6: Meeting Sarah
While Judy headed to the spacious bathroom to change, Nick uncovered the hot tub and turned the circulation and bubbles on to max, then made sure that the temperature wasn't too hot.
Emerging from the bathroom in a furtight one-piece speedo, Judy stuns Nick "Well, what do ya think?"
"Umm, truthfully?"
"Always, that's what we agreed on, right?"
"Then can I ask a question first?"
"Sure …"
"Where'd your boobs go?" he asks, smirk firmly in place.
"What? What the actual hell Nick?"
"When you went in to change, I think you left 'em somewhere, 'cause they seem to be missing. Just saying."
Walking over to the full-length mirror by the bathroom door, Judy stares at her reflection, and notices that the speedo had actually flattened out her chest to the point that her breasts seeming almost nonexistent!
"Shit!" and with that she returns to the bathroom, slamming the door behind her.
Several minutes later, she reemerges wearing a pair of purple track shorts. The shorts were trimmed in gold with the words 'Deerbrook Does' in gold lettering on them, and her newly acquired Broke Spoke shirt, which was more of an oversized old-fashioned muscle shirt, which was conveniently tied in a knot on her right side, just below her bustline.
"Better?" she asks.
"I'll let you know in a minute. Let me go get my trunks on first, ok?"
After a few minutes, Nick exits the bath room wearing a pair of pale green swimming trunks that seem to have seen its better days.
"And you had the nerve to insult my speedo?" she asks, laughing as she sits expectantly on the edge of the tub.
"My dear Miss Hopps" he answers, pressing a paw to his chest in mock indignation "if I wore anything tighter, we would be having an entirely different discussion…"
Mouth open and blushing fiercely, Judy has no comment for that.
"Shall we?" asks Nick as he steps into the water while holding out a paw to aid Judy into the tub.
"We shall" she answers. Ignoring Nick's proffered paw, she does a perfect cannonball into the warm bubbling water, splashing water everywhere.
Emerging from her dive, Judy can't help but giggle as Nick stares at her mostly on display chest, which was exactly the effect she was anticipating.
"See something you like Slick?"
"Sly bunny!"
"Dumb fox."
Laughing heartily at the old jibes that they shared so long ago, the two sat back to relax.
"Fluff, can I ask you something?"
"Sure Nick, anything."
"OK, a few things then. First, if it's any of my business, how come Sarah seems to be such an outcast? I've seen the signs before, so, straight up, why?"
Thinking for a few long seconds, Judy responds.
"Well, in bunny culture, being raised in a single parent household is considered taboo unless one parent is killed in an accident or something like that. Couple that with her being practically being an only kit and having an independent, strong willed attitude like her mother, who has two divorces under her belt, it's actually pretty easy to understand. I guess it's easy to miss if you're not a bunny, so it's a legit question. Next."
"Umm, maybe none of my business again, but just who is Nadine?"
"Nadine is one of my few cousins that I'm still on good terms with. She's watching Sarah while I'm here, in return Sarah helps around the burrow doing odd jobs and such. Next question please."
"What are some of Sarah's interests? I already know about her karate, but besides that…"
"Well, to begin with, she's into karate mainly because I was at the time, so I could try to keep in some semblance of shape, especially after ten kits. She's really good by the way. She'd probably be a star on the soccer team, but since it's a team sport and she's been more or less outed due to the reasons we've already discussed, there was no real point to her even trying out for the team.'
'She likes art and seems to like tinkering with her bike and just about anything else her paws on without getting into too much trouble."
Seeing a broad grin forming on Nicks muzzle, she as to ask "What?"
"Nothing for sure yet, I'm just trying to find some sort of common ground to try to connect with her on when we finally meet. But, her interest in art and tinkering does give me an idea or two."
"Really? Like what?"
"Custom artwork can pay really well and is a wide-open field these days. Graphic art for advertising, storyboarding for movies, both live action and in cartoons, and custom airbrush work on cars and bikes all pay well. And since she likes to tinker on stuff, I might even be willing to hire her to work in the shop doing odd jobs and prep work, when she's not in school of course … providing I can work something out with her mother that is!"
"Ok, slow down for a sec … firstly, I wouldn't have the money to send her to a good art school-"
"Maybe not, but I would…"
"Nick, I couldn't ask you to do something like that!"
"Then don't ask, simple."
"But…"
"But what Judy? Why would I do such a thing? Others before self, remember? Besides Nickie, you and Sarah are the closest thing I have to actual family in this world. Yea, there's the other vets like Skye and Midnight, but that's a whole different kind of family. My love for you goes deeper that life itself, my stint in the military should prove that. Following that line of thought, it's kinda mandatory that Sarah would qualify as well. I know I can't have one of you without the other, and I really have no interest in even trying. There's literally nothing I wouldn't do for that kit that I wouldn't do for her if she was my own fur and blood."
Grabbing Nick in a fierce hug "How could I have ever been so stupid?"
"Whatever do you mean?"
"That damned press conference…"
Petting Judy's ears that are flat against her back, Nick comforts her "There, there sweetheart-"
"Yea, I know" comes the muffled reply "bunnies, so emotional…"
"It's ok Judy, really. It's all in the past. Things happen or don't happen for a reason. We're together now, that's what matters. You have a beautiful, darling kit that I really want to, no need to meet, and if it wasn't for this build-off thing we'd leave for Deerbrook first thing in the morning."
"You're serious!"
"Am I? Yes, yes I am, one hundred percent!" he says with a scandalous wink, and then a devious smile begins to grow on his muzzle.
"Nick, whatever you're thinking, stop thinking it!"
"Hey, that's my line!"
"Don't care … but … whatever it is, please let it be-"
"Something pleasant?" he finishes for her.
"Kinda, yea."
"Deerbrook has an airport, right?"
"…"
"When does Sarah need to be back in school?"
"… Ummm, I'm not sure, why?"
"How about if we have her come spend the week with us?"
"You're joking … right?"
"Nope, serious as a heart attack. She can stay here with us, even though it'll make it a bit more difficult for us, especially you, want to get frisky-"
"HEY!"
"She can help with the build-off bike, just like you" he continues "and we can get one of the shop guys to help us get her back and forth to wherever we want to go. Consider it our first family outing! Wadda ya think?"
"Let's say I, and she, agree to this little plan of yours. When would you have her get here, and what about the concert on Sat-"
And right then Nick' phone pings with an incoming text.
Rolling his eyes and picking up the phone, Nick reads the text and completely out of character, shows his surprise.
"What?"
"You ain't gonna believe this, but that's from Skye. She and Nickie had a fight and she's staying in one of the other rooms that I rented for the rally. She says that she's not planning on going to the concert on Saturday night, so if we can find someone else to give her ticket to, we can have it!"
"For real? They had a fight because of me? I feel terrible!"
"No Judy, because of me, because of us! None of this is your fault, this is all on Nickie. While it's nice to have family concerned about you, Nickie can't seem to get over the fact that I care about you and that you actually care about me.'
'On the one paw. I'm pretty sure you were concerned what we'd do with Sarah while we were at the concert, well, there's your answer. Oooon the other paw, concerts at the Chip can get rather, umm boisterous and out of paw. These are bikers remember? Drinking, cussing and partial, if not full, nudity and maybe even outright sex sometimes happens at the Chip with regularity. Since it's on private land, the cops are not able to control the crowd. True, the Chip has its own security, but unless there's a fight or something, it's pretty much anything goes. It's your call as to whether she goes or not. And believe it or not, I don't mind not going if she can't go."
Holding out her paw, Judy indicates that she wants to read the text herself.
After reading the text at least twice, Judy asks "May I reply? I'll let her know that it's me."
"Sure, go ahead."
Reading over Judy's shoulder, Nick sees the following message: 'This s Judy-sory that u got ina fite wth Nikie. Nik & I r thinkin about havn my dauter over 4 raly. If she cums wed luv 2 hav th tiket 4 her. Thanx.'
"Your texting sucks, you know that right?" he asks in fun.
Just then another ping, indicating a reply to Judy's text.
Reading it together, there were only two emojis and a short message. One was a kiss, the other was bouncing ball and the message was simple 'get busy'.
Nick stared laughing so hard he almost dropped the phone in the hot tub.
"What? The kiss I get but-"
"Really Fluff? What do you see besides the kiss?"
"A bouncing ball and …" and suddenly it dawns on her "damn! Why does everyone think we need to screw anyway? Especially my own daughter?"
"If I knew I'd tell ya sweetheart."
"Well shit" says Judy with and evil smile, as she stands up, pulls off her t-shirt and tosses it into a corner.
"Ummm …."
"Can it Wilde. You know you want this as much as I do. Hell, we both NEED this. So why not just lay back and enjoy it? No booze this time either…."
"You're sure? No second thoughts? If I accidently, or even on purpose knot you, we're stuck together, no pun intended, for life. You know that, right?"
"Nick, we've both waited, actually wished for this for over fifteen years. You ain't gonna wimp out on me now are ya?"
Gathering Judy suddenly into a deep, passionate kiss while reaching around and grabbing a firm hold on her sensitive tail was the only answer Nick had, or needed.
Moving from the hot tub towards the bed (but not quite making it) and losing what little remained of their clothing in the process, over fifteen years of pent-up longing and lust were about to become a thing of the past.
…
Some time later…..
"Ye gods Nick….!" Says Judy, finally able to catch her breath.
"Yea, I know, me too."
"I honestly thought I'd be prepared for … you, but holy shit! I can't imagine what a knot would be like."
"Kinda the same here, you were so … you know ummm … tight? So, how about let's wait a while for the knot thing then, ok?"
"Well, bunnies ain't used to such big …"
"Right…."
"I know, I was just thinking that. After so many years of going without, I'll probably walk funny for a few days anyway, you know that, right?"
"And just what do you think Sarah will have to say about that?" he asks with a large smirk.
"Shit, hell, damn … I completely forgot in all the … heat of the moment!"
With a full-fledged grin firmly in place, Nick makes a suggestion "How about you throw a robe on and call her again to see if she's interested in coming here while I order up some grub. I don't know about you, but all of that 'exercise' has got me starving."
"Hush you … but yea, good idea. I'll call right now" she says heading to the bathroom for a clean robe.
"There's a menu on the dresser just outside the bathroom." Advises Nick "I'm gonna have some Belgaum waffles with a side of turkey sausage."
"I guess I'll have some waffles as well, but maybe some spicy tofu instead of the sausage, ok?"
"Works for me…"
Even though it's getting to be a bit late in the day, Judy calls, knowing that Sarah will probably still be up.
Answering the phone on the second ring, Sarah greets her mother "Hey mom, what's up? I never expected you to call this late and … wait a minute … what's up with your fur?"
"What on earth are you talking about?"
"Mom, you really need to go look in a mirror" Sara remarks with a giggle and a HUGE grin on her face.
Walking over to the same mirror that she had just used a short time ago, Judy looks on in complete horror!
Her fur was sticking out in all sorts of odd angles and she had neglected to close the robe all the way at the top, showing a good amount of cleavage!
'Oh my god!' shethought, now red as a beet 'I've just had the best sex of my life and my daughter knows! Holy crap!'
"Mom, you have bed fur. You and Nick-"
"SARAH! Not another word…. Please. God I'm so embarrassed, I'm SO sorry honey…"
"Mom, it's ok, really. I'm happy for you, I promise. Umm, is Nick close by?"
A slightly worried Judy asks "Yea … why?"
"Why what Fluff?" asks Nick as he joins the conversation.
"Hi Nick!" greets a bubbly Sarah.
"How's it goin' sweet cheeks? Did your mom ask you yet?"
"Ask me what?"
Looking at Judy and seeing a less than thrilled expression "Ok, what'd I miss?"
"She knows Nick…"
"She knows…...?"
"About us … you know…!"
"Ummm ok ….and?"
"I'm so happy for you two!" she practically yelled.
"Ok" says Nick blinking rapidly "this is officially a bit weird!"
"Ya think?" asks Judy. "My own daughter, my fourteen-year-old daughter, is happy because we just-"
"Mom" interrupts Sarah, hoping to at least partially derail her mothers embarrassing revelation "What was Nick asking about?"
"Huh?" getting off of her less than ideal train of thought "oh, yea … you won't start school again until later in the month, right?"
"That's right, Monday the 28th is first day. So?"
"Well, we were wondering if you might want to come to the rally and stay with us for the week."
"… For real? You-you really want me to come and hang out with you both?"
"Well, it was really Nick's idea, and I figured if you wanted to, I was fine with it."
"I-I'd love to! Are you gonna come and pick me up or what?"
"Actually" pipes up Nick "I bought a plane ticket and it has your name on it. You leave from the Deerbrook airport for Rapids City at eleven fifteen tomorrow morning, and should arrive here around one thirty or so!"
"Oh my god, this is so neat!" says Sarah, bouncing up and down.
"Will you please calm down a little!" says Judy laughing at her daughter's enthusiasm.
"Ok, ok, ok, what do I need to bring? Like, a million outfits, my laptop, money, what?"
"There's no need to over-pack like I did. Nick, a little help…"
"Sure thing" he answers. "All ya really need is like, one extra pair of jeans, a swimsuit or two, plenty of underwear, whatever personal items you may need and your laptop if ya wanna bring it. As long as it all fits in a backpack, you're good, I'll take care of everything else."
"Spending money?" she asks.
"Not unless you really wanna get something for a friend or something like that" Nick answers.
"And please throw in a couple of my swimming suits while you're at it" suggests Judy.
"But I kinda liked what you were wearing when-"
"NICK!"
"You guys are SO great! I gotta go get ready. Love you both, see you tomorrow, bye!" and hung up that quick.
Looking at each other, Nick and Judy bust out laughing.
"I really don't think she wants to come!" says Nick.
"Doesn't sound like it." responds Judy, as both start laughing again.
Drying her tears, Judy says "I need to call Nadine to tell her the change of plans."
"And I need to round up some different transportation for us to go to the airport in Rapids City."
About that time, room service shows up with their food, so they make arrangements for the next day while eating.
While Judy called her cousin and explained the situation to her, Nick was busy lining up transportation for the trip to pick up Sarah at the airport in the morning.
"All good on my end" says Judy
"Same here" returns Nick. "I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with what I've got lined up."
"Which is?"
"Nu-uh. Ya gotta wait and see tomorrow mornin'. In the meantime," he adds, reaching over and undoing the belt of her robe "I think we need to work off a bit of that late meal, and this is probably gonna be our last chance at catching up on a certain activity that we've missed out on for so long before Sarah gets here!"
Leaning in and kissing Nick passionately is Judy's only response.
…
Friday morning ~ Stergis rally in the Badlands Region of Animalia:
Judy is only slightly amazed that Nick is up at the break of dawn.
"Got someplace to be there Slick?" she asks teasingly, all the while knowing that he wants to look his best for Sarah.
"Har, har, very funny Fluff."
Nick, it's only five thirty!"
"I know, but I can't sleep."
"You're actually gonna let a fourteen-year-old doe get under your fur? That's so unlike the Nick I used to know."
Sitting on the edge of the bed and lightly kissing the top of Judy's head, he softly answers "Thanks for that. It's been a long haul to get where I am today… and I know you meant it as a complement."
Standing and kissing Nick softly on the cheek "So what's the plan? When do we leave to get Sarah at Rapids city and what do we do in the meantime?"
"Well, I figured that after we shower, we could go down to the dining area and get some breakfast. Then a quick cruise down Main Street before they close it off to cages (cars). After that it's out to the shop to pick up the ride that's gonna get us to and from Rapids City, since there's no reason to get to Rapids before one."
"Any suggestions on what to wear?"
After a few moments thought "Good jeans for sure, but as far as a shirt no. I think we'll pick up a couple of my shop t-shirts for us to wear, and a spare for Sarah. Wadda ya think?"
"Sounds great! Anything else?"
"It'll probably be a good idea to get some leathers for you two at some point. At least chaps and vests, maybe a good jacket as well. Anything can happen with so many bikes out and about, not to mention careless drivers. Better safe than sorry. Chaps and stuff are cheap compared to lost fur…'
'I've got several full sets at the shop for myself, but we can stop at one of the good leather places I know and get you two each a really good set. (for the purpose of the story, leather is made from reptile hide). Whatsaywegetthoseshowersandheaddown and get an early start on breakfast…"
"Showers? Or maybe … shower?"
"You are one horny-assed doe, ya know that?"
"I am a bunny after all. And after almost fourteen years of getting' none, I'm tryin' to make up for a bit of lost time… you think you're up to the challenge Nick?"
"I guess there's only one way to find out…"
…
After yet another round of lovemaking in the shower, our couple finally manages to untangle long enough to go get something to eat in the motel dining room.
Entering the dining area, the two are greeted with unflattering remarks by several of Nick's employees. Knowing that the remarks are in good fun Nick and Judy simply wave and bow with Nock throwing an occasional middle finger salute to select members.
Most notably absent was, of course, Nickie although Skye was in attendance.
"I wasn't sure if you two would make it to breakfast or not" she says "but I brought the ticket with me just in case" and hands the spare ticket to Nick.
"Thanks Snow" says Nick.
"Yea, thanks Skye" reaffirms Judy.
"You can call me Snow Judy, everybody else does."
"Ok, if you say so, but I'm really sorry about you and Nickie."
"I'm not! No one needs that kind of negative bullshit around them, it'll just make you lesser mammal. Besides, I think she'll come around before long. A bit of tough love 'll bring her to her senses, I'm sure of it!'
'Anyhow, when do you go pick up your daughter Judy? And how are you gonna get there?"
"Her plane lands at around one thirty. I talked Olie and Lenna into letting us use their bike" says Nick grinning.
"Really? If that ain't a miracle, I ain't never seen one."
Seeing Judy's questioning gaze, Nick can only respond "You'll see soon enough Fluff."
"Umm, this might be kinda personal, but-" begins Skye.
"Yes Snow, we did" says Judy somewhat hesitantly "how could you tell? We took a shower and all."
Grinning, Snow taps her snout and lets Judy in on a poorly kept secret "Are you forgetting just how sensitive the nose of a predator is? I, as well as pretty much all of the preds in the room and even a lot of the prey, could smell you coming. And from the strength of the musk, it's a sure bet that your daughter is gonna get a good whiff as well."
"Oh, god, just kill me now!" moaned a suddenly stressed Judy, covering her face with her ears to hide her embarrassment.
Gently pulling her ears away from her face, Nick consoles his distressed bunny "Judy, sweetheart, it's not like she doesn't know already, remember?"
"But it's different that a phone conversation Nick…"
"Why? It's real life Fluff. At her age I'm sure that she's probably smelled that on some of her schoolmates already."
"Maybe so Nick, but I'm her mother for god's sake, it's different!"
"Why? Does it make you feel like you're less of a mammal? I guess I just don't understand. I'm sorry."
"Seems like you'll just have to see how she reacts when you see her, huh?" remarks Skye.
"I guess so" replies a still slightly downcast Judy.
"In the meantime, let's get something to eat, I'm starving" says Nick, in part trying to break Judy's funk.
"Fine, let's do."
…
After finishing a lazy breakfast from the all you can eat buffet and relaxing a bit, Nick and Judy head over to the shop, which is already doing a brisk business, even at only eight in the morning.
With all of the mechanics there busy, and a half dozen bikes waiting their turn, Nick looks around to find a certain mammal.
Spotting a European badger working at the tire changing machine, Nick leads Judy in that direction.
"Olie" Nick half shouts to make himself heard over the din "ya got a minute?"
"Ya sure boss" comes the reply.
"I want ya ta meet Judy, the bunny I told ya about last night."
"Pleased ta meet ya!" Olie says, shaking Judy's proffered paw. "Freya be over in tha' corner. You take goot care of my Freya ya?".
"Sure thing Olie, I promise to take care of her like she was my own, I promise. Thanks again."
"Ok, ok, you go now. I got work to do, go, go …"
Seeing Judy's questioning look, Nick explains "Olie and Leena are both from Scandehoovia, emigrated here in the mid-sixties. Their eldest son served with me in the Forces-"
Noticing Nick's sad look "It's ok Nick, I get it. So, the bikes name is Freya?"
"Yup. Olie built it out of old military surplus parts over the years. Evidently, Freya was one of his and Leena's kits that was lost for some reason or another. He didn't say how and I figured if he didn't say, I wasn't gonna ask."
"So, a sidecar huh?"
"I figured it was the best way to get all three of us back here at least and ride at the same time. Plenty of space in the sidecar for two bunnies and a backpack don't ya think?"
"Sly fox!"
"Beautiful bunny."
Just as Judy was about to reward Nick with a kiss, "Hey boss" interrupted Midnight.
"Umm, was I interrupting something?" he asked.
"Seems to be the order of things lately" remarks Nick with a bit of sarcasm, much to Judy's amusement.
"Anyway, not knowing what's in the parts box that King has set up, I scouted around and secured a few things that'll help with the build."
"Like?"
"A twisted lower fork springer, different outer primary and derby cover set, a set of short apes with cables, that kinda stuff. It's all on hold for us so I didn't have to pay for it unless we actually need it and pick it up."
"Smart thinkin', and good job. Judy and I are just gonna hang here for a bit before we go get her daughter in Rapids. Do ya need anything for me, or us to do as long as we're here?"
Pondering the question for a few moments, Midnight comes up with an idea "How about ordering a bunch of water? There's a large icemaker just beside the office, so I thought that if we offer free water, we can pull in more business."
"Perfect. I think I was the window markers being loaded before we left, so have Georgette dig 'em out and put 'FREE ICE WATER' all along the office marquis. Give me a sec and I'll make a call."
As Nick makes a call to procure as much bottled water as he can, Midnight has a quick conversation with Judy.
"How ya holdin' up?"
"Not too bad I guess, considering."
"Nickie?"
"That obvious, huh?"
"'Fraid so. If it means anything to ya, the rest of us are behind you and Nick all the way. He's had a tough go of it and you seem to be the one bright spot, the one single positive thing that's come into his life in a long time. Hang in there, Nickie 'll come around. Since her little tiff with Snow, and her being banished from the shop and the build, I think she'll see what it's truly like to be alone and missing someone you love even if it's only for a short time."
"I hope you're right, I really do. I hate that it came to that though. I know what it's like to lose family. My parents both passed because of an illness and my sibs fought over every little thing afterwards. I literally have practically nothing besides my one daughter, the one we're going to pick up at the airport in a little bit!"
"Only one kit?" he asked with a puzzled expression.
"Long story for another time, ok?"
"Sure, no problem. Anyway, I need to get back to work and here comes Nick'
'What's the story boss?"
"Well, I've got around one hundred cases of water coming, and it should be here in about a half hour, with another hundred cases due by around four. They're scheduled to deliver at least two hundred cases a day unless we want to order more, up to five hundred cases a day. I promised the owner of the company that I'd give him the old Flathead that we were gonna use for the build-off as payment. Since I basically got the bike for free, I figured it was a good deal all the way around!"
"Damn Nick, I don't know how ya do it, but I'm sure glad that ya can."
"The art of the deal dude. Anyhow, we're gonna load up and take a slow ride down Lazalle then over to Rapids airport. If it's ok with everyone, we'll try to stop by when we get back to town."
"Hope so, I wanna meet this kit of Judy's.
"She's way too young for you, you pervert. Besides, Amy Rose would have your hide nailed to the wall even if she was old enough…"
"True that. Let me get back to work before she beats my ass just for GP. Later boss!"
"GP?" asks Judy.
"General principal, basically just for the hell of it. Climb in and let's get movin'."
"Midnight" says Nick a bit loudly so he can be heard "Get me some of those new shop t-shirts… one each for me and Judy and what, a small for Sarah?"
"Yea, small sounds about right…thanks!"
Stepping into the sidecar of the beautiful ice-blue bike, Judy has to wonder just how rough the ride will be.
Once they head down the road into the town of Stergis itself, she's amazed at the smooth ride (the sidecar has a leaf-type suspension with a shock to absorb some of the rebound, just like a car would).
Going up Junction Street to Lazalle avenue, Judy notices how much the motorcycle traffic has picked up, much more like she expected.
As Nick turns left on Lazalle and heads towards the interstate, the traffic gets even heavier, although they seem to be going more east than west.
"Nick, why does everybody seem to be heading in the opposite direction?
"The Beefalo Chip campground is that way, which is where the concert is tomorrow night."
Turning left at the interstate and heading south, the half hour ride to Rapids City, and then the ten-minute journey to the airport goes without incident, with Judy simply enjoying watching the scenery go by.
Arriving early turns out to be a good thing, because Sarah's plane is early as well.
…
Parking the bike in a designated motorcycle parking area (even though it takes up three spots) Nick and Judy arrive in the unloading area just in time to see Sarah coming down the ramp.
"Mom, Nick" she yells, running down the ramp, then collecting Judy in a tight hug.