Clara and Rick would have rather spent a quiet night together for the anniversary. But unfortunately, as Animalia's 'First Family', they had a lot to do for their fellow Animalians. Namely attending dinners and making sure holiday preparations are going well. Luckily everything seemed to be going well. And they had more than enough time to stop by some friends who were also celebrating tonight.
"It must not be easy for cheetahs to live in the cold," said Rick.
"We don't get thick winter coats, but it's nothing that we can't adapt to," said Tom.
"And may I say, Brittany, you are positively glowing," said Clara.
"Thank you," said Brittany, rubbing her very gravid belly. After the IAC, she and Tom put a lot of effort into making some cubs. Apparently, that was quite common with several athletes who had competed in the IAC. "If I were a normal cheetah, it would have only taken half this long," she said.
"I know how you feel," said Clara, "It got really irritating being weighed down by so many cubs during the last month. Not that I regret having them at all."
"It's not so easy for a cheetah either," said Brittany, "I mean, I know we don't go at top speed all the time, but being slowed down can be really annoying."
"We only have another month to go," said Tom, squeezing her shoulder before turning to Rick, "So, what's Rob and Martha up to?"
"Well, Martha told me she feels she's ready to have some kits," said Rick.
"It's not her mating season yet, but I'm pretty sure they'll be getting some practice in tonight," said Clara.
"Good for them," said Tom, "Spring's going to be a busy month for a lot of couples I bet."
==========
After a long day and a good part of the night, Clara and Rick were finally able to get home. "Having a wedding near Christmas seemed like such a good idea last year," said Clara in a tired voice as she went to check on the cubs, who were all sleeping peacefully, "Maybe next year, we should try to schedule a proper day off."
Rick looked down at their cubs and asked, "Clara, do you want to have more?"
Clara had a look of discomfort on her face at that. "Richard, it's not like I don't like having a family, but I don't think we can," she said.
"What with all the obligations and responsibilities you have?" asked Rick.
"Not just that. I mean, I want to be a proper mom for my cubs, not having to always be away because of my job," said Clara, "Two years ago, I wouldn't think twice about having another litter because my last one had already grown up."
"And Animalians age at the same rate as humans," said Rick.
"Right. And it's already going to be a handful with four of them. I mean, I would have only had to teach them how to hunt and hide from larger predators. But now I have to think about a bigger education, teaching them about the world, what their futures will be like..."
"Just like a human mother," said Rick, hugging Clara close, "You see? Despite what all those hatemongers are slinging, really we're no different from ordinary people."
"Too bad people focus more on how we're different than how we're the same," said Clara.
"Well, that's human nature," said Rick before rubbing his hands over his wife's butt in such a way that she was soon purring.
"Perhaps you need to see a little cougar nature," purred Clara.
"It's our anniversary. I expect to see some," growled Rick.
"Just a moment, tiger," said Clara, "I need to grab a birth control pill. Unless you'd rather be the father of eight cubs." Rick froze as he had the image of trying to manage eight rowdy cougar cubs at once. Any cuteness the cubs had was far outweighed by all the trouble and noise they'd be causing. Clara snapped her fingers in Rick's face and asked, "Hello? Earth to Richard?"
Rick snapped out of it and said, "I probably should get my own protection." He started walking away before turning back to kiss Clara. "Love you," he said before walking off again.
"Love you too," said Clara with a sigh. Her four cubs were the most precious things in the world to her. But if she had eight, she'd probably snap under the pressure. Besides, she had her husband to fill up her life as well.