Hello! I fancied writing another light hearted little story about everyone's favourite crime fighting duo. There shouldn't be anything too heavy or distressing in this story (although I've said that before).

And a heads up: you don't need to read my other story (called Questions) to understand or enjoy this but this story is a continuation from that. I suppose the previous story would give a little context and information about N+J's relationship and N's past to new readers.

Any and all likes, favourites, follows, reviews and criticism are all very welcome!

Disney owns everything Zootopia related. I own nothing

Enjoy!

Camping

Chapter 1

"Camping?" Nick spoke the word foreign to him with disbelief, one eyebrow raised. He scanned Judy's face for some sign of a joke while trying to think of a possible punch-line. None came and Judy looked as earnest and excited as ever.

"The great outdoors! Swimming ! Walking! Exploring! Trees, grass, mountains, rivers!" She spoke quickly and breathlessly: eyes aglow and mind abounding in all the possibilities. Images and hazy memories of warm meadows and sunny groves jumped into her mind and then shone out against the thick darkness through her eyes and smile. Even her pace had increased as if the faster she walked, skipping slightly on the pavement which sparkled with thin patches of ice.

The two were ambling down the main road which led away from the ZPD and back to Judie's apartment. It was a cold brisk night with a hint of frost in the air. Winter was just around the corner. The brilliant sky above them glittered and sparkled with stars. Their voices echoed and bounced through the streets. The moon was high in the sky, the shadows were long and the city centre was deserted: once again the two had been stuck until late at night in the department doing extra paperwork.

Nick breathed and watched his breath float away as mist into the air. The chilly air bit and his red fur stood on end yet he took no notice. He smiled inwardly: realising Judy's energy kept him warm, and spoke curiously "Sorry, still don't understand Carrots. Is this your way of telling me the apartment blew up? Why the sudden desire to, y'know, throw away thousands of years of progress and live like animals?"

"We are animals, dumb fox!" Judy huffed and then considered the question, focusing on the glow of the surrounding street lights as she gathered her thoughts. Why did she feel this sudden urge? Answers came quickly. Recently City Hall had recently created a new initiative designed to stamp down on predator/prey hate crimes. Judy supported it wholeheartedly: but her admiration of it had been quickly muted by the temporary but huge increase in paperwork involved in its initial implementation. Bogo had subsequently dumped this workload on his two brightest and most enthusiastic officers. That alongside the normal duties of the officers had left them often working late hours: drained and exhausted.

Often Nick and Judy had trudged home in silence and collapsed without eating, changing or speaking a word to one another. In fact, they had gone whole days without speaking one non-work related word to one another. In fact... Judy blushed slightly as she found the main reason for her sudden desire and spoke with a twinge of embarrassment

"Its been a hard few weeks. It's gotten cold and dark and we've been drowned in paperwork..." Nick nodded in agreement, but Judy missed it as she avoided his gaze and prayed he felt the same way she did"...and I miss chatting with you. We wake up, go to work and then go to bed. If we do talk, it's about criminals or cases. I just kinda miss you" she finished weakly, struggling to find the right words.

Nick felt a weight lift from his heart and sweet relief bubble up inside him. He had been silently pining for his friend's company for weeks now: not wishing to distract Judy from her work with pleas for attention and knowing how much she cared about her job. He tried to smother his loneliness with work, and to show no signs of his pain.

"I kinda miss you too Carrots" he spoke with tender words, stepping close and laying a paw on Judy's shoulder. The bunny sagged slightly with relief, leaned into his touch and rewarded him with a sweet toothy smile. She continued with renewed confidence, her passion rushing back.

"So why don't we get away from it all for a little bit? Take a break from huge stacks of paper, drab offices and cold cities and feel the grass on our paws and the wind in our fur?"

Nick gave a horrified gasp. "Am I going crazy? Did Judy Hopps just suggest actually using some of her thousands of days off? What about Predator Prey relations?!"

Judy rolled her eyes and shrugged "Nick, I'm sure the paperwork will still be there when we get back. Besides.." she added cheerfully "we'll still be doing our part for Predator Prey relations!"

Nick gave a sly wink and Judy blushed, realising what he was thinking. She shoved him slightly and grumbled "Stupid fox" under her breath.

...

The two proceeded down the road: the warmth and familiarity of the apartment still a few miles away. As they walked, the handful of lights still shining out of the surrounding windows onto the street disappeared one by one. Nick pressed his black police jacket closer to his body and considered Judy's idea. He had also felt wearied by the recent increase in paperwork: keeping himself going with strong coffee and a desire to make Judy proud. He would love getting away for a few days but camping? A pool of uncertainty and doubt rose in his stomach...

"There's just a small hitch with your plan Carrots" Nick spoke easily. Judy tilted her head questioningly.

"I've never left Zootopia before. Everything I know about camping either comes from you or from movies"

Judy gave a small "Oh" of sheer surprise, before wincing with guilt. She rebuked herself viciously but silently. "You stupid spoilt bunny! Of course he's never gone camping or travelling. You know his background. You kn-"

"But I'd be willing to learn!" Nick snapped her out of it with bold words and a hearty slap on her back. He had spotted her downcast expression and had moved quickly to comfort her. Occasionally parts of Nick's past still shocked and hurt Judy, and the quick fox took pains to prevent her from feeling guilty or sad about what had happened. For a moment he considered telling her about what little he had learned from the Scouts, before deciding against it.

"That's the spirit Nick!" she shone at him, her eyes filled with gratitude. For a moment she marvelled at his bravery and spirit, how he refused to let the past hold him down or others feel pity for him.

"I mean, if you can do it, it obviously can't be that hard" Nick laughed cheekily. Judy scoffed.

"Says the city fox! I bet you've never even gotten mud on that pretty red fur of yours"

Nick shrugged one shoulder but his nervousness and fear remained. He had never even considered or thought about the world outside Zootopia. Why would he? His whole life was in the city. He knew and recognised every corner, every district, every building, every park and bridge, like a old friend. The city held no more surprises for him and he drew comfort and strength from that. But outside...

The two reached the apartment block and went inside, tiptoeing up the steps and down the halls. Judy stayed close to her fox, relying on his night vision in the darkness. Nick weighed his options. He knew Judy would cancel her plan in a heartbeat for him. He knew if he asked, they could spend time off together watching movies or walking through parks or any of their other pastimes.

"Y'know it doesn't have to be camping" Judy whispered sympathetically as they climbed another set of stairs. "I know that it could be hard for you. As long as we're doing something together, I really don't mind"

Nick felt his heart swell with affection for the bunny who walked beside him and he restrained tears. She had read his mind and was leaving him a way out. Typical Judy. But he remembered her excitement at the idea. He thought about what it must be like for her: having spent her childhood in the country before moving into this big grimy city. What it must be like moving from open fields to constricted and crowded streets, from a open wild life to one strictly regulated with deadlines and responsibilities.

"Carrots if you're having second thoughts, I can just go camping myself. I mean, it'd be nice to have you along, but..." Nick winked, his tail flicking against Judy.

Judy laughed as they finally reached their door. "Just don't come crying to me when you miss your city luxuries"

She held open the door to Nick, who gave her a little bow as he passed into the welcoming warmth of their little home.

...

Nick yawned as he collapsed onto the soft bed beside Judy, who instinctively rolled towards him. Thanks to the extra workload they had long since given up the bickering and the embarrassment over who sleeps where. Neither would ever admit that they sleep better in the others company. Nick's sleepy voice broke the silence

"When is this adventure of ours Judes?"

"Oh, I dunno. Tomorrow afternoon I guess"

There was a choking sound from Nick's side of the bed. Judy grinned into her pillow.

"Goodnight Nick" she sang

"Goodnight Judy" Nick groaned.