Chapter seven - The date

The frustration was starting to take its toll on her, her long ears hurting of how much she had been pulling on them. She never understood why others complained when they went through the same situation. For the bunny, it didn't look such a deal back then, but now she realized the complexity of the dilemma laying in front of her.

What should she wear for the date?

Judy had several shirts, skirts, trousers, two formal dresses and an undetermined number of garments laying on her bed, and none of them pleased the bunny. The clothes were fine, that much she knew, but Mark had not told her what kind of dinner were they having, if informal or formal. Just like a few days ago, she was trapped in an endless chain of thoughts, just this time asking the macaque was not going to solve it. She already tried.

...

Flashback

...

• What do you mean "anything is fine"?

• Exactly what I said, Silk.- Mark's voice through the phone sounded like he was trying not to laugh.- If you want to dress nice, do so; if you would rather be comfy, that works for me too.

• I don't know what to wear if I don't know where we are going! Is it a nice restaurant, are you taking me to the movies... What is it?

• Can't say, I don't want to spoil it.

• Ok then, at least tell me what YOU are going to wear.

• Clothes.

Judy clenched her paw into a fist in a menacing manner, something a little useless if the other mammal couldn't see it.

• You are starting to be worse than Nick, you know?

• I'll take that as a compliment.- Replied him and some muffled laughs could be heard through the device.

...

End of flashback

...

So, there she was, without a hint of what to do. For a moment, she considered calling Nathan, or Shana since she was also a girl, and ask about Mark's intentions, but that would require to tell them about their "date", and Judy was not ready for that.

The sound of her doorbell startled her. She had only her panties and bra on, so she approached the door but didn't open it.- Yes?

• It's me, Mark. We have a date, remember?

• What? Already? But didn't we agree to meet at 7?

• That is correct. And it is 7:13 pm, according to my phone.- Replied him through the door. She turned to check the clock on the wall at her right and, indeed, she was late.

• Sweet cheese and crackers! Ok, ok, umm... Give me five minutes to get dressed and we will leave.

• Don't tell me you have been trying to choose what to wear since we finished work today.- She couldn't see him through the door, but her ears picked clearly the sound of muffled laughs.

• Shut up.- Said the bunny with her face all red.- The longer you retain me at the door, the longer it will take for us to leave.

A chuckle could be heard this time.- I'll be waiting here.

Running to her room, Judy resumed her task, now with double effort and triple her normal heart rate. Her phone rang announcing a text had just arrived. With her paws shaking nervously, she unblocked the device and read the text: "Just wear anything you feel comfortable with. Don't work yourself up for that."

• Easy to say.- Lamented the bunny, thought that actually helped a little. Following his advice, he picked the very first thing that she saw on the bed. She chose blue pants and a white shirt that left her left shoulder uncovered.

After a last look at the mirror, she grabbed her wallet, keys and phone, stored them in a small shoulder bag that she hanged on her shoulder and left her apartment, being greeted by the macaque waiting for her.

• See? It wasn't so hard. You look lovely.- Said Mark with a smile.

• Flatterer. That won't get you anywhere tonight. I'm still angry at you for not telling me what to wear.- Her smile, however, said otherwise.

• I did tell you.- Retorted him playfully.- I remember saying, and I quote here, "Anything is fine". What you have now is perfect.

• Flatterer.- Repeated the bunny passing by his side and directing her steps to the exit, hiding the detail that she blushed again. The fact that he was dressed with a buttoned black shirt and short dark grey jeans was not helping.

• So, where are you taking me?- Asked Judy, now both mammals walking down the street.

• A place Nathan told me about. According to him, they have the best broccoli pizza he has ever eaten.

• Oh, I know that one!- Exclaimed Judy. Now that she knew it was an informal dinner consisting in pizza, she relaxed.- It's where we usually order take outs.

• Really? I didn't know that.- Admitted him, and then he smiled smugly.- Was I right, then, when I said that anything was fine or not?

The bunny rolled her eyes.- Okay, yes, you were right. It was not a big deal. Happy?

• Very. I got to see you flustered again, and you can't get angry at me because it was your fault.- Added when she was about to hit him on his arm, but then she realized something and resumed the action.

• You did that on purpose! You wanted me to get nervous!

• Only to relax when you discovered it was nothing to be nervous about.

Judy quickened her pace as if she was offended by him but, in reality, she didn't want Mark to see her smile.

The macaque was about to say something, a follow up joke, but hesitated as he remembered something and, instead, he voiced a question.

• Do you mind if I ask you something?

• Is it about what other outfits I had over my bed?- She gazed in his direction with a warning look.

• That was something I was curious about, but thank you for warning me against asking about it.- Replied him.- No, it's another thing. The other day, you didn't want Nick to call your brother "cute", and it sounded like something that no bunny wants to be called. What is wrong about it?

She sighed, tired of that issue. At least, he seemed willing not to joke about it and actually respect that bunnies didn't like to be called that.- For bunnies, it's a diminishing term. Like tiny for mousses, shifty for foxes or tall for giraffes. Despite each individual being different, some intelligent, other fast, strong, fast thinkers... they are all still labeled with the same adjective. Until not long ago, we were considered nothing more that cute soft balls of fur. I had to work very hard to become a police officer, and then there were still some that wouldn't trust my abilities because I'm a "cute bunny". It doesn't matter if I can take down a rhino, if my test scores were perfect, if I can run faster than many... I'm still labeled as cute.

Silence fell over the couple for a few seconds. Judy even thought that she may have sounded accusing or something that had offended Mark in some way. She was about to apologize when he spoke.

• I see your point. It can't be pleasant to hear the same name identifying your species over and over again.

Judy smiled. It wasn't easy to make someone understand how certain adjectives could be harmful even if that wasn't their intention.- I'm glad you understand it.

• One last question about that: if someone who knows YOU, who cares about YOU, has seen your abilities and respects YOU for them and what you can do, and wants to pay you a compliment for your looks, having in mind all what you are, would you still find it inappropriate?

Judy stopped dead, forcing Mark to stop as well. She hadn't thought about that. She had heard many times other bunnies telling non rabbits not to call them cute, always with patience in their voices; she herself did so several times in her adult life, the more recent since she came to Zootopia, more specifically to Nick. She remembered that videocall with her mother a few days back and Nick calling her baby brother cute. He had been right in defending himself saying that all babies were cute, why not baby bunnies? If someone really meant that as a compliment for their looks but knowing that they were capable of more things, being a cop for example, should that still be considered demeaning?

Had Nick call her that so many times in two years because he wanted to tease her or he was trying to make her understand he meant it as a compliment?

• I... I don't know. I never thought about it.

She felt a hand on her shoulder and found mark looking at her with a warm smile and offering her his arm like a gentlemammal.

• Then think about it later. Now, we are going to have some fun.

Judy returned the smile and accepted the offered arm. She made a mental note, however, to ask Nick about it when they had a moment.

On their way to the pizza place, Judy peeked through the window of another restaurant, beautifully decorated with golden chandeliers, wooden walls covered with antique paintings and warm light illuminating the room. Almost felt like the restaurant traveled back a couple of centuries.

• Oh, this place is awesome!

Mark forced himself not to say anything at all about how adorable the sight of the bunny looking excitedly through the window with her cotton tail wiggling around was and checked the interior too.

• It is. Have you eaten here before?

• I wish! I have been reading critics about it and everymammal says food here is delicious, service is excellent and the overall experience is perfect. They even have a band playing classic music live for the guests. I wanted to try this place someday, but it is also a bit pricey. Maybe I'll save some money and come with ... Mark?

The bunny looked around and the macaque had disappeared, leaving her alone by the window. Searching for him, she found the monkey talking to a waitress at the door, a snow leopard. The other mammal nodded and left after a few moments and Mark opened the door and gestured for her to come inside.

• What are you doing, Mark?- She asked in a whisper, as if they were trespassing into someone else's house.

• Holding the door so you can enter easily.- Replied him in a normal volume, amused by the scared look on her face.- It's called manners, Silk.

• You know I do not mean that!

• I know, I know. Come on, it will be fun! You said you wanted to try this place, now here is your chance!

• But, but... I am not dressed for this kind of place!- Judy tried to get some sense into Mark's head, but the male was not deterred by such a poor excuse.

• Will you please just get inside? We are going to eat dinner, not to offer ourselves as sacrifices.

Judy huffed for a moment, trying to think of a good reason not to get inside. Obviously, she found none and walked inside.

After a short corridor, the room she could see from the outside came into view and they entered. Some of the tables there were occupied by other couples, who looked at them for a few seconds before returning their gaze to their respective partners. Judy felt like she had entered a private party without invitation. For a restaurant like this one a formal attire was required and she was dressed in the same clothes she would wear for a Gazelle concert. She felt completely out of place.

The waiter from before was by one of the empty tables, waiting for them to sit in their chairs at each side of the table.

• May I make a suggestion for the menu?

• Of course, go ahead.- Responded Mark in a very well-mannered and educated voice that surprised the bunny.

• I recommend starting with a Caitoi salad with romaine, bitter watercress, walnuts and gorgonzola topped with vinaigrette; then, a delicious zucchini cream as first course; and as second course eggplant braciole, which is smoked eggplant with salsa verde and cured olive.

If it weren't for the explanations of the waitress, Judy would have understood only a third of what she just said. The names of each dish, except for the zucchini cream, were completely unknown to her.

• Sounds delicious. We will both have that, thank you.- Said Mark calmly, as if he came every day to such places.

• Perfect. What would you like to drink? May I suggest also a bottle of wine?

• Not for now. A bottle of water will suffice, thank you.

After writing down the order, the snow leopard left them alone and went to the kitchen. Mark looked at Judy for a few second before he bursted in laughter that he managed to silence putting a hand over his mouth. Judy watched him confused, not knowing what just happened. She had to wait a few seconds until Mark was able to talk normally.

• You should see your face, Silk. It's hilarious!

• Well, I'm sorry, I've never been on a restaurant like this before.

• Neither have I. This is my first time too.

• What?- The bunny couldn't hide her shock.- But you looked like you knew what you were doing!

• I've seen a lot of movies, Silk, that is all. My father loved old movies and we watched a lot with him.

• You were pretending?.- Asked her in complete surprise. The nod from the male acted as a trigger and made her laugh just as he had moments before.

• You are unbelievable.

• Thank you.- Replied the monkey while enjoying how she laughed.- Feeling more relaxed now?

• A bit, yeah.- Admitted the bunny.- I'm still nervous about this, though. Look around: everybody is well dressed, and I am like this.- Said gesturing at herself.

Mark took a brief look to their surroundings, specifically to the other guests. There were two lions at one table close to the windows at their left, a racoon and a weasel on another in the middle of the room, a meerkat and a wild boar on the back and a last couple composed by a wolf and a cheetah in a corner, all of them in nice suits and dresses. Then, looked back to Judy, unimpressed.

• Do you know any of them? Is there someone here you would like to impress with your looks?

Those questions confused the bunny.- No, of course not.

• Then why do you worry about how do you look? We came here to have a nice dinner, eat some food and enjoy good company, not to dazzle others with fancy outfits. You look great in that and you like it. In any case, I should be the one concerned with what you wear, since I am on a date with you. Don't you think? Furthermore, now that I think of it, worrying about it it's just invalidating every complain you have about others calling you "cute". You don't want them to stereotype you or your species, but instead of BEING yourself right now you want to LOOK as they expect you to.

If he had physically slapped her in the face it wouldn't have felt any different. There was nothing she could say to counter that. It was hard to have something her kind had always struggled with, and she personally had to fight against while training to be a police officer, and face it from that perspective.

• I'm sorry, Mark. You are right, I shouldn't give it so much importance.

• Don't apologize, Judy. Macaques had that kind of issues in the past too. Every species had.

The waitress arrived at that moment with the salads in one arm and the bottle of water in the other paw. Once the dishes were on the table in front of them, she opened the bottle and served it on both glasses before leaving.

• Ok, you got my curiosity. What were macaques stereotyped with?- Asked Judy before putting some salad in her mouth. She didn't know how it was called, but it was in fact delicious.

• Two things, actually. One was that we were funny, made good jokes... For quite some time, it seemed that people thought we could only be clowns or something of the sort.

• Aaaaand, you are not funny?- Teased her.

• After all my brother and I have told you about Shana, you think she is funny?

Judy snorted and forced herself not to laugh with her mouth full. She swallowed and then let the laughter out.

• Come on, she can't be that bad.

• We went to an amusement park when I was ten years old. She didn't even smile. Not-even-once. We have pictures to prove it.

• You can't be serious!

Mark nodded.- Sadly, I am. She has always been like that: serious, strict, a hard student... She is my sister and I love her, but I wouldn't trust her my life with a joke.

• Oh, that is mean!- Judy tried to defend a little the female macaque, but she just couldn't without a smile betraying her.- Ok, I know from Nathan that you three weren't very close at first. When you became closer, you didn't try to... help her a little? Introduce her to your friends, talk to her into opening up, that sort of thing?

• Yes, we both did. I personally want to believe those attempts helped and she didn't become a killing android thanks to us.

Luckily for Judy, she had already finished drinking water before he said that or she would have become a living fountain.- OK, enough of that. There must be SOMETHING good you can say about her.

• Many things.- Replied him as if it was the easiest thing to say.- She is very responsible, she not only did her work at school and at home but also helped us do ours when we couldn't. If my brother or myself got sick, she would help mom care for us until we got better. She is very intelligent, more than she lets show. I told you, I love my sister and she is great, but she is just not funny. It's the one thing she does not care for. I admit we joke too much about her being Dr. Jackal sometimes, I even think I just overdid it just now saying she never smiles, but we know she is a kind girl to be around.

• Ok, ok, point taken.- The bunny admitted defeat with her paw raised.- And what was the other thing macaques were labeled for?

• Being easy to scare.

Judy looked up at him in disbelief.- What? But as far as I know, three members of your family were officers of some kind!

• And there were more! For some reason, my family has been inclined for that kind of job. But the thing is in part that label is true. Macaques have an enhanced sense of self-preservation, an instinct of running away from any possible danger to keep us alive. It's a trait that has allowed us to survive in the past, but now it's a nuisance. We manage to keep it under control almost all the time, though.

• But you still have it?

• Yes, we do. It is one of the reasons I wanted to be an officer like my father, to keep that instinct under a tight leash.

• That sounds very brave.- Complimented the bunny while eating the last bite of salad in her plate.

• Or stupid, according to other macaques we know in Animolia. And sometimes I think both are right. My father, grandfather, uncle and two cousins, at least that I know of, have died in the line of duty. My family would be quite bigger if we had chosen different jobs.

• I think that is something to be proud of, and I don't say it because I'm an officer too.

• I guess so.- Conceded Mark with a smile. He was proud of his family and the legacy they were leaving behind, but it was also true that, if they aren't careful, no one would continue that legacy.- How did your family take that you wanted to be an officer? I understand that it's not common among bunnies to choose this job.

• Well, at first my parents tried to convince me not to pursue that dream, since it is so dangerous. I was nine back then, they thought with a little coaxing I would change and be a carrot farmer like them.

• How long until they understood it wouldn't be that easy?- Asked mark, almost guessing the answer.

• They still think I they can convince me to leave the force. In almost every call and visit they slip some concern about how dangerous being an officer is. They admit they are very proud of what I have accomplished, but they are terrified I end up mauled by a tiger or something

• I suppose all parents are like that at some point. What about your brothers and sisters? I bet with three hundred thousand siblings, one must be bound to support you.

• Har har.- The bunny threw her napkin to his face at the joke.- For your information I have only three hundred and sixty-four. My parents took a break for a few years after the family grew too much in a short time. We normally have around ten or twelve babies per litter, but my mother gave birth several times to fifteen or sixteen. A doctor suggested to take it easy for a while to recover.

• No kidding. I am still amazed at how can a bunny have so many kits at the same time and over all their lives.

Judy saw then a chance to get back at him for joking at her expense and for making her nervous about the dinner.

• I guess a macaque would let his instinct loose and run away scared at the prospect of having three hundred kits with a bunny, uh?- Said with a grin and a crooked eyebrow.

The reaction was instantaneous: Mark chocked with the water he was drinking and started coughing into his napkin to clean his airway, some tears glistening in his eyes because of the effort. Judy couldn't resist and laughed.

• Wow, that WAS bold!- Admitted the monkey when the cough subsided, though his voice sounded a little affected.- Specially from someone who was scared of a simple friendly dinner.

Judy stuck her tongue out in childish fashion. It didn't escape her the redder shade of color in Mark's face.

The next course came at the hands of a different waitress, a white wolf this time, who took the empty plates with her when she left, but not before she eyed the couple while doing so, which they didn't notice.

• I wasn't scared!- Defended Judy.- It's just that I've never been on a date before.- Explained before trying the cream, which was delicious. I little too sweet for Judy's taste, but still very good.

• Wait a minute. NEVER?- Mark was shocked at that revelation. Judy nodded to confirm it.

• I was too focused on becoming a police officer to take a look around in that sense. I didn't receive any proposals either, so...

• I thought you lived in Bunnyburrow, not in Talpidburrow.- Joked the monkey, making her blush and attempt to throw her napkin again, but he was faster and took it out of her reach.

• You are enjoying this, aren't you?

• What do you mean?- Asked Mark innocently.

• Making me nervous and blush so much.

• Oh, I wouldn't dare. I am a gentlemammal, I don't do that.

• Sure you are.- She tried to keep her face still but she couldn't help to smile.- And how many dates did you have, if I may ask?

• Well, this would be my third.

• Only third?- Asked Judy in shock. He nodded.

• It seems I didn't inherit my father's way with women.- Said the macaque, making Judy giggle at the memory of Suzie's story the other day.- I've tried dating, but it didn't work out. This would be my first time dating in a nice restaurant, though.

• Glad to know I am not the only one here.

Both mammals giggled and allowed silence to fall over them, realizing that they had entered uncharted waters, though not unexpected. They were conscious of the reason they were there for and were fine with it, but they still got nervous about it.

A few minutes passed by and they finished the rest of the cream, just in time for the first waitress to bring the last course, an eggplant covered in a green sauce. Judy was cutting a piece of it and curiosity got stronger than her nervousness.

• So... What happened on those dates?

Mark raised his eyes to the bunny, surprised by the question. He left the fork and knife and considered the answer.

• I had dates with two different girls: the first one with another macaque and the second with a lynx. The macaque was ok, there was no drama when we realized we didn't work out together. The lynx... I can't say she did wrong giving the circumstances, but it wasn't nice. She was a classmate in high school I had a crush on, but she already had a boyfriend. She broke up with him, I heard it was something serious, and I was there for her, cheering her up and all that. One day, she asked me out, saying she needed a change of pace, someone different than the other guy and she trusted me. So, like the fool I was, I accepted. The night of the date we were eating together her phone rang, she answered, talk for about a minute and then she gathered her things, said "I'm sorry, I gotta go" and left.

• What? Why?

• I can only guess, since the next day she was back with the other guy.

• No!- Exclaimed Judy outraged. He just shrugged his shoulders, as if it didn't matter.- Did she tell you something after that, an explanation or something?

• Didn't have the chance.- Answered him with a hard look on his face as well as a hint of shame while moving the pieces of eggplant around.- I was a brat back then. It obviously hurt me what she did, but I got more offended than I should have. She tried to apologize, to tell me it was not planned and such, but I made a scene and walked away. We never spoke again.

• I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought that up.- Apologized Judy.

• It's ok. You wanted to know something and asked about it. If it were so bad, I wouldn't have said anything at all.- Said Mark recovering his normal cheerful voice.- That is what this date is for, isn't it? To know each other better?

• I thought you just wanted to repay me for my help.- Teased the bunny.

• I did, but it was you who turned this into a date. Or didn't you say "We've got a date" when you accepted my invitation?

• Sly monkey.- Said Judy, followed by a laugh from both mammals.

A few more minutes passed by and the waitress approached them.- Was everything to your liking?

• Everything was delicious, thank you.- Replied Judy.

• I'm glad to hear that. Would you like dessert?

• Not me, I'm full.- Said the bunny.

• What do you recommend?- Asked Mark, earning a look from Judy.

The leopard checked the block in her paws and recited:- We have strawberry cheesecake, Apple pie, lemon shuffle or assorted ice creams: Chocolate, strawberry, lemon, dulce de leche or banana.

• I'll have the banana ice cream, please, two spoons. Also the bill, if you don't mind.- Added the monkey when she was leaving.

• Why two spoons? I said I am full.- questioned Judy.

• Probably, but I am willing to bet that you are going to want some of it.

The look on her face indicated that she had accepted the challenge, but it wavered when the ice cream arrived. In a beautifully engraved crystal plate lay half of a real banana peel filled with the ice cream and chocolate syrup drawing a line over it.

Very conscious of her expression, Mark took one of the spoons, filled it with some of the ice cream and tasted it, making an exaggerated hum of pleasure as it melted in his mouth. As he opened his eyes, Judy had already grabbed the other spoon and was taking some ice for herself.

• Shut up.

He gestured as zipping his mouth shut, but a grin spoke for him.

• By the way, I wanted to ask you something.- Said Judy half-way through the dessert.- Why did you want this specific day? We could have gone yesterday, or tomorrow, but you seemed determined that it had to be today.

• Oh, that.- Mark looked a bit flustered and avoided her gaze.- I rather not tell that, it's kind of embarrassing and you would think I am making it up or that I am weird...er.

She sat straight and completely fixed on the monkey.- That is the kind of think I like to hear. Spill!

He rubbed the back of his neck, unsure how to explain it.- You know those slot machines in casinos, right? Remember what do you need to get the best prize?

• A seven in each slot.

• Correct. Now, what day is today?

• Uh, Friday.

• No, I mean day of the month.

• Oh, the seventh.- Judy was beginning to see where this was going and smiled.

• And we are in July, which is the seventh month. My birthday in also in July and, except for one letter, your name it's written the same, so there we have the three sevens. I believe in luck, meaning the signs that tells you how something is going to go. A three seven's sign is something I cannot ignore, and I wanted all the luck I could get for tonight.

• And what were you expecting to get tonight with all that luck?- Judy was now in full interrogation mode. He had enjoyed making her nervous, now it was her turn.- A kiss, perhaps?

• For that I think I would require an alignment of all the planets, safely crossing the street blindfolded and the toast falling jelly-side up, so no. I may believe in luck, but I know the limits.

Ok, interrogation mode off. Judy couldn't hold herself and laughed at that, barely able to stop when the waitress came with the bill. The bunny was about to get her wallet to pay her half but Mark was quicker and used his credit card.

• Wait, Mark! This is too much!

• I said I would invite you to dinner, didn't I?

• I know that, but I thought it would be a pizza or something like that, not this! Let me pay at least half of the bill.

The monkey ignored her and finished the transaction, leaving the bunny with her mouth agape.

• My uncle once told me once "If you date a girl to see the color of her wallet, just don't date her at all". I intend to follow his advice.

• Oh, come on! That is so outdated!

• Ok, let's do this: Humor me and let me handle this one tonight, so I can feel like a gentlemammal for a while, and you will pay the next date. Deal?

• Ok, deal.- Accepter her while they gathered everything and stood up to leave. Then she just realized something and looked at Mark.

• You did it on purpose!- She accused, the smile on her face betraying her accusing tone.- You are ensuring that you will get a next date, aren't you?

• I don't know what are you talking about, M'lady.- Replied him in the same aristocratic tone she used before with the waitress and offered his arm to the bunny.- Shall we go?

Still stupefied, she accepted the arm and both of them walked out of the restaurant in the direction to Judy's home.

They reached the front door some minutes later, enjoying the fresh summer breeze on their way there. Judy disentangled her arm from his and reached for the keys before turning to look at him.

• Thank you, I had a nice time.

• I'm glad you enjoyed it, that was all I wanted.

To his surprise, she took a hold of his face with one paw, tuned it to one side and kissed his cheek. Then, she went to the door and opened it, looking at him only for a moment.

• Good night.- She said before closing it and disappearing up the stairs.

• Night...- Was all he could say, stunned by the kiss. He turned around to leave, caressing with one hand his cheek.

• Keep it cool, man. Keep it cool, don't do what you are thinking. You are not a teenager; you are a grown mammal. Control yourself...

A few steps ahead he couldn't control himself any more and jumped into the air with both hands raised and shouting happily into the night.