My heart goes out to the family of Alps Sarsis. May they find a measure of solace and peace after such a devastating loss. Guardian Blue was a truly inspired work and Alps loss is a blow to the community as a whole. We are all lesser for their loss.

Here is the 73rd installment. Hope you enjoy it.

Notes now live at the end of the chapter, so here is the obligatory, on with the show.

Sadly, I do not own and thus can claim no rights to Zootopia or its characters. They belong to Disney.

It continues…. Enjoy.

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Hop General - Maternity Ward Recovery Room, late afternoon

Maria, leading the pack of mammals that had stayed in Von entered the room just as Doctor Fangmeyer was finishing up with Judy, Lizz, and the kits. "You are all in good health and everything looks good. The kits are as healthy as any I have ever seen, and the report from Doctor Utheri, the staff pediatrician, is positive across the board. The only thing that could be a potential point of concern is the fact that all of their eyes are already open, but he has assured me that it is actually more common with hybrids. That, and their savage or perhaps primal pupils, which he also says isn't a problem."

Judy smiled at her kits dozing in their crib. "I think it suits them. They'll need that shock factor later in life."

Nick nodded. "They just might. Probably a side effect of the Nighthowler exposure."

Doctor Fangmeyer nodded in agreement. "A good possibility. Anyway, I will let Kreaven know you are just about ready to be discharged. I'll get the paperwork ready and you and your kits immunization cards. Given your medical histories, we gave you a few extra vaccinations as well."

Nick nodded and rubbed his shoulder. "Yeah, and you'd think you'd be more advanced about giving them."

Doctor Fangmeyer laughed. "You'd think, but there really isn't any better way that we have found. At least not yet. Maybe one of your kits will figure it out." With that he left.

Maria chuckled but was bypassed by Kreaven. "Okay, based on that, I expect you will be released in about two hours, once all the paperwork is done. Don't worry about cost, the same coverage that applied in Zootopia applies here, and if it didn't. Well, the city council, Wolford Pack, and just about every citizen in the city would cover it."

Maria spoke up. "Or I would. And you are?"

Turning with a smile. "Kreaven Wolford. I'm here as the guide and liaison for The Wolfrod-Fangmeyer and WildeHopps families, to the city of Von. I'll be conducting them to their meeting with the City Council, the Wolford Pack Von Alpha's, etc… I've arranged transportation with a private pilot, and lodging. At least I have been trying to. He's acknowledged, but at the same time not accepted the contract."

Maria nodded. "Ah, you must be who tried to buy Terry out from under me. I'm afraid I have rights to him first. Which I have invoked to make sure that they have transport around the city and then home. As for accommodations, I'm betting it isn't the Imperial Suite at the Sheeriton."

Kreaven shook his head. "No. Howliday Inn."

Maria nodded with a derisive snort. "Yeah… No. They will be staying with me and the rest of us in the Imperial suite and associated rooms, at the Sheeriton. Somewhere that the actual hotel security will provide an actual extra layer of protection and somewhere that the Night Wolves can actually secure."

Kreaven groaned. "I don't have the budget for that."

Maria grinned and leaned down. "Who said you were paying? I am. I'm the one paying and it isn't even a concern for them since we're long time friends. Plus, I consider Judy my sister, after everything we have been through."

Kreaven, nodded. "Well, it will be more secure. You said that you got Terry? Terry Siberus?"

"Yep!" Maria grinned, popping the p. "Terry and I go way back."

Jarvis rolled his eyes. "By that, she means he's a very distant cousin, of mine."

Kreaven nodded then narrowed his eyes. "Okay, and you are?"

Judy laughed from the bed. "Kreaven, calm down. Let me introduce you since you seem too focused on your tablet to notice. This is Maria, my old college roommate and friend ever since then. Also known as Gazelle when she is on stage. Then you have Jarvis, her mate and lead dancer. Followed by Eric and Jeff, mated. Then a pair of Wolfords, Edward and his mate Elli. Ed is Mike's younger brother."

Kreaven just shook his head tiredly. "Oh. Well, that just makes my life all sorts of extra fun. Next you'll tell me you were the fabled Bunny Avenger."

Nick laughed out loud as Judy and Maria cringed. "And I'm the Vengeful Vulpine."

Kreaven looked between them, his ears folding back. "You are not going to tell me if you are just messing with me are you?"

Judy pipped up with a happy chirp. "Nope! We have to get our fun somewhere. We'll let you in on the truth, eventually."

Giving a curt nod, Kreaven sighed. "Fine. I am showing the transport in route now. Lets see, I am showing onboard… Chief Bogo, his wife, a cheetah named Benjamin Clawhauser. Bonnie and Stewart Hopps. Vivian Wilde. Amy Hopps-Jackson. Jake Jackson, a Bunnyburrow sheriff's deputy. And… A Francis Hopps, as well as two Nightwolves. Although one of them isn't a wolf."

Jason Nightwolf stepped from the shadows. "That would likely be Eddie and Mitch Blackwolf. The Nightwolf pack has long accepted mates outside our species, and Eddie brings with him, as a panther, skills and such that enhance our function. They've been assigned as guard for the elder Hopps."

Kreaven nodded. "Thank you. You clearly have more of you around or you wouldn't have shown yourself."

Jason nodded. "Exactly that. I think only Nick, Judy, and Maria probably know where they are."

"Maria frowned. I know where one is, and I know there is at least one more."

Nick just laughed and nodded. "Yeah, got all four of you pegged. Doesn't help that Gloria keeps going goo goo eyes at the kits. That, and Kreaven has two more shadowing him."

Kreaven frowned. "I do not have Nightwolves shadowing me. The ones I brought are stationed outside the room."

Jason laughed. "Oh, you actually do. We went through the recognize and acknowledge protocol before you entered the room."

Nodding, Kreaven then shook his head with a tired sigh. "I knew taking this job was going to be stressful. They really didn't tell me what I was getting into." His smile got wider. "If I can pull this off, I might actually earn a promotion. Maria, is it?" Getting a nod. "Great. Imperial Suite? Awesome, and you're paying?" Getting another nod. "Alright then. The transport with the parents should be here in twenty. Release will be in about two hours, if Richard keeps with his usual. From there, we can go directly to the hotel, get situated, and work on dinner from there. Unless you have already got that planned?"

Maria smiled. "For dinner tonight, I was just going to suggest room service. The Imperial suite has its own private chef."

Kreaven nodded again. "That sounds good. Assuming the chef has already been vetted."

Laughing, Maria nodded. "You could say that. We actually have a choice. We can have Gordon Rams, Bob Flayer, Antlerton Brown, Mike Symon, Antonia LaFuzzo or Andrew Zebraman"

Nick laughed as Judy perked up. "Wait! You're saying we can have Antonia cook for us? Really?"

Maria laughed along with Nick. "I knew that would be the answer, so I scheduled Antonia for this evening, and then Mike Symon for tomorrow."

Doing a fist pump, Judy grinned. "YES!"

Shaking his head, Nick gave Judy a kiss between her ears. "Maria, you know how obsessed she is with those chefs." Nick picked up Aurora who had woken and started to become fussy. After a quick change, she was handed off to her mother to be fed.

Letting the kit suckle, Judy looked up. "Now, if you could get Anna Burrle, that would just make it all."

Maria laughed. "She was busy, so we were not able to get her until later in the week. But don't worry, you'll get to harass your favorite chefs and watch them cook, live, before you leave. I don't get many opportunities to spoil you like this, so I'm planning on taking full advantage of it."

Judy squealed in joy as she swapped Aurora for James. "Wait! Really!? YES!"

Rolling his eyes as he changed Elizabeth and then Richard, Nick spoke over his shoulder. "You've been dying for an opportunity like this, haven't you?"

"You know it! You are stuck under those regulations regarding gifts and what not, and while I get a few passes due to the length of our relationship, I still can't hook you up the way I want. Just as you had to move all your holdings into that trust."

Judy groaned, but with a tired smile. "Nick, I'm suddenly glad we're going to be occupied with the kits. It's the only thing that is going to save us from her."

"Yep."

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While Maria and Kreaven worked out a schedule for the group, Jason listened in so he could make suggestions from a security standpoint. The parents focused on their kits, and once all changed and fed, the four newly minted parents shared their children with each other. Making sure that the kits knew the mammals their parents trusted most in the world. Followed by Maira and Jarvis, Ed and Elli, Jeff and Eric, and the Nightwolves.

Just as Eric was putting the Wolger, Jason Gregory, back into the crib, Doctor Fangmeyer appeared in the room. "Okay, I've got your paperwork ready. Just some basic instructions. Ladies, make sure you keep eating as you have been. Your kits will likely know when they want to be weaned by rejecting milk. I also suggest that you switch to bottles and a pump, or a good predator formula for your kits." Indicating Lizz and Mike. "Or a high quality omnivore one for your kits." Pointing to Nick and Judy. "There are several on the market here in the city that would be ideal. You will probably want to familiarize yourself with those so you can locate the equivalent back in Zootopia. I know that, no matter how much this city will want you to stay, you are heading home.

I'll have Kreaven pass on the check-up schedule and a list of Von associated pediatricians and physicians in Zootopia. With the vaccinations you have been given, you should all be good until just before the kits are ready for school. Of course, if you send them to preschool, which I expect to be the case, just work with your pediatrician."

Maria laughed. "Not to worry. I'll make sure that they get the best on the market."

Richard smiled. "Good. Also, unless you want to get knocked up again right away. No sex for at least three weeks, and if you do, guys… Wear protection."

All four mammals blanched and blushed, Judy gasping. "Doctor!"

"What? It's a simple biological fact. You have unprotected sex right now and you will end up pregnant again."

Bonnie and Stu had entered the room with Vivian slipping in behind them unnoticed, Bonnie chiming in. "He's telling the truth, Bun-bun. It's why you and the K litter are so close together."

Judy bounced on the bed. "Mom!" Quickly wrapped up in a hug that once released, Nick found himself subject to as well.

Stu following suit. "Nick, Judy. It's so good to see you two again. I know it hasn't been that long, but given the circumstances."

Nick nodded. "Of course. Let me introduce you."

Vivian wrapped Nick up in a hug from behind. "What? I don't count?"

Nick lit up with a grin, spinning around and wrapping his mother in a crushing hug. "Mom! Oh gods. I'm so glad you are here too."

Introductions quickly applied, the grandparents getting to hold and snuggle their newest grand kits. Lizz and Mike then introduced their own pups to the newly arrived mammals. Mike sighing as Ed placed the last one back in the crib. "I just wish mom and Dad could be here."

Kreaven and Maria smirked at each other, Kreaven speaking. "Not to worry. You'll get to share your young with them soon enough I am certain." Looking everyone over. "So, shall we get ourselves to the hotel and some food? I'm sure you are all eager to get out of here. We just need the kit carriers…" The carriers having, as if by magic, appeared on the counters near the cribs. Rolling his eyes, Kreaven shakes his head. "Right… Nightwolves skulking around. Let's get going then."

After a few minutes to work out how to strap the kits into the carriers. Two kits per carrier, boys in one, girls in the other. The entire group makes their way out of the hospital and into Terry's aircraft where they encounter the Bogo's.

Judy, giving a wide grin. "Chief! Patricia! BEN!" All those that knew covering their ears, and those of the kits, from that anticipated high pitched squeal.

Hugs and introductions are made and then they all get strapped in for the short flight over to the Imperial Suites private pad. Unloading there, they are whisked inside by the Nightwolves standing guard, all that know the Nightwolves for what they are, recognize that the four they see are only a fraction of what was there.

Over the next several hours, being only four in the afternoon, they meet with Chef Antonia LaFuzzo for the night, share their new kits with them, and Judy manages to learn a few tricks from the world famous chef. After a world class dinner where the chef is all but demanded to join them, after working so hard to cook it for them, the parents retire. Later to be woken by their kits, sleep, awake to feed/change, sleep, repeat. None of the four freshly minted parents are remotely awake by morning. The grandparents, including Mike and Lizz's parents, take charge of the kits unbeknownst to the actual parents who are too busy snoring to notice.

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Terry and Fran - After everyone was situated at the Hotel.

After dropping everyone off at the hotel, Fran and Terry picked up a room key and made their way into town. While the dinner promised to be cooked up by a world famous chef was tempting, they wanted to get to know each other a bit better.

Fran looked up at Terry with a blush in their ears. "So… Terry, is this a date?"

Terry smirked and glanced down at Fran. "Do you want it to be a date?"

Fran's blush bloomed, but they kept their ears up. "I think I would. I really would like to get to know you better. Especially since you made me pack a swimsuit. I still don't know where Fred and Fiona found that. I have never owned such a piece of clothing."

Terry's smirk morphed into a grin. "A date it is, then. I also can't wait to see you wearing that suit. I think it is going to look amazing on you. I'm sure your siblings bought it for you and kept it hidden should you ever need it."

Fran nodded, letting their ears finally drop behind their back as they got down right crimson as they thought about the suit and just how much fur it would not be hiding. Fran also found themselves oddly excited to wear it, if it was just Terry seeing them. "Likely. That is something they would do. So, where are we going?"

With a genuine smile, Terry motioned ahead of them, as they had been walking for a good ten minutes before Fran broke the silence between them. "A small place I know of. Not well known, but those of us that do know of it are fiercely loyal. I'd be willing to suggest that the food here is going to be better than what they're going to be getting out of that chef back at the hotel."

Fran chuckled with a smile, their ears rising back up. "Oh, is that so? Quite a claim. As this will qualify as a first date, I do expect you to be on your best behavior."

Terry laughed. "Way too late for that." running his tail up Fran's back and up the back of their ears, earning a squeak of surprise as they swatted away the offending appendage. "Way too late for that."

Fran laughed and glared up at Terry. "I see that." Grabbing Terry by the base of the tail and stroking it's length slowly, giggling at the visible shiver that caused. "Well, that was just the reaction I was hoping for." With another laugh, Fran hopped ahead and opened the door to the restaurant. "Shall we."

Terry laughed, then gave Fran a look that had their nose twitching and eyes going wide. "I think we shall." Walking past Fran into the restaurant, his tail accidentally running under Fran's chin. Whipped out of the way just before Fran was able to grab it, both laughing as they officially entered the restaurant.

The mammal at the front looked up at the laughter and smiled. They appeared to be a small fox. "Terry! Good to see you." Noticing Fran as Fran lightly punched Terry in the side. "Well, welcome." Looking up at Terry again. "So, date?"

Terry nodded as he looked down with a warm smile at Fran. "Yes. A real date this time, Ann. A bit spur of the moment, but in a good way." Motioning to Ann. "Fran, this is Ann Jace, owner and head chef of this establishment, and my little sister."

Ann laughed at seeing Fran's eyes go wide. "Not to worry, I'm not actually related to this big idiot. We did however grow up together, and he fails to mention that he's half owner of this place. He's the one that fronted most of the money to get it started, even if he can't cook anything that isn't on a grill to save his life."

Terry's ears folded flat. "Ann, now that's not fair."

Ann gave Terry a look, then stepped down from the podium and walked around, showing her to be very much a hybrid, as she had a feline tail and black striping on her arms. Wrapping an arm around Fran and leading them along. "Don't let Terry fool you. If it isn't cooked on a grill, or cereal, he's hopeless, no matter what I have tried to do to teach him. He's successfully burned water while trying to boil noodles."

Fran grinned with a laugh. "Strangely, I believe that."

Terry followed behind with a disgruntled look and frown. Ann on the other hand was all smiles. "So, first question. Are you a strict veggie or are you open to more?"

Fran smiled. "Well, we have recently learned that Ma and Pa have been making bug and fish based power bars for the family. All because they learned that the reason Judy was able to get as strong as she is, is because she started eating meat. Many of us had wondered who in the burrow had been eating the grilled chicken hidden in the back of the fridge. Turns out it was ma and pa themselves. Now meat is on the regular menu, and Nick's mom has been helping teach mom and the head chefs how to cook some other more complex dishes."

Ann stopped. "Judy? Wait, what's your last name?"

Fran laughed. "Fran Hopps. Of the Bunnyburrow Hopps. I know there's some history running about that. I kinda ended up hitching a ride so Terry and I could get to know each other better because we kinda just… connected. It's hard to describe."

Terry smiled from behind them. "Yes. The council, and a few other parties contracted me to fly the heads of the Hopps burrow and a few others here to the city to meet up with Judy and Nick WildeHopps due to the need to fly them here in an emergency fashion last night."

Ann rounded on Terry. "What! Nick and Judy are in town? They're in Von!?"

Terry nodded. "They are. The whole situation is crazy, but they have their kits now and will probably be meeting with the council tomorrow and the Wolford pack as well."

Ann shook her head. "Okay, the council I get, but why the Wolford pack?"

With a laugh, Terry shook his head in exasperation. "You really need to pay some attention to the news, Ann. Quick recap. Nick and Judy are the designated Firsts of the Wolford Pack Zootopia Designate and Regent. The Regent is a tigress, who is, or rather was bearing the Designates pups. Someone tried to poison them, causing a forward agent, Domi actually, to call in an emergency extraction. They were flown here, treated, and the poisoning induced labor. Now they have Kraven Wolford acting as liaison for the council and pack here in Von and arranging a meeting with both while they are in town.

While I was in Bunnyburrow to pick up the Hopps leaders, Nick's mother, Vivian, along with a few others, I met Fran, and as they said, we just kinda… connected. One thing led to another. Fran boxed me when I was teasing them. Mrs. Hopps insisted that Fran come along. A rather shocking, I think to both of us, make out session later, and now we are on our first official date, now that I'm off shift as the pilot for now. If they need anything, Kev is on standby, unless they can wait till I can get there."

Ann looked up at Terry and giggled. "Okay, now that makes some of the nonsense I have been overhearing make sense. So, a real date. You said you already had a make out session?"

Terry looked away slightly embarrassed as Fran's ears warmed up. "Yeah. I was escorting Fran back to their room. Once we got inside. I'm not sure what came over us, but we kinda attacked each other. It was intense."

Fran nodded. "Yeah."

Ann looked between the two slightly abashed mammals and laughed. "Well, good. It looks like you are both in need of what the other may finally be able to provide." Indicating the table she was standing next to. "Your table. Secluded, for two."

After getting them situated with drinks, Ann left them alone. Apparently there were no menus. It was what Ann felt the mammal in question needed at the moment.

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Fran gave Terry a skeptical look. "No menus? And how is Ann going to know?"

Terry shrugged. "I don't know. It's like her super-power or something. I promise you, she just knows. Just trust."

Fran nodded. "Strangely, I do. So… There are some things to get out of the way."

Terry nodded, his ears flicking back for a moment before pulling forward to focus on Fran. "Agreed." Taking a long breath. "I'll start." A blush clearly tinging his fur. "I am both. Functional, and fertile. My parents were able to stop them before they performed any surgery beyond the brand. I prefer male, though I have my moments. Though I'm told just about anyone does from time to time. I guess someone like me just gets it a bit stronger for obvious reasons."

Fran nodded with a smile. "Okay, so same. Functional and fertile. Found that out the hard way. I was raped in high school. It didn't take, but it proved the point."

Terry gasped and reached forward to take Fran's paw. "Fran…"

"No. It's okay. They are still in prison. I had full support from my family and counseling. I'm okay. What happened wasn't, but I'm good. Maybe because of that, while I present as mostly male, I find I ride the line a lot more and prefer they/them. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate you just using that by default earlier. I noticed."

Terry nodded with a smile. "I had a feeling."

"Now, that in no way means that I don't swing strongly one way or the other from time to time, as you said. But day to day, I just am. I've talked to siblings of both male and female, such as Fred and Fiona. My sense of things matches one or the other on the ends of the swing, but is normally a fluid fusion of the two."

Terry grinned. "I'm more than okay with that. I just pray you can forgive me if I ever make a mistake."

Fran gave Terry a warm smile and squeezed his paw back. "Hey. Something tells me that will be few and far between. Of anyone out there, you're probably going to be the most sensitive to it. Now that, that…" Waving a paw as if to dismiss the heavy subject. "...is out of the way. Terry, what do you have planned for us after dinner?"

Terry grinned wickedly. "Oh, wouldn't you like to know?"

Fran glared at him, unable to suppress a grin. "I would, but something tells me it's going to be a surprise."

Terry nodded again as their appetizer appeared in front of them. "Correct. I would be failing at providing a proper, unbeatable, first date, if I showed all my cards this early."

"Fair enough."

They enjoyed a mostly quiet meal of excellent food that almost seemed to just appear in front of them. None of the portions were filling, and as such, they made it through the desert. As they finished a decadent piece of chocolate raspberry cake with fresh vanilla ice cream, they smiled at each other.

Terry leaned back, licking the last of the frosting from his lips. "Damn, that was as delicious as always. So, how did you enjoy that spicy shrimp pasta?"

Fran sighed. "It was absolutely amazing. The herbaceousness of it. The fresh dill and basil fighting it out in the sauce. It was amazing. Truly. So, now what?"

Terry grinned. "I think we'll go for a walk. There is a very nice park just around the corner. I want to just talk. The attraction I feel for you is shocking, if I'm honest. I've never felt like this for another mammal before. I want to get to know you before we allow what that make out session in your room promises. Something tells me that no matter what, there is unlikely to be anything you have done in your life that will drive me away from you or put out the flames burning in my heart."

Fran giggled with a nod. "Yes! You put it in words. A fire in my heart, with you at its center. I've never wanted someone before. But I close my eyes and all I can see is images of what I imagine your exposed fur will look like. Considering I've seen more of yours then you have of mine. Well. As shocking as it is to me. I do however want to know more about you. Who is Terry Siberus? We chatted a little, but I want to know more about you. I mean, your adopted sister, of sort, Ann, clearly loves you like a brother. So yes. Let's go for a walk. Get to know each other."

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Leaving the restaurant, they walked to the park, took up residence on one of the many benches that overlooked the park and that had a clear view of the city center. There, they talked, telling the other about themselves, their experiences in life up to that point. Any attempts to start a relationship, laughing at their often similar epic relationship failures. Fran even shared some details about what they called the incident, and was comforted by Terry.

It was very late that evening as Terry and Fran returned to the hotel, both clearly tired and a bit drunk having stopped at a small bar and shared a number of drinks. Sharing a kiss as the door to the suite opened, unknown to them both, they were carefully observed by Stu and Bonnie Hopps, as well as Vivian and Janet. With mutual agreement, they quietly waited, everyone but Janet moved to the couch.

A few minutes later Terry and Fran actually entered, giggling softly only to freeze as the door closed behind them and they saw the group of mammals watching them. Terry took a deep breath. "Good evening." His tail unconsciously wrapping around Fran's leg. Something not missed by Fran, or those observing them.

Bonnie laughed at their terrified looks. "Well, I take it that the date went well?"

Fran blushed deeply. "Uhm… Yes. Very good."

Vivian shook her head. "So, when is the wedding?" Terry and Fran both had their eyes go wide as Vivian pointed to Fran's leg. "What? Don't tell me you haven't discussed it yet? Given you're already acting as if you are mated."

Glancing down, Terry gasped, tried, and failed, to pull his tail away from Fran. "Uhm… Haven't talked about that specifically. We were trying to get to know each other, given the almost uncontrollable attraction we feel for each other." Looking back down in shock as his tail simply refused to remove itself from Fran. Surprised also by his internal rejection of the idea of reaching down and removing it by force.

Fran nodded, looking down at the tail around their leg in surprise. "Yes. Learned about each other. Our similar and different experiences. That I haven't had a lot of opportunities until online college courses came around. It's actually kind of a need. Terry could really use an in-flight tech, and I'm actually qualified. When we go visit the swimming hole tomorrow, I'll be learning and acting in that role to see if, with some learning for the equipment, it may be something I could do formally. With him."

Terry nodded. "I'm sure you will be more than capable. The only struggle will likely be familiarity with the actual equipment. Once you learn it, I expect you'll be perfect."

Fran grinned at the praise. "Thank you, Terry."

Vivian rolled her eyes. "Oh gods." Turning to Bonnie and Stu. "They'll be mated by the time they get back from that trip."

Bonnie nodded. "Yeah, no question." Turning her attention back to Terry and Fran. "Both of you. Make sure you are either careful, or prepared for the consequences. Fran, have you told Terry about what happened?"

Fran's smile faltered then returned. "Yes. We actually discussed what happened at length."

Terry nodded. "I would never hold something like that against Fran or anyone else. That is not something they had control over. What happened was a crime against them, and the fact that their attackers, the beasts that they are, are in prison, speaks to that." Unsheathing his claws. "In fact, I am feeling rather protective and wouldn't mind getting my claws on the beasts that did that to Fran."

Stu nodded. "Good." Glancing at Bonnie. "I suppose we will have to add another slot to the weddings."

Bonnie nodded and pulled out her phone. "I'll text Jacob, he's the wedding planner for it all." Glancing up at Terry. "Are your parents still around and would you want them at your wedding? Any friends or siblings?"

Both Fran and Terry looked over at the others as Janet clearly struggled to keep in her laughter as she slipped past them having been the one to close the door. Sharing a terrified look, Terry looked up. "Uhm… We haven't even discussed marriage yet. There are rings to be gotten. We've only kissed!"

Janet finally lost her battle and after laughing for several moments looked up at Fran and Terry. "Yes, we saw. You kiss like Nick and Judy. Oblivious to the rest of the universe. Lost in each other. What it feels like when I'm kissing Domi, when I'm not mad at her, and even then. Even if you don't end up doing it tomorrow, while all by yourselves, at a secluded swimming hole, in the mountains, with what I expect will be an absolutely spectacular view. It's a mere matter of time, and unlike Nick and Judy, there aren't the obstacles of these two." Indicating her and Fran's parents. "So Terry, maybe you want to hit up a jeweler before you show up in the morning to pick up Fran?"

Terry chuckled nervously. "About that."

Fran looked up at Terry in shock. "You have a ring already?"

"Not exactly. It's a family thing. When we come of age, we design a ring set. All I have to do is send a text with your size and they'll be ready by morning."

Fran leaned against Terry, holding a paw over their heart. "Okay. I don't know if I can take much more of this." Grabbing Terry's shirt, they pulled him down and kissed him fiercely. Whispering in his ear. "Send the text. Rabbit, size seven. I expect tomorrow to be memorable."

With that, Fran stepped away, slipping away from Terry and his tail with a flick of their own. Quickly retreating to the room in the suite assigned to them. Terry however stayed bent over, eyes wide in shock for several moments before slowly standing up and giving themselves a full body shake. Focusing on the mammals watching him carefully, he coughed into his paw. "Uhm… I… I need to do some checks on the engines before tomorrow. Yeah…" Ignoring the snickering of the Hopps and Vivian, he exited the suite to the private landing pad.

Jannet giggled. "Okay, mom, dad. Vivian. I'm going to get some sleep as well. Domi is picking me up early in the morning for more apology dates. I expect I'll be engaged by this evening myself."

Bonnie grinned. "Really? That lovely fox?"

Jannet laughed. "She is actually a Funny, but considers herself a vixen. And yes. Her. I'm over my initial anger. I understand it, what happened and why I wasn't told. That she was going to tell me, but some jerk had to poison Judy and her friend before she could tell me, forcing her hand."

Bonnie nodded. "She seems lovely. So how much did she not tell you?"

Jannet smiled. "Not as much as I thought. I know most of it, I have actually met her family. Just her exact job wasn't revealed. The part where she was actually an agent of Von and could basically call in an air strike. That said, she really hadn't kept anything else from me. I actually knew she was a hybrid. So, I have a ring, and I'll probably propose tomorrow."

Stu groaned as Bonnie grinned and pulled Jannet into a hug. "Oh sweetie, that's wonderful. So you have forgiven her?"

"There really wasn't anything to forgive, once I understood. I was royally pissed, but that mellowed as I understood. After explanation, and her absolute terror that I would reject her when we went to dinner. Well. We got past it." A suggestive smile on her muzzle.

Bonnie rolled her eyes. "That's good sweetie. Go get some rest."

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A/N

Remember to share the love. Review and Fav. It is the life blood of every writer to know you are enjoying their work. I also want to thank everyone who has Fav'd, followed, and reviewed this little project. I know that isn't much, but to me, it's huge. Even as a writer of original fiction, that you enjoy this means a lot to me as an author. You can check out my original work and link to my Blog, Scribblings, where a lot of it lives by hopping over to dcballard . com ( Direct: ascensionnovel . / scribblings (remove the spaces) because the forwarding is misbehaving.)

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."

You should really be checking out my bestest bud, Bear678, and his story What Foxes May Come.

So keep those reviews and comments coming. 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.