Chapter 2

Hopps Express 2.0

A/N: Just so you know, this is a rewrite of the original story. I've decided to break with…I don't know, tradition if you will, and post the rewrite for you all to review and comment on. In a day or two, I plan to post it as a separate entry on fan fiction for the rest of the readers to comment on, so you can reread it there or just review and comment on it here.

…

As the fully restored Midnight Blue '65 GTO convertible pulled into the local Hopps Express gas station, Nick heard Finnick grumble "Mammal, why yu' gotta stop here for? We ain't never gonna make the car show in time to register this beauty if ya keep stoppin' alla time!"

"Fin, you know the ONLY place I can find that certain brand of Herrs Cicada chips is these Hopps stations. Nobody else has the blueberry flavored ones."

"Yea, well I think you just want to check out Josh and Duane's sister. You been wantin' to stop since you heard she was workin' here. Personally, I don't know what the hell you see in a bunny chick anyways. especially since this particular bunny wanted to be a cop. How'd you let those two bunnies talk you inta checkin' her out anyways? If they're tryin' to hook you up, you KNOW something must be wrong with her. I tell ya Nick, this idea has bad written all over it."

"Dude ease up. First off, it's your turn to gas up the GTO, I told you I was going to check and see if she was interested in the mechanic spot we so desperately need to fill. Not to mention the fact that Skye is getting tired of having to model with the cars every weekend, she seems to want to spend time with some new boy toy of hers. And for your information, I am NOT looking to get hooked up with anyone, ESPECILLY since Skye just dumped me…Don't tell me your memory is as short as you are" sad Nick with a toothy smirk. "You fill the car and I'll get my chips, check out the Hopps chick and we can be on our way, ok?"

"Yea, yea, yea, hurry the hell up or we'll miss the damned deadline."

As Nick enters the store, he waves at the two Hopps brothers, who nod towards the storeroom, indicating that their sister Judy is back there getting ready to restock some of the almost sold out items, including Nick's favorite chips. Just as Nick reaches for the last in stock bag of chips, Judy backs out of the store room with both arms full of stock. Instead of grabbing the aforementioned chips, Nick ends up with a pawful of tan and white cottontail, which just happens to be attached to Judy.

"What" SMACK"the hell do you think you're doing" yells Judy as she sends Nick flying into a display stand, scattering chips and candy bars all over the store.

"What makes you think you can come in here a just grab me by the ass? I'm calling the cops you damned pervert"

"But…but…wait. What the hell just happened?"

As Judy reaches for her phone to call the ZPD Nick tries to explain "I was reaching for the last bag of chips and you backed up into my paw…I swear…"

"A likely story you da…yes, ZPD, this is Judy Hopps…yes again, what the hell difference does that make? Listen Clawhauser, I want to report a molestation…yes me, who the hell else would I be calling about? Will you just…send someone to the store please? Thanks."

"Judy" calls out Duane "what Nick said is true, he was just going to grab a bag of chips, NOT your tail. You backed into him, it's more your fault than his. How many times have we told you to not back out of the storeroom?"

"And I'm just supposed to believe you two asshats? After all of the crap you pull on me every day, just to make me more miserable than I already am? Really?"

Just then, Fangmeyer and Delgado pull up to the front of the store. "Ok Judy, what's the problem this time? This is the third time this month you've had us called in, and it's getting' kinda old…"

"How did you guys get here so quick?" asks Josh.

"With the amount of calls we've had to answer here since Judy came, we tend to swing by a little more often so we don't have to drive halfway across the district just get here for another half-baked complaint" says Delgado, leveling a frown at the very unhappy bunny.

"Yea, well this pervert grabbed me by the butt when I came out of the storeroom and I want to press sexual assault charges" says Judy.

While Fangmeyer tries to calm Judy down, Delgado goes over to Nick "Mr.…."

"Wilde, Nick Wilde, with an e."

"Mr. Wilde, can you explain what's going on here, and is there any truth to Ms. Hopps allegation?"

"Well, it's actually kinda difficult to explain, but I'll try. Umm, yes I guess I did, kind of accidentally grab the lady by the tail but there are extenuating circumstances."

"Really? This should be interesting."

"Tell me about it. Anyways, I was reaching to grab the last bag of blueberry Cicada chips and the young lady backed out of the storeroom with her paws full of chips and stuff and sorta kinda backed into my paw. I swear it's true, ask her brothers, they saw the whole thing."

Just then, Finnick came in through the door "Nick, what the hell did you do now? We gotta get to the show or we'll lose our deposit" as Delgado and Nick both shoot Finnick a 'get lost' look "never mind, I'll wait in the car" and quickly heads back out of the door.

As Delgado turns to the brothers, Josh speaks up "If it's any help, we just got the new security cameras installed last week and they're up and running. You can check out the footage in the office if that'll help."

As Josh and Delgado go into the office, Judy yells at Nick "Your sorry ass is headed to jail if I have anything to say about it fox."

"Pipe down Judy" says Fangmeyer, "you aren't making matters any better."

After about ten minutes Nick and Delgado exit the office "Mr. Wilde" says Delgado, loud enough for Judy and Fangmeyer to hear "do you want to press charges against Ms. Hopps for felony assault?"

"WHAT?" yells Judy "What are you talking about? He grabbed my butt and you want to know if HE wants to press charges against ME?"

"Judy" says Delgado "I just saw the recordings from the security cameras. Everything Mr. Wilde and your brothers have told us is true. If you want to press charges against Mr. Wilde, there IS evidence enough to support your claim of sexual harassment. However, I must warn you, according to the footage it was unintentional. What is intentional is you striking Mr. Wilde with intent to do bodily harm, which I'm sure you of all mammals know is a Class A felony. IF Mr. Wilde decides to press charges you will go to jail.'

'Look Judy, I know you're upset because you'd planned your life around joining the ZPD, but you can't keep this up. Every time some little thing happens you go off the deep end. I would strongly suggest that you two get together and work something out mutually beneficial to the both of you. We'll give you a few minutes to think about what you want to do and get back with you for a decision.'

As Josh and Duane started picking up the display and its contents that were scattered all over the floor, Nick stared intently at Judy, who was suddenly very nervous. As Judy contemplated her fate, Nick started the conversation "Look, I know we got off to a bad start, how about a simple introduction? I'm Nick, Nick Wilde."

"Judy, Judy Hopps. Umm, I guess I may have sorta overreacted, but a bunny's tail is really sensitive, OK? I've had a bit of a hard time lately. I had planned to join the ZPD ever since I was little, or littler, only to find out they won't take small mammals, so my dreams and future have kinda gone down the in flames. Long story short, I've been kinda been taking out my frustrations on anyone and everyone who really haven't deserved it. Ummm….and I apologize for hitting you, it was just a kind of automatic reaction, what with having 275 siblings and all."

"Wait, what? You have that many brothers and sisters? Really?"

"Well, yea, we bunnies are really good at multiplying ya know, what can I say? Is there anything I can say or do to make it up to you? I really don't want to go to jail…"

"Look" says Nick "I don't want you to go to jail over a misunderstanding, but I can't just pass it off as if nothing happened either. Let me ask you something, are you happy here. I mean working in the store?"

Judy looks up at hopefully Nick "NO, not really, it's just better than being stuck in Bunnyburrow growing carrots for the rest of my life, why?"

"Well to be perfectly honest, the real reason I stopped today was to talk to you…"

"To me, why on earth would you want to do that?"

"Two reasons, truth be told. First, your brothers said you were really hot…"

"I'm going to kill those two…"

"And the second is that they said that you are a better than average mechanic, working on the farm and all" Interrupted Nick.

"What does one have to do with the other?" asked Judy.

"Ok, please hear me out, second reason first." Nick hands Judy one of his business cards 'Wilde Times Classic Muscle Cars' "I'm in great need of a good mechanic at my shop. The pay's good and tools are furnished. The shop is top notch because we restore all of the classic muscle cars along with some motorcycles and some classic luxury cars. Some are in pretty good shape but a lot are basket cases. We sell them to the very cream of Zootopia elite. The '65 GTO convertible outside is one of our cars."

"Hmmm, ok, sounds interesting. So, what is the other reason you wanted to talk to me?"

"Well" says Nick, blushing slightly "Your brothers said you were extremely good looking so I wanted to check you out to see if they were telling the truth."

Judy's mouth hung open for a few seconds in shock "Wait….do you mean to tell me… that my brothers…were trying to set me up…for a date…with you?"

"Umm, well…not really" grins Nick "Actually, I was hoping you might want to go the car show with us, more as a job interview than a date, particularly because we also need….or at least can use another attractive model to help show off the cars.

Now it was Judy's turn to be embarrassed "Now I'm really going to kill those two, just wait 'till I get my paws on them…"

"Look, my business partner Fin and I were on our way to the car show when all of…this…went down, to show the car. Since we missed the deadline to get the car entered, at least we can show up, if you're interested in the job, and check out the competition. And as an added bonus, I promise not to press assault charges. So, are you interested…or not?"

"Let's say I am, would I be your date or your employee?"

"Either or both, whatever trips your trigger."

"Both? Really? What would mammals think if I were to go as your date?"

"First off, I for one could give care less what they, or anyone for that matter, thinks about who I'm with. It's my, or our, business and not theirs. Second, almost everyone will be there for the cars first and foremost. The better quality and rarity of the cars, the more they're worth. Third, how better to sell a classic muscle car, than to show it off with an intelligent, beautiful model who is also a top-notch mechanic?"

As Judy mulled over Nick's offer, she realized that he was being totally honest about the entire conversation.

"Ok, just for giggles, let's say I accept your offer. I'm currently living with my brothers, how am I supposed to get to work? I don't have a car and according to the address on your business card it would take me an hour and a half to get to work every day using public transportation, not to mention the ride back."

"Well, there is a vacant room above the shop I'll let you use, rent free, until you can get on your feet."

As Judy studies Nick as he talks, she finds the job offer appealing, as it gets her out of the station and farther from Bunnyburrow.

As Fangmeyer and Delgado approach the pair, Judy quickly tells Nick "Ok, it's a deal. Do I have time to change into something a little less that looks like I work in a gas station?"

"Sure, no problem, I can give you a lift to wherever you need to go. After the show you can either wait and get your stuff to move to the shop or do it over the weekend, preferably before Monday morning, your choice."

"Well, have you two hashed things out?" asked Delgado.

"As a matter of fact we have officers" said Nick, "Ms. Hopps has not only agreed to not press charges against me, I will not be pursuing charges against her. We have not only agreed that this is all a big misunderstanding, plus she has graciously accepted a job offer as a mechanic at my shop."

"Is this true Judy?" asked Delgado.

"Absolutely" replied a very relieved and smiling Judy. "Hopefully, this will be the last you hear from me, at least as far as the complaints go. I may have found something to funnel my energy to and keep my attitude in check."

"Well, that's great" said Delgado "I hope everything works out for you Judy, you seem like you might actually be happy for a change."

"Yea, I hope so too" says Judy.

As Fangmeyer and Delgado drive off, Judy casually walks over to her brothers.

"Josh, Duane"

"Yes?" says Josh.

First Judy punches each of her brothers on the arm "That's for not telling me about trying to get me a better job."

Then she kisses each on the cheek "And that's for hooking me up with a job with Nick."

As Nick and Judy approach the classic muscle car, Judy stops dead in her track and exclaims "This is what I'll be working on? It's absolutely beautiful!"

Actually, remember, I told you that most of the cars I get aren't even close to looking like this. They require a lot of mechanical and body work, that's where you come in, at least for the mechanical stuff. I have staff that do the upholstery and Fin is a marvel in the paint booth."

Then they hear Finnick "What the hell took so damned long? And are you serious about the bunny? I mean what the hell Nick?"

"Fin, shut the fuck up for a while will ya? First off, meet our new mechanic. Secondly, meet the hot model that's going to help us sell more cars. And yes, they are all the same mammal."

As Nick started the car and listened to the throaty roar of the big block motor "What do you think of that Fluff?"

"VERY nice. Let's go get me something really nice to get changed into and head for the show…. then we'll see where things go from there."

…

As the crew pulls up to the apartment building that Judy lives in with her brothers, Nick is less than impressed with the living conditions. "Wow, you guys actually live here? I thought this place was condemned a while back."

"Yea, it was, but somehow the landlord actually got it up to codes, but just barely. Give me about fifteen minutes and I'll be back down, I can have all of my stuff ready to go if you don't mind me putting it in your trunk."

"No problem, the show doesn't even open 'till around noon so we got some time."

After Judy disappears inside Fin asks Nick "Mammal, are you sure about this? I mean a bunny, really? You offer her a job without checking her creds? A bunny?"

Just then the front door of the apartment building opens and Judy emerges with two large suitcases in paw.

Nick and Fin are in awe of the change in Judy's appearance. Her outfit consists of a pale blue V-neck top that just shows a peek of her cleavage, a lavender skirt that matches her eyes and a very nice amethyst and emerald necklace that happens to match Nick and Judy's eyes.

"Well, are you going to help me with these or are you just going to sit there gawking?" asks Judy.

"Your brothers said you were good looking, but they never said you were drop dead gorgeous!" said Nick.

"Nice of you to notice" says Judy with a bit of a smirk.

"Uhhh, you got any sisters that are half as good looking as you?" asks Finnick.

"I think I might be able to scrounge up one or two if I look hard enough, why? You acted like you didn't want to be around a bunny not too long ago, what changed your mind?"

"N-nutin' special, really…ok, I'll admit it you look….ok."

Judy giggles "I don't know, besides, there are only one or two who might actually be able to tolerate your smart attitude. And they are at least as mean as you try to act, so do you really want to check and of them out or not?"

"Hell yea, they sound like they might be my kind of girls. Let's get goin' to the show, we can talk on the way."

…

As our trio enters the car show, Judy gazes around in awe at the vast assortment of classic cars on display. Everything from XKE Jaguars to Bentleys to Corvettes to Lincolns. There is even a section devoted to motorcycles.

"Like what ya see Fluff?" asks Nick.

"Oh…my…God…. how could I not? The is the most awesome collection of cars I have ever seen in my life, not that I have actually seen any in person, but even the ones in magazines don't do justice to seeing them in person. And I will actually get to help create some of these wonderful machines?"

"Is that what I'll be paying you to do? Yes-yes, it is."

Judy stops for a second and takes Nick's paw in hers. As Nick turns to face her she gives him a tight hug and whispers in his ear "Thank you, for everything. For not sending me to jail, for offering me the job and for bringing me here to see this amazing sight. But I'm NOT going to thank you for grabbing my tail, at least not yet. We'll see how everything works out, then I might, just might thank you for that as well."

As they continue to circulate through the displays, Nick looks at the beaming bunny and thinks 'I never dreamed that things could go from the exceptionally bad start to where they may lead in the future. From being the lonely owner of a successful shop, to actually looking forward to seeing someone special every day. One step at a time I guess…. And I never did get those damned chips…'

A/N: Again, I'm going to be posting this edition of 'Hopps Express 2.0' on fan fiction as a stand-alone as well as a more or less second chapter to the original. Let me know what you all think so I can get a better feel on how to approach the upcoming story. Still NOT sure of the title maybe something like 'Wilde Rides'. Suggestions will be appreciated.

Thanks for reading,

GhostWolf88