Beginning Summary: Nick got himself in a difficult situation, how is he going to keep it away from Judy?

I woke up the next day with a really bad headache, the sun shining from the wide-opened rectangular window into my eyes just made it worse. I groaned, rubbing my forehead vigorously as the pain echoed around my head, creating migraines I never had before. Damn it. What happened last night? I thought to myself of the bits and pieces I could recover from my almost-dead brain. Let's see, cans of beer, Damian and…oh. I shook my head over and over, trying to get rid of my mind of that horrid image appearing over and over. I looked over to my foot, the bandage was still there but I can move it just fine, a bit itchy but it barely hurts.

''Nonononono…'' I mumbled to myself anxiously, slouching over, covering my face with my paws as I try to deny it as a bad dream, a really bad dream. I mumbled 'no' over and over, thinking that when I open my eyes, everything would go back to normal…but it didn't. The fact we did it last night coursed through every part of me, echoing the unrelenting guilt over and over, torturing what's left of my sane mind. I sat there, sobbing quietly, not proud for what I've done. I thought of Judy, of how if she'd known about this. The worst scenario came true, I wasn't strong enough, I had cheated on her, I…I betrayed the only person in my life, who'd ever make me feel welcomed. I cried silently that morning, tears trailed down one after another as my guilty naked body bathed in the sunlight; Imagining her tears, flowing down in the rain at the confession, yelling at me with rage and sadness, knowing I cheated on her for some old friend, after all we've been through.

''Oh god.'' I hopelessly whispered to myself. I wept and wept for quite a while that morning, curling myself into a shrunken ball, thinking what I did, the consequences and what I should do next. Right now, I was hopeless. There was no answer. There was no miracle that revert time. The evidence was obvious; it was stored in my fragile memory until time ends, it was my physical body. I stopped crying, I thought to myself I had done enough to hurt her and that I wouldn't want her to know, to see me break her fragile heart, I couldn't imagine.

I looked around the room, wiping the wet trails off my face. It was the same as I was a kid and last night, the pale green wallpaper, the creaky dark wood floor, although Damian was not found anywhere. I didn't care, for I cannot see his face without disgust. Then something caught my eye, something on the corner of the wooden coffee table. A note. Oh no. This can't be good. I thought about it, being frozen in place, knowing that the stalker is everywhere and nowhere at all times. I banged the coffee table with my fists, creating a large disturbance that echoed through the room, sending dust particles off the room. I smashed it again, the table shook, and again, the table trembled, and finally one last time, and it was broken in half, sending the note flying to the bottom of my foot. I narrowed my eyes and frowned once more, giving a bitter look but also one that signifies tiredness and anger. I picked it up at last, turning it over as my hands shivered like there was an earthquake, very slowly turned it around, expecting nothing but more despair.

I cornered you Nicky, it's time to give in, I recorded your little affair~hehehe! Oh it's just so easy, put a hidden camera here and there and now you're a miserable little fox with no one to love, no one to care, after all, people were right, ''Foxes are betrayers, tricksters, they want nothing but what you have.'' And would it be soooo terrible if your fiancée said that in front of you, leaving you to what you are, a lonely, pitiful, and miserable, good-for-nothing fox.

I stopped at the last word, grinding my teeth as I forcefully frown, crumpling the little yellow note at throwing it onto the small pieces of broken wooden table, gently landing it even though I threw it with force. I talked it over to myself over and over. It's just a note. Just. A. Note. And I'll make sure, till the day I die, that Judy will never know about this, not because I cheated on her, because she has suffered enough from these threats and the last thing she needs to hear is an affair, enough is enough.

I paced around Damian's house, searching for anything to wear, since my old clothing seems to have disappeared as well as Damian himself, although I wouldn't suspect too much about him since he's a farmer. I glimpsed the old mahogany grandfather clock just near the main entrance, IX, it was 9 O'clock, and Judy will be here any moment. I went upstairs through the rickety stairs, with the old wood creaking every step I make. Jesus, this place needs some renovating. I reached the second floor-Ow! Godammit. I forgot that the second floor is literally the roof, having only 2/3 of the height of the first floor. I grunted, having to slouch to not hit anymore ceilings. I reached his bedroom, which was quite small and barely even qualifies as a room, since it was missing a door; it was a simple metal bed with a small mattress, a pillow and a soft thin blanket over it, organized neatly. I scouted the room, finally spotting his dresser.

''All right then, what's in door number-'' I pretended to say as I opened the top drawer only to close it immediately upon finding Damian's collection of *cough* 'toys'. I shivered, instantly opening the second one hoping that it wasn't filled with unwanted products. Jackpot! It was filled with his clothes, mostly just plain shirts and jackets folded neatly; nevertheless at least it was something to wear. I took out one of his jeans and plain white tee. I thought any simple attire will do at this point. I quickly wore it, instantly feeling better.

I was about to go back to the living room, preferably cleaning the mess of splintery wood I created but then I heard a knock on the door. Judy! Thank god! I rushed down quickly, opening the door eagerly with a huge grin and there she was, looking cleaner with her crisp new uniform and equipment. She smiled at me with happiness and excitement, looking over my wound.

''Your knee, does it feel better?'' Judy asked eagerly as she bent down to inspect it. I nodded, seeing as that was the response she hoped for since I was able to walk and talk. I smiled at her again, can't help shaking the caring and cheery attitude she always had. Then it struck me, horrid images of last night, I shook my head, with my pupils shrinking in seconds. Judy's cheerful smile turned to a slight frown, looking at me while tilting her head to one side.

''Hey…is there something bothering you Nick?'' She questioned me quietly to me as she closed up on my face, about to initiate her angry emotions knowing someone has hurt her precious fox. I bent down at her level, instantly smiling a weak and awkward smile, not convincing her that I was fine.

''Heh…I'm fine really, just the antidote working up.'' I try to lie only making her already concerned face more concerned, placing her small paw onto my face as I faked a smile.

''You know you can tell me…'' She tried to get it out of me, pouting a sad face, her ears down, her violet eyes twinkled and her small nose twitched up and down. I sighed. Oh no, She knows my weakness…I-I can't let her know but…I can't say no to that face, she's genuinely concerned about me and really cares about my wellbeing. But…she wouldn't care about me anymore if I tell her. My mind was stuck in a battle between my honesty and trying not to break her heart, I was pressured and threatened by doubts. In the end, I realized, that if I love her…then its best, as the duty of her partner, to make her happy, even if it cost my honesty.

''I'm fine.'' I solemnly stated; removing her paw from my face as my enthusiastic attitude turned to a serious face. This scared Judy a little as I can see her flinched a tiny bit as she nervously pulled out her hand. By now, she already knows that pushing me wasn't the best option. She sighed a heavy sigh, looking at me then turning around.

''C'mon lets go.'' She commanded, looking a bit glum. Great Job Nick! Not only did you not tell her about the truth, she was still bummed out in the end. I pinched the small area between my snout and forehead, shaking my head slowly. I followed her to the back of the house, probably where she parked her car. I rubbed the back of my neck as I follow her, things can't possibly get worse.