25 We Are Family
XxX
Please read the authors notes at the end of the chapter
XxX
Just then "Disgusting, absolutely disgusting!" comes from directly behind Nick.
"Excuse me?" asks Nick, standing and turning to come face to face with a coyote that is just a bit taller than himself.
"Preds and prey, socializing, dating. It's unnatural and disgusting."
"And you are?"
"Wylie Cooyotee if it's any of your business."
"Since you seem to want to denigrate my family and friends, I'd say it's very much my business!"
…
"It ain't like you can do anything about it … pelt!" as the coyote pokes Nick in the chest with one finger.
Without warning, Nick brings one paw up and grabs the finger and manipulates the joint, causing immense pain to the coyote.
"Yiiiiii! What the hell?"
"Just a little thing called Torite (To-ree-tay) Jutsu. Let's you and I go outside for a bit and discuss this in a civilized manner … ok?"
As Sarah tries to stand, Judy places a paw on her shoulder, and shakes her head 'NO' as Bobby senior also stands.
"Bobby stop" says Judy softly across the table as Bobby begins to rise "Nick doesn't need the help… trust me."
…
Walking the coyote outside and releasing the trapped finger, Nick asks "Now, are you gonna behave and leave-"
Throwing his left arm up, Nick easily blocks the anticipated sucker punch.
Wrapping his blocking arm around the coyote's arm and closing the same paw around his own right arm, the right arm extended and paw around the coyote's throat with claws slightly extended, Nick asks "Are you finished or do you need a trip to the hospital, or possibly the morgue?"
"Enough … I've had enough…." croaks out the terrorized mammal.
"Whatever your issue is with interspecies couples and kits, you came to exactly the wrong town to display them. The best thing that you can do is leave … as soon as possible. Understood?"
"Ye-yea, no problem…"
Releasing the coyote, Nick watches him head quickly down the street, get into a raggedy, rusty pickup and head towards the city limits.
"That was … intense" says Bobby, standing directly behind Nick.
"It's something I trained for, so it wasn't actually too bad … for me anyways" says Nick, trying to downplay the moment.
Seeing Bobby's confusion, Nick expounds "Martial arts and the military. It comes in handy sometimes" he admits with a small shrug.
"You take martial arts?" asks Bobby of Nick.
"Dad teaches it!" interjects Sarah "And I'm one of his students!"
Looking at Sarah, Tanner has to ask his dad "Umm dad, do you think …"
"That you could take karate?"
Already knowing the answer, Bobby has to ask "Why the sudden interest? Not two weeks ago you wanted nothing to do with joining!"
"Well … umm …"
"It has nothing to do with a certain bunny in the class does it?" asks Kiera.
"MOM!"
"It's ok" says Nick "but you might do well to remember that Sarah is an advanced student. As a brown belt she'll be tasked with helping to instruct the lower ranked students, which would include Tanner here."
"Before we get too far along, what about price and uniforms and-" begins Bobby.
"You can talk price with sensei Brown when you stop by. Uniforms are usually discouraged until after a month or so until a new student decides whether he's going to stay or not. No sense spending the money of you don't have to."
"Well, I think we've covered just about everything" says Judy "I think we need to be getting back to AJ and Rose before it gets too late."
"Agreed" says Nick. "If there's nothing else, I guess we'll be going. Hopefully we'll see you all tomorrow or Saturday?"
Looking at Tanner and Sarah making mooneyes at each other, "I think that that's a pretty sure thing" says Kiera.
Loading up into the SUV with Nick driving, Judy calls Georgette.
"Hey sis" she says "We're just leaving the café, and-"
"I wish you could see this" interrupts Georgette.
"What?"
"AJ and Cotton are holding on to each other like the world is coming to an end."
Giving it a moment's thought Judy comes up with a plan. "Give is a few extra minutes, I may have a solution. We'll see you in a bit. Bye."
…
Seeing Nick's questioning gaze, Judy elaborates "We need to stop by the Mercantile. It seems like AJ and Cotton are having a problem with being apart…"
"Let me guess, plushies?"
"Yup."
"I'm sure you have something else in mind as well…"
"You'll find out when we get back to Jumbeaux's"
"Mom … could we … maybe-" begins Sarah.
"Do the same for you and Tanner? How about this … we'll go ahead and get some for you two, but we'll need to talk to Bobbie and Kiera before we go ahead and give them out. Ok?"
Somewhat disappointed, but hopeful nonetheless "I guess…"
…
Entering the ice cream shop, Nick, Judy and Sarah are greeted with the vision of two tearful kits and a frustrated Rose who has never had to cope with a situation like this before.
"Mom…" starts Rose.
"It's ok sweetheart" says Judy "we've got this. AJ, Cotton, come here please."
As the two tearful kits paw in paw slowly approach the doe, Judy holds out the two plushies, one an almost perfect rendition of a silver fox, the other shocking close to the small doe.
With the kits unsure what to do, Judy holds the plushies and tells them "Here you two. AJ, you take the fox plushie and Cotton, you take the bunny."
As the kits do as they're told, Judy tells them what she wants them to do: "Each of you mark your plushies, then give your plushies to each other."
Staring at Judy like she's lost her mind, each kit does as their told, first marking, then exchanging plushies.
Suddenly coming to the realization that the plushies now have the scent of their respective heartthrobs, AJ and Cotton both give Judy the biggest grins (and hugs) possible.
"Thanks mom" quietly says an extremely grateful AJ.
"Thanks auntie Judy" says Cotton.
Seeing Georgette's astonished face, a grinning Judy tells her "Family secret!"
"Give Cotton a hug AJ, we need to go!" urges Nick.
"O-ok" returns a slightly sad AJ as he gives his lady love a tight hug.
"See you soon" whispers Cotton softly, planting a quick kiss on AJ's cheek.
…
During the ride home, Nick notices that he still has two slightly depressed kits on his paws.
After returning home, Nick, Sarah and Rose all go into the shop: Nick to try to finish the engine for Judy's old car, Rose is trying to finish analyzing soil samples, and Sarah is working on more paint designs for the Aweston shop, while AJ trails Judy into the house.
With Judy and AJ both in the house, everything was just beginning to settle down when a blood curdling scream came from the house.
Dropping everything, Nick scrambles to the kitchen at a dead run to find Judy standing (more like trembling in fear) on the far side of the room, broom at the ready!
"What in the-"
"S-spider … there!" stutters Judy, pointing to a spot by the sink.
Seeing a daddy longlegs, Nick takes a paper towel and smashes the spider "There Fluff, all better."
"Th-thanks. I guess you've figured out that I'm afraid of spiders-"
"And snakes dad" adds Sarah with a slight smirk "she's afraid of snakes too!"
Seeing her mate start to grin "Don't you dare come near me with that-that thing!" threatens Judy beginning to wave the broom.
"No problem Fluff" says Nick as he tosses the spider laden paper towel in the trash. I've got a much better idea…"
As Judy and the kits watch, Nick heads to the music room and spends a few minutes setting up.
Exiting the music room with guitar and wireless hook-up on his guitar, Nick sings the opening strains of "I Don't Like Spiders And Snakes" by Jim Stafford, much to the embarrassment of his mate and the laughter of the kits.
"Y-you … absolute … scoundrel!" sputters Judy, unable to keep a small smile from her face.
"Yea, that's me alright."
Seeing his next target, Nick ques up 'Bobby's Girl' by Marcie Blane, thoroughly embarrassing Sarah.
"DAD!"
"Yes?" answers a grinning Nick.
"Ha" retorts Rose "serves you right-" was all she manages to blurt out before Nick launches into his next song.
As Nick begins 'Strawberry Fields Forever' by the Beatles, in deference to her love of strawberries, Rose suddenly realizes that she's become his next target.
"Oh come on dad! Really?"
"Afraid so Flower, no one gets ignored around here, I thought that you'd 've figured that out by now!" says Nick, smirk on full display.
As he finishes with Rose, Nick then focuses on an apprehensive AJ.
"I've got one just for you, my young science fiction writer" he says, playing and singing 'One-Eyed Purple Mammal (People) Eater' by Sheb Wooley.
Watching the young silver fox clap his paws in joy at the song, Nick knew that he was spot on with the song.
"Ok" says Judy "you've managed to make fun of everyone … except yourself, and I think I know just the song for you!"
Entering the music room, Judy soon exits with her phone's speaker turned all the way up, and everyone gets to listen to 'The Hustle' by Van McCoy.
Bowing and blowing kisses to the rest of the family, Nick knows that the blues that had enveloped two of his kits were at least temporarily a thing of the past.
"Before I put the guitar away" he says "I have one more song that I believe describes every single mammal here."
As Nick begins playing a few riffs on the guitar to set the mood, Judy instantly recognizes the tune, and when he begins singing, she proudly joins in!
As the duo sing 'We are Family' bySly and the Family Stone, the three kits can't help but shed a few happy tears, realizing that they are indeed a family.
Gathering three crying kits and a wife (in no better shape) into his arms, Nick finally, for the first time in his life, truly feels complete.
…
After a few minutes, as the tears dwindle, Nick begins to soften the family hug.
"Ok. You kits go on out and play while I help your mom fix supper, ok? We'll call you when it's ready"
Hearing affirmations from all three, Nick kisses each kit on top of the head and shoos them out of the kitchen.
As Nick releases Judy, he notices a slightly sad, almost morose smile on her lips.
"Hey … what's with the sad face?" he asks.
"It's just … that is … umm-"
"Judy …"
"I'll tell you later I promise, just not now … ok?"
Leveling a concerned gaze at his wife, Nick drops the subject for the time being and heads to the stove to help prepare lasagna (vegetarian for the does, and a tray with turkey sausage for Nick and AJ) for the evening meal.
After about an hour, supper is ready and the kits rush in to eat.
"Ok you three, phones in the basket on the end of the counter." says Nick "From here on forward, no phones at the table, normal conversation only."
After a few sighs, five phones rested comfortably in the small basket.
With everyone holding paws, Judy says a short prayer and everyone gets busy eating.
As has always (since meeting and loving Nick anyways) been her habit, Sarah reaches over and snags a bit of someone's food. This time it happens to be a large piece of AJ's turkey sausage lasagna.
"HEY!"
"What?"
Noticing AJ looking at something just over her shoulder, as Sarah turns to try to see exactly what he's looking at, the young doe suddenly hears a 'clink' as AJ's fork contacts her plate.
Quickly turning back, Sarah sees AJ stuffing a large piece of her lasagna into his muzzle, large smirk firmly in place.
Jaw open in surprise all Sarah can say is "You … you … little … brother you!" in mock anger.
"It's called a hustle sweetheart" comments a broadly smiling Nick.
"DAD!"
"He's right you know!" says and equally smiling Judy.
"MOM!"
"Looks like someone got bested tonight." adds a smiling Rose.
"ROSE!"
"Looks like someone's got another mischief maker to deal with." says Judy with a grin.
Leaning over and kissing his mate, Nick agrees "Sure looks like it!"
That earned a giggle from AJ, and an "EWWWW!" from Rose.
"OK you two" says Sarah, trying to get back at her parents "if you're gonna do that … go to your room!"
Looking at his bunny, Nick proceeds to stand, grab Judy and toss her over his shoulder and head for the stairs "Don't mind if we do!"
Only giving a meek "Epp!" when Nick picks her up, Judy calls to the kits as she peeks over Nicks shoulder while being carried up the stairs "You guys finish eating, clear the table, put away the leftovers in the fridge and do the dishes. We'll chase you down just before bedtime … NICK! That's my - mmmmm…"
As the kits hear their parent's bedroom door close and the lock click into place, Sarah comments "Well, that didn't go as planned!"
Giving her sister a (halfways) playful slap on the shoulder Rose tells Sarah "Way to go sis. I mean … really?"
After doing their appointed chores, the kits go to their respective rooms to chill.
…
During their 'mandatory cuddle time' Judy decides to tell Nick what was bothering her during supper.
"Nick …"
"Hmmm?"
About earlier …"
"Yes?"
I-I'm sorry I can't give you kits of your own-"
Gently placing a finger over Judy's lips, Nick interrupts "Judy, it's ok. As much as I might like it, I don't think we'd be able to have kits of our own due to our differing biology. I just don't think we'd be biologically compatible."
"That's not the only reason Nick … after my last litter, when Sarah was the only survivor, I had my tubes tied. Losing seven of ten kits devastated me and I couldn't bear the thought of losing more. Even if we were compatible, I still couldn't give you kits of your own"
"Listen, I'm so happy that I finally got you, that Sarah, Rose and Aja are just icing on the cake. I couldn't be happier if I tried. I love the kits, all three of them, as if they were my own flesh and blood. So, no more depressing thoughts of not giving me kits, ok?"
Burying her tearful face in his fur, Judy relents. "While I wish we'd have connected sooner, in a way I'm glad we didn't. but then again, that would've meant no Sarah, which means we'd never have Rose and Aja. So I guess it was meant to be this way…"
"It's called Karma Fluff, and we already covered that once or twice, remember?"
"Yea, I know, but still-"
"Look, grab the towel and let's get a quick shower. There's a beautiful sunset coming up soon and I really don't wanna miss it."
"Ok, but no foolin' around!"
"I make no promises…"
…
After only a little adult behavior in the shower, Nick and Judy put on some loose sweat outfits and head downstairs.
Making their way to the west facing swing on the wrap-around porch, they quickly get comfortable as the sun begins to set and twilight approaches.
Suddenly "You were right sis" comes Aja's voice from an upstairs window "They're on the porch!"
With that, two young does and a young todd join their parents on the swing, with Aja climbing on Nick's lap causing Judy to need to scoot over to Nick's right leg while he settled on the left, Sarah sitting on Nick's left and Rose to his right.
Watching the sung sink slowly, Rose asks "Dad … you sit and watch the sunset every night … can I ask why?"
"Sure Flower, no problem. You see, when I was in the military, it kinda became a tradition amongst those of us in the Teams. With the missions that we were tasked with, you never knew when the sunset you were watching might be your last. The same goes for sunrise. I watch the sunrise almost every day as well. I've kinda kept up with it in memory of those that never got to see their next ones … do you understand?"
"Y-yes … I think so…"
Just as they were getting ready to go back inside, the sky suddenly lights up with a natural phenomenon.
Watching the kits eyes light up with wonder, Aja has to ask "Dad … what …"
"It's called the Aurora Borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights."
"How-"
"Does it do that?" finishes Nick.
"Yea…"
"Would you like to hear the scientific explanation or the legend?"
"The legend… Please!" pipes up Sarah, just as Nick expected.
"Well, legend has it that the lights are our ancestors and loved ones looking down on us, keeping an eye on us and helping guide us along in life.'
'When I see the bright green ribbons like that one" he says pointing to a bright green ribbon snaking across the evening sky, "I think it's my mom keeping an eye on me. Her eyes were the exact same color of green that mine are."
"So" says Judy "the pale blue might be my mom? But what about dad?"
"Well, maybe he's behind your mom, you just can't see him."
"And the bright blue would be my folks?" asks Aja.
"If that's what you want to believe, of course" says Nick.
Feeling a slight shudder to her right, Judy looks down on Rose to see the young doe trying to hold back some tears.
"What's wrong sweetie?"
"I don't know a thing about my real parents…"
"I might be able to shed some light on that … if you'd like." says Nick gently.
"Really?"
"Yea, but-"
"Good or bad, I'd really like to know …please…"
"Alright then … before we adopted you, I called some of my contacts both in the military and on the civilian side and got a few facts. Even though I couldn't get your birth parents names due to privacy laws, I did manage to find out some of the details behind your ending up at the orphanage,'
'Much like Sarah, you were the lone survivor of a four-kitten litter. Your mother was so distraught that she couldn't bear the thought of seeing you and remembering the others that she'd lost. She and your dad dropped you off at the orphanage and moved out of Podunk or wherever they had been living and basically disappeared. Most likely moved to a different part of Animalia.'
'I'm sorry I couldn't get any more than that."
"… It's ok dad. Really. I've got you and mom. Even though Aja and Sarah can be infuriating at times, I've got mammals that love and care for me. And thanks for finding out what you could, and thanks for sharing it with me."
With that she stood an gave Nick a giant bunny sized hug, tearful though it may be.
Running his paw down the does ears, Nick manages to quell her tears.
"Nick-" begins Judy.
"Yes Fluff, of course." with the comment being
"What-"
"You were going to ask if we could visit your folks and other kits … right?"
"Sly fox!"
"Cute bunny!"
"Nick!"
"WHAT? As your husband, I claim the right to be able to call you cute if I want to, especially since we both know it's a complement and not a put-down!"
"Still…"
"Alright then, you're beautiful, gorgeous, pretty, and …."
"Don't. You. Dare-"
"CUTE!" which earned him a solid punch to the shoulder, much to the amusement of three kits.
"Dang it Nick!" was all Judy got out because Nick suddenly planted a big, wet sloppy kiss on her lips.
"You were saying?"
"Umm … I forgot."
The couple was suddenly interrupted by Aja's giggles and Sarah's fake gagging sounds, while Rose simply did an exaggerated eye roll.
"Dad-" begins Aja.
"What sport?"
"Umm, do you think it'd be ok to visit my other parents?"
"I don't see why not. I'd like to go back to Zootopia and visit my mom anyway. I'm sure she'd like to see the rest of our family. We can visit your mom's folks and your siblings tomorrow and maybe go to Zootopia on Friday. That way we can have all day to make the trip there and back without needing to rush back to karate practice."
"Ok you three" says Judy addressing the kits, off you go. Get ready for bed we've got a busy day ahead of us tomorrow. Dad and I will be up in a short to tuck you in."
"Awww!"
After sitting and just watching the stars quietly for only a few minutes, the silence is broken by
Aja calling out of the upstairs bathroom window "Mom … dad …. Will you get the girls to stop arguing? PLEASE!"
"What in the world?" begins Judy.
"You take care of the girls and I'll go tuck AJ in, ok?"
…
Passing the girls room, the door was closed and arguing could be heard coming from the inside.
While tucking Aja in, Nick was suddenly asked "Dad … would it be ok if I asked Cotton to come along to Zootopia with us?"
After giving the subject a moment's thought, Nick answered "Tell you what. In the morning, you can call Cotton's mom and ask her first. Then, if it's ok with her I don't see why not. It wouldn't be fair to ask Cotton first and get her hopes up, only to have her be disappointed if her mom says no, ok? I'll talk to your mom about it later, just to be sure it's ok with her."
"I guess. Thanks dad."
Giving the young todd a good hug "Anytime sport. G'night. Mom 'll be in in a bit."
Exiting Aja's room, Nick sees Judy standing in the hallway, grinning like a fool.
Seeing Nick's questioning look, Judy says simply "It's a girl thing … I'll tell you about it in a bit, just don't say anything about the room's new … decorations, ok? And please try not to laugh…"
"Not much of a help there, Fluff..." says Nick as he enters the does room and Judy heads towards Aja's room to say her goodnight.
Stopping in sudden shock, Nick is greeted by the sight of clothing scattered all over the room. Everything from jeans to t-shirts, to shorts and sweats, clothing was even hanging from mirrors and off of pictures on the walls. Most noticeable was the sight of a small bra hanging from a blade of a slowly turning ceiling fan.
"Mom told us we couldn't clean up the mess until tomorrow morning" laments Rose.
"And we have to do dishes by paw for at least a week" adds a mournful Sarah.
"And take out the trash" finishes Rose.
"Do I even want to know what this was all about?" asks a flabbergasted Nick.
"NO!" shout both does.
"Well, ok then, G'night. We'll see you two in the morning. Sleep tight and please behave" as he kisses each doe between their ears and gives each a quick hug.
"G'night dad" comes the response from both does in unison.
…
Entering the master bedroom, Nick observes his wife in bed wearing nothing but a smile.
"Ooookkkkaaaayyyy! Give me a second and I'll dress accordingly" says Nick as he sheds the few clothes he has on.
Joining Judy in bed and beginning to snuggle, Nick feels Judy begin to shake gently.
"Fluff, what-"
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry" as she breaks out into a giggling fit "but you ain't gonna believe what those two were arguing over."
After waiting a few moments for an explanation, Nick has to prompt his wife.
"Ok Fluff, give. What's the joke …?"
"Those two were arguing over who has the biggest boobs!" and Judy busts out laughing so hard that the tears rolled down her cheeks.
Jaw wide open in disbelief, Nick asks "You're kidding … right?"
"Hehehehe hahaha" Judy finally manages to choke out "I really wish I was."
"Good lord."
"I know, right?"
"PLEASE don't tell me who does, 'cause I really don't wanna know."
Still laughing slightly "I told them that I already knew who did" seeing the look on Nick's face, she had to finish "it's ME!" and started laughing all over again.
"Ok. Ok. Ok, sorry" says Judy, finally gaining control of her laughing fit. "Right after we visit the cemetery tomorrow, I'll drop you and AJ off at home and take those two to Doc Clawson's and get them started on hormone suppressants. No sense in taking unnecessary chances. If I take one of 'em to the doc, it's best to take 'em both. It's hard telling when Rose 'll take interest in someone."
"I agree. After you drop AJ and I off, I can probably get your old car going and AJ and I can take it for a quick test drive. Speaking of AJ, he asked if we'd be ok taking Cotton along to Zootopia with us on Friday."
"And?"
"I told him to call Georgette in the morning and ask her first. If it's ok with her then he can ask Cotton if she wants to go along. All of this pending your approval of course."
"Great idea. I suppose it wouldn't hurt to have Sarah ask Bobby and Kiera if Tanner can go as well. It wouldn't be right for Cotton to go and not Tanner."
"Good thinking. We can bring it up at breakfast. Now… if there are no other distractions…."
"NICK! THAT'S MY … OHHH … UMMMM!"
XxX
AN: ok … finally here's a long-awaited update for KARMA.
Again I apologize for the loooong delay, but a few issues have been resolved. I'm currently using a hospital type roll-around table so I can at least stand and work on my computer.
There is one or possibly 2 chapters and an epilogue left to go to this little story, I'll try to get them out in a timely manner, but no promises.
Once KARMA is finished, I'll continue to work on 'I Love You But…' until I get closer to 100% so I can go back to working on 'Life Is A Highway' again. That particular story is just too involved to work on unless I can fully concentrate on it, so that's why the delay.
Please read and review and let me know what you think.
GhostWolf88