Proud

"Big day, you ready?" Judy asked Nick as she helped him with his tie.

"Heh." Nick scoffed. "Was basically born ready."

"Really?" Judy smirked. "Last I checked the coach at the academy reported you not doing so well on the first go."

"Hey, I didn't know you could get called out that quickly for trying to be sneaky. "YOU'RE DEAD FOX-TROT!" Who sees that coming!?"

"Just how it goes." Judy finished. "There. Oh! And after the ceremony is over I have bit of a surprise for you so don't go running off too quickly."

Nick chuckled. "Not like I have big hustling plans. What am I gonna do? Rush back to sell pawpsicles on the corner again?"

"...You would."

He gave a mock offended look. "Me? Nicholas P. Wilde? This innocent face?" He gave his best "kicked fox" look. "Aww Judy!"

"Dumb fox." She grinned, giving him a light punch on the shoulder.

"Sly bunny." He smirked elbowing her playfully. "C'mon… Time to prove I can be a trustworthy fox."

"Right this way."

oooooo

"Congratulations, Officer Wilde." Judy smiled, pinning Nick's badge on as he gave a salute.

Everyone was applauding when Nick turned to face the crowd. It was kind of odd for him to have animals cheering for him for once instead of telling him to buzz off. It… also felt nice. This… This was what he wanted back when he was a kid. To fit in… to be something helpful.

This is a far cry from being a junior ranger scout… This is so much better.

Some news reporters came up, snapping photos of him next to Judy. He did his best to remain professional… though he couldn't help but get one goofy picture in there with Judy who just played along.

"Okay, ready for your surprise?" Judy asked, bouncing in place.

Nick grinned. "Always Carrots." He chuckled walking with her. "Can I have a hint?"

"Hm… It's someone you know."

"Hm… Clawhauser with a "Welcome to the Force" cake?"

"Nope."

"... Mr. Big? If you somehow got him out of Tundra Town I will be so shocked."

"Not even close."

Nick shrugged. "I give."

Judy giggled before giving a wave.

"Carrie! Over here!"

An older looking vixen came into view. She wasn't too elderly looking, but it was evident by some of the silver hairs in her fur that years hadn't been too kind to her. But the most defining thing about her was her green eyes… eyes that were just like Nick's.

His own eyes went wide as he recognized her. He hadn't seen her in a long time… Not since I had to hide at her place for about a week since the "Rug Incident…"...Oh was she MAD…

"M… Mom?" He asked grinning a little. "You saw?"

Carrie nodded, misty eyed as she came closer, looking Nick over.

"I'm so proud of you… My little Nicky…"

Nick smiled softly. "No more hustling… No more being a fox no one can trust…"

Carrie smiled, throwing her arms around him.

"That's the Nicholas I know."

Nick chuckled hugging her tightly.

"Thanks Mom… I'm gonna do ya proud… And I SWEAR I'll call more often… And next time it won't be from a payphone begging for a hiding place."

"Good." Carrie stroked his head. "And you have the sweetest little partner." She looked to Judy. "Such a kind, kind bunny."

Judy smiled sheepishly. "I try… I just wanna see people happy Ma'am… Make the world a better place."

"Yeah… I'm proud to call her my partner… And my friend." Nick smiled.

Carrie kissed his cheek.

"Quite an unlikely pair but… life's strange sometimes… But… that aside. Can I interest either of you in blueberry pie?"

Judy's eyes lit up. "Ooo I'd be delighted!"

"Mom you know me too well." Nick laughed. "Of course!"

"Then come on then." Carrie held Nick's hand. "Today is a day to celebrate."

Nick smiled warmly kissing her cheek. "I can agree."

"What are we waiting for then?" Judy bounded by them keys in hand. "I'll start the car!"

"Hey! I'm gonna drive that thing too!"

"Not today!"

Carrie shook her head.

Oh Nick… never change.