27 The Trip
XxX
Surprisingly I goth this done just in time for Christmas.
XxX
Friday morning:
Rising and eating early, the Wilde family set out on their trek to Zootopia after putting a fresh batch of wild flowers in the back of the SUV.
Stopping first to pick up Cotton from Judy's sister Georgette's home, Aja and Cotton are directed to sit in the back row of the SUV.
Noticing the odd look that she's getting from Sarah, Judy explains her reasoning "To begin with, you and Tanner would need to crawl over Aja and Cotton to get into the very back."
And?" asks Sarah.
"Those two are a little less likely to get 'pawsy' than a certain pair of teenagers that I know." finishes Judy.
"Remember the little talk we had last night?" asks Nick noticing the slightly miffed look on his daughter's face.
"Yes dad, of course I remember."
"Well, a positive attitude and good behavior now might lead to fewer restrictions in the future. Understand?"
"…..Yea, I think so."
"All right then, are we good?"
"Yea, we're good."
All, right then."
Soon enough, they arrive at the Catmull residence.
As Tanner is getting into the middle seat with Sarah, it's now Rose's turn to look a bit forlorn.
"What's wrong Flower?" asks Nick.
"Feelin' a bit like the odd mammal out?" asks Judy.
"…Yea, kinda! Everybody here has somebody but me."
"Finding that certain someone isn't something that usually happens overnight sweetheart" points out Nick. "Look how long it took me and your mom to hook up."
"But Sarah has Tanner and Aja has Cotton-"
"And yet" interrupts Judy "there's no guarantee that a year from now or even a week from now that they'll still be together. That's why we had out little trip yesterday and you and your dad had your little talk last night. Nothing in this life is guaranteed to last. You might meet someone you like, only to have your heart broken."
"That's right" adds Nick. "We can't protect you from a broken heart, but there's a lot more at stake here than hurt feelings."
"I know dad … mom, it's just that …"
"Weren't you going on just last night about not having a boyfriend and not needing the umm… medication?" asks Nick, suddenly remembering that there were two young kits in the truck that really didn't need to be included in an in-depth conversation.
"You're on medication?" asks a suddenly concerned Tanner.
"It's a girl thing" interrupts Sarah "let's just leave it at that. Ok?"
Noticing Tanner's questioning look directed her way, Sarah is quick to add "Don't ask Tanner!"
The tone in her voice was enough to deter the young mammal from asking the question that everyone in the vehicle (with the exception of Aja and Cotton) knew was on his lips.
A quick peek into the rearmost seat was enough to confirm that the youngest pair was too wrapped up cuddling with each other to have any inkling of the conversation that was occupying the other five mammals in the vehicle.
"Anyways" continues Judy "would you be more comfortable sitting up front with your dad and I?"
Seeing the pleading eyes of both Sarah and Tanner, Rose decides to give her sister and boyfriend some together time "Yea, I guess."
"Thanks sis!" whispers Sarah not quite as low as she thinks, because Judy picks up the comment, but chooses to say nothing.
…
The four-hour trip to Zootopia was interesting to say the least. While Nick, Judy and Rose tried their best to give Sarah and Tanner at least a semblance of privacy, Aja and Cotton managed to drag the aspiring couple into games of 'slug bug' and 'I spy", much to the amusement of those in the front seat.
Entering the city, Nick decided to take the initiative to ask
Anybody besides me hungry?"
"Nick, we just ate a few hours ago!"
"I know, but I think a couple of kits could use a break." Indicating Sarah and Tanner, who seem to be getting a bit irritated with the constant bombardment of games from Aja and Cotton.
Taking a quick glance in the mirror so as not to seem overly nosey, Judy sees the mildly exasperated faces of her eldest daughter and said daughter's boyfriend. [*]
"Probably a good idea." She admits.
As Nick pulls into a café that looks like it came straight out of the early sixties, Judy reads the name on the sign 'Mel's Diner'.
"Nick…?"
"Relax Fluff, it's one of the best kept secrets in Zootopia."
"If you say so…" says a very doubtful Judy.
Exiting the vehicle, Nick sees the doubt on everyone's faces except for Aja and Cotton, who stare at the quaint structure with awe.
Since Nick is a gentlemammal and holds the door to the establishment open for his bunny and kits.
Followed closely by the kits, Judy enters expecting a somewhat dirty, greasy spoon type interior.
To her amazement, the café is neat as a pin. The floors are spotless, all counters and booths are immaculate and the lighting is perfect-not too bright and not too dim.
"Welcome to Mel's" begins the elderly red fox vixen "How may we-"
When Judy turns and looks at the vixen, who's nametag declares her to be 'Alice', to figure out why she stopped speaking so suddenly, she notices that the mammal is staring directly at her fox.
If not for the fact that the waitress is old enough to be Nick's mother, she would be more than a touch jealous.
"It can't be…." comes quietly from Alice's mouth. "Nicky?"
As the vixen slowly approaches Nick and gently places a paw on his face "Nicky, is it really you?"
"Yea, it is. Sorry I've been gone so long-"
"Mel…"
Getting no answer, Alice then shouts "MEL!"
"What c'ha want woman, I'm busy back here!"
"Get yer tail out here … we've got a visitor…"
"What in the gods name is so damned – Nick?" comes from the undersized brown bear.
As the rest of the Wilde family looks on in amazement, both the vixen and bear grab Nick in a tight hug, tears flowing unabashedly.
After a few minutes, as the hug slowly loosens, Judy decides it's about time to intervene.
*AHEM!*
Suddenly realizing that they're not alone, Mel and Alice quickly release Nick.
"Umm … sorry?" intones Alice, worried that she may have unknowingly caused some tension between Nick and his … mate?
"Introductions!" interrupts Nick.
"Judy and family, meet Mel Sharples, owner and head cook of this fine establishment. And this fine specimen of an adopted mother, is Alice Hyatt, one of mom's closest friends."
"Mel, Alice, I'd like you to meet my beautiful wife Judy, and my … that is our kits.
"First, there's our daughter Sarah and her boyfriend Tanner. Then there's Rose, who is currently unattached-"
"Daaaaad!"
Nick carries on as if he hadn't heard a thing "And finally there's Aja and his girlfriend Cotton."
Noticing the extremely confused looks that the family is getting from both Mel and Alice, Judy decides to take the explanation into her own paws.
Elbowing Nick sharply as a warning, Judy explains: "Sarah is my kit from a previous marriage and Tanner is the son of a former high school crush of mine. While Sarah has been adopted by Nick, Rose and Aja were adopted by both Nick and myself. Cotton is one of my nieces. I hope that clears things up for you."
"Well, I don't know about Mel here" begins Alice "but with all of the stuff going around concerning a rise in interspecies pregnancies, I was actually wondering if maybe you two might have … you know …"
"There have been a few instances where pred/prey hybrids have actually been reported" adds Nick with a dead serious look on his face.
"You can't be serious!" says an aghast Judy.
"No, I think I read it somewhere as well." admits Alice.
While Aja and Cotton seem totally unphased by the entire conversation (they're only 4 years old, remember?), Rose and especially Sarah and Tanner look several shades paler when hearing the news.
"How about we continue this reunion over a bit of lunch?" suggests Judy "Considering that's why we stopped in the first place…"
"Umm, yea, sorry." says a totally embarrassed Alice "I was just so flabbergasted at seeing Nick again after all these years…"
"It's ok, I totally understand." replies Judy as she heads for a booth.
While Alice goes to get some menus, Nick Judy and Rose occupy a booth. Meanwhile, Sarah and Tanner sit next to each other on one side of the next booth with Aja and Cotton sitting across from them.
Returning with menus, the sight of the three couples, all interspecies (even though one set is only four years old) threatens to melt Alice's heart,
"Nick, Judy" she begins "would it be ok to take a couple of pictures of you and your family? Y'all are just so precious… please?"
With the kits seeming indifference "Sure, I don't see why not." says Judy.
"If it's ok with you" says Nick, "I'd like to order for all of us"
"Since you've obviously eaten here before, go ahead." Says Judy.
"Blue plate specials for all of us, with the youngest getting the kits portions if you please."
"Seven blue plates" yells Alice to Mel "three pred and four prey, with one of each a kit portion."
"I can hear ya woman, I aint deef" shouts Mel back.
…
Several minutes later, Alice brings out steaming helpings of Mel's famous hash brown potato casserole with generous helpings of fruit as a side dish.
"The predator version has turkey sausage baked in with it." Alice informs the family.
"It's basically hash browns, mushroom soup, shredded cheese and whatever secret ingredient Mel puts in it." says Nick.
Just then, Judy sees Alice and Tanner gawking at her daughter, who has managed to abscond with a large forkful of Tanner's hash browns.
"Oh, yea, I guess I forgot to mention that my daughter has become a sort of a cannibal or something." she says flippantly.
"And it doesn't bother her?" asks Alice, with Tanner still staring with his mouth hanging open.
"Except for her little adventure with anchovies, it doesn't seem to." admits Nick.
"Misadventure is more like it" grouses Judy, giving a small shudder when remembering the awful smell.
"You know, I've been wondering about that a bit" admits Nick. "By rights, she should have had some sort of negative reaction with all of the protein that she's eaten lately."
"You know, I never really paid it much attention until you just mentioned it. I wonder if Madge Badgerton is still around…"
"Who?"
"Madge Badgerton. She was the honey badger who was in league with Lionheart in the missing mammal's case. We saw her at the asylum, remember? She was the mammal who eventually figured out the antidote for the Nighthowler serum. If she's still around, maybe we could get her to do a complete blood workup on the kits to see if there's anything … different with any of them, starting with Sarah."
"I'm sure that more tests will thrill the hell out of the kits, especially Sarah."
"Still… I think I'll give her a call as long as we're here anyway. If she's still around and is willing to do the tests, I'll call Kiera and Georgette to see if it's ok to test their kits."
"Why would you feel the need to test Tanner?"
(Whispers) 'If Tanner and Sarah actually are 'compatible' we might have just cause to worry!'
Wearing a more than slightly shocked look, Nick has to agree "I-I guess you're right go ahead an make the calls. Let's find out as soon as we can so we can get it over with."
While the family plus two enjoy their breakfast, they're joined by Alice and Mel, who has actually closed the diner so the visit can go on uninterrupted.
While waiting to be connected to the honey badger that Judy knew from so long ago, the adventure of the past several weeks is unfolded to Mel and Alice, starting with Nick rescuing Judy from her roadside breakdown, to meeting Sarah, to the courtroom drama, the happenings during the adoption hearings and concluding with their current trip to Zootopia,
Striking out with Madge's old number, Judy tried Bogo's old number with equal results. Finally trying Jack, she managed to get the honey badger's new number. Needing to reveal the purpose of the call, Judy told Jack their concern for the kits possibly becoming pregnant even with the relationships being so unconventional. Thinking of the kits currently living with him, Jack immediately gave Judy Madge's new number and began making arrangements to have his kits and himself tested as well.
After making the call to Madge, then quick calls to Tanners parents and to Georgette, Judy leans over and quietly tells Nick "I set up an appointment for three this afternoon. All of us are going to have a blood test, even you and I."
"But-"
"Look, I know I told you that I got fixed, and it's true. But I figured it would be a bit easier to get the kits to co-operate if we get tested as well. Besides, what can it hurt?"
Although totally unconvinced, Nick agrees "Fine …"
"I'll make it up to you tonight, ok? Or tomorrow night if we need to stay over … too many young ears and eyes and all."
"Hmmm … death by bunny sex … sounds like fun. Ok, deal!"
Rolling her eyes at the lewd remark (but smiling internally) Judy gets the thankless duty of informing the kits about the upcoming ordeal.
"Ok kits, we're going to have a slight change of plans. After lunch we're going to see and old friend of mine. Her name is Doctor Madge Badger. She happens to the be one of the foremost scientists in Zootopia."
"And just why are we going to see her?" asks Sarah.
"Because all of us are going to get our blood tested."
"What?" comes from all five kits at the same time.
"Really mom?" asks Sarah.
"Yes really.
"But-"
"No buts, we're going to do this!"
"Even you and dad?"
"Yes, even dad and I."
"But … why?"
"Because we want to find out if you and Tanner and even Aja and Cotton are … compatible…"
Seeing the uncomprehending stare that she's getting, Judy lowers her voice so only Sarah and Tanner can hear: "Basically we need to know if you can even have kits from Tanner or whoever you might marry in the future. It's useful information for when the time comes Sarah! I would think you'd be concerned or at least interested."
"I guess it does make sense." says Tanner, much to Sarah's surprise.
Seeing the surprised look on her face, he continues "Wouldn't you like to know that when we get married, after we're finished with school and are financially stable, we'd be able to have kits of our own? If not, would we plan to adopt?"
Unable to see past the logic of Tanners comments, Sarah gives in, complete with a dramatic eye roll "Fine!"
With the future being totally unknown, Rose (always the sensible one) offered no resistance to the idea, while Aja and Cotton weren't too keen on it.
"Will it hurt?" asks Cotton.
"Maybe a little" answers Judy. "How about a trip to Jumbeaux's as a reward when we get back home?"
After looking at each other briefly, both Aja and Cotton nod the affirmative to the poorly concealed bribe of ice cream.
"Just so you know" adds Judy "I've talked to both of your parents (indicating Tanner and Cotton) and it's ok with them as long as you're good with it."
"So ok, I guess that we're all doing this, but … why you and dad?" asks Sarah "I mean, you already know you can't have any more kits anyway!"
"Firstly, to set a positive example for the rest of you, and secondly … curiosity, I guess? Maybe? At any rate, it'd be nice to know whether your dad and I could have actually had kits of our own if the circumstances had been different."
"And if you could…?"
"Then it's more likely than not that at least Aja and Cotton will be able to have kits, provided they're still together in twenty years or so,"
Stunned by the possibility that her little cousin could possibly have kits with the silver fox, Sarah is suddenly more receptive to the idea of a blood test to determine whether she and Tanner might be able to have kits. It makes the idea of trying to sneak off and 'experiment' take on a much more serious note with possible serious consequences.
"Ok, I guess that that's settled" Sarah admits "and now what?"
"When we're finished with breakfast, we visit my mom and Aja's parents." answers Nick.
"And it'll likely be late enough that we'll need to spend the night in Zootopia and head back to Aurora in the morning. Don't worry, I'll call your parents and explain everything." finishes Judy.
…
After finishing their meal and dispensing with tearful and extended goodbyes', the Wildes plus two are headed for the Zootopia Medical Research Center to meet with Judy's old friend Dr. Madge Badger.
Arriving at the Center, they are directed to room 403 where they are greeted by Madge herself.
"Well bless my soul, if it aint Judy Hopps in the fur."
"It's been a long time Madge. And it's actually Judy Wilde now."
"I guess so, almost twenty years, right?"
"Yup. You remember Nick here?"
"He was with you the night that Lionheart and I got arrested at the asylum, right?"
"That's right. Umm, no hard feelings?"
"Naw, it actually got me this gig ... head researcher here at the Center."
"Well, I'm glad that you got things turned around. Anyway, you know why we're here, how about we get things underway? We've got five anxious kits here and I'd really rather get this over with as quickly as we can."
"I understand, but I've really got to ask … are any of these kits yours? I mean yours and the fox's?
"I get what you mean, but not physically no. Sarah here is mine from a previous marriage, the young cougar hybrid is her boyfriend, Rose is adopted as is Aja, and Cotton is Aja's girlfriend and my niece."
"Ok, NOW I understand your concerns. So, who gets to go first?
"I guess that would be Nick and I. we'll go first just to show the kits, especially Aja and Cotton, that it's not gonna be a big deal."
"Right. It'll just be a little stick and then it'll be over."
…
After a very short time, the blood samples have been drawn and everyone is set to leave.
"How long until we can expect any kind of results?" asks Nick.
"Since you're basically just looking for species compatibility, it narrows the search field considerably. I'd say you can probably expect a call from me by sometime tomorrow afternoon."
"Wow, that soon?"
"Like I said, since you're only looking for one specific item it's not going to take long."
"Can you e-mail the official results to us and to Tanner and Cotton's parents as well? I know that they're as anxious to know the results as we are." intones Judy.
"Of course, no problem. And try not to be such a stranger."
"No promises, we won't be getting to Zootopia very often."
"It's ok, I understand. Anyway, best of luck to y'all and be safe."
"Thanks…"
…
As everyone loads back into the SUV, Rose sits in the third row with Aja and Cotton, consoling the two young kits.
"And now?" asks Sarah.
"Glacier Bay Cemetery to visit Aja's folks first, then Pinehurst to visit with my mom. It makes the trip a bit shorter timewise. Then I guess we'll get a room or two at the Palms for the night."
After a roughly forty-five-minute drive to the Glacier Bay Cemetery in the heart of the Tundra district, everyone disembarks and makes the short trek to visit the Tarron's gravesites.
Upon arrival, Aja takes Cotton by the paw and leads her slowly to his parents graves.
"Hey momma, poppa. We-we saw you in the sky the other night, and we knew that we needed to visit everyone. We visited Grama and Granpa Hopps yesterday, and we're gonna visit Grama Wilde next. I-I want you to meet my girlfriend Cotton Hopps … I know we're really kinda young yet, but … Cotton and I are gonna be married when we're old enough. Momma and poppa Wilde are great, I don't know if they'll be able to do as good a job raisin' me as you would, but I know they'll do their best. They really love me and want the best for me and my sisters Sarah and Rose."
With that, Aja and Cotton placed a small bouquet of flowers on each grave.
Being the shy and nervous bunny that she was Cotton just waved at the graves and Aja seemed ok with that.
"Hello mister and missus Tarron." begins Nick "Like Aja said, Judy and I may not do as good a job at raising your son, but we love him like he was out own fur and blood, and will always try to do right by him, just like our other kits."
Out of respect, Sarah, Tanner and Rose had hung back, not particularly wanting to intrude on Aja and Cotton's time with his folks.
Deciding against dragging the five kits, two of whom weren't even family, along to visit with Krystal, who is buried in the same cemetery, Nick figured that she would understand.
…
Taking the next hour and a half to drive halfway across Zootopia to Pinehurst cemetery, the Wildes and their charges arrive at Pinehurst to visit with Nick's mom.
After exiting the vehicle and a short walk later, the group arrives at the grave of Laverne Marie Wilde.
"Hey mom" begins Nick "Surprise, we're back sooner rather than later. We've had some additions to the family, and we figured we'd update the grandparents. You already know about Sarah, well she's got a boyfriend and he seems like a nice enough sort. He's actually the son of one of Judy's old flames-"
"HEY!"
"Anyway, he's a nice enough kit and they seem to fit well together. Judy and I have actually adopted two more kits … I'll let her tell you about them."
"Hey Mrs. Wilde … like Nick said, we've adopted two more kits. Rose is another bunny doe, she's smart as a whip and gets along with Sarah as well as Nick and I so we figured we'd keep her." Which earned Judy a slightly annoyed look from the aforementioned bunny.
Grinning slightly, Judy continues "Then there's Aja, who Rose wouldn't leave behind to fend on his own. Little Aja even has managed to pick up a girlfriend, a bunny doe who happens to be one of my nieces. Small world huh?
"Enough from me for now, we'll let the kits have their time … if they feel like it."
Stepping up first was Aja. Leading Cotton by the paw, the young todd begins "Granma … you might not know me yet, but I'm Aja, and this is Cotton. Mom and dad are really great … they're not my real momma and poppa, but they do the best that they can, and I'm really thankful for them 'cause they rescued me and Rose from the orphanage. I wish I could see you face to face … I really wish I could give you a hug right now 'cause I think you could really use one. We saw you in the sky the other night and I know you'll be looking out for us. Please keep a special lookout for my sister Rose" as he motions with his paw for Rose to join him and Cotton "cause she's my big sister but she really needs someone to look out for her now. She always looked out for me at the orphanage and protected me from all of the mean kits all of the time… mom and dad have each other, me and Cotton have each other and Sarah and Tanner have each other, so please keep a special eye on Rose ;cause needs someone special in her life."
"HEY!"
"It's ok Rose, Granma will help."
Next, Sarah and Tanner approach.
Gramma Wilde … I … we … umm. This is Tanner, he and I are umm, boyfriend and girlfriend like dad said. Tanner makes me feel special, he always thinks of me before himself, just like dad does with mom. I've never had anyone besides mom and then dad treat me like that. Like Aja said, we saw you in the sky the other night, watching over us, and I, that is we, would really like you to keep an eye on the entire family, Tanner and Cotton included.'
'I know dad's had a rough time in the military and mom's had a really rough time trying to raise me and my sibs basically all by herself, so please keep a special watch over them. They both deserve a better life that the one they had before."
Turning to leave, Sarah is astonished to see Nick holding Judy with both arms and his tail securely wrapped around his very tearful wife.
"Mom?"
"I-I'm … it's ok honey, really. You kits, all of you, are just so … wonderful! How could I have ever been so lucky? So lucky to have finally gotten with Nick after all these years? To have such a wonderful daughter, such-such wonderful and supportive kits? And that's all of you, including Tanner and Cotton."
"We've both been incredibly lucky" says Nick softly. "I never would have thought in a million years to have finally found you and gotten together with you. And the kits, starting with Sarah … this has been a dream come true for me."
Sarah leads the charge for a tight family hug, with Cotton and Tanner joining in without a second thought.
Several minutes later, as the hug begins to lessen, nick says "Ok, … now … let's head back to town, we need to get to the hotel and check in."
"Dad…?" asks Sarah.
"While you kits were visiting with mom, I took the liberty of reserving a couple of rooms at the Palms. It would be entirely too late to be driving back to Aurora tonight, so I figured that a nice comfortable room would be in order."
"But the Palms? Isn't that-"
"A bit expensive? Why yes, yes it is" which earned him a slight poke in the ribs as well as a giggle from Judy. "But since we can afford it, I figured why not!"
"With a jacuzzi?"
"Of course. What kind of dad would I be to deprive my kits of such a simple pleasure?"
"Aren't you forgetting something?" asks Judy.
"Such as?"
"None of us have suits!"
"The hotel has some in stock. All we need to do is give them our sizes when we check in and they'll send them up to our room."
"Then what are we waiting for?" asks Sarah.
…
After the short jaunt through Zootopia, Nick and family plus two arrive at the Palms Hotel.
Not even getting a second glance from the staff, the group give the front desk their suit sizes and are assured that the items would be delivered to their rooms shortly.
Taking the elevator to the fifth floor, Nick leads the family to one of the rooms.
Entering the room, which contained two queen-sized beds, large enough to comfortably fit a pair of lions, Nick tells the kits to pick which room they want, reminding them that "Bunnies are in one room, foxes and cougars are in the other."
Receiving disappointed looks from both Sarah and Tanner he went on to explain "You really didn't think that your mother and I would actually allow you and Tanner to sleep in the same room, did you?"
"Well, I was kinda hopin'-"
"Sorry, but after our visit downtown earlier today, I really thought that you'd know better." states Judy.
"You really don't trust us?"
"That's not it … I don't trust teenage hormones. You two haven't been together long enough to show us that you can behave when 'opportunities' present themselves." Nick tells her.
"I agree with your father" Judy tells Sarah, glancing briefly at Aja and Cotton. "We still don't know for sure what could happen if you … lose control and-"
"Mother, please… we wouldn't dare do anything as stupid as-"
Stopping abruptly as she follows her mother's eyes to Aja and Cotton, Sarah rethinks what she was about to say.
"On the other paw, I guess it might be setting a bad example for the younger kits…"
"I thought you'd understand, once all of the facts were presented."
With that, a knock at the room's door throttled any further conversation.
Answering the door and accepting what the room service mammal brought, which was seven pairs/sets of swimsuits.
After the males vacated to room so everyone could change, the entire group gathered at the lion sized jacuzzi in the main room.
As everyone got comfortable in the warm bubbly water, Rose brought up the subject of food.
"Is anyone hungry besides me?"
"I guess it is about time to eat" admits Judy "Suggestions for supper?"
"PIZZA!" came the unanimous answer from five kits.
"Sounds good to me" admits Nick "as long as there aren't any anchovies on it."
"DAD!" exclaims Sarah in horror, "you wouldn't dare …. "
"It seems that Sarah has a problem with anchovies" begins Nick.
"NO … please?"
"It seems that it gives here terrible gas" finishes Judy.
"Anchovies?" asks Tanner, more than a little confused.
"We talked about this a bit at lunch, remember?" asks Judy.
Hiding behind her ears as has been her habit, "Just kill me now and get it over with" says Sarah.
Noticing that Tanner is still staring a bit "What?" asks Sarah.
"Umm … nothing?"
"So ok, I like the taste of pred food, is that a problem?"
"And it doesn't bother you … physically?"
"Except for those dam-darned anchovies, no it doesn't seem to…"
"Great, at least we don't have to go to two separate restaurants to eat when we go out!"
Not really expecting that response, Sarah recovers enough to give Tanner a quick peck on the cheek.
"Thanks Tanner."
"Y-you're welcome…" shooting a slightly nervous look towards Judy and Nick who just give a slight smile and turn back to each other.
"Mom, dad will you PLEASE stop embarrassing me?"
"Probably not." answers Nick.
"And remember what happened the last time you tried to get even with your father?" asks Judy.
"But why?"
"It's sort of a right of passage to embarrass your child when he or she is being courted." answers Judy. "Mom and dad did it to me and every one of my sibs back in the day."
"And just think" adds a smirking Nick "I'm sure there are plenty of embarrassing moments about Tanner that his folks will share" which brings a look of sheer horror to Tanner's face and a very thoughtful one to Sarah's.
…
After an uneventful rest of the evening, everybody gets quick showers and heads to bed, with females in one bedroom, and males in the other.
With each of the beds being lion sized, the adults decided to take one bed (quite large enough for all to sleep together, but it was deemed inappropriate) while the kits took the other.
While trying to get comfortable, Sarah hears soft sniffles coming from the direction of her mother.
Climbing onto the bed and softly approaching Judy, Sarah quietly asks "What's the matter mom? Are you ok?"
"I-I … I guess … I don't know" comes the equally quiet reply.
"It's dad … isn't it? You miss being with him."
"Yea … but I'll-I'll be ok … I guess."
Taking only a second to decide, Sarah gently climbs off of the bed and heads to the other bed in the room to confer with her sisters.
After only a few minutes, Sarah again leaves their bed and gently knocks on the door separating the two rooms.
"What's wrong?" asks Nick when he answers the knock.
"You need to get to mom." she answers simply.
"But-"
"Dad, we all understand. Mom's lost without you being there, and we're all old enough to understand, even Cotton and Aja. Go to her dad, please."
Kissing his daughter and issuing a polite 'thank you' Nick heads back into the male bedroom to tell Tanner and Aja what's going on and asks them (especially Tanner) to behave and get some sleep.
Quietly entering the other bedroom and only disturbing Judy's bed slightly, Nick joins his upset mate and quickly spoons her, much to her surprise.
"Nick" she softly hisses "What are you doing here? The kits-"
"The kits were concerned about you and they all decided that the only way that anyone would get any rest is if we were together … and NO funny business Mrs. Wilde, there are young kits nearby."
Giving her husband a quick peck on the cheek, Judy settles down.
"Bless you and bless them. Good night Nick."
"G'nite Fluff."
XxX
AN: [*] Sarah is 4 months older than Rose-this is NOT counting Jack junior and Jill who currently reside with Jack senior and are actually 3 years older than Sarah.
I'm going to try to get another chapter of 'I Love You But…' done for New Years, but no promises.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all and to all a good night!
GhostWolf88