31 Trouble In Paradise
XxX
Early the next morning (around seven) Sally is woken up when Judy taps lightly on her door.
Again in unfamiliar surroundings, this time alone, Sally of course panics for a moment until she remembers where she is and why she's here.
"Sally?" comes Judy's voice softly through the door "are you awake?"
"Umm, yea, I am now."
"Sorry, I really didn't mean to wake you, but we're going to head over to the main burrow in a few minutes for breakfast. We'll wait if you'd care to join us."
"Yea, I'd probably better since I have no idea where to go."
"We'll be waiting in the van, just come out when you're ready."
"Will do, see you in a few."
Ten minutes later, after taking care of nature's call and a brief amount of time to at least freshen up, an upbeat Sally joins Nick and Judy in the van.
As they drive the short distance to the main burrow, Judy fills Sally in a bit on happenings around the burrow.
"Luckily, most of the younger kits will be getting ready for school, so you won't have to worry about encountering the entire kerfluffle. We'll go past the new shop in a bit, it should be almost finished. After breakfast we'll stop by the shop and look it over, then maybe by the new store and see how that's coming. You can go back later if you want and help them set up and rearrange things. I'm sure Nick has a car you can use."
"If you'd like, you can go along with whoever heads back to the reservation to pick up the trinkets in a few weeks." says Nick.
"I'm sure Bolo will probably be the first to volunteer to go." adds Judy with a sly smile.
"The buffalo?" asks Sally.
"Yup" answers Nick "Ya see, Bolo has a heartthrob who lives there on the rez, and I'm pretty sure he's gonna want to be the one to pick up the trinkets, his gal, and the two kits."
"He's bringing back a couple of kits too? Why?"
"There are two kits, actually a wolf pup and a cougar kitten, who have been given permission by the chiefs of their separate villages to come to Bunnyburrow to study and get a better education and a chance for better jobs once they graduate from high school and their chosen technical schools."
"Not to mention that they're actually sweethearts to begin with." adds Judy.
"It strikes me as a sort of trial run to see if things will go well. And if they do, I can see more of both tribes sending young to us." says Nick thoughtfully.
"The sale of the items produced by the tribesmammals will give much needed income to those families still on the reservation." says Judy seriously.
"Wow. I had no idea that you guys were so serious about helping others."
"You'll see when we go to the shop after breakfast, we'll be dropping the van off and picking up one of our own cars" admits Judy.
"Which reminds me, we'll need to find you a car. And … get you a phone and laptop…" says Nick.
"Wait … what? There's no way I can afford any of those things, even if I do have a job now!"
"Nonsense" interrupts Judy "Nick does that for all of his employees. He did for me and everyone else with no expectation of any payback, we told you that before, remember?"
"I need to be able to get in touch with all of my employees at a moment's notice, so it's pretty much mandatory." adds Nick.
"That's how they all helped to rebuild my folk's farm after the twister destroyed most of the compound. We were here the next day and within two or three days, everything was back to better than it was before."
"After we tour the shop, you can use the shop's computer to find a car and can pick out a phone and computer where I get all of my stuff from in Zootopia. We can make a quick run there so we can start to figure out what we're going to need to redo the warehouse. The store in Bunnyburrow can wait one more day if need be."
"But … I've … I've never driven or even owned a car before… I never had the money."
Exchanging quick looks with her fox, Judy immediately comes up with a solution –
"That's ok, dads got several acres just sitting idle, I can teach you how to-"
"Really fluff? You can barely go anywhere without hitting something … OWW!"
"One time … one time I sideswiped a mailbox … and that's because you were trying to grab my boob, so that's your fault fox!"
As the fox and bunny exchange what seems to be normal banter, Sally sheds a single tear, knowing that something that started out so badly a few days ago, has turned out to hopefully be the turning point in her life.
…
Arriving at the Hopps warren, Judy and Nick lead Sally inside and introduce her to the madness that is the Hopps fluffle at breakfast time.
With kits of all ages moving through the central dining hall, talking giggling, arguing and the like, Sally is suddenly wondering how the older mammals stayed sane.
"It's a bit crazy, but you get used to it … sort of" says Judy, more or less reading the hybrid's thoughts.
Moving to a larger table, Sally is treated to a breakfast like she has rarely ever seen, even counting the one as recently as yesterday.
Vegetables of every variety, pancakes and waffles, oatmeal, grits, fresh fruit and even ... "Sausage and bacon?" she asks hesitantly.
Nick and the other predators need protein regularly." Judy reminds her "And now that I'm evidently pregnant again, I-"
"WHAT?" comes the voice of Bonnie Hopps, heard over the bedlam of the fluffle which quiets instantly.
Seeing a matronly looking bunny quickly approach the table, Sally is taken a bit by surprise.
"Judith Laverne Wilde, did you just say you were pregnant again?"
Rolling her eyes, Judy lets out a soft sigh "Yes mother, I'm pregnant again."
"I thought you were on some sort of medication to prevent that."
"I am … was … whatever. The point is, even taking double doses while we were at the reservation didn't help. Nick and I stayed in a traditional tipi – it's kind of a tent mom – while we were there and kinda used it as a second honeymoon. I guess you know how that turned out, huh!"
"Aren't you the least bit concerned that it might turn out like last time?"
"Of course we are! But you know that I've got to see it through. I didn't consider an abortion last time and I certainly won't consider one this time either. At least this time I'm a bit more prepared mentally in case things go wrong."
"Well, alright then, we'll leave that be for now. Now then, just who is this pretty squirrel with you and where did she come from?"
As Judy introduces Sally to her mother and delivers a condensed version of how they met, Sally becomes a bit more at ease.
"You poor dear" says Bonnie as she fawns over the hybrid "you just make yourself at home here. I'll have some of the kits clear out a room for you and you can get settled."
"We're going to show her the shop and the store later today" says Judy. "We'll bring her back by some time before the day's over."
"We may take a quick side trip to look over the old warehouse in Zootopia and maybe convert it to a store for goods from the rez and as a holding area for some of our cars." adds Nick.
"That'll be fine, it'll give the 'L' litter a chance to get a room ready for her."
"Mom" begins Judy "Why not let her stay in my old room? I won't mind."
"But your things…"
"I don't have much stuff left in the room any more, mainly just a few of my old plushies. You can have the 'L' litter just box them up and send them over to the shop, we can take them home from there. Besides … they can find a better home in our kits room I think." she says, blushing just a little.
"Well, ok, if you say so."
"And while you're at it, have the kits gather up some of the smaller clothes that are in good shape. Sally doesn't really have much of her own just yet. We can take her shopping for some new things later."
Turning their attention back to Nick, they discover the todd quietly sitting at the kitchen table with Judy's niece Cotton sitting in his lap, making more drawings.
"Cotton" begins a baffled Bonnie "what on earth are you doing?"
"I's makin' pitchers of auntie Judy's kits room…"
Seeing Nick grin and give a quick 'thumbs up' signal, two bunnies and a hybrid squirrel head to the table to observe the young bunny's new works.
"Unca Nick tole me that auntie Judy's gonna be havin' a boy and a girl, so I made it pink an' blue."
The crudely drawn pictures feature pastel pink and blue walls with a (sort of) fox kit and a bunny kit on each wall.
Of course, both of the kits that are depicted on each of the walls are playing together are pretty much the age that Cotton just happens to be.
The single window has mismatched curtains, with one panel having a blue sheer while the other is a pink sheer.
"That's … lovely …" says Bonnie.
"Odd as it may seem to you, I happen to think it's cute." says Nick. "And yes, I can say cute if I want too, they're my kits as well as Judy's, plus they'll be half fox anyways … so there." he adds with his usual smirk, arms folded across his chest.
Rolling her eyes, Bonnie tells Nick "You've been able to use the word cute since you've been married. Didn't Judy tell you?"
"Fluff?"
"I sorta kinda forgot … so sue me!"
"I'll go ya one better, cutie …" he says as he grabs his bunny and begins to tickle her without mercy.
"Stop … Nick stop!" she gasps out while laughing uncontrollably "Yer gonna make me pee!"
"You're gonna apologize … right?"
"Yes, yes, anything, just stop … please."
"And you're gonna give me one of your special back rubs tonight, right?"
"I'll have to think about-" she begins, but when Nick places his paws on her sides again, she quickly relents. "Yes, anything … I promise … now, please no more."
"Will you two please stop clowning around, I need to get the kits to clean up the kitchen and get ready for the lunch meals."
"Yes mom, right away" finally gasps Judy.
Grabbing her fox by the shirt front "C'mon, let's get moving if we're gonna show Sally the shop and get to Zootopia and back before dark."
"Yes dear" he replies, while shooting Bonnie a smirk.
…
Driving the van the two hundred yards or so to the shop, Nick, Judy and Sally quickly head inside, only to find Bolo and Lefty exiting the main office, with very worried expressions on their muzzles.
Seeing Nick and Judy's puzzled looks, Bolo quickly explains "Midnight has a few issues that I think y'all need to talk over with him."
Noticing that Sally is with them, Bolo quickly adds, "Lefty and I can show Sally around while you two talk to our brother … ok?"
"Of course." responds Nick "We'll text you when we get something worked out, ok?"
Looking at Sally, Bolo asks "You ready to see your new workplace, at least until we get the downtown store open and you moved to Zootopia?"
A quick nod is all that the Bison needs "Ok, over here…." His voice fades as he and Lefty lead Sally into the bowels of the shop.
…
Quietly opening the door and entering the office, Nick and Judy see a despondent Midnight sitting at a table, with a sheaf of papers in front of him.
"Midnight?" asks Nick quietly. "Jerry?"
Glancing up from the papers, Midnight answers softly "Hey Nick ... Judy."
"What's up bud? Anything we can do to help?"
"I doubt it. Here…" as he pushes the papers toward Nick.
As Nick reaches for the papers, he notices the header on the front page "NOTICE OF INTENT TO DIVORCE".
"Midnight-" begins Judy.
"It's ok Squeak. This has been building for a while now, I just don't know why she waited until now to file."
"But-"
"I guess it's a feline thing. We do have a reputation for playing the field after all."
"Well, so do bunnies, but not after we're married."
"It's actually rare in felines as well … we were having some difficulties while we were still in Zootopia, but I thought that moving here would at least help a little. Turns out Nadine didn't really want to move out of the city in the first place, she just did it for the kits. Speaking of which, she actually is going to let the kits decide whether they want to stay here with me in the country or move back to the city with her."
Looking up and directly into Nick and Judy's eyes he quickly adds "I don't wanna lose the kits … what am I gonna do?"
"Tell 'em that you love 'em and hope for the best I guess." responds Judy quietly.
"You know we've got your back no matter what, right?" reassures Nick.
"Yea, I know …"
"Got home and get this figured out." says Nick "and don't worry about the pay, I've got you covered."
Standing and collecting the papers, Midnight suddenly turns and uncharactisticly hugs Nick and then Judy "Thanks guys, I won't let you down."
"We know that big guy," responds Nick "now, get going."
…
As Midnight exits the office and gets into his personal car and heads home, Judy stares after him while Nick is busy on his phone.
"Nick?"
"Just letting Bolo know that we're done is all Fluff. What and when Midnight decides to share with everyone else is his business, not ours, you know the drill."
"I know … still."
"Unless I miss my guess, the kits are gonna want to stay with him. I've seen how much happier they are here, playing with your sibs and everyone else."
"Well, I guess that's something."
…
Stepping out of the office, Nick and Judy notice that Bolo, Lefty and Sally are just now returning to the main bay of the new shop,
"Well, what do ya think?" Nick asks.
"It's amazing … but … I still wanna go back to the city."
"Well then, let's take my truck and head in-"
"Boss, do you mind if we take the van and Lefty and I go along? We kinda need to see what you're planning."
"Sure, no problem. We can gas it up and head out after we give it a quick once over."
"Lefty and I can do that if you wanna get us some sandwiches and stuff. You know we hate to miss a meal…"
"I'll stay with Lefty and Bolo if you don't mind!" says Sally shyly.
"Ok. We'll be back in just a few." returns Judy as she and Nick head back to the burrow.
After around a half hour, Nick and Judy return to the van which Bolo has conveniently parked just outside of the burrow entrance, Nick and Judy climb into the passenger part of the vehicle.
"What?" asks Nick "Go ahead and drive. God knows I've done enough of it the past week or so, I'll just sit back and enjoy the trip."
"C-can I sit up front with you Bolo?" asks Sally, which brings a sly smile to Nick's lips.
"It ain't like that at all." hurriedly adds a now thoroughly embarrassed Sally "I just wanna be able to look out of the windshield for a change!"
"Sure, c'mon up." he says.
...
As the trip commences, Bolo asks Nick over his shoulder "Any idea how you want to go about this little project of yours boss?"
"Nope, none at all. I want to see what kind of shape the warehouse is in for sure and take it from there."
"I guess we can always have Cotton design it for us!" snarks Judy.
"Laugh it up fuzzball, I might just do that." he snarks back.
"Nick, you wouldn't!"
"Try me … please." he returns with a wink.
"Is it gonna be like this all the way to Zootopia?" asks Sally of Bolo.
"Probably. And most likely all the way back as well." says Lefty.
"Yup!" agrees Bolo as he adds his two cents worth.
"Just drop me off right here please" requests Sally "I'll walk the rest of the way…"
Giving the squirrel a sideways glance, Bolo sees the grin on her face.
"Nope. If Lefty and I gotta put up with those two yahoos, so do you. You're part of the family now, deal with it."
Noticing the suddenly serious look that she's giving him, Bolo is suddenly concerned that he may have said something wrong.
"Umm …"
"It's ok Bolo, it's just that … I-I've never had a family before … not a real one anyway."
"Well, you're part of one now. Every one of us will gladly do anything for you. It's kinda what we do after all."
Seeing Sally suddenly tear up "Oh, c'mon now, don't cry … please?"
"It-it's ok, really."
Jumping from her seat to the armrest of Bolo's, Sally runs up the bison's arm and gently kisses him gently on the cheek.
"Thank you" and turning to those in the back "Thank you all so much."
Giving the hybrid a warm smile, Judy answers for the entire group "You're very welcome. We told you before that everyone of us, with the exception of my dumbassed brothers, has been broken at one time or another. That's why it's so easy to take you into our little family. We'll do whatever it takes to help you heal … all you ever need to do is ask. No one, and I mean no one will ever judge you."
As the three-hour trip continues, Judy passes out the sandwiches. Sally takes a couple (just her size of course) with lettuce, kale and a bit of parsley, Bolo's is lettuce and some sort of grass, while the three predators (yes, that includes Judy) have sliced turkey breast and lettuce.
After washing everything down with the rest of the water left over from the Pines Ridge trip, it's not long before Zootopia comes into sight.
"Would you look at that! It's beautiful!" exclaims a wide-eyed Sally.
"You really are a total city girl, aren't you?" asks a totally amused Judy.
Jumping up on the dash, Sally marvels at the city as Bolo navigates through the sparse traffic.
Finally arriving at the former site of the old shop, the occupants notice a pair of ZPD patrol cars parked in front with their red and blue lights flashing.
"Oh god, what now?" wonders Nick out loud as he exits the vehicle with Judy close behind.
"Fangmeyer … Wolford …"
"Hey Wilde" greets Wolford "Looks like you got here just in time."
"What-"
"We've finally got some good news for you" says Fangmeyer "We caught the other two bunnies responsible for this mess."
"Really? When?"
"About an hour ago." says Wolford "Longfang and Greyfuss happened to be driving by and noticed those two losers putting something against the overhead door and managed to take them into custody with no fight. After the bomb squad was called in to remove what turned out to be more homemade explosives, they found several more bombs in the back. Everything's done, we're just here doing clean-up."
"So, what's up with you five? … And I see you've inherited another project?" comments Fangmeyer finally noticing Sally who is perched on Bolo's shoulder.
"Yea, it's a curse we just have to live with I guess. Fangmeyer, Wolford, meet my newest newbie Sally Acorn. Sally, meet two of ZPD's finest, Officers Fangmeyer and Wolford. Anyway, we're contemplating using the warehouse for storage for project cars and rebuilding the front, at least partially to sell pawmade items from a couple of tribes from the Badlands region. Sally here will be in charge."
"Pleased to meet you Sally" says Fangmeyer as she reaches over to shake the hybrid's tiny paw. (Sally's still perched on Bolo's shoulder).
"We're gonna take a bunch of pictures and figure out how we're gonna set things up. Sally, Bolo and Lefty wanted to come along to add their input, and here we are. Be sure to thank Bogo and the rest of the ZPD for us for finally catching those two."
"We can do that." says Wolford as he shakes Nick's paw.
"Well, we're finished here, we need to get back to the station and file our reports, maybe we'll stop by when you get finished and see what you have to offer." says Fangmeyer as she climbs into the driver's side of the patrol car.
"HEY!" complains Wolford "It's supposed to be my turn to drive…"
Seeing the smirk on Nick's face, Judy has to ask "What Nick?"
"And folks think that we're an odd couple…"
"What? You're kidding!"
"Nope! Fangs and Wolfie. They smell too much like each other for it to be a coincidence. Married or not, they are definitely going at it-"
"Ok, TMI already" says Judy pinching the bridge of her nose, knowing exactly where Nick was going and really didn't want or need to hear the rest of it. "Let's just … get the pictures and get back home."
"Spoil sport…"
…
While taking pictures and exploring the nearly empty warehouse, Nick calls the building inspector's office and finds out that the warehouse is structurally sound, and he should be able to get the necessary permits to begin renovation and construction sometime next week if he wants to do so.
"Now all I gotta do is find someplace to live." quips Sally as she stares at her new place of employment.
Seeing another smirk on her husband's face, Judy suddenly knows exactly what he's thinking.
"Upstairs apartment?"
"Yup. You know me too well Fluff."
Seeing the question of the hybrid's face, Judy explains "Before the shop burned down there was an apartment upstairs, above the main office. I actually lived there for a while until Nick and I … umm-"
"Became mates!" prompts a smirking Nick, much to Judy's slight embarrassment.
"Shush you … anyway, it should be plenty good for you until you can find something else. There's a nice little bar just up the street and-"
"Speaking of which, I'm hungry" interrupts Nick. "Let's go to the Icehouse and get a good meal before we head back."
"Nick … you'd better not … oh shit, what the hell. She'll find out sooner or later anyway. Let's go, I haven't had any good buffalo chicken pizza since we moved. Big Dummies is ok, but it's just not as good."
"I'm guessing there's a story here?" asks Sally.
"It should explain a few things about my favorite carnivorous bunny." snarks Nick.
"Favorite? You mean there are … more?" Sally asks, much to her horror.
"Only one for now." comments Nick "But when Judy has our kits, at least one if not both will probably be meat eaters."
Arriving at the Icehouse, the five mammals unload and head in the front door.
"Well, look what the wind blowed in" says Joe-Bob, the springbok bartender. "I ain't seen you guys in a coon's age!"
"Watch it Joe-Bob, you know damned well that I ain't that old…" says a female racoon sitting at the bar.
"Sorry Loretta, I didn't mean nuthin' by it."
"I know sweetie, it's ok. Bring me another Shirly Trample please."
After returning with Loretta's drink, Joe-Bob asks "The usual?"
"Sure thing … umm, Sally?"
I guess a small veggie pizza? Sorry, but I'm gonna stay away from the meat."
"Comin' right up."
After returning with two super extra-large buffalo chicken pizzas, one very small veggie pizza, and a pitcher of Judy's favorite red beer, with several appropriately sized glasses Joe-Bob returns to his regular customers.
"What the hell is this?" asks Sally as she points to the beer.
"Just what it looks like" indicates Nick "red beer! OWW! Will you please stop that?"
"Doofus … it's beer with tomato juice and hot sauce in it. Give it a try. If you like it fine if not, no problem."
"Judy seemed to like it well enough" comments Bolo.
"First time she ever got drunk. First time she ate chicken and first time she tried to molest me." adds Nick.
"NICK!"
What? It's the truth ain't it?"
Rolling her eyes, Judy begins to explain "It was our first 'official' date-"
After a bit of a condensed telling of the happenings on that particular night, including Judy's attempt to lure Nick into her new apartment. After finishing off the pitcher of beer and all of the pizza, the crew decides that it's time to head back to Bunnyburrow, with Lefty driving. Since he was on a bunch of meds due to his various medical conditions, Lefty stayed away from the beer, and thusly was nominated as designated driver.
The drive home was very quiet, with Judy curled up asleep on Nick's lap, while Sally dozed on Bolo's shoulder.
…
Pulling into the front of the new shop just before dark, everyone more less wakes up when Lefty stops and turns the van off.
"Already?" asks a less than a wake Judy.
"I guess Fluff."
"C'mon Sally" she says, "Let's get you situated in your new room."
As Judy heads into the burrow with a very sleepy Sally following close behind, Nick heads for the kitchen looking for some coffee.
"Long day?" asks Bonnie, somewhat surprising the todd.
"Yea. Turned out to be a good trip though. We found out that the ZPD finally caught the rest of Johnnies brothers, the building is sound enough that we can go ahead with our plans to renovate it, and Sally got her first experience with the Icehouse."
"That's where Judy got her first taste of chicken, right?"
"That's right mom" says Judy, entering the room after leading Sally to her new room and helping her get ready for bed. "And if it hadn't been for Skye talking some sense into me, I don't know how things might've turned out."
"I'm just glad she did then." says Bonnie.
I kinda hate to interrupt, but we need to get to bed ourselves." says Nick "I've got a feeling that we're gonna need to give some emotional support for Midnight tomorrow."
Bidding each other a good night, Nick and Judy head home while Bonnie goes to quietly check on her new burrow guest.
Opening the door just a bit to observe the tiny hybrid, Bonnie lets a small smile cross her face as she sees a contented smile on the young mammal's face.
…
Early the next morning, Nick and Judy arrive in the Hopps burrow kitchen to find Sally already there and just finishing her breakfast.
"Did you two decide to sleep in this morning?" asks Bonnie as she places scrambled eggs and turkey sausage and toast in front of the newcomers.
"Had to after your daughter molested me again last night, I-OWWW!
"NICK!"
"What? It's true isn't it?"
"Well yea, but-"
"And we are married, right?"
"Yea…"
And you are pregnant, right?"
"That's about enough if you want the rest of our kits, funny mammal…"
"You were never this cranky the first time…"
"Nick … make just one more smart remark ..."
"Fine."
"Fine."
"Ok you two, that's enough." interrupts Bonnie. "Judy, what in the world's gotten into you? I agree with Nick, you're way more uptight now than you were the first time you were pregnant…"
Letting out a small huff, "I don't know mom, honestly. And Nick, I'm sorry I'm so short tempered. Maybe I am a bit worried that something could go wrong with these kits… just because I'm really sure that we will have a couple of litters of kits, there's no guarantee that this will be one of them."
Taking his wife into his arms, Nick consoles a bunny that's close to tears.
"It's ok Judy, I'm concerned too. We'll just have to hope for the best, ok?"
[sniffles] "Yea, I guess. I guess that maybe I'll need to call doctor Clawson and Yvonne tomorrow huh?"
"It'll probably be for the best." replies Nick.
"So…?" begins Sally softly, not exactly sure about what to say or do at this point.
Timidly, Judy looks at her new friend "So, I guess it's business as usual. At least until we get something figured out."
"Let's get over to the shop, I'm sure that Bolo and Lefty 'll have a few ideas and some input on the Zootopia shop."
Hopping down from Nick's lap, Judy leans over and gives her mom a big hug. "Thanks for the little intervention mom …"
"It's what moms do sweetie. Now, hop along and get something done."
"Mom, really? Bad puns are supposed to be Nick's thing."
"I'm a grown doe, I can make mom jokes if I want." as she sticks her tongue out at her daughter, getting everyone to laugh, thus lightening the atmosphere at least a little.
Exiting the burrow and heading for the nearby shop, Judy takes Nick's paw and starts swinging it back and forth, much like she would have done as a kit…
"I'm finally gonna be a mom!" she practically crows.
"That's the spirit Fluff." counters Nick.
…
Entering the new shop's main office, the three mammals notice that Midnight is sitting at one of the tables.
"I-I'll go find Bolo and we'll talk over stuff for the Zootopia shop." volunteers Sally as she exits the office, not wanting to be an unwelcome participant in whatever is going to happen.
"Good idea Sally, thanks." agrees Judy.
Taking deep breaths upon entering the office, Nick and Judy immediately notice that Midnight is much less tense and despondent that he was yesterday.
"Hey boss … Squeak," says the panther.
"Hey Jerry. You ok?"
"Not totally, but better, thanks. Nadine an I have come to a basic agreement on the divorce. She gets the house and the pickup back in Zootopia, the kits stay with me, and we share custody. The kits are free to come and go between the two of us as they please, although I don't realistically see them visit her very often. We'll take turns claiming them on our taxes every year, and the rest is kinda what's mine is mine and what's hers is hers. I think she's planning on leaving by the weekend."
"You can take whatever time off you need with pay, you know that right?" asks Nick.
"Yea, I know, but if it's ok with you, I'd prefer to work, although I may need to alter my schedule a bit in order to get the kits to school and pick them up and get them home afterwards."
"You do know they're welcome to ride bus with my younger sibs and the stay at the burrow until you get off work every day, right?" Judy reminds him.
"I couldn't possibly-"
"Turn me down … that's what you were gonna say … right?" interrupts the bunny forcefully.
Seeing the determined look on the does face, Midnight knows by now that it's best not to argue.
"Yes ma'am, that's exactly what I was gonna say."
"That's what I thought. Now … what're your plans for the rest of the day?"
"I guess I'll go help Bolo, Lefty and … wait, who's the newbie again?"
"That's Sally Acorn, remember? She's gonna run the Zootopia warehouse and store when we get it up and runnin'. But … she's kinda small fer you, ain't she?" asks Nick.
"I … what? Oh, hell no! Yea, she's nice and all that, and you know I'm not against interspecies relationships, but that's just wrong, even for you Nick!"
"Yea, well, it got you ta smile didn't it?" says the fox as he wiggles his eyebrows.
The panther then turns his attention to Judy "Squeak, would you please-"
"With pleasure."
"OWWW! Dang it Fluff!" as a bunny fist connects with a fox shoulder.
"Thanks Squeak. I'll go find Bolo and the bunch now. And … thanks, to both of you for understanding."
"It's what family does, remember?" Nick reminds Midnight as the panther leaves the office.
"Well, that went better than I thought it would." comments Nick.
"You and me both." says Judy.
…
Heading out into the shop, Nick and Judy join up with Midnight, Bolo, Lefty and Sally.
"So" begins Nick "What have y'all come up with so far?"
"Well, Lefty and I figured that the basic layout of the old shop office should be good enough for the new office space, with the rest of the frontal area where the front bay used to be to be used as a showplace for the stuff from the reservation. The main part of the warehouse can still be used to hold overstock destined for Bunnyburrow. That includes the stuff from the rez and any project cars." says Bolo.
"And there's plenty of room above the office for a large apartment." adds Midnight, mainly for Sally's benefit.
"Ok," says Judy "Sally, why don't you head for the office and have Tiffany get you started on getting a phone and laptop the next time you go to Zootopia…"
"Or" interrupts Nick "you can find something you like online, call and talk to Junior and just have them express shipped here! You can have them by tomorrow afternoon."
Seeing the way Judy's eyeing him "What? There's no sense making a trip to Zootopia just to pick up a phone and laptop, just like there's no sense in waiting to pick up the stuff for a week or a month from now!"
Letting out a small huff, Judy has to agree "Nick's right. Sorry, I seem to be a bit off today."
"That's it" says Nick forcefully "we're going home and chill."
"But-"
"No! Your being pregnant again has got your ears in a twist, and we're not coming back to work until you call Clawson and Yvonne and get things straightened out. Maybe we can get Michael and Yvonne to come to Bunnyburrow and get the lodge set up sooner than later. That might help."
Seeing nothing but concern on her husband's face, Judy relents.
"Fine … you're right, I guess I am a bit out of sorts. Let's go home, but first we need to stop Thom's market, we really don't have much or anything to eat or drink in the house."
"We also haven't had a real opportunity to go through the house to get used to it either."
"I'm sorry Nick, I'm not being much help-"
"Judy, listen to me" Nick begins, using her given name to capture her undivided attention "we're a team, a partnership. I'll always have your back just like you'll always have mine. Right now, you need me and you know damned well I'm not gonna let you down. Now, let's get some groceries and go home."
Kissing Nick on the cheek, Judy heads out the door.
…
"Well, that was certainly interesting!" comments Sally.
"That's just how those two operate." says Midnight. "Everything 'll probably be back to normal by tomorrow or the next day."
