11 To Knot Or Not To Knot
Waking at sunrise the next morning, Judy is a lot sorer than she expected to be, even taking into account the differenced in anatomy between Nick and the bucks she had to tolerate when she was in high school.
Looking up at her sleeping vulpine husband, Judy has to smile and think to herself 'Finally, … we finally did it. I honestly can't believe that the mammal I love is here, in bed with me, married to me.'
Kissing Nick gently on his cheek, Judy lifts the covers, needing to answer natures call.
"Going somewhere Fluff?"
"EEEEP! Damn Nick…"
"Sorry love, I thought you knew I was awake! Better get those radar dishes checked…"
"Let me go for a minute please, I need to pee. I promise to come back."
"How about I give you a few minutes head start, then we can take a good shower. Together this time. I'm sure we could both use one after last night."
"Yea, I guess you're right. And then what?"
"We could come back to bed-"
"How about we take a short break. You're a little bit bigger than I thought."
"Really?"
"Nick, all I ever had before were bucks, and you put them all to shame! And … I'm sorry, truly sorry that I couldn't give you the virgin you deserve…" she confesses sorrowfully.
Reaching out and gently taking her chin in a paw, Nick consoles his new bride "Judy, I'm not sure how to put this so it doesn't seem cold, but I really don't care. As long as I have you, here, with me, I'm happy. That being said, flattery will get you anywhere my love." he answers as he lightly kisses his doe on the tip of her nose.
"Besides with my … private parts being totally abused, my ear is still a bit sore as well. How about we get some breakfast while I call mom?"
"Sounds good to me. Go pee, call your mom, then we can take a good shower and go get something to eat."
After returning from a quick trip to the bathroom then crawling back in bed and cuddling with Nick, Judy tells Nick "Paw me my phone please."
Reaching over to the nightstand, Nick picks up Judy's phone and passes it to her.
…
Answering on the third ring, Bonnie is actually surprised to hear from Judy so early in the morning … all things (like a wedding night) being considered as she answers the MuzzleTime call.
"Judy? Is everything all right? Why are you calling so early?"
"Everything's fine mom. I had to get up and use the bathroom so I thought I'd call."
"G'mornin' Bonnie" interrupts Nick.
"Good morning to you too Nick."
Detecting something in her voice, Nick asks "Is everything all right there? I mean, I know that yesterday with Stu and all has got to be upsetting …"
Letting out an audible sigh, Bonnie admits "I'm sorry, I don't want to bother you two with my problems right now. It's your honeymoon and all…"
"Mom? What is it? tell us. Please…"
"Well … by the time I got home yesterday, several agents of the Greater Animalia Tax Fraud unit were waiting for me, as well as the Sheriff. It seems like the authorities are charging your dad with a hate crime under the Zootopia Interspecies Hate Crime Law that was passed in Zootopia just a few years before."
"As if things couldn't get any worse." moans Judy.
"But" again interrupts Nick "while I understand a visit from the sheriff, that doesn't warrant the tax fraud agents being there! What's up with that?"
"Well, if you remember yesterday, Stu admitted that he was only in partnership with Gideon because he was behind in taxes for the farm. It seems like he never reported the additional income, and now they've given me just a week to come up with the taxes, fines and penalties or they're going to take the farm. What am I going to do? I don't think we've got that kind of money!"
"Oh my god mom…"
"So, if you don't mind telling, how much does that amount to?" asks Nick calmly.
"Just over three and a half million dollars!" and with that, Bonnie breaks down and begins to cry.
Sitting in shock, Judy notices Nick still being as calm as if they were talking about the weather.
"Nick, how in the world can you be so-"
"Calm? Fluff, stop and think for a second … how much money do we, especially you have in the bank right now?
"Just … damn. So, we do … what?"
"Well, we can't just give your mom the money and we can't just pay off the fines and penalties either."
"So how-"
"What we can do is enter into a limited partnership with your mom and register the business as an LLC, front her a sizeable amount of money as partners, say around five million, to make it all legit and she'll have enough left over to do whatever she needs to do to keep it on the up and up."
"You-you'd do that?" asks a totally shocked Bonnie.
"Why not?" asks Nick. "It's not like we can't afford it."
"But if Stu was that far behind, I'm sure there's no one around Bunnyburrow who'll be able to work through this legal mess." argues Bonnie.
"There's a firm here in Zootopia that handles those types of cases exclusively. They sound disreputable, but it's actually just happenstance."
"And the name of this firm is?"
"Dewie, Cheetum & Howe!"
"You're kidding, right?" asks a skeptical Judy.
"Nope. They are without a doubt, the best corporate lawyers in the business, and I would know."
"Of course you would!" retorts Judy as she rolls her eyes, remembering the short exchange between the two of them not long after they first met.
"I'll text you their number when we get through talking. When you get your information together, including all of the documents that the agents gave you, set up an appointment with them. When they get the details ironed out, calls us and we'll come in, look them over, sign them and you'll be set to go."
"And what do you expect to get out of it?" asks Bonnie a bit concerned.
"Blueberries" returns Nick "lots of blueberries!"
"Seriously Nick?" asks Judy.
Letting out a small huff "Fine. We can be minority stockholders, with say … a one percent dividend return at the end of each year. That money will then be given to a charity or scholarship to be named at a later date. Happy?"
"Nick …. Judy … I-"
"It's ok Mrs. Hopps, I-"
"Nick, I don't want to have to tell you again, it's BONNIE…"
"Yes ma'am … I mean Bonnie."
"So" says Bonnie, wanting to get off on a happier subject for at least a little bit "What are your plans for the rest of the day, as if I really need to ask."
Blushing only lightly at the insinuation, "Not … that, mom, really? Ummm, I'm a little sore yet from last night. Nick is SOOO much … umm-"
"I think I get the picture." interrupts a widely grinning Bonnie.
"I-I thought maybe we could visit my mom and dad again?" Nick suggests.
"That would be a great idea" says Bonnie "It's too bad they couldn't make the wedding. I would love to meet them sometime."
"Ummm-" begins Nick.
"Mom they've … passed" says Judy softly.
"Oh, I'm so sorry, I-"
"It's ok Bonnie" interrupts Nick "there's no way you could've known."
With Nick's permission, Judy relays the story of Nick's parents to her mother.
"That's so sad, I'm so sorry for your loss Nick."
"Thanks. I've done well enough since, but I do miss them."
After pausing for a few moments, Bonnie has a suggestion "Nick … I know this isn't much, and I would never dream of taking your parents place, but … as kind as you've been to me and especially Judy … anytime you might need a mother figure in your life, I'd be honored to fill the role."
With the suggestion coming out of the blue, Nick is taken aback for a moment or two "Wh-why thank you Bonnie … I-I'll try to remember that in the future."
"You're very welcome Nick. I'll talk to you both later. Get some rest and go see your parents Nick, I know they'd love to hear from you … both of you, today."
"Bye mom" says Judy.
"Bye … mom" echoes Nick softly.
Seeing Bonnies face light up just before the call ends was very heartwarming for Judy's fox, he knew that she meant every word.
"You know" Judy begins "mom's right. We need to go visit your mom and dad again. I think they'll understand that when you call your mom 'mom', You're not replacing your mom in your heart, just making room for one more mammal to love."
"Of course. Let's get that shower, then get some breakfast and visit my folks."
One intense shower and a leisurely breakfast later, our couple is once again headed to Pinehurst Cemetery.
…
Feeling a lot less intimidated that the last time they were there, Nick kneels in front of his parent's graves.
"Hey mom, dad. I guess you know that I finally married Judy, and I really hope you approve, not that it really matters. Anyway, Judy's mother, Bonnie, has offered to be a sort of a stand-in for mom, since … well, you know. We're still not sure what we're gonna do from here on out, but we've got plenty of money,so I guess that don't matter a lot either. The first thing I think we'll do is go visit Judy's family in Bunnyburrow" which surprises Judy to no end "then maybe go on some sort of extended honeymoon. I doubt if Judy has ever done anything for fun, you know just for the hell of it. She's been so concentrated on becoming a cop that that part of her life is missing. I want to give a little if that back to her if I can."
"Nick-"
"No Fluff. Listen … you've already admitted that you were so focused on becoming a cop that you never did anything except study and train since you were what, nine?"
"But-"
"What? Judy listen to me, please. I know that my kithood sucked, but as you know I had issues. You've got to let loose a bit or the stress gets to you and dumb things happen …"
"… Like maybe a certain press conference?"
"I guess that that's as good an example as any, so yea, like the press conference. To be fair, that's not entirely your fault. Smellwether set you up to fail, because she had Doug as the mammal asking all of the right, or wrong questions. We're going to go to Bunnyburrow, then somewhere where even the cellphones don't work for at least a few days. You've got to destress Fluff."
"I know, but it's so hard that-"
"Why, yes, yes it is." interrupts Nick as he wiggles his eyebrows.
"That's NOT what I meant and you know it!"
"And I care … why?"
Staring into Nick sparkling green eyes, Judy finally gets the message.
"You're right. I get too uptight too easily. Ok, lunch, then what?"
"Tell you what … let's go back home, get some 'exercise', then-"
"Really Nick? After last night?"
"Where's the stereotypical horney bunny that I married yesterday? You know, the one who couldn't keep her paws off of me?"
"I'll keep an eye out for her on the ride home…"
Pulling out his very best 'sad' face, Nick looks as pathetic as he can.
"Ok, fine" says an amused Judy, rolling her eyes. "And after that, then what?"
"I thought that we might could stop by Michael's and Burks and get some outfits."
"For … where?"
"Pawaii maybe?"
"So you can wear one of those awful shirts? No, absolutely not!"
"The Bearhama Islands then? And if I promise to wear something that you pick out?"
"… Maybe…"
"But … then I get to pick out something for you."
"Nick, no"
"I promise it'll be appropriate."
"You're sure…?"
"Well, not counting the negligée and that bikini, yea."
"As long as I get to pick out everything except for the negligee and the bikini, you've got a deal."
"Deal."
As Judy reaches out to shake paws, Nick pulls her into a very heated kiss.
Finally separating due to lack of breath, Nick agrees "Deal."
"NICK, If you don't get me home RIGHT NOW-"
"Seat stain, got it!" Nick replies as he drags his bunny to the car, throws it into gear and breaks most if not every traffic law in Zootopia in a mad rush to get home.
…
A few hours later: "Nick …"
"Yes my lovely bunny?"
"Pee … shower … food, in that order. BUT, before we go to the store, we need to look for a doctor who deals with interspecies couples."
Seeing the stunned look on Nick's face, Judy quickly adds "No I'm NOT pregnant, but the IUD has got to go. Because of your … size, it's difficult to really enjoy finally being in bed with you and being able to make love to you the way I want to … the way I need to …."
Looking into her husband's beautiful emerald green eyes, Judy adds "Nick I love you with all my heart, but we need to do this right … ok?"
"Yes ma'am. Maybe the doctor you saw the other day would have some suggestions?"
"That's an idea, hold on a sec…"
Dialing Dr. Katz's number, Judy has brief conversation with the good doctor, and scribbles furiously on the back of an envelope lying on the coffee table.
"Ok, got it, thanks doctor Katz."
"Dr. Katz's office is going to set me up an appointment with someone who deals exclusively with interspecies couples, they'll call me when it's set."
"Great … now, about that shower…"
…
After showering with minimal fooling around (much to Nicks chagrin) Nick and Judy make a pit stop at the local Subs N Stuff for a quick bite to eat.
Then it's off to the swanky clothing store called Michael's and Burks. Once there they outfitted themselves with nice dresses for Judy (even though she hardly ever wore them before now) and some sharp shirts and slacks for Nick.
Even though Judy had agreed to let Nick pick out her lingerie, Judy saw what he started looking at and quickly put a sop to that. After promising to get something sexy, Judy was allowed to pick out her 'bedclothes' while Nick scoped out the bikinis.
When Nick actually picked out sone nice bikinis, Judy allowed him his choices, as well as a couple of one-piece bathing suits, just in case.
On the way back home, Judy's phone rings:
"Hello? Yes, this is she…. just a sec while I find something to write with and on …. Ok, go ahead…"
Scribbling furiously on an old envelope she found in her little pocketbook, Judy asks the mammal on the other end to confirm the information, then hangs up.
"Ok … here's the scoop … I, that is we, have an appointment at a doctor Marion Locksley's in room 417 in the Medical Arts building on Sahara Square."
"Di-did you say Marion Locksley?"
Looking directly at Nick with a puzzled look on her face "Yes … is that a problem?"
"… No?"
"What is it Nick?"
"Ummm …."
"Nick!"
"If it's the same Marion Locksley that I know … we … she and I … may have a bit of a past."
Knowing that Judy will not let this go, Nick sighs and begins:
"Back in the day, when I was working for Big, I had to make under the table runs to the clinic that she runs. Nothing illegal, just kind of borderline stuff. You need to remember, preds – especially all breeds of fox – were and still looked down upon as sly, shifty and generally disreputable.
"Ok, I'm with you so far …" motioning for him to continue.
"Well … umm … Marion kinda had the hots for me."
"And you didn't reciprocate the feeling?"
"To put it mildly, no I did not."
"So, we may need to deal with a jealous … what?"
"Vixen of course. And, of course she's a red fox to top it all off."
"Right now, I'm afraid we're out of options. And you're coming with me … RIGHT?"
"Of course Fluff, thick and thin, sickness and health, all of that. No matter what, I'm gonna be there with you."
Noticing his bunny begin to tear up, Nick is concerned.
"Fluff? Judy?"
"I-it's ok Nick, I promise. I'm just not used to so much support, especially after … you know … dad."
Taking Judy into a tight hug and stroking her ears (being mindful of the injured left one) "I know Fluff, I know. Anyway, what time is your, that is our appointment?"
Looking at her note "Three thirty today."
"We've got time for a light lunch then a short nap before your appointment. So, shall we?" says Nick, offering his bunny his arm.
"Just a nap, right?"
"Of course. Considering where and why we're going, I'm sure she's gonna want to give the competition a quick exam."
"Nick!"
"Kidding, sort of. You'll need to get an exam I'm sure, right?"
"I guess. And you trust this Locksley?"
"As far as I know she's the best interspecies reproduction vet in all of Animalia."
"And you didn't think of this before – why?"
"First of all, we're trying to not get you pregnant, right?"
"Yea, and?"
"I was kinda wanting to not have to see her again especially after the last time …"
Seeing the intense stare that told Nick once again Judy would not be satisfied until she hears the entire story, Nick rolls his eyes, pinches the bridge of his nose and begins:
"Ok … in case you weren't aware, in fox culture, the vixen takes the lead in almost everything. From asking the todd out on the first date to initiating sex, to asking about marriage … literally everything. At the time, she was well aware of the fact that a todd's 'season' is in the winter months, and did her level best to get me into bed with her. Had she been able to do that, there's absolutely no doubt that I've knotted her, and that would've been that. It would have been Nick and Marion Wilde and several little red fox kits running around.
"Quick question, do you know the purpose of knotting? I mean the actual biological purpose? It's not just for the mandatory 'cuddle time' that most mammals talk about, it actually serves a biological purpose."
"N-not really?"
"It's umm … how to phrase this …"
"Just tell me Nick!"
Giving a quick huff, Nick plods on "Ok, it's to prevent 'leakage'." using finger quotes.
"Leakage?"
"It's to pretty much ensure pregnancy Fluff, to prevent 'leakage …"
Staring with a confused look on her face for another few seconds, Judy finally puts the pieces together, blushing furiously.
"NICK!"
"You wanted to know…."
"So 'it' more than just a custom…"
"It's an actual need, yea. So you see why it's something that, at least for now isn't really needed, right?"
"No. I still want the custom. That way when we actually try for kits, if it's possible that I can actually give you kits of our own, that it's be more likely to happen. Understand?"
"Yes Fluff, I do. I'm not sure how this'll help you to not get pregnant, but if it works I'm all for it."
"Ha-have you ever…"
"Knotted before? Look, knotting is a life-long commitment thing. Once knotted, the todd and vixen, or in our case todd and doe, are mated for life. I could never take another mate if something happens to you. Ever. So no, I haven't. The only variable in this is say if something happened to you and we have kits, I might be able to take another mate."
"So dad's other worry, the one about you leaving me…"
"Is very unlikely. It has happened in the past but is highly irregular. Besides, I was already committed to being with you as a life mate since before the wedding, and nothing has changed. I will never leave you Judy."
"Even if I was to tun up pregnant without us planning on it?"
Of course, that's what a true mate does!"
"I kind of hate to ask … but … once we do … you know … could we go and visit my dad?"
"I'll make you a deal. We can go, but you're the only one that'll visit him. He's not going to change his mind about me, regardless of our customs. You need to know that up front."
Thinking it over for a few seconds, Judy realizes that Nick is entirely correct.
"Fine, as long as we go together. I just want to see him one last time, because from the sound of it, he may die in prison."
"Works for me. now, let's go to the Panda Go Panda restaurant down the street for a quick bite, then get a nap before we see the great doctor Locksley…"
"Nick…"
…
After a quick lunch of hot and sour soup and spring rolls and a trip home for a short nap, Nick and Judy head for her/their appointment.
Arriving at the Zootopia Center for Interspecies Reproduction, Judy checks in at the reception desk, and they sit down to wait their turn.
Glancing around at the other couples, Judy doesn't notice the undisguised dislike or even the pure hatred she saw the last visit to a clinic. Instead it seems to be more curiosity and downright approval, even though most couples are either prey ore predators of mixed species.
When they finally hear "Judy Hopps!" Nick and Judy stand and are escorted to an exam room after Judy's vital signs are taken.
Almost immediately, an attractive red fox vixen, wearing a white lab coat with 'Dr. M. Locksley' on the name plate enters the room.
Time seemingly stans still as all three in the room freeze at the participants all notice who is who.
"NICK WILDE?" escapes the vixen's mouth.
"…"
And Judy Hopps?" she further says.
"That's Judith Wilde if you please." returns Judy with just a touch(?) of attitude.
"Well" says doctor Locksley showing a light smirk "this is a surprise. Here I was expecting to meet the famous Judy Hopps and perhaps a hare for a mate, and what do I get-"
"It's Judith. I don't believe we're on a first name basis just yet doctor Locksley" returns Judy hotly.
Glancing towards Nick and seeing only his patented smirk, doctor Locksley quickly regains most of her professional manner.
"Of course, my apologies Mrs. Wilde. It's just a bit of a shock seeing you and my former mate tog-"
"You can stop right there" warns Judy, venom creeping into her voice "I know enough about vulpine customs to know that you and Nick were never mates. If you were, I wouldn't be here with him today. We can either begin to be civil, or Nick and I can leave and go straight to a lawyer to pursue charges of professional misconduct against you … your choice!"
Seeing the shocked look on the vixen's face, Judy continues with her tirade: "In the past week I've had my own father try to kill Nick and almost kill me instead. Yes, we're married and have mated, but if you think for one second that I'm bluffing about pressing charges, you are sadly mistaken! So, what's it gonna be?"
Taking a few seconds to recover from the confrontation, doctor Locksley finally responds: "I-I sincerely apologize. I had no right to treat you the way I did. It was such a surprise to see Nick after all these years, and with a rabbit of all species – no disrespect, but considering that rabbits and foxes were natural enemies for thousands of years…"
"Fine. Can we just get on with this then?" asks Judy.
"All right, what seems to be the problem?"
"Believe it or not" answers Nick "We'd like to be sure that Judy can NOT get pregnant."
"We already suspect that I probably can" adds Judy "with an acquaintance of mine, a hare actually, being married to another red fox, has actually had a couple of small litters. I'm currently an IUD for birth control … but …"
"But you want to … do the customary thing?"
"That's right, I do." With still a bit of attitude showing in her voice.
"To be quite honest, this is exactly the opposite of what I would expect, but I do believe that there are several options besides the IUD that you're currently using. There are libido suppressants-"
"Nope" interrupts Judy "newlyweds, so that's out of the question, next option!"
There are morning after pills-"
"Might be a day or two before I allow Nick out of the bed long enough to do more than pee, so that's out!"
There is one more option that you might consider then …"
"Which is?"
"It's something for Nick actually." Locksley says with a smirk.
"And?"
"It's a fairly new drug, one hundred percent effective. A spermicide."
"We had those when I was in high school" says Judy.
"These are to be taken orally by the male daily. Kills the sperm cells inside the testicles."
"Now that sounds dangerous!" responds Nick.
"Quite the opposite actually. However, if you miss more than three days, normal sperm production begins and you'll have a pregnant bunny on your paws. I might add that there is also a new drug out that prevents ovulation in females, which in your case Judy would need to be taken daily as well."
"Why would she need to take them daily?" asks Nick.
"Rabbit does are continuously fertile, meaning they actually don't have a heat cycle like most females." a smirking Locksley informs Nick.
Seeing the look of horror on Nick's face, Judy apologizes "Yea, I kinda forgot to tell you about that little detail … sorry?"
"And perhaps even you didn't realize Judy, but due to a rabbit's unique reproductive system, it's possible for you to become pregnant again while you're still pregnant with your first litter. It's called superfoetation, and is uncommon, but it does still occasionally happen."
This time it's Judy's face that holds a look of horror.
"I-I had no idea!" shakily responds the doe.
"Most mammals, including rabbits and hares, don't. I'm actually a bit surprised that it's not taught in sex education in the rabbit communities." muses the vixen.
"Not to seem pushy, but back to the subject at paw…" interrupts Nick.
"Of course. While I'll admit that I'm more than a bit jealous, I'll of course do my best to help remedy your unique situation."
"So?" asks Judy.
I think that the best option for you two is to prescribe both the spermicide for Nick and the ovulation inhibitor for you Judy. While each has its benefits, the more precautions would probably be best until you're actually ready to have kits."
"And there are no serious side effects?"
"None worth noting no. The only probable side effect that will not be caused by the drugs is likely to be genital soreness."
Seeing the confused looks on both mammals faces, the vixen adds "This is going to be due to the lack of inhibition when it comes to mating, specifically the single thing that you actually came here concerned about Judy … knotting!"
Threatening to burst into flame as hot as her ears and cheeks becomes, Judy has no comment.
"All right then, if Nick would be so kind as to step out of the room for a few moments, we'll get that IUD out and get you some prescription meds in the system. Just tell Nadine which pharmacy you use and you'll be set to go."
"Will we need to umm, wait-"
"At least three to four days until it's safe to … proceed, yes."
Seeing the disappointment on the faces of the mammals in front of her, doctor Locksley continues: "There are of course several options to this: the first being to simply take your chances on not becoming pregnant. I do not recommend this one by the way.
"The next is to remove the device yourself at home after at least three or better yet four days. This will give the meds plenty of time to work their magic, so to speak. And of course, condoms are always an option. The choice is really yours."
"We were planning on making a trip to my hometown of Bunnyburrow soon, so I guess I can have one of my sisters who happens to be a nurse remove it."
"That would work as well. Well then, let's get that thing out of you …"
After a few moments, Nick is called back into the exam room.
"Is there anything else I can help you with today? If not, I do have other patients to attend to. And congratulations by the way. I'm sorry about earlier, it was just such a shock to see you two together."
"I guess that it, and all is forgiven." says Judy as she heads out of the room, with a firm hold on Nick's paw.
Stopping by the receptionist desk, Judy picks up the two prescriptions and notices that one is indeed for her and one is for Nick, with unlimited refills.
…
As Nick starts the car, Judy is on her smart phone, looking up the two meds and making sure that they are what they are supposed to be,
"All's forgiven huh?" smirks Nick.
"Sorry, but I don't trust that vixen any farther than I can throw this car."
After a few moments of research, Judy is satisfied that the prescriptions are valid.
"Where to Fluff?"
"I guess the closest Wallgreens. We have one in Bunnyburrow, and they're all over so we can get these refilled just about anywhere."
"And then?" asks Nick hopefully.
"Nick, really?"
"Yes, really! We're newlyweds."
"Fine, you dirty old fox."
"And besides, you're just as horny as I am, I can smell it…."
"Stupid biology …" Judy grumbles.
XxX
AN: superfoetation is real and very rare in rabbits, however it can and does occur.
