12 A Life Together
XxX
"Nick…"
"Let me guess, bathroom?"
"Well, yea, that too" giggling as she turns to face him "I love you, you know that don't you?"
"Yea, but not as much as I love you though…" he replies with a playful grin.
"Really? How do you figure that?"
"I'm much larger than you, so that means I can love you more…" kissing her lightly on the nose.
"You know how dumb that sounds, right?"
"And I should care why?"
"…ummm. Ok, ya got me there Slick. Now, let me up, I promise I'll be back."
After her not quite so quick trip to answer nature's call, Judy slips back into bed with her fox.
"Damn, I didn't think I'd be quite so shitin' sore…"
"Yea, well, in this case I'd have to guess that size actually does make a difference…" he snarked.
"Smart ass. Do you think my virginity actually grew back? It sure as hell feels like it did" she said giggling softly.
"Sure, why not. After all, it's the first time you actually wanted to have sex isn't it?"
Gazing quietly at her mate "Yes, it really is…"
"You know we need to make a few calls today right?" he asks.
"Yea, I know. Mom and dad, your mom, probably Skye?"
"I think it would be for the best, yea. You call your folks and I'll call mom. You want to call Skye or do you want me to?"
"Let me. It's more of a sister-to-sister kind of thing if you don't mind.'
'Then, I guess a quick trip to my doctor for possibly some new meds might be a good idea as well, don't you think? If I'm actually pregnant it won't matter, because I know the kit or kits'll be loved. But if I'm not, some prevention might be in order. Besides, if I'm not we can better plan when we want the kits…OK?"
"Yes ma'am. How about you call your doctor and get something set up as soon as you can see her. If you can visit her now, fine, if not then as soon as you can get in.'
'Then we can have a late lunch and then start calling folks."
…
"Doctor Clawson, this is Judy Hopps. I know it's getting to be a bit late in the day, but I'd really like to see you as soon as I can. I'm in a serious relationship, engaged actually, and I really need to get checked out and get some sort of protection since things got a bit… carried away, ok? Forty five minutes?" as she looks expectantly at Nick, who just smiles and nods slightly "We'll be there, thanks'
'Her office is only about ten minutes from here, so we can either get a bite to eat or we can call our folks…"
"Let's get a bite to eat first, since calls to our folks might take a while. While I really think they'll be happy for us, I'm sure that the conversations will really get drug out. Everyone's going to be nosey about the particulars, so you can either fill them in and satisfy their curiosity" noting the horrified look on Judy's face "or just tell them in a polite manner that that's really none of their business, your choice.'
'That, plus you know everyone's going to want input into when and where the wedding will be and…what?" noticing that the horrified look on her face is just getting worse and worse. "Squeak, the folks, yours and mine, are going to pretty much demand a formal wedding at some point in time, you know that right? Somehow we're going to need to figure out how to appease them all with one ceremony.
"Crap, I guess I hadn't considered any of that. I just wanted us to, I don't know, live happily ever after?"
"I know, me too, but sometimes real life is messy. Let's get dressed and head out. After your appointment, we can eat and then we can call our folks, and finally stop by Skye's and let her know. I'm sure the shop 'll be closed and she'll be at home by the time we're finished at your doctors."
Letting out a deep sigh, "Ok then Nick, let's get going before I lose my nerve."
"Your wish is my command…Missus Wilde" he says with a very large smirk on his face, which causes Judy to stop dead in her tracks.
When Judy suddenly turns and looks straight into Nick's eyes, he can't help but think that maybe he'd really put his paw in it this time.
"Ya know Slick, I really kinda like the sound of that" and gives him a huge hug and a deeply passionate kiss.
"Squeak, if we do anymore of that, we won't make it to the doctors by this time next week" was all he could say…
"I know, but you can't blame a girl for trying…"
…
When Nick and Judy enter Doctor Clawson's office, the receptionist, an undersized Ocelot, was a bit startled "Umm, Miss Hopps, the doctor will see you now. Your…friend will need to stay in the reception area."
Noticing his reluctance to leave her side "It's ok Nick, I'll be fine."
After what should have been a short consultation of around ten minutes stretched to just over a half hour, Judy exited the exam area with a slightly disappointed look on her face.
Taking his bunny into his arms he asked "A-are you ok sweetheart? Are you….?"
Looking directly into his concerned emerald eyes and hugging him back "No Nick, I'm not. And just so you know, I was actually kinda hoping I was, just for a second…is that wrong of me?"
Breathing a sigh of relief "No, it's not. Truth be told, I was actually kinda hoping you were as well."
"Were you really?" she asked, not able to keep the awe from her face.
"Yes Fluff, I was. Let's get something to eat, then we can call the folks and head to Skye's. What do ye feel like…for food?"
Wearing her best imitation of Nick's smirk "Let's go to the Icehouse, suddenly I'm in the mood for red beer and BBQ chicken pizza!"
"You're sure you're not pregnant?" asked Nick in amazement.
"Yea, ya dumb fox. The reason I took so long was the doctor told me she could do a quick test while I was there to find out if I was or not. When it turned out negative, I didn't know if I was happy or sad. I guess I wasn't supposed to be just yet, so… I guess we'll just have to keep trying, unless of course you don't want to…"
As he headed towards the Icehouse "Well, they say that practice makes perfect, and we've got plenty of time and now plenty of opportunities" kissing her lightly while bouncing his eyebrows.
"Well you dirty old fox, we'll just have to make the most of those opportunities then won't we?" kissing him back.
…
As they entered the Icehouse Nick asked Joe-Bob if the conference room was free. When Joe-Bob indicated it was, Nick asked "Can you bring us some beer, juice and a BBQ chicken pizza there please? And don't forget the tomato juice and hot sauce for Judy if you don't mind."
After a brief wait, Joe-Bob brought the food and drinks, then our couple called their respective parents to give them the (happy?) news as they eat.
…
NICK: "Hey mom how're things?"
"Everything's fine here Nick, how's Judy. Is everything ok with her?"
"Yea, things are better with Judy, a lot better in fact. Actually that's more or less the purpose of the call. It seems like we…kinda…umm…scent marked each other this morning and…ummmm mated.'
'…. mom … MOM…., are you still there?"
"Nicky…you're serious? Really? You actually scent marked and mated with Judy? You realize the lifelong commitment that goes along with it don't you?"
"Yes mom, you know I do. Following the vulpine tradition, she asked me if it was ok, and I was happy to accept. And yes, I told her that it all was an actual 'til death do us part' thing, and that in order for it to be official she had to mark me as well. It's like she completes me. It's almost like she's healed a hole in my heart, I don't know how else to explain it.'
'Mom, we both wanted and actually need this. I'm really hoping you're happy for us, and I …."
"Nick, I couldn't be happier for you both if I tried. You and Judy belong together…I know it's getting late today, but if you could spare the time to stop by tomorrow, I have something that I really need to share with you both. And yes Nick, it's actually important."
"In that case, we'll be sure to make the time to come by tomorrow say around noon or so. I'll let you know when for sure. Judy's calling her folks as we speak to give them the news, we're hoping they'll be as happy for us as you are. We'll tell Skye tonight of course, then we'll probably stop by the shop first thing in the morning and share with the crew, but you and her folks are the first, well besides us that is, to know.
"Well, you be sure to give me a call before you stop by, I need to prepare for you two…" she said, sounding glad and sad at the same time.
"Will do mom, love you, bye" wondering how she could sound so sad at such joyous news.
…
JUDY: "Hey dad, is mom handy? … Hey mom…"
"Judes, is everything ok? We really thought you'd be calling before this, so we were starting to worry a bit."
"Yea, I know I should've called earlier but I'm hoping you'll understand when I tell you why."
"If everything's ok, what on earth would we need to understand?"
"…Well, I sort of …asked Nick to…scent mark me earlier."
"…. You. Did. What?"
"I know you heard me mom, I asked Nick to scent mark me, and yes I marked him back. Before you ask, yes we did have sex, and no I'm not pregnant, I've already been to the doctor to find out. I know that by both of our traditions we're mated for life, and we're both ok with it. I've got a prescription so there shouldn't be any kits in the immediate future."
"Judy, your dad and I are perfectly alright with you and Nick being together, I've already told you that. It's just a bit of a shock is all. Were you two planning a wedding of any sort? If so, will it be a bunny wedding or a fox wedding?"
"We haven't gotten that far yet mom, we can all talk about this with you guys and Laverne when you come for your visit ok?"
"Ok sweetie, we're just so glad that you seem to have gotten your life together. We'll see you in a week or so."
"Ok mom, love you both…bye."
…
"I guess our next stop is Skye's…right?" begins Nick.
"Yea, just as soon as I'm finished eating this pizza, it's actually pretty good. And the beer…since I'd promised Skye to limit myself to two, two is all I'll have. After all, I wouldn't want to get drunk and…lose control" she said with a large smile and wink that almost drove Nick primal on the spot.
As they were leaving, Judy called Skye "Hey sis, you at home? Nick and I are planning on stopping by if you are."
"Yea, just got home a few minutes ago and was ready to step in the shower. Come on over, I know you've still got a key so you can just let yourselves in. I'll be out as soon as I'm finished.
"'K, see you in a few, bye."
"That part went well, I wonder how she'll act when she finds out" said Nick. "I'll bet we won't even get a word out before she hugs you to death" winking at his new mate while tapping his snout.
"Shit, I never even thought about that."
"That was the whole purpose of scent marking back in the day" he reminded her "It just seems to have sort of gone out of style lately, especially with more and more inters in the city."
"I wonder why" she wonders out loud.
"Most likely to keep the speciest hate from screwing up their lives, I would guess."
"Well, no matter, I'm guessing we can get through anything…"
"As long as we're together" he finishes for her.
"We really are lucky to have friends and family like we have, aren't we?" she asks as they pull up in front of Skye's home.
"We sure are…now brace yourself for the second or third happiest fox you'll ever see in your life, the happiest would be me of course."
…
After entering through the front door, Judy hadn't even made it to the couch when "What. In. The. Hell…..JUDY! Oh no you didn't…" shouted Skye just before gathering the diminutive doe into a bone crushing hug.
'All right, 'fess up, who's brilliant idea was this anyway? And it had damned well better not be Nick's.'
'You've got to tell me everything, all the gory details…" setting the doe on the couch and staring at her intently.
More than slightly embarrassed, Judy began "Well, after thinking about all that's happened lately, especially the last few days at the burrows, I knew that there was no way I could go on without Nick. When I thought back to how Nick followed our tradition of asking my parents to date me, I decided to return the favor by asking him to mark me. Yes he reminded me that this is a lifetime thing for both of us, and he told me that he was good with it so…."
"So…what happened then?"
"Skye…really?"
"Yes, really…damn it Judy you can't just, just quit there!"
"Oh, we didn't…"
Gasping, Skye gazed in amazement at her small adopted sister "And you…"
"Yes we did."
"And did he …"
"Yes, of course."
"Are you…?"
"No, I'm not. We made a quick trip to doctor Clawson's this afternoon and confirmed it, no kits…yet."
"I'm so happy for the both of you…have you told your parents yet?"
Of course. After we finished at Clawson's. I had Nick take me to the Icehouse for lunch, and had…red beer and BBQ chicken pizza! Then we told them."
"Oh no you didn't"
"Yep, BBQ chicken pizza and red beer."
"And you're sure you're not pregnant?"
"Strange that Nick asked the same thing isn't it?" said Judy laughing. "No I'm not a preggo... not yet any way, we'll get there eventually I'm sure, but it's way too soon just now. We would've been fine with it if I was, but now we're really kinda glad I'm not, ya know?"
"Anywho, I'm just so happy for the two of ya. Are you gonna stop by the shop and let everyone know tomorrow?"
Yea, we'll stop by there first, maybe nineish, after sleeping in first of course" she added with a mischievous grin. "Nick's mom wants us to stop by tomorrow, she said she's got something important she wants to share with us, so we thought we'd stop by her place probably around lunch time."
"Nick, you're being uncharacteristically quiet, you ok?" asked Skye.
With the largest grin on his muzzle that either female had ever seen "Yup, sure am. Just enjoying listening to two of my favorite ladies carry on."
"Ya big jerk, ya coulda said somethin'" remarked Skye.
"And ruin such a lovely conversation? Not on your life" he shot back.
"Yea, well, you two had damned well better stop by the shop tomorrow, you know the gang is going to want to hear how you're doing."
"Sure thing, let's make it around nine like I said before. Wouldn't want to break the routine since you're just barely up and running after the Bunnyburrow trip."
"Yea, yea, no problem. We'll see you then. Now get out of here and take a cold shower or somethin', you're stinkin' up my house…out with ya" she said, giving them both a quick hug.
…
"I wonder what mom has to talk about that's so important" muses Nick as the pair head home after a seemingly busy and relatively event filled day.
"I really have no idea, but how important can it be if it can wait one more day?"
"Hard to tell, mom sounded like it's really serious, I guess we'll find out tomorrow. In the meantime, what kind of plans do we have for this evening. We've already been shopping, eaten, called everyone close and told them of our commitment and most of all found out that you're not pregnant…. any suggestions?" using his best smirk.
"Yea, I've got a few, but before we get back to that subject, how about a really dopey movie complete with some really buttery popcorn and just cuddling for a bit?"
"Yea, I guess that sounds ok. Don't want to wear out a good thing…"
"Slick, you ain't wearin' out nuthin' of mine…"
"Oh, you naughty bunny, you didn't really go there."
"Yea, I kinda did, and before the night's over, I expect you to go there… again."
Pulling into the garage, Nick gave Judy a quick kiss "I'll get the popcorn going, you get the movie picked out, we'll change into something a bit more comfortable, and get the evening started…"
"Now that sounds like a plan."
When Nick gets to the couch with the popcorn and drinks in paw, he notices that Judy's 'comfortable' clothing consists of only a pair of black lace panties.
"What? You don't approve?"
"Rabbit, you're going to be the death of me wearing that…"
"I guess I could go put my sweats on if you really want me to" she says with a small pout on her muzzle.
"That's ok, stay right there" Nick said with a very snarky expression on his muzzle "I'll be right back."
"Oh. My. Gawd…" was all she could say laughing, as Nick reemerges from their bedroom wearing nothing but a neon green thong "Where the hell did you ever get that thing?"
"You do realize" grins Nick "that they're edible, and lemon-lime flavored…right?"
"You sneaky shit… I guess there's only one thing left to do, and it doesn't include a movie…"
…
Stretching to every bit of her three-foot frame the next morning, Judy smiled at her sleeping fox. 'I don't know how I got lucky enough to have this mammal in my life, but I'll certainly take it.' She thought.
"Nick…Nick honey wake up."
"Mmmmmmm?"
"Nick, I'm going to get a quick shower and start breakfast so we can make a quick trip to the shop before we head over to your mom's"
"But I don't wanna…"
"Get up ya lazy fox. You drug me to my folks's, now it's my turn to drag you to the shop and then your mom's. Get up or eat cold food" she says as she slips out of bed and heads to the shower, flicking her tail to get his attention.
"Damn if you don't have a way with…words" he says, all the while thinking 'I'd much rather be eating a hot bunny…'
After a quick breakfast of eggs, toast and rhubarb jam, with coffee for Nick and tea for Judy, the couple heads out for the shop, arriving just before nine am.
…
Arriving at the shop, they're greeted by Midnight and Skye who are having a minor disagreement in the office.
"All right, what's the debate about?" asks Nick.
"Shit Nick, don't sneak up on a mammal like that" scolds Skye.
"Who's sneaky, we just got here. If you weren't being so loud you'd have heard us."
"Well if you must know, we were trying to figure out when and where to have Judy's bridal shower" continued Skye.
"Is that all…" is as far as Nick got, as Judy squealed and jumped at Skye, wrapping her up in a tearful but tight hug.
"Damn if you ain't my favorite big sister" intones Judy.
"Well, that's no surprise considering that I'm the biggest big sister ya got" returns Skye.
"You know we haven't even set a date for the wedding yet, right?"
"Don't care…"
"Ok, enough of the mushy stuff" says Nick, which earns him a punch on each arm courtesy of both females "Owww, damn, come on you two… as I was saying, Midnight, call everyone to the main bay, so I can let every mammal know what's up."
"ATTENTION, ALL EMPLOYEES TO THE MAIN BAY PLEASE. ALL EMPLOYEES TO THE MAIN BAY"
After all of the shop employees were gathered, Nick begins.
"Ok everybody listen up. I know this is going to be a huge surprise to most of you" to which almost everyone in attendance either snickered, rolled their eyes or both "but Judy and I are officially sort of engaged."
"What the hell do you mean sort of ya big dummy?" asked Skye before Judy got a chance to.
"Well, if you must know" continued Nick "Yesterday we scent marked each other… from ears to tail" intentionally leaving out the mating part.
"NICK, damnitwhatthehell…" yelled Judy, blushing fiercely.
"So today" Nick continued wearing his very best smirk "we are formally announcing our engagement. No, I haven't gotten my lovely bride-to-be a ring yet, but that's our next stop when we leave here on our way to my mom's."
"Wh-what?" stammered Judy "you never said anything about a ring."
"I didn't? My, how odd of m…" was all he got out before receiving a muzzle full of a very happy and tearful bunny.
"Damn it Nick…" was all she could choke out past her joyful tears.
"… Surprise…?"
Setting Judy back on the floor "Ok, show's over everybody, back to work. We should be back tomorrow or Friday at the latest.'
'Skye, Midnight, hold down the fort, we'll keep you updated on everything, ok?"
"You can count on us boss" assures Midnight.
…
As Nick and Judy head out, Nick makes a quick call to his mother "Hey mom, we're headed your way, but we have a quick stop to make first. We'll see you in a short bit. Bye."
"You didn't tell her where we were going to stop?"
"Nope, I want to surprise her, unless you don't want a proper ring…"
"Nick, you know I don't need a ring, I'm happy just to have you."
"That's not really the point Squeak, I want to do this right. That means you get a proper engagement ring and wedding bands to match…unless you absolutely insist NOT to."
"Damn it Nick… ok, fine then, but nothing fancy?"
"No promises, we'll see what they have and you get to make the final decision, deal?"
"Deal."
Then Judy notices the name of the store that Nick stops in front of.
"Really Nick? 'The Rock' is just the most exclusive jeweler in the city…"
"Yea, well, it's the only one I use, so I guess you're just going to have to deal with it."
"If I didn't love you, I'd probably strangle you right now, you know that right?"
Again wearing his best smirk, Nick opens the door for Judy "Let's see what they've got, shall we?"
"Good day Mister Wilde, how may we help you today?" asks the attractive female pronghorn sales mammal.
"Hello Adella, we're interested in engagement rings and matching wedding bands."
Looking only mildly intrigued by the odd pair, Adella herds them to the display case where the engagement and wedding band ring sets are "Here we have our usual assortment of ring sets, or were you looking for something a bit more…unique?"
"You know me, let's see what you have that's truly different."
"One moment please" as she disappears into the back and returns a short time later with a tray of very special ring sets.
As Judy looks over the sets, one particular set catches her eyes immediately "Nick, you did this on purpose, didn't you? Don't try to deny it, because it's classic you."
"Guilty as charged, do you really like it?"
Looking at the matched set of rings, Judy is almost speechless. The engagement ring is platinum silver and has a large diamond set in the middle with a slightly smaller amethyst stone on one side and a matching emerald on the other, the gems the same color as their eyes. The matching wedding bands were platinum as well with small stones set in each ring to match the engagement ring.
"Why would you get something this expensive for me?"
"Mainly because I can. Look, I know you'd be happy with nothing more than a simple wedding band. If that's truly all you want, I'll be glad to go with it. But know this, I would give everything I own to make you happy. And I would literally die to make sure you're safe."
Crying tears of joy, Judy grabs Nick in the tightest hug imaginable "You're the biggest, dumbest, sweetest mammal I know. From the bottom of my heart, thank you Nicholas Wilde."
"I take it you want to keep them then?" he asks, knowing she would never let them go back onto the tray.
Gazing into Judy's tear-filled eyes "I'll take that as a yes" he smirked, nodding to the sales mammal "we'll take them, don't bother to wrap 'em. Just put them on my account."
…
Pulling into the driveway of Laverne's home, Judy is again impressed. The house has two stories with spacious front and back yards, and plenty of flowers adorning the walkway and along the front of the house.
"Ok, let's get this over with" says Nick "I can't imagine what could be so important but I guess we're about to find out."
"Hey mom, we're home" calls out Nick.
"In the kitchen dears, just take a seat at the table, lunch will be ready in a couple of minutes."
"This is kind of a big house for just your mom isn't it?" asks Judy.
"Yea, it's the house I grew up in. Mom managed to keep it while I was, ummm being less than a stellar citizen, even though it got kinda run-down. Once Fin and I got the business going strong, I had it completely remodeled. Mom didn't want to leave, even though I offered to get her a smaller place."
Bringing out a veggie lasagna casserole and setting it in the middle of the table Laverne asked Nick "Ok, everyone sit and Nick, please say grace while everyone holds paws and…. wait…. Judy, WHAT is that on your paw?"
Giggling Judy answered "This is what Nick wanted to stop for on the way here. He wouldn't take no for an answer, so how could I turn him down? All I really wanted was a simple band, but you know Nick."
"It's absolutely gorgeous… Nick, ya did good."
After saying grace, everyone dug in and the meal was finished in no time, with very little small talk.
"You two sit on the couch, I need to go get something after I clear the table. And no Judy you can't help, just sit."
Giving each other a 'What the hell?' look, they both shrugged and headed for the couch and got comfortable.
Returning with two albums that looked very much like baby books, one blue and one pink. Laverne set both books on the coffee table and sat between the two "First, I want to share Nick's baby book with you Judy, and no Nick, you may not be excused. You've got to suffer through it all, and there's a special reason for it."
Going through Nick's baby book was hilarious for Judy, not so much for Nick... Starting with pictures of him only days old being bathed in the kitchen sink, right up to the time he was dressed to go to his Junior Ranger Scouts 'initiation'.
"That's the end of it?" asked Judy.
"Well, after that, Nick started acting up and there wasn't anything really good to put in it" admitted Laverne sadly.
Turning her attention to the pink album, Laverne continued "Nick, will you please open the pink book, this is the real reason why I wanted you to come by here today…"
Hesitantly, Nick reached for the album and slowly opened it. There were only two pages with documents contained in the entire book.
"Mom, what the hell is this?"
"Tell me Nick, what do you see?"
"A birth certificate and a death certificate, both dated the same day."
"What's the date on them Nick?"
"January 14…wait, that's my birthday."
"What's the name on them Nick?"
"Nicholle…Patricia…Wilde" returned Nick in a soft, pained voice.
"That's right Nick, you had a twin sister" continued Laverne tearing up slightly "you never knew her because she was stillborn. We never told you when you were little because we knew you wouldn't understand. After your dad died, I tried to get you to come to the cemetery with me remember? I tried so many times to get you to come with me when I visited your father and Nicholle so I could explain things to you, but you would never come along. Nick, you needed to know this long before now, but when you told me that Judy completed you, that she healed a hole in your heart, I knew that this is why you felt that way. I knew I couldn't put off telling you any longer. Judy will never take the place of your sister, but she can help heal a hurt you never knew you had."
"I'm so sorry mom, I'm going to visit them both, I promise… Judy, what's wrong? I know I've really been hard headed but…"
"Th-that's not it at all Nick" said Judy through her tears "Of all of the hundreds of kits that mom and dad have…Josh and I are the only two 'J' s."
With both Nick and his mom giving her a questioning look Judy continued "You already know I was in one of the first litters, but what you don't know that I'm the only one that survived that particular litter. There were six of us. Three were stillborn, one died of pneumonia, and one they never did know why, probably an infection of some kind. I guess that's why mom and dad 've been so protective of me all these years. They named Josh, who was the firstborn in the next litter, as the only other 'J' so there'd be at least one more 'J' in the family, especially a buck."
Gathering both kits into a tight hug, Laverne spoke quietly "I'm reminded of a verse I heard somewhere, I can't remember where or when, but it goes something like this: 'as their paths converge, the two shall become one'. I can't think of anyone that that fits better than you two."
"Mom" starts Nick, tears in his eyes "Can we go to the cemetery now? I think I'd like to talk to dad and Nicholle. I know it's long overdue, but…"
"Of course Nicky, now would be perfect, all things considered. You think you're up for it Judy?"
"Now's as good a time as any. Looks like family share time, huh?"
"That's my brave bunny" quips Nick, which earns him a good punch on the shoulder, to which he answers with a quick kiss on Judy's twitching nose.
"Well, that's not exactly what I expected" she remarks, blinking rapidly.
"Let's go, I think Nick's more than ready to face this now" remarks Laverne.
"Yea, I guess I am. It's either that or a certain bunny will probably kick my ass."
"Probably so" quips Judy "let's go. I really want to meet your dad and sister Nick."
…
Approaching two graves near an old oak tree, Laverne leads the pair to a set of four headstones.
Nick read the headstones from left to right ~ 'Johnathan Edmund Wilde, Nicholle Patricia Wilde, Nicholas Piberius Wilde, Laverne Elizabeth Wilde'.
"That's strange" quips Judy "there seems to be one missing."
"What in the world are you talking about?" asks a puzzled Laverne.
"Where's mine?"
"You crazy bunny" remarks Nick "We aren't even married yet and you're worried about a gravesite?"
"Well, you obviously aren't worth a shit about planning something like this, so I figured I'd better get a head start on things."
"Only you would come up with something like that at a time like this" laughed Laverne "you fit this family like a glove. Let's go."
Kneeling in front of his dad's grave Nick began "Hey dad, sorry it took so long for me to visit. It took mom and a pissed off bunny to get me to realize what a jerk I've been. I won't bother you with any of the details, because I know you've been watching, and I know that you're probably not too proud of a lot of my life. That being said, you must also know that I've been trying really hard to straighten my life out by helping other mammals to the best of my ability. It took this crazy bunny that I love with all my heart to get me to listen to mom about Nicholle and to visit you both. You'd like Judy dad, she's crazy, she's loud, and she's as hardheaded as I am. But she's compassionate and loving as well. I promise to visit more often, but right now I really need to say hi to Nicholle for a bit. I love you and I miss you dad…"
Scooting over a bit to his right, Nick addressed his sister "Hey sis…what can I say to someone I never got the chance to know? I never got the chance to play with you, to tease you, to defend your honor from all of the boys that wanted to harass my sister. I guess that's why Karma saw fit to send Judy my way. I tease her, harass her, and call her names, sort of like the sister I never had the chance to bully or defend. But I love her and will do anything for her, so I guess it sort of evens things out a bit in the long run. You and dad will always hold a special place in my heart, just like Judy. There's nothing I can do from here but live for the future, the future I plan to have with Judy and our kits…eventually. The eventually part is for the kits…just to be clear" which earned a short giggle from both Judy and Laverne.
Standing, Nick left a parting message "I'll…we'll be back from time to time to visit, now that I've learned to face another of my issues head on. I love you both, we'll catch you later…"
The ride back to Laverne's was unnaturally quiet, with each mammal lost in their own thoughts.
Pulling into his mom's driveway, Nick began "Mom, I'm sorry for being such an ass all of these years about visiting dad… and" he paused in thought for a moment, trying to think of what he might have nicknamed his sister if she had survived "Trish. I think the next time we go to Bunnyburrow, if Judy doesn't mind, I'd like to visit her littermates for a short time, just to try to set things straight, at least in my mind."
"I don't mind at all you silly fox. I think mom and dad would really appreciate the gesture as well" kissing him lightly on the cheek.
"That's a wonderful idea Nicky, I know it'd make everyone happy, whether they understand your motives or not. Now, off with you two, go do something to get out of this funky mood that we all seem to have. I'll be fine, actually, I feel better than I have in some time…now…go, or I'll chase you off with a broom."
Giving his mom a quick hug, then giving Judy her turn "Sure thing ma, we'll see you. I know you'll be by the shop at some time so until then… thanks for today."
…
"Well" asks Judy "What are we gonna do for the rest of the day? It's really too early to go home and NO we aren't going to just go home and make love for the rest of the day."
Noticing a bit of an evil grin on Nick's muzzle that started small and grew as he drove, Judy couldn't help but ask "Nick…just what in the hell are you planning? I just told you that we are not going to spend the rest of the day in bed, and…"
"That's not it at all sweetheart, I have something entirely different in mind."
Picking up his phone and pressing a certain contact number "Hello Kevin? Yea, this is Nick Wilde. Listen are you and Kell really busy right now? I'd like to stop by and visit for a short bit if you don't mind, I want to introduce you to someone special. What's that? The kits are all home visiting? It's no problem for us if you don't mind. I actually wanted her to meet as many of you all as possible, this just saves a couple of trips. Who is she? Well you'll meet her soon enough, then you'll find out who she is. Yea, I suppose it'll be about an hour until we get there so we'll see ya then, ok? Yea, Bye."
"Let me guess, this is that wolf-rabbit couple you told me about before right?"
"Technically, it was a wolf-hare couple, but yea, that's them. I thought it'd be a good way to kill the rest of the day and be …entertaining at the same time."
"As if this day couldn't any stranger…" says Judy, shaking her head in disbelief.
The almost hour long trip was spent just listening to the radio and cuddling.
Pulling up to the Dewclaw residence just outside of the Forest district, the first thing Judy notices is the home seems to be a … tree.
"What?" asks Nick, noting the puzzled look on Judy's muzzle "Kevin's a hare for crying out loud, what did you expect?"
"I guess I'm not really sure." replied Judy "His wife, her names Kell right? I figured maybe a house, since you told me that she's a grey wolf. So, is this a burrow, or a tree, or what?"
"Both really. Kevin runs an IT service out of the 'basement' or burrow, while Kell… ummm, well that's a bit more difficult. She actually owns and operates a facility that…slaughters and processes…chickens and turkeys as meat for preds. And for carnivorous bunnies, OWWW. The tree is pretty much hollowed out for the rest of the family to live in."
"Nick, come on, really?"
"I swear it's true. Come on, let's go meet the only family I can think of that's got a chance at being even more strange than ours."
Approaching the front door, they're greeted by what Judy can classify as a huge hare buck. Standing at least a foot taller than Nick, Kevin greets them, with Kell an average sized, and very attractive, female grey wolf just behind him.
'Good lord' Judy thinks 'He's every bit as big as Nick described. And Kell is gorgeous.'
"Hey guys" says Kevin as he greets the pair "we were just talking about you. Nick, come on in and let's get introductions out of the way."
Upon entering the home, Judy is amazed at how spacious it is.
"Ok" begins Nick "introductions. Kevin, you're going to have to help a bit since I'm not familiar with a few of the mammals I'm seeing here, but I'll start.'
'Dewclaw family, I'm proud to introduce my fiancé Judy Hopps. Judy, this is Kevin Dewclaw and his wife Kell, Rudy here is Kell's son, Lindisfarne is Kevin's daughter while Coney is their mutual kit. Kevin, the rest is up to you mammal."
Grinning like only Kevin can, noticing the confused look that Judy is wearing "First off, Rudy is a wolf/fox mix, and the beautiful vixen beside him is his girlfriend Fiona Fennec, obviously a fennec fox.'
'Next we have my adopted daughter Lindisfarne who is, as you can see is a porcupine and her husband Fenton, who's a bat.'
'Last but not least we have Coney, our biological daughter, obviously a hare/wolf mix."
When Judy notices Coney gazing at her rather intently she asks "Is there something I can help you with dear?" Judy asks.
"You're really pretty" Coney begins "will I be that pretty when I grow up?"
When Judy's mouth drops open and no words come out, Nick reaches over and gently closes it for her "Ummm, I'm sure you will sweetie, but with your blonde fur, you'll probably be even prettier than me."
When everybody gets done laughing at the exchange, Kevin goes on to explain one other detail "I'm sure you're at least a bit curious about the last name. I was actually born Kevin Kindle. I took Kell's family name because I was more accepted by her family than I was by mine when we were first married. Everything turned out ok, and that's about it."
"Wait, hold on a second" remarked Judy "Kindle… I know that name. Isn't Kindle the family name of the Easter bunnies of legend?"
"Yes, it is. However, that's another story for another time. We're actually going to head out for a family outing in a bit, but we can all get together sometime and give you a lowdown on everything that's transpired during the last few years. It's actually quite interesting, especially for Rudy here…"
"Dad, please don't go into that."
"Ok Rudy, I won't" giving Nick and Judy a wink "at least not today" which earned aloud groan from Rudy and a smirk from Fiona.
"Well, we'll let you head for your get together, we'll catch you all another time. Maybe you and Kell can make the jam session at the shop next Saturday night."
"That sounds doable." remarks Kevin "We'll probably see you then."
…
"Well" began Judy "that was interesting. I can see now why you were concerned that first night. I actually wondered if having kits with you was even possible. Now that I can see for myself that it's actually probable…"
"What, getting cold feet already?"
"No, not really, just trying to picture what our kits might look and act like. And what on earth species would they be considered as? Boxes? Funnies? Shit…"
"They'd be beautiful like their mother, and handsome like me. And best of all, they'd be called….Wildes!"
"Stop already, you're giving me a headache" giggled Judy "Let's go home and get some rest, we really need to go back to the shop and get some work done. The car shows will be here before we know it, and we've got a ton of work to do, if I remember correctly."
"Yea, I guess you're right. As much as I hate to admit it, we do need the rest. Or at least we will after we get a good shower and a bit of…snuggling."
"Do you ever stop thinking about that?"
"Well yea, usually when I'm eating, and even then I'm th…"
"Enough already, I get the idea you overly horny fox."
…
The rest of that week and through the next, it was pretty much twelve to fourteen hour days for our couple. Dragging themselves home, showering, catching a quick bite and then nothing but sleep was pretty much the order of the day every day.
Friday afternoon Judy gets a text from her mom "Nick, mom just reminded me that she and dad are going to stop by this weekend. Can we knock off a bit early so we can get the place ready? We need to do laundry and clean up the guest room a bit."
"I don't see why not, we've pretty much got most of the stuff caught up so we can be ready for the show in a couple of weeks. I'll tell Snow that we're going to leave early, and to get everything ready for a jam tomorrow night for your folks.
"I think they'd like that, home James."
"Ok, just who in the hell is this James character? I'm going to have to put a chastity belt on your furry grey butt at this rate" snarked Nick, which of course got a laugh out of Judy.
…
As Saturday afternoon rolls around, Bonnie and Stu arrive at Nick and Judy's home. After stashing their belongings in the spare bedroom, Bonnie gushes over Judy's ring and everyone grabs a quick snack, the entire gang is ready to head towards the shop where the jam session was scheduled to begin in an hour or so.
"Before we head out and I forget it completely" began Stu "here's the letter you got from the mayor's office."
Rolling her eyes, Judy figured she might as well open it and read it before throwing it in the trash.
…
From the Office of the Mayor of Zootopia, Leodore Lionheart, Mayor
'Dear Ms. Hopps, it is my pleasure to inform you that the Mammal Inclusion Initiative was recently passed with an almost unanimous vote by the Zootopia city council.
You have been nominated as the very first candidate to be accepted into the next upcoming class due to begin as of June first of this year.
Please respond with your intent to either accept or to decline this offer by no later than May first.
Congratulations, we are looking forward to hearing from you.
Leodore Lionheart
Leodore Lionheart, Mayor
XxX
A/N: I used Jason Bateman's birthdate as Nick and Nicholle's birthdates.
Yes, a bit of 'artistic license' was used in dealing with the Dewclaw family…no harm was done to any characters, with the possible exception of Rudy's pride.
APOLOGIES: as I explained earlier, writers block is kicking my butt. I'm not sure how long it'll be between updates, but I'll do the best I can. Please be patient, the story is going to be … interesting .