Chapter 21 : Countdown to Happiness

June 2020

Judy had a tear in her eyes at the end of the story and had pulled closer to Nick. She would never admit it to anyone but, she had always been a sucker for cute love-stories, and her pawflix history was proof of that.

"Well, Jessica, I'm glad you went over your... Um... "

"Bigotry problem ?" She proposed, still holding Gideon's paw.

"Yeah."

"I'm glad I did too."

"Ain't complainin' myself." Added the chubby fox.

"That's good you're finally together. Bottling up feelings... It's not good." Said Nick. "But it's not been more than six months... Why are you getting married that soon ?"

"Oh. I'm pregnant." Casually answered the bunny.

Judy's jaw fell. Nick's brows furrowed.

"Wos a nice surprise too... Didn't think bunnies and foxes could... You know..."

Nick's squinting eyes went from one face to another. It wasn't possible. He had checked and double-checked himself. On a biological point of view, there simply was no way it could happen. Something fishy was going on.

Judy took back control of her jaw. "But... I mean it's not possible... I mean, I don't want to imply anything but-"

"Yes ?" Asked Jessica with a candid smile.

Nick stared at her.

Ooooh, you cheeky little fuzzball.

"Huh. Well, you see Gideon, biology... Oh sweet cheese and crackers, I really don't want to explain that. Nick a little help."

"Sorry fluff, not my family, yet. You're on your own." He tried to say as seriously as he could.

Judy rubbed her eyes. "Oh crud. This is going to be such a pain."

She heard Nick snicker at her side.

"Nick ! This isn't funny ! You know what it's means if she's pregnant ! There aren't a lot of explanations."

Nick leaned toward her. "Well, from where I sit, there are two explanations. Either our little bunny here wasn't completely faithful."

A gasp, that came to him as fake, came from Jessica and Gideon.

"Or they're trying to pull our legs, and succeeding in your case."

"What ?" She glanced at the couple and saw that they were barely containing their hilarity. "Oh, by the gods ! You two are so immature !"

"Sorry Jude. I had to. For old time sake." Said Jessica between two giggles. "I hope you're not mad."

"No. You just... You always get me. It's been like that since we were little." Judy frowned.

"That's because you're too honest, fluff. Some mammals are just born mischievous. You were born straight as an arrow." He gave her a peck on the cheek. "It's one of you numerous endearing qualities. And they reason why it's so fun and easy to prank you."

She gave him an elbow nudge. "Foxes."

"Hey, I ain't that bad. Well I used to be, but..." Said Gideon.

"No Gid. You're perfect. You're my big cute foxy fox." Smiled Jessica

Nick glanced at his bunny. "All that cheese is bound to make me lactose intolerant." He quipped getting a laugh from the other mammals.

"You can be pretty cheesy yourself." Said Judy with a smile.

"That's true." He gave a look to the window and saw a few pairs of eyes and ears. He knew the house's windows were sound proof, but it made him realise that it was one of the few moments of social respite they would get in the course of the three days. It also made him realise that as soon as they had arrived, they had ended up alone with Jessica and Gideon, and that wasn't a very polite thing to do.

"Maybe we should get back with your family. You know, being polite guests, things like that ?" Asked Nick.

"Yes, of course." Agreed Judy.

They opened the door and the Hopps family flooded back into the room.

"Was everything okay ?"

"Did you fight ?"

"Is Judy upset ?

"What happened to your finger ?" Nick felt a tug on his left paw and saw one of the kid pointing at the stump.

Nick gave a glance to his partner which looked beyond embarrassed. "Will, you don't ask things like that to people." She scolded.

Her parents looked a bit uncomfortable too. They knew about what had happened, in broad strokes, but they knew it probably wasn't a matter Nick wanted to broach.

"An accident." Nick lied, poking the little bunny's nose. "Always turn off the lawnmower when cleaning the blades."

"Does it hurt ?"

"Not really. But it was my favorite finger to pick my nose."

"Ew."

The bunny was grabbed by Bonnie who gave him a little thanking nod. She preferred that lie to the truth which would have been way more hard to hear for the kid.

"Well played." He heard Judy whisper at his side.

Everyone found a place in the large living room that could have been a warehouse given its size. Everyone was mingling, and both Nick and Judy were amused to see the interest the kids had for Nick had died down more or less quickly. Nick had always thought that the country was more relaxing and silent than the city, but it was obvious he had been wrong.

Refreshment and snacks had been served, bunnies came and went. Suddenly he saw Judy shoot up. "Angela !" She greeted. Nick saw a bunny that was almost Judy's twin, aside from the fact that she was slightly smaller and chubbier. She could have been sisters. Nick huffed. They were sisters, obviously. "How are you sis ?"

"Well, tired but good." She was pushing a large stroller.

"Oh my gosh, they are so cute !" Gawked Judy, leaning down to look at the kits in the stroller. Nick came too to greet Angela.

"Careful Nick, she's a-"

Two paws shot forward and pulled Nick in a surprisingly strong hug.

"-Hugger." She completed with a little smile.

"Getting used to bunny hugs. I'm Nick. I don't remember meeting you."

"Angela, nice to meet you." She took a step back. "How was the trip ?"

"Good." He noticed the kids were giving him curious glances. He leaned down to look at them. "Hi kids, I'm Nick. I'll soon be your uncle." He turned to Angela. "They're so cute- Um, I mean..."

"That's okay, all kids are cute." She smiled. She took one and gave it to him. "Wanna hold one ?"

Nick glanced at Judy unsure but she nodded. She already had one in her arms. He took it like it was the most fragile thing ever. Judy was observing both his and the kit reaction, and was glad to see they were both smiling.

"Who's a big bunny ? You're a big bunny." He made him bounce a couple of times in his arms before giving back the child at his mother. "What's his or her name ?"

"Oh, they're Andrew, Stanley, Isa, Joan, Miley and Randall." Answered Angela pointing at each of ehr kids.

"And how old are they ?"

"Almost one year old."

The fox saw that most of the kits were now extending their paw toward him.

"Let me guess, now that I held one, I'll have to do the same with the others ?"

"Yup. It was a trap." She smiled.

"If you were ever wondering, Judy, she's really your sister." Quipped Nick taking another bunny in his arm. They were so tiny he could easily have held three at time, but he decided to give each the same treatment.

"So, who's the father ?" Asked Judy. "I didn't even know you were dating."

Angela's face grew red. "I... um. Let's just say they don't have a father."

Nick lifted a brow but didn't pry. Judy however asked the question they both asked themselves. "Do you at least know who he is ?" She was rather surprised, her sister wasn't one to sleep around.

"Yeah. I know who he is. An error in judgement." She said darkly before sighing. "They're Chad's."

Judy frowned. "As in 'Chad, my ex' ?"

"Yeah. Please don't say anything, I already got an earful from mom and dad."

"Oh. Angie." Judy hugged her sister. "I would never lecture you on how you should or should not sleep with."

"Well, I remember you saying to me I shouldn't approach him."

Judy snorted. "Ten years ago. He could have changed."

"That's what I thought, guess I was wrong."

Nick was still playfully wiggling his paw above the kits who were trying to catch it. "Who's that Chad guy ?"

"My ex. He's an ass." Answered Judy

"The kind that thinks females shouldn't have responsibilities, are weak, should obey their husband, stuff like that." Completed Angela.

"Can't imagine you'd ever date someone like that, fluff." Remarked Nick.

"I was young and impressionable, he was handsome and moderately charming." She answered before turning back to Angela. "How did you get with him ? And pregnant ?"

"Well, I still worked as a waitress and he was a regular. We talked and he seemed nice. He seemed to have changed. We dated, we did... Stuff. And my pill didn't work.

When I noticed two months later and told him, he said he wasn't ready and it would have to be him or the kids."

"He said it like that ?" Asked Judy, outraged.

"It was more subtle, but that's what he meant. So, guess who's a mom now." She pointed at herself proudly with her thumbs. "I wanted to have kids sooner or later. Sooner had to do."

"I'm glad you didn't let that get you down."

"I think they'll be better without a father. And I was already living here anyway." She was smiling, watching Nick play with the kits. "Hey Nick, can I ask you something strange ?"

"Yeah ?"

She suddenly looked a bit awkward. "Are your claws sharp ?"

Nick lifted a brow. "Not much why ?"

"I don't want my children to be scared of predators. Could you show them to my kid. I already asked Gideon, but he was really not comfortable with it."

Nick shrugged. "Why not." He took them half-out while Judy continued chatting with Angela. It seemed the kid were curious about the movement and he took the claws in and out a couple of time, making them giggle. He approached them, and it seemed they weren't scared. He gently scratched their head, careful to not harm them, but vulpine's claws were dull enough for it to not be too risky. Suddenly, one of them caught one of his claws and tugged on it.

From the corner of her eyes, Judy saw Nick quickly retract his claws and straighten a bit quickly. "I gotta go to... The bathroom." He made his way out in quick steps.

Judy followed him with her gaze. "I'm not sure he knows where the bathroom is. I'd better show him the way."

"Alright. See you later."

Judy got out of the living room and looked around. Nick had already disappeared. She took a few steps in the hallway to the left and saw the tip of a tail disappear behind a corner. She ran toward the next hallway and found her fox sitting on the floor, arms around his knees.

"You okay Nick ?"

He was short breathed and she saw he was keeping his fists closed.

"Nick ?"

He glanced up and he looked at her like he didn't really recognize her. He scrambled back a bit, with a look of fear.

"It's me, Judy."

She approached and brushed his shoulder. His expression relaxed a bit. "Judy ?" He suddenly hugged her, still sitting on the floor, burying his face in her belly.

"What's happening ?"

"Flashback." Came a muffled voice. "From the time with Vlad."

"How ?"

"One of the kids tugged on one of my claws."

She slowly leaned down and got him to her his head on her thigh.

"It was like being pulled from my own body and put back in the chair. Everything was here. The pain the smell..." He pulled closer and grabbed one of her paw, holding it tightly. "I'm a bit of a mess, aren't I ?"

"No you're not." Tried to reassure the bunny.

"I feel like it's always piling up. Each time I think it's actually going to be okay, there is something pulling me back down."

"You're going to be okay."

"It's not me I'm concerned about. It's us ! The Nighthowler case, Lycus case, Vlad... we can't get out of that unscathed every time."

"For the record, we didn't get out of unscathed of any of them."

"I'm afraid. I'm afraid to be weak. I'm afraid that the next time the hammer falls, I will break."

Judy flicked one of his ears. "You're not weak. You don't realise how much you went through and got out of. You're one of the strongest mammal I know."

Nick gave a sad snort. "I don't see how I'm strong. A tug on the claw and transform into a jelly puddle."

She stroked the fur of his cheek. "Don't you remember what the doctor said ? PTSD was a possible outcome. And don't you dare say you're not strong. You are. No, listen, you really are. You remember when you listed the amount of things I had to deal with when my leg was still healing ? Back when you were still undercover ?"

"I have a vague memory of it." He weakly smiled.

"Let me make your list, like you did mine, okay ? You've been bullied, and it was big enough of a trauma that you left your home at twelve to spend twenty years living on the street. The you developed and rid yourself of an heroin addiction, if I remember clearly. Your parents separated, your father died, and you blamed yourself for it. At the beginning Lycus' case, I got hurt and you blamed yourself for it. You took upon yourself to help the misguided foxes you had infiltrated instead of taking them down. You saved the young fox, Mike, from others and from himself, and took the blame when he died. You got hurt and lost your memory fighting Bellwether. You stayed with and supported me during the remainder of my recovery. You got kidnapped and tortured, both physically and mentally for having performed a good action, and even lost a finger in the process." She kissed him on the forehead. "And I'm not even going into details. Remind me again how a weak mammal could have gotten through all this and gotten out of it like you did ?"

"Leaving alone not biting one of my own bullets to make it stop." He grimly joked.

"Don't joke about that. Don't you ever joke about that." She kissed him on the snout.

"Sorry."

"So, yeah, you're troubled. You're not completely okay. But given your circumstances, I think you're still doing good. And I'm here. I'm never letting you go. It's what we're about, we're supporting each other."

"You're okay with me needing that much support ?"

Judy seemed reflective for few seconds. "I was going to say you did it for me before, but I'm not going to support you to return the favor. You weren't making me a favor, and I'm not making you one either. I'm here for you because I love you, and for no other reason."

"I love you too, Carrots."

She kept stroking his fur.

"Can we stay like this a bit ?" He asked.

"It was your plan all along, you sly fox."

The fox had a weak smile. "You see right through me, clever bunny."

...

It was the last day before the wedding. There were still a lot of things to do to prepare it and despite the bunny's parents protestations, Judy and Nick had decided to lend a paw.

Judy was helping set up the tents in the field where the weddings would take place. Nick was helping to set up the stage. He had gotten a bit more familiar with the way the weddings were going to go. There would first be a summary of the wedding orders, and of their timing, each of them after the other, with small recesses in between. Then the bands would come to play songs and most mammals would be able to dance. The tents would serve to house tables with foods and beverages. Teams would relay themselves to both serve and be able to participate in the celebration. There were also private tents, reserved to the couples and their closest friends and relative, where they could prepare before the ceremony and then retire afterwards if they needed.

Nick didn't think the organization would be so tight and precise. He had joked that Bonnie was running a tight ship, but as it happened, Stu was the one mostly in charge here.

The fox was impressed to see the bunnies work together. They were well organized and stronger than he gave them credit for. Working in the field was a physical job, so it could explain a lot. But thanks to his physical training, he was still stronger than most of them, had more stamina and was able to carry heavier loads.

The day flew by quickly enough, and at the end of it, preparations were complete. Nick was finishing to screw a spotlight in place and let himself fall from a couple of meter high, easily landing with a roll.

"You know, you could have gotten down with the ladder." Remarked Judy who had come to see if they were finished.

"Yeah, but it would have been way less impressive." He smiled, giving a shoulder roll.

They went back together toward the house when they heard splashing sounds and laughs. Going around, they saw most of the males bunnies shirtless and showering with a hose. Nick smelled himself. "I could use a shower too."

"We could take one together." Said Judy.

"We could yeah, but I kind of want to get rid of the sweat before rubbing myself against you." He whispered in her ears, making her blush. He casually approached the group taking off his t-shirt. "Hey guys, could you spread a bit of that love over therblarghlarghglglg-" Before he could finish his sentence, he was received with a stream of water in the face, while Terry, Jessica's father, which was holding the hose, gave a laugh.

"At your service Nick." He joked.

"Very funny." He joined the line of males and turned around while Terry sprayed them. Most of them were giving glances to Nick. They had seen foxes before, but none like him. For starters, though lean, he was very muscular because of his work, which gave him an impressive frame for his species, and there was quite the collection of scars on his body as well.

Judy had approached and was looking at the females bunnies that were there. "Screw it." Came a voice. "I've worked my ass off outside and I'm sweaty too." And she saw Angela get rid of her shirt, bra showing, to get hosed. Terry and some males gasped, turning away, while some of them ogled instead. Judy knew of bunnies, and as she had expected, it resulted in a crowd movement where all female that had helped set the field up were now shirtless and got sprayed as well.
Nick glanced at her and saw that she was hesitating. He made a few steps toward her. "Don't want to get wet ?"

"I'm not really comfortable with... You know, this." She said, pointing at all the half naked bunnies. They had now set up a second hose.

"Not joining ?"

Judy stared at her feet.

"Guess you need a push."

"What kind of... Nick, No ! Don't you-" He picked her up on her shoulder, his wet fur already soaking her shirt. "Nick, let me go ! Nick, I swear-" She saw Terry's gleeful expression while he approached with the hose. "Terry ! No ! I'll knot your ears ! Don't-"

"Worth it !" He laughed as he drenched the two mammals in water.

Nick finally put the soaked bunny down and she got rid of her shirt. "You're paying for that, Nick."

"I know. But admit it, it's kind of nice."

She looked around to see the other bunnies running around. Some had taken out buckets and it was total chaos. Nick had put his paw on his hips, enjoying the sun's warmth. "I don't want to seem alarmist, but I think your sisters are ogling me."

"You wish." She said, but checked anyway. He was right, there were a few blushing bunnies that were clearly having an eyeful of her fox.

She put a possessive paw in his arm and gave them a playful glare.

"So the rumors were true." Came a smug and loud voice from outside of the bunny group. All bunnies turned toward it.

"Chad." Groaned Judy, recognizing him.

"Seems you all have fallen pretty low to accept not one but two foxes in this family." The group had fallen dead silent.

Nick observed the bunny. It was true that for a bunny he could be considered handsome. He was fairly tall, had a large jaw, and his musculature showed. He had a bit of a gut, but that was more a quality than a flaw by bunny standards.

"I'd rather have those two foxes in my family than even one bunny like you in it." Retorted Judy, crossing her arms.

Nick glanced at her. She had never seen her mate so openly hostile toward anyone before, apart from some suspects. Then again, there was personal history involved.
The muscular bunny snorted while taking a few steps forward. "And who else than Jude the Dude to bring back a fox. You were always the weird one."

Nick would usually have slammed the bunny's trap shut with a well aimed remark, but he wasn't on his turf, and he guessed it wasn't for him to take him down. He still couldn't keep himself to say something. "I'd have used the word 'unusual', it doesn't have the negative undertone. It's one of her numerous endearing qualities."
He gave him a glance full of disdain, before going back to Judy. "So he's eating off your paw ? I'm not surprised. You should have found somebunny that could properly handle you, it would have done you good."

Judy was facing one of her hardest challenge yet, not make that bunny eat dirt.

"Chad !" Came an angry female voice from behind them which they recognized being Angela's. "I told you to never come near me again !"

He had a discreet backing reaction that only a few saw. "Don't flatter yourself Angie, I'm not here for you, I'm here to see the disaster. You made the wrong choice, and I don't have anything to say to you anymore."

Terry approached from the side with an angry scowl. "Kid, if you don't want trouble, you should go."

Chad was easily a full head taller than him. "By you ?" He snorted, crossing his arms "Stay out of it chu-"

"By me." Came a third angry female voice. Bonnie quickly approached the scene. Her face was composed, but Judy saw the stiffness in her step, evidence that she was furious.

"Hah, and you think you have anything to say ? You should know your pla-" He had poked her chest tauntingly and Judy had been about to react but the smacking sound they all heard as an answer was impressive. And just like that, Nick was reminded that female farmers worked as hard as male ones.
Chad stumbled backward with the violence of the slap. He seemed a bit shaken, that slap was one of the numerous ones he deserved and hadn't received until now.

"You- You-"

She grabbed him by the collar and pulled him down, half-strangling him. "Now, you listen to me, you cute-face, good-for-nothing muck brain. You ever come close to my home, one of my children or my family again, I'll tie you by the ears to my truck and tow you back to your farm myself. Am I being clear ?"

"Ghark." could he only answer since she was holding the collar too tight. She untightened her grip by an inch.

"Am. I. Being. CLEAR ?"

"Yes ma'am." He said, trying to get out of her grip. She let go and he almost stumbled down. He took a few steps backwards and seemed like he was about to say something, but he didn't dare under Bonnie's glare, and went away with the little dignity he had left.

Most bunnies were gawking at her, she straightened her shirt, and turned toward them. "Now kids, you clean up this mess."

"Yes ma'am" Came a few mutters.

She turned to her brother and patted his shoulders. "Proud of you for not having put his face in the ground."

"Thanks Bon." Said Terry.

She stepped toward Judy and Angela and hugged them. "Are you okay you both ?"

"Yes mom." They answered.

"I know you could have handled him, but I've wanted to do it for a long time."

"I don't think we will hear of him in a long time."

She then turned to Nick. "I'm glad you didn't react violently. Not that I think fox's would more than others, but given he insulted you and Judy..."

"Got it, Bon." Nick smiled.

She observed him from head to toes before turning her face toward Judy and nodding approvingly with a wink. "Lucky bunny."

Judy's face instantly shot red. "Moooom !"

Bonnie went away with a giggle and arrived near her husband, they saw him say something to her, and as an answer, she pulled him by the collar and kissed him, before pulling him inside.

Not long after they had cleaned up the water mess, a few vehicles pulled over in front of the farm. There was a big limousine, a van and something that looked a lot like a police cruiser. Except it didn't have either the paint job or the revolving lights.

A large polar bear they didn't know got out of the limo. A shrill voice came out of his paw "Judy ! We're here." Most bunnies had taken a step back when the large predator had appeared, but Judy came and greeted their wedding guests.

"Fru-Fru ! How was the trip ?"

"It was nice !"

Judy waved at her family to approach, while Vivienne, Finnick and Hollie got out of the van.

Behind them, the chief, Clawhauser, Blackfur, Wolford and Buster came out from their cruiser.

"You guys came all together ?" Asked Judy, surprised.

"No, we just kind of saw eachother on the road and came as a convoy." Explained Vivienne.

"I hadn't seen Mr Big in a long time. We spent noon together, wos kinda a nice to catch up." Added Finnick.

Judy's family was a bit overwhelmed, to see so much different mammals at the same time. Which was strange given they usually were the ones producing that effect on guests. They quickly warmed to the newcomers and began to chat.

Judy was observing everyone's reaction. Most bunnies were impressed at the polar bears sizes. They had never seen one up close before and were surprised to see the shrews they were holding were in fact the actual guests. Clawhauser was biting his fist, trying not to let out of a squeal in front of the numerous cute bouncing bunnies. Bogo at his side was mostly silent, politely returning the greetings when they were addressed to him. Buster, as a small mammal, had quickly found his footing. Wolford and Blackfur were staying together a bit on the side, mingling with a few bunnies at a time.

"Sorry to cut you all in your greetings." Came Terry's voice. "But it's time to prepare dinner."

"Oh." Came Fru-Fru's voice. "Then we'll go get our hotel and leave you to it."

"Nonsense. You're staying for dinner. You just arrived, we must get to know each other more." He said. "And you must meet Judy's parents before the wedding. They're unfortunately... currently busy, but you will be able to chat during dinner."

"We really don't want to impose." Said Mr Big politely.

"You're really not. We'll set up the table in the backyard. I simply hope everyone's okay with vegetables, because we don't have much in term of meat." He apologetically smiled.

...

Lying in bed against his bunny, Nick could see she was reflecting on something. She had spent the dinner lost in thoughts and hadn't left that state since.

"What's on your mind Carrots ?"

She pushed herself against him. "Nothing."

"That's usually my line." He smiled, kissing her between the ears. "Can't I know what it is ?"

"I don't want to stress you out the night before our wedding."

"I'm already stressed out. You might as well add one scoop over it."

"Well..." She hesitated. "The thing with Angela, and her kits... I know you're not really comfortable with the idea, but I'd kind of want to be pregnant."

Nick fell mute. He didn't have anything to answer to that.

"I know we kind of had that conversation before." She continued. "And that you don't really like the idea of me being pregnant from some bunny. I know it has to do with the bond... I did research on that, most foxes are really uncomfortable with the idea of their female being pregnant from another male... And it's not an ultimatum or anything..." She was trailing off, unsure of what Nick's blank expression meant.

"Judy. It's your body, if you want to get pregnant, you can, I'll support you either way... Just as long as you don't do it by, erm, 'conventional' ways." He said, a bit embarrassed.

Judy put her forehead against his chest and sighed. "I know you don't want to 'rob' me from experiences, but I don't want to put you through a difficult experience only for my sake. It's our couple, those would be your kids too. I don't want for you to feel like I… cheated on you. Like I said, I know it's a big deal for foxes."

"Aren't you afraid could put a dampener on your career ? I'm not saying that to get you out of the idea but... You know..."

"I considered it, yes. But I want to do it."

"Then okay. Let's do that. Why not."

She stared at him and despite his smile, she saw a glint of something undecipherable in his expression. "What is it ?" She asked.

"Okay, now it's getting creepy, I can't hide anything from you anymore."

"As if I ever could. Now the fields are even." Smiled Judy. "But seriously, what is it ?"

"There is another reason why I'm not really comfortable with you getting inseminated. Gosh I hate that word. It's not just because of the whole 'possessive bond' thing. I'm afraid I won't... Love them like they were my kids."

"Oh."

"Yeah. Imagine it. You get pregnant, you have kits, and I'm just there, standing like a fool, not feeling a thing for them. I'd be there for you and them, don't get me wrong, but it would be... I don't know... Horrible." He pulled her closer. "To be honest, I'd love for you to be pregnant. I'd love to be here to fulfill the weird pregnant cravings, wipe the puke, help you choose pregnant outfits..." She gave him an elbow nudge. "I'd love to get the full father experience. But I'm afraid. I guess all mammals go through that."

Judy crawled up and kissed his nose. "Yeah, I think it's perfectly normal. I'm afraid too, you know. There are actually mothers that can't love their children. They see them and feel nothing either...It's usually temporary or can be fixed with therapy, but still. I actually saw it happen."

"Really ?"

"It's common. It happens to one female in five."

"Holy crap. How is it not known ? I never heard of that."

"Taboo topic. It happened to my mom, on her second litter. It was pretty hard on her."

"I can imagine that, I've seen how invested she's in her family. Did she get over it ?"

"Mostly. We understood what it was quickly enough, she went to see a therapist. But I think she still blames herself for it."

Nick pulled his bunny closer. "I know it's strange, but it kind of makes me feel better."

Judy sighed and buried her face in his chest. "I'm glad we talked about it. Are you sure you're okay with it ?"

"I think I am. Can we just leave the topic open in case I change my mind ?" He asked half-jokingly.

She knew he'd be more comfortable if he had a way out. She wasn't seeking a promise anyway and knew him well enough to know that he was already set on doing it. And she didn't want him to feel forced. "Sure." She pulled back from the hug. "Then there is something else we need to talk about."

"I feel like it's going to be heavy." Remarked Nick.

"Yeah." She took a deep breath. "Okay, there is something, and that's really, really important.."

"If you're trying to worry me, you're actually succeeding fluff."

"Sorry. But it really is important."

"Go ahead, I'm listening."

"If... No when. I think it's more a matter of when we get children."

Nick chuckled. "I'm on board with that."

"When we get children, they'll have to go first." She said, very seriously.

Nick frowned. "Yeah, of course. It's not even a debate."

"No you don't get it. We must consider the possibility we won't make it as a couple. And even in that case, we'll have to keep working together for them to have a good life."

Nick fell mute. He hadn't considered that.

"I'm not saying we're temporary, or that I want us to be. But, you know it is. Mammals, they change. Couples, they break up. And I don't want for us to break up, or to even think about it. But we have to seriously consider it could happen. When we have kid, we won't have the luxury to be selfish anymo-"

Nick huffed. "Whoa. Wait, stop. I got to take that in." He breathed slowly. "Alright. Yeah. Kids. Going first. Got it. Keep going."

"Us, alone as a couple, we're together because we want to. We don't have a reason to. I'm with you because I love you, and you're with me because you love me."
He kissed her. "Yes. I do love you."

She smiled before going back to her serious expression. "But the kids, they won't be about us. We'll have to cast ourselves aside for them if we need to. You understand ?"

"You've been thinking about that a lot, have you ?"

"Yeah, a bit since I know I'll want children, and more seriously since the first time I broached the topic of kids with you."

Nick sighed. "I must admit, I hadn't put as much thoughts into it. Having kids, it was always an abstract concept before... Well before now, to be honest. I don't like the idea of us breaking up. It even hurts to think about it, but I think you're right. I just can't give you some kind of definitive answer on that. I'll do my best if it comes to it. And I really, really hope it won't."

She kissed him. "I didn't need a promise. I just wanted to know where you stood with it. You know, in the burrows, with the number of families there are, even the number of families that live in our estate... I've seen some ugly stuff going on. Families falling apart. Kids being pushed away. If not for my mom, there would be a lot more miserable kids and parents. She gave me a similar speech when I was a teen and started dating."

"That's... Well I don't know. I guess that's a lesson you don't want to learn by yourself."

"Yeah."

He sighed. "You're fine if we just cuddle tonight ? I need to think about all of this."

"I hope I didn't scare you away."

She felt him wrap his tail around her and pull the sheet to cover them both. "You really don't have to worry about that. You know me. Always the anxious fox. Sleep tight Fluff."

"Good night Nick."