11: Confrontation And Revelation
XxX
MONDAY MORNING ~ Stergis Motorcycle Rally ~ Day Two:
…
Up and moving at around six am, everyone gets a quick shower and heads down to the dining area to get a bite to eat before heading to the shop, and from there to the fairgrounds.
Arriving at the fairgrounds just minutes before build time is due to start, the trio is greeted by two separate sights that gave them pause … the first was a well put together stand, specially built for Sarah just off to the side of Nick's build area.
The other was a band setting up in the center part of the stage, the place where Ness would have been.
As mister Kings approached, he could easily read Nick's questioning gaze.
"With Ness withdrawing from the competition, I thought that giving a few of the local bands some play time would be a good idea. Give them some national attention as it were. I even have a guest DJ lined up for Saturday. You don't have a problem with it do you?"
"No, not really. A little notice would've been nice though!"
"Anyway, today and tomorrow's group 'Oldies But Goodies' is a sixties and seventies tribute band. If you have any requests, I'm sure they'll play them for you."
"No, it's ok, just a bit unexpected is all, kinda like everything else has been happening this year."
Heading over to the stand that Sarah and the rest of the girls were at, Nick took notice of the entire display.
Standing to either side of two long tables were Skye and Nickie who were very animated as they spoke with Judy and Sarah. A banner above the tables brazenly declared 'CHOCOLATE BUNNY PRODUCTIONS LLC' custom paint designs' with a picture of an Easter-style chocolate candy bunny with blue eyes on either end of the banner, just like the one on Nick's trike, staring out at the crowd.
On the table, along with official looking contract forms, were several stacks of different mammal sized t-shirts. All were chocolate brown with blue lettering declaring "I GOT MINE AT STERGIS!"
"What in the he-world?" begins Judy.
"How did you guess?" Sarah asks Nickie.
"Guess what? Asks Nickie, obviously confused.
"My secret nickname that only mom and dad know?"
With Nickie still looking confused, Sarah leans in and whispers "It's Chocolate", which causes Nickie's mouth to drop.
"We put that there and used the slogan because of the chocolate candy bunny you had painted on the trike!" Nickie admits. "I'm sorry, we had no idea-"
"It's ok auntie, I understand. It's kinda nice actually. Thanks." and gives both of her new aunts a quick hug.
"So, just to be sure, you're ok with all of this?" asks Nick.
"Yea, I guess. It's just, I've never had so many good things happen to me, that it's kinds hard to get used to … ya know?"
"Well, as long as you're ok with it, so are we, right Fluff?"
Brushing away a tear or two, Judy agrees "Damn, here I go again…"
"MOM, language!"
"Hush you…"
…
With Adelle and Ramone chaperoning Sarah, Nick, Judy and the two vixens get back to the business of helping to build a custom motorcycle.
Although the old police bike had been partially disassembled the previous day, further disassembly was needed to check fitment of the 'new' parts, and measurements were needed to be taken to calculate how the drastic changes to the rear suspension would come together. Transforming a typical swing arm suspension to a hidden shock or 'softail' suspension would be a bit tricky, and there would be no time to fix something if they messed up.
While most of the build parts had already been found, either in the parts that were brought along for the build-off competition, or found in the dealers or swap meet areas, the rear fender (hidden brackets were planned if possible) and a pre-formed concave sided fuel tank, were difficult to find, especially for that old of a bike, were still to be located.
Impressed at the number of mammals lining up at Sarah's stand but concerned at the same time, Nick keeps a watchful eye on the goings-on. This is Stergis after all, and things can get out of paw rather quickly, even with Ramone and Adelle being right there.
As lunch time rolls around, mister Kings has thoughtfully ordered pizza for both build teams so neither would have to shut down to get something to eat. Various juices, sodas and water were provided for the teams as well, with alcohol being forbidden on the fairground's property, especially during the build-off.
As usual, Nick shared part of his pizza with Sarah, who decided that crickets were definitely not going to be part of her diet from now on!
While Judy secretly watched her daughter spit out the cricket laden pizza in disgust, she had to laugh and admire how the two had bonded. Nick couldn't be a better parent if he tried.
…
Midway through the afternoon, the trouble started: a very loud and very drunk hare started verbally hitting on Sarah, regardless of the attempted intervention of Ramone and Adelle. With Ramone being a chihuahua, and Adelle being a tigress not wanting to distance or injure a possible customer, Nick quickly steps in.
"What seems to be the problem here?" Nick asks calmly, not wanting to create any more trouble than necessary.
"Fuck off pelt, I'm talkin' to the lady here."
"To begin with, Sarah is only fourteen-"
"I thought I told you to fuck off PELT! Maybe you don't hear so-"
"STOP CALLING MY DAD A PELT, YOU FUCKING DRUNK ASSHOLE! yells Sarah.
"Listen here-"
"NO, you listen … I called Nick my dad because too many assholes like you have tried to treat me like nothing but breeding stock all of my life just because I'm a bunny! Do I give a damn that he's a fox? Hell no. Besides dad's right, I'm only fourteen … so you can either back off now or I'll stomp the livin' shit out of you, and then have you arrested for soliciting a minor! Now, what's it gonna be dipshit?"
Seeing that Sarah is actually itching for a fight, and with her supreme confidence being more than a little unnerving, then looking first at Nick, and finally the rest of the thousands of mammals of many species, large and small in the crowd, the unnamed hare actually did the wise thing and backed down.
Unknown to Nick, Judy, Sarah and most of the crowd, several members of a biker group known as B.A.C.A. (look it up) subsequently cornered the hare on his way out of the fairgrounds and gave him a one-way ticket to the Stergis emergency room with non-life-threatening injuries, but also with a promise that next time he wouldn't be as lucky.
…
As everyone on stage gapes at Sarah, who is finally beginning to calm down, she suddenly remembers where she is, mainly due to the thunderous cheers coming from the crowd. Looking at first Nick, then Judy, then around at the thousands in the crowd, Sarah manages to turn bright red under her fur, with the insides of her ears looking like beacons.
"SHIT!"
"Sarah" comments Judy with a broad grin after finally finding her voice "Language young lady!"
"Mooooom!"
Gathering her daughter up into a tight hug, Judy can only declare softly "I'm so proud of you, great job Chocolate!"
"Thanks mom."
"Ya did good baby" says Nick, joining the hug.
"I really hate to break up this EweTube moment" interrupts Midnight "but we've still got a bike to build."
While Judy and the rest of the females gather around Sarah to offer emotional support, Midnight takes the brief time to update Nick on the progress of his does bikes.
"Quick update on Judy and Sarah's bikes now that we've got a few private minutes…Everything is pretty much finished on Judy's Knuckle, and Sarah's was in such good shape that both bikes will easily be finished by Friday morning, or early afternoon at the latest. The conversion to softail was way easier on those hardtails than with the build bike. You still wanna have Ramone just clean and clear-coat the tins right?"
"Absolutely. You took the initiative to upgrade Sarah's bike with the electronics, starter and kicker, just like Judy's didn't ya?"
"Sure did. Even with the additional pressure of the commission paint jobs, Raoul promised to put their paint at the top of the list. No one wants ta let you or your does down boss!"
"Outstanding. Now, let's get back to work on that Pan…"
…
While handing Nick a part for the build bike, Judy asks "Ok slick, what's goin' on? I know that you're up to sumthin'."
"Just makin' sure that Sarah's bike is gonna be finished by Saturday mornin'. The guys are makin' the same mods (modifications) to her bike that they're gonna be makin' on yours. I know I told you that we wouldn't be able ta work on yer grandad's bike during the rally, but the gang wanted to do this for Sarah. Who was I to tell 'em no?"
"You know you didn't have to do this right? You're already so deep in her heart that extra points really don't mean much by now."
"If ya wanna go and try to talk the crew out of it, be my guest. But I can tell ya right now, it ain't gonna work. They're every bit as hard-headed as you and I are."
"Just … damn.
"I know Fluff, I know. Just leave it be, and enjoy the reveal on Saturday, ok?"
"How could we have ever come so far so fast?"
"Does it really matter? I mean really matter?"
"I guess not. For as long as it lasts, I'm good with it. I'm so happy right now I think I could scream!"
"I think I could arrange for that later if we can keep Sarah occupied fo-"
"Shush Nick, damn …. At least not now. we'll talk about it later." says Judy, blushing fiercely.
"Works for me. Now, go keep Sarah company, I've gotta get back to the build."
…
As six o'clock draws near and builders begin to close down for the day, Nick heads over to Sarah's stand to find out how the rest of the day has gone.
"S'up Chocolate?"
"We got a lot of customers for Ramone today, about twenty, I think. Umm … if you don't mind, could you just call me Lil' Bit like my aunties do in public?" I don't want everyone to start calling me Chocolate, it's kinda special … OK?"
"Sure sweetheart, I understand. No problem."
"Thanks dad …" as she leans in and gives Nick a quick peck on the cheek.
"So, how about some supper? Ya wanna get something at the motel, or maybe something from the street vendors for somethin' different?"
"Sumpin' different" says Sarah immediately.
Knowing that it would no good to argue, Judy simply sighed and shrugged.
"Different it is then."
…
As the three casually stroll past the different souvenir stalls and eating venues, two particular stalls catch Nick's eye. Standing side by side, were a stall that featured flame grilled vegies of almost every description, while the other hawked various exotic predator dishes. Alligator tail, turtle meat, partridge, pheasant and quail were some of the items on the menu, and Nick tried to figure out which to taste first.
"Hey dad" says Sarah, interrupting is dilemma, all the while munching on a vegie kabob "havin' problems there?"
"Huh? Umm yea … so many choices … this vendor hasn't been here before so I'm not sure where to start!"
"Why don't you just ask if you can get a sample of each?"
Stunned, Nick can only stare at Sarah "It can't be that simple … can it?"
"Why not? Just be sure to get enough so that I can get a taste too … please …?"
Reaching out and ruffling the fur between her ears, Nick agrees.
Shaking her head at the exchange, Judy still is having a bit of a difficult time coming to grips with how Nick and Sarah have bonded. In less that a week, Judy has gone from being delusioned and pretty much giving up on having a true life partner, someone she could actually be happy with and share with her kit, to actually being in a (seemingly) stable and loving relationship with a mammal that she had longed for for almost two decades.
"You predators get all of the tasty stuff" Sarah jokingly complains "why do mom and I have to get stuck eating only vegies?"
"Maybe you forget that foxes are pretty much omnivores?"
"Well, it's still not fair!"
"Yea well, just be glad that I'll share with ya then."
"Daaaaaaad … you wouldn't let your only daughter starve to death, would you?"
"Ok, you can put away the sad doe eyes now … you already know I'll share everything I have with ya…"
"Everything?"
Bringing out his best smirk "Well, not quite everything … there are a few things that only your mother can have-"
"DAD!"
"NICK!"
Laughing until he though he would pass out, Nick finally relents. "Sorry, but that was too good to pass up!"
"You're just … awful!" accuses Judy.
"You didn't say that the other night!" responds Nick in kind.
"Aaaarrugh!"
"Not quite, but close …."
"Dad, please …"
"Ok, ok …but ya gotta admit Fluff, that worked out perfect."
"Fine … can we move on to something a bit more constructive now?"
"Such as?"
"Well, it's been a long day, how about we go back to the Inn and chill for the rest of the day?"
"Works for me. Sarah?"
"Sure, let's go."
…
As the trio enter the Stergis Inn, Nick orders a combination pred/prey snack tray from room service, knowing that it's not going to upset either doe in the slightest, and figures that Sarah is going to want to try most of the pred treats anyway.
While setting up the hot tub, Nick hears a slight argument coming from the bathroom, bud decides that this is probably one time to keep out of a mother-daughter disagreement.
Passing both does as they exit the bathroom, Nick notices that they are wearing identical one-piece suits and both have slightly upset looks about them.
After changing, Nick is amazed to see that both Judy and Sarah are sitting at the room's table. Staring daggers at each other.
"Ok, what's up with you two?"
"I was gonna just wear the bottoms to my bikini, and my-our … ugh … Sarah wanted to wear just the bottoms to hers as well!"
"…."
"We used to do that all the time in Deerbrook, and you never said a word!"
"You were six at the time for crying out loud! Why on earth would you want to do that now, in front of Nick of all mammals?"
"Ummm …"
"Sarah … please look at me" gently pleads Nick.
As Sarah slowly meets Nicks eyes: "Sweetheart, you almost a grown doe now. you can't be doing things like you did almost ten years ago, you know that right?'
'You've grown into a beautiful, intelligent young lady. You know that you don't need to try to impress me with your figure, I'm gonna have a difficult enough time beating the bucks, or todds, or whomever you may fancy away from the door as it is. Please, stay a kit … wait … what I mean to say is stay as young as you can for as long as you can. Your mom and I wasted out kithoods on opposite ends of the spectrum, no offense Judy. I had to grow up too fast and your mom was so concentrated on becoming an officer that she left her kithood behind without even noticing.'
'If you wanna wear your bikini, I have no problem with that, and I'm sure your mom doesn't either, but please … be the mature doe that I know you are … ok?"
"I'm sorry dad, I-I don't know what I was thinking."
"C'mere you." And as Sarah approached, Nick wraps her in a tight hug "Stay my little doe for as long as you can please" he whispers "this is just a learning experience for all of us ok?"
"O-ok. I love you dad." She whispers back.
"And I love you right back. Now, do you wanna go and change into your bikini?"
"No, I think this'll do for tonight, thanks."
Glancing at Judy and seeing the small, crooked smile on her lips, Nick can only ask "What?"
Walking up to her tod "You are just … amazing, you know that?"
"Do I know that?" pausing to act like he's thinking about the question … yes, yes I do."
Punching Nick softly in the chest, Judy gives pause "You said that those don't hurt no more right?" mentioning his scars, particularly large one right where she punched him.
"I actually get a 'ghost' pain every now and then, but as far as something like you just did, no it don't hurt. And by the way, you hit like a bunny."
"Goofball."
"I however have a serious question for you, my darling rabbit."
"Really? And that is?"
"You've never said anything about the scars on your cheek …"
"Yea mom, you've never said anything … why?"
"Promise you won't hate me when I tell you?"
"As long as I wasn't the one responsible for putting them there, how could I ever hate you?"
"Because it's the reason I reached for the fox repellant after the press conference…"
"Judy, I-"
"Beforeyou say anything. Let me back it up over thirty years."
"Go ahead Fluff…"
"It was when I was eight. I was doing a skit for the annual Carrot Days festival back in Bunnyburrow, and Gideon Grey, the local bully who happened to be a red fox, stole some tickets from one of my friends. I confronted him, he pushed me down so I kicked him in the face.'
'He-he clawed me to be sure I knew my place. That's why I allowed my parents to give me the fox repellant, and why I threatened to pull it on you the day of the press conference. I-I'm so sorry Nick-" and burst into tears.
"Judy … please …" kneeling taking her face gently in his paws "It may not mean much, but I understand. If I had only given you a chance to explain yourself instead and hadn't acted so aggressively, things would've been entirely different. But stop and think for a moment …'
'There would probably be no Sarah, and possibly no us, right here and right now. We might only be friends right now, or maybe not, who can tell? Let's just be glad that things are the way that they are, and go forward from here… ok?"
"Damn it Nick, how-how can you be so damned understanding?"
If there's anything I learned in the military, it's that life is too short to be worried about the little shit. Did you know that on day one, in reception station, we were made to make out a will?"
"W-what? Really? Why?"
"Because in the military, every day can be a life and death situation Judy. You never know when your number's gonna be up. When I made mine out, there were three beneficiaries on it … mom, Nickie … and … you."
"ME?"
"Yea, you. Even then you had totally stolen my heart. You were the reason I joined, remember? If something happened to me on a mission, I had to be sure that you'd be taken care of."
"You … damned … stupid … loveable fox you!" and the tears flowed again.
"There is one last question I wanna ask" Judy says, after she quiets. "I know the we love each other, and that you love Sarah to death and back … but you've never marked either of us … why?"
"To be perfectly honest, I wasn't entirely sure how Sarah would react. We'd just made love for the first time the night before-"
"Guys, I'm kinda right here!" interrupts Sarah, getting a bit embarrassed.
"So I thought that marking you might be a bit premature. Same thing goes for after I knotted you-"
"MOM, DAD … I'M LITERALLY RIGHT HERE!" shouts, a by now thoroughly embarrassed Sarah.
Suddenly realizing the they weren't alone (duh) Judy and Nick are both mortified that the entire 'marking' conversation has taken place in front of Sarah!
"Umm … damn, I'm sorry Sarah. That was really not meant for your tender ears!" apologized Judy.
"Mom, I told you before that I'm fourteen, so I do know about that kind of stuff, but to hear you and dad carry on like that … I mean really? And dad, what were you telling me earlier about timing? C'mon already!"
"Ok, fine" admits Nick "I 've been properly reprimanded. I am more than willing to mark the crap out of both of you here and now. So, here's the question … to both of you: do you want me to mark you? For you Judy, it's pretty much a foregone conclusion considering … the umm, earlier conversation.'
'But for you Sarah, I know that you know what being marked, especially by a fox means. It means that you're mine. Not as in property of course, but you are my family! For now and forever, my kit, my family! Are you positive that you want to go through that?"
"Absolutely, one hundred percent!"
At first, both Nick and Judy can only stare in partial shock at the phrase, then when both began laughing, Sarah is confused.
"What in the world is up with you two all of a sudden?"
After Judy quickly recounts the scene in Tundra town when she asked Nick if he was happy with his miserable life, and he responded with the same phrase, she got to giggling and laughing as well.
"Well Chocolate" says Nick "I guess you are your father's daughter. Get over here …"
With that, Nick proceeds to mark Sarah's face, neck, and ears.
"And now it's mom's turn" says a thoroughly marked Sarah.
"Umm …no?"
"NO?" says a now confused Judy.
"Initial marking of one's mate is a bit more … personal …!"
"Oh, eww, eww, eww. I did not need to know that!" says Sarah, embarrassed again.
"C'mon Nick, you're just making that up!"
"Nope, just call Nickie or Skye and ask one of them." he answers, smirk firmly in place.
"Ok, Slick, I'm calling your bluff…"
After a quick call and question, Judy hangs up, now it's her turn to be completely embarrassed.
"And?"
"Ok, fine, you were right… I guess we'll just have to wai-"
"No mom, I'm gonna see if I can stay with my aunties tonight. I got marked tonight, and you're gonna get marked tonight too. I know what's gonna have to happen, so I wanna be as far away as I can get. Cripes sake anyway, stupid fox thing…"
Dumbfounded, Nick and Judy can only stare at Sarah's little outburst … until she cracks a slight grin.
"You little stinker" accuses Judy, "you had us both going there for a second."
Now grinning "I guess I am my dad's daughter after all" she admits.
…
Suddenly Nick's phone rings:
Recognizing the caller as Midnight, Nick answers the call and puts it on speaker "Boss, ya gotta turn on the tv, ya gotta do it now. Turn it to ZNN…"
"… is Fabine Growley, reporting live from Precinct One in Zootopia! Just moments from now Commander Bogo of the Zootopia Combined Police Force will be releasing a statement concerning the rec-'
"Good evening ladies and gentlemammals. I will be reading a prepared statement and when I'm finished there will be NO questions taken.'
'Earlier today, several officers from nine different district police forces were arrested as part a deplorable act of savagery. Those arrested were part of a ring known as 'Reavers'. Reavers is short for those mammals, all predators by the way, who had voluntarily 'reverted' to the hunting, killing and eating of prey animals. Special Agent Jack Savage of the ZBI and his team were responsible for the finding and capturing of these sadistic mammals.'
'Here is a partial list of the mammals involved: from District One, Lieutenants Elizabeth Fangmeyer and Lawrence Wolfard, Sergeant Benjamin Clawhauser and patrol mammals-"
"Holy … fucking … shit!" was all Judy could say, suddenly collapsing onto the sofa as Nick turns off the tv.
"Mom" began Sarah, but Nick quickly touched her shoulder.
"Not the time Sarah, your mom used to work with all of those first three, and we just saw two of them a couple of days ago remember? She, and you, might have easily become some of their victims…"
"Oh my god, I never thought about that…" and went over to comfort her mom.
When Nick's phone rang again, he was surprised to see it was Midnight-again.
"What?"
"Listen Nick, I tried to get you to answer after you turned on the news but I had to hang up and call you again to get your attention."
"Yea, well sorry about that. Judy used to work with those first three losers when she was on the force."
"Holy shit!"
"I know, right? Listen Judy's kinda in shock right now so …"
"Gotcha boss. I'll check in with ya in the mornin'."
"So" begins Nick "maybe tonight's not exactly the ri-"
"No!" replied Judy and Sarah at the same time.
"If you're gonna mark me, tonight's the night. Considering all the shit that's happened lately, I want, no need it to be tonight. Please."
"You're sure? Both of you?"
"YES!"
"Ok, fine. I'm not complaining mind you…"
"Nick …"
"Yes Fluff?"
"Shut it!"
"Umm, I'm gonna call auntie Nickie now, ok?"
After a few minutes on the phone, Sarah hangs up and picks up her backpack. I'm gonna get some of my things and go to auntie Nickie and auntie Skye's room, ok?"
"Ok sweetie" says Judy "We'll see you in the morning at breakfast!"
After Sarah leaves, Nick and Judy simply stand and stare at each other for a few seconds.
"Ok, this is just weird" says Judy giggling. "EPPP!"
…
TUESDAY MORNING ~ Stergis Motorcycle Rally ~ Day Three ~ 5:30 am:
At 5:15 in the Stergis Inn dining room, Nickie gets a text from Nick: 'guna b late 4 brkfst-shud mak bild on tyme-srry'.
Smirk firmly in place Nickie texts back: 'tied up?'.
Nick: 'sorta kinda'.
Nickie then sends an emoji of a bouncing ball.
Nick: 'not funy'.
Nickie: 'not or knot?'
Nick:
Nickie: 'I'll tell Sarah you'll be late, she'll understand…'.
"Was that dad?" asks Sarah.
"Yea, he and your mom are gonna be a bit late."
"And I'm the teenager?"
"Well, that's partially your fault, remember? You and your mom both insisted that Nick mark her the traditional vulpine way. And if bunny hormones are anything close to being true, your mom is probably trying to make up for lost time."
"Umm, auntie Skye, how long will mom and dad be … um …"
"Tied up, so to speak?" Skye asks with a mild smirk, watching Sarah roll her eyes at the intended pun "probably another twenty minutes or so, then at least another twenty minutes for a good shower for them. So, figure around six by the time they get here for something to eat.
"Now I really wish I hadn't had those sex education classes last year" groans Sarah.
"Well, hopefully they'll both have gotten that all out of their systems for a while and things can get back to a semblance of normal around here. Do you wanna wait for 'em or ride with us to the fairgrounds?"
"I'll ride with you guys, dad and mom 'll figure it out."
"I'll text 'em just so they know, ok?"
Fine. Let's finish eatin' and head out."
…