18 Gettin' Ready For The Move
…
As the three relax in the six medium mammal sized hot tub, Judy gets an unexpected phone call.
"Hey Nadine, what's up?"
Listening attentively for several minutes, Judy's face goes from happy to a bit shocked to very concerned.
"Ok, I'll talk to Nick and get back to you as soon as I can. Thanks for the info … 'bye."
Looking at both Nick and Sarah, Judy gives the bad news "Nick, we have a bit of a problem with adoptin' Rose …"
…
"MOM?" asks a concerned and disappointed Sarah.
"Ok" begins Judy trying to both calm Sarah and inform her of the situation at the same time, "here's what I got from Nadine… when they told Rose about someone finally wanting to adopt her, she was absolutely ecstatic … for all of about ten seconds. Then she got quiet and absolutely refused to talk to anyone, then ran and hid in her room. After a while and a bit of smooth talkin' they finally got her to come out and talk to 'em. Turns out, she's attached to a young fox kit, and that she's not goin' to consent to any adoption 'cause she wants to stay and protect him."
"That'd probly be Aja." says Sarah, adding to the conversation.
Now the center of the conversation, Sarah continues "Aja (Ah-jah) is a four old silver fox kit that was brought in to the orphanage about six months ago. 'Cause of his fur color, and the fact that he's a fox, the other kits pick on him, jus' like they do Cream an' me, so she kinda protects him as much as she can…"
Taken back by the look on Nick's face, Judy has to ask "Nick… what-"
"Then we have absolutely no choice…"
With a look of concern on her face Judy asks "Nick…?"
"We have to plan to adopt them both, and that discussion is closed. Call Nadine back and tell her to get in touch with my lawyer and the orphanage, we need more information on this kit. Plus, I want this all handled by the time we get to Deerbrook."
While Nick is being choke hugged by Sarah, Judy calls Nadine to relay Nick's concern and instructions, then joins Sara in the hug.
"Ya know," begins Nick softly with a contented sigh as he holds his two does "two weeks ago the only real family I had was Nickie. Now, I've got a wife that I love more than life itself, a beautiful daughter, and the likelihood of two more kits. Life is indeed good!"
…
As the three finish soaking and relaxing in the hot tub, Judy suggests "Nick, after we shower, why don't I fix supper while you and Sarah do a little sumthin' in the music room. You play, and she wants ta learn, so…"
"Now that's a plan. Wadda ya say Chocolate, wanna give it a go?"
"Hel-eck yea…"
"Good catch kit…" says Nick giving her a quick wink.
…
While Judy fixes two lasagna casseroles, one with turkey sausage and one without, Nick begins teaching Sarah the few bass cords from 'Gimmie Some Lovin', by the Spence Davis Group, which is one of the first songs that Nick learned, and is fairly easy to learn having only a few cords.
Not surprised that Sarah catches on quickly, having already learned a bit of bass before, Nick goes to his sound board and begins to key up the drums and keyboard portions of the song so he can join in with the vocal and lead guitar parts.
When "Supper's ready!" comes from the kitchen, two hungry mammals head towards the center island.
"This is really good" complements Nick, of course sharing a small bite with Sarah who wholeheartedly aagrees.
"It-it was one of my mom's recipes" says Judy. "I haven't used it much since … since …"
"It's ok sweetheart."
After a few moment's thought, Nick has an idea but isn't sure how well it'll go over with the purple eyed doe.
Looking directly into those amethyst orbs, Nick begins "Umm … I've got a couple of somethin's that I'd like ta run by you if it's ok…"
"… Ok, let's hear it."
With pain etched clearly on his face, Nick begins "I haven't been back to Zootopia since Krystal … and … I'd kinda like to visit her and mom, if it's ok with you."
"Of course it's ok Nick, why wouldn't it be?"
"Well, you know … with Krystal and all, I wasn't sure if you'd be ok with it…"
Nick, I'm not gonna be jealous of an old flame who's passed, and I sure as hell wouldn't deny you a visit to your mother."
"Well … the other part of this is … I think it'd be a good idea for you ta visit your folks too. I know, you've told me that they outed you, disowned you and all that, but … what could it hurt? I mean really? Yea, you've been divorced twice and ended up married to a fox of all mammals, but-"
Reaching over and placing a gentle finger on Nick's lips, Judy stops the sentence "You're right Nick. I guess it's well past time to put that part of my past to rest. I've needed ta do that for a long time, I just kept puttin' it off 'til it just slipped my mind.'
'We c'n set aside a day on the way to Deerbrook for you ta visit your mom and Krystal, and for me ta visit my folks ... and I need ta visit my – other kits as well. I haven't visited them but once since Gerald and I split. We both need a bit of closure, 'specially me, and I guess that this is the best way ta do it. Thank you …"
"You two are gonna make me cry …" says a tearful Sarah. "So, I-I'm gonna visit some of my grandparents?"
"Kinda looks that way sweetheart" says Nick. "At least three of 'em."
"And your other siblings as well!" mentions Judy.
Just then, Judy's phone rings again.
'It's Nadine' Judy mouths "Hello? Yea …. Ok, just a sec, let me get a pen and paper …"
Listening and writing for several minutes, Judy says "Ok, got it. Thanks for the updates, I'll tell Nick and call you back as soon as we make a decision, bye."
"Ok, here's the latest on that young fox kit. Species is silver fox, full name is Aja Gaylen Tarron. Age four, parents were killed in a car wreck seven months ago, no living relatives.'
'It seems that no one is interested in adoptin' him for two main reasons. Firstly seems ta be 'cause he's a fox, but the main reason seems ta be 'cause he's been diagnosed with Canine adenovirus type 2."
Noting Nicks face turn sad then serious, Judy pauses and gives a look that begs him to expound on her last statement.
"Canine adenovirus type 2 is related to the hepatitis virus, canine adenovirus type 1. CAV-2 is used in vaccines to provide protection against canine infectious hepatitis. CAV-2 is also one of the causes of infectious tracheobronchitis, also known as canine cough. This poor kit will die soon if we don't get to adopt him … I'll not lose another poor fox, 'specially a kit, to something that I can save him from…"
Wiping a tear, Nick continues "The treatment's not cheap, so the orphanage will probly only do what they can ta make him comfortable and that'll be it…"
"Dad… w gotta get him too. I really need a brother too ya know." adds a teary-eyed Sarah.
Hang on a sec…" says Nick firmly holding up one finger.
Taking his phone and dialing a certain number, Nick is connected to his attorney "Yea, Tony, this is Nick Wilde. Yea, I know it's after hours and it's late, but I don't really care. Judy's cousin called a bit ago in regards to a silver fox kit named Aja somethin' ..… yea, that's him. Listen … I don't care what it takes, I want you ta personally handle getting' me, that is us, full custody of that kit, asap. Price is no object.'
'And in the meantime, I want you ta get the best doctors that money can buy and get him started on the CAV-2 treatment. That's right, you personally. No I don't know the kit from Adam, but it still don't matter, you do whatever it takes, you got that? Ok, fine, first thing in the mornin' then. Call me when you find out anythin'. Right … ok, bye."
Taking a deep breath, Nick calms himself and looks at the half-eaten meal in front of him.
"Sorry Fluff. The food's really great, but … I've kinda lost my appetite."
"I know Nick, and I'm sorry… I'll let it cool and put it in the fridge."
"Dad …?"
"Yea Punkin'?"
"Is Aja gonna be ok?"
"I hope so sweetheart, I really do. If he's not too far along, he'll be fine."
"Wait… what'd you call me?"
"Umm … Punkin'?"
"Yea. I kinda like that…!"
"Really?" asks Judy.
"Umm-hmm. It's diff'rent. Since Chocolate is you and mom's special name fer me, and Lil Bit is too easy 'cause too many folks call me that, so I think Punkin 'll work."
"Why don't you two go back and work in the music room fer a bit while I clean up the supper dishes and call Nadine to update her on what we want her to do on her end?" asks Judy.
"I think we c'n do that, right Punkin'?"
"Sure thing dad, let's go, why're ya bein' so slow?"
…
Shaking her head at the shenanigans of her kit and her husband, Judy smiles as she cleans the dishes and half eaten food from the center island. After placing the leftover food in the fridge, Judy begins the quick chore of washing and drying the few plates and silverware, when she notices that the sound seems to be a bit louder coming from the music room.
Hearing the heavy bass lead-in from a certain song, the doe is drawn to the music room door, where she is suddenly treated to the pounding rhythm of a bass guitar which is the key element in the song that Nick and Sarah have been working on all this time.
Sticking her head inside of the music room door, Judy was treated to dum dum dum dum dum – dum, dum dum dum dum dum – dum, dum dum dum dum dum – dum, "Well, my temperature is rising, got my feet on the floor'
'Crazy mammals rocking 'cause they want to do some more" (Gimmie some Lovin' – Spencer Davis Group)
As Judy listens to the song, smiling that the two are doing such a good job, she suddenly remembers the song…
"NICHOLAS … PIBERIUS … WILDE!"
With Nick and Sarah dutifully ignoring an upset Judy, nothing happens until the song is finished.
"Yes dear?" answers Nick with a silly grin plastered on his face.
"Why on earth would you play that particular song….?"
"Well, the cords are easy ta learn and-"
"You know damned well what I'm getting' at!"
"Mother…" interrupts Sarah, "it was my idea to play it so loud … loud enough ta get yer attention."
"WHAT?"
"Dang it mom, take it down a notch or two will ya?"
Not being used to being treated like a kit, Judy can only stand and stare open mouthed…
"Geeeze mom, again, it was my idea ta play it that loud. I thought you'd get a kick out of it, not go ballistic…"
"And you're aware what the song suggests?"
"Of course I am. It ain't like you two have been any kinda discrete about foolin' around … look, you two are married and I know what married mammals do. Fer cryin' out loud anyways…"
"Just … I mean … Ok look. I'm sorry I got upset! I guess I'm still not quite used ta not only ummm … doin' married mammal things, but havin' you around and how old you really are, I tend to forget that even though you're my baby girl, you're not a baby any more…."
Wrapping her mom in a big hug "It's ok mom, we forgive ya … right dad?"
"OF course, there's really nuthin to forgive."
"Would-would you play that song that ya did so well on at the rally for me … for us again? Please!"
"Of course. If you'll just give me a few minutes ta set it up … I need to pull up the song and edit out the right track…"
After a few minutes, Nick finishes editing the 'Sultans of Swing' so that the lead guitar track is gone, which he'll be playing.
After the song finishes, Nick does a classical stage player's bow and shuts down the equipment to the applause of his does.
"Ok, how about we sit outside and watch the sun set? It's cooler now and the sunset is really beautiful this time of day."
Making their way to the gazebo, Nick sits in the middle of the bench facing the setting sun with Judy to his right and Sarah on his left.
"I didn't know you were inta this sorta thing!" comments Judy.
"You learn to appreciate simple things like a beautiful sunset when you never know if you'll ever see one again…"
"Nick-"
"It's ok Fluff, life happens. That's why I'm so thankful that we managed to find each other again. I was just kinda runnin' on autopilot at the shop for so many years. No, I hadn't given up on life, and I always hoped I'd see you again, but never actually thought it'd ever really happen. It was just wishful thinkin' to tell the truth.'
'When I first saw that it was you on the side of the road that day, I really wasn't sure how to act, didn't know if you recognized me at first, didn't know how you'd react…"
"Less than stellar start huh?" asks Judy, a bit downhearted.
"Yea, I guess we both were at least a bit unsure huh?"
"I was worried that you were still pissed 'cause of the press conference, that's why the brief attitude."
"Well, it all worked out for the best. I finally got the bunny of my dreams, and a beautiful daughter ta boot!" he remarks pulling both does close.
…
Early the next day, plans are being made for the trip to Deerbrook.
"So" begins Judy "What vehicles are we gonna be takin' and who's drivin' what?"
"I figured that I'd load most of the heavy stuff I'll be takin' ta Aurora on the truck and trailer, machines, tools, that sort of stuff and drive it, with you puttin' yours and Sarah's stuff and some of my clothes in the Nomad, with you drivin' it."
"And the bikes and … guns?"
"The bikes can come later, and the few guns and ammo I'll be takin' will be locked in storage cases in the front of the truck. Don't worry Fluff, I'll make sure no one can get to 'em but me. The house in Aurora has a basement that I'm havin' converted inta a secret safe room like the one here. You and I'll be the only ones who'll be able ta access it."
"Sounds good. I've been meanin' ta ask you, what's under the tarp in the garage?"
"Just one of my personal cars…. C'mon, I'll show ya!"
Entering the garage and pulling the tarp of with the same dramatic flair used during the reveal of the build off competition, Nick unveils-
"Is that a-"
"A poppy red '68 Shelby 427 Mustang? Why yes, yes it is!"
My gods Nick, there can't be more than-"
"A pawfull left in existence?"
"But it's gotta be worth-"
"About one and a half million…"
"….."
"No, I didn't pay that much for it. I found it in an old barn. Got it for five thousand, brought it back to the shop, put new tires, belts, hoses an' stuff on it, had Ramone buff it out an' had the interior detailed an' now it's exactly what ya see."
"Can we go for a ride in it?" asks Sara quickly.
"Sure. I need ta make a phone call first…"
"Really?" asks Judy "Why?"
"Cause I'm sellin' it."
" … Why?"
"Fluff, I bought it as an investment. There's no emotional attachment to the car at all. I've got roughly seven grand in a car worth over a million and a half dollars. What am I gonna do with it in Aurora?"
"And it'll be that easy ta sell?"
"I'm a phone call away from the lowest offer of two million, and the list of offers is about a dozen strong. So yea, it's that easy."
"Just, damn…"
"I won't lie, a lot of things like findin' the Mustang are just plain dumb luck. The rest, I and the rest of the crew have had ta work our tails off for. Now, of you'll 'scuse me fer a minit, I'll make a call to the first name on my list…."
…
After spending about two minutes on the phone, Nick tells the does "My buyer 'll be here in about an hour and a half, so we've got that much time to do a short cruise is ya still wanna go…"
"PLEEEEEEEEEEASE…." Was all Nick heard from Sarah, while Judy could only smile and roll her eyes.
"Load up and let's go!"
After making sure that the does were buckled in securely, with Judy in back and Sarah in the passenger's seat (positions to be reversed on the trip back to the house) Nick fired the unmuffled big bloc engine up, instantly grabbing the attention of both does.
Backing out of the garage and heading down the long driveway, Nick stops at the two-lane road and looks both ways for any signs of oncoming traffic. Pulling into the right lane, Nick starts slowly, then mashes the gas and heads down the long straightaway at full throttle, with the engine roaring at full song and the tires creating a thick blanket of smoke behind them.
"Holy fuck!" Was all he heard from Judy, while Sarah was too wide eyed and thunder struck to emit a single sound.
After what seemed to the two does to be an eternity, Nick slowed the Pony down to a more manageable (90mph) speed.
"I-if I can ask" finally stammers Judy "Just how fast were we goin'?"
"Beats me" answers Nick "the speedo (speedometer) tops out at about 160…"
"WHAT?"
"Ya gotta 'member, these things were built ta win at places like LeMans against the 'Vettes, Porscha's, Furrari's and the like, so they gotta be fast."
"Don't you ever, and I mean ever-"
"Do it again dad, do it again! interrupts Sarah gleefully, clapping her paws together.
"Oh, hell no" says Judy forcefully. "I'll walk back if you even think about tryin' that shit again …."
"C'mon mom …."
"NO … absolutely not! And that's final. Don't you dare Nick, and I aint playin'."
"Ok Fluff, ok. I promise to take it easy … umm, ya know we're still doin about 100 right now … right?"
"Fer shit's sake Nick!"
"Relax, were only doin' 70. Dang Fluff…"
"You're gonna make me hafta beat ya stupid, aint ya?"
"Promises, promises, promises…"
"What?"
"Nuthin'."
"That's what I thought…"
…
Returning to the house, Nick smiles and winks at Sarah who smiles back after a still irate Judy gets out, slams the door to the Mustang and stomps into the house.
Ten minutes later, a yellow '32 Deuce Coupe rolls up the drive and stops in front of the garage.
The muscular Shetland pony that steps out is instantly recognizable to not only Nick (duh), but to Sarah, who simply stands staring … slack jawed, at the mammal.
"Is that? … Are you? … Do you know who you are?" was all she could stammer before running into the house screaming at the top of her lungs
"What in the hell is …. OH. MY. GOD!" comes from the house.
"You get that a lot huh?" Nick asks, smirk on full display.
"Yea, quite a lot actually."
Stepping back out of the house, ears straight up and eyes wide open, Judy can NOT believe who's standing in the driveway…
"Are you really-"
"Sylvester Stallion? That's what my ID says."
"Oh. My. God!"
"Fluff, ya said that already."
"Shush Nick…" says the starry-eyed doe.
"You was right Nick, she is cute when she's flustered."
"You can't-" says Judy suddenly a bit peeved.
"Call a bunny cute, yea, I know. I've had more than one in my movies."
"Then why?"
"When I hear Nick carry on about how attractive ya were, even with a few years on ya, I had ta go there. My apologies…"
"I'll let it go this time … if you of you'll give me a hug and let me take a few pictures…please?"
"Sure. C'mon over here… and where's that little one of yers? Let's get her in here too."
"Your wife won't get mad?"
"Adrian? Naw, I gotta do stuff like this alla time. Once I bring the Pony home and she sees who's in the pics, she'll know what happened and understand completely, so no problem."
After several pictures of everyone alone with Sly, more were taken with him and the does and a few more with them all together, the Deuce Coupe is loaded onto a rollback that had conveniently followed mister Stallion to Nick's.
Wishing everyone well, Sly roared out of the driveway, and the sound of the powerful engine could be heard fading into the distance.
"Well, that was interesting!" comments a grinning Nick as he observes his does staring at the now empty driveway.
"Huh? Oh, yea…" returns Judy absent mindedly. "Let me guess … you know everybody 'round here too…"
"Not everybody Fluff, but a lot of mammals, yea. You can't be in a successful business like mine and not know a lot of mammals, especially the rich and famous. For obvious reasons I tend to ta keep Sly towards the top of my VIM list…"
And the little suitcase he happened to conveniently leave behind…"
"Contains two point six million dollars for the car. So we'll need to stop by the bank first thing in the mornin' before we head out to Zootopia."
"….. Two …. point …"
"Breathe Fluff, it's just money."
"Just money? Nick-"
"I already know where you're gonna go with that Fluff. I was livin' under a bridge when we first met ok? The 'two hundred dollars a day' bit was a scam. Fin and I barely earned fifty bucks a day between us on average every day.'
'When I was in the Teams, I earned about fifty-four thousand a year, and only managed ta save about ten grand by the time I got out. The only reason I was able ta by the shop was with a VA loan. A lot of hard work and a certain amount of luck enabled me to make the money I did. But in the long run it's still just money. If I lost it all today, I'd still be able to survive, especially now that I got you and Sarah by my side.'
'Look … I know you had to struggle … raisin' kits by yourself, bein' married to a couple of total asshats couldn't a been easy, but look at the mammal that it made you. You are who you are today in spite of those struggles, not because of them. The same can be said of Sarah. Headstrong. Never quit attitude. Do you really think she developed them on her own? Hell no. She got them because of you. You showed her how ta make the best of a bad situation."
Standing slack jawed through Nick's little speech, Judy has no response.
"He's right ya know." says Sarah softly beside Judy. "We never had much, but we always did the best we could with what we had, and we always had enough."
Turning and taking Sarah into a tight hug, Judy whispers "Why didn't you say somthin?"
"Why mom?" says Sarah, now beginning to tear up "What good would it have done? We had what we had. There's no way you could've made things any better. You worked yourself to the half ta death as it was. Things got a bit better when junior and Jill left 'cause then there was only us two, but you still worked way too much."
"…. god Sarah, I'm so sorry-"
"For what? Like dad said, we are who we are. That's enough for me."
Kneeling and gathering the two tearful does into a family hug, Nick hears Judy whisper "Thank you Nick, for saving both Sarah and I."
"You both saved me as well Judy, never forget that."
XxX
AN: Canine adenovirus types 1&2 are actual diseases that are common to the silver or artic fox.
Even though I use a lot of quotes and throw a lot of well used names around in my stories, there's a name in particular in this chapter that I don't think many folks will figure out... if anyone finds it, give me a holler and I'll give you a gold star….
Of course Sylvester Stallion is Sylvester Stallone.