11 Life Choices
Had to get this out for y'all, Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Year.
XxX
As the crew packs up the tents, tools and other stuff and gets ready to head back to Zootopia, Nick and Judy are saying their goodbyes to Bonnie and Stu.
"You two be careful "begins Bonnie "don't drive too fast, if you get tired stop and rest, after all…"
"Mom, we'll be fine, it's only four hours or so, and yes, we'll stop if we get tired. Nick and I both know how to drive and..."
"Well at least one of us does" interrupted Nick, which earns him a good natured punch on the arm "Oww, dang it…that's it, spousal abuse…"
"Nick, we aren't even married yet and…"
"So, when are you going to propose? You know you want to after all."
"NICK, damn it…"
Continuing on, much to Stu and Bonnie's amusement "You know that according to vulpine traditions, the female is the one that's expected to make all of the moves, including the proposal…"
"Nick, I'm NOT a vixen so…"
"Yea, well I did the bunny thing last night with the lily and all, so it's your turn and …OWW, will you STOP that?"
Giving Nick a genuine(?) dirty look, Judy gives her parents a hug, then waits as Nick does the same.
"Just wait until I get your furry red tail into the truck" Judy starts sternly as she herds Nick towards the idling pick-up "you might want to rethink the married part" but reassures her parents with a quick smirk and a wink of one of her lavender eyes.
"I can't wait to hear how this turns out" remarks Stu to Bonnie "they're just like us when we first got engaged" which earned Stu the stink eye from Bonnie "did I say that out loud? DAMN."
…
"Well, considering everything that's happened over the past few weeks" began Nick as they head down the road, "I'd say things worked out fairly well, wouldn't you?"
Leaning on Nick, Judy answers tiredly "Yea, I guess so. It's been such a roller coaster ride, I get tired just thinking about it all. But seriously, pillow talk aside, are you serious about getting married and having kits? I mean really serious?"
Stopping the truck, Nick stares into Judy's eyes with the most serious demeanor Judy has ever seen on her fox. "Of course I am, or I never would have mentioned it! This is one thing I would never joke about. I love you Judy, more than life itself. There's absolutely nothing I won't do for you, and I mean that from the bottom of my heart. If you don't feel the same way, I need to know."
"Of course I do, it's just that…I don't know, I guess I'm still a bit spooked about the suddenness of it all. I know I'm still a bit nervous because of what happened with Johnny and all, even though it's been so long ago. It's more than a bit overwhelming. Please tell me you understand!
"Absolutely. However long it takes you to get comfortable with everything, I'll be right here waiting for you. I've waited this long to be happy, another day, or week, or month or however long it takes is fine with me. As long as I know that as long as you'll be at the end of the wait, it'll be worth it."
"Damn it Nick, why are you so good to me? What have I done to deserve you?"
"I guess I could ask you the same question. Karma has seen fit to bring us together, and to put tests in front of us to see how we handle things, let's just see how things play out shall we?" Nick remarks as he dries the single tear from the corner of Judy's eye.
Giving her fox a quick peck on the nose "Onward faithful fox, to the grindstone we travel."
…
The rest of the trip was uneventful, with Judy dozing most of the way, leaning against Nick or lying with her head in his lap. She woke when they reached the city limits, although with traffic being light on a Sunday evening, there wasn't much jostling.
"Back already?" she asked sleepily.
"Yea, 'fraid so."
"Why didn't you wake me up, I could've driven part of the way."
"You were a lot more tired than I was, being so stressed about you parents, the burrow and all, so I decided to let you sleep. And before you get your ears in a twist, if I'd have gotten tired, I would've stopped and rested or let you drive for a bit."
"Dang it Nick, this is supposed to be a partnership, I can do my share…"
"I know, but being the great partner that I am, I made the decision to let you sleep. Decisions like that are just being cognizant of your partner's needs and putting them above your own. There's no harm done Judy…"
"Yea, I know, it's just … I guess I'm just not used to it is all. Besides, I really wanted to spend more time awake and just be with you."
"You were, and still are, with me Fluff, you were just sleeping is all. Even if we were together twenty-four seven, you'd still need to sleep."
"I know, but it's…complicated, ok?"
"I understand, or at least I think I do.'
'Well, we're here. I'll help you get your stuff in the house, then we need to get some rest, you especially. Back to the shop tomorrow, and there's plenty to do, since we managed to get behind on a few projects. Before you start, I'm not complaining in the least, I'd do it again tomorrow if the need arose, I'm just stating facts."
"I know… that doesn't mean I have to like it though, not the getting sleep or the work parts, I just didn't get to spend much real time with you with all of this going on."
"Well, hopefully things will get back to a reasonable state of normal for the shop and we can spend time together after work. I missed having alone time with you as well."
…
As Nick pulled off after carrying Judy's things into the house and giving her a very nice good-bye kiss, a funk began settling over Judy. Even though the two had spent most of the past few days together, there was a sense of completeness that seemed to be missing. She missed being close to her fox, and the unease seemed to get more intense as the late afternoon turned into early evening. Doing her little bit of laundry and unpacking didn't help, especially when she pulled the dress out of her bag that she had worn the previous night. Then when she removed the sturdy box that her lily and necklace were in, she couldn't stand it anymore.
With shaking paws, she grabbed her phone and dialed Nick…
When Nick's phone rang, he was only mildly surprised that it was Judy "Hey there beautiful, how's my fav…" was as far as he got, hearing Judy's heart wrenching sobs.
"Judy, what's wrong, what's happened? Are you ok? Please, talk to me."
"Nick, I can't do this, not anymore."
"Can't do what Judy, I don't understand…"
"I can't be alone anymore. I've shut everyone and everything out for so long… and now that I finally have someone, I can't … I can't be alone anymore. Please Nick, can I stay with you. I'll do anything, just please, DON'T LEAVE ME, PLEASE."
"Judy, calm down, I'll be back there as fast as I can get there, I promise, just, please calm down."
As Nick breaks nearly every traffic law possible heading back to Skye and Judy's, he wonders how he could have missed the signs of her seeming panic attack. 'It doesn't really matter right now' he thinks to himself 'I just need to get to her and make sure she's ok. We can work out whatever needs to be done once I get there.'
As Nick slides to a stop in front of the house, he notices that Skye along with Judy's brothers have only just arrived as well.
"Nick" says Skye "what're you doing here alone? Where's Judy?"
"Judy's already inside…, I'll explain later but I think she's had a panic attack. Will you guys please take off...right now, please. Go back to the shop, anywhere, I don't care. I really need to be with Judy alone for a bit, or rather she needs to be alone with me. I promise to let you all know what's going on as soon as I can."
Grudgingly and with concerned looks, Skye and the brothers leave, headed to the shop to at least crash for a bit and wait for Nick to call.
Nick bursts in the front door to see Judy collapsed in a small grey heap on the living room floor.
"Judy, sweetheart, I'm here" taking the sobbing bunny into his arms.
"Oh god, Nick, I'm so sorry to be such a bother" she sobs uncontrollably, tears streaking down her face "but I just can't take being alone anymore. So many years of being along, hiding the pain, pretending that it didn't matter, that I was ok. Then you came along and everything changed, you put purpose in my life … I just can't… go on…alone… anym…"
"Shhh, shhh, shhh…It's ok, I'm not going anywhere. I've got plenty of room at my place if you really want to move in with me, I understand and I'm perfectly fine with it. We can work out sleeping arrangements when we get you calmed down, whatever you decide is ok with me. I'm never going to let you go, never going to let anything bad happen to you ever again, no matter what it takes or what I have to do. That's my promise to you. I'll marry you tonight if you want, or I'll wait forever, I don't really care. I need you as much as you need me Judy."
As Judy's sobs slow, she looks up into his emerald eyes "Do you really mean it Nick? If I wanted you to marry me tonight, you would really do that…and mean it? With no reservations? No second thoughts? You'd put up with my sorry self forever? Really?"
"Yes sweetheart I would. I've always felt there's been something missing in my life, like a hole in my heart. YOU are the one mammal that I've been searching for my entire life, I see that now. I have no intention of letting you go, not now or ever. Please, let's gather up whatever you need for a few days and go to my place. We'll get you settled in and spend the entire day tomorrow figuring out what we can for the near future, and work out the rest as we go. I'll call Skye while we get you home… my god I love the sound of that. We'll be home, the same home, our home, together.'
'My only concern right now is for you and you alone. Between Skye and Midnight, the shop can take care of itself for a while.'
'Here" he indicates "you sit here on the couch, I'll get some things for you, let me know if there is anything specific you need or want and I'll pack it for you."
"Nick…" she starts with a weak smile.
"I know Judy, I really do. Now, what do you want me to pack?"
"You can start with my clothes in the laundry room, they should be dry by now, especially the dress I wore last night if you don't mind. I'll get my personal things from the bathroom, like my meds and the Musk Mask, I wouldn't want you to get any bright ideas before we sort out a few things. And don't go sniffing my underwear you pervert" she quipped, at least trying to interject a little humor into the situation.
"That's the Judy I know and love" says Nick "always a smart assed remark handy."
…
As Nick and Judy head towards Nick's home, Nick quickly dials Skye "Hey, it's me. Judy's going to be staying with me for the foreseeable future, due to her panic attack. When you get home, gather up Judy's things that we've left, put them in her room, and we'll pick them up tomorrow or whenever we get the time.'
'We won't be coming in to the shop tomorrow, so you and Midnight will be in charge. You both pretty much know how I think, so whatever decisions need to be made, make them. If something really super important comes up, just call. Tell the crew that something's come up but not to worry, you can post updates as we let you know how thing are going, I know they'll all be concerned.'
'Have one of the boys call Stu and Bonnie and let them know that something's happened with Judy but she's ok, she's with me at my place and that she'll call them when we get things sorted out. Ask them not to call in the meantime, the fewer interruptions we get the better. We don't want them to worry, but we want them to be informed.'
'While you're at it, please call mom and let her know that Judy's with me as well. I'll call and update her when I get a chance. Can you guys handle all that?"
"Sure Nick, whatever it takes. I've had the phone on speaker so they didn't miss anything, I figured you wouldn't mind."
"No, no problem, it's a good idea actually, they didn't miss anything and I don't have to repeat the whole thing. We're about to pull up to my place now so I'm going to hang up. I'll give you a call if I…if we need anything ok? It may be at an odd hour, and I'll owe you big time, but I really hope you won't mind if…"
"Nick, no problem, anything for you and Squeak, ok?"
…
As Nick nears his home, he presses the remote for the garage door and drives inside. He gently picks up a mentally exhausted Judy and carries her inside, placing her gently on the couch. "If you don't mind" he begins "we'll do the grand tour tomorrow, ok?" I need to get your bag out of the truck, is it ok to be gone that long or do you want to tag along?"
Seeing the fear come back into Judy's tear filled amethyst eyes, he rethinks "Or not…ok, plan B, let's discuss sleeping arrangements instead. I know you aren't going to want to be alone so the guest bedroom is out. Since I really don't have anything bunny sized to fit you, and all of my shirts are all way too big for you to wear and even one of us being naked is not going to work…'
'How about this, what if I call Skye and ask her to pick us up something to wear to sleep in? Pajamas, boxers, trunks onesies, whatever. We're both exhausted and we won't be able to have a coherent conversation with both of us worn out. Would that work?"
Nodding slowly "Ye-yea, I guess so. I just can't be alone right now, so I don't really care at this point, just…just so I'm with you. that's all that matters."
Picking up his phone again "Snow, I…we need a favor…yea I know, we want something already, but you'll get over it. Wally-world is on your way home right? We need you to stop by and pick up something for my bunny and I to sleep in please….. no damn it, no baby dolls or anything like that…do they even have anything like that there? I didn't think so. Just something nice that'll be appropriate for the … situation. Just make sure it's comfortable ok? Just let yourself in through the front door, it'll be unlocked and you won't interrupt anything serious."
"She'll be about a half-hour or so, would you like something to drink? Water, tea, juice?"
"Some water will do for now, but I would really like some hot Jasmine tea with a bit of lemon in a bit if you have some...what?" noticing a somewhat pained look on Nicks face.
With a single tear at the corner of one eye, Nick answered softly "Amanda used to like Jasmine tea and lemon…"
"Nick, I'm so sorry, you don't have to…"
"No, it's ok, we both have things we need to work through, it's for the best that we can work through them together. We have each other for support, and together we can do anything."
…
After a short while they hear a light taping at the front door "It's open, come on in Snow."
Seeing the pair on the couch Skye asks "How goes it you two?"
"I think we've both seen better days, but don't worry, we'll be ok. We have each other and that's what truly matters. Let's see what 'cha got for us…."
"Pulling the first outfit out the bag, Nick is less than impressed '…Really Snow? What the hell ever possessed you to get these ridiculous outfits?" says Nick as he holds up the boxers that Skye purchased for him.
With a bit of a sheepish grin, Judy remarks "I think they're rather nice Nick. You'll look great in bunny themed boxers, and the foxes on mine are darling, thanks Snow" as she holds up her rabbit sized boxers and tank top. "What else ya got in the bag sis?"
Skye pulls out two more outfits identical to what Nick and Judy are already holding, then a set of matching navy blue and gold sweat pants and hoodies for each of them "Just in case you want to go for a short walk or drive but don't feel like getting dressed. Is there anything else you guys need as long as I'm out and about?"
Looking at his bunny Nick asks "You hungry? I know I haven't eaten since lunch so I'm sure you haven't either."
"I could eat, but I have no idea what I'm hungry for, but definitely not chicken pizza" she adds ruefully.
"There's a Panda-go-Panda restaurant just down the street, how about some steamed rice and veggies?" Nick suggests.
"You sure you wouldn't mind bunny food again?"
"As long as I'm with my favorite bunny, it really doesn't matter."
"Ok you two, unless you need something else, I'll go get the food before I end up with diabetes from all of the sweetness floating around here. Keep your paws to yourselves and I'll be back in a short."
"While we're waiting, how about the short tour, just so you know where the important rooms are for tonight? Then you can call your folks, I'm sure they're plenty worried by now"
"That sounds ok, lead the way."
Taking Judy's paw in his, Nick leads the way around what is now their home. While Nick's home was similar to Skye's, it was different enough to warrant the brief tour. The kitchen was on the opposite side of the living room of Skye's, with the master bedroom just down a short hallway on the left rather than on the right like Skye's. Of course, there was a full bathroom with a shower just off of the bedroom that seemed larger than one a fox would normally have. It then dawned on Judy that all of the rooms seemed unnaturally large "Nick, are the rooms a bit bigger than normal or is it just me?"
"Actually, the house was originally owned by a wolf couple, so yea, they're a bit larger than they should be for a fox…and a bunny. Owww!"
Naturally the gentle half-hearted punch to the shoulder didn't actually hurt at all, but the remark got the desired effect, which was, of course, to get a small grin out of Judy.
"Smart ass."
"Yea, but at least I'm your smart ass, and it looks like you're stuck with me."
"Good thing I don't mind then huh?"
Gathering Judy up in a strong hug, Nick admits "yea, a very good thing…"
…
"Alright you two, I thought I told you to keep your paws to yourselves…" Nick and Judy both gave a slight jump as Skye entered with their food. "I got some extra so you wouldn't need to go out right away if there isn't anything here to cook, you know you let your fridge get too low on eats sometimes Nick."
"Yea, yea, yea, I know mom, thanks for the reminder. Seriously though, thanks for the food run."
As Judy gently releases Nick from a tight hug, she pads over and latches on the Skye "Thanks sis, you mean a lot to me, ya know?"
Choking back a tear or two, Skye replies "I know, ya troublesome little grey furball, and I love you too. You two get things sorted out, take whatever time you need, just get it right…ok?"
"We will…"
After Skye leaves, Nick and Judy settle down to eat "Before we get started, you need to call your folks, we can eat while you talk to them, ok?"
Rolling her eyes, knowing he's right "Yes dad" mimicking Nick "I'll call them right now…"
After about a half of a ring, Bonnie picks up "Judy, are you alright? Duane called and said you had a problem, what's wrong, do we need to co…"
"Everything is…well going to be ok I think. I guess I had a bit of a panic attack after Nick left me off at Skye's. Nick came and got me as soon as he could get to me, got me calmed down and now I'm at his place.'
'Mom, I'm going to move in with Nick, and I really don't care what anyone thinks or says. I just know I can't be alone right now, and I'm only comfortable when I'm around him, so that's the way it has to be. We've both pretty much agreed that there won't be anything…serious going on in the bedroom, so don't worry about that. I'm sorry to make everyone worry so much…"
"No, Judy, it's alright. I told you before that you're grown and that whatever you do in private is none of my business. I do want you to know that I trust you and I trust Nick to do whatever you each believe to do is right. As long as you're safe with Nick, your father and I aren't going to worry…well not as much anyway… Will you put Nick on the phone for a minute please, I'd like to thank him for watching out for my kit."
When Judy hands the phone to Nick, she nods gently with a soft smile on her face, allaying any fear that Nick might have had talking to Bonnie considering the circumstances.
"Yes?"
"Nick, I just wanted to thank you for taking care of my kit. She may be a grown doe, but she has a lot of issues that I unknowingly caused so many years ago. It means a lot to her father and I that you're there for her and being so supportive of her. If things get really serious between you two, and I actually hope they do, I would be proud to call you my son-in-law."
"Ummm, thanks Bonnie, I really appreciate the trust that you have in me, I'll try my hardest to live up to that trust. Now, I don't mean to be short, but we're going to get a bite to eat, catch a quick shower and get some sleep, we really need all of those things, especially the sleep. I promise we'll give you a call sometime tomorrow, just so you know things are ok, deal?"
"That sounds fine Nick, please put Judy back on for a second."
As Judy takes the phone back, Bonnie continues "Judes, just so you know, your dad and I are fine with you being with Nick. We just have one small request…please name a kit from your first litter after us, ok?"
"MOM… just…what the hell?" intones Judy, slightly aghast.
"G'nite Judy, we love you." laughs Bonnie as she hangs up.
Looking helplessly at the phone, she notices Nick trying to suppress a laugh "I suppose you think it's funny too… you…you damned perv…"
Unable to finish the sentence due to having a large mouthful of Nick, Judy has no choice but to wrap her arms around her fox and make the best of the situation. "Let's finish eating and get those showers, I'm totally worn out" she says, defeated.
Wearing a large grin, Nick picks up a good-sized piece of broccoli and offers it to his bunny "Here ya go Squeak, eat up. And before you say anything, I know we'll be showering separately, at least for now"
As Judy chews her food, she offers Nick a soft smile, knowing that he would respect whatever she decided to do "Yea, at least for now" she answers quietly, giving Nick pause.
Puzzled a bit as to why Judy insists that he take the first shower, Nick gives in and takes a quick shower, and waits patiently sitting on the edge of the bed in his new bunny boxers, not exactly sure how things will progress once Judy finishes.
As Judy emerges from the bathroom, Nicks jaw drops open and his eyes bug out slightly "What's the matter Nick, bunny got your tongue?"
Clad only in her new fox print boxers and with her petite breasts in clear view, Judy pads slowly to the bed. "I know this is bit unexpected, and probably a bit over the top, so to speak, but at least for the time being, I'm going to need to be more comfortable being at least partially undressed around you. Yes, I've taken my meds, and lightly used some Musk Mask, and to answer any unspoken questions you may have, this is as far as things are going for at least the time being. We still have a lot of things to work out, but this is my way of getting things started…you don't mind…do you?"
"…Ummm, no, not a bit. You know, you look even more beautiful half naked than you do full dressed, even in your dress last night." as he lay down opening his arms to his fiercely blushing bunny, offering her a brief cuddle before they drift off quickly to sleep.
…
"Nick…."
"Mmmm, let me guess, you need to pee."
"Gee, you're really getting to know me…" she giggles lightly "what's next, breakfast in bed?"
"Sure, as long as you don't mind scrambled eggs, toast with strawberry jam and orange juice. It's about all I've got until we go shopping"
"You'd really make me breakfast in bed?"
"Why not? While you go use the bathroom, I'll start cooking. Think you can stay away from me long enough for that?"
As a slow smile plays across her lips "Yea, I think the worst has past. But please, at least make enough noise so I know where you are…ok?"
"Your wish is my command, oh exalted one. Oh, and by the way, you know you're just adding to the cannibal persona eating eggs, right?"
"You are absolutely insufferable, you know that right?"
"Flattery will get you absolutely everywhere my dear."
Giggling quietly "Go on you big goof, get started, I'm hungry…"
After a leisurely breakfast in bed, the pair opt for a bit more cuddle time and a brief nap before getting down to some serious discussions.
"So" begins Nick as they sit beside each other at the kitchen table, clad in their new sweats "how do you thing we should approach all of this? Do we need to detail everything, or kind of play it by ear? We've already agreed that things our parents share is off limits in front of friends, and certain things are off limits unless we want to personally bring them up. Agreed wo far?"
"I guess that playing it by ear sounds reasonable. There's no telling what'll come up as far as our pasts are concerned. I know I'm still not comfortable talking about…Johnny. I promise not to pry about you and Amanda. We can share more when we think it's time."
"I think we know each other well enough by now, a simple look or word will suffice if something awkward comes up" says Nick.
"And if a family member or close friend brings something up?"
Replying with his best smirk "Simple, we just tell them, whoever it is, that we're uncomfortable with whatever they're talking about and we aren't gonna go there. Our friends and parents included.'
'How about we get dressed in something comfortable, or just stay in our sweats, pick up the rest of your things at Skye's and then do some shopping since the fridge is about cleaned out. Nothing left except for the leftovers from last night."
"As long as we're together, it really doesn't matter. But, I really need to talk to you about something important when we get back, ok? Now, let's go."
…
After picking up the rest of Judy's things from Skye's home, the pair headed to the local grocery store to pick up some much-needed groceries. As they worked their way down the aisles, Nick casts a questioning look as Judy puts some baby carrots into the cart. Noting his concern "I've got to try to get some of this crap out of my head, and maybe steaming or caramelizing them will help as a start."
"As long as you're comfortable with it…"
"I'm really not…but I can't think of another way right now to at least try to get some of this crap out of my system, so it's a start. We can always throw them out, even though it'd be a waste of good money."
"Fluff, a few pennies for some …veggies won't break me."
"It's ok Nick, you can use the word…when appropriate, ok?"
"If you say so, ok. Is there anything else we need to get while we're out and about?"
"Not that I can think of right now, but how about we stop by the shop real quick, just to let everyone know I'm ok? I'll call mom and dad while we're there, then I need to talk to you about something important when we get back home remember….?"
…
The second that Nick and Judy step into the busy shop, work comes to a standstill, with everyone crowding around asking about how she's feeling.
As she reassures everyone that she's at least reasonably fine, the shop gradually returns to its normal hustle and bustle. With only Midnight, Skye and her brothers still clustered around her "I'm telling you, everything's mostly ok. I'm know I'm getting better. I'm not back to my usual self yet, but I'm getting better, thanks to Nick" she adds holding Nick's paw and giving everyone a nervous smile.
"While I'm here with you guys, let me call mom and dad, just so they don't think I'm putting on a front.'
'Hey dad, is mom handy? Hey guys, I'm here at the shop with Skye and the boys and…yes of course Nick's here, how in the hell do you think I got here? You remember that I'm staying with him and I still don't have a car right?'
'Look, I really don't want to get started about any of that right now, I'm not totally fine but Nick and I are working through my episode. Just… I know you're worried about me, but I've got Nick now, and he's worried at least as much or more than you are and...'
'What's that? A letter from Zootopia city hall? Probably just another rejection letter for my application to the ZPD. No, don't shred it, just send it to the sho… what, you're coming up in a couple of weeks for a visit? Hold on a sec and I'll see if it's ok with Nick…yes I really need to ask him mom, I'm with him remember?"
Nick, mom and dad are planning on coming to the city for a visit, is that ok?"
"Sure, I'd be happy to have them here, we even have a spare bedroom for them if they want to stay with us. They do know we're sleeping together right? Especially after spending the last few nights together at the burrow. Errr, I mean not sleeping together, just sleeping together…you know what I mean damn it."
Giggling lightly she answered "Yea, I do ya big dummy."
"Nick said he'd be happy to have you come up, we have a spare bedroom for you if you're interested. As far as the letter, just bring it with you and give it to me when you get here, it can't be all that important after all this time.'
'Well, I guess that's it for now then, we've got groceries in the car that need to be put away before they go bad. See you in a couple of weeks or so…love you both, bye."
Taking her fox by the paw, Judy bid everyone in the shop, especially Skye and her brothers, good bye and they loaded up and headed home.
…
Putting the groceries away, Nick asks "Ok Squeak, what's so important that you wanted to be back home before you could talk about it?"
"Come sit with me" says Judy, patting a spot on the couch. "this is very important to me…to us, so I want us to be close when I bring it up."
Noting how serious his bunny is, Nick complied "Ok, what's up sweetheart."
Taking a deep breath, Judy begins "Do you remember when you asked me when I was going to propose the other night? Did you mean it?"
Searching Judy's face carefully to make sure she was serious Nick answered "Yes, yes I did, one hundred percent… why are you bringing that up now?"
"Well, I'm taking you up on your tradition, literally. I want you to scent mark me…right here, right now."
Searching Judy's face for any indication that this wasn't some spur of the moment thing, but was in fact well thought out "You realize what it means if I do mark you right? It's basically means that you're mine, kind of like being engaged. There is not much chance of turning back once this happens."
"Look, I know that you've noticed how I've been a bit preoccupied for most of the day, this is why. I've debated with myself and this is exactly what I want, and I believe, with all of my heart, what we in fact need. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to do this."
"In order for this to be done properly, you'll need to mark me back, you know that as well right? If we do this, I can't promise to behave, and we'll probably end up having sex before it's all over. With that being said, I need to tell you that the scent mark really only lets other mammals know that you're taken. If we have sex, which is very likely, then we'll truly be mated for life. There are no takebacks or do overs… You'll have to be prepared for whatever comes up, no pun intended. When that happens, we vulpine tend to get a bit…well primal I guess is the best way to put it."
"It's ok Nick, I'm prepared to stay the course. We've both been putting this off for long enough anyway, so what's the best way to go about it?"
"Well, we can just sit here and mark each other like you'd do with your kits, or we can get…creative" suggests Nick, with both a serious and playful expression at the same time.
"Really? And what does your perverted mind suggest there mister Wilde?"
"How about a nice warm shower to start with, yes together this time. Then we can mark each other from ears to tail if you so desire, after all this'll be your show since you'll be the matriarch of this family. You'll have the lead from start to finish, and this'll be a far deeper connection than any piece of paper or wedding vow ever devised by mammal. We'll be formally mated for the rest of both of our natural lives, so please make sure that you're absolutely sure you want to do this before we get started. There'll be no turning back once we begin. And before you ask, no Amanda and I didn't mark each other, we hadn't gotten that far along in our relationship at that time to'
'There's one other thing we need to consider as well…neither of us has any… 'protection'. If we do in fact have sex, which is more than a distinct possibility at this point, you may very well end up pregnant, remember the Dewclaws. Are you prepared for that? There'll be no trip to the ER for a 'morning after' pill, whatever happens, happens."
"I'm aware of the possible consequences, and I'm willing to that the chance. I truly want to be with you for the rest of our natural lives, so let's get this show on the road Nick…"
"In that case" states Nick standing "there's one thing that I've been wanting to do on purpose for the longest time, and now seems to be the time."
"And what might that be?" asked Judy standing as well, letting out a loud "Eeppp!" as Nick reached and first ran a claw gently across her very sensitive tail before grasping the tender member firmly.
"Damn Nick…that was…" as far as she got before being kissed soundly by her soon to be mate.
"Just so you know ahead of time" began Judy "I took my hormone suppressant meds this morning, a double dose actually. But since they haven't done a thing for me, so I figured it was about time…" she warned "so I might be the one who needs to warn you about tonight. Remember, I am a bunny after all….."
"Sly bunny."
"My fox" leading Nick towards the bathroom, with the song 'Hot Stuff' sung by Donna Summers playing 'On The Radio'…..
…
A/N: Due to a case of holidayitis and SEVERE case of writer's block, the next chapters may take a while, but don't worry, I'm not going anywhere.
A/N2: Yea, I know, a double dose of song reference…get over it already.
At this point, a few reviews would be greatly appreciated….