Her first punch connected faster than Officer Wilde had anticipated; even after months and months of seeing and hearing Officer Hopps in action, her speed never failed to impress him. The balled fist connecting with his jaw snapped his head back a little, its impact mercifully nullified by the fox's helmet. Forced to step back, he noted that a smirk played across her similarly-helmeted muzzle. Typical. A follow-up strike very nearly hit, but Nick stepped back and assessed his situation: it was clear that fighting through brute strength would not be doing him any favors.

First off, she's entirely too happy at the idea of hitting me. Second off, she's definitely faster and stronger than you are - you need an opening and something clever.

Nick paused, analyzing the bunny's stance; she was ever-so-slightly leaning back as her fist receded, and her face remained at the same smirking expression throughout.

Is that the natural Carrots-brand confidence, or is she trying to cover her balance? Either way, your chance will probably be when she kicks.

He sidestepped as her left arm struck out again, only to throw a probing punch of his own. Vulpine glove met lapine block with a satisfying thwack, blocking the attempt seemingly effortlessly. She smiled at him a little pityingly.

"Gonna have to try harder than that, Nick," the doe remarked.

A similar smile found its way onto the tod's face. "Who says I'm trying?" came the easy reply.

In reality, he was exerting himself more than he'd like to admit - Judy's speed was daunting, and the warm-up beforehand had been thorough. Nevertheless, another strike connected with his side. Huffing, Nick flowed with the hit to disperse the impact before taking another step back. Learning how to take a punch was just as important as learning how to throw one, as the academy demonstrated. Offhandedly, he noticed that the sparring ring was bigger than it appeared from the outside. Plenty of space left to dodge.

The following kick struck just where he was, and allowed him to review Judy's stance. Indeed, she was off-balance at the apex of her kick - due to the bunny's size, she was usually engaging mammals much bigger than herself. Having a similarly-sized target for once was allowing her to use less-practiced same-size techniques. Still, the power and swiftness behind the kick were unmistakable.

Thaaaaat's it, Carrots. Gimme another kick like that and we're as good as done!

Fox and rabbit circled one another slowly, looking for weaknesses in one another's stance or even simple diversions. Both stood in light positions, ready to act or shift at a moment's notice. Although many bigger members of Precinct One could get away with a heavyset style, the two diminutive officers had no such luck. The duo had to use wiles, speed, or cleverness to spar effectively. Not that it would make much difference in the long run. Both approaches were devastatingly effective. Judy fought aggressively, looking to end things quickly and decisively. As he was not a fighter by nature, Nick preferred reaction to action. Defense to offense. The vulpine's guarded style manifested itself through dodges and counters, allowing him to study his opponent.

At last, Judy's impatience overtook her. A kick flew out and crested centimeters from the fox' stomach; just enough for him to grab the foot as it receded and raise it back and towards her head. Judy's already unstable balance came entirely undone as the doe sprawled backward, hitting the soft blue of the mat with an audible thump. Nick immediately followed through, kneeling on her stomach and locking her arm tightly. Simultaneous grins spread across both fighters' faces as the rabbit realized she was entirely trapped.

"Judy Hopps, meet the mat. The mat, meet Judy Hopps. Or are you two already close friends?" he snarked. The rabbit tried desperately to hide a chuckle behind a groan, and after a brief struggle she tapped out.

Do I count as something clever? Yes, yes I do. thought the tod gleefully. It was more than a little surprising to him that he'd been able to ground her so quickly, and frankly Nick wasn't sure if she had underestimated him or she truly had less experience fighting smaller mammals. He dearly hoped it was the latter.

Releasing her arm and still grinning like a fool, the fox came to his feet. Judy grumbled playfully, rolling backward to her feet before jumping to a standing position. Both were pleased with his success. Nick felt a special pride at knowing he could match Judy Hopps of all mammals. Superbun. The grin he wore widened at the thought.

"Look at you, Nick! Already bullying poor widdle bunnies on day one," she scolded with a paw on her hip. Genuine excitement for his improving skill peeked through her words.

With a paw raised to his chest, Nick pulled his ears back and gave her a scandalized look.

"Madam, I resent the unfounded insinuation," he gestured dramatically at this, as the rabbit merely rolled her eyes, "that you are a 'poor widdle bunny.' I've seen your rhino takedown video, Fluff."

"Are you a rhino, though? No, no you are not," she shot back with an increasingly mirthful stare.

He patted himself down before turning briefly flicked his tail, sarcastically checking himself over. Looking to the rabbit, he briefly noticed how her gaze lingered on his tail. Pleased, he opted to share the results of his impromptu examination. "Nope. Still as foxy as ever, unfortunately," he sighed theatrically.

A snort escaped Judy's muzzle before she put her gloves up again, resuming her fighting stance. Determination spread over the doe's features as she made a "bring it" gesture. "Unfortunately. Let's go again. This time without the introductions," she challenged.

Nick smiled again and mirrored her fists, beginning to circle with her. She rushed in again and soon their sparring felt almost like a dance - trading hit for hit, block for counter, overextension for takedown. Judy would catch Nick's legs in a sweep, but he'd roll backward in a seemingly practiced escape before following up with a strike. Nick would throw out a kick, but Judy would sidestep and return with a kick of her own. It had a rough, combative melody, but it was a waltzing dance nonetheless. The rabbit took risks in her attacks, taking opportunities the vulpine didn't expect. More often than not they would pay off, but occasionally she left herself open to swift retribution as Nick remained shrewd and precise in his attacks and defense. Time slipped by as they clashed, trapped in their own little world. Tod and doe contested one another with increasing force. Breath burned in their lungs.

The most beautiful part of the dance was the way it progressed and evolved. Fox and rabbit would synchronize in technique, feinting and jabbing and kicking and blocking to an inaudible tempo. Neither fought intending to hurt. Both struck and were struck with a smile on their face and complete trust in their partner.

The tempo slowed as fatigue set in, letting forth a more experimental atmosphere. Smart remarks ceased as Nick and Judy began to pant, relieving some of the built-up heat. The fox blocked a kick with his paws, only to find that he left his muzzle open for strikes. The bunny tried a takedown from the front, only to be met with a quick kick in response. The cadence of the sparring softened. Tiredness set into both parties. Nick failed to dodge an easy punch, followed by Judy blatantly missing an opportunity for a sweep. Still, any mammal could see that the pair was having fun with one another.

Eventually, the dance had come to an end as both officers were overcome with exhaustion. A brief smile, some panting, and a fist bump later, Nick shifted his focus to the nearby clock as his eyes widened.

10:54… Have we really been sparring at the precinct for almost an hour?

Turning his attention to Judy, he noted she seemed just as surprised at how the time had gotten away from them.

Huh. Time flies when you're having fun, I guess. Fighting like that was almost… Cathartic. Who knew getting punched could feel so relaxing?

"Well, Carrots," he drawled and clapped his ungloved paws together, "I had a ball, but it appears our little playdate has run long. We'd both better get going if we want to get a decent rest for tomorrow."

She considered his words and nodded, taking off her helmet with practiced ease. "Yeah, you're right. Wouldn't want you to have another cup of coffee tomorrow morning plus the two you already guzzle," she teased.

Nick responded with a look of mock outrage and a matching eye roll. Despite this, he didn't have a defense to that remark. "Have you seen how big the pot is? They're providing all that for free. It's no wonder I became a cop," he retorted.

It's no wonder at all.

The teasing glare she was shooting him softened, and she approached for a hug despite their mutually matted fur. The ring was quiet for a moment as the two mammals embraced. "Thanks, Nick. It's nice to finally have you as a partner, and I… I'm excited to work with you," she finished a little lamely. Hesitantly, she broke off the hug. Flushed ears drooped behind her head in subtle embarrassment as they exited the ring together.

Touched by her authenticity, the vulpine's face softened as well. "I'm excited to work with you too," he said genuinely. A pause followed as the fox considered his next words, his ear twitching.

How honest do you want to be? You can't exactly ramble about how you're terrified to be a cop this late into the game. You should ramble in your head instead. You're already this far along. What if you can't do it? At this point, you don't even have anything legally-adjacent to go back to, and nobody you used to know will trust you. You aren't even sure your current coworkers trust me. Your cop coworkers. Should they? Twenty years is a long time to be avoiding the law. Ironic, huh?

When he spoke next, it was with a noticeable degree of care and precision. Nick's face was a near-perfect mask of casual indifference. "I know it was a little weird - alright, let's be honest, it's pretty weird - for the illustrious and obviously physically capable Nick Wilde to ask you to spar, but I just needed to get a little more practice in. I needed to make sure I could keep pace with you, Judy." A small hint of discomfort made its way through the mask as his eyes dragged downwards.

Technically true, but you're leaving out some of the bigger points, Wilde. Lying by omission on day one is not a good look for THE up-and-coming fox cop, especially if you want to be trusted. Defying stereotypes is one of the reasons you took this job. The tod's face fell a little further. Guilt briefly clouded his features before being replaced by his mask.

The grey doe in question smiled sympathetically as her ears perked again. "It's okay. I was worried about proving myself too, but I know you'll do great, Nick. You were the salutatorian of a big class of cadets, your marksmammalship set records at the academy," he made a "go on" gesture with his paws, as her now-sardonic grin grew, "and you're a… real articulate fella. I'm glad you asked me to spar. I know you don't like to fight paw-to-paw, but anyone could see you're committing to being a cop."

By the end of her impromptu speech, he could feel some of his anxiety easing; How did she always calm his fears so easily? Her support throughout the academy's grueling program was nothing short of a godsend. Sagging fox ears perked noticeably as he pulled her into another affectionate hug, tension evaporating from the tod and bunny in waves. His tail wagged silently.

One day you'll tell her the full story. Not quite first-day-partnership material. Maybe third, if you make the wise decision to finally reunite with dear, sweet, precious alcohol.

He let the moment sit for a little longer. Reluctantly, Nick pulled away from the embrace. "Seriously, Fluff. W- You… you should head home. We've probably got a full day of meters and maiding to look forward to tomorrow," he murmured. The doe smiled, giving him a small pat on the shoulder and a quick goodbye before heading towards the locker room. Pleased with the fact that she hadn't caught his slip-up, he turned towards the male locker room and strode inside.

Despite his exhaustion and the effects of being hit for just under an hour, Nick felt strangely elated. He'd proven himself to Judy, and she believed in him enough to indulge his uncharacteristic request. The continued support she was giving him to improve and turn faux confidence into real confidence was something he appreciated on more levels than one. Hoping that rabbit felt the same, he took one last look at the gym and its fixtures. Maybe tomorrow he'd try weightlifting. He was sure that Judy would want to do the same, as he spied her eyeing it during their match.

Thank God for the Precinct One gym. Don't think you'll have to worry much about showers or being clean much anymore. Score another point for "Things Nick loves about being a real cop." Plus you have somewhere quiet, relaxing and actually healthy to vent physical stress. Huh. Glowing with newfound optimism, he looked down at himself appraisingly. You can do this, Wilde. You can be a real cop. The other guys n' gals will come around eventually. Until then… you've got Carrots, and maybe Finnick.

Shucking his clothes and placing them inside his graying locker, the joyful vulpine took stock of his unfamiliar surroundings. Faintly, the stench of long-lingering sweat permeated the air. The room was empty - odd, as Nick guessed usually at least one or two other officers would be showering or changing at this time of night. Whitewashed brick walls encapsulated the room cleanly, but it was clear some of the paint was beginning to peel. A hint of disappointment marred his features when he turned his gaze to the other lockers. Rusted locks of varying colors dotted the room in a poor imitation of what could be a modern art piece. The un-rusted locks weren't much better.

The only ones in here you couldn't pick here faster than Carrots could say something cheery are your own and maybe some of the biggest ones. Seriously, does anybody here value their stuff? The fox paused, thinking. Then again, who would steal someone's clothes? With a glance at his gym bag to make sure it hadn't been taken during the match, he closed the locker and put his own lock once again.

Then again again, if certain coworkers start pushing their luck… Shaking his head, the tod sighed. Dumb fox. Who are they gonna suspect first when a lock gets picked? Take a "Wilde" guess. Surprise surprise, it's the fox.

Nick turned, approaching the showers with fur shampoo in paw. The tiled walls were a nice change of scenery from the decaying paint. Ratcheting up the shower to a soothing heat, he let his eyes close and body relax. Water ran through the fox's fur in rivulets. Only a few bruises had emerged so far - a product of some of the times he fell wrong onto the mat. Sighing, he washed his head thoroughly, letting his mind wander as the musky scent faded under the pressure. Soap dripped down the tod's figure.

How she's gonna react when you tell her where you're living? Maybe angrily. Probably pityingly. The vulpine's ears fell back. Where you are now isn't a problem, though. A lot of mammals have it way worse than you do. Being a cop gives you a rewarding job, a place to get clean, and mammals who may or may not like you very much instead of hating you outright. The laughter in the bullpen this morning might not have been a fluke.

Another sigh escaped him before he could help it. You're in a good place right now. Stop being so anxious! Keep it together! Where's Nick Wilde, professional smooth-talker with a trademark sharp silver tongue? He's not part of your criminal side and you know it. Why are you even anxious about telling her? She's Carrots. She'll understand. At worst you'll get a few more nice bruises to count on the arm, and at best you can tell her after you get a decent place. You'll only be lying like this for a little while longer. Someday you'll look back on this and laugh at how scared you were to tell her. It'll be another entry into everyone's favorite list of "Things Nick Wilde isn't proud of but are kind of funny in retrospect."

An attempt at recentering himself only managed to feed the anxiety. The tod's breath was coming out in short, sporadic bursts and the room felt like it was spinning a little. Vulpine eyes screwed shut, trying desperately to calm himself.

Calm. Down. You can't have a panic attack in the precinct showers! Last time was day one of the academy! You're better than that now!

The words that flitted through the fox's mind earlier came back with an unexpected vengeance, screwing his eyes even further closed.

Twenty years is a long time to be avoiding the law.

A steadying paw stabilized him against a wall, the sounds of heavy breathing reverberating throughout the small shower. An even breathing rhythm briefly took over before falling back into a mess of panicked gasps, his vision crowded with a minty sludge of toothpaste-esque cyan and white. Each tile of the shower's wall congealed into another with startling efficiency, like an overly viscous syrup.

Keep it together, Slick. You've got Judy. Where's that lovable smirk of yours hiding?

...Hiding.

Nick let the sensory white noise of the water calm him down for another minute or so, the world shifting back into place. As the last of the soap came out of his fur, the tod turned the knob of the shower down. It shut off with a softening hiss. His mind was still jumbled and a feeling of sickness had spread over him, but one thought rang through loud and clear as his face relaxed into a more comfortable mask.

Never let them see that they get to you.

He stepped out from the steam.