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Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.

The shrill alarm cut through the silence in the small apartment building, rousing the groggy fox from his slumber. Groaning, he fumbled around, managing to silence the annoying sound. Nick Wilde sat up in his bed, stretching his arms and letting out a pitiful yawn. He hadn't gotten much sleep last night. Some nights he just sat up and thought, the night slowing chipping away at his consciousness. Last night was no different. His mind bounced just about everywhere last night, from work to the past, nothing was off limits on one of his restless nights. But, this wouldn't be the end of the world for Nick, he'd managed to wake himself up after nights like that before.

He hopped into the shower, the scalding hot water already managing to wake him up a little. Nick sighed with relief, he wanted to look his best for Judy. "Oh.." he said out loud to himself, remembering the rabbit wasn't even in Zootopia right now, let alone coming to work today. He'd be flying solo, or paired up with some random officer by Bogo. He chuckled to himself, writing off his disappointment to the grogginess.

After Nick finished up his shower, he quickly slid on his uniform, and grabbed a quick breakfast before heading out the door. He absentmindedly made his way through town, coming to a stark realization. The town looked different to him, there hadn't been many changes in the buildings or infrastructure, but yet, he saw it in a new light. It was a much lighter place. Not everybody was out to get him, and they weren't staring at him, judging him based on who he was. Now, he was sure there was bound to be at least some animal trying to, but the oppressive cynicism he had about Zootopia had mostly diluted. Nick honestly had no idea how he felt about it. Sure, it was nice to not be looking over your shoulder every five seconds out of worries, but it felt like a part of him had changed. He did know one thing for sure about this though, it no doubt stemmed from his new life. Trading the Popsicles for a badge was far easier than he thought, and he had been doing a good job at it too. And, of course, working with Carrots was a plus...

Nick's random wondering came to an end once he found himself in front of the station. Taking a deep breathe, Nick made his way into the building, ready as he could be for work. Idly chatting with Clawhauser for a bit, Nick just tried to pass the time before he got the day's assignment. He usually came in early because Judy came in early, and on her days off he'd usually bump his alarm forward a bit so he'd be just on time. But Nick forgot to do that, and was now a good thirty minutes early, and no partner walking in about the same time to make him feel like it was a good choice by complimenting him. The conversation was mostly one sided, with Clawhauser going off on five different points at once, all between bites of his doughnuts. How this cat had ever become a cop was a mystery to Nick, but that was like the pot calling the kettle black really.

Soon, it was about time for Bogo to assign everyone their duty for the day, so he said his goodbyes to the enthusiastic cheetah and made his was further into the building. Nick took his seat, waiting for the impending news of his temporary replacement partner. However, that would not come today, for Nick had been given the most prestigious job in the ZPD, parking meter duty. Nick sighed, at least he knew it was more out of him lacking a partner than spite from the chief, and the fact that he wouldn't have to trudge along with somebody he might not even like.

Putting on the vest and hat that he had taunted Judy for wearing only a few months ago, he dutifully made his way to go be the best "meter maid" he could muster. His mild enthusiasm however soon faded into absolute complete boredom, mindlessly ticketing cars that sat at expired meters. If Judy were anywhere nearby, he'd probably apologize for ever mocking her while doing this. The thought of that scared Nick, he liked to keep his suave self on the front, and the softer stuff deeper inside, and the fact that his mind instantly went to a meek apology was disheartening. But, as Nick rationalized to himself, meter duty was so soul crushing, that it would drive just about anyone to a sniveling apology to those who suffered before them. Chuckling to himself a little, he carried out his routine, till the merciful time came that his shift was over. The only silver lining being that there wasn't paperwork to fill out.

"I can only hope that the entire week isn't like this" he muttered to himself, plodding back to his apartment. His mind soon trailed off to Judy again, wondering how she was holding up over at her home town. "Probably having a grand old time" he thought "Carrots is probably laughing and joking with her old friends right now" if he had that thought when they first met, he perhaps would have felt jealous or spite over the situation, but, the thought of his partner having fun comforted him a bit, cracking a small and genuine smile as he stepped up the stairs to his one room apartment.

The moment Nick stepped into his little home, he began to change out of his stuffy uniform, and into his much more comfortable clothes. However, despite his tiredness, he still took the time to carefully put up the uniform. By his count, it was the second uniform to ever mater to him, and this one he was going to keep in good shape. He instantly backpedaled in his mind, he hated reminiscing on his childhood. Yet, it somehow clawed its way into his mind from time to time, especially on those restless nights like the one prior. He could only hope that tonight he'd get some good sleep, and that tomorrow he'd avoid working with the parking meters.

Nick skipped dinner that night, he really didn't have much of an appetite, considering both his mood and the fact he had a late lunch while on duty. The fox lied down in his small bed, the springs creaking in protest, but what can you expect from a cheap mattress? Nick's hopes were being realized, for he felt himself fading from consciousness, and going to sleep, his muddled mind fading out to a softer, and happier dream.