12 A Pair Of Knuckleheads
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AN: To answer a guest's concern about my portrayal of Fangmeyer, Wolford and Clawhauser-please remember that I tend to at least try to go where few have already gone. Earlier in the story it was explained that Fangmeyer lied about Judy's handling of a suspect. These things happen in real life, so why not here? Insofar as Clawhauser, I have found it's often the soft-spoken, 'fanboy' types that can be the most dangerous, so you never truly know someone until it's too late.
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TUESDAY MORNING ~ Stergis Motorcycle Rally ~ Day Three:
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: 'not xactly'.
Nickie then sends an emoji of a bouncing ball.
Nick: 'sorta kinda'.
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 they're 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."
…
When Nick and Judy finally show up at the fairgrounds around seven thirty, they are met with knowing stares from all of the Wilde Rides crew, plus most of Injun Barry's build team and the on-stage band (It seems that Sarah took it upon herself to embarrass her parents, especially Nick).
"What?" asks Nick.
"You know what!" answers seemingly miffed Sarah "I thought that I was 'sposed to be the teenager in this famly! But noooo … you two gotta act like you're still in high school or sumpin' ruttin' all night, and I gotta be the adult."
Catching the mischievous glint in Sarah's eye, Nick decides to act the part as well "Well sorry mooom, but you never gave us a curfew, and you didn't tell us not to play together, so it's as much on you as it is us" and promptly blew a raspberry at his daughter.
Finally catching on, Judy decides to add her two cents worth "Besides, you said it was ok for Nick to show me his blueberries and carrot…." to which all Sarah could do was stare, open mouthed in shock while Nickie and Skye rolled on the stage in laughter.
With both of the build teams (yes, both of them) the band and a lot of the crowd in stiches, Sarah realizes that she just been totally out snarked by both of her parents, so she decided to give them a parting shot "FINE, but you're both grounded tonight!"
After both Nick and Judy shot raspberries at Sarah, then turned and wiggled their tails at her, the entire mass of mammals within sight of the main stage lost it for several minutes.
As the three finally gathered in a group hug, the build teams, band and crowd all cheered for the happy family.
Each wiping away tears, Nickie and Midnight approached "Alright, time to get back to business, we've still got a bike to build" says Midnight.
"And you've got customers waiting at your booth" adds Nickie to Sarah.
…
With order restored and the build back underway, Midnight has some news for Nick "Boss, you ain't gonna believe this but the guys worked all night on your does' bikes, and the only thing left on both is the paint!"
"You're kidding."
"Wish ta hell I was, but nope. And Ramone says he's gonna clear coat 'em both tonight, they'll both be ready by stage time tomorra' mornin' if ya want 'em.'
'I'm sorry boss, if we lose this competition because of those bikes-"
"I could care less. Look … I know every one of y'all want to win the build-off, but obviously those bikes are more important to everyone than he actual build, so I won't complain if we lose. Just give it your best shot and no matter how things turn out I'll be happy, got it?"
"Got it." and with that, a grinning Midnight heads for the parts bin.
…
"All right" says Judy, startling Nick "what's the big secret? And don't give me the 'Sarah's bike' bit, I already know you better than that. The truth Nick …"
"I know I promised to not hide anything from you but-"
"No but's Nick, the truth" says Judy in a forceful tone.
"Fine, but don't say I didn't warn you. Midnight just told me that both yours and Sarah's bikes are finished except for paint, and that'll be done tonight. I tried to keep it a secret because I wanted to surprise you both before the unveil of the build-off bike on Saturday morning.'
'So … there ya go. Happy now?" Nick finishes with a disappointed look on his face.
"I … I. I'm sorry Nick," says a suddenly remorseful Judy "I should've realized that you wouldn't hide anything important from me. It's not that I didn't trust you, I just kinda got stuck on this 'everything in the open' thing too much…"
Taking his tearful doe into his arms for a much-needed hug "It's ok Fluff, I'll forgive you… In forty-eight hours!"
"You scoundrel …"
"Guilty as charged. So, do you wanna wait 'til the Saturday unveil or what?"
"Hell no, I wanna see 'em tomorrow mornin'. Both of 'em."
"I'll let Midnight know to get 'em ready for tomorrow mornin' then. You know we'll have to behave tonight, right? Sarah grounded us remember? I'm pretty sure she's gonna want to sleep in our room to make sure we behave."
"I think I can hold off for at least one night … I'm still a bit sore from last night anyway. As much as I enjoy the knot, it really kinda bothers me for a while in the mornings."
"Well, considering the fact that bunnies weren't built to take a knot, I think you're handling it quite well. C'mon. let's get back to the build."
…
As the day goes on without a hitch, Nick makes his way to the band as they take a set break and talks to the leader for several minutes.
Judy of course notices and again corners him "What are you up to now?"
Sporting his usual smirk "You'll find out after the band finishes with their break. And this time I ain't tellin' ya rabbit!"
"Fine," she says in mock seriousness with eyes half closed and paws on her hips "but we'll talk about it later-"
Fifteen minutes later when the band resumes:
"All right folks, we've got a couple of requests to start off this set. The first song is dedicated to a certain 'Fluff'! Whoever that is, this is for you…
When the band begins the opening strains of Jewel Eyed Judy (Fleetwood Mac-1970), Judy is brought instantly to tears.
Punching him gently on the shoulder "Damn it Nick…"
"Yea, I know. But you ain't heard nothin' yet. Wait for the next song."
After finishing the song, much to the delight and cheers of the onlooking crowd, the band begins their next song.
"This next song is also a dedication, and it goes out to a certain member of the 'Wilde Rides' team. Here it is, 'Sarah Smile' by Hall and Oats! (Hall and Oats-1976)."
In shock, Sarah sees every member of the Wilde Rides build team staring at her with the widest smiles she's ever seen. Forgetting all about her stand (not to worry, Adelle is keeping an eye on it) she charges the stage and launces herself at her new dad, crying her eyes out in joy.
"I love you so much dad … thank you" she says softly.
"Sweetheart, stay right there, I've got one more thing for ya…."
Giving a questioning look, Sarah glances at Judy who shrugs, not having a clue what Nick has planned.
Walking up to the now abandoned keyboard Nick announces into the microphone "This song is a dedication so special that I wanted to play and sing it myself. It's by Joe Cocker … and the song is called 'You Are So beautiful'. And I want to dedicate it to one of the most beautiful, sweet, intelligent females that I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Sarah Leigh Wilde, this is for you!"
Before Nick could even get finished with the first chorus, both Sarah and Judy came to sit beside him, lean into his sides and cry into his fur.
"Damn it dad" was all Sarah could choke out after finally being able draw a long breath.
"Nick, you shit" as all Judy could get out.
Finishing the song, Nick simply said "I know, I know" to console his does, but has to get the last word in to lighten to mood "You know bunny snot is hard to wash out, right?" which earns him a good natured punch from each bunny.
Seeing and hearing both build teams and the entire crowd cheer for the three, Nick sets his family down on the stage and they all take a bow, albeit the two does were still a bit tearful.
"You know you're still grounded …" says Sarah through the tears.
"Funny thing is, I don't mind it a bit. Spending time with you two is way more important than almost anything else in this world."
"Only almost?" Sarah asks.
"Well, there is your mom's butt to think about …"
"DAD…!"
"NICK!"
"What?" not bothering to hide a smirk so large it threatened to become permanent!
"What am I gonna do with you?" asks Judy, shaking her head and blushing at the same time.
"….. Umm …"
"Not a word dad … Not. A. Word!"
…
As the build day comes to an end, the (almost) Wilde family decides to take a slow ride up and down the very busy main drag. Because of the build and other activities, this is the first time that Judy and Sarah have seen the rally close up. The sights, the sounds, the smells … both does are totally amazed!
"So" asks Nick "ya wanna find a place to park and walk around a while? See the sights?"
"Sure, why not?" asks Judy. "Sarah, you game?"
"Huh? … oh, hell - I mean heck yea!"
"Good save there, kit." says Nick with a wink.
…
After finally finding a spot large enough to park the trike, Nick, Judy and Sarah spend hours just nosing through the souvenir stands filled with t-shirts, weird masks, and even jewelry. Walking past the Knuckle Saloon, "Do you think we could go in for a quick drink?" asks Judy.
"Sorry, but as much as I would like to, they don't allow minors in places that serve alcohol in this town."
"I could wait out here for you if you wanna go in." suggests Sarah.
"No way in hell" says Nick forcefully "are you gonna be anywhere in this town alone. Mammals, especially young mammals still disappear from time to time, and I'm not gonna take a chance of losing you. As much as I'd like to take you and your mom in and show you a good time, it ain't happenin' today."
"Can you go get something and bring it out?" asks Judy.
"Something like a t-shirt maybe yea, but as far as booze … nope. Open container will get you put in the local hoosegow…"
"So what then, back to the motel and chill?" asks Judy.
"Well, I noticed a while ago that there's a Dark of the Moon ride to the Rush More Memorial, you two wanna go on that?"
"What's that?" asks Sarah.
"Well, whoever signs up, rides in a group to Rush More and gets there around dark. Then we'd be able to take a bunch of pictures and ride back in the dark. It's actually quite a nice ride and a lot of fun."
"Can we mom … pleeeease?"
"You know your 'doe eyes' don't work on me, right?"
"Daaaaaaad?"
Looking between her daughter and her mate, Judy rolls her eyes, knowing that she's already lost the argument "Ok, fine. Am I ever gonna win one of these?"
"Maybe someday, but it looks like today ain't gonna be that day" says Nick with a patented smirk firmly in place.
"Well, go sign us up then Daaaaaaad" says Judy, with a touch of snark.
Rolling his eyes, Nick has to grin at Judy's antics "You're gettin' as bad as me Fluff."
"Yea mom!" says Sarah putting in her two cents worth.
"Just … go!"
…
Nick managed to get them signed up for the ride just as registrations were closing. After grabbing a set of souvenir t-shirts, one for each of them, he heads back and hands them to the does. Due to his sudden celebrity status because of the build-off, his trike was moved to the front part of the massive caravan of bikes.
Heading out, the does are awestruck at the sheer volume of motorcycles behind them. Thousands of bikes make the noise almost unbearable, so Nick paws each of them a set of foam earplugs that had also been thoughtfully provided by the event's organizers for mammals with especially sensitive hearing.
As the ride follows the same route that Nick and his does took earlier in the week, it seemed even more amazing being grouped with thousands of other riders, especially in the falling dusk of the Hills.
Arriving at the Memorial, everyone took plenty of pictures, including a ton of selfies in front of the backlit stone monument.
Wanting the does to have a bit of a different experience on the trip back to Stergis, Nick elected to ride mid-pack. Seeing the long line of lights both in front of and behind them, coupled with the much louder noise, as well as the friendliness of the surrounding riders, Sarah and Judy are once again truly amazed at the entire experience.
…
By the time everyone got back to town it was getting to be almost midnight, so Nick elected to make a quick stop at the Stergis Liquor Store. Seeing the questioning look on Judy's face, he just winks "You'll see in a minute, just sit tight."
Reemerging a minutes later with two sacks in paw, Nick hands the sacks to Judy (the only other adult on the trike) and they head back to the motel.
Entering the motel, Nick orders another large mixed-mammal snack tray as they pass the front desk.
Just as everyone is beginning to relax and Nick turns on the hot tub, room service delivers the snack tray.
"Ok" says Judy, "what's the big secret with the booze?"
"Well, if you must know" counters a smirking Nick as he opens one sack and displays its contents "every year I have the liquor store lay back at least two of the special edition Stergis bottles of wine, and at least two special edition bottles of Jack Black. I normally drink one of each and keep the other on display back at the shop, buuuut I thought that we might have a bit of wine tonight. And yes, Sarah can have a taste, just like the other night. The wine ain't near as good as the champagne, but it ain't exactly bad either. We can save the Jack Black for the last night here. I'm pretty sure that Sarah ain't gonna like the Jack, but I wanna let her try it. It'll be fun watching her reaction if nothin' else."
"There's nothin' I can say or do to stop this, is there?"
"Not with Sarah in the room, no" he counters, wiggling his eyebrows.
"DAD!"
"Well, she asked…"
"I just … that is … I mean … argh! Never mind, just … open the damned wine … please."
Knowing that this was yet another battle that she'd never win Judy gives up "C'mon Sarah, let's change and we'll all sit in the hot tub for a bit…"
After relaxing in the hot tub for roughly an hour, Nick suddenly gets a text.
Seeing the smirk growing on Nick's face, Judy has to ask "Who in the world would be texting you at this time of night?"
"Just Midnight" he responds, showing Judy the text "wantin' to be sure we show up at the build on time tomorrow."
Reading the text and holding out a paw, Judy responds "May I?"
With a bit of a smirk of her own, Judy sends a text back to Midnight. "That otta fix 'im!"
After everyone gets a quick shower and uses the fur dryer, Nick pulls out the sofa and gets ready to settle in for the night.
"Nuh-uh" responds Sarah "you and mom are as good as married, so I get the pull-out and you two get the bed. Just … behave … please."
Gathering up his new daughter, Nick knew it would do absolutely no good to argue, because Judy would just be on Sarah's side, so he relents.
"Fine. G'night Sarah" as he gives her a hug and gentle kiss between her ears "see you bright and early in the mornin'."
…
WEDNESDAY MORNING ~ Stergis Motorcycle Rally ~ Day Four:
Up and moving at five in the morning, everyone has showered and is headed down to the dining area to get a quick breakfast before heading to the fairgrounds.
Seeing most of the Wilde Rides crew at breakfast sending knowing grins their way, the only one that's actually a bit confused is Sarah.
"What's up with them this morning I wonder?" she asks no one in particular.
"Well, you know bikers … me and your mom mates and all …"
"Oh, eww, eww, eww, it's just too early for all a that!"
With both Nick and Judy chuckling at Sarah's sudden discomfort, the tone of the day is set.
Finally finished eating, Nick, Judy and Sarah load onto the trike and head for the fairgrounds, arriving in plenty of time for the beginning of the build day. While Adelle helps Sarah set up her little stand, Nick and Judy are busy with something a bit more devious, even though Judy isn't totally up to speed on the reveal.
After mister Kings officially opens the build day for the crowd, Nick steps up to the announcer's mic.
"Ok, ladies and gentlemammals, I have an unscheduled reveal for 'y'all! Will Judy and Sarah Hopps, please come up to center stage …"
"Judy, I know that I promised to restore your grandpa's bike after the rally, but somethings are better when they're a surprise."
Pulling the reveal cover off of one of the bikes in question, Nick continues "This is your grandpa's bike, fully restored with a few modifications.'
'To begin with, the motor and transmission have been completely rebuilt from scratch, and are better than they were when they were new. The generator has been replaced with an alternator that looks like your old generator. The old point set-up is now electronic, making it a lot easier to start and run. The kick starter has gear reduction set-up that makes starting a snap. The old hardtail rear suspension has been converted to a softail suspension for a much smoother ride. Last but not least, the paint was just cleaned up and clear coated with the patina still intact, so it looks pretty much like it did when you gave me permission to fix it. Plus, all of the original parts that came off the bike have been restored as well, just in case you ever want to convert it back to totally original. Enjoy Fluff!"
Standing in total shock, Judy is speechless.
Seeing Nick opening his arms, a tearful Judy unabashedly accepts the hug.
"You shit!" she chokes softly into his chest "you actual shit!"
"I know Fluff, I know. But guess what … now it's Sarah's turn."
Turning his attention back to the microphone, Nick continues while Judy tearfully inspects her practically new Knucklehead.
"Sarah, I know that you love your mom's bike almost as much as she does. I can tell because I think I see you drooling …"
"DAD!"
"Anyway …" he continues, pulling the cover off of a nearly identical bike "this bike is yours. It's identical in pretty much every way to your mom's. Same year, same modifications. The only real difference is the paint. While your mom's is Flight Red with cream trim, yours is Azure Blue with a cream trim. I know you can't ride yet, but we'll take care of that when we get you home. Wadda ya think Sarah, do ya lik-"
Almost knocking Nick down with her hug, Sarah can only choke out "Damn it dad…."
Smoothing her ears "Call it an early adoption present if ya want, but it's from the heart. You'll need to learn on a smaller bike, but you'll always have this one."
Thank you …"
"You're very welcome, now, of you go. You've got customers waiting and I've got a bike to build."
…
Shortly after lunch, Sarah excuses herself from her stand to go to the restroom … and fails to return fifteen minutes later.
Catching Judy's attention, Adelle asks here "Have you seen Sarah? She left a while ago to go the bathroom and hasn't returned!"
"No I haven't! Nick, have you seen Sarah in the last few minutes?"
"Nope. Don't tell me you've managed to lose our daughter already!"
"Not funny Nick … Adelle says she left to go the bathroom and hasn't come back yet! We've gotta find her…"
Heading to the offstage bathrooms, they find Sarah locked in the little does room.
"Sarah honey" says Judy, are you all right?"
"Go away mom … please…!"
"You know I can't do that … what's the matter?"
"…."
Resting his paw on Judy's shoulder, Nick intervenes "I think I've got this Fluff."
"Sarah, it's dad. I think I know what the problem is … I know it's gotta be embarrassing, but can we talk about it? Please?"
"How would you know? You're a guy!"
"Except for wolves, foxes have some of the best noses in the predator world. Need I say more?"
"Is there anyone else around?"
Nope, just me and your mom, that's all. Scouts honor."
"OK."
"What is it Nick?" asks Judy.
"She's about to start her heat cycle … aren't you Sarah?"
"Yes … but … how could you tell?"
"Like I just told you, foxes have some of the best noses there are around. I knew a couple of days ago actually."
"And you never said anything?"
"Why would I want to embarrass you about something like that sweetheart? I figured you'd handle it yourself."
"In the excitement, I forgot how close I was and kinda forgot to pack anything. I'm so sorry …." and she starts to cry.
"It's ok sweetheart, it's not the end of the world. How about this … you come on out and you and your mom can take the trike to the motel. While you get a shower and set out a fresh change of clothes, she can go the store and get whatever you need to make things right. After that, we'll take the trike on a little road trip. Someplace that you two haven't been to yet. How's that sound?"
"O-ok thanks. Is it ok if I don't hug you 'till you come and pick us up?" I'm sure I kinda stink to you…".
"That's not exactly the word I'd use but … how about we talk about it later, ok? This is definitely not the time or place."
"I-I guess. I'm so sorry messed up…."
"No problem, I totally understand. Tell ya what … I'll head out to the stage and work on the bike for a while and then excuse myself to come and pick you two up."
"How are you gonna get to the motel if we've got the trike?"
"I'll one of your aunties bikes. They can ride dutch back to the motel when they're finished here tonight. I'm gonna head out now, your mom can tap on the door when it's safe."
Kissing Judy between her ears, Nick joins the rest of the build team on stage.
Tapping on the bathroom door "Come on out Sarah, there's only me and you here now. Let's go while the gettin's good.
…
As Nick returns to the stage, he is met with questioning gazes by Nickie, Skye and Adelle.
"Umm … personal issues …?" was all he managed to say.
"Yea, we know!" says Skye "We picked up on it too, just like you must have. No worries."
"I'll just tell everyone that she's not feeling well and she'll probably be back tomorrow." added Adelle.
"I'm gonna help with the bike for a bit, at least long enough for them to get to the motel and she can get good shower and fresh clothes while Judy gets her some girlie stuff. Then meet I'll 'em at the motel. then we're gonna go on a road trip to the Badlands. By the way, I need to borrow Nickie's bike to get there, I let the does take the trike"
"Sounds like a plan. Give her our best, tell her we're thinkin' of her."
"I will."
After about forty-five minutes, and a quick text to Judy making sure that the coast is clear, Nick calls it quits for the day and heads to the motel on Nickie's bike.
…
Arriving at the motel room, Nick is suddenly face with a situation that even Judy wasn't sure how to handle-
"So, she's showered and dressed but still won't come out of the bathroom? What's the problem?"
"You ain't gonna believe it …"
"Try me."
Rolling her eyes, Judy tries to explain "She's afraid that since she' in heat … that you'll try to mate with her!"
"WHAT?"
"I know, I know. I have no earthly idea where the hell she got that idea…"
Moving to the bathroom door, Nick knocks gently "Sarah …"
"…"
"Sarah honey, what's the problem?"
"I-I just …"
"Just what?"
"I'm sorry dad, I'm so confused right now…"
"About what?"
"…Umm, mom told you – didn't she?"
"That you were afraid that I'd try to mate with you? Why on earth would I want to do that?
"Cause I'm in heat …"
"What does that have to do with anything?"
"That's what guys do ain't it? When they know that we're in heat it's 'open season' for us does."
"Sarah, I knew two days ago that you were coming into heat, and did I even mention it?"
"…No."
Did I even make a move towards you in that manner?"
"No."
"Do you really think I'd do something like that?"
"I don't know … I don't think so … but …"
"But what sweetheart?"
"But Gerald tried the first time I came into heat…"
"WHAT?" shout both Nick and Judy at the same time.
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