Run and Hide •Wildehopps• |Zootopia Story|

Part Six: Morning Apprehension

An intense pounding in Judy's head disturbed her from her slumber. It was a familiar sensation, but at least it wasn't as unbearable like last time. Only now she had no clue as to what was causing it, but either way she was awake now—barely. She groaned and lifted her head from the tilted position it was in. It just now occurred to her that she had fallen asleep in the kitchen, sitting on the floor with Nick laying next to her, his chin still propped on her lap.

She sighed, slightly disappointed that the events of last night were real and that it wasn't just a strange dream she had. Now she had to figure out how she was going to handle all of this. She had to keep Nick's state of mind a secret, no one could know about what happened. But how was she supposed to explain his absence at work? They were cops, calling in sick at the last minute wasn't acceptable. She'd have to come up with some sort of lie to tell Chief Bogo, and a damn good one if she didn't want him to get suspicious.

As well as covering for him at work, she was also left to figure out how to obtain an antidote for Night Howlers. Sure, doctors found a cure not too long ago, but it wasn't a countertop medicine that could be purchased at a local pharmacy. It was only available at hospitals, strictly reserved for "savage" patients if there were any.

Judy's eyes focused on the sleeping fox at her side, once again stroking his fur just to feel how soft it was. Her movements didn't wake him, but she noticed his ear flick slightly whenever she brushed her fingers near it. She formed a small smile, but it wasn't long-lasting, since her mind soon traveled elsewhere.

How was she supposed to take care of him until she could figure out what to do? Usually Nick was the one who took care of her, surprisingly enough. Whenever she was low on money, he would buy her groceries and would always refuse her offers to pay him back. When she was under the weather, he would make her soup and provide her with proper medicine. When she was lonely, he would keep her company. When she was sad, he was there to make her laugh. He stood up for her, he helped her, he looked out for her. Whenever she needed him, he was there. Always.

This was beyond anything either of them knew how to deal with. However, if they were in opposite places, Nick would do whatever it took to help her. So she had to do the same for him, no matter the cost.

First, she'd have to deal with the sudden nausea she began to feel after a minute of sitting in silence. She covered her mouth, carefully scooting away from Nick so his head would rest against the floor, then made a run for it toward the bathroom.

Her attempts to not awaken the fox were unsuccessful, though. The sound of her running away and vomiting from afar alerted him, which of course woke him up and sent him on a search to find her. He followed the sounds into the bathroom and was relieved to find Judy, but seeing her in distress didn't make him feel successful.

Nick frowned and walked over to her as she continued to puke into the toilet. She hardly noticed him at first, but she knew he was there. She was too focused on the sickening sensation overwhelming her body, mostly her stomach. Why was she still throwing up so much? For the past couple days she often found herself running to the bathroom to let out a spew. It might've been food poisoning or some kind of stomach bug.

"I should really see a doctor about this." She mumbled to herself, holding her head as she slouched against the bathtub. The amount of times she felt nauseas was becoming a concern to her and if she didn't feel better soon, she'd have to go to urgent care.

But that was a problem for later. Right now her main priority was Nick.

The fox frowned sympathetically and stepped closer to her, placing his chin on her knees. She could tell he wanted to help her, but there wasn't much he could do, especially not now. Judy gave him a weak smile and rubbed her paw up on his head. "I guess you're gonna have to stay home by yourself today."