Author's Note: This is my first fanfiction so I hope it's not too rough! I decided to tackle the issue of discrimination against immigrants so I really hope this story helps carry that message. Criticism of all kind is appreciated! Disclaimer: I do not own Zootopia in any way.
Sunlight poured through the dusty and stained window of Judy's apartment, serving as her natural alarm clock. She could relish in the joy knowing that the day was Saturday, meaning she had the next twenty four hours to herself.
Taking advantage of the hazy tranquility that still lingered in her bones, Judy gazed out the window and watched the leaves of the trees change to a myriad of greens as they were brushed by the wind. Her eyes eventually wondered to her clock that stod on the rickety night stand adjacent to her equally rickety bed. It read half past nine. Reluctantly leaving her cacoon of comfrot, Judy slid out of bed and stretched out her tight limbs before quickly grabbing a towel and her slippers. After living a year in her apartmnt, she learned that if one didn't fight for the bathroom, one did not ge to use the bathroom.
On her way down the hall, she passed the rows of doors with faded paint like any other day. She grew to love the chipped paint and splintering wood floors. It wasn't much, it wasn't anything really, but it was home nonetheless. Judy's pushed hard on the door that led to the woman's showering area. On two opposite walls, three showers were lined up. An amateaur would just pick any old stall to bathe, but a pro like Judy knew to pick the third shower on the right side. It had the perfect amount of water pressure and heated up the quickest.
Without a job to rush to, Judy took her time under the warm water that massaged her achy muscles. She rubbed her shoulders in circular motions, letting out a relieved sigh as that knot from last Tuesday finally faded away. Judy's thoughts wandered every which way, as they always did when she allowed herself to relax. She thought about how truly happy she was nowadays.
After the Nighthowler case, Zootopia blossomed once more. Economic success was at an all time high, which resulted in a positive atmosphere amongst its citizens. With more jobs available, more and more animals had jobs thus decreasing crime rates astronomically. As much as it elated Judy, however, this caused slow days at work. Those hours at the department filling out files, or being sent to patrol parades were substantially made better because of her partner in crime, Nick Wilde. He was a consummate police officer and friend. Nick and she had grown so much closer after their affair with Bellweather. Their friendship went as far as them having the keys to one another's apartment.
Judy was awoken from her stream of thoughts as the water's tempurature steadily chilled. Before her whiskers were turned to icicles, Judy scrubbed the conditioner out of her fur and scurried back to her apartment. She waited in her towel dress for a few minutes to allow her fur to dry off. While doing so, she checked her phone while tuning the radio of her clock to the news station. A text from Nick piqued her interest.
decided to visit mom today. would my BEST friend be so kind as to join me?
Surprise and shock enveloped Judy. It took months for him to talk to her about it, but he finally revealed to her his relationship with his mom. From what he divulged, which wasn't much, Mrs. Wilde and he drifted apart at the start of his adolescence. He became more brash and adopted a recluse way of life. She assumed this is when Nick's career of hustling sprouted. It worried his mother greatly of course but she didn't know how to address it properly. After an innumerable amount of trips to shrinks and therapists, they called it quits and became roommates rather than family. Not that Nick hated his mother, that wasn't the case at all. In fact, he loved her fiercely; but decided she shouldn't be exposed to behavior as caustic as his. By the time he was seventeen, Nick moved out. He left a sticky note along with his house key on the counter.
it's about time! meet at pawbucks in 30?
A thumbs up from Nick sent Judy racing around her small quarters until her room was tidy and she was dressed. Locking the door behind her, Judy made her way through her apartment building with a pep to her little steps.
She rounded the corner that led to Nick and her favorite spot. Her heart beat faster as she spotted him leaning back in a lounge chair as if he owned the whole joint. Spotting her jogging to the cafe, Nick smiled and stood to greet her.
"I thought bunnies were supposed to be fast on their feet." was what he first chose to say, knowing how much it would rouse her.
"Oh, haha, very funny. Enough with you, let's order!" Judy did her best to crinkle her nose at Nick but the humor of the situation got the best of her as she hurried to get on line.
With drinks in hands, Nick and Judy headed out of the cafe that was quickly becoming busier and busier. Tension grew as Nick's nerves began to eat at him. It had been at least a year since his mother and he spoke in person. Sure, they sent holiday cards and text messages here and there but she seemed almost like a stranger to him. Suddenly, guilt started drowning him as well as he realized how lonely she must have been during that time. Sensing his panic, Judy grabbed hold of his right arm and walked slowly with him towards his childhood apartment. For the first time that day, and in a long time, Judy's feelings of happiness subsided.