A Friendly Hustle

by Blkdragon7

A few years after the Missing Mammal & Nighthowler cases, Nick and Judy are officially mates. They have managed to keep it a secret until they discover that their friends Lizz Fangmeyer and Mike Wolford are also in a mate level relationship. To help their friends, Nick and Judy draw Lizz and Mike to a restaurant to reveal their knowledge and their own relationship.

21. Chapter 21

Here is the 21st installment. Hope you enjoy.

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

Sorry for the delay in posting this one. It's been close to done for a while, but life, the universe, holidays, and evertying... 42! conspired to keep me from working on much of anything. The holidays are almost over, which means life can, just maybe, return to some semblance of normal. 2020 can just fuck right the fuck off.

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

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The Hopps Warren, Private Dinner...

Bonnie and Stu stood on the front porch of their home awaiting the arrival of their business partner Gideon, as well as the mates of a number of their kits. Turning to Stu, Bonnie sighed with a shake of her head. "Well Stu, I guess we should have expected it. When you have as many rabbits in this warren as we do, it seems almost inevitable. We got used to gay kits, two transgender, and an ace. I suppose having some that would find love across species lines is a foregone conclusion. Thinking back on it... Judy was the definition of a foregone conclusion herself, given her choice of friends."

Stu nodded. "You're right, there... We let ourselves... No. I let myself, be blinded by my fear, and by the false narrative about predators I'd learned as a kit myself. I just hope I can make it up to all of them. Especially Judy. I mean... I attacked her mate." Tearing up slightly with a sniff. "How can she forgive me, Bon?"

Leaning against Stu, Bonnie kissed his cheek. "Stu, you already are working to make it up to all of them with what you are already doing. Supporting the statement about Judy and Jess, and by agreeing to this dinner. All you have to do is not say anything overly speciesist, apologize if you do, and you'll be doing fine. As for forgiving you. I promise you, both Judy and Nick will do so happily, so long as you make the real effort."

"It's a lot of learning and thinking to unlearn and un-think."

Bonnie nodded. "It is worth it though. For our kits. Their happiness is more important."

"You're right. I've been a blind, prideful, idiot of a buck. I couldn't forgive myself if I missed out on meeting Judy's kits. Judy... Giving us grandkits." Stu chuckled with a disbelieving shake of his head. "Jude the dude, married and having kits. Who cares if it is with a fox, Judy is going to be a mom!" Stu paused for a moment as what he said hit him. "Huh... I guess that's the part that I was missing. It's okay to want them to be safe, but I can't let my fear get in the way of their happiness. I have to not assume things about these mammals."

"I promise you Stu, when you get to know Nick, you'll realize just how great a mammal he is."

Stu shook his head. "I know he has to be. No way. Simply, no way." Waving his paw in front of himself. "Judy would have hitched her wagon to anyone who isn't an amazing mammal. Thinking about it last night, I realized that he has done things for her that we never did."

"Like support her dreams. Defend her against an overbearing father that was too lost in his own fears to listen?"

"Ouch." Stu flinched. "But yeah. All of that... Oh, I think I see some vehicles heading this way."

"From what Jess said on the phone, those that are coming were meeting at Gideon's shop and then carpooling here. It seems they have had a group chat for all those seeing someone across species, so as soon as word got out that we'd be open to actually meeting them, word spread quickly. Given the number of predators, we're going to need to buy more chicken. We've tapped out the supply. That said, Jess also said that this isn't all of them. A number are still afraid. Not that I blame them."

Stu nodded sadly. "And rightly so, given how I have behaved. I hope this dinner helps heal some of that. What did you make?"

"Not me. I unleashed Henry with a recipe for a spicy chicken pasta I got from Nick."

Turning to face Bonnie, Stu raised and eyebrow. "When did you get a recipe from Nick?"

"Well, you may have chosen to shut them out, but a lot of us didn't. We just didn't let you know about it."

Groaning, Stu shook his head and rubbed the base of an ear. "I should have guessed. Why would you ask for a chicken recipe though?"

"Well, I told him that we had our business partner, who happened to be a fox, over for dinner every so often and he offered. I was going to make it for our anniversary dinner, but this seemed like the perfect opportunity. It's allows us to properly treat the predators that will be joining us tonight, and making a batch without the chicken is simple. So we will all be eating essentially the same thing, just not everyone getting chicken."

"Well, I sure hope I get some."

Bonnie frowned. "Stewart. We don't want to scare our kits, nor our guests. We will be eating from the batch without the chicken. If there are any leftovers, I'll see about sneaking us some."

Both of them flinched as a cane came down gently but firmly on the top of each of their heads, right between their ears. "Well, I don't care about scarin anyone. I expect chicken in mine."

The both turned, looking at the elder rabbit in shock, Bonnie gasping. "Pop-pop. What? I think you'd be happier with the regular meal, wouldn't you?"

Giving them both a glare and grin. "Hell no. I want what ya made using da recipe that fox Judy has hitched herself to, gave ya. I been eatin meat for longer than either of ya been breathin air. We Hopps have always been stronger, and there's a reason fur it. Long before even I was, we been eatin meat, bugs, fish, and all that since before we used the name Hopps. You two and Judy don't think you the first Hopps to figure out what meat does to us, does ya? Sure, Judy may have taken it farther than a typical Hopps, but it ain't nothin new. So I'll be havin chicken, thank ya very much. Who do you think has bee sneakin your stash of protein bars?"

Stu laughed. "Oh, we knew that part, Pop-pop. Though not the bit about eating meat."

"Yeah, you two just been a bit sneakier with them protein bars ya make. It's another thing y'all be needing to come clean with the warren over. Not now though. Gotta get the rest a all this settled first. You is changing the culture of the Hopps clan, and fur the better I think, so bein open about the meat thing and why we so strong is certainly a step on the way."

While they spoke, two small sedans, a larger four door pickup, Gideon's delivery van, and one of the Hopps family farm trucks, came to a stop in the parking area. A group of rabbits and other animals exited the various vehicles and began walking towards them. Bonnie looked over her shoulder at Pop-pop. "Dad. Please. On your best behavior. We're trying to pull some huge changes, this dinner is just a first step, but we need both you and Stu to behave yourselves."

Pop-pop nodded. "I know, Bonnie. Just remember to remind me with her name if I start to go off. As for eating meat at dinner. This is a private dinner, right? Just a select few, so it's a good chance to open up. Especially for those that got predator's as mates. Knowing that they can properly share a meal with their mate ul be a good thing. No?"

Bonnie sighs. "You're right. Things are just changing so fast. I am feeling kinda like Stu about it all." Stu huffed in her direction. "Oh hush. Don't even try and pretend you aren't struggling with all these changes. It's probably worse for you, and I'm so very proud of the effort you're putting in." Turning back to Pop-pop. "You're sudden revelations. Judy being pregnant. It's all just so much to take in at once. I suppose the revelation about meat, to this select group won't add too much, and the information will spiral out from there. I expect we'll have to do another announcement in a few weeks to clear things up."

Stu shook his head as he stepped off the porch to greet the approaching group. "Can't be helped I suppose. Not if we are serious about making these changes. Once the rumor gets out, the city council is going to lose it's collective mind. I think we should start raising chickens, while we're at it. Be cheaper, and we'll get the benefit of the eggs too."

Following Stu, Bonnie chuckled. "No, I suppose it can't, and that's a good idea, but lets cross that bridge later." Speaking up. "Welcome everyone. We would like to welcome you to the Hopps warren. We've got a special dish set up for anyone wishing to partake, and of course, since we are rabbits, a selection of salads and roast veggies as well. Please, come in and we'll do introductions once everyone is around the table. Jess and a few of her siblings were tasked with setting up the table so that everyone will be sitting with their mate."

Fifteen minutes later the table in one of the smaller, private dining rooms is full. Bonnie and Stu stand at the head of the table overlooking the collection of mammals. Bonnie taking the lead. "We want to welcome you all here, be you family, mate, or friend. Stu and I realize that we do not have the best track-record when it comes to those of our family that have chosen less than traditional mates. Something I suspect you are all perhaps more acutely aware of than we were until recently." A nervous chuckled sounding around the table.

Stu spoke up. "Yes. My behavior has been especially troublesome. I wish to apologize to all of you, for what I have have said in the past, and things I may unthinkingly say in the future. I am trying to get better. I ask your help in that, and your forgiveness."

A quiet murmur flowed around the table, the assembled rabbits looking at each other in surprise as Bonnie continued. "While we don't have Nick and Judy here with us tonight, they are in spirit. The chicken pasta is a family recipe that Nick has shared with me, and now we share it with you. It is Henry's first attempt, so if there are any issues, I get to blame him." A chuckle ran around the table. "While I'm sure you all know who we are, for formalities sake, I am Bonnie Hopps, and this is my husband Stewart."

"Please, call me Stu. The elder rabbit here is Pop-pop, and is the oldest rabbit bearing the name Hopps."

Pop-pop nods. "Hello, y'all. Stu and Bonnie be doin me proud changing things around here. I ran them the ways I did because of what happened when I was younger than many o' ya here tonight. Y'all be takin after me a bit with your choice uh mates. Whetha you realize it or not. But life ain't fair, and I didn't get to be with who I loved first. I had to take over da farm, and I had to hide my friends who visited because of the way the world was. The world ain't that way no more, so like Stu, I'll be tryin to be better. That said. I'm old, and I had to be da way I was for a long time. I doubt I'll be able to get it all out o' my system."

Bonnie smiled and continued. "Thank you Pop-pop. I'm sure both Gran and Sasha would both be proud of you. Now, while Henry brings out the food, lets go around the table and introduce yourselves and your mates. Oh, and as a note for the Hopps rabbits here. Please feel free to partake of the chicken. Stu, Pop-pop, and I will be. There is a reason Hopps are stronger than your typical rabbit. One of those reasons is an ability to metabolize protein. Along with a few other reasons. What that means is that, for those with a predator as a mate, you absolutely can enjoy a meal shared with your mate, without issue. Even if it is chicken, or fish, bugs, etc... There are a few other reasons in the history of the clan, but that's for another time. Your sister, Judy, is an example of that. You all know how strong she is. It is because she eats meat quite regularly, as do your father and I."

Several shouts of surprise echoed across the table, the nearest doe on the right of Bonnie stands up. "Well, that explains a few things. I'm Jess, and this is my mate, Alex. He is a weasel as you can tell. We will be moving to Zootopia in about a week and moving in with Nick and Judy to help them take care of their kits once they are born. Once we get ourselves settled, we will be seeing a specialist, the same one Nick and Judy are seeing to ensure their kits are healthy. We are hoping to find out that we can have kits like Nick and Judy, but if not, we will be adopting. Also, we were married in a weasel ceremony. Sorry mom. Like foxes, it is small, private, and only a few mammals are allowed to attend."

Bonnie sighed and nodded. "I saw the rings, and we understand, dear. We're just happy for you and Alex." Giving Alex a warm smile that he nervously returned. "Perhaps you and Judy can work out a time to do a joint rabbit ceremony in the future? I know when I spoke with her, she and Nick were wanting to do that to honor our traditions."

Jess grinned, and wiped a tear. Alex holding her close and speaking. "We would love that. Thank you Mrs. Hopps."

Bonnie smiled again. "Please, all of you. Call me Bonnie, or mom. You are, or will soon be, family. We are trying to make changes, both as mammals, and as a family. So, who's next?"

A younger black and tan rabbit buck stands up. "Carl Hopps. This is my mate, Eric Thrasher, an Ocelot. We haven't gotten far enough in our relationship to be married yet." Looking up at Eric who smiled down at Carl. "But I hope we make it there, cause I really love this silly cat."

Stu smiled, though clearly forced, it was also genuine. "Nice to meet you Eric. How did you two meet?"

Eric smiled widely. "I work at the hardware store in town." Turning to Stu. "Seen you in the shop many times, even helped you a few times."

Stu chuckled. "Ah! That's where I knew you from."

Chuckling in response, Eric continued. "Moved out here during the Night Howler situation when I heard rumor of the TAME collars being brought back. My grandfather was crippled during one of the later protests back at the end of that shameful era. Even after everything back in the city got better, I didn't feel the need to go back. Never would have thought I'd fall for the brother of the mammal that made the whole thing worse." Putting up a paw when Stu's eyes hardended. "I know. Carl and I have talked about it. He's relayed Judy's explanations, and while I would like to hear them from her at some point, I've seen how hard she has worked to correct that mistake. She didn't need to do some of the things she has done. I watched which side of the protests she stood on. I believed her when she did the follow up press conference and all the media work. It's why I am here. My grandfather always told me that mammals deserve a chance to make mistakes, and then fix those mistakes. Judy has done that in my eyes. I just want to hear the story from her." Pausing and looking to Stu and Bonnie. "So too have you from what Carl has explained. As for how we met. I helped him find some plumbing supplies after we'd reorganized the store and moved things around. We got to talking as we hunted for a very specific fitting, and he asked me out. How could I say no to this?" Giving Carl a kiss on the cheek.

Stu nodded. "That is certainly fair enough." Looking to the next pair, Stu gave them a nod.

A white buck stood up. "Edward Hopps. This is my mate, Cynthia, a kit fox. We're not married yet, but we are planning out a fox wedding soon then a rabbit one later. I proposed last week, and she accepted."

Cynthia looked at Edward in surprise. "Proposed‽" She shook her head with a smile. "He took me for a romantic date that lasted from dawn until well after dark. He woke me early with breakfast in bed, my favorite pancakes and cicada sausage."

"Now I don't feel so guilty nibbling them while I cook them."

Cynthia grinned. "Now I can take you to sushi. Anyway. After breakfast, we went for a long drive up into the hills. We then hiked a trail I'd never been on and had a picnic on the top of a hill that gave us a view out across the entirety of the burrows. He pointed out things you just can't see elsewhere. At least not without a drone. Even brought a small telescope so we could get a closer look at things. We then returned to the car and he had a hot air balloon trip set up for the evening. We watched the sun set from the air." Various coo'ing and awe'ing came from around the table, including Bonnie. "Once we landed, he took me for another drive, and we stopped in the middle of no-where. There we had a picnic dinner lit by a full moon, stars, and a few candles. Under the light of the moon and stars, he proposed to me." Holding out her paw to show off a ring with a central sapphire stone with diamond accents. Clearly I said yes."

Bonnie clapped and wiped away a tear. "Oh, that's so romantic. Reminds me of how Stu proposed to me."

Edward smiled. "I used dad's stories as my motivation to plan it."

Stu beamed. "Good job son, and good job remembering to use a sapphire." Looking around the table. "The rest of you take note. That's how you do it right."

Jess laughed. "Well, Alex didn't go through all that, but to me, it was just as romantic. He spent two months taking cooking lessons from Gideon in secret, and then surprised me with a meal he cooked himself. My favorite meal, candle light, soft music. He really set the mood, then as he was clearing the dishes away for desert he put the plate down with the ring box open in the middle of it." Showing off her ring, also a central sapphire, though not the deep blue of the one Cynthia had, but with both diamonds and rubies framing it.

More cooing and awes came from the table. Bonnie smiling wider. "Oh, Alex. That's just as good as what Edward did. It is about knowing your mate, and what will mean the most to them. Cynthia, I do hope that we earn your approval to be at your wedding, the fox one. We've already missed out on two, Judy and Jess."

Cynthia smiled. "We're still a month or so out, so I'd say you're doing well in earning your way in. Ed and I wouldn't have mentioned it if we weren't considering it. That, and we're not quite as traditional as Nick and Judy seem to be."

Smiling wider, Bonnie laughed. "Oh, they're not that traditional. Well, they are, but only because Judy insisted on meeting Nick with all his traditions the same way Nick has met hers."

"Oh, that's so sweet. I can't wait to meet them. Next you'll tell me that they claimed each other."

Laughing nervously, Bonnie nodded. "Apparently Judy bit Nick first, because as much as she insisted, he refused to hurt her, so being Judy. She forced the issue."

Cynthia gasped, along with a few others around the table. "Oh my! He's a red fox, right?" Seeing the confirming nod. "Oh, well. The vixen is usually the one that initiates that, not always, but usually as I understand it. So that's very traditional. She might not have realized it, but biting first assured that he would respond."

Stu paled. "Bon? What's this about biting?"

Patting Stu on the shoulder. "We talked about this already, Stu. So with foxes, the female takes the lead?"

Cynthia grinned. "With red foxes for sure. Other foxes to varying degrees. It depends. Though it sounds like Nick is more traditional than he lets on, if he was struggling to initiate the claiming bite."

Gideon steps in. "Well, he is a Wilde, so."

Cynthia laughed. "Oh, that explains it."

Bonnie gives a confused look. "Okay, that is going to require me to ask some follow up questions another time. Though I do have one for right now. Alex, why did you use a sapphire in the ring?"

Alex smiled shyly. "Well, Jess and I talked about getting married long before I proposed, and she told me about the Hopps sapphires. Though she assured me that I didn't need to do any such thing. I wanted it to meet her traditions. Your traditions, though I'm not sure if I did. Anyway, I had it made with the darkest blue I could find."

Stu grinned at Alex. "Well, you got one tradition right. That makes you as much family as you could be, even if you were a rabbit. We're gonna have to induct you now, son. But that's for another time." Giving the suddenly very nervous Alex a wink, Stu looks up at the rest of the table. "I think you're next, Larry."

Nodding, the grey and black bunny stands. "Larry Hopps. This is my mate, Holly, a Capybara. We met when I was subbing at the high-school. She teaches sign language to the deaf students. She is mute herself, and I am so thankful that you always insisted that we all learn to sign, mom. Without that skill, I would have never met the love of my life."

Bonnie's smile widened, signing as she spoke. "That's wonderful Larry. Holly, welcome to our home."

Holly, signing back. "Thank you. I hear quite well, but I have no voice box. I had an infection when I was little and my vocal cords were damaged. They had to remove most of my voice box to keep the infection from spreading."

Bonnie nodded. "In that case, do you have any movie star or singer that you wish your voice was like?"

Holly cocked her head slightly. "I've always loved the sound of Sarah Deelak."

Bonnie grinned, glancing over to where Henry was placing down the last of the food on the warming dishes. "Henry. Be a dear and find your sister, Lilith. We need her to act as the voice for the lovely Holly, Larry's mate."

"Sure. I saw her in the kitchen just a minute ago. Be right back. Dinner is ready when you all want to eat." With that, Henry trotted off.

Laughing, a tan doe with black tipped ears and black paws stood up. "While Henry hunts down our erstwhile sister, I guess I'm next. Jillian Hopps. My mate is Jacob, a bobcat. It is nice to know that sharing meals with him isn't as weird as I thought it was."

Jacob laughed. "I told you love. You were always weird, just not for that. It's loving me that makes you weird. I still don't know what you see in me."

"It's the tail, and the tongue."

"Hmm... See. Weird."

Bonnie laughed. "Okay, enough of that." Looking up she sees Henry leading a black furred doe wearing black clothing, and bearing a dozen ear-rings in each ear and at least three chains linking her ears. "Ah. Lilith, dear. Thank you for joining us."

"Sure mom. Henry said you needed me to be someone's voice?"

Holly turns with wide eyes, signing. "Oh my! She sounds so much like her. Will you speak for me?"

Raising an eyebrow, Lilith shruggs. "Sure. I guess. You can't talk, but can hear?"

Holly signs her response. "That's right."

"Cool. Whatever. I'll be your voice, as long as I get to eat too."

Bonnie nods. "Pull up a chair dear. Henry, can you set up another place setting for Lilith? You'll be happy to know that you're even going to have the option of chicken pasta, Lilith. How more edgy can you get than a rabbit eating meat?"

Henry calls back as he heads back towards the kitchen again. "Already on it mom."

Giving her mother a wry smile, Lilith giggles. "Whatever mom. You know most of this stuff is magnetic. I just finished up a video for my channel and hadn't taken it off yet." Turning to Holly. "I run a EweTube reaction and advice channel. I'm actually monetized."

Holly signs, with Lilith speaking for her. "Oh, that's interesting. I will have to check it out."

Nodding, Lilith smiles. "Sure. We can talk later. I can think of a few subjects I'd love to broach with my viewers that you might be able to help with."

Holly signing with Lilith speaking. "Sure."

Bonnie looked over the table. "I see two more family left. Red?"

A grey buck very similar to Judy, but with grey eyes stands. "Redford Hopps. This is my mate, Yettra, a pygmy hyena. No, she's not going to laugh, they don't do that. She's an endangered, and there just are not enough of them left. They don't have the genetic diversity to survive more than a few more generations. Still, we will be adopting, and participating in the breeding program. There is talk about mixing with normal hyenas to try and bolster the genetic pool, as well as profiling the genetics from dead members. There is hope, but not a lot. So they are encouraged to find what love and happiness they can. She chose me, and like the rest of you, I'm at a loss for why, but I cherish every day we're together. We're holding off getting married officially until after a few rounds with the breeding program. I have given her my sapphire and she wears it as a promise until then."

Yettra grined. "Ah. So he's so sweet. I love ya because ya accept me fur me. Because ya happily accepted dat I will be givin birth to a bunch a cubs that won't be yours. That ya haz such great ideas. Y'all should know. The idea of usein the reglar yeena's to build up our gene pool, as well as samples from long dead members. We didn't burn our dead, but buried'em, so they are now diggin up lots of us and taken samples. The doc's actually think that they can get enough to maybe even saves us as well as some other species usin the same ideas. All because of you. So of course I loves ya."

Bonnie grinned at the story. It was always sad when they lost a species, and to hear that her son might have saved one, or more, with his ideas. It made her swell with pride. "Red, you always were a problem solver. Sounds like you might have saved a whole species. Yettra, you must keep us informed, and we look forward to welcoming any cubs you bring into the world as members of the family."

Yettra bowed slightly. "Thank ya Bonnie. That means a lot."

"I know we will have more conversations, and since the food is ready, lets finish up the introductions. Mike, you and your mate are next."

A grey and black buck stands up next to Gideon. "Thanks Mom. "I'm Mike Hopps. My mate is Terrance." Leaning against the grey and white fox next to him. "He's an arctic fox. Being that it's early in the season, his fur hasn't changed, but I love him no matter which color tone he is. It's actually kinda fun having a mate who changes color over the course of the year."

Giggling, Terrance shook his head. "Please, call me Terry. What Mike isn't telling you in the nightmare of shedding that also comes with that. However, that gives us some great opportunities for grooming too, so good with the bad."

Stu smiled. "Well, that's great. I'm happy for you both then. Lastly, Gideon. I think we all know you, or of you at least. As a note, if you haven't tasted Gid's baking, you are missing out on one of the finer things in life. Plus, he uses fruit from our farm."

With a shy smile, Gideon laughed nervously. "Thank ya, Stu. I've been offered things like blueberries and other things I get from the Hopps farms, at better prices, but the quality is just never there. Nothin personal, but I gotta watch costs too, but I also gotta make sure my quality is up to what I've established using your produce. I've tried other farms output, and things are just simply better with Hopps produce. As for me, well. I know I was a bully for many of ya, and I'll say it again and keep saying it until I believe it. I'm sorry for that. This here is my mate and love of my life, Gloria, a marble fox. She's actually a quarter bunny, or so says her grandma. Don't matter to me none if she is or not." Pausing to give her a kiss on the side of her muzzle. "Oh, Bonnie, Stu. Something I guess I can tell you now. Now that y'all know about Nick and Judy. Didn't realize it was them at the time, since they ordered the cake as Jude T Dudes."

Bonnie sighed with a smile. "You made the cake for their fox wedding."

Gideon nodded. "I did. Chocolate with alternating blueberry and strawberry filling."

Jess laughed. "Ha! That right there tells me who it was for. Mom, you didn't think Jude was reselling those berries you keep sending, did you? Those blueberries went directly into Nick's maw. That fox is an addict."

Bonnie laughed. "Oh, I knew that. He's not even ashamed of it, and shares the word of how delicious our blueberries are to everyone he can. He's even gotten a few supermarkets in the city to reach out to us and buy a few dozen crates to test. Two of which have standing orders now. We're going to be expanding the blueberry field to keep up. Now, why don't we all get something to eat, and talk some more.

Lilith speaking for Holly. "Thank you Bonnie. Your hospitality has been wonderful."

With murmured agreement around the table, they got up as a group and descended on the table holding the food. Discussions of jobs, school, and stories about their mates continued around the table as the night moved on.

As the plates were cleared and desert, pies by Gideon, were laid out for those that wanted them, Pop-pop knocked the table with his cane, all eyes turning to him. "Okay all you young mammals. I gotta say. This has been a good thing. This here meal. Bonnie, you thank that fox o Judy's. That recipe was damn good." Waving over the table with his cane. "The conversation y'all been havin. Talking about y'alls futures. Making plans for what you're going to do, when you'll be coming next. I gotta say that I am looking forward to the holidays' this year. It will be so much more interestin than it's been. Food ul be better too, since we will be able to have some meat out too. Gotta have Henry work with some predator cooks, but he did damn good with this pasta.

As to other things. I'd say I was proud o myself fur keepin my trap shut and not sayin the specisit and bigoted things that been comin to mind, but I won't. I was able to keep it under wraps, because all of ya are just wonderful mammals. You make it so I don't notice ya species, and that's good. That's the way it should be." Pausing to wipe a tear from his old eyes. "I just wish I could know what happened ta my Sasha. When my brother died and I had to take over the farm, Sasha, along with the Wildes, Nick's grandparents as a matter of fact. Bonnie verified dat for me. Well, they came over fur a visit, but the town came after them. I mean, it was a snow leopard and two foxes. They'd stick out now. Back then... Well... "

With a tired shrug, Pop-pop continued. "Anyway. I had ta hide em for a week before they could escape. I just wish I knew where they ended up. Last letter I got from Sasha was nearly fifty years ago. I just wish I could at least know that she had a good life like I did. I don't regret the family or life I've lived, save da speciesism and bigotry ah had to embrace to keep that family safe until things changed, as they have now. So thank ya all. You give this old rabbit hope." Turning to Bonnie. "Oh yeah." Pulling out the necklace and sapphire pendant that was always around his neck. "Sasha is where the mate to this one is, and why it's always getting reported as unaccounted for, and why I fix that. I gave it to her the night they were able to safely escape."

Thank you's and some light clapping went around the table, the rabbits, save Stu and Bonnie looking at their grandfather in shock. Jess speaking up. "Wait. Pop-pop. Are you saying what I think you are?"

Smiling at her, Pop-pop nodded. "If my brother hadn't gotten sick. If'n I hadn't had ta take over the farm. I'd have run off with Sasha. I uz fixin to propose to her. Heck, Bonnie now has the chokers I had made. One set is goin to Judy an her fox. Dat way ain't no one can say that Nick ain't hers and she ain't Nick's. If'n Bonnie thinks ya deserving, or whatever reasons she comes ta for dishin dem out, she's got um for y'all."

Bonnie nodded with another smile, thinking to herself how much smiling she was doing and how happy she was that her family was growing. These really were great mammals, they clearly loved her kits and her kits loved them. That's the important part. That they love and care for my kits. Then what does it matter if they aren't a rabbit. What does it matter if they're a predator, as long as they treat them right. I mean, there are plenty of us rabbits as it is. "I do. I have four sets, but..." Looking to Stu. "I think we're going to commission a larger group of them. Something that we can give to all of our kits that need them, or want them."

Stu nodded. "I think that is a great idea Bonnie. We can have little Garrett design them, based on the designs of the ones Pop-pop gave you. I think it is an old tradition that is worthy of bein brought back. We'll make sure that they all get a Hopps sapphire in the design."

Bonnie nodded. "I agree. We'll do sets. Rings and collars. Then as long as the pair put up for the raw materials, I am sure Garrett will be happy to create them."

Pop-pop grins. "That's the right idea. Proud oh y'all."

Bonnie turned back to the table. "I see the shocked understanding on the face of the family here, and the confusion on the rest of you. Well, here's what we're talkin about. The collars, or chokers, or torques, all the same general thing, are a very old tradition, but one no rabbit will question. It's part of old law. No matter what species wears it, it marks that mammal as surely as that marking bite Judy and Nick have given each other. One of the things about it is that there are certain, family or clan specific parts to the design. Certain gems to use, design elements, and other things. For us, they're always in silver or platinum with gold only as accent, and they always have a Hopps sapphire."

Lilith speaking for Holly. "What is a Hopps sapphire." The collected rabbits grinning.

Bonnie smiled warmly at Holly. "A Hopps sapphire is, as those of you that have received one, a singular stone that can only be found on our land. We control them, and they are only allowed to be used in jewelry as authorized by the head of the Hopps household, being Stu and I and the moment. There is a collection already made that Hopps can select from to use to propose to their mates. However, there is the rule that if rejected, or the relationship fails, item must be returned. This is because to own a Hopps sapphire marks you are family, without question." Look to Pop-pop. "That makes Sasha family, Dad. We will find out where she ended up. I promise you that."

Wiping a few more tears from his eyes. "Thank you Bonnie."

After desert, several games were played and the conversation continued until much later than any of them expected as Bonnie and Stu got to know the mates of their kits. The realization dawning on them, but especially Stu, of just how narrow minded they had been.

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Later that evening, after dinner, desert and several card games, most of the assembled mammals headed either for guest rooms or their mates room, for those that were in fact married. Leaving Bonnie, Stu, Gideon, and his mate alone in the smaller living room that was part of Bonnie and Stu's private space. Pop-pop having gone to bed shortly after the meal.

Bonnie set a hot, spiced, and spiked tea down in front of Gideon and Gloria, before sitting down with her own. "Okay Gideon. It seems I may have more than one fox in the family soon, so I hope you can give me some quick lessons in fox culture, or at least Red Fox culture. Lets start with the basics. I know that foxes are no more or less likely to be untrustworthy mammals than any other. Heck, with how many rabbits there are, there's a higher chance of a rabbit stabbing you in the back. Yet, we're all taught that foxes and others, but especially foxes, are just that and worse. Do you know why that is?"

Shaking his head, Gideon took a sip of his tea. "This is good, and I'm afraid I don't. I don't know much fox history. Gloria?"

Gloria shook her head as well. "I'm afraid I don't either. Not for red foxes, and not for Marble like myself much either. My family isn't that traditional, if that tradition is older than the last hundred years or so. My family has tried to adapt and become more acceptable by not having a bunch of strange fox specific customs." Shaking her head. "Hasn't helped much, honestly. Most mammals are just set and convinced in think foxes are what they want them to be. However, you may just have a line into that history as a whole and red foxes specifically. The Wildes are one of the oldest families, and most foxes like to claim that they're related to them and by extension, Robin Hood. So if this Nick is in fact a true Wilde, he may know or have access to those that do."

"I see. Well, I'll add that to the things I ask him when we visit. Can you tell me about fox habits and marriage, traditions, things like that?"

Gideon nodded. "I can tell you some, though each family is different, as well as some difference by species of fox. Gloria's family is very progressive. To the point that imprinting is a rare thing for them."

Gloria took Gideon's arm and gave it a squeeze with both of hers, putting her head on his shoulder. "Accept with you my love."

Gideon grinned shyly. "Well. Ya know my families a bit older and more traditional. We still got the imprinting genes strong. That said, we don't follow much of the old rules and such either. For all that, you will need to talk to Nick. Now the general stuff. That I can help ya with." Taking another sip with an appreciative murmur. "For foxes in general, the vixen normally takes the lead when it comes to the courtship. The tod will make his interest known, but that's it until the vixen decides to reciprocate. She then dictates the speed of the relationship, tells him what she wants him to do, etc... Tells him that she wants to go to dinner, then he has to plan it and impress her. Movies, she lets him know, then he has to plan the date, and he'd best get it right. It's kinda nice, if'n I'm being honest. No guess work in what she wants ya to do. You just gotta pay attention so you can make sure you pick the right restaurant, movie, flower, etc..." Glancing at Gloria. "Which I seems to have gotten right."

"You very much did, but then again I'm not as traditional as you're describing."

With a nod, Gideon continued. "And that make it so much more fun, love." Looking back to Bonnie. "I've seen how much work the bucks go through to try and win a doe, it kinda takes the pressure off. However, it also kinda sucks, cause if she doesn't feel like you're the one, she just stops talkin to ya. Ya gotsta figure out that she ain't interested any more on ya own. Though, at least in modern times there is some courtesy to at least tell a mammal."

Bonnie nodded as she sipped her own drink. "That's interesting. Judy has always been a strong willed doe, so I imagine that was an easy role for her to take on, once they figured out that they were both interested."

Gideon nodded. "Probably. Now, I know what ya are truly looking to know. So here's how that works. Ya See. Regardless of how progressive a family might be, once we choose a mate, that's it. At least for red foxes like me and Nick. We imprint on our mates and," Glancing at Gloria. "Once that happens, and it isn't something we can control, but once it hits us, it takes a lot to break it. Breaking it can leave a tod or a vixen feelin hollow, empty, completely emotionless fur months. Imprintin takes time, but once it happens, it changes our perception of the world. We become focused on our mate. Another female not our mate could literally walk past in nothing but their fur and we probably wouldn't notice. For foxes that don't imprint as strongly, if at all, it's not so bad, but us Red foxes, given everything else, we mate for life. We may go through a few relationships, but once we take that step, get married, and go from being just a casual mate to a true, capitol M, Mate. Well, that is pretty much it fur us. Like my mamma, as you know, my pa died all those years ago. She's never even looked at another tod, because she simply can't. I'm ramblin here though."

Bonnie laughed lightly. "It's alright Gideon. I'm learning, no matter what, so that's helpful."

Sighing, Gideon continued. "That's good. So, foxes, red foxes especially, we imprint on our mates, we mate for life once we take that step, and there are a few other, more intimate things. I suppose that's whats got ya curious. Ya said Judy and Nick claimed each other?" Shaking his head at Bonnies confirming nod. "Well, that's something done between a couple that share a truly deep and special bond. It is a bite, but there ain't nothin malicious about it, I promise ya. It's something done when a couple is already married and mated. Something that they do as a sorta promise to each other. That they bear the mark, the bite, from their mate. There ain't a predator around that wouldn't see such a mark and not know what it is. It's on the shoulder, and is clear for what it is. I don't know really how to describe it properly to ya, and what it means. But I can tell ya it's deep. It is an expression of love, of trust, in your mate that most just never reach."

Stu sat forward. "Trust? Okay, I can kinda get that then. You're letting your mate bite you, hard enough that there's gonna be a scar. I'm guessin it's something you refresh every so often too."

Gideon nodded with a wide smile. "That's right, and a good way a puttin it Stu. It's about the trust, and the complete commitment and surrender of power to your mate that it shows. It's a two way thing though, as you suggested, they bite each other."

Bonnie smiles. "Okay. It kinda freaks me out, but Judy was never one to do things half way. So when do they do that? Is there some ceremony?"

Gideon and Gloria both blush enough to be seen. "Well, ya see... Uhm... It's something you do in the heat of the moment, but it's something you don't just, do, either. Long before a couple takes such a step, they've talked about it, discussed it, and agree that it is something they want to do. However, once ya know you want to, ya don't plan it, it just kinda happens. You're in the heat of the moment, and just feel it. Once one bites, the other just responds. It's an instinct thing. The vixen usually initiates, but not always."

Bonnie frowned. "Heat of the moment?" Seeing the deepening blush in the ears of the foxes across from her. "Oh!" Chuckling at their embarrassment. "You mean, in the heat of sex. I'm guessing around or during orgasm."

Gloria took a gasping breath, clearly surprised by Bonnies cavalier response. "Yes. Just as it hits. Or so the stories go. I've never met a couple that have done it. It is something very traditional, very old, and a step that a lot of couples don't feel the need to take in modern times. Our sex talk from our parents usually includes both claiming, marking, and knotting."

Bonnie frowns briefly. "Okay, so I kinda understand claiming. The idea of the trust it shows and the message it sends makes some sense to me. Rabbits do marking. What's knotting?"

Gideon passed a paw over his face. "I keep furgettin that y'all is a lot more open about sex than we is. Foxes are right tight lipped about it. You bunnies..."

"Well, when you have so many kits running around, you have to be open and honest about it, or you have way more teen pregnancies than is healthy. We still get a few, but not nearly like those the Thumpton's deal with. Their narrow minded, ignorance is bliss, attitude has seven in ten of their daughters pregnant by fifteen, and ten in ten buck with several litters to their credit. And none of that is a good thing. It feeds the stereotype about rabbits. It's rather sad really, all those poor kits losing their childhood so soon, just because their parents chose ignorance."

Gideon chuckled. "Ain't they had a bunch oh their kits pulled by Kit Services?"

Bonnie gave Gideon a warm smirk. "More than a few, which is sad really. However, you're avoiding the question."

"Ha ha... Yeah. Knotting is a part of sex for foxes and most canines." Taking a deep breath. "Most canines have a knot, at the base of their, uhm..."

"Penis, dick, member, rod, carrot, red-rocket, junk. I can go on." Bonnie supplied with a evil smirk at the clear embarrassment on the foxes face.

"Right." Gideon's blush growing as he felt like he might combust. "The male can't, uh..."

Bonnie grinned at Gideon's discomfort. "They can't cum, ejaculate, jizz, squirt, get their rocks off, blow their top, orgasm?"

"Oh gods..." Gideon's ears folded back with his embarrassment and he covered his face in his paws. "Yes, that... This shouldn't be so hard."

"Well, I assume the todd is hard when that happens."

Gideon let out a bark of laughter and then kept laughing for several seconds. He laughed, hard, despite himself. Bonnie just grinned at him as he recovered before continuing, far more relaxed. "Oh goodness, Bonnie. Yes. A tod cannot cum without stimulation, specifically pressure on his knot. This is, in normal sex between just boyfriend/girlfriend, mates, done with a paw, squeezing it. However, once you become the bigger M, mate, it locks the male inside the female. You knot her, and it expands, locking you together for fifteen minutes or so. Longer if she's talented." His blush returning, as the confidence the laughter had given him expired..

Gloria kissed Gideon on the cheek. "Oh Gid, you adorable innocent, you." Turning to Bonnie. "It's another one of those tradition things. The oldest traditions say that you only knot with your true mate. Most modern foxes and other canines don't follow that. They will however hold off on tying the knot, which is what it is called, until they are more than just casual. So, they've probably had sex a number of times before they will do that. It is very much a, taking the relationship to a higher, more serious. level. Though I gotta say, it feels amazing. For the tod, it is also the better orgasm that they'll have."

Bonnie grinned. "I see. It sounds interesting. Locked to your mate like that. It must be really intimate."

"It is. In ancient times, being locked together like that could be dangerous for both the tod and vixen. Which is why it is a significant step in a relationship. Many more traditional foxes will hold off tying the knot until they are at least fiances, or seriously considering taking that step."

"I see. That helps me understand quite a bit."

"If your kits that have a fox or canine as a mate and they say something to the effect that they're, tied up at the moment. Well..."

Bonnie laughed as Gideon groaned. "I see. Well, I'll make note of that."

"Yes, pulling out before the knot goes down can be very uncomfortable, if not down right painful for both the tod and their mate."

"If you don't mind me asking, as this will help me understand. How big is Gideon."

Gloria held up her paws. "This is his length, then add another two inches for the knot and base. He's about this big around." Shifting her paws again. "And his knot is this big when full sized."

Bonnie blinked. "Oh my! You're quite the lucky girl. I sure hope Gid knows what he is doing."

Gloria grinned through the deep blush burning in her ears. She was mildly surprised the direction the evening, and this conversation, had taken. "He does, and I am lucky. Gid is a wonderful, caring, and attentive lover."

Gideon sighed, the inside of his ears so red it was hard to tell that there was white fur inside them. "Gloria. My mother doesn't think we've even had sex yet. She's not traditional in a lot of ways, but she'd be mortified that we've tied the knot before we are married."

Gloria laughed and kissed Gideon. "Dear. If you think that she doesn't know, you don't know your mother. Her biggest concern was that we had talked about it first, and it hadn't just been a spur of the moment thing."

Gideon whined. "Oh gods. I'm not going to be able to look at her again."

Bonnie joined Gloria in a laugh. "Not to worry Gid. You've nothing to worry about. I want to thank you both for being so candid. I'm sure I'll have yet more questions, but this is a lot to process. I know I still have question about fox culture, but the depth of that seems to be as much to do with family traditions as anything. I guess I will have to sit down with each fox in the family and talk to them about their specific family. I guess a good long talking to about rabbit is also in order. Oh, this just got harder."

Stu looked up. Though it might seem as though he wasn't paying attention, he very much was, while also diving deep in his own thoughts. "It's worth it though, Bon."

Gloria nodded. "That's right. Family and species effect that. The deeper history as to why some of these traditions exist, I'm afraid I just don't know." Pausing a moment and blushing deeper.

Bonnie noticed the deeper blush and pause. "What is it, dear."

Grinning shyly, Gloria giggled. "Just thinking."

"About?"

"Well, canines can be very oral mammals. And well." Turning to Gideon. "Sweetie, stick your tongue all the way out, won't you?"

Gideon looked at Gloria confused. "What?"

"Please. It'll help Bonnie know that Judy is being taken very good care of."

Shrugging, Gideon did as asked. Once he'd pulled his tongue back in. "That what you wanted?"

Gloria looked over at Bonnie and was rewarded with a hint of red in her very erect ears. "Yes, exactly what I wanted. Thank you." Giving him a kiss on the side of his muzzle.

Bonnie watched Gideon's tongue and realized just what Gloria was implying, finding herself unable to stop a blush, or the warm sensation and shiver travel down her spine. "Oh my. Is it as flexible as it seams?"

"Almost prehensile."

Bonnie fanned herself and glanced at Stu, who seemed oblivious as he studied his scotch. A very amorous look taking over her eyes as she looked at him. "Well, some rabbits are more talented in that area than others, but that tongue must be heavenly."

"Oh, it very much is."

Nodding, Bonnie decided it was time for a change of topic before she dragged Stu off. "So, thinking again about families. I will definitely have to talk to Nick and find out the details of his family and traditions. Actually, I have his mothers number. I should probably just give her a call. At this point, I think I've exceeded your embarrassment quota for the evening. I know most mammals, even rabbits, are not quite as open as we are. Then again, I'm starting to realize that us Hopps are just generally unique as a family, and Judy wasn't quite as strange as she seemed. So how did you two meet?"

Gloria smiled warmly at Gideon. "I walked into his shop, drawn by the smells of pure baked bliss. Out from the back I heard this silky drawl saying he'd be right out. I smelled fox, something I never expected to relate to baked goods. Then out walks the handsomest red fox I'd ever laid eyes on. I just blurted it out, and asked him if wanted to have dinner with me. To say that he was taken aback would be an understatement."

Gideon nodded, glad for the change in topic. "Oh, that's the truth. I see this drop dead gorgeous vixen standing in my shop. Was ah interested? Without a question in mah mind. But I'd not even gotten a chance to imply that I might be and she pops out with the question. Course I said yes. I might be a lot of things, and slower than most is one o' them. I know who I am. But I was on it that mornin."

"That's so sweat. Had you just moved into town? I don't think I have seen any other marble foxes in town."

Gloria shook her head. "Nope, and you won't. I'm from Foxenburg. It's a predominantly fox town about fifty miles south and a bit towards Zootopia."

Stu nodded. "I've seen it on a map. There's a single road that runs from here to there, and it isn't paved."

"It's more of a logging trail, if I'm being honest. However, the big feed and hardware store in Deerbrook is closer than the next closest by nearly a hundred miles of driving. If you're willing to deal with the road. Once you make it to Bunnyborrow, you're golden. It's just that first, and last leg, of the trip. The town has a truck and trailer, owned by the town, to make the trip with. There's a lottery as to who gets to make the trip. I happened to get pulled that month. We make monthly trips, with a list and a prepaid card loaded up with the money from all the families participating in that months trip. We buy pluming supplies, feed, etc... We do get deliveries, these trips are just what keeps things from running out between."

"Oh wow. It must be a pretty small town then."

"Actually no, we're pretty good sized. Nearly three thousand mammals live in and around Foxenburg, but... It is mostly foxes, a few family of lynx, bobcats, etc... Almost all predators of the small to medium variety. We even have a small wolf pack that lives on the south side. They're aligned with the Wolfords of Zootopia. So even though we have petitioned to get that road improved at least, or better yet, paved, it just isn't happening. A bunch of foxes just don't have the priority."

Stu frowned. "Is that so? Well, what kinda stuff y'all got there?"

"We're mostly orchards, a few small chicken and bug farms. There is a really nice lake with a small fishery. We also have some of the best blackberries around."

Gideon nodded with a wistful look. "Their blackberries are to blackberries as Hopps blueberries are to blueberries. I'd honestly use them for any blackberry dish I make, if it wasn't so expensive to get'em here because of that road. Plus they have the orchards, I could start doing more things with peaches, apples, citrus like oranges and lemons."

Stu nodded. "I see. You still live there, Gloria?"

Shaking her head. "No. I moved in with Gid a few months ago. Why?"

"Well. Seeing as I am on the city council, I think we might be able to see our way to fixing up our portion of that road, and unless I am misremembering the map, that's a pretty sizable portion of that road. There are a number of farms that I'm sure wouldn't mind having a usable road on that side of their properties either. I think that might be a good angle to get agreement to it. Once it's done, then it'd just need the other part to be done, and that'd be a lot less than the whole."

Gloria grinned. "If you were able to get that to work, that'd be simply amazing. Fact is, our end is paved. It's how we know we're almost home."

"Sure. Then with the road usable, I'm sure you'd have families coming out here for things like the carrot day festival, and I'm sure your town has a harvest festival."

"They do at that."

"Well, I'm pretty sure a lot of families would travel the other way as well. Us small towns really need to support each other."

Gideon smiled. "You help that happen, Stu, and I think I might just find myself baking all the future Hopps wedding cakes at cost."

Pausing for a moment, Stu's head turns slowly towards the wall. "You know, we used to have our own freight depot where the train would stop, before the stop for the new one at the edge of town. Stopped using it when I was a kit. It is still on the freight line, but they don't stop anymore because we don't have the demand anymore. We use trucks for shipping because we can't justify the train stopping. Though that was decades ago when Pop-pop was still in charge. The trains were chargin too much so we switched to the trucks."

Gloria leaned forward. "We have no choice but to use the trucks, but fifty miles on a clean road, then out to here wouldn't be that bad. If we could do it more regular than the current truck schedule."

Stu nodded. "That might just work. The train still goes by there, and we have plenty of unused space to built up some warehouses and storage there. There's even a road that goes from there to your road. If we could get that working, and get the train to stop, We'd all have a better access to the markets in Zootopia and other cities along that line the other direction. Assuming the cost makes it worth getting them to stop."

Bonnie grinned. "You should call Nick about that in the morning."

"Why Nick?"

"Well, both he and Judy kinda joke about it, but at the same time, its true. He might just know a mammal that can help. You do realize that new aluminum set of dishes was a gift from them, right?"

Stu shook his head. "I did not, but then I'd never seen such a thing either. We should get the contact information for where they got it. Most of the warrens in the Tri-Burrows would want a set."

Bonnie grinned. "I'm already working a distribution deal with them for the Tri-burrows, Deerbrook, and beyond. If we can re-tap into that cargo depot, after fixing it up."

Gideon grinned. "I can even see me shipping pies to Zootopia if that got goin."

They discussed things further. Gloria agreed to put Stu in touch with a few of the city of Foxenburg's council mammals. Stu thinking it would be best to send some of the construction crew out to the depot to do an evaluation of it and what it would take to bring it up to par. He was sure that, if the price made it worth it, he could share the costs with Foxenburg, as well as Bunnyborrow itself.

The conversation continued until quite late, Gideon and Gloria taking a guest room for the night.

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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.

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