26 Thursday

XxX

THURSDAY MORNING:

Waking at the usual time, Judy notices that once again (as has been the case lately) she's alone in bed.

Turning her gaze to the east facing window of the couple's bedroom she finds Nick enjoying another beautiful sunrise, which has become steadfastly the norm for the todd.

Hearing his wife moving about, Nick comments "C'mere Fluff, ya gotta see this."

Curious as to what Nick could possibly be talking about, Judy crosses the room and climbs up on the seat that allows her to look out of the window comfortably.

There, in the grassy field at the edge of their property, were all three of their kits busy picking wild flowers.

With tears building in her eyes, Judy can't help but comment "I don't think I've ever been so proud of our little private fluffle."

"I know Fluff, I know" says Nick as he gently strokes Judy's ears in sympathy.

"To think that they'd have the initiative to pick flowers for their deceased siblings…" she continues as the tears begin to roll unabated.

"Let's get a quick shower and make breakfast for 'em, ok?"

*sigh* "Yea … lets"

…

After a quick shower with minimal fooling around, Nick and Judy head downstairs and begin cooking.

By the time the kits are finished with their self-imposed project, they enter the kitchen and find a hearty and complete breakfast awaiting them, with silver dollar sized pancakes as well as fresh fruit for all.

Sarah is surprised to find three silver dollar pancakes, a sunny side up egg, buttered toast and two slices of turkey bacon on her plate as well as the same for Aja.

"Dad? Mom?"

"It's ok honey" answers Judy "it's a special day and you kits worked so hard getting ready to go to the cemetery, we thought we'd surprise you all with breakfast. Now, go wash up before your food gets cold."

Having her own bacon and eggs, Sarah is thrown a bit off kilter by not having the need to steal a bit of protein from either Nick or Aja…

When the kits are finished eating, they head straight for the showers to get ready for the trip to the Hopps family cemetery. Finishing first, Aja manages to phone Cotton's mom (with Judy looking on and confirming that it's ok) and gets permission for her to go, which Cotton of course enthusiastically agrees to.

While the kits are getting cleaned up and changed into better clothes, Nick heads out to make sure the SUV is ready to go for the short trip.

Gazing inside the very rear of the vehicle, he notices that there are seven small bundles of wild flowers and four larger bundles, each bundle neatly tied together with a colorful ribbon. Not exactly sure about the amount of larger bundles, Nick decides to wait and see what plays out.

Knowing that Judy would likely have a crying spell when she found out, Nick wisely decided to let her find out when the kits unload the flowers when they get to the cemetery, or she'd likely have two crying spells rather than just the one.

…

After loading everyone up in the SUV, the Wildes are heading out to the Hopps family cemetery.

"Dad…" begins Sarah.

"Hmmm?"

"Ummm, could we stop at the florists on the way? Please?"

"Sure, no problem. Any particular reason?"

"We … we'd like to stop and get a few flowers that we couldn't find in the field this morning, if that's ok."

"I don't see why not."

"It was all Sarah's idea!" says Aja, not exactly sure whether they were going to be in trouble for picking the wild flowers or not.

"It doesn't matter who thought of it" returns Judy "I'm proud of you all for the thought and I'm sure your siblings will appreciate the gesture."

Pulling to a stop in front of the florists, Nick and Judy prepare to exit the vehicle but are stopped by Sarah.

"It's ok, we've got this … ok?"

"You're sure?" asks Judy.

"Yea" pipes up Aja, we've got our own money, we all pitched in."

"Ok then."

Several minutes later, the three kits come out of the store and go to the rear of the vehicle and place their bundles with the rest of their flowers.

"Ok, we're good to go!" prompts Sarah, who seems to be the ringleader of the group as the three climb back into the vehicle and buckle up.

…

Arriving at the cemetery, Sarah again takes charge telling her parents "If you don't mind, we'd like to finish putting the flowers together before we get started."

Looking at each other in mild amusement as well as a touch of curiosity, Nick and Judy decide to play along with the kits, figuring that while they are definitely up to something, it couldn't hurt to humor them.

"Ok" says Nick "just let us know when you're ready to go."

With a bit of finagling with who carried which basket, the kits are finally ready, with each of them carrying a small woven basket containing bunches of flowers.

With Sarah leading the way, the group heads toward the graves of her siblings first.

Arriving at the kits gravesites and laying small bundles of flowers, with each bundle including a small yellow rose, on each grave, Sarah begins her usual visit with her sibs:

"Donnie, I hope you haven't been being mean to Alice, I know you two never got along but ya gotta try, ok? And Jessica, you need to help Jennifer with her fur more, you know she has a tough time-"

When Judy sees the concerned look on Nick, Rose and Aja's muzzles, she explains "It's ok, she knows that they're not living. At the time it helped her process the fact that she was the only survivor of her litter. It was her coping mechanism to begin with and it just kinda got to be a regular thing, so I figured what's the harm?"

Giving each other and Judy understanding glances, Rose and Aja joined Sarah and were introduced to the siblings they never got a chance to know, play and fight with.

Wrapping a tearful Judy in his arms, Nick can't help but comment "What a kind, thoughtful bunch of kits. Somehow I doubt if we'll have any trouble out of any of them in the future."

"Nothing out of the ordinary I'm sure" says Judy in return.

…

After the kits are finished, Judy leads Nick to the seven small graves.

"Hey kits. Sorry that mom hasn't visited a bit more often, but things have been really crazy lately. I'm glad that Sarah introduced you to your new sibs, and I wanted to be sure you remember that I love you all so much. I'm sure you'd all get along with Nick, he's the kindest, most wonderful mammal I've ever known, and I'm sure that Sarah told you how wonderful he is with her, Rose and Aja. Since things are settling down a bit, we'll try to visit once a week or so…" and with that, Judy begins to break down.

Reaching out and taking Judy's paw to reassure her, Nick adds a bit of commentary "Hey kits … I know you're still not familiar with me, but … your mom and Sarah have had a lot on their minds lately. It would be a big help if you could get your grandma and grandpa Hopps to help you find my mom Vivian Wilde and everyone get to know each other. You can all join us the next time the Northern Lights play in the sky like they did last night. In the meantime, be good to each other and rest easy."

"Nick" says a still choked up Judy "you didn't have to do that."

Smiling down at his bunny bride "Sure I did Fluff. We're all a family now right? I gotta try and do right by all of your kits, not just the ones I can hold."

"Ni-ik!"

"I know Judy, trust me, I know." As he kisses her lightly between her ears. "C'mon, let's join the kits at your folk's graves, I think they're waiting for us."

…

Following Sarah and the other two kits to her parent's gravesites, Judy lets the kits go first again.

After laying a bundle of flowers on each grave (yellow roses included), Sarah begins "Hey Grandma and Grandpa … I know I was kinda mean and bitter last time and I wanna 'pologize for that. I saw you in the sky last night, and I know that you're trying to look out for us … all of us, even dad. Nick is my dad now 'cause he's the only one I know that's even tried to treat me like I know I should be treated. And if he can treat me right, someone who never even knew him a month ago, I guess I need to start doing the same thing, especially with you.'
'I brought my new brother and sister along-" motioning to Rose and Aja "to introduce you to. Grandma and Grandpa Hopps, I want you to meet Aja and Rose my new brother and sister, we all saw you looking down on us last night and I want you to go find dad's mom … ummm Vivian Wilde and Aja's folks as well and get acquainted. If we can all get along down here, you can surely get along up there…'
'Anyways… I'm gonna say 'bye for now and let mom and dad have their say. I want you to know that in spite of everything I still love you both…"

As Sarah steps back, Judy and Nick slowly approach.

"Hey mom … dad. I … umm …" says Judy, faltering a bit, unsure of exactly what to say that Sarah didn't already cover.

"It's ok Fluff…" reassures Nick, gently stroking Judy's ears that are folded tight against her back.

Gathering her thoughts, Judy proceeds "Mom, dad … I guess I just want to say that I've never met anyone who cared so little about himself and more about others in my life. Nick's kind, generous and thoughtful of others to a fault. The way he looks after not only me, but Sarah, Rose and Aja as well. He's the mammal I've been waiting for and needing most of my life, and I'm really glad he came into my life when he did. I really wish you could meet him, I'm sure you'd change your minds about predators, especially foxes. Yea, I mean you specifically dad!'
'Like Sarah said, I think we saw you in the sky last night … please take care of all us, but especially the kits, they need all of the guidance they can get at their ages Anyway, I think we'll be back a lot more often, I believe that I've made peace with myself and my peace with you both, and I hope you made peace yourselves.'
'Until he next time, fare thee well."

Turning to Nick "If it's ok with you, I need to stop by one more grave…"

"Of course Fluff, take all the time you need."

"Sarah" says Judy "would you and the other kits mind staying here until we get back. Please?"

"You're gonna visit uncle Ronnie, right?"

"Yes sweetheart, we are."

"Ok, we'll be by the truck when you get back."

…

Heading up a small path, Judy leads Nick to the veteran's part of the family cemetery.

As Judy stops by a certain marker, Nick reads the name on the headstone.

"Lance Corporal Ronald James Hopps."

"Yea. Ronnie was my protector when I was little. He gave me my 'never quit' attitude. A few years ago, during a Veteran's Day ceremony, one of his Marine buddies gave me his ID tag, I've worn it off and on ever since."

"I guess that explains a few things then." says Nick sadly.

Seeing her questioning look, Nick explains "I actually met 'Hippity' Hopps while my team and I were prepping for one of our clandestine ops. We talked for a good couple of hours, mostly about you. When I found out that you were single … again… I asked him to get in touch with you for me. When I didn't hear from either of you, I naturally figured that you really didn't want anything to do with me so I just dropped the subject. I never knew that he'd been killed. Hippity was a cool dude for being a Jarhead, I liked him."

Addressing his fallen comrade "Hey Hippity, I finally hooked up with your little sister, and we couldn't be happier. If you had a paw in making it happen, I'll be eternally grateful.'

With that, Nick stepped up to the headstone and placed a dime on the top.

Opening his mouth to explain the meaning, Judy stopped him "I know the significance Nick, you don't need to explain. After a Memorial Day ceremony, the Marine that gave the eulogy told me the meaning of the coins."

Turning to her brother "Hey Ronnie, sorry about not visiting sooner, but a lot of things have been happening lately, both good and bad. Losing seven kits while having only three survive is kinda hard on a doe, especially when two of the kits are totally unappreciative. Two divorces and mom and dad disowning me kinda sucked as well.'
'I guess that finally hooking up with Nick is probably the high-point of my life lately. Actually, it's been one of the few bright spots of the past almost twenty years. I haven't felt so safe and protected since you left … I – I -" burying her face in her paws, Judy can't manage to go on.

"It's ok Fluff" says Nick softly as he gently wraps his arms around Judy and begins to herd her towards the car and waiting kits "I'm pretty sure he gets it. C'mon, let's go, the kits are waitin'."

Making their way down the short path, the couple soon notices that the kits are waiting for them, standing just outside the SUV with their paws behind their backs and mischievous smiles on their faces.

"Ok you three" ventures Nick "what're you up to now?"

Looking first to Sarah and then to their parents, Rose and Aja each hold out small bouquets of flowers, consisting of baby's breath and a single red rose.

"We … umm … we thought that maybe-" begins Rose.

"That since this was prob'ly gonna be a kinda sad day-" adds Aja.

"That you two might could use a little love to make you a little happier." finishes Sarah.

Tearing up, Nick and Judy gather up their kits into a ginormous hug (for the umpteenth time today).

"Thank you all so much" says Judy softly "it really means a lot."

"We know mom" says Rose quietly "it was mainly Sarah's idea but it's something we were all thinking."

"Bless you all" says Nick "it doesn't matter whose idea it was, we're just thankful that the three are so thoughtful. Now, let's get going home."

"That's right" says Judy "Dad and Aja need to finish my old car and get it going, and we three does have something that needs some attention."

"What's that mom?" asks Sarah.

"You'll see." was all Judy would say.

…

After leaving Nick and Aja off at home, Judy heads back into town with Sarah and Rose to visit the local family doctor.

Adding the finishing touches to the rebuild of the little Falcon, Nick and Aja take the car out for a quick test drive to the berry fields, as well as a short drive around the country side just to make sure the motor, transmission and brakes are as good as he hoped they would be.

Satisfied that his rebuild would hold up to the abuse that a learning driver (or two) would give the car, Nick had barely parked the car and he and Aja had just exited the vehicle when Judy and the girls returned home.

Before he could say a word, Rose and Sarah got out of the SUV, slamming the doors and stomping into the house.

"I take it the purpose of the doctor's visit was NOT well received?"

"That would be putting it mildly. I tried explaining things, but the more I tried, the madder they got. I really have no idea what to do…"

"How about I give it a shot? You and AJ can go ahead and get supper started and I'll try to do some damage control."

"What could you possibly say that I haven't?"

"I'm not sure, but what can it hurt?"

"Nothin' I guess. Go ahead and good luck."

Giving her hubby a quick peck on the cheek, Judy gathers Aja and heads toward the kitchen.

Making the trek up the steps, Nick tries to compose his thoughts and he approaches the young does room.

Stopping just short of the bedroom door, Nick finally decides on a course of action and taps gently on the door.

"GO AWAY!" comes the anticipated response from the other side.

"Girls, it's dad, please let me in so we can talk."

'GO away dad" comes Sarah's muffled voice "you wouldn't understand!"

"Why not? Just because I'm a guy? Maybe I understand better than you think. Please let me in … you know you can't stay holed up in your room forever, right? Ya gotta eat and go to the bathroom at some point in time."

Several seconds later Nick hears the door unlock: "Ok fine…"

Stepping slowly into the room, Nick sees each doe sitting on her respective bed, arms folded across their chests, still very upset.

"So?" asks Sarah, evidently the spokesmammal of the two.

"Look, I know you're both upset about this, but-"

"But what dad?" asks Sarah "I thought you and mom trusted us!"

"As mammals of course we do, your mom and I both."

"But…?"

"But you're both teenagers and are as such are prone to have raging hormones, regardless of your aspirations and self-control. There will probably be times that even the hormone suppressants won't be as effective as they should be."

"Yea, yea, yea. Mom already went over that stuff already."

"Well then can I give you a guy's perspective?"

"… I guess …"

"From what I remember when I was your age, there are two, make that three things that occupy a guy's mind."

"And they are?"

"Getting away from home, getting drunk and getting laid!"

"DAD!" says a horrified Sarah.

"What? It's the simple unvarnished truth. No matter how honorable yours or Tanner's intentions are, there might come a time when passion could overrule common sense, and that goes for you as well young lady!" addressing Rose.

"But why me?" asks Rose. "I don't even have a boyfriend and mom wants me on suppressants as well!"

"To answer your question, let me ask Sarah … how long did it take you to go from not caring even a little bit about boys to having the hots for Tanner? And don't bother to lie about it, don't forget that the nose knows." says Nick, pointing to his nose.

Immediately turning bright red, even under her medium brown fur, Sarah knows she needs to answer her dad's question "Umm … not long?"

"More like a matter of seconds. You never know when that certain someone will come into your life, so a little preparation is a must. As much as your mom and I love you both, we really don't want your futures ruined because of a moment's indiscretion or carelessness. At this point in time none of us, your mom and I included, are really ready to handle caring for a litter of kits!'
'While your mom and I fell in love practically overnight, we had to do without each other for almost twenty years. We both know how things can work out, both good and bad. And just think how things might have turned out initially if we'd have gotten together right away … no Sarah, not Rose and no Aja."

Seeing the questioning looks he was getting from both does, Nick explains.

"And at least at that time, we were biologically incompatible. A predator getting a prey pregnant was nigh on impossible. What with the rapid evolution of most mammals today, you just never know for sure. I know I've read about several cases where that's actually happened. That's why the precautions.'
'Tell me Sarah, would you be willing to take the chance of becoming pregnant if you forgot your suppressants?"

Seeing the horrified look on Sarah's face was answer enough, but Nick continues on: "And what about you Rose? Let's say for argument's sake that you met a certain bunny buck that caught your fancy and weren't on suppressants, would you be willing to take the chance of getting pregnant? Of throwing away a promising career to raise a litter or two or more of kits?"

"N-no…"

"I thought not."

"But what about you and mom?" asks Sarah "Does she use suppressants or do you use protection?" asks Sarah somewhat heatedly.

"Your mom had her tubes tied after she had you because she didn't want to get pregnant again and lose even more kits. For that reason there's never been a concern about her getting pregnant. She's buried seven out of ten kits, don't you think that that's reason enough?" he asks.

"S-sorry, I'm-I'm sorry. I was so mad about having to go to the doctors that I completely forgot about that …"

"It's ok sweetheart, but while your mom and I would eventually like some grandkits, we'd like to wait a decade or two first, ok?"

"I'm sorry too dad" adds a tearful Rose. "I guess we were too caught up in the moment to think that far ahead. It was just kind of a shock, ya know?"

"I'm sure it was. But you're all better now?"

"Yea ..." comes from both does.

"All right then, why don't you go on down and help mom finish supper? You can use the time to apologize to her for givin' her such a rough time, ok?"

"Ok, and … thanks dad." says Sarah as she and Rose give Nick a quick hug on the way downstairs towards the kitchen.

…

After waiting a few minutes to give the girls time to talk to Judy, Nick makes his way downstairs to join the rest of the family as they sit down to an early supper.

With tonight being a karate night, Sarah was a bit apprehensive going and seeing Tanner, especially considering the 'talk' that she had just had with her father and her earlier confrontation with Judy.

Noticing her daughter's sombre mood, Judy decides to interject a bit of a positive note "Sarah …"

Looking up at her mother with her ears flat against her back, Sarah becomes a bit more nervous "Yes?"

"Maybe tonight would be a good time for you and Tanner to exchange plushies …?"

"Really?"

"I don't see why not, now that we all have an understanding about today's … appointment. Right girls?"

"Yes ma'am." comes from Sarah and Rose.

…

Arriving at karate practice a short time later, Nick puts a slight damper on Sarah's enthusiasm "I know you want to do the thing with the plushies right away, but I think it would be best if you waited until after practice, so neither of you is distracted. Sensei would be awfully disappointed in you if you let something like that interfere with your or everyone else's training."

"But dad-" as a thoroughly disappointed does begins.

"Sarah please. How about this … wait and exchange plushies after the workout and then you can ask about Tanner making the trip to Zootopia with us tomorrow, ok?"

The look of stunned surprised on Sarah's muzzle spoke volumes.

"Forgot about that didn't ya?" Nick asks with a smirk more than evident.

"Umm, yea, kinda." says a totally embarrassed Sarah.

"It's ok Punkin, I get it. A lot going on all of a sudden can do that to a mammal. So … we good?"

"Yea dad, we're good."

…

Entering the dojo, Nick (and especially Sarah) notices that Tanner and Kiera are already there and waiting for the three Wildes. The surprise was that Cotton was there with her mom as well.

As hugs (and a quick peck on the cheek for Aja from Cotton) were exchanged, Nick, Sarah and Aja hurriedly changed and were ready for class.

With classes being back to a normal routine, Sarah was mildly disappointed when none of the brown belts were tasked with indoctrinating the newer students, just the black belts.

Soon enough she was kept plenty busy with sensei Brown going over her Kanku Dai and Bassai Dai katas with her in preparation for her next rank test, while Nick watched over all of the students.

After a good workout, Nick and Sarah (along with Aja) joined Tanner and Kiera for a brief sit down before heading home.

Bringing out the plushies from his Gi bag, Nick explained to the felines the purpose of the plushies, and it was agreed that the two kits could mark and exchange plushies to help offset the apprehension of the two youngsters from being apart and therefor at least slightly lessening the chances of a physical exchange taking place. The trip to the doctor's office was not discussed.

With that minor feat accomplished, with a slight prod from Nick, Sarah asks Kiera "Umm … Mrs. Catmull … We, that is mom, dad, Aja, Cotton, Rose and I, are going to Zootopia tomorrow to visit my grandma Wilde's grave and Aja's parent's graves, and I was kinda wondering if … maybe … Tanner could maybe join us? Please?"

Knowing that Nick and Judy wouldn't have allowed Sarah to ask if they didn't approve beforepaw, Kiera simply asks Tanner "Tanner, what do you think? would you like to go and visit Zootopia with the Wildes?"

"YES! I mean, yes, I really would! Please."

Getting a slight laugh from the adults and a major blush from both Tanner and Sarah, it was agreed that the Wildes would pick up Tanner around seven am, and would plan on being back by roughly around nine pm or so.

XxX

AN: Finishing this story is getting to be a bit more involved that I thought. Trying to make sure most of the loose ends are tied up is going to add another chapter or more likely two to the story. Sorry, not sorry! I'll undoubtedly miss a few, but at least I tried. At any rate, I hope you enjoy the extra chapters…

I'll update when I get the chance, although it may be several weeks. In the meantime, enjoy and please drop a review.