13 Real Life IS Messy
XxX
Sorry about the late chapter, but the writers block is kicking my ass. The next couple of chapters are liable to take a while as well, considering this all started out as a one shot it gets a lot more difficult as it gets longer and longer. Thanks for waiting, enjoy.
XxX
From the Office of the Mayor of Zootopia, Leodore Lionheart, Mayor
'Dear Ms. Hopps, it is my pleasure to inform you that the Mammal Inclusion Initiative was recently passed with an almost unanimous vote by the Zootopia city council.
You have been nominated as the very first candidate to be accepted into the next upcoming class due to begin as of June first of this year.
Please respond with your intent to either accept or to decline this offer by no later than May first.
Congratulations, we are looking forward to hearing from you.
Leodore Lionheart
Leodore Lionheart, Mayor
…
"What's wrong Judy?" asked Nick "You look like you've seen a ghost or something."
"I-I-I've been accepted to join the ZPD. They finally passed the Mammal Inclusion Initiative. If I want to go to the academy I've got" looking at a nearby calendar "just three weeks to accept so I can be there in time to make the next class."
"Are you going? I know it's always been your dream, but… what about Nick and…" began Bonnie.
Looking at Nick and her parents Judy was stunned, not knowing for sure what to do. For the first time in her short life, Judy was totally at a loss for any kind of a decision.
Nick approached Judy because he could sense another panic attack, but before he could reach her, she bolted for the bathroom, slammed the door and locked it. Suddenly nauseous, she nosily emptied her stomach into the toilet.
"Judy….Judy, please answer me… what's wrong, are you ok?" Nick pleaded.
"Ju-just leave me alone for a bit…please. I just need a little time to work things out in my head…please."
"Well, take your time, but I'm not going anywhere until you come out" he said firmly, sitting in front of the door.
Addressing Stu and Bonnie "You guys can go to the shop if you want, but I'm not going anywhere until Judy comes out and we talk out what's going on."
"If you think we're leaving when Judy's in this state of affairs, you're crazy" huffed Stu.
"Actually, I would've been surprised if you had, but I had to at least make the offer" intoned Nick. "Go ahead and get comfortable, there's no telling how long this is going to take. There's another bathroom just down the hall from your room, plus food and drinks in the fridge if you're hungry. I'm sure this will take a while.'
'I'm going to call mom and Skye to let them know that Judy's had another attack, so they don't get to wondering why we aren't going to show up."
Selecting Skye and Laverne's numbers set up for a conference call, he wasn't surprised when the phones rang several times before either picked up "Mom, Skye, you both on the line?"
"Yes, I'm here" they answered in unison.
"Just so you know, Judy's had another panic attack and she's locked herself in the bathroom. Skye, I think you should…"
"Nick" interrupted Skye "I was literally talking to Judy when you called, that's what took so long for me to answer. Your mom and I will be there in a bit, we just need to make a quick stop on the way. We should be there in twenty minutes, tops. Try to keep her calm in the meantime, ok?"
"I'll do my best. Stu and Bonnie are here, and we're all worried sick. It's going to be a job trying to keep everyone, myself included, even halfways calm."
"I know it'll be tough, but just do it, ok? This is Judy we're talking about here, do it for her if for no one else…got it?"
Taking a deep breath "Yea, I got it, just…hurry ok?"
Eighteen minutes later (which seemed like hours to everyone in the house) Skye and Laverne hurry in through the front door.
Tapping gently on the bathroom door Skye speaks softly, just loud enough for Judy to hear "Squeak…sis…Laverne and I are here, open the door for us, or at least me…please."
Hearing the door unlock Skye looks at Nick eye to eye but addresses everyone in the room before entering "Just chill for a bit. Everything'll be ok, we'll get things sorted out, I promise" and closes and locks the door behind her.
…
After what seems an eternity, Skye exits the bathroom "Nick, go ahead and go in, the rest of us will wait until you two have talked things out, ok?"
Giving a quick nod, Nick enters and sees Judy siting on the edge of the bathtub wearing a look similar to the one he saw not that long ago, but with a much sadder expression around her eyes.
Kneeling on the floor directly in front of his deeply distressed bunny "Judy, honey, what is it? Whatever it is, we can get through it…together. Whether it's the ZPD or …"
"Nick, it's not the ZPD thing, well, maybe a little but… I'm … pregnant" showing him three different brands of in-home pregnancy tests, all positive.
With a totally astonished look on his muzzle Nick responded "W-what? I thought the test at the doctors' office last week said you weren't!"
"I know, but I guess it was just too early to tell for sure. I've felt a bit off all week, but I thought it was just nerves about getting engaged and everything.'
'Nick, what are we gonna do? We're not ready for kits yet. We're not married, your place isn't set up for kits, I mean…"
Taking the depressed doe into his arms "Judy listen to me. Why are you so upset sweetheart? We wanted kits eventually, it's just a bit sooner than we wanted is all. We were prepared for this eventuality just days ago, and it was fine, remember? If you truly are pregnant, I couldn't be happier. I know you've wanted kits at some point, I'd never considered having kits of my own, mainly due to my less than stellar escapades in my youth, but I'm absolutely thrilled to know that you…YOU would be having my kits, OUR kits. You can schedule an appointment with your doctor on Monday to confirm everything one way or the other and try to figure out why the prescription didn't work if you are, ok?"
"You're not angry? Really?"
"My gods no…this is one of the happiest days of my life. We love each other, we're already engaged and everyone wants to know when the wedding is going to be, this just moves the date up a bit. I want us legally married before the kits arrive so there is NO doubt about who or where their father is.'
'As far as the house, we'll be fine until the kits arrive, so we have time to find something better suited to having kits around. Once we find out how many we're having, we can decide how much bigger we need to go. Sweetheart there is no problem we can't solve, as long as we do it together…ok?"
"O-ok, I guess so."
"You ready to announce our pregnancy to the rest of the families, or do you want me to?"
"Will you do it please, I'm not sure I have the energy or the nerves to right now."
Gathering his physically and mentally exhausted bunny in his arms again, he gives her a tight hug and quick a peck between her ears, then sets her carefully on the floor, opening the door and sees four very concerned faces.
…
"Ok" begins Nick "Now that the drama is over" which earns him a light punch on the arm and a weak smile from Judy "we are proud to announce that we're…pregnant!" adding "we think. We'll know for sure on Monday after we go to the doctor's and do additional tests."
Totally stunned (except for Skye, who already knew of course and Laverne suspected) the gathered family members looked at one another in amazement for a few moments before gathering the couple in a large (to say the least) group hug.
As everyone offered their congratulations, Laverne spoke up just loud enough for everyone to hear "Everyone, a moment of your time please" she began.
"Nick, you always gave me grief about keeping the house you grew up in rather than sell it and move to something smaller. This is the reason I wouldn't sell or move. You, Judy and the kits are going to move into my house and I'm moving to your place. I've waited a long time for you to have kits of your own, for me to have grandkits, and I won't take no for an answer."
"Mom" started a tearfully grateful Nick "just…damnit."
"If I might interject here for a minute" interrupts Skye "How about we all go the jam session? Kevin and Kell are already there, so maybe Kell can give Judy some pointers. I know the situations are a bit reversed, but what can it hurt? And I know that Judy can certainly use some cheering up!"
"That's an excellent idea" replies Laverne "I'm sure Stu and Bonnie would much rather be there enjoying themselves than sitting here mopping…"
With the mood lightened considerably and everyone in agreement, they all set out for the jam session.
…
When everyone arrived at the shop, the party was going full blast, music could be heard quite clearly from at least a block away.
After entering the shop, it was clear that the session was in full swing, with Kevin actually doing a good job on drums. While Nick and Stu headed towards the guys, especially Midnight, to fill them in on a few things that needed to be accomplished at the shop, Judy and the girls found Kell talking with the few other females that Nick employed at the shop.
"Hey Kell" greeted Judy "How goes it?"
"Hey, I was beginning to think you two weren't going to make it. And who are these fine mammals with you?"
"I guess I figured you already knew Skye, but anyway…" gesturing to Bonnie "Kell Dewclaw, this is my mother Bonnie and my dad Stu Hopps and this" gesturing to Skye "is Skye Winter, a very close friend and adopted sister.'
'Mom, Skye, this is Kell Dewclaw, one of Nick's customers and hopefully a friend of mine."
After the ladies gave each other hugs, Judy asked Kell "Kell, if you have a minute, we'd like to talk to you in private about something important…"
"Of course, no problem, anything I can do to help."
"Let's step into the office for a bit then, where it's not quite so loud" suggested Skye.
Kell listened carefully as Judy informed about her situation "I hate to tell you, but with our situations being directly opposite, me being pred and you being prey, there's not really much advice I can give you, although I would if I could. You know I'm thrilled to for you and all, have you contacted your ob/gyn yet? Maybe she can help."
"No, not yet, we just found out for sure a short while ago this evening. I'm going to make a doctors' appointment first thing Monday morning to be sure. I can't understand it, I've been taking my pills faithfully, and haven't missed a day. This shouldn't have happened. Don't get me wrong, I'm not disappointed or even really upset … well maybe a little, it's just a bit of a shock is all. Add to that the fact that I just got a letter of acceptance to the ZPD, something I've wanted practically my entire life, the stress of not knowing what to do for sure is killing me. I don't know whether to be happy, sad or what…"
"Judy, I get all that" says Kell "but what does your heart tell you? That should be what you need to go with now. Which is more important … Nick and the kits or being a cop? What does Nick think? And how about the kits? Are you going to raise them or is Nick and everyone else while you're out on patrol? You know you won't be able to see Nick or the kits while you're at the academy training, which is nine months long by the way…unless you're thinking…about…"
"Oh my god no, I'd NEVER do that, not ever" as Judy gasped in horror what Kell was implying sunk in. I could never have an abortion, I'd rather die myself than go through something like that or put Nick, mom, dad and everyone else through it…"
"Then it seems like you've stressed yourself out over a decision that was never that difficult in the first place" commented a softly smiling Kell.
Giving Kell and the rest of the ladies a rueful smile and a big hug "I guess you're right, thanks so much Kell, you've helped more that you think."
"That's what friends are for, remember?"
Just then, the girls jumped slightly as Nick tapped rather loudly on the office door before entering (there's a jam session going on remember, it's loud out there).
"Am I interrupting anything?" he asked.
Glancing around at the rest of the assembled ladies Judy answered "No Slick, I think we're good here, Kell has been a great help clearing everything up for me. Remind me tomorrow to send a thank you letter to the mayor's office" pausing a bit for effect but quickly finishing her reply noting Nick's worried expression "informing them that I'm no longer interested in joining the ZPD. I have a responsibility to my husband to be and unborn kits that mean more to me now than anything the ZPD has to offer. I can make the world a better place with my family more than I ever could being a cop.'
'Now, I know I can't drink, but I can still play guitar and I can still dance. Now, let's go enjoy the rest of the evening, we've got some serious planning to do when we get home if in fact I really am pregnant. If you're nice, I might even let you sleep in a bit tomorrow …. or maybe not…" with a mischievous gleam in her eye.
With a slight blush, Nick looks at Laverne and comments "Well, I guess we'll be taking you up on your offer of switching homes after all mom."
…
Sunday was spent just lazing around for the first part of the day, with Bonnie cooking everyone a great late breakfast of egg, cheese and veggie omelets.
While Nick prepared his famous special 'carrot' soup (which actually had bits of chicken in it) for dinner, Judy and Bonnie went window shopping for clothes and such for the kits. Stu on the other paw, started watching old episodes of 'Tails From The Crypt' on ZTV.
The afternoon and evening were taken up by shopping for cribs and the like on ZBay. They saved their 'liked' items for the near future, not knowing how many kits were coming.
…
Monday morning, after a late breakfast, Judy calls her doctor. "Hello, doctor Clawson, this is Judy Hopps. I need to see you today if you have an opening, it's really important. I'm going to bring my fiancé along because it concerns him as well.'
'Ten thirty?" noticing Nick nodding slightly "yes, that'll be fine. We'll be there, thanks."
"I guess a quick shower and a slow ride are in order for now …?" begins Nick.
"Nick, really?"
"I said a quick shower Squeak, that means no fooling around. I figured the doctor would probably need to examine you, so I figured I'd leave well enough alone…for now."
"Good thinkin' Slick. Gotta paw it to ya, you're on the ball today."
After a quick shower together, just enough to help clean each other, especially their backs, Nick and Judy head to the doctors' office.
Noting the slightly worried look on Nick's muzzle Judy has to ask "What is it Nick? Something's bothering you, you're not having second thoughts or anything are you?"
Giving his mate a rueful smile "No, nothing like you might be thinking I'm sure. I don't know a thing about raising kits, I guess I'm just concerned that I'll screw something up. Don't get me wrong, I'm looking forward to having kits, especially with you, but I'm scared shitless at the same time…does that make any sense?"
Giggling softly "Silly fox, of course it makes sense, but don't worry about it. Even though I've never had any kits myself, I helped mom with hundreds of my siblings, so I think I've got most of it down already. You get to join in on the really fun stuff like changing diapers and…what?"
"You just had to go and put that in the conversation didn't you?" he asked. "Way to add a great buzz kill into the conversation…"
"Oh, I think you'll survive, a little poop ain't gonna kill ya."
…
Entering doctor Clawson's office, the receptionist told them "Just go on in, doctor is waiting for you."
Raising a questioning eye as the couple enters her office, doctor Clawson asks "Ok Judy, what can I do for you?"
"First off, I'd like to introduce you to my fiancé, Nick Wilde.'
'Nick, this is my doctor, Doctor Clawson. Well, I'm sure you'll remember that I was in here a couple of weeks ago and had you check to see if I was pregnant, and the test came back negative. Well, that was then and this is now…I think I'm pregnant, but I want you to do another test and confirm for sure that either I am or I'm not."
"Ok, we can go ahead and do another test and I'll give you a quick exam while we're at it, just in case you are. Mister Wilde, if you'll step out into the waiting area for a few minutes we'll get this all started."
After about fifteen minutes, the doctor called Nick back into the exam room.
"Well, depending on how you look at it, there's good news and bad news, or bad news and bad news, or good news and good news…" doctor Clawson began. "Anyway, to start with, Judy you're definitely pregnant. If the timeline fits like you say it does, you're no more than one to two weeks along, but … fetus growth is more in line with around a month."
"W-what? How can that be?" asks Judy.
"While I'm not positive, I'm sure it has something to do with the fact that mister Wilde is a fox and you're a rabbit."
"But, why would that make such a difference?" asks Judy.
"To begin with, there are a few things you must understand. Firstly, with, it's a miracle that you were able to conceive at all. Next, the gestation difference between rabbits and foxes is quite a bit different, almost twice as long for a fox than for a bunny. In fact, I'm just guessing of course, but you could be full term in anywhere from four to eight months, but most likely five to six months." Noticing the shocked looks on the couples faces she quickly adds "We'll need to closely monitor the kits growth, and hope that there aren't any more than one or two kits, three at the very most."
"I understand the necessity to monitor their development closely" interjects Judy but why would there be a worry about how many kits we'll be having?"
"Considering the difference in size between rabbit and fox kits, more than three could be fatal to the kits or to yourself. Possibly both. You must understand Judy, regardless of the fact that that rabbits may have as many as a dozen or more kits, a vixen normally has only one kit at a time, sometimes two. More than three kits, even with them being hybrids, could possibly be more than your small body could handle. You could lose one or all of the kits or possibly become sterile could or even die in the process if there are more.'
'As it stands right now, you really aren't far enough along to determine just how many kits you'll have. You'll need to come back in a week or two so we'll be able to determine how many you'll be having for sure. I know this may come as a blow, but if there are more than three, you may need to consider…"
"NO, absolutely not" shouts Judy! "I'll never think about terminating any of my kits, that's entirely out of the question. If there are more than two or three, we'll just have to figure out something different, that part of the discussion is over" she states with finality. "However," says Judy calming a bit "I do have a question though … I took my prescription faithfully every day, why didn't it seem to work?
"Probably because you failed to mention that you were dating a fox and not a bunny." answered Dr. Clawson firmly. "If you had mentioned that little fact when you were here the first time, I could have given you a different prescription. The prescription I gave you was formulated specifically for a bunny's DNA. [1]"
"Well just…. shit" remarked Judy. "Ok, is there anything special I need to eat or do while I'm pregnant?"
"Nothing more than the usual that I can think of for now. Only light to moderate exercise, a normal bunny diet, and…what?" noticing Judy's suddenly concerned look.
"Ummm, well, I've sorta… eaten…chicken lately, is that going to be a problem?"
Astonished, Dr. Clawson asked "Why on earth would a bunny be eating chicken? Did you do this before or after you became pregnant?"
"Well…ummm…kinda…sorta…both…?"
"I-I really don't know what to say. I've never heard of a bunny ever eating meat before."
"Well…it's kind of a weird situation really. We went out partying one night and I was venting to Skye, you remember Skye, right?" noticing the slight nod from Dr. Clawson Judy continued "well, I was determined to change a few things in my life and was going to drink some beer when Nick reminded me I needed to eat something so I wouldn't get sick. So I said 'fine' and grabbed the first thing that was handy at the time, which happened to be BBQ chicken pizza. After my last visit, we stopped to get something to eat at that same bar and I really wanted some more of that chicken pizza. Must've been my preggo desire kicking in I guess…"
"Did you suffer any ill effects after the first time you ate it?"
"Hard to tell, I had a mild hangover from the beer since I hadn't had any kind of alcohol since high school, but I don't think so."
"I would have to say that since it didn't seem to bother you at first, and hasn't seemed to since, it might actually be beneficial for the kits with them being hybrids and all, if you actually continued to eat meat from time to time."
"Really? Well, ok then, that's one less thing to worry about I guess. No special diet…"
"Other than that, I'd like to see you at least once a week to monitor the kits growth, especially to find out how many you're going to have. We need to get a handle on things in case you have to many kits…'
'So, unless you have any other questions or concerns…"
"Actually, I have one question" says Nick "what about…"
"Nick" interrupts a horrified Judy.
"It's ok" Says Dr. Clawson, laughing "I think I know where he's going with this. Intimacy should be alright for the first two to three months. Judy, you'll be able to tell when it's time to stop. Your body will probably be mad at you, but you'll figure something out I'm sure."
"I understand. Let's set up my appointments for every Monday morning first thing then ok?"
"All right, we'll see you next Monday morning, say around nine or so."
…
"Well" says Nick as they head to the car "I guess that settles that. We can tell everyone who needs to know that we're indeed having kits. We'll tell everyone else in due time…no pun intended Fluff."
Rolling her eyes, a concerned Judy asks "And what about my work at the shop?"
"You heard the doc, light to moderate exercise. You should be able to do light mechanic work for a couple of months or maybe a bit longer, then you'll probably have to spend the rest of the time in the office."
"But…"
"No, absolutely not! Listen to me Judy, from the sound of things, you're going to be having a difficult enough time with the kits as it is, so I'm not going to have you taking any chances that might jeopardize them, or you. Do I make myself clear? Losing the kits would be devastating for us, but losing the kits and you would probably drive me over the edge. I can't and I won't let you take that chance, and that's final."
"Damn it Nick" says Judy tearing up "how can you be so good to me?"
"That's the easy part Squeak" says Nick wiping her tears away "I love you. We got into this together, we can get through anything, as long as we do it…"
"Together" finishes Judy, with a small smile.
…
"So, now what?" asks Judy on the way to the shop "There's a car show coming up next week, are we ready for it… and are you going to let me play model or do you think it's to 'strenuous' for my delicate body?"
"I don't see why you shouldn't be able to model for a while at least…"
"You mean you don't think I'm too fat?"
"I didn't say or even imply that you were fat. But we both know that as small as you are, it won't be long before you start to show. I know that you'll probably less than thrilled, but I can hardly wait."
"Well we'd better get that wedding planned if you want to get married before the kits show up."
"No problem" said Nick with a grin "I've got something in mind that will be…EPIC."
"Nick please, tell me now, so I don't have to kill you and have to marry a corpse…."
Placing his paw over his heart in mock despair "Squeak you wound me, I would never do anything to cause you that kind of anguish." Noting Judy's deadpan stare Nick hurriedly adds "Ok, yea I probably would."
"Ok drama queen, spill."
"…. Well, ok. But only because you asked so nicely. I thought it would be nice to get married at the car show next weekend and…"
"No, absolutely not."
"But…"
"Nick, no. you've pretty much had your way with all of this so far, but now it's my turn. I want a simple wedding, preferably at Bunnyburrow, with our families and the shop crew. You can invite whomever else you want, with my approval. I will NOT have my wedding turned into a circus in front of hundreds of mammals I don't know who probably could care less about the crazy atmosphere you were thinking about creating. Not happening, so get over it.'
'I know there's not much time, but this weekend will be the best opportunity to get married, especially with all of the work that needs to be done in the shop, car show notwithstanding. I'm going to call mom and dad and tell them that the wedding is going to happen this weekend at the burrow, you can call your mom, and we'll tell the shop when we get there. Now, are you good with that or not?"
"Absolutely, one hundred percent, yes."
"All right then give me a sec and while I call my folks, you call your mom, ok?"
…
JUDY: "Hey mom, is dad handy? No? Well anyway, I know it's kind of short notice, since you guys just got back to the burrow, but the doctor just confirmed that I actually am pregnant… yes mom it's a bit of a shock but it's nothing we can't deal with. Nick and I agreed that it would be best to get married as soon as possible, and with the work at the shop and car show coming up, that we'd like to get married this coming weekend … yes mom we both agreed …. Well I … mom please … mom … MOM, calm down!'
'Yes, I know it's short notice, I just said that, but I … we would like to have the ceremony at home at the burrow so only a few mammals will need to travel. Who else will be coming? I guess just Laverne and Nick's aunt plus the shop crew unless Nick has someone else he wants to invite, probably not more than a couple more than that.'
'Mom, it's not like you guys haven't done this type of thing before. Saren knows that Thomas and his wife and Calla and her husband were married in just a couple of days after finding out about their pregnancies, so we both know it's doable on short notice.'
'Well, I figured we'd have the wedding on Saturday morning, with the reception and party later that afternoon and evening. That way mammals would be able to spend Sunday sobering up and be able to get to work on Monday morning. The shop has a lot of work to get done for the show and sales next weekend, with several more shows and some projects due soon. I don't want to cause any delays that would jeopardize the shop's reputation. Nick has worked hard to get where he is and I'm not about to be the cause of ruining anything.'
'Saturday's ok? Great. I'll let Nick know and we'll see you soon, love you all, bye."
NICK: Hey mom. Yea, great news, it turns out Judy is pregnant after all. Of course we're going to go through with it, what the hell kind of question is that anyway? No, of course I'm not mad at you, just a bit shocked that you'd even ask something like that is all. Really? You just wanted to check my commitment to Judy? MOM, I thought you knew me better than that… ok, ok. No it's fine, really.'
'Listen, the main reason for the call, besides letting you know that since we really are pregnant, is to tell you that we're getting married this coming Saturday at … yes mom, this coming Saturday. Yes, I know its short notice but … mom, Judy's the one who picked the date not me. That's right, she knows that we have a lot of commitments at the shop with the upcoming shows and customer projects, and she doesn't want to screw any of that up.'
'Anywhooooo, it's going to be in Bunnyburrow on Saturday, probably in the morning. So I'm guessing everything else will be later on in the afternoon so everyone will be able to make the trip back home on Sunday so they'll be in shape for work on Monday.'
'So far as I know it's just her family, yes all 300 or so of them, you and the Wilde Bunch. No, I don't think there's anyone else I'm going to invite except aunt Shirley maybe Fin, possibly the Dewclaws. Yea, I'm going to invite him, it's up to him whether he wants to show or not.'
'Ok, I'll let you know the particulars … as soon as I know, you'll know…love you, bye."
…
As Nick and Judy enter the shop, they immediately head for the office, where Skye has just finished talking to a vendor. When she sees them enter to office, she gives them that 'WEEEEELL? Yes or no' look. Seeing Judy's grin (that she was desperately trying to hide) Skye gathered the bunny into a tight hug. "Congratulations, I'm so happy for you … So… names, dates, all of that, give girl…"
"Ummm, can't tell just yet due to the difference in gestation terms between bunnies and foxes. Clawson told us that it'll probably be five or six months, most likely six, and we don't know how many yet, I'm not far enough along yet to tell. And just so you know, we're getting married on Saturday in Bunnyburrow at my folks' place, and of course you're invited. I want you to be my maid of honor."
"Wait, what? You mean this Saturday? Really?"
"Yea, well we wanted to get married as soon as possible, a before you ask the date and place were my idea, not Nick's."
"So, who all else is going to be invited?"
So far, just my family, Laverne and Nick's aunt Shirley, and the entire shop gang. Nick, is there anyone else you want to invite?"
"Well, yea … unless you have a problem with him, I'd like to invite Fin. I have no idea whether he'll show, but after he helped us after the tornado I thought it would only be right. And maybe the Dewclaws, only because of the uniqueness of the circumstances. It's your call."
"I don't have a problem with Fin or the Dewclaws. Give them all a shout when you get the time ok?"
"Great. But now, let's give the crew a holler and let them know what's happening."
"ATTENTION: ALL EMPLOYEES TO THE MAIN SERVICE BAY PLEASE, ALL EMPLOYEES TO THE MAIN SERVICE BAY."
After the entire crew shows up at the main bay Nick make the announcement.
"Ok everybody listen up. Judy and I are going to be married this coming Saturday and everyone's invited. I'm going to reserve enough space on the train for anyone that wants to go, and pay for everyone's ticket so it's not a financial burden. Husbands, wives and significant others, and their kits are invited as well. Whoever's interested, leave your name and the number of extra tickets I'll need to get with Skye. I'll let you all know what time we'll be leaving Friday night as soon as I know. That's it, now back to work."
…
Looking at Judy, Nick asks "So, are you sure you want to go back to work?"
"Of course I am, I've never slacked off a day in my life and I'm not about to start now."
"Ok then, finish deconstructing the Cobra and order whatever parts you need to get it right. After that, help Lefty get the show cars, including the Crown Vic that Duane just finished painting, assembled, detailed and ready for the show in just under two weeks. Happy?"
"Perfectly, thanks Slick" giving her fox a quick kiss, Judy headed off to her work station.
After calling the train station and reserving a large block of tickets for Friday afternoon and Sunday morning, Nick called Finnick to tell him the news and invite him to the wedding.
"Hey Fin, what's up? No I'm not hittin' ya up for another favor. Actually it's quite the opposite, Judy and I are getting' hitched this coming Saturday in Bunnyburrow and I wanted to let you know that you're invited. What? What the hell kinda question is that anyway? Ok, fine, yes she's pregnant, but we were planning on getting married anyway, we just moved the date ahead a bit is all. I just wanted to let you know, and I wanted to ask if you'll be my best mammal ... You're sure you're not interested. Ok, no problem. I was just touching base for old times sake to show there are no hard feelings, at least on my part. Ok, I'll catch you later."
…
As the week winds down, most projects destined for the upcoming car show are finished with time to spare, with the notable exception of the '56 Crown Victoria. Since it had just come out of paint with a minor/major color change that Nick absolutely … loved, fully a third of the staff worked to get it mostly completed so there would be less to worry about after they all got back after Nick and Judy's wedding. After all, there would be less than a week until the car show and sales.
Laverne and Shirley went ahead to Bunnyburrow to assist Judy's parents with preparations, since there was a significant difference between Lagomorph and Vulpine ceremonies. A happy medium was worked out to the satisfaction of both species.
The trip to Bunnyburrow was relatively uneventful, with Nick and Judy driving the GTO that Nick drove on the day they met. Judy's brothers rode with Skye in her '56 Mercury. The rest of the Wilde Bunch rode the train, courtesy of Nick.
…
Early Saturday morning, long before most mammals were stirring, Judy led Nick to the Hopps family cemetery. Once there, Nick looked at the tiny markers denoting the names of siblings that his bride-to-be never got to know: Jonathan, Jerry, Josephine, Jerald and Jeorgette.
"Who would have though the we could be sharing the same pain" remarks Nick as they lay flowers, poseys and forget-me-nots beside the tiny graves.
Walking paw in paw, they returned to the burrow to prepare for the upcoming ceremony.
…
The rest of Saturday morning was hectic, with Bonnie marveling how beautiful Judy was wearing the same dress that she was married in so many years ago.
The ceremony was simple, with the couple exchanging short vows.
JUDY: "Nicholas Wilde, when I had resigned myself to abandon my lifelong dream, you gave me a new dream. When I shared the worst moments of my life with you, you shared yours with me and gave me the strength to carry on. When my family was in desperate need, you didn't turn your back on them, you gave your all to help them, even though they hated you at the time. Because of these things I pledge my unending love to my dying day."
NICK: "Judith Hopps, when we met, I never planned to fall in love with anyone. Your 'I can do anything' attitude quickly won my heart. Much like you, I was broken and had pain that needed to be addressed. Much like you I was hiding from my past. Thanks to you, I now know that I had a sister that I would never have known about. Together we can accomplish anything. And that's how I see us going through life … together … until our dying days."
The bridal bouquet was caught by none other than Skye, and when the garter was caught by Judy's brother Josh rumors started flying both with Judy's siblings and with the Wilde Bunch, mainly instigated by none other than Laverne herself.
After the wedding, the reception got going with 'WildeHopps' playing a favorite wedding song 'Wonderful Tonight' by Eric Clapton, which Nick and Judy slow danced to while gazing deeply into each other's eyes.
Next came a surprise visit by Gazelle singing 'Try Everything'. Even though Finnick didn't make the wedding, this was his gift to the happy couple. Nick explained to all that Finnick had gone to high school with Gazelle.
As the afternoon turned into early evening, the party really got going, and although everyone noticed when Nick and Judy quietly slipped away, no one really cared, it was their honeymoon night after all.
…
Heading down the road toward their honeymoon destination Judy asked "Well, my darling husband, where are we headed now?"
"I'm thinking about the absolute last place anyone would look to prank us tonight…"
"And where might that be?"
"Why home of course! Who in their right mind would look for us there?"
"Sly fox."
"Beautiful bunny."
…
A/N: [1] I know, in real life birth control pills either work or they don't, there is very little variance or specific formulation. But then again this isn't the real world.
A/N2: FYI ~ Although the average gestation for a real rabbit is 31 days, and the average gestation for a real red fox is 49 -58 days, to fit the timelines set out in the original movie I used months instead of weeks. I mean really, a 23 to 24-year-old rabbit and an even older fox?
Still battling with writers' block, this sucks…
