Forever…
When it came to Nick, that particular word didn't seem to be a part of his vocabulary for a good bit of his life. For quite awhile, the very concept of something being continually present for all future time, not matter short or long that be, just didn't seem like a realistic vision.
Previously surviving on the streets as a con artist, the vulpine didn't necessarily understand the word "forever" in terms of companionship. The promise of always being present or having your back in the dark moments seemed quite hollow to the heart-hardened fox. Rather than being inviting, it always seemed scary in his mind.
Personal experiences from various moments in his past made him mentally conclude that "forever" didn't exactly exist, and that everything eventually changed into a different state.
Mammals that appeared to be on the fox's side only painted that picture for so long, only to leave him all alone when he really needed them the most. It wasn't the most positive mentality to have in life, but being on the streets for years and years had unfortunately put him in that way of thinking for a good bit of time.
At one point, the fox ended up asking himself a question: If I ever do manage to find out what forever even is, who would I want to spend it with?
That is, until he met a certain sly bunny...
Someone that he could never get tired of seeing...
Someone whose presence always made him feel so happy...
Someone that he needed by his side and in his life...
After spending quite some time together, making many memories both on and off of the police force, he knew that she was who he wished to spend forever with.
The fox and his leporine companion were sitting closely together, overlooking what surrounded them from a quaint, wooden dock. The sky was blushing with a deep shade of crimson, and the soothing sounds of the water underneath them could be heard. Despite such a gorgeous view being present, the little boardwalk wasn't being occupied by anyone else accept the two of them.
In a nutshell, it was the perfect ending to what was considerably a perfect day.
On the right side of the vulpine, the gray doe was looking down at their reflections that rippled within the water below her. Peaking her head back up, she looked back at the beautiful scenery that only the Canal District could provide.
Contently, the rabbit leaned his head to the left and onto Nick's shoulder. A cheerful expression additionally talking shape his muzzle, the vulpine placed a loving paw on the small, gray paw of his companion.
"Love you, Nick," she said quietly to the fox. And after a brief pause, she added, "Forever."
Forever…
When that last word that the doe murmured registered his ears, the fox couldn't help but smile radiantly at her sincerity.
Nick always knew, with all of his heart, that when Judy swore that she would love him forever, she meant it.