10: Tragedy And Triumph pt. II

XxX

As the pair drove slowly around the countryside, Judy noticed that the vast majority of the damage seemed to be concentrated at the burrow itself.

"Nick, this may seem like a strange question, but do you think Karma had a paw in this?"

Stopping the truck, Nick gazed at Judy "Yes, I do, why do you ask?"

"Well, doesn't it seem a bit strange that most of the storm damage is right at the burrow? That my mom was the one mammal who is the most severely injured? That most of the damage to the burrow, buildings and equipment can easily be repaired in a few days? That for the most part, the crops are almost totally undamaged?"

"After the last few weeks, I'd have to say that even though I believed in Karma before, this has only reinforced what I already believe.'
'Everything bad that has happened to each of us in the past, seems to be in the process of balancing out. Even though we still don't know a lot about each other before we met, it seems that the worst may be behind us, with the future looking nothing but great. But the only way to find out for sure is to travel that road and see what's around the next corner. Speaking of which, unless you think there may be more damage that we haven't seen, we need to head back to see if Fin got here with the tents and the rest of the stuff."

Pulling into the still very busy Hopps compound, Nick and Judy are greeted by the sight of three large military green tents, two medium tents and one small tent, all six being fully set up and seemingly ready for use.

Parking the truck, Nick and Judy spot Midnight making sure that preparations are being finished for housing the many mammals that are in the area.

"Wow, that didn't take long" remarked Judy.

With a tired smile, Midnight brought the couple up to speed "Fin showed up not long after you two left and dropped off everything we needed. There are the three large tents for the guys, a small one for the gals, one medium is for the showers and the other medium is for the latrine. Male on one side, female on the other, just like the shower tent."

Noticing the slightly confused look on Judy's face Midnight laughed and informed her "Latrine is military jargon for bathroom" giving her a quick wink.

"I knew that" said a slightly embarrassed Judy, knowing everybody could see that she really didn't.

"I'm going to have everybody knock off in about an hour or so, so we can get them fed and cleaned up before dark" continued Midnight. "At the rate everybody is going, I don't think we'll be here any more than another day, two at the most."

"Good to know. You've done a hell of a job keeping everybody on task. I'm going to make one more phone call tonight, then I think everyone including us has earned the right for some downtime.'
'Is there any place around here that sells beer that might be open? And how about some snacks for a bit later…" Nick asks Judy.

After a moment's thought "I think 'Big Dummies' in the Burrow will be open if it wasn't torn up by the twister" she answers. "I'll have one of the boys call and find out.'
'Josh, will you call Jason at Big Dummies and find out if they're open? Nick wants to get some beer for everybody. And call Gideon and see if he'll bring some of his baked goods out for us…"

"Wait, you mean the same Gideon that gave you those scars on your cheek when you were just a kit?" asks a concerned Nick.

"Yes Nick, that Gideon. We made up years ago, even though mom couldn't let go I did. He's actually one of the top pastry chefs in the Tri-burrows. His specialty is…blueberry muffins and pies" she adds with a grin. Noting the still concerned look he was giving her she quickly adds "not to worry silly, there's no competition for my affections here. When he shows up you'll see why, so just…chill, please…"

Grudgingly, Nick acquiesces to Judy's request. "Ok, but I'm not quite convinced…Owww, what's that for?"

"Nicholas Wilde, are you hinting that I'm lying?" she asks, half seriously.

"Ummm, no, not really. But you've got to remember, guys pick on girls a lot of times because we really like them…it's complicated, ok?"

Still giving Nick a bit of an evil eye she asks "So what other call do you need to make…if I may ask?"

"Actually, I'm going to call Lefty and have the rest of the guys in the shop load up all of the instruments, amps and other equipment back at the shop and have it all sent here, even the spare ones since yours is still at Skye's. I figured we can have a bit of a jam session here when we're through tomorrow night, just to let everyone have some downtime before we pack up and head back to the big 'Zoo.'"

"Why, that's a marvelous idea, I guess that's why I love you as much as I do…" with that Judy's paws flew to her face "Did I just say that…out loud?"

"Ummm…yes…if you said what I thought I heard..."

"Well, there it is…how could I not? With everything you've done for me, and are doing for my family? If this is moving too fast, please let me know…like you earlier, I don't want to rush thing and screw up what we ha…"

Whatever Judy was going to finish saying we may never know, because Nick grabbed the bunny and pulled her into a tight hug, coupled with a VERY passionate kiss, which was wholeheartedly returned as she melted into his hug.

Which was, of course, given immediate attention by Skye, Laverne and the rest of the shop crew, along with a multitude of bunnies.

Everyone seemed genuinely happy for the couple with one possible exception….

"JUDITH LAVERNE HOPPS" just what do you think you're doing?"

Giving a loud squeak (truly earning her latest nickname) "Mom? I though you weren't supposed to be released from the hospital for another day or two!"

"Well, your mother got so grumpy they practically shoved her out of the front doo…Oofff!" came the remark from Stu.

Giving her husband the best stink eye she could muster, Bonnie continued. "If you think you carry on like that with this fox in front of everyone, you've got another think coming…'
'At least have the decency to have a bit of privacy. This'll still take a bit of getting used to for me...please." she added softly, giving Nick and Judy a small, but genuine smile.

"Nick, I can't begin to tell you how much all of this" motioning to the entire compound "is appreciated by Stu and myself. You've accomplished so much in such a short amount of time, it just…takes my breath away."

Motioning for Nick to come closer, she gathered him into a tight hug (well as tight as could be expected with her arm in a cast and broken ribs) and whispered "Treat my kit right Nick, I can tell she truly loves you..."

"And I love her just as much" Nick tells Bonnie quietly enough so that that only she can hear, "but don't let her know, at least not just yet. I have something special planned for tomorrow night, ok?"

Taking Judy's paw, Bonnie tells them both "I'm not sure how far you two have gone in this relationship, but if you want to share Judy's old room, I'll allow it as long as you…behave. Lots of young ears and all…"

Gathering her mother into a gentle (she has broken ribs remember) hug "No problem mom, we're not ready to try for kits just yet. We'll behave, I promise."

"Ok then, off with you. I see Gideon headed up the drive, did you order some of his pastries? And what is that strange vehicle doing behind him?"

Giving her best imitation of Nick's patented smirk Judy tells her mom "Yup, we ordered everything he had left in this shop. And the truck behind him is a delivery from Big Dummies. I'm not sure how much beer the boys ordered, but I'm sure there won't be much left by morning, knowing this bunch.'
Turning to Nick as Gideon exits his delivery truck "I told you there was no cause for jealousy."

"Ok, point taken, I sincerely apologize."

Showing his own smirk an pointing at the truck from 'Big Dummies Nick added "however, I took the liberty of having the boys order a few…BBQ chicken pizzas, for a certain carnivorous bunny I happen to know…"

"NICK, you didn't…" yelled Judy, but by then it was far too late…especially seeing the curious look on Bonnies face.

Pulling up the picture on his phone, he showed it to Bonnie. "Oh my lands Nick, what have you done to my kit?"

"Sorry Bonnie, I can't take either credit or blame for this, it's all Skye's doing…"

"And just who is this Skye character…I need to have a word or two with him" huffed Bonnie.

"Actually, let me introduce you to Skye, she's over there helping my mother and aunt with the food. When she's not telling stories to the kits that is."

Taking charge of pushing Bonnie's wheelchair, much to Stu's relief, Nick rolls Bonnie over to where the three vixens are serving food.

"I believe introductions are in order" begins Nick with Stu and Judy in tow "Bonnie and Stu Hopps, I would like to introduce my mother, Laverne Wilde, my aunt Shirley and Miss Skye Winter.'
'Mom, Aunt Shirley, Skye, these are our hosts, Stu and Bonnie Hopps."

With a bit of smirk gracing his muzzle Nick continued "Skye, Bonnie was just admiring a certain picture you took of Judy at the Icehouse that night."

"Oh, good lord no…please tell me it wasn't…the one…with the…beer …and the…pizza …" said a totally horrified Skye

"Yea, I'm afraid that that's the one…"

Fixing a motherly gaze on Skye, Bonnie asked "How in the world did you ever get Judy to drink beer?"

Before Skye even got a chance to answer, Nick piped in "Bonnie, I'm afraid that isn't even the best part" steering her away from Skye's conversation with Judy about a certain event from Judy's past.

"No, please…" began both Judy and Skye at the same time, but to no avail.

Answering Bonnie's questioning look Nick continued "The best part is that the pizza is…BBQ chicken."

"Nick, I'm absolutely going to kill you when no one is looking" grumbled Skye.

"You're definitely going to have to stand in line for that one" interrupted Judy acting peeved, but not quite doing her best at hiding a toothy grin.

Absolutely stunned, Bonnie and Stu could only stare at one another. "Bon, I-I think it's time to get something to eat and head inside for the night" stammers Stu.

Still stunned Bonnie agrees "I think that would be for the best hun. Ummm, get some of the kits to bring us a couple of plates dear, I don't think we can manage by ourselves considering the shape we're in."

As Stu gathers up some of the older kits to carry their plates to the burrow, and to push Bonnie's wheelchair Judy punches Nick on the arm…again.

"Owww, what was that for?"

"Damn it Nick, why did you have to tell mom about that night and show her THAT picture anyway?"

"I don't know, I guess it seemed like a good idea at the time…?" shrugging his shoulders.

Rolling her eyes, Judy gave in. "Ok smartass; let's just get something to eat and find a nice quiet spot to sit. We've been going all day and even I'm getting tired. Then I can show you where we'll be sleeping tonight. I'm sure there's nothing left but the bed and dresser since mom had everything else sent to Zootopia, but it's comfortable and I really don't feel like being alone tonight. Seems like cuddling with you could get to be a habit."

"You're sure you're ok with this, I mean since you just got back in your mom's good graces and all…"

"Trust me, if mom wasn't good with it, she never would have brought it up in the first place,"

"Well, ok then, let's eat."

After eating, Judy takes Nick into the burrow. "And we're going to be where, exactly?" Nick asks.

"Well, since I was in one of the first litters, we'll be on the upper level, which means we'll actually have a window to look out of."

"So, we'll be above ground?"

"Well, sort of but not really?" said Judy, not being sure about how to describe it.

"What kind answer is that? Yes or no, are we above ground?"

"Ummm, the first level is 'sort of' above ground. It's the first level of the main burrow. It's a burrow for shit's sake Nick, what do you expect? Think of it as a basement apartment…sort of. I don't know how to explain it any better than that."

"Ok, ok, sorry. I was just wondering, foxes used to have underground dens too remember?"

"Yea, well don't worry my big brave fox, I'll protect you if anything bad happens."

"Har, har, very funny. So, this is it huh? Your old room" as Nick noticed a plaque on the door. "I guess your mom hadn't given up on you completely, your name is still here…"

Tearing up, Judy gently ran her paw over the small piece of wood with her name on it that adorned the door to her old room "Mom…you never did truly give up on me, did you?"

Stepping into the room, Judy noticed her old bedspread, pillow and some of her old stuffed toy bunnies, just where she left them not that long ago.

"Mom…"

"Judy…let's get some rest, we can work this out tomorrow."

While Nick stripped down to his boxers, Judy went to the girls shower room and returned wearing a borrowed tank top and gym shorts.

"This'll have to do for the time being…what? You didn't actually think we'd be naked?"

"Not really, but I can always dream, can't I?"

"Silly fox, if all goes well in the future, you'll get your chance. Now, let's get some sleep."

Early the next morning, another of Judy's sisters Jolene taps on the door to their room "Are you two up and decent?"

"Mfff" was all Jolene could hear for a second.

"No, we're not up, but yes we're decent, come on in…" answered Judy finally.

Peeking in cautiously (just in case) Jolene slowly entered the room, not being able to see Judy at first she asks "Where are you Judy, all I can see is fox."

"Can you see a big fluffy tail?" comes the muffled reply.

"Yes, I…oh never mind" seeing a small grey paw waving at her from over the top of Nick's tail.

"I don't know if you two have been…ummm…'busy' or not, but it sure smells like it."

"NOOOOO, we haven't been doing anything, but the smell is the least of my problems right now." says Judy in a mild panic.

Seeing Jolene's puzzled expression, Judy continues "First and foremost I need to pee, but I'm afraid that Nick has a death grip on me. Secondly, if that's not bad enough, I have a very turned on fox I need to get away from soon before something really DOES happen."

"Oooookkkkkk, I'll just leave now. Oh, I almost forgot, breakfastisreadyoutsidewhenyouguysdecidetojointherestofus…bye."

For the second time in as many days Judy has to bring her fox around to the world of the living "Nick, wake up…Nick, please, I have to go the bathroom, among other things..."

"Yea, yea, I know. But you're so comfortable…"

"Besides that, I seem to have something poking me in the butt, and I don't think either of us are ready for …extracurricular activities just yet…"

"Well damn, sorry Squeak, this is getting a bit out of paw" as he flipped his tail and slackened his grip on his favorite bunny "If we keep this up, I can't promise to behave much longer, just so you know."

"I know, I feel the same way. We'll just need to figure out some stuff once we get back home…and just so you know, home is where my heart is. And that my dear fox, is with you, wherever that may be.'
'Now, let me up so I can pee, or we'll have a lot of explaining to do, even more so than what might have happened in relation the smell that seems to have invaded the room, which means we should both catch a quick shower…separately of course. And yes, I'll be sure to use plenty of Musk Mask" 'as well as another dose of hormone suppressant' Judy adds to herself.

As the pair finally arrives for breakfast, Judy notices her mother eyeing them.

"Judy, after you finish eating, I'd like to talk to you for a couple of minutes if you don't mind. please."

"Sure thing, be there in a bit."

After they finished eating, Nick and Judy head over to where her folks are sitting, paw in paw.

"Ok mom, what's up?"

"If you don't mind. I'd like to talk to just you…"

"Anything you can say to me, you can say to Nick as well. The only way we can make this relationship is to have no secrets. There are a lot of things we don't know about each other yet, but we both feel that the worst times are behind us, so even though things won't be easy for us, there's no point in making things more difficult than we need to. Now, what's on your mind?"

"Believe it or not, it's nothing serious. I simply wanted to apologize, again for being such a pain in the ass while you were little. And I want you to know, after talking with your dad last night, I take full responsibility for what happened with Johnny that night, and I'm appalled that we didn't believe you when you told us what happened. We've decided that your father is going to enlarge your old room so it's big enough for the two of you, and hopefully some kits in the future, so you can stay comfortably anytime you want."

Looking at Nick Bonnie continued "And Nick, I know you'll take care of our daughter, and we want you to feel like you're a member of the family, so please visit as often as you like…"

"Nothing would make me happier Bonnie, thanks, it really means a lot" replies an emotional Nick.

"Judy, if you want, you can stay and visit with your folks" says Nick "I need to see how things are progressing. From the looks of things, there's a strong possibility that everything 'll be finished by late this afternoon. If so, we can get most of the stuff packed up late today be and ready to head back to Zootopia by noon tomorrow."

Giving Nick a big hug "Sure thing, just be safe and get your butt back here, I get lonely without my favorite fox around."

As Judy turns to address her folks, she misses the quick wink that Nick gives Bonnie and the slight nod he receives in return.

Touring the bustling activity in the compound, Nick catches up with Midnight.

"I see things are moving right along. What kind of timeline are we looking at for finishing?"

"If things keep going at this pace, we'll probably be finished just before supper tonight, say eighteen hundred hours (6 pm for all of you nonmilitary folks)."

"Great. There should be one more load of stuff come in before noon, which is all of the sound gear from the shop. As things wind down I'll need you to have it unloaded and get things set up. Have Josh and Duane spread the word to any of the Hopps that want to join in that we're going to have beer and treats along with a jam session tonight. I want to wrap this up in style, got it?"

"Boss, I think sometimes you're a mind reader. If the bunnies are anywhere near as talented as I think they are, this's gonna be epic."

"That's all well and good, but there are two special songs that I wanna do tonight. I'll give you the numbers, so everyone, including the Hopps's can get it right the first time. These are really special…got it?"

When Midnight sees the songs he nods "Boss, if this doesn't create a flood of tears, I don't know what will. Don't worry, we'll pull these off without a hitch, I guarantee it."

When Nick rejoins Judy and her folks, he breathes a sigh of relief seeing the three carrying on like pretty much nothing serious has happened in the last month or so.

"Well, what have I missed? Nothing juicy I hope."

"Naw" said Stu "we're saving the good stuff for when you got back. Like the time we had just started potty training Judy and…"

"Oh my gawd…DAD, pleeeease not that one…" begged a panicked Judy.

Grinning, Bonnie picked up where Stu was interrupted "well, as you might guess, nudity is kind of a common thing amongst bunnies, especially in the burrow when they're young. It seems like Judy had been watching her brothers when they went to the bathroom and…."

"Mom…please…no…aarg"

"Well she stood in front of the toilet, pulled on her bellybutton and peed on the floor. We decided it was time for a bit more privacy." Finished Bonnie.

"Nick, if you ever, and I mean EVER tell anyone about this, I'll…I'll."

"Yes? You'll what?" replied a smirking Nick.

Grabbing Nick by his tie and bringing his face to her level, while wearing her version of a smirk, Judy finished "What you smelled in my room this morning, is as close as you will ever get to the real thing if you ever breathe a word of what you just heard to anyone… and no mother, nothing happened. Almost, but not quite."

"Judy, you're a grown doe now" said Bonnie, with a very serious look on her face "What you do in the privacy of your own room, wherever that may be, is none of my business, I've come to realize that now thanks to this wonderful fox of yours. Just please be at least a little discrete for a bit, I'm still trying to get used to…all of this, ok?"

"Moving on" as Nick finally finds his voice "everything should be finished up by dinnertime tonight. There's another truckload of stuff coming that should be arriving anytime. Stu, would you mind showing me where we could set it all up?"

"More stuff" asked Stu, "what else could be coming this late?"

"Well I thought a jam session would be a nice finish to the events, so I had Lefty get all of the instruments and sound gear, including a spare guitar since Judy's is still at Skye's, loaded up and sent here. I figured it would be a good way to put everyone in good spirits before we leave. Big Dummies is going to supply free beer, and Gideon's going to bring more of his baked goods for everyone. Think you'll be up to playing a few songs Judy? I told Midnight to have Josh and Duane tell the rest of your family that everyone's invited to play as well."

"You know, I play a mean banjo and Bon rattles some mean spoons" interjected Stu "but I guess it'll be kinda hard with just one paw, dang it."

That's ok Stu, we can play the next time Judy and I come out."

Turning to Judy "how about we take a leisurely ride while everyone finishes up around here? We haven't had a lot of 'us' time the past few days."

"Nick, you didn't need to do that…"

"Yea, I know, but there are a lot of mammals, us included, that can use the opportunity to just unwind a bit."

Grabbing Nick in a tight hug, Judy kisses her fox on the cheek "You're really something Nick, thanks. Now let's go on that ride…"

"Any place special you might want to go? I just wanted to get away from the crowd for a bit, so wherever you feel like heading is fine with me."

"Now that you mention it, there is one place I'd kind of like to go if you don't mind"

"No problem, just point me in the right direction…."

After about a leisurely forty-five-minute ride, they stop on a slight hilltop, with several large trees providing plenty of shade.

"Some of us used to ride our bikes out here to try to get out of working in the fields when I was little. I'm pretty sure dad knew where we were, but with so many kits, there was always more than enough help, so he never bothered us.'
'From the condition of the rope on the swing, it doesn't look like anyone has been out here in a long time."

Checking out the largest tree, Nick noticed initials carved into the trunk "I don't suppose there's anyone else in your past I need to be jealous of is there?"

With a puzzled look on her face Judy answered "Not that I can think of, why?"

"Well, I see a heart with the initials 'JH and BC inside of a heart…Wouldn't happen to be anyone you know, would it?"

"Shit, I forgot about that!"

Noticing the concerned look on Nick's muzzle, Judy explained. "When I was I think nine, I was infatuated with Bobby Catmull. He was a male cougar a year older that I was at the time. In fact, he was a part of the skit I was in during the Carrot Days Festival where I was a cop. That was the same time that Gideon and I had our fight. He had to move when his folks got a job in Podunk and I never saw or heard from him again. I really don't think that you need to worry about any competition from him. I'm happy with the fox I have now. Thinking back on everything, I never realized that I've always been an inter until just lately…"

"Another mystery of the beautiful Judy Hopps is cleared up. What say we just chill here for a bit and enjoy the peace and quiet before we head back."

"Sounds great, let's get some rest and just cuddle for a bit."

After a brief two-hour nap, the pair stretch and look at each other.

"I guess we need to start heading back" complains Judy.

"I guess, but we don't need to be in a hurry, right?"

"Nope, let's just enjoy the scenery on the way back."

Returning from their cruise around the countryside and quiet nap, Nick and Judy noticed that repairs were being wrapped up and the improvised stage was already set up, instruments and all. Somehow there was even a jury-rigged lighting system set up. That's when Nick noticed a certain addition to the crew.

"Well, look what the coyote dragged in… how's it goin' Lefty? I see you made the trip as well."

"If you thought I was gonna miss this shindig, you've lost you flippin' mind boss!" Lefty shot back.

"Can't say as I blame ya, welcome. You goin' to be workin' the keyboards then?"

"Yep, seein' as how it's about the only thing I can play without tuckerin' myself out too much."

"Anyways, welcome to the lunacy. Get with Midnight, he'll go over the few songs we've got planned out, one in particular will require your skills. You'll be a welcome addition to the group."

Getting back to Judy "Let's go see how things are going for the jam session and where our instruments are" suggested Nick.

Walking paw in paw, Nick and Judy approached the makeshift soundstage. "Not too bad, I think this'll work" said Nick "What do you think Squeak?"

"Looks great, wanna do a few riffs just to check the sound?"

Giving a snarky grin, Nick headed for his guitar "Plug in and let's give it a whirl… you up to 'Ghost Riders'?"

"No problem Slick I'll play lead, you can try and keep up…."

Gathering a small crowd, Nick and Judy do an extended version of 'Ghost Riders in the Sky' as done by Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings. When the pace finally became too fast for either to maintain, they called it quits, laughing.

"I guess that'll do" commented Judy panting slightly "I think we're ready for tonight, wadda ya think Slick?"

"I think we need to get something to eat and take a quick nap before the night's festivities."

"You know you're NOT back in my good graces just yet, right?"

"What? All I did was listen, your folks told the story…c'mon…" began Nick "Look, I understand that there are some things that are best kept between us. I have no doubt that someone, probably mom, or Aunt Shirley, or both is going to totally embarrass me with stories about my kit hood. The last thing I want if for some of those stories to get out, so we'll be even as far as the blackmail is concerned. I promise to keep things like the story your folks told between us if you'll do the same with whatever you hear from mom or Shirley…deal?"

Seeing the logic in Nick's argument, Judy agreed "Deal. Now, let's go get at least a short nap. I've got the feeling that tonight will be a night to remember at the burrow."

'You have NO idea' Nick thought to himself.

Hearing the sound of many paw steps outside of her room, Judy awoke in a mild panic to find she was alone. "What the hell…?"

Then she noticed a note on her dresser 'Judy, couldn't sleep, so I took a short shower and changed, went to supervise the gig for tonite. Please shower and change into the outfit I left in the top dresser drawer. Love, Nick'

'What in the world has gotten into him?' she thought.

When she opened the drawer, Judy was awestruck by the outfit that Nick had left. What she found was a pale blue dress, with spaghetti straps. It had a neckline that dipped and showed just a peek of her bust, while the skirt's hemline reached down to just above her knees. Her amethyst and emerald necklace was on top of the dress along with a beautiful Calla Lily, which she remembered was traditionally to be worn on one ear, right ear if single, and left if taken.

'What in the world is that sneaky fox up to, and how did he find out about the lily…unless…MOTHER! This has to be some of her doing …'

As Judy takes a quick shower, she can't help but wonder what everyone is up to. She could just blow it off if it was just Nick acting like Nick. But the dress, her necklace, the lily…

'I guess there's only one way to find out' she thought as she quickly dresses and heads out to check up on the evening's activities, lily in paw.

While finishing preparations for the evening's entertainment, Nick notices Judy exit the burrow, at first slightly concerned that Judy isn't wearing the lily he left. Then he remembered that according to Hopps tradition, Bonnie as matriarch of the burrow, is the one who is responsible for placing the lily on her daughter. 'Ye gods, what a beautiful sight' he thinks.

Seeing Nick on the stage, Judy is impressed with Nick's attire, from the light blue button-up shirt that matches her dress perfectly, to the tan slacks. "Well Slick, you certainly seem to clean up well" Judy remarks.

"And if you aren't the most gorgeous female here, I'll eat your dads hat" quips Nick.

Smiling, Bonnie interrupted the mutual appreciation session. Taking Nick and Judy in paw, she led them to the center of the makeshift stage. "Listen up everyone please" she announced into the live mic "I have a brief announcement'
'…there's an old custom in the Hopps family that hasn't been used much lately, one that I'm proud and honored to revive here tonight. To those not familiar with the custom, it goes something like this; normally at a social function, an unmarried doe will wear a lily on her right ear to denote that she is single or on her left ear to denote that she is 'taken'. This can either mean that she is dating or engaged. When a male asks for permission to court a female of this family, it is required that he ask the parents, usually the mother, for that permission. Nicholas, Judith, please step forward."

As the pair step towards Bonnie, both are a bit apprehensive. "Nicholas Wilde, you have formally asked permission to court Judith Hopps, and to have her be your sole partner, is this true?"

"Yes, it is" answers Nick recognizing the solemnness of the occasion.

"Judith Hopps, do you consent to be courted by Nicholas Wilde and none other?"

"Yes, I do" responds Judy in kind.

"As matriarch of the Hopps fluffle, I hereby publicly approve of this courtship" and places the lily at the base of Judy's left ear.

Giving them each a hug as best she can with her arm in a cast, Bonnie adds "let the festivities begin."

Taking the microphone, Nick temporarily acts as MC. "Alright everyone, let's get this party started. To kick things off tonight, I would like to call to the stage the members of the newly formed group 'WildeHopps' to perform a special number honoring our hosts, Stu and Bonnie Hopps. That song is called appropriately enough 'We Are Family' by Sister Sledge."

As the song played, hugging Nick tightly, Judy asked him "You planned all of this didn't you? How did you ever find out about the tradition? I hadn't thought about it until I saw the lily in the drawer. And how did you ever manage to figure out the correct outfit and the right size? And what about my necklace? How on earth did you get that?"

Grinning from ear to ear Nick admitted "Actually, it was you mom who came up with the idea, pretty neat huh? As for the dress, Skye picked it up in Bunnyburrow and got your size from one of your sisters, I have NO idea which one. The necklace was already in your travel bag, I noticed it peeking out of one of the pockets when I got up."

As the song finishes, Nick steps back up to the mic. "There is one more special request on tap to start the evening. I would like to personally dedicate this song to the love of my life, Judith Laverne Hopps. That song is 'When a Mammal Loves A Bunny' as recorded by Fercy Sledge."

As Judy stands open mothed at a total loss for words, Nick leads the group into the song, with Lefty playing the electronic keyboard.

"When a mammal loves a bunny
He can't keep his mind on nothin' else
He'd trade the world
For the good bunny he found
…."

As Nick finishes the song, he is greeted with a hug so tight he was afraid Judy would crush him.

"Damn it Nick…" was all the tearful bunny could choke out.

"I know, sweetheart, I know" was all he could say.

While the band carried on with various tunes, Bonnie and Stu approached the newly acknowledged couple.

"Nick, we really don't know how to properly thank you for all of this" began Bonnie "especially for the dedications, both of them. You have no idea what it means to this family, and to us personally."

"Maybe not but I can guess. Over my lifetime, I've had very few family members that I was ever close to and even fewer friends. When I started my shop, I had one small friend and one small family. Now I have a lot of close friends and three loving families, how can a mammal do any better than that? It has been an honor and a privilege to be here helping you recover from both a physical and personal disaster, if I may be so bold."

"No, it's ok Nick, you're right on both counts. The burrow is one thing, but I know I'll never be able to thank you enough for saving our Judy and for the healing you've provided for me personally. On my honor, I will try to repay you until my dying day. But while we're all together, there are a couple of things I'm curious about Judy… would you mind if I tried that…umm…red beer that you seemed to like? And about that…pizza!"

"MOM! Really?"

"Oh, don't be such a stick in the mud Judes" says Stu "we figured if the beer and pizza didn't kill ya, we might give it a try ourselves. You've really opened up our eyes into trying new and different things, although we're not too sure about the pizza, but the beer really sounds good for a change. Plus, we've worked out a deal with Gideon to sell him some of our produce at a discount to use at his bakery."

"Ok, who are you two really, and where are my real parents?" jokes Judy. "Come with me and I'll at least hook you up with the beer. The pizza even I'm not sure about yet…" as she leads them to where the beer is being served.

As the night winds down, Nick and Judy find themselves again snuggled in her old room.

"Nick."

"Hmmm?"

"Do you think we could actually be married one day? I mean actually married?"

Looking deeply into Judy's beautiful amethyst eyes "Of course I do. Don't you?" he asked with a slight hint of worry in his voice.

"I truly do, yes. You know we may not be widely accepted back in Zootopia, right? What do we do if some mammals don't accept us? And what about kits? I would truly love to have your kits, but is that even possible?"

Kissing her lightly between her ears, Nick answers "Honestly, anyone who doesn't like it can go to hell. Besides if things get too rough in the city, I see no problem with moving the shop to Bunnyburrow, lock, stock and barrel."

"You would do that? Move the shop out here?"

"Sure, why not? You can see for yourself how your family gets along with the guys, especially with Skye eyeing at least one of your brothers and vice-versa. It wouldn't be a problem at all. I'm actually considering moving out here anyway. Property taxes and insurance would be low enough to make building a brand-new shop feasible. Besides all of that, I've got a loyal customer base that would follow the shop no matter where I move it to.'
'And as far as having kits of our own go, we won't know unless we try…" he adds with an evil grin.

"Now hold on a second there Slick…"

"No, I'm not suggesting that we start trying tonight, just food for thought for the future. And don't forget about the Dewclaw family, so I'm guessing that kits of our own are more than a little bit possible"

"I had almost forgotten about them.. Now let's get some sleep, it's been a very long day, and we still have to get things loaded up tomorrow morning for the trip back to the city."

"So true my lovely bunny, so true. G'nite Judy."

'G'nite Nick."

A/N: When a Man Loves a Woman - by Percy Sledge was the song.