidence.”
“Well,” he began carefully, tail giving an uncertain flick behind him, “I felt the investigation was missing a key witness statement.”
Judy’s eyes snapped up to his.
“You signed it.”
Nick shrugged one shoulder, attempting casual and landing somewhere near visibly doomed. “Proper documentation matters.”
She looked back down again, rereading the conclusion.
Hopelessly, ridiculously in love.
Her paw tightened slightly on the folder.
Nick watched every tiny shift in her expression - the disbelief, the dawning understanding, the way her breathing changed as realization settled in piece by piece. For once, he didn’t interrupt, didn’t joke, and didn’t deflect.
Because this was Judy. Judy mattered. She is pack.
“…You mean it?” she asked.
Nick’s ears dipped slightly. His usual smirk softened into something honest and unguarded. “Carrots,” he said gently, “you wrote twelve pages proving I was gone for you. Figured it was only fair I confirmed the findings.”
Her nose twitched.
A tiny laugh escaped her before she could stop it - nervous, breathless. “I can’t believe you turned my secret investigation into peer review.”
“Hey,” Nick said, lifting his paws defensively, “I passed inspection.”
Judy shook her head, smiling despite herself. She closed the folder slowly, holding it against her chest like it suddenly weighed a great deal more than paper. “I was never actually going to show you,” she admitted. “I just… needed to figure it out first. I didn’t want to risk our partnership if I was wrong.”
Nick’s expression softened further. “You weren’t wrong.”
From somewhere near the photocopier came a suspicious sniffling noise. Both of them turned. Clawhauser immediately pretended to examine a stack of blank paper upside-down.
“…Clawhauser.”
“I am witnessing accountability,” Clawhauser whispered reverently.
Judy turned back to Nick, a coy smile on her face. “So,” she said carefully, “Officer Wilde… what happens now?”
Nick leaned in slightly, voice low and warm.
“Well, Detective Hopps… standard procedure says the investigator and subject should probably test their hypothesis.”
Her eyes became wide and glistened. “…That sounds very scientific.”
“Oh, extremely.”
“So,” Judy stretched out the word, “Want to clock out and go somewhere alone?”
Nick turned and offered her his arm, “Absolutely,”
Judy smiled with barely contained glee and took his arm. “Bye, Clawhauser!” She called back.
”See you tomorrow!” Clawhauser called back, voice thick with emotion. He blew his nose and waved, “I’m so happy for you!”