32 Preparing For Inipi
XxX
AN: Sorry about the looooong time between chapters. Between being a bad case of writer's block, being distracted by 'KARMA', 'I Love You But…' and finally 'More TP', (which is a direct result of my daily dealings with the COVID-19 virus situation as USDA food inspector) life has been a mess to say the least. To top things off, I ended up dissatisfied with the last 1/3 of thisparticular chapter and had to totally rewrite it!
Anyway, here you go with the next installment of Life is a Highway….
XxX
"Well, that was certainly interesting!" comments Sally.
"That's just how those two operate." says Midnight indifferently. "Everything 'll probably be back to normal by tomorrow or the next day at the latest."
"In the meantime, let's go get you a phone and laptop" adds Bolo as he leads Sally back to the office while Midnight and Lefty head deeper into the shop to supervise the remaining tasks for getting the shop set up and ready to go back to work.
Entering the office, they notice that Tiffany, Skye and their bucks have arrived.
"Josh, Duane, Snow, there's plenty to do in the shop," says Bolo "Kiss your significant others and get movin'."
Then addressing Tiffany "Tiff, Sally here needs a phone and laptop. Pull up the website for Electronics World and get her started. When she figures out what she wants, then you can call and have Junior put it together and express ship her stuff to the shop. I assume she'll be staying in the Hopps burrow until Nick and Judy can get something else arraigned, or until we can get the new addition to the Zootopia shop built. In the meantime, I'm gonna go help put the shop together."
"Ok, was there anything else?"
"Now that you mention it, I think that either Nick or Judy said something about getting Sally a car. Help her look online and see if there's something local that she might like for when she gets to Zootopia so she's got a way around. I'm sure that Judy offered to teach her how to drive …"
"But-" began Sally.
"Look, you're gonna need transportation in the city and public transportation ain't always safe. After your last experience, I think you'll agree that it's better to be safe than sorry. If you come up missing or harmed in any way, we'll turn Zootopia upside down and inside out to find you and take care of you. That's what family does."
"Damn it Bolo …" says a tearful Sally.
"I know Sally, I truly do. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to get back to the shop." he says as he heads out of the office.
…
Pulling up the Electronics World website, Tiff goes over the different choices of phones and laptops that are offered.
Placing a call to the store, it's finally decided to get the latest Galaxy IX phone and a good Howler Mark 7 laptop with a good tutorial program, since Sally has never had the occasion or opportunity to ever use, let alone own a computer before now.
Then, Tiff and Sally surf the interwebs for a good starter car for the small mammal.
Not having any luck locally, they decide to hold off on that for the time being.
When one of Judy's sisters drops by to see if anything is needed from town, this is the perfect opportunity for Sally to not only see the new store, but to get acquainted with Bunnyburrow itself.
"I guess introductions are in order" begins Tiff "Sally Acorn, meet Sylvia Hopps, one of Judy's younger sisters. Sylvia, this is Sally Acorn. Sally's going to be helping put together and set up the new store that Nick and Judy are going to be opening in the old clothing store downtown."
As Sally shakes the young bunny's paw, she can't help but notice that the doe's smile is sincere.
"Glad ta meet c'ha!" comes the drawl from the bunny, which somewhat surprises Sally.
"Likewise." admits Sally.
"So" begins Sylvia "yer 'nother of Nick and Judy's mammals huh? I ain't seed you 'round here afore."
Sizing up the tan and dark brown doe before answering, Sally decides that honesty is probably the best policy.
"Yea, Nick and Judy found me alongside the road when they were headed back from the reservation. I was kinda in a bad way and they took me in, no questions asked."
"Yea, that's them fer ya. Lots' a mammals was kinda worried when they first moved the shop here after the Whinters bucks blew up their place in Zootopia, but seein' as how they've been nuthin' but friendly an' helpful, everyone's just accepted 'em. So, yer the one what's gonna help with the new store huh?"
"Yea, I guess. At least until they get the work done on the one in Zootopia."
"Say whut? I never heered 'bout that!"
"I told them that I wasn't hot about being in the country since I've lived and worked in the city all my life, so Nick decided to partially rebuild the shop in Zootopia and sell trinkets from the reservation there, as well as store some cars in the warehouse."
"Well, if that don' jus' beat all. Them two ain't never dun nuthin' the easy way, so I guess it ain't no s'prise. I mean, look at 'em … whoda thunk a fox an' a bunny 'd ever get t'gether?"
"Forgive me for asking, but your accent …"
"Yea, I know. Ever' body gives me crap 'bout it. I used ta watch a bunch a shows 'bout them folks down in 'Loosiana, an I jus' started talkin' lak this an' cain't seem ta quit. Sorry."
"It's ok, it's just … different."
"Thanks. Anyways … I'll show 'roun the town a bit 'afore I drop ya off at the store. They's some mammals still getting' it cleaned up an' movin' stuff aroun', so I guess yer jus' gonna need ta let 'em know where ya wan' stuff ta be, k?"
"I guess so."
As Sylvia drove slowly through the business section of Bunnyburrow, Sally took in the fact that most if not all of the businesses seemed to be thriving and most seemed to have added advertisements meant to attract the gradual inclusion of the many predators that Nick and Judy had brought to the small town with their shop. Grocery stores advertised different proteins, clothing stores had displays for small to medium predators, and even the single auto dealership displayed a few new cars that would appeal to the predators that Nick employed.
Pulling to a stop in front of a building under renovation, Sylvia motioned for Sally to join her inside.
"I know it ain't much ta look at now, but it was a freakin' mess not that long ago. It 'd been closed fer a good long while 'till Nick an' Judy decided ta rent it with the option ta buy it, or so I heerd. I'm thinkin' thet most of the displays is gonna be ok ta use, but that's up ta you after all. Anyways, I'm gonna go an' git sum stuff fer mom, I'll be back in a bit ta pik ya up."
As Sally looked around at the mostly finished interior, she could already envision how she wanted the display cases set up. But the actual decision wouldn't be made until the actual merchandise arrived and she could have a much better idea of how to decorate the store.
…
After stopping at the local Piggy Wiggy store for some much-needed groceries, Nick and Judy make it to their new home, actually alone for the first time since their return to Bunnyburrow.
After putting everything away and starting a load of laundry, Nick and Judy waste no time making their respective calls:
NICK:
[After 3 rings] "Hello, Michael? Yea, this is Nick Wilde.
"Hey Nick."
"Listen, I really hate to bother you and Yvonne already, but we just found out that Judy's pregnant again and-"
"Really? Congratulations!"
"Yea, thanks … but there's a bit of an issue here."
"Really? What-"
"Judy was taking double doses of her birth control meds and she came up pregnant anyway, and it's got her totally stressed out. I'm afraid she might have another panic attack, and this time I may not be able to save her."
"And you were wondering if Stands With A Fist and I could come back and help you do Inipi, right?"
"If it wouldn't be too much trouble, yes."
"I will speak of this to her and to Grandfather. In the meantime, please make the following preparations: we will need a clear area about a hundred feet across for the lodge and the fire pit. Gather enough materials to contain that area in a sacred circle. Then gather many stones to be used during the ceremony, gather many more than are needed so you have a good selection for the grandfather stone.
"Next you will need to select at least 16 young willow trees to be placed in a circle, with twine generally being used to tie the saplings together. Do not cut them until we arrive. Traditionally it is covered with hides so no light could penetrate inside, but you may use blankets, quilts, tarps or anything you can find to cover the framework.
"A hole is to be dug where the center of the lodge is to be, large enough to hold at least a dozen or so stones that will be used during the ceremony. Please gather enough firewood to heat the stones like you did back in Pines Ridge, for you will again be designated as my Firekeeper.
"You may recruit anyone to help you gather the necessary materials to build and supply the lodge. Anyone who wishes to may participate in lodge, but remember to remind any female that they may not participate if they are on their moon. I will go over the rules when we arrive, just in case you forgot something, and please Iron Eyes, remember to orient the lodge so that it faces to the east.
"Please remember to have those who do not participate prepare food for those who do as well."
"I will do these things as you have told me Ciyewaye." says Nick, once again falling into the same speech pattern used while at Pines Ridge.
"I will call when we leave the reservation … Until we arrive … Mitakuye Oyasin!"
"Mitakuye Oyasin!"
JUDY:
[After several rings, Dr. Clawson answers] "Hello?"
"Dr. Clawson? This is Judy Wilde-"
"Hello Judy, why on earth are you call-"
"I really hated to call you on your private line, but … I'm pregnant! Again! And yes, I've been taking my meds faithfully."
"Then how on earth…"
As Judy goes over the past two weeks events, the doctor is amazed.
"So, the ceremony was supposed to put your mind at ease about the taking of a life?"
"That's right, as well as the loss of my first litter. Nick and I stayed in a traditional tipi while we were there, and I was actually double dosing my meds. We were treating it as our second honeymoon, and now-"
"And now somehow you've turned up pregnant."
"I'm afraid so. Nick's afraid that I'm gonna get depressed again, which I was for a short period of time when I initially found out, so he's called doctor Cotton's husband Michael and is asking them to come and do a lodge to help."
"Well, it certainly can't hurt. We can set up an appointment for sometime in the next couple of weeks so I can run a few tests and we can monitor your progress. I'll have my receptionist see when she can fit you in and have her text and e-mail your appointment to you."
"That'll be great, thanks doctor Clawson, we'll stay in touch."
…
After deciding to just relax for the rest of the day, Nick decides to combine some sage and sweetgrass and go through and smudge the entire house, so preparations for the Inipi can begin tomorrow.
Finding the pleasant odors of the smudging rather soothing, Judy decides to lay down and rest, with Nick soon joining her.
…
As her breathing slows and she reaches REM sleep, Judy is once again acquainted with her future kits:
Slowly waking and discovering that she's not actually awake, but having another vision in her old room in her old room in the burrow, Judy again sees Rose and Aaron sleeping at the foot of the bed.
Looking around, Judy sees only Johnathan and Bonnie standing comfortably near her bed and begins to become alarmed.
"Relax mom" says Johnathan with a smirk that still reminds Judy so much of his father, "you're in no danger this time."
"Then why…?
"Bonnie and I wanted to assure you that the kits that you're carrying now are … us, and we'll be fine. You'll have no complications with your pregnancy this time, as long as you behave accordingly."
"We also have someone who'd like to have a word or two with you … if you don't mind. No Name, will you please come in now?" adds Bonnie.
When the coyote juvenile that Judy killed while on the reservation suddenly appears, Judy begins to hyperventilate.
"Wolf Spirit, please do not be alarmed. I wish you no harm and I harbor no ill will against you." says the pup.
"Yes, I am the spirit of No Name. As was told to you in Inipi by Holo, we were each doing as we were destined to do. You may not acknowledge it even to yourself, but some doubt still remains. Do not grieve for me or for your actions. We shall meet again many summers from now and shall be the greatest of friends. Perhaps I will be reincarnated as another mammal and our paths will cross, and we will meet as physical beings. If this happens, your spirit will instantly recognize mine and an even greater friendship will happen. I will bid you farewell for now … Mitakuye Oyasin … SUMANITU TAKA WANA GI [shuen-mah-nee-due dahn-kah wah-nah gee] (Wolf Spirit)."
"Mitakuye Oyasin HIYA CAJE [hee-yah chah-zjay] (No Name) …" returns Judy softly.
"Well, that was certainly unexpected!" exclaims Bonnie.
"Tell me about it. I had no idea that I'd retain the memory of the old language." answers Judy.
"That's not exactly what I meant, but we can just leave it there."
"Anyway" interrupted Johnathan "the purposes for this visit are now over. We needed to reassure you that we'll be fine so you don't freak at every little thing-"
"Har, har!"
"And No Name wanted to have a brief visit with you so you could finally put that bit of grief to rest. We'll be leaving now, so get some rest you need it. and yes, you can tell dad about our visit, you know that he'll believe you and probably give you a bit of 'I told you so', but just set him straight like you always do and everything 'll be fine.
"Love you mom, see you soon." says Bonnie.
"Same here." adds Johnathan.
"Bye kits …. Love you both…"
And with that, Judy finally falls into a restful sleep.
…
When Judy finally falls into a restful sleep, Nick is visited by Johnathan and Bonnie.
"Dad … dad … DAD! Wake up."
"What? Who?"
As Nick slowly opens his eyes, he discovers two things… first, there's no Judy. Second, he's not in his own home, but in Judy's old bedroom back in the Hopps burrow.
"What's going on here? Who are yo-"?
"You already know who we are dad, just stop and think about it for a second."
"Johnathan … and … Bonnie."
"Right!" says Bonnie, smiling.
"So why…?"
"Why are we here?" asks Johnathan. "Better yet, why are you here, and do you not recognize where 'here' is?"
"Judy's … your mom's old bedroom in the burrow. My question stands … why?"
"We wanted to set your mind at ease as well as mom's. We've already talked to mom and reassured her that everything will be fine unless she does something …"
"Stupid?
"That's not exactly what I had in mind, but I guess it'll do for now. Either of you getting hyper at every little thing won't help keep her calm, so we figured that we'd pay you a visit as well this time. Nice save last time by the way."
Suddenly, Nick notices two small figures at the foot of the bed.
"Rose and Aaron." comments Bonnie.
"Somehow, I knew that." says Nick a bit sadly.
"We won't be staying long" says Johnathan "but we needed to reassure you that the kits that mom is carrying right now are actually Bonnie and I, and that everything will be fine this time."
"One other thing." interrupts Bonnie "The spirit of No Name also visited mom and has set mom's mind at ease, so that's one less thing for her, and thusly you, to worry about."
Stepping over to the bed, Bonnie leans in and gives Nick a quick hug and kiss on the cheek.
"Mom's gonna be a bit jealous of the hug and kiss, but she'll be carrying us for the next seven months and will get to hold us first, so I figured I'd give you a quick hug."
Again kissing Nick lightly on the cheek, Bonnie tells Nick "Bye dad, we'll see you for real soon. Get some rest, mom 'll still need you for support."
And with that, Johnathan and Bonnie disappeared and Nick actually woke up with a slight start.
Feeling Judy cuddling against his chest and seeing that he's back in their own bed, Nick calms himself, gives his wife a soft kiss and drifts back off to sleep.
…
Early the next morning, Judy wakes to see her fox staring tenderly into her eyes.
"Mornin'." Nick greets her.
"Mornin' yourself. You're never up before me, what's the occasion?"
Smiling, Nick asks "Do I need a reason to stare at my beautiful wife? My beautiful pregnant wife?"
"You are such a goof sometimes…"
"Your point being?"
"No point, just an observation."
"Guess who I saw last night!"
"You went somewhere last night? Without me?"
"Yes and … no."
"What kind of answer is that?"
"I went the same place you did last night sweetheart."
"What are you talking about? I never went anywh-" suddenly recalling her visit from her soon to be born kits.
"Y-you saw them? Johnathan and Bonnie?" Judy asks, totally in shock.
"And Alex and Rose."
"Nick …"
"It's ok sweetheart. Johnathan told me about their visit with you. I guess we're both getting a bit too wound up with your pregnancy, so they needed to calm us both down."
Not knowing what to say for sure, Judy simply burrowed into Nick's ruff and let out a deep sigh.
"We'll be fine Fluff, we just need to be a bit more level headed is all. I'm planning on going back to Zootopia and sign the necessary paperwork to get things started on rebuilding the front of the old shop. Do you wanna come along?"
"Actually, I think I'll get with mom, Snow, Tiff and a few of my sibs to start planning out what food to get ready for the Inipi when Michael and Yvonne get here."
"And I'll need to start getting things ready to build the lodge before I leave for the city. We've got plenty of room here, so is it ok if I set the lodge in the clearing just to the west of the house?"
"I don't see why not. Are you gonna take anyone with you when you go to Zootopia? I really don't like the thought of you going alone in case something happens along the way."
"I thought maybe Midnight and Sally. Midnight to get his mind off of his situation, and Sally to help plan the layout since she's gonna be running things, with input from Midnight and me. The headquarters for the construction outfit we're gonna be using is base in Zootopia, so I thought we might as well stop there as long as we were already in town."
"That makes sense. Be sure to stop by and let me know before you leave, ok?"
"No problem. Since we both slept through the afternoon and all night, I guess that a good breakfast is in order?"
"Of course. You catch a quick shower and I'll start breakfast. Eggs, sausage and toast ok?"
"Perfect, just be sure to make enough, I don't want you to hog all of the protein now that you're eating for three and all-"
"Nick you absolute-" gets lost as Nick quickly exits the bedroom for the shower.
Shaking her head, an amused Judy heads for the newly stocked kitchen and throws together a quick breakfast, with coffee for Nick and orange juice for herself.
…
After the nourishing meal, Nick and Judy head for the shop where they meet up with Midnight, Bolo, Lefty and Sally in the main bay.
"Ok, here's the plan for the day" begins Nick. Midnight, you and Sally come with me to Zootopia. First I'm going to meet up with the planning commission and the zoning board to get the necessary paperwork done to start rebuilding the shopfront. Then we're going to the headquarters of the construction outfit that we used for the shop here and get designs in order for the new addition for the new store.
"Bolo and Lefty, you'll be in charge of the shop. Any questions?"
"You're going without Judy?" asks Midnight.
"Judy's gonna get stuff organized for the Inipi when Michael and Yvonne show up. I guess I forgot to mention that we called them and asked them to come and do lodge. Everyone is invited that wants to participate."
"Even me?" asks Sally.
"Of course! You're part of the family now, why would we leave you out?" answers Judy.
"I-I just wanted to be sure. I know that a Lakota lodge is different than a Chippewa lodge, so I'll need a bit of coaching beforepaw."
"No problem" says Bolo, I can teach you since there aren't a lot of rules. I'm sure there'll be plenty of time before Michael and Yvonne get here for that."
"Yea," inputs Nick "it'll be a few days before they get here, so no hurry. Bolo, I need you to finish prepping for the lodge build that I'll start while you're at it, and when we get back from the city I'll help you and all everyone from the burrow who's willing to help in order to get everything set up so Michael will have a minimum of things to do when they finally do get here."
"You can count on me boss."
…
Heading back to the house, Nick begins planning the Inipi site in his head.
Arriving at home, Nick parks the old truck and heads off to the west side of the house where he remembers that there is a natural clearing amongst a small grove of trees.
Retrieving a skein of red yarn that Bonnie had inadvertently left while he and Judy were at the reservation, Nick walks through the grove, picking out the appropriate number of saplings that would be needed for the framework of the Inipi, plus four more in case a few were wrong or were damaged during construction and marks each one with a simple piece of yarn tied around it.
Remembering that he's supposed to use only natural materials in the construction, Nick rummages around in a couple of bins in the garage until he finds a large ball of sisal twine that can be used to tie the saplings together.
Tossing the gathered items, plus several large wooden pegs, a hammer and a shovel, Nick walks to the clearing and begins marking out the site for the lodge. Removing the grass from the spot that he decided the pit for the center of the lodge would be, Nick takes two large paces (roughly six (6) feet) and added an extra foot for the outside diameter of the lodge.
Setting one peg in the center of the pit hole, Nick marks the outside edge of the lodge with pegs by using a strand of yarn tied to the center peg and walking in a circle, setting a peg down every couple of steps. The pegs will be used to mark the outside edges so when the saplings are cut and stripped, they'll be placed accordingly.
Next, Nick paces four steps from the eastern edge of where the lodge will be and removes the grass from where the pit for heating the stones will be.
Satisfied with all of that, Nick returns to the main Hopps burrow to issue a few final instructions before gathering up Midnight and Sally and heading to Zootopia.
…
Finding Bonnie exactly where he expected to, working in the massive kitchen, Nick asks he matronly doe for a favor.
"Hey Bonnie" he begins "I need to ask you for a huge favor,"
"And what might that be?"
"Would you happen to have any old worn out blanket or quilts handy that I, that is we, could use to cover the lode with?"
"I'm sorry Nick, as much as I'd like to let you use some, all of the ones we have in the burrow are really good. The older ones get so raggedy that they're pretty much only good for use as rags. You might ask Stu if he has some old tarps or such, I'm pretty sure that he'll have a few lying around that you could use. If that's not enough, you can probably find something in Bunnyburrow at the old thrift store that might serve the purpose."
"Those are really good ideas, thanks. I 'll go see if I can find Stu."
…
Heading towards the closest tractor shed, Nick finds Stu working on one of the farm's many pickups.
"Hey old buck, what's up?" as he greets his father-in-law, who is working under the hood of an old blue truck.
[KLUNK] "OWW! Dang it Nick!"
"Sorry, didn't mean to startle ya."
"S' ok. What c'ha need?"
"Umm, I kinda hate to ask, but would you have any old tarps layin' around? I need something to cover the lodge that I'm buildin'."
"That sauna thing you did when ya went to the reservation?"
"Yes sir."
"I've got a few scraps, but probably not enough for what you've got in mind, sorry. Anything else I can do for ya?"
Thinking for a second, Nick remembers something.
"Actually, there is. If you or one or more of your kits can spare the time and effort, I could really use a bunch of rocks."
"Rocks?"
"Yea."
"Umm, how many and how big are ya talkin'?"
"I suppose about two dozen about the size of a basketball, and several hundred about paw sized?"
"How soon are ya gonna need 'em and where would you want them?"
"I guess three days or so, and you can have them put beside a space I've got marked out just to the west of our home. which reminds me … if possible, could we have maybe a couple of ricks of wood as well? Please?"
"What on earth are you gonna use that stuff for?"
"The rocks are used to heat the lodge, and the wood will be use to heat the rocks. I know it's kinda confusing, but-"
"And this is all to help Judy and her kits, right?"
"Yes sir."
"Consider it done. Anything else?"
"Not that I can think of offpaw (offhand). I'll need to go into Bunnyburrow when we get back from Zootopia to get some old quilts and stuff to cover the lodge is all."
"I'll send some of the does into town to take care of that for ya."
"You don't need to do that …"
"Considering all you've done to help this family, it's no trouble at all. I do have one request though…"
"And that would be?"
"Bonnie and I have talked it over, and we'd kinda like to try this … lodge thing if it's ok."
"I don't see why not. When Michael and Yvonne get here, they can go over the procedures and customs, and if you still want to, you're more than welcome to join us. Deal?"
"Deal. Now let me get back to this dang thing…"
"Why are you working on that anyway?"
"Hard not to after doin' it all my life. Hard habit ta break."
"I see your point, and thanks."
"Yer welcome…."
…
Heading back to the shop to gather up Midnight and Sally for the hopefully quick trip to Zootopia, Nick stops by the main burrow to check up on Judy.
Reentering the now busy kitchen, Nick grabs his bunny and plants a sloppy kiss between her ears.
"EEEEPP! Damn Nick-"
"Language young lady, there are still tender ears around." lightly scolds Bonnie.
"Yea Fluff – Oooofff!" as a bunny fist collides with a fox ribcage.
"You were saying?"
"Nuthin'. I just wanted to let you know that I was gonna grab Midnight and Sally and head to Zootopia. Anything special you want me to pick up while were there?"
Tapping her large front teeth with a blunt claw, Judy thinks for a second "I guess not, no sudden cravings yet … but make sure you've got your phone charged."
"Yes ma'am." Nick responds, getting in a last-minute gentle kiss on Judy's lips as he heads out the door.
You've really got a good one there." Says Bonnie with a smile.
"Yea, I know. ain't you glad I never hooked up with any of those bucks you kept sending my way?"
"I am indeed. Anyway, what do you suggest we use in place of the meat in these tacos you were talking about for any prey that want to use the lodge?"
…
Entering the shop area, Nick notices that Midnight and Sally are in a deep conversation with Tiffany.
"What's up?" he asks.
"We've got several online applications for new hires, and were trying to figure out what to do with them." states Tiffany.
"We've got openings in just about every area of the shop, so what's the problem?" Nick asks.
"Nick, there are over a hundred of them!"
"So, have them come in for interviews.
"And just who'll do the interviews? I don't think that I'll be up to it!"
"Midnight, Skye and I can do it after we get the Inipi ceremony over, no problem."
"You're leaving Judy out of the process?"
"Not really. Once we get things narrowed down to the best two or three for each job, Judy can sit in on it. There's no sense adding to her stress level at this point in time."
"I guess that'll work. Ok, so … start scheduling interviews for …when?"
"Say … two weeks from Monday, I guess. That should give us enough time to have the first lodge and for everyone who attends to recover."
"Got it, thanks."
"Ok" says Nick, finally addressing Midnight and Sally "you two read for a quick trip to Zootopia?"
"Just waitin' on you boss" comes the expected reply from the panther.
…
The ride to Zootopia was relatively uneventful, with the majority of the conversation centering around the setup for the new store once the space is rebuilt.
With all mammals agreeing that new display cases similar to the ones currently in the store being set up in Bunnyburrow should be ordered when they return, Nick decides to make an executive decision:
"I'm going to drop you two off at the contractors while I head to the building inspector's office, codes office and any other city office that I'll need to stop at and get the appropriate permits. That should give us enough time to head back to the Burrow and get there at a decent hour."
"Let's do it then!" responds a highly excited squirrel.
…
After several hours of going from government office to government office, Nick is finally finished getting all of the necessary permits to begin rebuilding the storefront of the new Lakota Designs LLC® outlet store.
Meeting Midnight and Sally at the contractors, negotiating a price and a tentative timeline for beginning and finishing the project, and finalizing the designs for the storefront as well as the apartment above, three tired and hungry mammals head for a bite of food before making the three hour plus trip back to Bunnyburrow.
Of course, the Icehouse was the destination and Billy-Bob sits the trio in the most spacious table available.
Naturally, Nick and Midnight had the usual BBQ chicken pizza and Judy's favorite red beer, which has seemed to grow on everyone, while Sally decided on an appropriately sized grilled veggie sub, with a diet soda.
After asking Billy-Bob for a takeout order of pizza and red beer for Judy (a large can of beer, some tomato juice and some hot sauce since the beer would go flat after 3 hours on the road) the three make their exit.
…
Since Nick had decided to not drink near as much as Midnight, he was delegated to drive the entire distance back to Bunnyburrow, with Midnight and Sally snoozing the entire way.
Arriving back around ten pm, Nick dropped Sally off at the Hopps burrow and Midnight at the shop to retrieve his personal vehicle before heading home himself.
After getting read the riot act by a rightly pissed off bunny because he didn't call and tell Judy how late they would be, a dejected Nick gets a belated shower and heads to bed alone. This doesn't last long after Judy finishes her snack of BBQ chicken pizza (pregnant bunny hormones kicking in and all) and red beer and begins a intimate cuddle session.
…
After sleeping in the next morning, Judy because of the red beer and Nick not wanting to move because of his cuddling wife, the pair finally decide to head to the main burrow in case there might be a bit of breakfast left.
"Well, look what the wind blew in!" remarks Bonnie as the pair enter the kitchen.
"Hey mom…" replies slightly bedraggled Judy.
"G'morning Bonnie."
"Tough night?"
"Mom … please…"
Sending a knowing smile their way, Bonnie brings them both a hearty breakfast of eggs, turkey sausage and toast, with coffee for Nick and orange juice for Judy.
"Orange juice mom?"
"It's for the kits Judy. Your little predators are going to be needing it."
"Someone's been doing their research." comments Nick.
Rolling her eyes in mock disgust, Judy decides to keep the banter going for just a bit longer, actually enjoying the change of pace.
"But mooooooom, I really wanted some coffee!"
"No. No coffee while you're pregnant."
"And since when did you start drinking coffee anyway?" asks Nick.
"Never … dumb fox!"
"Pregnant bunny, I - OWWW!"
…
Finishing up breakfast, Nick and Judy walk the short distance to the shop to find out what everyone's up to.
Entering the office, two sets of eyes pop wide open and ears go to full mast.
Sitting at one of the desks appears to be the famous ZNN broadcaster Fabine Growley!
Shifting their focus to a widely grinning Tiffany, Nick and Judy are properly introduced:
"Nick and Judy Wilde, please say hello to Sabine Growley. Sabine, Nick and Judy Wilde, the owners of this strange but wonderful outfit."
Standing and greeting the couple, the beautiful snow leopard extends a white furred paw.
"I'm so pleased to meet you. Fabine has told me so much about you and how kind and generous you are."
Seeing the fox and bunny still a bit awestruck, Sabine continues, while issuing a soft smile and unconcealed giggle.
"Yes, I'm Fabine's identical twin and I get the stares a lot, so please… just chill ok? I'm just another mammal."
"Umm, yea, ok." Says Judy, still a bit starstruck.
"Nick!" says Tiffany, finally bringing the fox out of his trance.
"Huh? Oh, yea." As he reaches out to take Sabine's proffered paw.
"So" begins Judy "which position are you interested in? I assume you're here looking for a job."
"Yes I am actually. I'm well versed in IT, web design and general secretarial duties as well as being an accomplished writer. Fabine and I actually went to journalism school on the same scholarship, we figured since almost no one could tell us apart, we could both get a good education for half the cost."
"That's quite resourceful" admits Nick.
"Thank you."
"Anything else you'd care to share as far as job experience?" asks Tiffany.
"As a matter of fact … I joined the military, and because of my journalism education, I spent two years imbedded in a combat unit in Iraqistan."
Just then, Midnight enters the office –
Standing stock still and eyes wide open, staring at the new mammal …
"Growler? Growler, is that really you?"
"Midnight?"
"I take it you two know each other…" interrupts Nick.
"Yea, Growler, I mean Sabine was imbedded in my unit when I was deployed to Iraqistan."
"Wow!" says Judy, who would'a thunk it!"
"So, you're here….'
"Looking' for a job. I got tired of the city, being so fast paced and everyone and their brother mistaking me for Fabine, wanting autographs and favors…"
"You know you'll probably get some of that here, at least in the beginning, right?"
"It's to be expected I guess, but all in all, I think the change 'll do me a world of good. Providing I have a job of course…"
As Midnight and Sabine quickly look to Nick and Judy, the decision has already been made in both of their minds "Of course you have a job. Provided of course that you can find a good character reference ..."
"Yea, I guess that'd be me." says Midnight with a wry grin.
"Great, now all I need is a place to stay. I've got a room in the Shady Rest for a week, but I'll need to find something long term."
"There are a few places in Bunny Burrow and Podunk, but you might ask Tiff here or Snow if you can stay with one of them until you find something." Suggests Judy.
"Did I hear my name?" comes from the office door.
"Hey Snow" says Tiff "yea, we were just talking about you as a matter of fact!"
"Umm" stammers Midnight "Sabine here is a newbie, and she kinda needs a place ta stay for a bit … maybe you could umm, you know…"
"Lend a paw to your new friend?"
"Old friend actually" supplies Sabine as she steps forward, extending a paw. "Jerry and I were in the military together and were in the same unit, sort of, in Iraqistan."
"Jerry?" asks Skye with a mischievous grin on her face.
"Snow, just ... don't … please."
"Ok, for now … but, you already know… don't you?" as she exits the room.
Seeing the puzzled look on Sabine's face, Nick explains: "Most mammals here don't know Jerry's real name, they just know him as Midnight. I'm guessing he's gonna have to owe Snow a lot of favors if he wants to keep it that way."
"Then I'll just-"
"Forget it." interrupts Midnight as he sees the determined look on Sabine's face. "It's all part of working here. Everybody screws with everybody else. It's part of the game, just like the military. The more they fuck with you, the better they like you as long as you can dish out the hazing as well as take it."
"So everything's fair game?"
"As long as there's no personal injury or property damage involved, yep!" adds Nick.
"Snow's devious, especially with her being a fox and all-" begins Judy.
"HEY!"
"Shush you. as I was trying to say, especially with her being a vixen-"
"I resemble that remark!" interrupts Tiffany with mock indignation.
"Will you guys just please …" says Judy with a small huff, trying to get through the interruptions "but with a little ingenuity, it's relatively easy to get her back."
"And if anyone would know, it'd be Judy." brags Nick.
When Judy relates the prank that Skye played on here, and how she got the vixen back, Sabine could only laugh. "I think I'm really gonna like it here!"
"Jer-I mean Midnight, why don't you show Sabine around the shop. Then maybe the two of you can kiss up to Snow enough to get some more or less permanent lodging figured out." suggests Nick.
"Umm … sure thing boss. C'mon Growler, I'll show ya around."
…
"Interesting how that's all worked out, don't ya think?" asks Nick as the pair exit the office.
"I'm sure there'll be more than few interesting stories between the two of them come to light!" answers Judy. "C'mon, we've got more than a few things to do before Michael and Yvonne bet here, so let's get moving."
XxX
AN: I will be taking valid suggestions for the name of the species of Nick and Judy's kits for the next several chapters, however Box and Funny will NOT be considered. I have a few ideas, vote for one or suggest something different that will work. MY ideas are - Rabbox – Fobbit – Vulporph? – Lagopine?
