**The Great Credit Caper**

Prompt: Zootopia fanfiction Nick and Judy get into an argument with two fellow officers on who can take credit for an arrest

On a bright, bustling afternoon in Zootopia, Officer Judy Hopps and her partner Nick Wilde found themselves engaged in a heated debate regarding an unfortunate incident at the precinct. The notorious "Grizzly Gang" had finally been apprehended, and as the city celebrated, a skirmish began over who could take the credit for the arrest. Judy, energetic as ever, leaned against the desk in the precinct's break room, her ears perked up eagerly. “Nick, can you believe we finally caught them? This is the big break we needed! Can you imagine how many accolades we’ll get?” Nick, lounging against the opposite wall with a relaxed grin, rolled his eyes. “Well, not if you keep rambling, Officer Hopps. You know you can’t score points by jabbering on. We need to make sure our names are right up there in the headlines.” Before Judy could respond, Officers Bogo and Clawhauser sauntered into the break room, witnessing the sudden surge of excitement. As usual, Chief Bogo wore an air of no-nonsense authority, while Clawhauser, ever the cheerful cheetah, grabbed himself a donut from the box on the table. “Is it just me, or can I feel the tension?” Clawhauser quipped, chewing on his pastry. “What’s going on, you two?” Judy, always quick to inform, straightened up. “We’re discussing the Grizzly Gang arrest! We should start informing the press about our contribution to the case. After all, we’ve been working on this for weeks!” Bogo raised an eyebrow, a skeptical look crossing his face. “Contributions? You mean to say it’s you two who single-handedly took them down?” Nick chimed in, a smirk playing on his lips, “Well, technically, I was the one who bribed them to reveal their hideout. You know how persuasive I can be.” Judy shot him a glare, her jaw tightened. “Nick, this was a team effort. You know I’ve been chasing leads and working on this case tirelessly. You just happened to do your ‘thing’ at the last minute!” Bogo’s deep voice cut through the rising tension. “Enough of this. You’re both part of a larger team. Ensure you acknowledge the entire precinct's effort in apprehending the Grizzly Gang — including everyone else involved.” Clawhauser, slowly coming down from his sugar high, added, “Yeah, guys! It’s not about who gets credit; it’s about the safety of Zootopia!” But it only served to rile them up instead. Nick crossed his arms defiantly. “You may be right, Clawhauser, but we both know that the best accolades come from highlight moments. This is the first big arrest we can put our names on!” Judy countered, “If it weren’t for my lead on the prey trafficking reports, we wouldn’t have even known to look for them! I scanned over hundreds of documents while you were... what was it? Napping?” “Not napping, my dear bunny,” Nick replied sarcastically. “Conducting meticulous research for the ultimate disguise.” Their playful banter had morphed into an outright argument, each throwing evidence for their case like they were in court. Soon, loud voices caught the attention of other officers in the precinct. “Hey, you two! Keep it down!” shouted Officer Fangmeyer, walking past with an armful of files. “We’re all busy here!” “This isn’t just a cliché officer spat!” Judy exclaimed, waving her paws in frustration. “There are lives at stake, and we finally made a difference! We should be recognized for it!” “Oh, come on!” Nick scoffed, his playful facade returning. “Next, you’ll tell me that you single-handedly saved the city from that giant hive of bees!” “That was your idea, Nick!” Judy exclaimed, pointing at him. “Remember? We’d be toast if it weren’t for my quick thinking back there.” Officer Bogo, who had been quietly observing, finally interjected. “That’s the problem, Hopps! You’re both too wrapped up in who did what to realize that working together is what made this arrest possible. If you two keep arguing, you’ll only weaken your bond as partners.” As Judy paused to consider Bogo's words, Nick took a moment, too. It was true, the more they argued, the more they endangered their effectiveness as a duo. “But this is a big deal!” Judy insisted, her passion bubbling over. “What’s the point of our hard work if no one knows what we did?” “That’s the thing,” Nick said, his voice softer now. “Perhaps it doesn’t matter as long as Zootopia becomes safer. I mean, a few accolades here and there are nice, but I’d take a more peaceful city over a hundred awards.” Judy blinked at him. “Really?” Nick chuckled, his green eyes shining. “Yeah, really. Besides, think of how annoyed the Chief would be if we were the focus of some media frenzy. I’d rather spoil his coffee than steal his spotlight!” Bogo shook his head, but a hint of a smile crept onto his face. “Well, if you two want to argue, at least save it for after work hours. Wouldn’t want you to ruin the mood of the celebratory banquet tonight.” “Wait, there’s a banquet?” Clawhauser's eyes lit up, the donut temporarily forgotten as he perked right back to life. “Of course there is,” Bogo replied dryly. “And it’s the entire precinct being recognized for the arrest — including you, Wilde and Hopps. But let’s keep the bickering to a minimum, okay?” With a shared sigh, Judy and Nick nodded in unison, finally realizing that their bond transcended mere credit. They were partners, and the success they shared was what truly mattered. As they exited the break room, Nick leaned closer to Judy. “So, after the banquet, what do you say we head out for some ice cream? Together?” Judy beamed at him. “Deal. But this time, let’s leave the arguing for another day.” And with laughter brightening the precinct, the two wandered off into the vibrant Zootopian streets, their rivalry dissipating, replaced by the warm camaraderie of partners in crime-solving.