Title: Police Academy – Becoming Blue
Chapter 25 – Graduation! Welcome to the NYPD!

A/N: Well everyone we have reached the end of this journey! I really want to THANK YOU ALL for your time in reading this story and most importantly reviewing b/c that's what keeps us going. **Iris** you are one of the few without a fanfic account that I can't thank personally but I want to extend a special thanks for your keeping up with each chapter and your encouraging feedback – most appreciated!

I hope you all like this ending!

"Words in italics and quotes – directly from the episode 1.01 Pilot"

~Epilogue~

"Alright Jamie, will I see you Saturday night?" Jamie's employer, Mr. Andrews inquires as Jamie gets his jacket and prepares to leave for the night.

"You sure will," Jamie answers with a firm nod. He takes a step out into the cool night air and inhales deeply; allowing the fresh intake to slightly rejuvenate him before he heads for home. His body was tired but the lifting and moving actually served to keep his mind occupied and work out any lingering tension for the strict routine that day.

But just as Jamie takes a few more steps toward the end of the street, suddenly a set of lights happens upon him, a dark sedan pulling to a sharp stop by the curb and Jamie slightly jumping back, his heart rate instantly elevating. For a few seconds, his mind flashes him an image of Garth getting out of car and racing toward him with a raised gun.

"Hey kid…need a ride?" Danny's warm and friendly voice instantly forced Garth's menacing image to fade, allowing Jamie to quickly exhale and then nod. "You okay?"

"Just startled me," Jamie confesses with a small frown as he gets into Danny's car. "Memories."

"Sorry. Forgot that Garth snuck up on you out here."

"It's okay. But sure felt good to get back to work you know?"

"Yeah…I know. You ready for the precinct tomorrow after school?"

"You still can?"

"You wanna ace that test don't you?"

"Trust me Maria's gonna kick my ass."

"That good huh?"

"Oh yeah, she…" Jamie starts into his explanation about his fellow student's weapon's skills; the ride home more enjoyable with Danny at his side, chatting casually and just further growing a bond as brothers. Jamie says goodnight to Danny and heads into his home with a happy smile; gently closing the door and heading straight for his bedroom, sleep actually something to be welcomed tonight instead of feared. Jamie's eyes close almost as soon as his head hits the pillow; unlike the night before his night ahead is filled with happier images of him and Danny…Garth's ugly face rapidly dissipating.

The next day Jamie awakens, even more refreshed than he had the night before, his mind actually looking forward to the entire day instead of just bits and pieces. After having a very light breakfast, Jamie hurries off to the academy, where he arrives early in the locker room, plunks down on the first bench and finishes his homework that he missed due to work, the night before.

"Jamie? You're in early," new Administrator Dean Atchison greets him.

"Had to work last night so I just wanted to get the last few questions answered."

"How are you doing after all that…stuff?" Atchison treads carefully.

"Actually am doing better."

"But it's still gonna take a few days right?"

"It will and I'm okay with that as long as I know I don't hafta contend with Garth's stupidity on a regular basis."

"Nope just smooth sailing for the next few months until graduation," Atchison gives him a firm pat on the back. "Okay I'll let you get back to it, but remember…my door is always open if you need it."

"Thanks," Jamie states with a friendly smile as the older man takes his leave; Jamie using the last few minutes of his alone time to finish his homework and then talk with Matt and Tom when they arrive. Talking and laughing with his friends feels better than he could have expected, his mind inwardly proud of himself for not ever giving in, knowing that Garth now has nothing to be proud about; his days more than likely filled with regret and anger over his own stupid actions.

"You worried about tomorrow's test?" Tom asks in a low tone as they head for the large gymnasium.

"A little. But Danny's gonna let me practice at the precinct tonight so that's kinda cool right?"

"Heck yes it is," Tom replies with a wide smile. "Think you'll get up to Maria's level?"

"No one's that good," Jamie looks over at his friend and boasts, taking back a warm smile of thanks.

"Guys the test is tomorrow. Anyone can excel."

"She's so modest."

"She only sounds that way."

"Okay them's fightin' words Matthew," Maria teases, making Matt wince.

"You don't like Matthew?"

"You do, Thomas Bartholomew?"

"Dang it."

"What? That's your middle name?" Jamie looks at his friend in surprise.

"It really is Jamison," Tom retorts as they all just groan and stop with the whole name calling. "Graduation's gonna be fun when they start calling out all the legal names."

"Hey just be happy there isn't a Huck Finn here," Matt snickers. "Would Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn please come forward, they'll be new partners who…" Matt's voice dies out with a laugh.

"Yeah you're funny Matthew Oswald."

"Oswald?" The rest of the group asks in surprise.

"You're so dead," Matt playfully teases Tom who laughs.

"Is that so Oswald Cobblepot," Tom continues, referring to the penguin Batman villan.

"That's it..." Matt lunges at Tom and playfully puts him in a headlock.

Their friendly banter quickly dies as their instructor comes in and its time to start the day. They are given one more reminder of the weapons test tomorrow and then told they'll be starting their driving lessons next week. Jamie and his partner of the week Henry, take their training weapons and follow after another pairing for the morning session, his mind actually eager to get to see Danny tonight and test his wits against a real police practice room setting.

The day had passed by so far with ease and on the short subway ride over to the precinct, Jamie finds himself actually anxious to get there and see just how well he does with a real NYPD weapon in his hands. Jamie heads into Danny's building with his anticipation growing.

"Hey hold on sec," Danny gestures for Jamie to take a seat by his partner.

"You here to practice for the big test tomorrow?" Demarcus asks in wonder.

"Think I'll be able to use real bullets?"

"Uh no," Danny pipes up, making Jamie look up with a small frown and Demarcus snicker. Jamie looks around the bustling room, officers in uniform writing on forms, plain clothes talking to witnesses, clerks taking statements, booking perps…everything around him was fueling his excitement that soon this would be the life he'd be immersed in on a daily basis.

"So this is the last of the holdouts," a firm voice walks up to Jamie from behind.

"Jamie Reagan, meet Sergeant Anthony Renzulli."

"Hey kid…nice to meet you finally. Danny says…things," he smirks as he shakes Jamie's hand and then pulls back with a friendly smile.

"Things?" Jamie looks over at his oldest brother.

"He's being a wiseass," Danny shrugs. "i say lots of things. Don't you have a cat to chase Renzulli?" Danny teases with a smile.

"Yeah sure. See ya around Reagan."

"Yeah see ya," Jamie replies, not knowing that the man he had just met was the training officer for his brother Joe and in a few short months would be his partner for the next year or so.

"Ready?"

"So why can't I use real bullets?"

"Because."

"Because isn't an answer Danny," Jamie playfully retorts.

"How about I lock you in a cell. That's real."

"Funny," Jamie deadpans as Danny pats him on the back.

"Come on Dirty Harry…this way."

Jamie enters the room where the cops practice, letting the smell of ammunition and the cool air feed his senses and desire to become the real thing. He follows after Danny, knowing he'd have to stay within strict guidelines so that Danny wouldn't get into trouble and nothing accidental would happen.

"Okay here you…"

"I know what I'm doing Danny," Jamie insists as he tries to pull away from Danny.

"You wanna do this or not?" Danny snatches the training weapon from Jamie's grasp; the two of them a bit too close for comfort in the small shooting cubicle.

"Fine," Jamie lightly grumbles.

"I swear sometimes you deserve a good lashing," Danny smirks as he loads the training weapon. "Here…show me whatcha got."

Jamie takes the weapon and holds it in his grasp; his mind instantly noticing even the slightest difference in weight than the ones they use at the academy. Although at the academy they are trained with the actual weapons they would be using in the field, this one has more wear and slightly pulls to the right.

"Damn you suck," Danny chuckles as the blank shot lands upwards by the shoulder.

"You gave me a lame gun."

"Hey you're given your first service weapon, soon to be rookie, you gotta work with whatcha got," Danny winks, making Jamie shake his head but try again. This time adjusting for the fact the weapon seemed to favor the upper right hand corner the last time, the next shot is within the circled target and Jamie feels his confidence starting to grow. The third shot is even closer, the fourth and fifth the same.

"Not bad."

"Yeah."

"You expected to be dead center after four half days of training?" Danny asks in surprise as Jamie merely shrugs. "Nice try new recruit Reagan. Not gonna happen."

"Maria's already at the center."

"Yeah okay but she's special. You wanna try again?"

"I do. Am I allowed?"

"Well they haven't told us to leave yet have they? Go again."

For the next twenty minutes, Jamie would practice firing at the target, feeling his skill getting better and better, despite the obvious handicap of the well used practice weapon.

"So you gonna ace tomorrow?"

"I'll settle for second," Jamie replies as he reaches for his coat. "Trust me I know in this area, Maria's gonna kick my butt."

"Ah never say never. Look I gotta stay here a bit longer but…"

"I'm okay on the bus," Jamie insists as they walk back to Danny's desk.

"Did he blow away the badguy?"

"Wounded him so we could finish him off," Danny snickers, drawing a small eye roll from Jamie. "It's your first time kid…you kicked ass."

"Thanks," Jamie takes the compliment with a proud smile as he prepares to leave. On the subway ride and then the short walk home, Jamie's mind was replaying over and over all the things Danny had taught him in the brief half hour lesson. He knew he wouldn't have as much free practice time at the actual precinct as at the academy but somehow his time with Danny seemed to make more of a difference.

"Jamie?"

"Yeah it's me," Jamie calls out as he enters the kitchen after dumping his coat and knapsack. "Smells good. What can I help with?"

"Now you musta had a good day with that kinda request," Henry looks at his youngest grandson and smiles warmly. "You ready for tomorrow?"

"I am," Jamie states firmly. "And next week we start our driving exercises."

"Now that's gonna be scary."

"What's gonna be scary."

"Francis…you're home early," Henry notes.

"One of the nice things about being in charge...I can send myself home early if I want," Frank smiles as he looks over at Jamie. "How'd it go with Danny?"

"My last shot was the best," Jamie mentions in truth.

"Always is," Henry smiles. "You wanna know how your old man did on his first exam?"

"Pop…we're not talking about me."

"Come on dad," Jamie urges.

"I passed."

"Only a pass?" Jamie counters, trying to hold back a surprised chuckle.

"You shoulda heard my father after that," Frank retorts, making Henry chuckle and shrug. "You seem more content today though."

"I feel better. Worked last night…and each day without Garth just is better and better. I heard Danny talking about him…what happened?"

"Garth's awaiting his official sentencing. Should come down next week. He decided not to push for a trial and will get some time reduced for good behavior," Frank explains, Jamie wanting to protest, but since knowing how the legal system works, knows there would be no point. Garth would get whatever the state would push for in light of the very clear and damning evidence and he can only hope that his time in incarceration would help rehabilitate him; although his future with the NYPD was over for good. Same with his father, they would never be hired by the state again.

After dinner, Jamie calls Sydney and chats with her for a bit, always dismayed when they hang up and she hasn't set a date; this time the wedding wasn't even mentioned. The following day Jamie heads into the academy, doing better on his weapons test than expected, but of course, being like everyone else and falling well behind their fellow student weapons leader – Maria Romano.

The following week, Jamie attends his second meeting with Dr. George Roberts which actually serves to get rid of any lingering fears he had about his very trying ordeal. The nightmares were still lingering although they were slowly dissipating.

"Remember Jamie sometimes these things will ebb and flow for months and for some people, years. That is normal and doesn't make you weak or lesser in any way," Dr. Roberts concluded their second important session. "My door is always here for you and whatever you say, you know stays here. I want to see you succeed Jamie, I really do. Call...if you ever want or need to talk. Good luck with the reason of the term."

With those encouraging words, Jamie leaves Dr. Roberts office with his business card now tucked into his wallet, the session with the older man making him feel empowered and strengthened. After that, life falls back into a normal routine with school classes, homework, training sessions with Danny, work and then date nights with Sydney. The months that follow are enjoyable and pass by with almost lightning speed – Garth Robinson's name almost forgotten.

Finally…four months later…the time finally arrives.

XXXXXXXX

~the night before graduation~

"Why the hell am is so nervous," Jamie mutters to himself as he looks at the dark navy uniform still in the plastic coating from the academy.

"Well this is a first," Frank's warm voice is heard as he lingers in Jamie's doorway with a proud smile. "I know tomorrow's gonna be a whirlwind for you so I wanna say my heartfelt congratulations right now son; I'm very proud of you."

"Thanks dad," Jamie smiles at his father. "You think mom would be happy?"

Frank looks at Jamie and remembers the promise he had made to Mary, his late wife and Jamie's mother and frowns before he nods and replies. "She'd be very proud of you son."

Jamie beams at his father's words and then looks back at the uniform. "So how does it work again tomorrow?"

"Well…" Frank starts into his explanation of what Jamie could expect from the big NYPD graduation ceremony and events to follow. Father and son spend a bit more time together before Frank says his goodnight and leaves Jamie's room. Jamie looks at the clock and frowns, his mind too eager and anxious for the following day to actually try to get some sleep. He pulls out a book that Sydney had given him, opens the page and holds back a gasp as he looks down at a note he had made to talk to Danny about getting a wire.

Jamie shakes his head trying to get Garth's menacing face to clear but at the same time, can't help but wonder what Garth would be thinking knowing that graduation is tomorrow and he would be missing it – by his own doing.

"What the hell's going on?" Garth gruffly asks his roommate who returns to their cramped cell, a few guards rushing past.

"Shift change. I guess there's some big thing tomorrow for the cops and a few hafta get their asses in gear so they can attend. Who the hell cares," he shrugs.

"Graduation," Garth hisses under his breath.

"What's that?"

"Nothin'," Garth groans as he looks out through the bars and into the common area where two guards were talking to two others, the news on in the background; the reporter interviewing a uniformed NYPD officer. "You'll get yours someday Reagan. I swear you will."

"So this guy Jamie…"

"Yeah what about him?" Garth turns around with a half snap.

"Hey whatever man. I heard you mumble his name a few times so was just curious. He someone special to you?"

"Yeah…he's special," Garth sneers. "And we'll leave it at that."

"Whatever."

Garth hops onto his top bunk and punches his pillow, picturing Jamie's face and allowing a twisted smile to form. His father was given a reduced sentence that amounted to a mere formality and only about a year served in actual jail time; after that he would be given his walking papers but never allowed to work for the NYPD again. Garth was given a ten year sentence for his crimes, ten years to sit and ponder what he had done wrong and then try to learn from his mistakes and reenter society a reformed individual. Only time would tell if the system would be effective.

"Lights out!"

XXXXXXXX

~NYPD Graduation day~

Jamie awakens early the next morning, his stomach tight from excited anticipation. The big day had finally arrived; in a few hours they would all be heading to Madison Square Garden for the annual NYPD Graduation ceremony. Jamie quickly showers and then hurries back to his room, wanting to get to the stadium early so he could talk to his friends before the big event.

"No coffee," Jamie mumbles to himself as he feels his frame starting to get the jitters.

"No coffee?" Frank asks with a small smile. "You're gonna do fine Jaime."

"I just don't wanna do something wrong," Jamie half smirks.

"Today all you need to do is listen to me ramble on," Frank replies warmly. "You passed beyond all our expectations."

"Can I save the coffee for lunch?"

"Sure," Frank lightly chuckles as he gives Jamie a hug. "Love you son."

"Love you too dad," Jaime whispers as Henry slowly ambles into the kitchen.

"What'd I miss?"

"Morning pop."

"Morning. Okay who's having coffee?"

Jamie helps with breakfast, enjoying the friendly family banter with his father and grandfather; then excusing himself afterward to call Sydney to make sure she knows when to be there. After getting her assurance she'll be there as promised, Jamie quickly dresses in his graduation uniform and then looks in the mirror.

"Now that…is a sight to see," Henry smiles as he takes a picture of Jamie. "See you later."

Jamie ops for a cab and arrives at MSG the same time as Tom and Matt.

"Wow can you believe that Maria is getting an award?" Tom asks with a broad smile.

"She totally earned it," Jamie agrees as they head for the main area they were told to wait before entering and then taking their seats.

"Kinda cool to know your dad is going to be giving the welcome speech," Matt pipes up.

"Actually its making me more nervous," Jamie smirks.

"Nah today is the easy part," Maria comes up to them with a beaming smile.

"Oh yeah Ms. You Kicked all our asses and are getting an amazing award," Tom teases as he gives her a hug.

"Okay guys, total Kodak moment," Emma announces as she pulls out her camera, handing it to a fellow student and then pushing her way beside her five close friends.

"Alright everyone, say we did it."

"WE DID IT!" They all shout just as the picture is taken, the memory instantly caught in time. The five then exchange hugs, ensure they all have the right phone numbers and email addresses, promising to keep in touch and then meet on Friday night the following week and trade their stories about their first week as official NYPD rookies.

"Alright everyone…can I have a moment please," Administrator Dean Atchison walks up to the gathering group, with his friend, Instructor James Danton at his side, all the new recruits standing as still as possible.

"Before you get the official welcome from Commissioner Reagan I just want to say how proud I am of each and everyone one of you standing before me today. We have lost some along the way, but the cream has risen to the top and to know I had even a small share in helping each of you reach your goal and stand before me today; that makes me very proud. I hope you all remember this day and are just as happy and proud as me. James?" Dean looks over at his friend.

"Ditto," Danton replies, getting a small chuckle from the large group before them. "You all kicked ass and deserve the shield you'll pick up in a few days. Congratulations everyone! Now let's go get em."

"YES SIR!" Everyone shouts before a very loud round of applause is heard. A few moments later, a sharp whistle sound is heard, forcing them all to line up in formation and prepare to enter the large stadium auditorium. With his heart racing, Jamie falls into line beside Tom as they head into the bright lights; the world around him slowing to a very surreal pace.

Excited was hardly the word he could use to describe the emotions he was now feeling. Jamie looks up into where Danny said they'd be sitting and catches a glimpse of his family all proudly watching. I did it Joe...I really did it! Jamie's heart beats rapidly as he takes his seat and watches his father slowly head for the platform, his fists tight with excited energy and his stomach in nervous knots. Garth Robinson's name was never even entertained for a second to ruin the day – the future was now unhindered.

Frank looks into the audience with a happy smile, finally allowing his gaze to linger on his youngest, his own heart swelling with proud emotion. He takes a deep breath, a hush falling over the large crowd. Tomorrow had finally arrived – for all of them. It was time to officially welcome his youngest into the family; the NYPD family.

"It is with profound praise and gratitude that I welcome you new police officers. Proud that you have answered the call to serve and today join the ranks of New York's Finest. You have earned the distinction of being the best trained, best prepared police officers in the world. To Serve and Protect the most vibrant city in the world. For everyday breeds a responsibility to keep all New Yorker's safe. Safe from crime and safe from terrorism. And though the city is on the very cutting edge of technology; nothing replaces your unwavering sense of right and wrong, and your eyes and ears on the street. And we remain safe because of the hard work and dedication of men and women of the New York City Police Department. Now we all wear the same blue uniform, carry the same shield; now you are a part of the finest police force in the world. Congratulations to your families, your friends, and congratulations to you – our new New York City Police officers."

As soon as Frank stops speaking, the large group of new recruits erupts into happy applause, following the tradition of tossing their gloves into the air to signify that their new recruit status was over – now it was time to officially become Blue; NYPD Blue. Jamie hugs Tom, Matt, Emma and Maria, the small group all caught up in the excited emotion.

"Proud of you son," Frank smiles at Jamie after they all are able to finally gather outside; Jamie pulling away from his friends for a celebratory lunch with his family.

"Thanks dad."

"Congratulations Reagan, you made it," Maria comes up to them; much to Sydney's chagrin.

"Dad this is Officer Romano."

"First woman recruit to win the sharpshooter medal. Well done," Frank congratulates Jamie's friend.

"Thank you sir. I just wanted to say hello."

"Well now that we're all here I guess we should get lunch," Frank invites them all for lunch.

"Oh sorry, first year associates don't get lunch. I'm lucky they let me out for this," Sydney excuses herself in haste, quickly turning back to Jaime and adding, "it was amazing," before excusing herself, kissing Jamie and leaving the Reagan clan.

"I gotta run also…" Danny pipes up as he looks at Jamie and winks. "See you later kid. You did great today."

Minus Danny, the rest of the Reagan clan heads for their favorite restaurant, a call ahead from Frank to reserve a table ensures the whole family would be able to sit at the same table and celebrate Jamie's big day. Jamie watches Danny hurry toward his partner's waiting car and then speed away; his mind telling him that very soon that important call would be something he'd be a part of.

"Jamie you ready?" Frank asks, pulling Jamie's gaze away from the spot Danny used to be and then up at his father.

"Ready to get started."

"On lunch?" Henry smirks.

"No…on the rest of my life," Jamie replies with a wide smile as he turns back once more to see the sea of blue, Joe's face flashing before him with a proud smile before Frank's arm wraps around his son's shoulder, turning him around as they head toward the waiting SUV.

I did it, Jamie's mind states with elation as he gets into the SUV and pulls away from the hubbub of blue. NYPD, here I come!

THE END!

A/N: Well we made it! :D okay so I wasn't sure about Garth's sentence and all that so made it up but hey whateve…its fanfic and he's staying in jail so that's all that matters lol oh rewatching the premiere eppy was such a delight. And yes my OC Tom was based on the young African-american rookie beside Jamie that he hugs and appears to be friends with. Matt could be anyone lol, only Maria was based on an actual character from the eppy. Special thanks to my friend Emma for letting me use her name :) and yeah and we all know how the rest of the story goes so I'll leave it here and say BRING ON SEASON 3 :)

Well I hope you all liked this story and I do humbly apologize to all those that dropped off during this story but to those that stuck with it to the end I truly do appreciate all your time to read and review – its what kept me going! So please do leave me a final review and thanks so much!