Chapter 11: Back to Reality

…..

After 3 weeks, things are starting to settle into a semi-comfortable state of what will become normal in the Wilde household. The kits are finally sleeping longer at night but growing at a seemingly alarming pace.

"Nick, when I see the pediatrician tomorrow I need to ask her about the kits growth and appetites. It's getting to the point that I can't produce enough milk to satisfy them both and they're only three weeks old. Mom told me that we bunnies don't usually wean until were at least twelve to eighteen months or so. Come to think about it, since I already have an appointment with Dr. Clawson, I might wait until after speaking with her to see the pediatrician.

"Carrots, I think that's a good idea, I've noticed that they are really filling out the cribs and seemed to be gaining weight rather quickly. Mom told me that both kits are already bigger than Angela and I were before Angela passed. You might want to ask Clawson about the bloodwork that's already been submitted and take it from there. I'm surprised we haven't heard anything back from her by now. It's been several months now and …."

And the secure phone rings….'BRRRRING'…..'BRRRRRING'…'BRRRRRING'…."Speak of the devil".

"Yes Dr. Clawson, we were just talking about you. Have you heard anything about the samples you sent off? We have a few concerns we need to talk to you about. The kits are growing way faster than normal among other things and….."

"Actually Nick, that's the reason I called. Can you and Judy stop by and see me sometime tomorrow, I have some news I need to share with you."

"Sure thing, any special time?"

"The earlier the better if possible. My clinic doesn't open until nine, if you could get here around seven thirty or so that would be fine. And please, bring the kits, no tests, I would just like to see them and how much they've grown."

"Ok, we'll see you the, 'bye."

…

0735 at Dr. Clawson's office

Dr. Clawson greeted Nick and Judy at the front door of her office. "Come in, we'll go straight to my office and should be finished before anyone else shows up.'

'To begin with, I got some results from the last set of blood samples back about four days ago, but I wanted to be sure the results were verified before I called. To address the abnormal growth you mentioned Nick, from the data I've seen this should at least slow in another week or two. Judy, since you're breast feeding, you're most likely not able to produce enough milk for both kits, is this correct?"

"Yes, it is, what am I going to do, the kits have to be fed" interjected a very worried Judy.

"Not to be concerned" said a smiling Dr. Clawson, "believe it or not, you can actually begin feeding the kits either strained kit food from the store, or you make it yourself at home with a food processor, you might just want to add some extra vitamins and minerals. If you would like, I can give you a list before you leave. From the results I've seen, the kits can eat and digest literally anything you want to feed them, even at this young age.'

'My, just look at these two! They are absolutely beautiful. You two did a really good job if I may say so. It's really difficult to believe that they are only a little over three weeks old.'

'Nick, I would like to address a couple of concerns you brought up previously. A couple of major manufacturing companies have expressed interest in developing and producing a version of artificial blood, indicating that with the data they have it should be relatively easy and inexpensive to mass produce. I can supply the names of the companies if you would like. Each company understands and accepts the conditions that you have set forth. They will not try to research the identities of the donors in any fashion. They have each agreed to donate five percent of their profits for the first ten years from sales of the blood to interspecies reproduction research groups to be specified by you. I have located three such groups. Further, as an added incentive, each has offered to put an additional one percent into a blind trust for use by the 'donors' as they see fit, which will make you all extremely well off. All you need to do is name the company that you want to produce the blood, and the research group that receives the grant money."

As Nick and Judy stare in amazement at each other, contemplating what Dr. Clawson has told them, Nick finally speaks up "If there's no objection from any party concerned, here's what I would propose. Both companies are to be granted equal rights to manufacture and distribute the blood and there is to be absolutely NO collaboration between the two companies. This will guarantee that the price for the product will be kept as low as possible, as well as continued research into producing a better product through healthy competition.

'Next, grant money should be divided equally to all three of the interspecies research groups, for pretty much the same reasons.'

'Lastly, the remaining money will be used for the kits education, and for any charitable causes we see fit to use it for, regardless of who or what we decide. We were never in this for the money in the first place, we just wanted the kits to be safe. If this is agreeable with all parties, we will give our blessing to the entire package. Fluff, do you have anything to add?"

"Ummm….no, I think that pretty much covers any concerns that I might have had. If there is anything else we can get back to you, ok?"

…

As Nick and Judy sit in the car trying to actually digest all of the information, Judy looks at Nick in wonderment" You really thought the blood work thing through, didn't you?"

"With something as important to me as the kits…yes, yes I did." Nick continues with a smirk as Judy rolls her eyes at the silly remark, which has been a running thing for them both throughout the years, "The additional money was a complete surprise though, so I figured 'why not put it to good use'. We aren't hurting financially so I kinda figured why the hell not?"

"What happened to the Nick I knew that always told me 'Never let them see that they get to you'?"

Nick smirked "A certain sly bunny kinda knocked some sense into his head I guess…..and I'm glad for it and I'm glad for you. You know I love you, right?"

As Judy looked at the ceiling of the car with a thoughtful expression "Do I know that? Yes, yes I do. And you're welcome.' To which Nick couldn't help but laugh, joined by Judy giggling hysterically.

'So, ok then, I'll reschedule the kits pediatrician appointment for Friday if Dr. Hopperson has an opening. That should give us time to digest what we just learned, OK?"

"That sounds like a plan. Hmmmm, since it's still early, what do you want to do now? How's about we go to moms and grab some early lunch. I know she'd be tickled to death to see the kits. We can go to the precinct tomorrow morning in time for roll call and visit with the gang and show them what they're missing. After that we can go to Hopperson's. Call your folks and see if they're up to a visit this weekend. I think 'ol Buffalo Butt is going to expect me to be back at work pretty soon, and we should give everybody a chance to see the kits while we can do so together."

"You are really into this whole fatherhood thing aren't you Slick?" asked Judy with a soft smile.

Grinning widely Nick answered "Carrots, I want to be the kind of dad my father was, minus the mugging part of course."

"Dumb fox….."

"Mommy bunny" Nick added "Owwww….really? Ok, fine, let me call mom and let her know we're going to be there in a bit while you call your folks."

JUDY: "Hey mom, is dad around? Nick and I were thinking about coming to Bunnyburrow with the kits for the weekend. Only if you don't mind of course," Judy added with a grin "we know you have tons of other grandkits.….mom….MOM…MOM! Please slow down, you're giving me a headache. We should be able to make the eleven am train so we should get there by three or so. What…you want to know if Victoria is going to come along? Just a sec and I'll ask, Nick is talking to her right now. Nick, mom wants to know if your mother wants to come along….she does, great. Yes mom, Victoria is coming with us. See you Friday afternoon then, love you 'bye."

NICK: "Hey mom, are you busy right now? You're not? How would you like to visit with your grandkits for a bit? Yea, I kinda figured you'd be able to take time from your busy schedule to fit them in. We'll be there in about a half hour or so for an early lunch, do you need us to pick anything up for you as long as we're on the way? Wait a sec…Judy wants to know if you want to come to Bunnyburrow with us over the weekend. Yes, of course it's ok with Stu and Bonnie, they were the ones asking in the first place. Ok, see you in a few. Bye."

"Good lord Nick, this is going to be a hectic weekend….but it'll be fun."

…

1005 am at Victoria Wilde's home

"Nick, Judy, it is SO nice to see you all again. And just look at those kits, my God how they've grown. Come here to Gran'ma you two beautiful kits….'

'There are sandwiches and some of Nick's 'carrot soup' on the kitchen table and you know where the drinks are. Judy, do you need some private space to nurse the kits?"

Judy giggled "No thanks, just hand me a sandwich some soup and we'll see how the kits handle that. The doctor told us that even at this age they can start on real mammal food. Sure, it'll be a mess, but who really cares right?"

"Really?" a surprised Victoria asked. "How on earth can that be, even fox kits aren't able to eat solid food this young….! Next thing you know they'll be crawling in no time and walking by the time they're two months….."

"Good lord I hope not, they're hard enough to handle now" said Nick in a playfully worried voice.

To which both Victoria and Judy just laughed at his feigned discomfort….

While the ladies are having fun trying to feed the kits their first real food, Nick calls the precinct. "Clawhauser? Yea, it's me. Listen, can you put me through to the chief for a second please? Yea, thanks. Chief, it's Nick…..yea chief I know, I need to be back soon. How about another week or so? A week from Monday? Yea, that should be ok, I'll be sure to let Judy know. The kits? You wouldn't believe how big and active they are, which is why I called actually. Would it be ok for Judy and I to stop by the precinct for a bit tomorrow morning around roll call time and show them off to everyone? No problem? Ok, we'll see you then, but be prepared, you know Clawhauser is going to go batshit crazy when he sees them….hold on a sec…'

'Judy, it's ok with Bogo if we bring the kits by tomorrow morning just in time for roll call and…..good lord, what a mess!" as he sees Judy and Victoria at the kitchen table with everyone and everything covered in sandwich and soup….and everyone, including the kits grinning from ear to ear. How could he not laugh? 'hold on, I have gotto get a picture of this…ok chief, get ready for a text when I hang up ok?" which he immediately forwarded to Bogo after ending the call.

As Nick, Judy and the kits head home, Judy looks contentedly at the kits, who are fast asleep in the back seat remarking "who would believe that kits this young could make such a mess?"

"Maybe we can con Clawhauser into parting with one of his doughnuts before roll call" offered Nick with a slightly evil grin can you just see these two with frosting all over everything?"

Judy's mouth dropped open for a split second "You wouldn't…. would you?"

Nick's smirk gave Judy the only answer she needed.

…

Friday morning Precinct 1

As Nick and Judy enter the precinct just minutes before roll call, Clawhauser lets out a delightful yell (scream, whatever) that would curdle milk and startled the kits.
"What the hell Clawhauser?" scolded Judy "now you've got the kits upset, way to go….I guess you might need to give them part of one of your doughnuts to settle them down."

Even though Clawhauser wasn't happy about giving up one of his precious pastries, one look at Judy convinced him that it was the right move, especially when he notices the kits munching on the frosting coated pastries.

"Sorry guys, I just can't believe how big the kits are. And wow, I have never seen such gorgeous kits in my life. Sorry Bun-bun, but I think you guys are going to need clubs to keep them from dating before they're much older"

"Spots" said Nick "I guess that's what you get when you mix beauty with charm. And yes Carrots, you are the charming one…OWWWWW…..come on already…..sheese"

Just as Nick and Judy enter the bullpen, Bogo enters from his office.

"Atten…hut" announces Higgins, and the usual pounding on desks and yelling begins. Both kits startle slightly but neither fusses and Angela actually giggles, surprising both Nick and Judy.

Bogo looks at the Wilds and announces "We seem to have some old and new members of the force with us today. Who cares?…..Wilde" and both say 'Yes chief' at the same time causing Bogo to do a short face paw, "would you introduce the newest members of your family please."

As Judy begins to introduce the kits to the officers, Angela decides that she wants to tug on Bogo's shirt. "Chief" says Nick as he hands the kit to Bogo "I guess you seem to have an admirer. You know this is going to totally ruin your hard-ass image right? And, by the way, the pink frosting really complements your blue uniform."

"WHAT?" Wilde, you are going to pay for thi….."

Just then Clawhauser takes several pictures and announces "These are going to look great on the precinct's Muzzlebook page…" which of course draws more table pounding and yells from everyone, as well as giggles from Angela and a slightly scornful look from Ronald.

Then the bullpen disrupts into a sort of semi-controlled bedlam, Bogo paws Angela back to Nick and wonders 'Just when did I lose control of all of this? I guess it was when first Hopps then Wilde joined the force. If those kits grow up and even think about joining, I'm going to have to retire to keep my sanity.'

As Nick accepts Angela back form Bogo, the guys gather around them.

"Wilde, are you sure this kit is yours? She's way too good looking to be yours!"

"You can bring them over to our place for playdates anytime, you know Justine would love to have you over."

Of course Fangmeyer and Francine have crowded around Judy and Angela as well.

"Judy these kits are absolutely gorgeous"

"Are you going to have more?"

"How soon do you have to come back to work?"

"Who are you going to get to watch the kits?"

"We really hate to break this up, but if you'll excuse us the kits have a doctor's appointment in a few minutes, so we really need to be going….." interjects Nick.

With plenty of hugs and well wishes to go around, Nick and Judy head towards the doctor's office.

As they drove to their appointment with Dr. Hopperson Nick commented "I'm sure Buffalo Butt will try to get even with me for handing him Angela, but it was worth every minute of whatever he can dream up."

"Well, I'll text you the shot I got of him actually smiling at her, just as she spit up on his uniform. That, along with the frosting mess made a really great picture. You'll have that as a good comeback…"

"Really? You seem to be picking up a few more of my bad habits all the time. Bad bunny."

"Slow fox!"

The meeting with Dr. Hopperson was short and to the point. The kits were measured and weighed, their first round of shots was still a few weeks away so at least that unpleasantness was avoided. Dr. Clawson remarked about how big the kits were getting in such a short time. Judy simply stated that everything was under control, because there was a specialist monitoring their growth so there was nothing to be alarmed about.

The next stop was at Victoria's. "Well, there are my favorite grandkits."

"Mom, they're your only grandkits" dryly remarked Nick.

"And what does that have to do with anything? Since they're my first, they'll always be my favorites."

Just as Nick was going to make a smart remark about having more kits in the future, Judy read his mind and shot him a 'Don't you dare say a word' look that even made him drop the smirk that was already half formed on his muzzle.

"I've packed a few things for us and the kits to munch on during the trip, as well as a bunch of kit wipes for the probable mess."

After a quick stop by Nick and Judy's to get extra clothes for them and the kits, as well as to restock the diaper bags, they were off to the train station.

Next stop Bunnyburrow.