Here is the 38th installment. Hope you enjoy.
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If you enjoy this, and you are not also reading my original Log Entries series over on my Blog. Why aren't you? (takes a Nick-esk pose of hurt) Also. I am now posting them on AO3, so you have even less excuse. It's free, ORIGINAL fiction. "An original story told through the log entries of the pilot and captain of an experimental star ship."
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xxx Back in the fitting room of Vivian's shop. xxx
Bonnie was finished and sitting on the end of the couch looking mortified as she heard Judy's version of what happened, watching as Judy shuddered with the memory as she finished the story. "I was so scared for him. Turned out dad had the tazer set to wolf. Took a few minutes for Nick to come around, and even then he was in a lot of pain. I helped him up, enlisted some siblings to carry our luggage back to the car, and drove to Sharla's. I never got the chance to properly reveal my engagement, talk to them about what he did to propose, and did not get the chance to pick my stones. After that, my relationship with my parents was strained, at best. There were some phone calls." Turning to Bonnie. "Mom was as supportive as I think she could be, but with Dad … things just got worse."
Joan wiped tears from her eyes. "Oh Judy. I cannot imagine how angry you were." Looking over at Bonnie. "I assume you had your dad charged with assault?"
Elli nodded. "Oh, wow. I don't know if I could be that strong."
Judy shook her head. "No. I did not, nor my brother either. Nick wouldn't let me, and flatly refused to say anything himself. He said that leveling charges against them would not bring them around. He knows how important family is to me, so he wouldn't let me burn that bridge." Looking back to her mom. "As much as I might have wanted to at the time. Of course, Dad's follow up phone calls didn't help much."
Bonnie wiped tears welling in her eyes. "I'm so sorry Judy. I didn't know what really happened. I was still reeling from the realization that you really were that serious, and why you were there. The rest to me was a blur until you were driving away, Stu was raging, and for some reason I felt like my heart had gotten stomped on. Some of your sisters filled me in on some of what happened and I just couldn't believe it. That Stu attacked Nick. I could see the damage to your bedroom door, but to think that Stu and some of your brothers were the ones that kicked it in..."
Judy smiled warmly at her mother, reaching over and giving her shoulder a squeeze. "It's over now, mom. We're talking again. Dad is actually trying and doing pretty good, all things considered. Make no mistake though, I'm still mad at him and will be for a long time. He hurt my mate. He hurt me when he hurt my mate. You have no idea how guilty Nick felt, and still feels over the cuts he caused when Dad tazed him. It doesn't matter that it was involuntary. He sees it as breaking his promise to never hurt me."
Bonnie was tearing up with shock on her face. "Judy. Surely he knows it wasn't his fault. I know you don't blame him."
Shaking her head, Judy sighed. "Mom. It's a fox todd thing. It was one of the things that fed into his insecurity, his feeling that he didn't deserve me. It is why I resolved to prove to him that he one hundred percent did deserve me and that there was nothing that would ever separate us."
With a look of dawning understanding, Bonnie gave a small smile. "That's why your vows were what they were. Why you did the claiming thing."
It was more statement then question, but Judy nodded with a bright smile. "That is definitely part of it."
Lizz frowned and spoke up, shocked by what she had heard. "Judy. He could have killed Nick. I know he is your father, but still!"
With a dark nod and shuckle, Judy shrugged. "Yes, and if he had, I'd probably be the one in prison. I try not to think about what might have happened. Nick was alright after some rest. Sharla let us stay with her the rest of the weekend, and that was a lot better. Then we came home and other than a few very unpleasant calls from my dad, we went about our lives." Putting a paw on Lizz's much larger one. "I built a family of friends here in Zootopia. Mammals like you and Mike. It is why Nick and I wanted to help you both so much once we realized the truth. I really didn't think I would ever go back." Looking over at Bonnie again. "It was Nick that made me keep trying. He prompted me to call, to not cut you off completely. It was him that pushed me to get in touch with my siblings to keep track of what was going on. It was Nick that got me to write those letters, because he knows how much cutting you out of my life hurt me. Hell, I had to stop him on more than one occasion from trying to travel to Bunnyburrow to try and talk it out with you and dad."
Bonnie shook herself, wiping away a few tears. "After all that, you're telling me that Nick tried to come to the farm and talk?"
With a tired sigh, Judy nodded. "Yes, Mom, he did. On at least three occasions. He got turned back by Sharla and Gid on one where he actually made it to town. He stopped in Gideon's shop to get a treat and work up his courage. Let me tell you, I was so cross with him that time. He really wanted to repair what he saw as something he broke."
Bonnie frowned, her voice rising. "What do you mean, that he broke? He didn't break anything! He did nothing wrong! Stu and your brothers are who did wrong. I did wrong by not stopping them. Nick did exactly what I would want the mate of one of my kits to do, until your father hit him with that tazer."
Joan groaned and shook her head. "Bonnie, it's a fox thing. Specifically a fox todd, thing. Remember, for foxes, the female leads the relationship. So no matter what happened, even if he had been actually permanently injured, because you and Stu are Judy's parents, it wasn't in him to press charges. For that matter, he knows how important you as family are to Judy, and he would see, no matter how much she said otherwise, that he was the cause of the rift between you. I mean, based on the story, he was, and that simply tore him up to know he was the cause of pain for her. He would be inclined to follow her lead and press charges, accept his recognition as Judy said that it would only make things worse."
Bonnie nodded with a frown. "I see. So he blamed himself for something that was completely out of his control." Seeing Joan's nod, Bonnie's frown deepened. "I really need to learn more about fox culture."
Vivian stepped over to the group, having been listening while she gave instruction to one of her employee's. "Well, Bonnie. I think you are in a good position to do just that. Why don't we arrange a call where we can talk. I can teach you some fox culture, and you can teach me more about rabbit culture. I mean, since we are family now." Holding the pendant. "I think that will help you understand, and help you begin to bridge the gap between you and several of your kits. As well as mend some bridges that it seems are in bad shape at the moment."
Bonnie nodded with a weak, worried, smile. "I'd like that."
Grinning, Vivian gave a little hop. "Great! Besides, how else am I supposed to get proper mother-in-law blackmail material, or you for that matter, if we don't chat, often. Plus, once the kits get here, we're going to need to do that even more. Perhaps we need to bring your other daughters and sons mom's in on it. Stu ought to bring any of the fathers into a game night or something too."
Bonnie's smile brightened at the thought. "That... That sounds wonderful."
"Great. We'll text about it and get it set up. Now I'll have a few things ready for you in a short bit." Turning to Judy. "You need to be in here as soon as you are up and about, and back into shape so I can re-do your uniforms and such with the material Maria sent me. Yeah, I know it was her. She's not fooling anyone." Turning at a small whistle, Vivian retrieved a bag that was being passed through the cracked open door. "Oh, don't be shy Lisa, get in here and give the stuff to her yourself."
A clearly embarrassed and shy skunk walked in and over to Lizz. Holding out the set of bags she was carrying which were nearly as tall as she was. "For you Miss. The rest of your dresses and two purses that should hold your weapons and other items, like Miss Judy's do."
Lizz took the bags. "Thank you Lisa. I appreciate it." Looking through the bags, she pulled out one of the purses. "Can you show me how the purse works?"
Nodding, Lisa stepped forward as the others looked on in curiosity. "Yes. You can attach your badge here, and as you can see it hides away easily within the stitching, but opens easy and securely." Pointing. "This seam here is actually not a seam but an access to the holster for your lethal firearm." Lizz pulled that out of her existing purse and with instruction from Lisa put it in place along with her spare magazine. "As you can feel, there is room for a second spare magazine for you. Now this other seam is the same thing, but for your tranq weapon, and if you flex your paw into a fist, the whole compartment will open allowing you to reload and store multiple different sized darts. Now, in the main compartment, you have a phone pouch so your phone doesn't get lost in the bottom of things. Along with plenty of room for other things. Like with Judy's you also have some additional items."
Lizz opened the tranq area and moved over the handful of darts that she kept in a bag in her normal purse along with her tranq pistol. Closing up that area and the weapon seemed to simply vanish, making her grin. Putting her phone in it's spot,she looked to Lisa. "Okay, what are these other extras?"
Lisa smiled. "Both handles are removable and link together this way." Removing them, she showed how they were adjustable in length, and when connected properly acted as paw-cuffs. "Judy's are able to hold up to a tiger like yourself, and yours will hold an elephant. The inner structure is a braided, overlapping tungsten steel and carbon fiber. It cannot be cut without a torch, and even the strongest elephant would find it difficult if not impossible to snap since they act as single pieces. You just use the shoulder strap to extend the separation between the cuffs for larger mammals. After that, you have six throwing knives hidden behind this seam here, which have been provided. This bead is actually a removable riot baton. You have a false bottom accessed here. You can put things like a radio, second phone, or anything else you need. It's filled with a foam that forms around what you place in there to ensure it doesn't move around and let itself be known."
Lizz looked over at Judy in shock. "Your purse is like this?"
Grinning, Judy nodded. "Yep. The false bottom just shows up as a thick padded bottom on xrays, and the whole thing is scent proof. Once you put things in it, use it for about a day, not even Mike will be able to tell what's in it. Though, like with Nick, I'm sure you'll show it all to Mike. It is good for your mate to know what you're carrying. You'll be shocked what Mike's jeans will be hiding once he gets them."
Vivian grinned proudly. "These were concepts proposed by Nick and Judy, developed by Fru, and made real by me. Then Lisa came along and made improvements to the design. The way the false bottom works is her doing, she's also the one that figured out the securing mechanism we now use for the weapon compartments. It's more secure, while somehow making access easier, and the compartments are next to impossible to find."
Lizz shook her head. "This purse is simply amazing." Transfering the rest of her items from her old purse into her new one. "I mean. It has enough room for the things I normally carry, keeps my weapons out of the way and out of sight. Heck, even has internal dividers and pouches to keep things organized. No more messy pile of stuff. Hell, I can carry more than I normally do if I want. Judy, what do you keep in your false bottom?"
Depends on the day, really. I usually have an extra mag, medium dart, and a few other things in there."
Lizz looked up again. "Vivian, Lisa. Thank you for this."
Judy piped up, "Oh, something they forgot to mention, there is a rip pull in the corner of the false bottom if you pull the foam out. Give that a yank and the purse unfolds into an armor plate that will stick to your fur. The foam from the false bottom can be pulled into an emergency bandage as it will stick to itself like one of those sports wrap bandages. There is so much to it, it can be hard to keep track of. Though if you have to use the armor mode, you'll have to bring it back here to be put back together or have them make you a new one. I own three and as soon as I can afford it, I'll be buying a fourth. They've got more styles now, but this one is pretty universal."
Fru Fru spoke up. "I've been working with Lisa and Vivian to try and create a clutch, but just cannot get it to work. A clutch is too small. we can do it so that you have a few things. Paw-cuffs, a pair of batons, an embedded tazer, but the tranq and lethal have to be elsewhere. Not that we don't have working holsters integrated into the dresses. I mean, that one you're wearing has them integrated, doesn't it?"
Lizz frowned. "I highly doubt that. I would have noticed a holster."
Judy laughed with a knowing grin. "Lizz, stand up. … Now right below the sash that holds the waist, right to one side of your tail. Feel for it just like with the purse."
Lizz felt and gasped in shock. "What the hell?"
It'll fit either your tranq or lethal, your choice. The position hides the weapon from all but the most intrusive, accusations of sexual harassment, and pat downs.. The seam at the back of your neck is much the same and will hide two of the special collapsible batons. They should be there already."
Lizz reached back and found them. "Yeah, they're there. Next you're going to tell me that I can hide a spare badge in here somewhere too."
Judy reached up and flipped down another seam hidden panel of Lizz's Dress. "Yep."
Shaking her head, Lizz laughed for several seconds. "My gods. What possessed you to request stuff like this? This is secret agent type clothing."
"Well, I did have a past where I learned about having things at hand at all times, and then with Nick and I needing to resort to armor cloth for all our clothing and always needing to be armed with our badge at ready paw. It just kinda necessitated it. I'm just lucky I had such talented mammals to work with in Fru, Vivian, and Lisa."
Joan shook her head. "Good gods, you're saying Nick's clothes, his back-pack..." Realizing what she said. "That damn pack he carries with him everywhere is like this too, isn't it? I'll bet even your uniforms are like this, full of hidden compartments and stashes. Like you two are still running around... Well I guess you are the law now, aren't you."
Judy grinned. "Yes., yes we are. As Judge Dredd would say." Going for her deepest, gruffest voice. "I am the law!"
Elli chuckled. "Okay. I need to get some dresses like that, and one of those purses!"
Vivian frowned slightly. "Sorry Elli, the purse is off limits unless you become a bounty hunter or something like that. These are focused only for mammals that need them, officers like Judy and Lizz, and professional bodyguards like Franchesca. The dress, with a few modifications, I can do. Lizz, you'll notice that there are pockets right where you would want them, hidden in the side seam of the dress. A good place to slip your phone, or other things."
Lizz grinned upon finding the pocket. "Oh, and they're deep too! Not some token crap! With a dress like this, I might just wear them more often."
"All my dresses have proper pockets. There is no reason why a dress shouldn't have pockets. A girl has to carry things too, and doesn't always want or need her purse."
The collected ladies all agreed heartily. Lizz tries on a few of the dresses to make sure they fit over her belly, with appreciative comments of how great they look on her from everyone. The girls then head for the spa for a little pampering. Elli and Lizz were discussing wolf culture and what is going to be expected of Lizz. Joan, Judy, and Bonnie sitting in their own chairs getting pawdicures.
Bonnie glancing over at Judy. "Judy, this is amazing. The chair is massaging me while my feet get treated like royalty. I'm not going to want to move after this. I… I just can't believe I'm getting to do something like this… with you."
Judy gave Bonnie a bright smile and light laugh. "I know, right! Who would have thought I would ever do something so girly. But that's the idea, mom. It is something that the girls have taught me, as well as Nick's prompting. You need to give yourself some pampering every so often. I was very skeptical the first time I got dragged out by Henderson, Francine, and Jennes. Then I met Joan, Elli, Carry, and others. They dragged me here the first time, and after such pampering, I just had to come back. It is so much better with others though. If I'm by myself, it's just for a touch up on my claws. Oh, that reminds me. That polish is not going to wear off for several weeks. So you aren't going to have to worry about it, no matter how many dishes you wash."
"Oh, that'll be nice. I haven't painted my claws since your father and I got married. It never lasts more than a day."
"Well, this will give you an excuse to come and visit more often."
Bonnie nodded thoughtfully. "I wonder if the new place that opened in town carries this kind of polish. If so, I think I know where some of us mothers will be gathering."
Joan chuckled. "Just ask if they do an acrylic powder coat. If they don't know what that is, then no. If they do, expect to pay for it, but it is worth it."
"If it comes with pampering like this, it'll have to be crazy expensive to make me not want to do it. Especially if it lasts like you suggest."
"I'm a cop, mom. That is not a kind job on pretty nails, and yet I've been coming here for some time and never had to worry."
Lizz chuckled from her chair a few down from Judy. "Gods. I always thought you just painted your nails every morning. You're saying that with this I just need to come in for a day every few weeks? That's just awesome."
"Yep. Now you know all my secrets, Lizz."
"Oh, I highly doubt that, but I'm okay with that too."
Elli grinned. "Yeah, the powder coat acrylic is amazing. So that, Lizz, is why you need to ask affiliation and such when you interact with a wolf like Frank. What action you take is up to you, but it's something you will need to keep track of. When you are the Alpha, you'll have aids you can give direction to, but while you are in your current position, you need to keep track of it so you can bring it to the current Alpha's attention."
Lizz nodded. "Okay. I think I'm starting to get it. Which reminds me." Looking over to Judy. "Judy, tomorrow. Dinner at Mike's parents." Glancing at Elli and seeing the look she was being given. "Sorry... Your presence is requested by the Wolford Alphas for family dinner. I will pick you up that evening. Mike will be bringing Nick straight to our place, and then we will leave from there."
Judy frowned and groaned. "Oh gods. Lizz, are you serious with this?"
Elli laughed. "Sorry Judy. Mom found out, or figured out, that both Lizz and I consider you our First. That's a position kinda like our matron of honor, only it extends beyond that. We will lean on you for advice, and Lizz when she is Alpha will lean on you even harder. You will be her primary councilor, and since both Ed and Mike consider Nick their First... Well, Mom wants to meet you properly and make sure that you two will give good advice to Mike and Lizz when they are the Alpha's. Don't worry, mom is already impressed with you in helping them come out of hiding."
"That really doesn't make me feel any better, Elli. Honored that you both consider us that, but that just means I'm going to have to learn all that wolf stuff too, now."
"Not as much as you think, but yeah... you are going to have to learn some of it." Elli said with a nod. "I'm here for you as well as Lizz. I'm still amazed that you were able to forgive your mom and dad, Judy. After all that." Looking over to Bonnie who was looking away embarrassed. "Sorry, Bonnie. It's just..."
Bonnie shook her head. "No. You're right. Stu and I seem to have forgotten one of our own credos about family being more important than anything. Something Nick recognized by helping Judy keep in touch. He got her to reach out to some of her siblings and cousins, and they supported them despite Stu, or my lack of action." Turning to Judy. "I'm so sorry Judy. I should have said something, stopped him. Done something. I don't have an excuse, and promise that both your father and I will do everything we can to make right what we broke."
Judy got up and pulled her mother into a hug. "Mom. You and dad are already forgiven. Yes, my trust in you is on the ropes, but just you both being here... Everything you have done since the call has shown that you are trying. The dinner with the others, again, being here. I am going to give you the benefit of the doubt, just don't break my trust again. I'm like a fox that way. Trust is something that a fox does not give easily, and if you break it, repairing that trust takes a long time. The trust between us is held together with just bailing twine and wet straw. It's going to take a long time to heal."
Bonnie nodded, sniffing as they released the hug. "Thank you for giving me.. Giving us the chance to repair and regain that trust."
After leaving the spa, they walked back over to Vivian's to check on Bonnie's dresses and were quickly ushered into the fitting room again. Vivian, smiled brightly from the dias. "Now... Bonnie, back up here. I have some things for you to try on."
Judy grabbed Bonnie's phone, opening it and giving her mom a fox smirk. "Yep, totally taking pics."
Bonnie blushed. "Judy. You better not!"
"Oh, I so am. The ones I take with your phone will just be for dad. The ones from my phone are going into the warren chat."
"Judith!"
Judy grinned. "What? It'll be good for everyone to see you in something like this."
Huffing, Bonnie crossed her arms and glared at Judy who was wholly unaffected. "Why isn't this working?"
Giggling, Judy snapped a photo with her phone. "Because I am not 10 anymore. I'm married and about to birth kits of my own. I'm taking this pic so I can practice, the look."
Giving up, Bonnie laughed. "Okay, fine. What's first Vivian?"
Bonnie then tried on half a dozen dresses, Judy taking photos with both phones, a few shots sans dress with Bonnie's phone. While they waited for Vivian to finish up the minor tweaks needed to the dresses, Judy began dropping pics into the warren chat groups.
Judy: Hey all. I got pics of mom for y'all!
Clare: Pics? What happened?
Joan: Pics? What kind of pics?
Ellis: Pics? (repeat about three dozen times under different names)
Judy: Yes, Pic's. For those that don't know, My mate's mother has her own clothing shop and does custom work. Me and some of my friends dragged mom out for a girls day, and we stopped in because my friend Lizz, the tiger in the group pic, had some things to pick up. We convinced Vivian, Nick's mom, to do a few dresses for mom, thus. Pics. Of mom… In a dress, and loving it. Make sure you zoom in. She's got her claws painted too! (+15 photos)
Collective: WHAT!
Collective: OMG! Mom looks amazing!
Jerald: Wow, that tiger is super pregnant.
Jerald: Wait! Judy! You're pregnant? You look like you're about to pop like the tiger!
Collective "WHAT! Judy's pregnant?"
Joal: "Yes, she's pregnant, by her mate, the fox. Were none of you listening when mom and dad made that announcement the other day?"
Jerald: I wasn't there. Had to work late, and I try to ignore the rumor mill. If that were to be believed, we can all eat meat."
Judy: Actually... Most of us can. At least those of us born Hopps. Let me tell you, this place in town does this shrimp and chicken burrito that is devine. (+2 pics of Judy eating said burrito)
Collective: WHAT!?
Judy: Long story y'all, but it is true. Course, meat is prescribed by my doc since my kits are half fox.
Collective: NO WAY! That's possible?
Judy: Very. Now, back on track. Mom in a different dress. (+10 pics)
Collective: Damn! Mom looks good!
The conversation devolved from there and Judy put the group chat back on mute. Once the alterations were done, they said goodbye to Vivian, making sure she was going to show up for dinner that night at Therus. The girls then left the store to drag Fran,with Fru Fru pushing, to the lingerie store.
Once there, Bonnie, Judy, Lizz, and Fran all got fitted for new bras. Fru Fru and Judy badgering Bonnie, Lizz, and Fran into a few more racey pieces.
Fru Fru crossing her arms and giving Fran a glare from Judy's shoulder. "Fran! We both know you love that lunk, so you need to let him know what you want. You can't just wait for him, he's never going to get it."
Fran frowned. "But... Fru. He's..."
"He's what? A tiger?" Pointing at Lizz. "She's mated to a wolf." Pointing to Judy. "And Judy is mated to a Fox, and is even claimed! Is his species really what bothers you?"
Dropping her head, Fran shook her head. "No. It isn't that. We've talked. He admits he likes me, but his family is super conservative. They'd disown him. I can't do that to him. So we broke up, not that we were ever together formally."
Judy sighed and looked up at Fran. "I'm sorry Fran. You should still get these things. Have them for when you can use them then. Though I have to ask. Whose idea was it to break up, yours or his?"
"Mine." Fran said, her ears folding in shame.
"If you called him, would he come running?"
Fran nodded sadly. "I'm pretty sure."
Judy gave a bright smile at that. "Then he doesn't care about what his family thinks, and is kinda like me in that respect. As much as family is important to me, I also demand that my family accept my decisions. They don't have to like it, and if I had ended up getting kicked out, I would have accepted that. Sounds like there is a conversation you need to have with him."
Giving a weak smile, Fran nodded. "I guess you are right."
Judy nodded in return. "In your position as body-guard, you have to make hard decisions on your own without outside input. Relationships are not like that. If you really have feelings for him, you owe it to both of you to at least have that conversation."
Fran's smile growing. "I'll call him tonight."
Fru Fru grinned. "Good! He's such a nice mammal."
Many hours, snacks, and shops later, the ladies broke up. Fran and Fru Fru headed home while Judy and crew ordered another Zuber. As they waited all quite exhausted from the day, but all equally happy, the conversation switched.
Judy turning to Elli. "Okay, can you explain this 'First' thing again? It's like a confidant or something? Someone that is likely the first mammal Lizz will turn to for advice, perspective, and such? Is that right?'
Elli nodded with a smile. "Pretty much nailed it. That means that you may get called into Moots, Circles, and Alpha meetings. In some cases, as First, you can even be sent in their place, depending on the situation, such as a scheduling conflict. They will attend the more important of the two meetings, with you standing and speaking with their voice in the other. So you are going to need to know wolf etiquette, as you are going to be treated as a wolf in those situations. It's even possible that you might get challenged at some point, and you'll need to know the rules for that. Some of the simple things that will earn you huge points within the pack will be like when I had Lizz ask Frank about his affiliation, or how she commented on and mentioned the bringing of honor to the pack when the wolves stood behind us in support."
Lizz shook her head. "Please tell me those Nightwolf guys were not my personal guard."
Elli shook her head. "No. No idea why they were there, probably just shopping themselves, but glad they were. None of the Wolford pack wolves would dare speak against you with Nightwolf standing with you. If they hadn't been, I'm sure at least a few of them might have stood against you, or at least not stood with you. All part of the pack dynamic you'll need to learn. If you have actual guards, you won't know it unless you are directly threatened, and if they are doing their jobs right, you'll never know they are there."
"This is going to make being a cop harder."
"I doubt it. But if you have an issue, you can always bring it to their attention. They're not going to interfere in most instances, since that would be interfering with your job, which is a big no no."
Shaking her head, Lizz sighed in realization that this was just goig to be part of her new reality as Mike's open mate. "I guess we'll have to see."
Judy piped up. "Okay, that's all fine and good, but I have to bring it back to this thing about Nick and I being their, and your First, Elli. I get what the job kinda entails, but how and when did Nick and I get selected for the job?"
Elli nodded. "Ed and I made the decision months ago; that if we were ever in the position that Lizz and Mike are, being the actual Designate, that you and Nick would be our firsts. Our respect for you and your opinion on things, knowing that you wouldn't hold back and tell us like it is. As for how you ended up Lizz and Mike's. It is clear that Lizz and Mike respect and seek out your opinions, that you are very close friends and getting closer. While neither made it official in documents like Ed and I did, the paperwork also isn't needed for them. They make it clear that you are their chosen, by their actions towards you."
Judy nodded with a shrug. "Okay…" Her face clearly showed she wasn't completely convinced.
Lizz looked up hearing an approaching car. "Well, that car looks suspiciously familiar."
Frank pulls up and rolls down the window. "I hear word that you ladies need another ride?"
Lizz chuckled. "That we do, Frank. Thank you. Keep this up and I might just have to make you my personal Zuber driver."
Grinning, they could all hear his tail beating the seat as he also blushed. "Please don't tease me Lady Fangmeyer. I am unworthy of such an honor."
Elli laughed. "Oh, I don't think she is fully teasing you Frank. You have a knack for being there when we need you. Keep it up and you might just get stuck with such a position."
Judy laughed as she spoke. "Well, I might have requested him, but in all seriousness Frank, you have been one of the best drivers I have come across. You've earned all the five star reviews at the very least. I know I've added you to my preferred list."
Lizz nodded. "As have I."
Frank blushed even deeper. "Thank you. That means a lot. So, to Therus then? Dinner I assume?"
Elli whispered in Lizz's ear and Lizz gave a grunt. "Actually, I think I like that." A short time later they pulled up the Therus, the ride a quiet one as they were all well worn from the day. Lizz turned to Frank. "Frank. Forgive me if I don't say this quite right. I'm still learning. Would you honor us by joining us for dinner? But please understand that refusal will not in any way reflect poorly on you, as I do not know what other obligations you may have."
Frank took a deep breath and held it for several seconds. "It would be my honor and privilege to share a meal with you. I must just inform my family that I will not be home for supper like normal, so they do not worry."
Lizz smiled warmly. "Thank you Frank. We will see you inside then." Leading the ladies into Therus where the tables were already arranged and much of Judy's family already sat. Claire greeted them and just directed them to seat themselves.
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Frank watched as they entered the restaurant, pulled into a parking spot, cranked up the music and howled for all he was worth in pure joy. He then turned off the radio and called his mother.
His mother answered on the third ring. "Hey Frankie? What's up, you going to be late for dinner?"
"Actually mom, I'm going to miss dinner with the family tonight. I will however be eating. Though you are never, in a billion years, believe where and with whom."
Hearing the excitement in his voice. "What happened? Did that girl you have been talking about finally accept?"
"No. But after tonight, she just might!"
Confused by her son's excitement. "Frankie? What's going on?"
"Mom. You remember I gave Judy WildeHopps' family a ride? Well, since then I have also given Lady Fangmeyer, Lady Elli Wolford, Judy herself, and their friends, rides. I got a call directly from Zuber corporate today to pick up someone that was abandoned on the side of the freeway by another driver."
"Oh my gods. That's horrible! Are they alright?"
"Yes. But mom! It was Lady Fangmeyer, both her and the Seconds mate, Lady Elli Wolford, who is teaching Lady Fangmeyer. Along with their mutual first, Judy WildeHopps, her mother, and another friend! Mom! Lady Fangmeyer asked my affiliation and she is going to mention me at family dinner tomorrow!"
"Oh my gods! Frankie! That's amazing, but doesn't explain why you're going to miss dinner."
"I'm going to miss dinner because when they were leaving the mall where I dropped them off, I got their ride again! When I dropped them off at a restaurant called Therus, Lady Fangmeyer asked me to join them for Dinner! Mom! She asked me to join them for a meal! Even if it means nothing more than that, Moon above! I've lucked into elevating the family standing in the pack!"
"Moon and Stars! Frankie, you're kidding, right?"
"No mom. I just parked the car and I gotta go in real soon or I'll be rude. I told them I had to call you and tell you that I wouldn't be making dinner tonight. So I gotta go. But mom!"
Frank's mothers tone became serious, and commanding. "Now you listen here, Frank. You go in there and be the good pack wolf I know you are. Impress the Designate and Seconds mates, and their chosen First. Don't say anything, cause I'm going to hang up now. You go and earn yourself some prestige. I love you and know you will make me and the family proud." With that his mother hung up. Frank took a deep breath, shook himself out completely, got out and entered Therus.
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A/N Keep the reviews and comments coming, it's making Muse happy, which lets me work on this and other things. And also remember, if you see issues, misspellings, etc... Let me know in PM, I'm under no illusion of being perfect and want to fix those things I miss.
If you are truly enjoying this, you can check out my original work by popping over to my blog, Scribblings. You can link to it here: ( Direct: dcballard (remove the spaces) because the forwarding is misbehaving.) and then select Scribblings Blog ( Scribblings ).
