28 Curtain Calls
This is it – the final chapter (and it's gonna be a looooong one) of I will Always Love You. It's been quite a journey, so enjoy.
~0~
With the kits finally winding down from their cake induced sugar rush at the precinct, they're sent outside to play while Nick goes over his plan with Judy, who at first isn't especially enthralled with the idea, but eventually relents.
When Bonnie calls and wants to go over wedding plans, Nick excuses himself and begins setting up a few things in the shop that he knows will be needed for the upcoming practices for their limited time on the newest ZGT show.
As the days wind down to Nick and Judy's reaffirming of their vows, Judy and Jasmine clash with Bonnie over… pretty much everything.
Bonnie wants to invite literally everyone in the family – aunts, uncles, cousins, even distant relatives that no one had seen or heard from in decades, while Judy simply wanted her parents, siblings and extended ZPD family.
Bonnie wants red roses and baby's breath for flowers while Judy wanted yellow roses and forget-me-nots with a yellow calla-lily thrown in for good luck...
Bonnie wants to have the family throw a BBQ and have Bonnie's cousin Larry from Podunk bake the cake while Judy wanted to have Gideon cater the entire thing, especially the cake.
But the biggest battle of wills is over Judy's wedding gown and Nick's formal wear – while Bonnie insists that Judy wear the same poofy white dress that she'd been married in the first time, and for Nick it was his tux from their first wedding as well, Judy is adamant that that will NOT happen. She much prefers to have a simple yellow pastel colored summer dress for herself and her maids of honor with Nick and his groom's mammals in a nice pair of white slacks and nice blue pastel colored button-up shirts… something casual and comfortable.
And of course, Bonnie and Judy clash over the couples entourage … Bonnie is insistent that Judy use the same siblings that she and Nick had used in their first wedding while the younger doe actually had to threaten to back out of the entire event unless the couples kits were included and of course Cotton (Wilde) is absolutely going to be Judy's flower doe.
In the end, the only point that Judy finally concedes to was to use Cotton (Hopps) as an additional flower doe, much to Bonnie's chagrin.
…
While Jasmine stood by Judy during her drama with their mother, Stu managed to high-tail it over to Aurora to visit with Nick and the kits, anything to stay well out of reach from arguing females, especially when it's wedding details that they're arguing over.
"So" begins Stu as he and Nick sit on the swing on the back porch, sipping on a beer while watching the kits (including Cotton Hopps) frolic in the yet to be mowed field directly behind the house "Jasmine tells me that you've got something special planned for your next appearance on that talent show thing…"
"Yeah," admits Nick "it's bound to create a stir, but I'd really prefer to keep it under wraps until the show. That way we'll get everyone's true reaction to it."
"I'm not gonna pretend to understand your reasons, but you've always done right by Judy and our family, so I guess I'll just have to wait like the rest."
Seeing that the sun has started to set low in the western sky, Stu takes his leave: "I guess it's about time to corral Cotton and head back to the burrow. I'm sure Judes is probably tired of arguing with her mother, so I'll be sure to send her home so she can get some rest. Besides, don't you need to go and get your new duds for the wedding and your new stuff so you can start bein' a deputy on Monday mornin'?"
"I want to thank you again for letting us use the burrow again to renew our vows, but yeah, I do need to get my new deputy duds tomorrow, and unless I miss my guess, Judy has stood by all of her decisions insofar as what she wants for the wedding. She's made all of the executive decisions as far as the food, the flowers and the clothes. Plus she's pretty much going to hold steadfast in wanting to use the kits as our entourage, so I'm afraid that Bonnie's probably fighting a losing battle on all of the wedding stuff. Not to mention the fact that it's really almost too late to change anything even if she wanted to."
"I can't argue with that. Anyway, here come the kits, and they look plumb tuckered out. You shouldn't have any problems gettin' them to sleep tonight."
"True enough. I'll send 'em in to get cleaned up while I start supper, it should be ready by the time Judy gets home … hopefully she'll be calmed down enough to eat something."
…
While the kits are busy getting showered and changed into something comfortable and Nick is just getting supper started (a surprise for his mate and kits that he hasn't had for decades) the back door slams loudly, announcing that Judy is in fact home and very upset.
"Fluff?"
Storming past her mate, Judy mumbles "Not now Nick, please…"
Quickly reaching out and grabbing a struggling doe, Nick takes his bunny into a tight hug.
"How about if you go take a nice warm bath while I finish supper, then we can talk about it. I'm pretty sure I already know what's got you so cranked up, but you need to let it out before you go off the deep end."
Slowly ceasing her struggles, Judy concedes to her hubby's logic. "Fine… I guess a good hot bubble bath sounds pretty good about now. Thanks babe…" as she kisses her fox's cheek.
After releasing his doe, Nick watches her walk (not storm) casually towards their bedroom, casually swaying her hips and flicking her small cotton puff of a tail before gently closing the door.
Satisfied that his mate is finally calmed down at least a bit, Nick finishes preparing supper.
Pacing himself so as to give Judy plenty of time to enjoy her bubble bath and get dressed into something comfortable, Nick puts the finishing touches on the evening's supper.
After having Nicholas and Ty Lee set the table, Nick taps gently on their bedroom door – "Fluff? Supper's ready…"
"Be right out!" comes the slightly muffled reply.
As the kits take their places at the table, Judy emerges from the couple's bedroom wearing a pair of grey sweat bottoms and one of Nick's old blue ZPD t-shirts which hangs enticing off of one shoulder.
As Judy sits at her place at the table Nick brings out a large bowl of mixed greens salad, containing lettuce, spinach, collard and mustard greens with a touch of kale, along with individual bowls containing shredded mild cheddar cheese, croutons and diced grilled chicken. Several different varieties of salad dressing were already placed in the center of the table on a Lazy-Susan for easy reach by all.
"This looks great!" comments Judy "but what else is here? I know that you've got something cooked, but the smell escapes me…"
Grinning, Nick places a large steaming bowl of … "Fried macaroni!" on the table for all to enjoy.
"Oookaaay….." begins the puzzled doe, as all seven kits share in her confusion.
"It's … it's something that mom used to make when I was little and we couldn't really afford much of anything else." responds Nick.
"There's not really much to it … macaroni cooked like normal, chunks of bread broken or cut into pieces around an inch or so square, which are then fried in butter in a cast iron skillet. Usually the bread was the heels of the loaf since neither mom nor I really liked them, so mom would store them in the cupboard on an old roasting pan. When the pan got full, mom would break the bread into chunks and make fried macaroni!" (A/N: fried macaroni is something that I actually had in my childhood, for exactly the same reason)
"Well it looks and smells great, so load me up!" responds the doe as she holds out her plate expectantly, hoping that the kits would catch the hint and follow suit.
With seven kits and an anxious mate watching her every move, Judy takes a tentative mouthful and chews slowly, analyzing the flavor.
"Gunnaneedtamakemore…" the doe mumbles through a mouthful of food.
Seeing the questioning look that her todd is giving her, Judy finally swallows and translates "You're gonna need to make more of this, 'cause I've got the feeling that this ain't gonna be enough!"
After looking at each other for a few seconds, seven kits suddenly thrust their plates forward for a serving of the new staple.
With the large bowl pretty much empty by now, a stunned todd decides to tell the rest of the diners "I'll make more, but y'all are gonna need to eat some of that salad while I make it."
"Take your time and finish what's left in the bowl first." recommends Judy "The kits and I will work on the salad while you're busy doing that. And you are definitely gonna have to let me help you the next time we have it, okay?"
Smiling as he dumps the remaining contents of the bowl (such as it is) onto his plate, Nick readily agrees.
After everyone has finally had their fill and the dishes have been cleared, the kits are assigned dish duties, with each kit (except Cotton who is still too small) having a designated position.
With the dishes done, the kits are allowed to spend some time to pursue individual activities before bedtime.
After the kits are tucked in, todd and doe spend some quality time sitting close on the swing on the back porch, gazing at the stars.
"Wanna talk about it?" asks Nick softly.
Letting out a long sigh, Judy simply tells Nick "Mom wanted to be in charge again … and change everything I had already planned, from the flowers to the food to our entourage …"
"Aaaand?" prompts the todd.
"The only change is that Cotton Lucille, Lucy, gets to be flower doe along with our Cotton, otherwise everything stays the same."
"Aaaand?"
"We actually agreed that we really don't need a preacher this time, simply exchanging vows should be sufficient."
"Buuuut…."
"Mom's not overly happy about it, but I think she sees my point. Firstly it's really too late to change everything but mostly because she was in charge of literally everything the first time. She had her moment in the sun, now it's my turn."
Drawing his bunny onto his lap and gently kissing her between the ears, Nick simply comments "That's my Judy, the one I knew so long ago. I'm proud of you sweetheart. Welcome back."
After several moments, Judy shares a confession "Nick…"
"Hmmmm?"
"I-I'm sorry that you had to miss the kits growing up. Their birth, taking their first steps, their first words…"
"Changing diapers…" continues the smirking todd.
"Yeah, that too." giggles his bunny.
Drawing a deep breath and hugging Judy close, Nick says "It's all good Fluff, things work out as they're supposed to in the long run." all the while hiding a large knowing grin from his wife.
"I guess, still…"
"C'mon, let's head to bed, long day tomorrow. You've still got a few things to take care of fore the wedding and I need to get my new duds for Monday. New job and all…"
…
While Judy and Jasmine corral Bonnie and other family members to finish details for the upcoming - wedding? – Marriage? - Remarriage? – Nick makes his way to Deerbrook to pick up his new uniforms, radio and other assorted gear that he'd be needing when starting as Sherriff Justice's new top deputy.
Arriving at the sheriff's office, Nick takes notice that there's no sheriff to be seen.
"So yer the new depity…" comments the mule deer buck standing in the doorway that (presumably) leads to the small cell block.
"Yeah, that'd be me." answers the todd.
"It's 'bout time we gots a mammal in here that'll actually take charge a thin's." admits the buck "Name's Bucks, Charlie Bucks." as the deer extends a hoof "Ah useta was the lead depity, at least 'till you came 'long."
"And you aren't mad that that I basically took your job?" asks a concerned Nick.
"Nope, not a bit. Fact is and truth be told, ah'm 'preciatin' the heck out of it … never wanted the job in the firs' place.
"Well then, if you'll just lead me to where my uniforms and the rest of my gear is, I'll sign for them all and be on my way. If you don't mind, could you tell me, just where is the sheriff?"
"Buford? Him and Junior cleared out 'bout ten minutes after you left the other day, ain't seen 'er heard from either of 'em since. Yer ole' lady musta scared the bejesus otta both a 'em!"
"For your information" begins a mildly irritated Nick "Judy is certainly no 'old lady'. She deserves every bit of respect that she's earned. And just so you know, when all of the kits are in school full time, she plans on joining me here at the sheriff's department, so you might want to square your slightly backwards attitude towards females away. When she was in the ZPD, she was known to be tough enough to take down full grown rhinos."
Swallowing a sudden lump in his throat, the deputy barely manages to force out a meek "Y-yes sir, ah totally unnerstand." as he leads Nick to the supply room to draw his uniforms and various other equipment.
"I-I'll have the sheriff's keys to his squad car ready fer ya bright and early on Monday morning. It's down at Goober's station bein' serviced and cleaned up right now."
"That's very thoughtful of you Bucks," admits Nick "thank you. If you would, please pass the word around to the rest of the staff that there will be a mandatory meeting first thing on Monday morning. I'll be heading to Bunnyburrow now to meet up with my wife, take care."
Leaving the deputy to stew in his own juices, Nick climbs in the Delta 88 and heads towards the Bunnyburrow general mercantile store to meet Judy for lunch.
…
Recognizing the Expedition sitting besidethe 'Party Stuff & More' store, Nick parks and joins his somewhat frazzled wife as she finishes loading what appears to be that last of the decorations for Saturday's big event.
"Just like a lazy fox to show up once all of the hard work is done!" the doe playfully grouses.
"Why Mrs. Wilde, you injure me with your slanderous accusations." replies Nick theatrically pressing a paw to his chest, as he plays along.
Planting a slightly amorous kiss on her husband's lips, Judy asks "You ready for lunch Slick? I'm starving! I have no idea why I've had such an appetite lately!"
Staring at his mate for a few seconds in disbelief, Nick cocks his head slightly, but simply agrees "Yeah, I could use a bite. I take it that the kits are all with …"
"Mom, back at the burrow." Judy answers Nick's prompt "I'm guessing she's going to try to load them up on sugar as a way of getting back at me for shooting down all of her plans to take over the wedding. Little does she know that dad, along with Lester, Stephen and Gary are mowing and baling the half section (320 acres – roughly ½ mile wide and 1 mile long – a section of ground is 640 acres, roughly 1 square mile) of grass next to the house. The kit's 'll have a blast playing around on the bales when we send them outside after we get home."
After enjoying a short lunch of chicken stir fry at the local 'Panda Go Panda', Judy heads back to the burrow to pick up the kits while Nick heads home to put his new uniforms and other equipment away.
Leaving the decorations at the farm for her siblings to put up in the largest empty produce barn, Judy heads home with the kits wondering what the kits will want for supper, knowing that everyone will need to show up at around nine in the morning for a quick run through of the ceremony.
With Judy and the kits and Nick (who took his time) all returning home at almost the same time, Judy begins to prepare supper while Nick heads out to the shop to practice for his part of the ZGT number.
As Judy begins to prep for the meal, she spies Cotton's interest in her actions.
"What is it sweety?"
"Can I help momma?" asks the young doe.
Giving the request a moment's thought, Judy adds an item to the menu.
"Of course you may Cotton. Go to the pantry and grab the small bag of fresh peas that we got from gramma's yesterday and bring them to the sink please."
"Can we help too momma?" asks Samantha, with both Marion and Ty Lee looking on anxiously.
"Tell you what, if you girls want to learn to cook, I'll be happy to teach you. Leigh, please get the chicken and milk from the fridge, Janae, get the flour and about a dozen potatoes. Ty Lee, come over here and help me with the chicken…"
Over the course of the next hour, Judy teaches her kits how to bread the chicken and carefully fry it in one of her good cast iron skillets, how to boil the potatoes and then to add just the right amount of milk while mashing, and how to shell the peas and boil them.
While the females were busy with supper, Nick was showing the guys how to properly set up the sound system that was in the shop, and demonstrated basic techniques for the electric guitar, giving them a brief run through of the song that was going to be used during the show in the next couple of weeks.
"Are we gonna be able to come along with you and mom to Zootopia dad?" asks Nicholas.
"We wouldn't make the trip without you guys!" admits Nick, reassuring the kits.
When Cotton enters the shop and announces "Supper's ready, mommie says to get your fluffy buts in the house if ya wanna eat!" and immediately scampers off, the guys shut off the equipment, head in the house and clean up for the evening meal.
The banter at the supper table was interesting, with Judy being sure to mention how all of the girls pitched in with the meal and mentioning who did what, Nick was quick to complement each of the kits and remark how good the food was (it actually was good because Judy kept a tight eye on everyone during the process).
With full bellies, and dishes cleaned and put away, the kits are chased outside until dark while the adults take their usual place in the porch swing.
After showers and goodnight hugs and kisses, all members of the Wilde family are ready for a good night's rest.
…
Rising shortly after the sun slowly rises over the eastern horizon, the Wildes have a quick breakfast of cereal, toast and jam and juice, then pile into the Expedition and make their way to the main Hopps burrow.
Ceremony practice goes very well, with the only slightly off moment being instead of both Cottons throwing the few rose petals they were given, they started to eat them (although it was difficult to blame the young does, the petals were exceptionally tasty) so the during second run through dandelions were used instead of rose petals. (For those not in the know, dandelions, including the leaves, are edible)
The rest of the day was spent adjusting a few little things in preparation for the big event.
…
After sleeping in just a bit on the big day, a full breakfast was enjoyed consisting of waffles and various condiments, turkey sausage (and yes bacon for Cotton), orange juice and fresh fruit.
While the kits were all anxious to get dressed up, Judy was adamant that they were NOT going to be dressed in their good clothes until they got to the burrow, so as to not accidentally get their good clothes dirty or damaged.
With Judy going with Bonnie, Nick with Stu and the kits with certain siblings of Judy's, everyone finally got dressed and staged for the ceremony.
Standing in front of the large double doors that lead into the barn, Judy seemed more nervous that the first time as she and Nick made ready for their entrance…
Taking in his bride, Nick marvels in the fact that she's still as beautiful as the first day they met all those years ago. The modest pastel yellow sun dress that flows about her form and the yellow Calla-Lilly that encircles the doe's left ear that traditionally marks her as a taken doe simply enhances the view.
"It's gonna be all right Fluff" Nick comments softly as he tries to calm his mate. "It's not like we haven't done this before…"
"I know, I know …. still …"
As the overly loud strains of the wedding march blare from the sound system, Cotton and Cotton lead the couple down the center of the structure, all the while eating almost as many petals as they toss (they hated to throw those tasty things on the ground) much to the humor of the assembled rabbits and large contingent of ZPD officers in attendance.
Preceded and followed by applause and well wishes, the couple makes their way to the small stage, followed by their six remaining kits.
Taking the stage and flanked by their kits (vixen and does to Judy's right, and todd and bucks to Nick's left) fox and bunny face the assembled crowd.
"We realize that this is rather … unorthodox" begins Nick "but then, considering past events, what hasn't been in our lives! Judy and I have written our vows and would like to share them with you all at this time."
~0~
As the couple turns to face each other, Judy begins:
"Nicholas Wilde … before I was taken, I thought that life couldn't get any better, but I was wrong. Terrible things happened to me when I was in captivity, but I never truly gave up hope, because I carried a little piece of you along with me, and his name is Nicholas James Wilde. Through the worst times, you were always there with me through him.
"When I was rescued, mainly due to your final attempt to find me through a television program, I was worried that you wouldn't accept me back into your life! You not only surprised me with how vast I thought you love was at the time, but when you actually asked, almost begged to adopt kits that weren't yours and didn't care how they came to be, I realized my mistake. Your love has no bounds. I therefore pledge my undying love to you, for now and past the grave."
While Nick takes a moment to comfort his now tearful wife, totally unaware of the tears that most of the attendees are shedding, he barely has the mental fortitude to hold back his own tears.
Finally, with everyone calming, Nick addresses Judy, totally oblivious to the crowd.
"Judith Wilde … [sniffle] when we first met, I gave you grief that you didn't deserve simply because I thought that you were a dumb country bunny who was in way over her head in the big city. You proved me wrong and I am forever grateful for that. When we were first married, I thought that I was in heaven because the mammal of my dreams became my wife. But I was wrong again. Because of fox traditions that are so deeply ingrained into my psyche, I almost died when you were taken, but a small part of me knew that you had not abandoned me and that you were still alive.
"When you were finally returned to me, I was beyond happy … to discover that you had bore me a kit, a son, seemed to be simply icing on the cake, and yet again I was wrong. Your … that is our other kits have been a blessing that I could never have anticipated or ever hoped to ask for.
"And yes, it is true Judith Wilde, my love for you has no bounds. I love you more than life itself, for I shall love you to my grave and beyond."
Gathering each other into a passionate hug, swiftly to be joined by seven tearful kits, the couple never hears the thunderous applause that threatens to demolish the sturdy structure that surrounds them.
~0~
As the emotionally charged atmosphere slowly dissipates and the entire family is inundated by well-wishers, the event that was so solemn, slowly changes into a much more festive affair, as it was truly meant to be.
A short time later, Judy explains to the kits that she and Nick are going to be spending some alone time together for the evening, and that they will be spending the night with Gramm and Grampa Hopps.
"We'll be back tomorrow morning to pick you up, okay?" asks Nick as he joins the conversation.
"Why?" asks a curious Cotton "Why do you an' momma gotta be alone?"
"It's just something that grown-ups do when they get married!" explains Judy.
"Are you gonna get married again?" predictably asks the tiny doe.
""No sweetie, we're not planning on it!" laughs Nick "I think that twice in one lifetime is more than enough."
"Okay then … I'm gonna go find Cotton…" as she turns and scampers away in search of her 'cousin'.
"Well" admits Judy as she breathes a sigh of relief "that was easier than I thought!"
"Congratulations to you two … again." says Bogo as he joins the pair. "I'll have to admit, I wasn't sure that this mess was ever going to have a happy ending, but I'm very glad that it did. If you ever get back to Zootopia, be sure to stop by, you know we'd love to see you. And … bring the kits…"
"And I second that…" adds Clawhauser around a huge mouthful of cake.
"Claws, never change, okay big guy?" snarks Nick, which slightly confuses the big cheetah.
"And to answer your request Chief" inputs Judy "We'll be in town in a couple of weeks to tape our episode of Zootopia's Got Talent, so we'll be sure to stop and at least say hey."
After bidding their goodbyes to Stu and Bonnie and thanking them for the use of the burrow, the newly reaffirmed couple silently departs for the rest of their renewal.
…
Just after lunch the next day, a more than slightly used up fox and bunny couple show up at the Hopps burrow to retrieve their kits and make the journey back to Aurora.
With Nick driving, Judy tries (mostly) successfully to again deflect a still curious Cotton's questions about why her mommy and daddy had to spend the night alone together without her and the rest of the kits.
Stopping at 'The Ice Cream Shop' while driving through town, Nick decides to treat the kits to their first frozen desert.
Before Judy can warn the kits, they each take a HUGE bite of ice cream and end up with very pained looks on their young faces.
"It's called 'brain freeze'!" supplies Judy, trying miserably to hide a giggle behind her paws. "It'll only last a few more seconds … you need to lick the ice cream a little at a time and not bite into it like you just did."
"Like this!" demonstrates Nick as he takes a healthy lick of his rhubarb swirl cone, while Judy daintily licks at her own strawberry chunk delight.
With the kits finally calmed down enough to actually eat their ice cream, all except Cotton asked for seconds, which both parents immediately declined, knowing that the sugar rush was going to be difficult enough to deal with without a second helping.
Finally making it home, Nick manages to lead all seven kits outside to play Duck, Duck, Goose, which is basically a modified game of tag.
After about an hour of steady exercise, eight kits (seven actual kits plus Nick) are sent in to get cleaned up while Judy makes a light supper consisting mainly of a garden salad with chunks of left-over grilled chicken.
Soon after supper, all kits plus a still worn-out Nick and Judy turn in a bit early.
…
Early the next morning, Judy feels her warm fox lightly kiss the top of her head, then gently slide out of bed.
"Nick?"
"Gonna get a quick shower then a bite of breakfast and some coffee before I head out to the sheriff's office … first day and all. I told Bucks that I wanted everyone in today so I can give them a personal message and let them know what to expect from me. I did a bit of research and found out that the next election for sheriff is in around four months, plenty of time for me to travel around the Tri-Burrow area and make myself known."
"Would you like a ride to work this morning?"
"I think I'll pass this morning, but I'll need one sometime this week. I'll need to pick up my patrol car at some point in time, but you and the kits can sleep in, at least for today."
"Well, alright … but at least give the kits a quick hug and kiss before you leave."
"I'll start my coffee and do that now. I'll be sure to stop and give my favorite wife a quick peck on the way out too." Nick snarks.
"You're gonna make me hurt you, aren't you?" answers Judy, playing along.
"Promises, promises…I'll be back in a few."
After almost fifteen minutes, Nick reappears and kisses his bunny on the cheek "I'll see you tonight my beautiful bunny, love you…"
"Love you too, handsome fox…"
…
During the short-ish drive to Deerbrook, Nick hopes that the meeting with the rest of the Tri-Burrow officers goes as well as it did with Prongs. Arriving a full half-hour early and pulling into a visitor spot in front of the department, Nick can't help but notice the almost new Fleetwood Brougham parked in the former sheriff's spot, as well as the fleet of dated and worn-out looking mish-mash of Impala and Crown Vic patrol cars in the department motor pool.
Entering the building, Nick is pleasantly surprised to see Bucks waiting for him at the front desk.
"Hey there sheriff" begins the buck "Ah figered you'd be in early." Hoofing Nick a set of keys, he informed the todd "These is the keys ta yer office."
As Nick stepped into the office, he was surprise to find most of the items that belonged to the department were actually still there.
Noting his look, Bucks told him "Ah guess yer ol – umm wife musta put the fear a God inta him when he lef', 'cause ole' Buford only took whut wuz his personal stuff. The keys ta his car are there on the desk."
"Wait!" remarks Nick in disbelief "The Fleetwood was his patrol vehicle, while the rest of the department drives that worn-out junk?"
"Yup, sad ta say that's the truth."
As Nick begins to take notes, Bucks continues "Yer 'puter is prolly the newest thang here, an' the password is btjustice – all in lower case letters."
"And the rest of the computers?' asks Nick, now almost afraid of the answer that's coming.
"The one out on the front desk is prolly as old as ah am." replies the buck.
"And what's in the patrol cars?"
"Jes' radios, tho mos' of 'em don' work."
"No computers?" asks a by now irritated Nick.
"Nope. Justice didn' figer we needed 'em."
Adding this tidbit to his notes, Nick sits at the desk and boots up the computer, immediately changing the password.
"If ya need anythin', jes' holler, ah'll be out front."
"Okay, thanks Bucks, and leave the door open please."
While perusing several of the few department files that Justice left behind, Nick noticed something that immediately caught his attention – the department budget!
With his jaw almost hitting the desk, Nick yells "BUCKS!"
"Yes sheriff?" answers the buck.
"First, just why do you keep calling me sheriff, I'm simply a deputy."
"Ta be honest, unless ah miss muh guess, yer prolly the best thing ta happen here in a really long time. If you decide ta run fer sheriff, which ah hope ya do when it's time, you'll be a shue-in. Folks 'll vote fer you fer sure."
"But why didn't they just vote Justice out?" asks a now confused Nick.
"Ta be honest, they wuz skeered of him. Vindictive cuss he wuz. 'Sides, no one else wanted the job, too many headaches ah recon."
Placing this item in his notes, Nick notices the time and stands "I guess it's time for our little meeting. Do you have a complete list of the entire staff, their shifts and patrol assignments? If so would you print it out for me please?"
"Sure thing sheriff … umm …"
"It's ok, Bucks, I understand, I don't mind."
"Thanks. It … it might take a few minits tho, what with the 'puter bein' old 'n slow an' hopefully the printer 'll werk…"
"Just do your best, that's all I ask." Nick tells the buck, who seems vastly relieved that the todd is so understanding.
…
Minutes later as Nick gathers his notes, Bucks paws him the printouts that he asked for.
Reviewing the lists on the various xl files, Nick sees a couple of things that he didn't expect:
Stepping into the department's ready room, the todd take stock of the personnel – while most of the officers were dressed in what he figured were their best uniforms (most of which needed replacing) there were three that looked like they had slept in their uniforms.
"Hopps, Flattail and Stangs …"
The three officers stood and were unsure why they were being singled out.
"Why are you three here?" asks Nick in all seriousness, trying not to seem judgmental.
"Sir" begins the smallest of the three, a bunny "We were told that our presence was required."
"Hopps, Clarissa S. … why is it that I don't recognize you?" he asks of the bunny doe. "I thought I knew all of my wife's siblings."
"Sir, I married Donovan Hopps about a year and a half ago, and never got to meet you…"
"I – think I remember that now that you mention it. I take it that you three came off duty at six this morning, is that correct?"
"Ummm, no sir?" the doe answers uncertainly.
"According to the duty roster, you three were scheduled from ten last night until six this morning … is that not accurate?"
"Begging your pardon sir, but the schedule is not conducive of our actual shifts. That goes for all shifts … sir!" supplies a male beaver.
"Flattail Johnathan M." Nick says aloud, looking at the roster. "What are your actual hours then?"
"Sir, every officer here is twelve on and twelve off three days a week with rotating shifts."
"WHAT? Why in the hell does Justice have this set up the way he does?"
"So he didn't have to pay us overtime sir." answers the miniature Shetland.
"Stangs, Robert J. … how long has this been going on?"
"I've been on the force for three and a half years sir, and it's always been like that. It's the best job I could find at the time and still is." comes the terse reply.
Running his paw down his face in frustration, Nick looks at the assembled officers, fourteen in all.
"And this is all of the officers in the department? Really?"
"Yes sir, not countin' the sheriff and Junior." answers Bucks. "Not many folks 'round here wanna work fer Justice."
"And only three of you on second shift … to cover the entire Tri-Burrows area?"
"Yes sir." comes from Hopps.
"Okay …" comes the exasperated reply from Nick "Hopps, Flattail and Stangs, you three go home and get some rest. Be back here at five thirty tonight and I'll give you that same information that I'm going to give the rest of these mammals … now git…!"
As three tired but extremely appreciative mammals leave the room, Nick takes a hard look at the remaining mammals:
"Okay, on with the show!" he begins "to begin with, Bucks, after this meeting, I want you to take the sheriff's car to the dealership and tell them that I want to trade it for something more practical, a LEO edition Charger should do fine, complete with a new radio and laptop. I'll drive my personal car until I get the new car. Then have the dealership call me, because I want to get rid of all of these rolling junk piles that are currently in the motor pool and get new cars, all equipped with all of the same things that'll be added to my patrol car."
"But sir" pipes up another bunny (Which makes up about 80% of the force - it's a prey heavy community after all) how will you ever get the county commissioners to sign off on the expense? It'll mean raising taxes, and-"
"I've seen how much Justice has in the so called discretionary fund, and it'll cover the cost of the vehicles and other related equipment, along with new weapons, both lethal and tranq's, as well as the cost of having the Zootopia police academy staff come and give you all the required training for the weapons and all if not most of your overtime back-pay."
"But we don't have a range nearby." adds another rabbit officer.
"I'm pretty sure I can talk my father-in-law into donating enough land for us to use." quips the todd, a casual smirk playing across his muzzle.
"If any of you managed to keep records of your actual hours worked, get those records to me as soon as you can and I'll do my best to get your overtime straightened out. In the meantime, I've set you all up with a 5% raise in pay.
"Hours … does anyone here have an issue with having your hours cut to eight hours a day? It'll mean different shift options and regardless, you'll need to rotate patrols on a monthly basis. That way you'll be familiar with the rest of the mammals in the Tri-Burrows area and will be more familiar with the entire area as well. If anyone wants to volunteer to help the swing shift mammals rotate to days so they can get a break, I'll have Bucks make a volunteer sheet and he can post it on the message board here in the ready room.
"Personnel … I'm going to go the Tri-Burrow Gazette and place an ad for more deputies, both predator and prey. Anyone qualified will be interviewed and hired. Anyone who needs to be trained will be sent to the ZPD Academy at no charge to them."
Seeing a young jackalope with a paw in the air, Nick takes the opportunity to let the room absorb the information that's already been presented.
"Yes…?"
"Thomas Lopes sir … my mate was a qualified officer in the Badlands district before we moved here. Sheriff Justice wouldn't hire her because he said that under no circumstances would he allow mates to serve together. What's your stance on that policy?"
"As long as she's fully qualified I have no problem with it, especially since Judy and I served together as mates while on the ZPD. Was that Justice's only reason for not hiring your mate?"
"That's the only reason he gave, but since Justice was dyed in the wool speciest, I figured it had as much to do with her being a coyote as much as anything."
"Have her come in for an interview sometime this week. If she's fully qualified, I'll hire her on the spot. If not, she can always go to the ZPD academy for a short refresher course. If you can work together with no distractions, you can even work as partners. Which brings up another very important point …if there's anyone here who can't tolerate working with predators or interspecies couples, you need to make yourselves known. This department has NO place for speciest attitudes, and I have absolutely no tolerance for it. If the thought of working with someone in a multi species relationship is more than you can handle, now's the time to turn in your stuff."
Seeing no paws or hoofs in the air and by and large complacent looks on the mammals faces as each scanned the room, Nick wraps up the session.
"Great. For now, do your normal patrols and keep track of your hours. Bucks can put out a spreadsheet in a few minutes that you can use to sign in and out of until we get a more official log sheet developed. Get out there and make the world a better place as my darling wife used to say. Dismissed."
…
After taking only a couple of minutes to whip up a quick sign-in/out roster, Bucks placed the roster on a clipboard for everyone to log out on before they headed out on their patrols.
As the last car leaves, Nick turns to his next in charge – "Take the Fleetwood to the dealership, I'll follow in my personal car and help with the paperwork to swap it for a different car, as well as to sign off on the replacement vehicles. Then we can head to the Computer Shack and get you some new equipment for the office… what?" noticing the slightly off look he was getting from the buck.
"Yer actually serious 'bout alla this ain't ya?" asks the buck.
"Yes Bucks I am!" admits the todd "Unless I miss my guess, the few mammals that are on the force here are good mammals, there are just too few of them doing the best that they can with the little that they have to work with. I aim to change that … all of it!"
"Sheriff, if you do half a what yuh tole them, they'll be a passle a folks lookin' ta join the d'partment.
"As long as we get good mammals, I'd call that a plus, wouldn't you? C'mon, let's get started."
Several hours later, a thoroughly satisfied and slightly surprised duo make it back to the office.
"Ah never woulda s'pected we'd a got three cars fer Justice's car." comments Bucks.
"Surprised me too!" admits Nick "Anyway, I see that I messed a text from Judy, wanting me to meet her and the kits for lunch. Unless you need help hooking up that new computer and printer, I'm going to take off for a bit. If you need anything, don't be afraid to call or text me."
"Naw, ah think ah kin handle it from here, thanks anyways …"
The next few weeks flew by for Nick … getting new patrol vehicles and updated equipment for all of the deputies, straightening out the overtime for all for the present and past employees (talk about a major headache) getting new uniforms and above all else almost doubling the size of the current department staff with qualified applicants, easing the work load for all. The sudden and appreciated change by not only the staff, but the residents of the county, totally surprised Nick and even Judy.
…
Finally came the big night … the night that Nick and family plus Jasmine would make their much anticipated reappearance on Zootopia's Got Talent.
When their turn finally arrives, the last contestants of the evening … again … the judges and packed house are all taken by surprise when Nick walks out on stage paw in paw with Judy and not Jasmine, who's watching the kits just off stage left (stage right to the audience) accompanied again by Tarry Crews.
"I see we have a substitution …" begins Simon Growel.
"That's correct!" admits Nick "And we realize that according to the rules, we are disqualified from the competition. However …" the todd continues "before we exit the stage, I would like to introduce you all to my beautiful wife Judith Wilde, who was rescued from the clutches of a mammal sex slave ring thanks to leads provided by numerous viewers of this show after mine and my sister-in-law's previous performance."
"That's … interesting!" comments Howlie.
"That said" continues Nick "we would like to ask permission to perform our number, even though we've been eliminated from the competition, as a thank you to the thousands of mammals who so unselfishly provide the information that allowed us to find my beautiful wife and our kits. You see, it was never about the money at all, it was all about finding my mate."
"Kits?" suddenly asks Simon.
"That's correct, kits. You see, Judy was pregnant when she was abducted, and through it all she delivered six healthy kits (not choosing to share the information about the illegitimacy of the 5 bunnies). The reason we decided to show up this evening rather than just bow out and simply not perform, is to thank those loyal viewers and to encourage anyone who still has a missing loved one to be active. To go on social media, to pressure their local politicians, to at least try to perform on Zootopia's Got Talent to help spread the word."
Turning and looking at the audience, Tina asks as she addresses the packed house "Well, what do you think? Should we let them perform?" which is immediately answered by thunderous applause.
"I guess that's your answer" smiles Tina.
"And what are you planning to do for us this evening?" asks Simon.
"Actually" responds Judy, we would like to do a song that I'm sure that Tina is very familiar with, and I want to dedicate it to my husband and kits …"
When Nick nods and the music begins, Judy begins the opening vocals …
"I call you when I need you…." (Simply the Best, Tina Turner, 1991) and the crowd fills the hall with screams of approval!
As Nick joins Judy through the song, the crowd fills the auditorium with cell phone lights and cheers of approval.
With the final chorus of "You're the best….." the couple falls tearfully into each other's arms, and seven kits who will no longer be restrained, join their parents in the center of the stage, in front of the thundering applause of thousands of live audience members and millions of mammals watching worldwide.
Standing and applauding with the live audience, the panel of judges can only stare and marvel at the multispecies family in front of them.
After the crowd finally quiets a little, Tina joins the family on stage.
"Could you please introduce you beautiful family?" she asks.
"Of course." agrees Nick. Holding Judy tight, he begins with here; "This, of course is the love of my life, Judith Wilde - OWWWW!" as he receives a punch on the shoulder.
"I warned you about that Nick!" cautions the slightly peeved bunny.
"Anyway" he continues, moving from the oldest to the youngest of the kits "here we have TY Lee, James, Leigh, Al, Janae, C. J. and finally Cotton Wilde."
"Such a diverse and beautiful family." comments Tina.
"And…." Nick comments, giving Judy a very evil grin…
"No Nick, please…" begs the doe, suddenly realizing what her husband is about to do...
"Sorry Fluff, but this is payback for not telling me sooner." Nick replies softly.
"How long have you known?" the mortified doe has to ask.
"Since that first time back in our old apartment." he admits, pointing to his nose.
"Stupid fox nose…" grouses the doe.
Speaking into the microphone, Nick announces to the world "And … we're proud to announce – OWWW! Dang Judy … there will be a new addition to the Wilde family in about six months…OWWWW … OWWWW!" as Nick takes two more solid punches to the arm.
"That's marvelous!" squeals Tina, as the crowd beaks out in pandemonium.
As the Wilde family (plus one) waves to the assembled crowd and the TV audience, Judy warns her husband "Just wait until I get you home…"
"I sense a bout of spousal abuse coming!" comments a slightly fearful Nick.
"You have NO idea!" admits Judy with an evil/lustful grin. "Now that you know that I'm pregnant, you might need to call in to work on Monday, 'cause I've got the feeling that you're gonna need the rest…."
~0~
AN: And that is the end of I Will Always Love You. I am now free to devote my time and resources to Life Is A Highway and I Love You But...
I MAY at some point in the future pick this up and make a sequel, but for the time being I have other fish to fry.
Plus, for anyone interested, I am working on a commission for a very close veteran friend of mine that will be posted upon its completion, and sorry - no spoilers.
~0~
Ty Lee -
Nicholas James Wilde – James.
Marion Leigh Wilde – likes Leigh
Thomas Allen Wilde - Al
Samantha Janae Wilde - calls herself Janae
Calvin Jay Wilde - CJ
Cotton Angelina (Angel) Wilde– Cotton (Cottonball) Lucille Hopps