A/N:

Hi everyone I'm back, I am so sorry its been so long since I last posted. Its been a stressful couple of years. This chapter has been in the making for nearly 3 years so hopefully you all will enjoy it.

I, like many people, am in self-isolation because of this bloody virus. So I thought this a good time to continue writing. I'm not going to promise to be more consistent with my uploads, but I will promise that I will try to improve.

Please get back to me with your thought and any improvements, I'd appreciate the feedback when writing chapter 6.

As always I don't own anything, zootopia and all its characters belong to Disney.

Chapter 5: An eventful first night

Nick's PoV:

As we left the café on our way back to the apartment I couldn't help but think back to this evening, Judy said that she doesn't want me to feel the need to buy dinner just because I'm going to be staying with her. I'll admit that is part of the reason why I brought us dinner… but I can't help but wonder what the main reason was, did I want to treat her?

I really enjoyed the evening that I spent with Judy, there is something special about having a meal with someone you care about. I feel like its brought us closer together, I can't remember the last time I just sat and chatted with someone who cared about me and who I cared about dearly.

As we walked down the street back to the apartment building I couldn't help my mind wandering, I thought about how me and Judy have been interacting lately. I seem different around her at the moment… why? I asked myself. It's because you like her, that voice in my head, that had been quiet all night, spoke up. This time though I couldn't bring myself to argue with my mind, Of course I like her we're best friends. The voice seemed to roll their imaginary eyes, Not that kind of like, you idiot. I mean you fancy her. This time I argued back, we're just friends… What would she want with a fox like me anyway?

As we neared the building the voice became more persistent, Admit it you do like her, it teased. We're just friends… sure we seem close but that's normal after what we've accomplished together. Yeah she's funny and smart, sure she makes life more difficult when she's around but she's loveable… she's cute. I added as an afterthought, who wouldn't find that kind of mammal appealing and interesting... See! Piped up the voice, You admit it you are interested in her, you even said she's cute! Mentally I stopped dead in my tracks as realisation struck… I did say that didn't I? Back in reality though I continued with Judy as we began to ascend the rickety stairs to the first floor apartment.

I'd never given it much thought but as I reflected on what had just occurred to me the more I realised that Judy is the kind of female I need in my life, she's funny, but tough and won't take any crap, she's smart but at the same time she's down to earth and modest. And most importantly she can con me which is saying something. Hell… She's probably the only mammal in this city who can keep me in check.

"Well…" Said Judy nervously, "Home sweet home." I didn't realise but in my musings we had made it back to our apartment and Judy had already opened the door. I walked through somewhat embarrassedly as I realised that she had been holding the door open for me and I hadn't walked through.

"Thanks, Carrots." I told her on my way past. Then I walked back out.

She looked at me puzzled, "What you doin' Nick?"

"I'm stepping outside so then you can get ready for bed in private." I stated giving her a warm smile.

"Oh… Thanks." She shut the door and I just awkwardly stood guard outside.

"Before I forget…" She stated, scaring me out of my skin. Her head was poked through a gap in the door so she looked as if she had been involved in a fatal accident involving an aggressive door.

"Bloody hell Carrots, don't sneak up on a guy like that." I told her sounding more than a little startled. "You nearly scared me half to death."

"Sorry Nicky…" I waved her off to show her it's okay and not to worry about it. "While we're on the subject of bedtime habits the male bathroom is down there…" She told me gesturing to the right side of the hallway. "On the left."

"Cheers… let me just grab my toothbrush and I'll be out of your fur." I squeezed past her and grabbed my toiletries from my sleeping bag (which I didn't leave laying in the middle of the floor, don't judge me… I was distracted by food.) and quickly headed for the door.

"Oh before I go…"

"Yeah?" Judy asked patiently.

"How do you know where the male's bathroom is? You been in there before, eh?" I teased her cocking my left eyebrow up. And with that I quickly fled down the hall to avoid her wrath.

"Nick!" She yelled down the hallway in frustration.

It's going to be fun living with her, I happily thought to myself. Yeah for more than one reason, said the voice. Sod off, I thought back. With my mental conversation over, I headed off to the bathroom to get ready for my first night living with Judy.

Judy's PoV:

Ugh… Nick is so infuriating! I thought to myself as I shut the door behind me, a little too hard. I walked over to my chest of drawers and pulled out my night clothes; a baggy t-shirt and a pair of pyjama shorts. I went over to draw my curtains shut, next I stripped down till I was only wearing my briefs (What? They're comfier than lacy things, and better suited to the life of a police officer.) and put my lounging cloths and sports bra in the wicker basket I use for dirty laundry.

Knock, knock…

"Carrots?" Nick asked patiently, "You nearly done yet?"

"Just a sec… I'm halfway there." I told him as I rushed to throw on my bed clothes, can't have my roomie waiting outside all night can I?

"Ohhhh... livin' on a prayer." Nick sang through the door to me, I smiled at the reference to one of my favourite bands.

"Done!" I said breathlessly as I threw open the door, I could see Nick was all ready for bed; he'd brushed his teeth, washed his face and got into his pyjamas. His night clothes consisted of red plaid pyjama trousers and an oversized t-shirt with a cartoon character on it. it was so faded I had trouble making it out but I think it was the cookie monster, I'll have to ask him about that later.

I let him into our room and told him to make himself at home, "because it is his home" I told him, while I go and brush my teeth and stuff. I closed the door behind me and left for the female communal bathroom. As I went I thought about how much fun it's going to be living with my best friend.

Judy's PoV:

I was on my way back to mine and Nick's room as I went I thought about how our first night as roommates would go and also what we would spend the day doing tomorrow and the days following doing until Friday, when I had to go back to work. I wondered if Nick would be up for some sleep-over type activities, we didn't get to do much that time in the hospital before the nurse turned up.

I reached for the handle, I was anxious about what was to come. Nick had teased me about the bathroom, him teasing me is nothing new, but I worried I might have bitten off more than I can chew. Will our friendship survive as big a step as this… Stop that! This is Nick we're talking about he and I have been through thick and thin, I'm sure we'll be the best of room-mates. Besides, if I'm lucky some of my good habits might rub off on him and make him a better mammal overall. Not that he's a bad mammal, he is very sweet and caring, but like all mammals there is room for improvement. Its only a few small areas; he needs to be more active if he wants to become a police officer, he needs to take some situations more seriously, and he needs to be more willing to learn so he is prepared for his test. Personality wise he is quite bearable, sure he can be annoying and impulsive but that's what makes Nick himself.

I opened the door and waked through, Nick was sprawled out on my bed with his head hanging over the edge and his feet on the wall. I shot him a smirk, my eyebrow raised much like the look he gives me, "Comfy?" I asked sarcastically.

"You said to make myself at home, oh and just so you know..." He trailed off

"Yes?" I questioned him.

"You take a surprisingly long amount of time to get ready, I never thought you'd be the type." I got the feeling this wasn't what he was going to say, but decided it best not to ask him about that.

"So..." I asked awkwardly, "Want to have a sleepover, we never got to have one at the hospital?" Why was I so awkward, Nick and I get on so well.

"Sure but I hope you have plenty of snacks."

"We have just had tea." I said incredulously.

"I know that but you can't have a sleepover and not eat a load of junk food"

"It's a good thing I just so happen to have a bag of snack foods, it would usually last me a long time, but oh well."

I moved to sit on my bed, but Nick was in no hurry to give it up, instead he spread out more and I settled for the desk chair.

"Carrots… I just want to say you are amazing." I smiled at the compliment and may have blushed, hopefully Nick didn't notice. "Now then what do you want to do first?"

I gave him an evil smirk, "Remember in the hospital?" I asked him devilishly. He nodded but looked confused. "Well..." I continued, "Do you happen to remember one of the things you agreed to?"

The confused look on Nick's face melted only to be replaced by a look of understanding and fear. "No." He whispered under his breath, "No not a makeover!" He screamed in terror.

In his panic he made to escape, but seeing as he was led down he did little more than topple off of the bed. I stifled a giggle, "Relax you drama queen, I don't have any make-up anyway."

"Thank the heavens." He exclaimed.

"Buuut..." He looked up at me from the floor with slight apprehension. "I could plait your fur for you if you'd like?"

"I think I'll pass if its all the same with you."

"Pitty, its a hard look but I think you could pull it off.

"I'm afraid this time I'll have to pass, maybe some other time." He told me, giving me a sly wink.

Nick stood up from the floor, "Where you off to?" I asked curiously.

"I'm moving so that you can relax on the bed, you've got that leg of yours to take care of."

"Thank you but what about you?"

"I'll just relax on my roll mat, that camping bed is bulky so I don't want to set it up just yet."

I got up from my desk and reclined myself on the bed, Nick had already settled himself on the floor by that time.

"Now what should we do?" Nick asked.

"I'm not sure there's not a lot two animals can do to pass the time, we're with each other most of the time so there isn't much to talk about."

"I know it's lame but we could play never have I ever?"

"I suppose its better than nothing and we get to learn a bit more about each other."

"Okay you go first."

"Never have I ever been arrested." Nick looked at me funny, and put one of his fingers down.

"So that's how its going to be, huh carrots?" He looked hurt.

"Sorry it's just the first thing to come to mind."

"I'm just pulling your floppy ear, I don't care what you ask. And to follow tradition I shall now bestow upon you the story of the only time I've been arrested."

"Once?" I asked astonished.

"That hurts carrots," he smirked at me. "But yes only once, I was young and full of insolence. Me and Finn were tending to some, ahem, business transaction, and in our haste we may have parked in a loading zone. The cop giving us a ticket was a bit of a smart ass, and you know Finn, one thing led to another and we were arrested for using, and I quote, 'threatening, insulting and abusive language' when talking to a police officer."

"Wow."

"Yep my turn, never have I ever been on telly."

"Oh, you were there so I won't bother telling you about it. Never have I ever watched the lord of the rings movies.

"Really? Right I know what were doing soon, I'll see if any of my connections have a cheap telly I can buy. You're missing out."

"Sounds good we'll have to make a day of it soon."

"My turn again, never have I ever been in hospital, for me that is. Obviously I've visited other animals, like you."

"The only time I remember is this one," I told him pointing to my leg. "I think that's the only time."

"Never have I ever… smoked." I said.

"I used to in my youth I have matured since then and have mostly given up, just the occasional one here and there when stressed."

He looked at me pointedly, "We're both adults and friends, lets skip this boring icebreaker stuff. Never have I ever made out with someone the same gender as me." He said with a sly grin.

"Nope sorry to disappoint, I nearly did when I was on a night out once but that was more the other girl than me. Never have I made out with someone of a different species." Nick put one of his fingers down, only one left now.

"A couple of years ago I was in a relationship with a timber wolf, we were together for almost a year but things didn't work out. Other mammals weren't as understanding as they are now a days, not that inter-species relationships are that accepted in this day and age anyway."

"Never have I ever been so drunk that I couldn't remember what happened the night before."

I put a finger down in shame, "Really you of all animals?" Nick gawked unbelievingly.

"Yeah it was the end of my last year of uni, me and a few friends were celebrating the end of our exams and we all had a couple too many, I only drink on very rear occasions so it went straight to my head. From there on my level mindedness went out the window and I just went with the flow. That's when one of my girlfriends nearly kissed me."

"Sounds like you had a good time at least, your turn again."

"Okay… ooh, what to ask you only have one finger left. Ugh… I can't think of anything, um… never have I bathed in a fountain."

"Damn."

"Really?"

"Yep, I was drunk. I decided I smelled bad and thought it would be a good idea to wash the smell of alcohol off me so that me and Finn could get into another pub."

"That was fun." I said, "How about two truths one lie?"

"Maybe for a bit, I don't know about you but I'm starting to get a bit bored of sleepover games. There's not a great deal you can do with just two mammals, especially when sober. Not that I want to drink that is, don't want to make the wrong impression."

"It's okay I understand what you mean, its easier to go with the flow if you're in a group but when its one on one its more like an interrogation." I replied, smiling kindly down at him.

"Uh… let's get this over and done with then, fluff." Nick sighed, but smiled at me all the same. I wish he'd do that more, he looks so at ease and content when he smiles like that. "Ladies first and all that..." he trailed off, having lost interest in his own sentence.

"Right, first question… do you believe in anything… I mean like a higher power or anything?"

"I wish I could say I believed in that 'everything happens for a reason' crap but honestly I think its a lie." He looked at me confused, "You really had to start a light hearted game with some deep philosophical question?"

He looked down at his paws, almost like he was ashamed of what he was about to say, "I do believe in something, I believe that everything has a consequence or a knock on effect. I don't think this life is the end but just a stepping stone for something more, if I was going to pick something to put my faith in I suppose it would be Buddhism."

I looked at him astounded, I never would have thought him the type. "That is either the most thought out lie ever or you actually revealed something about yourself."

"Think what you want," Nick said hurriedly. "My turn, you asked earlier if I had been in an inter-species relationship, my question is this, would you ever be in one?"

I had to think for a second, I had never given it any thought so the answer didn't flow. "I feel that two animals should be together because they care and love each other, not because they are the same species. Saying that I suppose I would be in such a relationship if I found the right mammal."

"Yep, thought you'd say something along those lines which is why I'm pretty confident that's the truth."

"Alright Slick, my turn again..." I paused dramatically, to build suspense and anxiety. "Have you ever been in love?"

"Again with the deep shite?" He exclaimed dramatically, throwing one paw up in the air.

"Shite?" I asked, befuddled, cocking my head to the left ever-so-slightly. "What's with the accent?"

"I dunno just slipped out, by the way that's two questions in a row." He snickered childishly. "You went against the rules so I win."

"Oh grow up Wilde that's not how the game works, and you're dancing around the topic; have you ever been in love?" I drawled out the final sentence for emphasis, hoping he would play fairly.

He sighed like he really didn't like this subject, he seemed as though he'd have rather been anywhere else in the world right now than in this conversation.

"When ever I enter a relationship, don't get me wrong I don't jump in and out of relations; I've only been in a few, I enter it with someone I feel I have a strong connection with. In a way I've been in love with a few partners but none of which I would describe as 'true love'. Sure I've felt love towards them but honestly I can't name one that I was in love with. I guess I'm still looking for the right animal."

I just stared at him mouth agape, once again he had shocked with with his answer, and I told him so. "That is most defiantly the truth, I saw how much you wanted to avoid the question and how hesitant you were when giving the answer." I smiled down at him, he had decided he would stay on the floor and was currently sprawled out (as much as possible in the small space). "I'm proud of you for actually sharing something about yourself with me, so I say you were telling truth."

"Ugh..." Nick exclaimed, "I hate sounding all mushy, and lovey dovey." He smirked at me, "Your turn carrots..." He paused dramatically, hoping to draw out the suspense. "Do you have a crush on anyone at the moment?"

"What's with that question eh?" I asked in surprise. Nick only shrugged in response, flashing me that cheeky smile of his, and I felt my heart flutter again. What is with me lately? I silently ask myself. And why did Nick ask that of all things? I found myself blushing at my thoughts, the first mammal to come to mind was Nick. We are best friends, I tell myself, its only natural to think of him as we spend so much time together. For some reason I couldn't believe this no matter how much I said it to myself, maybe I do like Nick, he is smart and resourceful, he's kind and caring. He's funny and frustrating. Oh shit! I do like Nick… but I can't tell him that it might ruin our friendship.

After what felt like an eternity I came out of my internal musings, to the realisation that I cant tell Nick yet as I still don't know myself. I smirked at Nick, "Why Nicky… I didn't take you for the jealous type."

The fox opened his mouth to reply to me, only to close it when no words came to mind. He quickly regained his composure, "Don't think you can change the subject, carrots." He gave me a pointed look. "I know your game, so…" The vulpine drew out his words, adding emphasis to each of them. "Do. You. Fancy. Anyone?"

"No," I answered, perhaps too quickly. "No one comes to mind." I hastily added. I may have been mistaken but, as I said these words, I could have sworn I saw a flicker of some emotion in Nicks eyes.

He smiled at me, "Okay, cool. I think you were telling the truth. As that leaves just the lies left should we bother to ask each other anything?"

"I don't particularly mind, we could always do something else in you want." I say as nonchalantly as I could, not wanting to seem too eager to move on.

He looked at me with those brilliant emerald, green eyes of his. If he knew I was lying he didn't give anything away with his facial expressions. "Or he said we could embarrassing deeply personal questions and think up the most ridiculous lies to answer?" He suggested, seemingly innocently. With Nick its hard to tell what is innocent and if he has an ulterior motive in mind.

I kept my face as neutral as I could, "Honestly I don't mind whatever." Please fall for it, I silently prayed.

"Nah!" He finally exclaimed out of nowhere, and I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. "What's the fun in that, we'd both know it would be lies." He gave me a reassuring wink. Does he know I was lying and it was about him? I sigh, of course he knows I was lying, he's an ex con artist for crying out loud.

"So what else did you have in mind for this sleepover then, cotton tail?" There's that smile of his again, not the sly smirk but the genuine, warm, caring smile that he only shows me.

I beamed at him, blushing lightly. "Well you wanted to eat junk food, we could always have a look to see what there is?" I suggested.

"Oooh, that's not a bad shout." He gave me an eager, hungry look. "I am a bit peckish, carrots."

I shifted on my bed, moving towards the bedside table. I opened the bottom drawer and exposed my secrete hoard of snacks, I heard Nick express he's excitement behind me. He said he was starving, although he expressed it in a bit more colour than that. "Nicholas!" I exclaimed, "What would your mother say?"

His face flushed with embarrassment at my scolding him, he hung his head and mumbled. "Sorry, ma'am."

I couldn't help but smile at his childlike reaction, "It's okay, Nick." I laughed, shaking my head. "Just try and work on watching your language."

He perked up again, gave me a smile and a sly wink, "You betcha, carrots." He said with a casual salute. He'll never learn, I tell myself, and honestly I wouldn't change that for the world. I smiled warmly at him, "Go on then, dig in." I say, rolling my eyes.

"Ta very much." He stated before diving into the drawer for his favourite junk foods. When he came back up he had a few things in his arms. When he saw me questionably looking at me he said, "I hope this is okay, I didn't want to be too greedy and take armfuls of food, I am, after all, a guest?"

"Of course its okay, I wouldn't have offered otherwise, besides you live here as well. Your not a guest, your my best friend and my room mate." I beamed at him kindly, trying to show him its okay to relax and be comfortable and to just be himself.

"Carrots, I can't thank you enough for taking me in and for being so good to me." The kindness in his eyes showed me just how much he meant it, "Its getting late," He said looking away from me, I wish he'd let me look in to those eyes of his, I sighed. "You're right, do want a hand to set up the camping bed?"

"I should be okay thanks." He returned politely. "It's just a bit stiff is all, won't take but a moment, milady." He fumbled with it for nearly five minutes, until finally it stood complete. "Done." He panted, clearly pleased with himself.

I simply looked at him, eyebrow raised, and smirked, "A moment eh?"

"Oh hush rabbit. It wasn't that bad." He said in mock definitiveness

I giggled, "You were practically wearing it at one point." I told him sweetly.

"No matter it's up now, that's all that matters." I simply nodded in reply, trying to contain my laughter.

Nick set up his sleeping bag and pillow on the rickety old bed, and headed to the wall to turn off the light. I quickly flicked on the small lamp I had so he wouldn't trip over the camp bed in the dark. He made his way back over, its hardly a long trip after all, and settled down on the bed and got comfortable in his sleeping bag.

I could hear the bed squeak every time he moved to get more comfortable, thankfully for me it wasn't long before he found a good sleeping position and the squeaking ceased. I'd have struggled to go to sleep otherwise. I finally turned off the side lamp and settled myself in bed, smiling to myself, happy to have a room mate. And possibly something more, the thought caught me off guard. Did I really like Nick like that or are we just close friends.

I was brought out of my musings when a voice spoke out from the darkness, "Goodnight roomie." Was all it said, mumbling and trailing off at the end. "Goodnight Nick." I replied in a gentile voice.

I could hear the larger mammals breathing as he drifted off to sleep, the sound was soothing and soon I found myself on the verge of sleep when suddenly….

CRASH!

I quickly turned on the lamp to see what had made all of the commotion, in the dim light I could make out a mass on the floor, like a giant lump in the floorboards. "Agh!" The lump groaned, it was this noise that cleared my mind and allowed me to realise that the mass on the floor was Nick in an uncomfortable heap under the bed.

It had simultaneously collapsed and closed around the fox like a trap, caging him in steel and fabric. I jumped out of bed to help free him, thankfully it looked worse than it was. It was surprisingly easy to untangle him from the camping bed and soon enough we were both sat on my bed staring at the remains of Finns bed.

"Well that wasn't fun." Nick said simply, clearly releaved to be free from the beds cold grasp. "At least I still have my roll matt to sleep on." He chuckled.

"Are you sure you're okay, Nick?" I asked again, still concerned about him.

"I'm fine, honestly, my back is just a bit sore but nothing life threatening." He smiled warmly at me, "Let me just shift this and well go back to sleep." He started to try and fold the bed back up, with a great deal of difficulty. It took a while but eventually he managed to fold it in half. Waving me off when I tried to help, typical male, I thought rolling my eyes. He was just trying to lift it and move it when he cried out in pain, both he and bed fell. Thankfully for Nick he slumped into the bed and the folding bed fell to the side, landing roughly where he wanted it to against all odds.

I held onto the male in an attempt to stop him falling ad injuring himself further. I helped him up and sat him on the bed, I lifted the back of his t-shirt and saw a large graze on his back where the bed collapsed. "I thought you said you were fine?" I questioned him, both angry and worried. "I could have helped you."

"But I didn't want you to, you're still injured." He reminded me, "You need to take it easy, and besides I can managed its just a bruise."

"You're not sleeping on the floor." I told him leaving no room for objections. "You will sleep in the bed, I'm not having any arguments." He looked at me trying to protest, but I shot him a look so stern he gave up, mouth hanging agape.

"But what about you?" He asked nervously, with an obvious hint apprehension.

"There's enough room for both of us," I told him quickly, I may have been blushing despite the situation. "Now hurry up and get in bed."

Thankfully he did as he was told and got under the blanket, still sat up. "Could you pass me my pillow please?" He asked shyly, he was blushing for some reason.

"What's wrong with that one?" I asked out of curiosity.

"Nothing." He told me, I gestured for him to continue. "If we are both sleeping in the bed we'd have to cuddle up to use the same pillow."

"Oh." I was blushing as red as his fur by this point. I quickly gave him his pillow to ease the tension. "Okay all set" I said getting into bed, Nick shifted over to give me more room. "Goodnight again." I said softly, turning the light off.

"Goodnight, Judy" Nick replied, turning over to his side and falling to sleep.

Well this has been and eventful first night, I thought to myself. Hopefully there wont be this much excitement at bedtime from now on. With these final thoughts I to rolled over and fell asleep.

A/N:

I hope you enjoyed this chapter, it was a bit of a weird one what with the voice in Nick's head. While we're on the subject anyone else have arguments with themselves, or is it just me? I'd love to hear your thoughts on the matter and to find out if I'm not the only crazy one :)