*Authors Note* Hey again. Gonna keep moving this on a bit. Im putting my Star Fox story on hiatus for a while till I can figure up the plot at this point. I feel like I tackled it too quickly without figuring out what I wanted to do with it. This one I got figured out for a while at least. Read and Review!
Judy stretched as she woke in her bed. Smiling as she realized she didn't wake up in her old apartment. She looked at her alarm clock and noticed she still had about 20 minutes before the alarm went off. She turned off the alarm and got up. Wearing her usual sweatpants and tshirt she wore when she slept.
She walked into the hall and noticed Nick's door was still closed. She quietly walked to the bathroom and closed the door. Getting the shower going. She laid out some towels and stripped down. Hopping in once it was warm enough.
Nick stirred as the water turned on and opened his eyes. He sat up and looked at the clock before turning it off. Nick usually wore just boxers when he slept. He walked over to his dresser and put some shorts on. He stepped out of his room and walked down the hall. Hearing the shower going and Judy humming inside. Nick smiled and walked to the kitchen. Opening it up and pouring him a glass of milk.
Judy eventually came out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel before heading to her bedroom quickly. She closed the door and dried herself off and got dressed for work. She stepped out into the kitchen to see Nick eating an apple. He turned and smiled at her. "Save any hot water for me?"
Judy smiled and jumped up into a chair and grabbed an apple for herself sitting in a basket on the table. "Yeah it's all yours."
Nick nodded and finished his apple before going into the bathroom. Judy heard the shower turn on shortly after. She sat at her chair and ate the apple. Waiting patiently. After about 10 minutes, Judy heard Nick call out from the door. "Hey Carrots? No towel's in here. Is there one out there?"
Judy paused and remembered she brought a towel from her other apartment. "Uh yeah hang on!" Judy hopped off the chair and darted down the hall. Nick waiting just behind the door. Peeking out from a crack.
Judy looked through her dresser to find the towel. She found it quickly and walked back over to the bathroom. She turned away from the door and held her arm out. "Here."
Nick grabbed it and pulled it into the bathroom with him. "Thanks Hopps."
Nick held the towel up and smiled a bit. It was rather small for a fox. He rubbed himself down with it to dry himself off. He paused when he was drying off his face. It smelled rather nice.
Nick finished and wrapped the small towel around his waist before quickly moving to the bedroom. Judy was waiting in the living room. Soon after, Nick came out dressed in uniform and ready to go.
They both left together and walked to the ZPD. Being only a few blocks away. Nick looked down at Judy. "Best sleep I'd gotten in years. Love that new bed." He said.
Judy smiled. "Yeah really. No more itchy wool sheets."
Nick looked forward again. His usual sly grin on his face. Judy smiled mischievously and pulled out her phone. She brought up the camera and jumped up so her head was level with his. Snapping a selfie with her and Nick in it.
Nick turned his eyes towards her and smiled a bit more. Not stopping her. Judy jumped a few more times. Making a different face each time. Judy jumped again and Nick turned his head. He opened his mouth and hung his tongue out with a grin. His eyes widened slightly. "Blehhh."
Judy snapped the picture and laughed. She brought it up to show Nick. Judy had her tongue sticking out and eyes half closed in the picture while Nick had his face that he used. Nick laughed. "Cute."
Judy smiled and saved the picture. They walked into the ZPD. Clawhauser waved at them. Still his usual peppy self. "Hey you two sweeties! How's the new place?"
Judy walked up and jumped onto the circular desk. Sitting on the edge of it and dangling her feet over the side. "Great! Way better than the old place. Feels so nice to use a shower that I don't have to wait in line for"
Clawhauser waved his hand as if trying to swat the words away. "Girl tell me about it. I had that going on too when I first started out."
Nick walked up and rested his elbow on the desk in front of Clawhauser. "Well I had to wait for her. Almost used up the hot water." He said teasingly.
Judy narrowed her eyes and smiled. "I did not and you know it."
Nick chuckled and looked over to Clawhauser. "So what's the word today? Bogo got some good stuff?"
Clawhauser shook his head. "No just the same stuff about this Growler drug. I think he's gonna send you two off to Tundra Town to try and track down more of these contacts that Hammond talked about."
Judy smiled and popped her knuckles. "Bring it."
Nick smiled as well. "What she said."
Judy jumped down from the desk and walked with Nick to the Briefing Room and sat down at her usual front row desk with Nick. Bogo walked in and the crowd began to do their usual wooping to bring up the mood. Bogo sighed and let them for a moment as he stood at his podium. "Alright enough. Let's get on with it."
Bogo walked over to the chalkboard that had Zootopia mapped out. He circled a few different places in Tundra Town and the Rainforest District. Bogo turned back to his podium. "Today, we're going to focus on Tundra Town and the Rainforest District. According to Hammond, whom was apprehended by Officer Hopps and Officer Wilde, the remaining citizens who are spreading the Growler Drug to the community work in these areas marked. Hopps and Wilde, you two are to patrol the area and keep an eye out for suspicious characters. McHorn, Francine, and Pola are currently searching for contacts and will notify you of anything comes up." Bogo explained.
Bogo went over what everyone else was doing which was either patrol, or searching for any of the Growler contacts.
Nick and Judy made their way to their patrol car. Judy hopped in the drivers seat and Nick in the passenger seat as usual. Judy drove off to the Tundra district. Passing through the big thick tunnel that lead to it. The change in temperature was instant. Going from a hot summer day, to a frigidly cold day. Snow falling from the sky. Judy quickly turned up the heat.
Nick scratched his chin. "So what are we looking for exactly?" He asked.
Judy thought on it for a moment. "Suspicious characters I guess...although I have no idea what to look for. Duffel bags?"
Nick shrugged. "A good place to start I guess. Although we can't really just go asking about Growler's. We'll stick out like a sore thumb and won't be able to get any leads."
Judy paused and eventually spoke. "Lets just stay on patrol till McHorn's team radios us."
Nick nodded and leaned back in his chair. Judy and Nick drove around Tundra town for most of the day. McHorn not radioing in. Eventually Judy spoke. "So uhh...who's Snowly?"
Nick froze in place. His ears slowly drooping down. A sign he was upset. "Don't worry about it."
Judy cocked her head a bit. "Seems like something that bothers you. Wanna talk about it?"
Nick shook his head and looked out the window. "No. And please don't bring it up anymore okay?"
Judy looked at Nick for a long time before going back to the road. "Well if you change your mind, im all ears ok?"
Nick sighed and nodded. Remaining silent. Judy felt bad for bringing it up, as she could tell Nick didn't want to be reminded of it.
Judy eventually pulled into a drive-in restaurant and got some hot chocolate for the two of them. Smiling at Nick as she handed him the cup. "My treat."
Nick looked over and smiled lightly. "Thank's Carrots. I'll take care of dinner tonight."
Judy giggled and sipped the chocolate. It was the perfect blend of sweet and creamy. Making her feel much warmer now. "You talk like we're a couple."
Nick choked on his hot chocolate a bit. Wiping the hot liquid off of his chin. "I didn't mean it like that 'cough'. I meant it like paying you back."
Judy giggled and sipped her drink again. "Cute fox."
Nick blushed a bit and smiled. "Cute bunny."
Judy and Nick spent the rest of the day on patrol. Not finding much in terms of suspicious characters or contacts. Once the day was done, they sent in their reports and headed back towards Bookerlight. Judy eventually smiled up at Nick. "So watcha gonna cook?"
Nick smiled and kept his eyes forward. "It's a surprise."
Judy smiled and tugged at Nick's sleeve. "Come onnnn tell me!" Giggling as she tugged.
Nick grinned and let her. "Nope. You're just gonna have to wait Carrots."
Judy giggled and stopped her annoying tugging. Leaning into Nick's arm as they walked. Nick let her lean on him. They reached the apartment. Nick changed into a white tshirt and sweatpants. Judy changed into a light blue tshirt and shorts. Nick was in the kitchen getting out some skillets. Judy walked up next to him. "Soooo watcha gonna cook?"
Nick smiled and shooed her away. "Ah ah you'll get it when its ready. Go watch tv or something till its done."
Judy pouted a bit and smiled. "Fine. It better be great though." Judy walked to the couch and sat down. Turning on the news. Nick got to work. Firing up the stove and getting a skillet out. "I'm not any fancy chef, but I'll try to make something edible."
Judy smiled and waited. After a while, a pleasant smell began to fill the room. One that was sweet and crisp. As well as bold herbs and spices. Judy was able to make out the smell of potatoes and carrots.
On the news was nothing new. A typical coverage report on the Growlers. Followed by the weather. Clear skies for zootopia up till the weekend. And today was Tuesday.
After another half an hour or so, Nick walked up carrying two plates. He sat down and handed one to Judy. It was a plate of what appeared to be steamed baby carrots glazed with honey. Topped with a shreds of something green and leafy. Nick was holding a plate of cut, and skillet fried potatoes. Seasoned with garlic herbs, and parmesan cheese.
Judy grinned. "Wow this smells great." She picked up her fork and took a bite. It had the bold taste of the carrot, with a strong taste of the sweet glazed honey. The small green leaves giving a crisp taste to it to wrap it all up. Judy smiled wider. "Nick this is REALLY good. What's this leafy stuff?" She asked.
Nick was busy eating one of his potatoes. He finished chewing and swallowed it. "Cilantro. A southern herb gives that nice crisp taste. You wouldn't believe the carrots came out of a baggy would you? "
Judy shook her head and eyed Nick's food. Nick stabbed a slice with his form and held it up to Judy's mouth. Judy smiled and opened her mouth and let Nick feed her. The starchy taste hit her tounge and as she chewed, it was taken over by the taste of oregano, salt, and garlic. The small pieces of parmesan cheese giving a nice bland taste to even it out, and some texture.
Judy quivered in delight from the taste. "Nick where did you learn to cook like this?" She had never seen Nick cook before.
Nick leaned back. A slight smile on his face. "My mom gave me a homemade cookbook of stuff I liked as a pup." Nick stabbed another potato and ate it.
Judy stabbed a carrot with her fork and held it up to Nick. Nick swallowed the potatoes and leaned in to the carrot. Judy fed it to him. Nick chewed and smiled. "Oh yeah. Mom's always know how to cook."
Judy giggled and ate another one of her carrots. "Imagine how it was with my family. Having to cook for two-hundred and fifty eight kids."
Nick paused and shook his head a bit in disbelief. "Whew. I don't know how she would do it."
Judy leaned back and ate more. As did Nick. "Start early, and make a whole lot. Usually carrot stew or something on the farm."
Nick and Judy spent the rest of their evening talking of older days. Judy going on about mishaps in her family, most of them funny. Nick occasionally tuning in with his own tale of something he did with his mother or father. Eventually it got late to where they needed to go to sleep for tomorrow at work.
Meanwhile, at the Big Estate.
Mr. Big sat among his large family at dinner. Listening to them talk and enjoy each others company. A smile on his face as he listened to them. His daughter Fru Fru sitting to his right. Her baby, Judy, in her arms. Grateful that Judy Hopps saved his daughter's life just before her wedding.
Mr. Big's polar bear body guards stood around him. The biggest one standing behind him a few feet. Close enough to see everything but far enough as to not intrude on the family dinner. Suddenly, there was a disturbance as a different bodyguard pushed two aside. Panting heavily. Mr. Big turned to the polar bear out of breath. A worried look on his face. "What's wrong Marty?" He spoke. His voice very winded and raspy as it usually was.
The bodyguard stood up and straightened his coat a bit. "I'm sorry Sir but...Someone's here. He's in your office."
Mr. Big lowered his brow in irritation and waved the bodyguard off. "Tell him to go home. I'm not taking requests."
The bodyguard stepped forward a bit. "He overpowered all the guards from the gate to your office. He says you need to come to the office now before he comes to you."
Mr. Big turned in his chair again. Pausing for a moment before snapping his fingers. "I'm sorry everyone. I have a problem to take care of."
The big polar bear gently grabbed the chair Mr. Big was sitting in. Gently carrying him in his massive paws. After a few minutes, the polar bear set Mr. Big down on his large wooden desk. His hands moved away to show a white Arctic Fox. The fox wearing a blue long sleeve shirt and pants. Carrying a suitcase in each hand. Mr. Big looked back towards the door. Noticing it had been broken off of its hinges, and several guards lay unconscious just before the door.
Mr. Big raised his eyebrows then looked at the fox. "I find it hard to believe that you overpowered my guards little fox. Even harder to believe you would have the palles to have me leave dinner with my family. Ice him!"
Two of the guards moved in. The fox set the suitcases down and darted at the one on the right. When the bear reached for him, the fox grabbed his wrist and slid down between the bears legs, pulling his arm with him. The bear tumbled forward a bit and rolled flat on his back. The other bear ran forward more towards the fox. The bear reached out with both arms. The fox jumped back and ran up the wall slightly to jump off of it and deliver a swift kick to the bear's jaw. Making him twist a bit and fall to the ground unconscious. The other bear was about to get up when the fox stood over him. The fox reached down to the bear's neck and squeezed tight. After a few short seconds, the bear passed out.
The fox stood up and looked at Mr. Big again. Not saying a word. The large bear was about to lunge at the fox when Mr. Big held up his hand. "It's alright Octavio. Fine, Fox. You have my attention. I will hear what he has to say."
The fox grabbed one of the suitcases and set it on the desk. He opened it up and turned it to Mr. Big. There was a laptop inside, currently streaming a live chat network. Connected, was SBoss.
SBoss spoke smoothly and calmly. "If my associate caused any damage, I apologize. I must speak with you Mr. Big."
Mr. Big glared at the screen. "Why couldn't you come and make an appointment yourself?"
SBoss continued. "I thought this would be the best way for you to take me seriously. All I need, is some information on certain events, and one Nicolas Wilde."
Mr. Big's eyebrows lifted a bit as SBoss mentioned Nick. "Why should I bother telling you anything? Your associate breaks into my house and attacks my guards. Forcing me to stop dinner with my family. And you don't have the bravery to face me in person."
SBoss snapped his fingers. The fox opened up the second suitcase and turned to Mr. Big. Showing a massive amount of money inside it. The fox smiled a bit as he noticed even the big polar bear raise his eyebrows in envy. Mr. Big shook his head. "I don't need money."
SBoss spoke again. "It's not for you. Compensation to the guards my associate injured. As well as any property damage. There's roughly two hundred thousand dollars in there I'm certain that would cover it."
Mr. Big scratched his chin. "It would. This is a bold move you are playing sir. May I ask your name?"
SBoss paused and spoke again. "Please have the guard face the other direction."
Mr. Big looked at the bear and nodded. He slowly turned around and looked at the wall. The fox couldn't see it, but he heard a chair squeak as SBoss leaned forward. Mr. Big's eyes opened up wide enough to be seen under his eyebrows in surprise.
SBoss spoke again. "This is what I have to do to get my revenge. It all started with you, and ended with Nick Wilde. You and I are enemies. I had my associate force entry upon your estate and dispatch your guards. I had this timed to pull you from your dinner. And I am talking over this communicator to ensure that I seem cowardly. I have compensated for the guards and damage, and I formally apologize for interrupting your dinner. This is how desperate I am for this information. I have to get on your bad side in able to show you exactly how serious I am in all of this. And now that you know who I am, you know I will not lie about such things."
Mr. Big listened. Eventually his eyebrows lowered to cover his eyes again. He looked at the guard. "Leave us. I must speak with this man in private."
SBoss spoke to the fox. "AFox. You too. Wait with the bear."
AFox, or Artie, nodded and followed the bear out. Being lead to a back door just before the dining room. The polar bear Octavio looked down at AFox. "Your boss is a bold one." His accent a thick Italian.
AFox nodded. "It's complicated."
AFox looked around and noticed a few other guards looking at him. Ready to attack if necessary. AFox lowered his head a bit. So much for laying low... He thought to himself.
*Author's Note* Okay that one's done. Still steadily moving the plot along. You will find out what SBoss and Mr. Big are talking about in a later chapter. Don't wanna give it all away yet. Only hint, is that this would relate to how Nick got in good with Mr. Big before the whole skunk butt rug incident. Read and Review!
