Just Can’t Wait...
“Ok!”
Nick looked up from his video game to where his mother stood in his doorway. She stood dressed in her scrubs and smelling slightly of disinfectant. Leaning against the frame, she crossed her arms and waited for Nick to focus his attention on her.
“Game plan for the next few days,” she began. “There was a major accident in Tundra Town and they need extra paws. So, I’m going to be there for a week helping in Tundra General.”
Nick’s jaw dropped as a thought hit him.
“So… Greg is in charge?” He flopped back onto the floor with an exasperated sigh. Last time Greg was left in charge, he was tyrant.
“Nope!” He raised his head a bit to look at her, wary of her smirk. “Your brother just left today for a camping trip. He won’t be back until next week.”
With an excited grin he shot up to a sitting position, paws clasped together with hope. “So, I get the house to myself?”
At that, Vivian burst out laughing. Her son’s expression dropped as he watched her, turning into annoyance as she continued to laugh.
“After picking you up how many times from the precinct?” She shook her head, wiping tears from her eyes. “Yeah, not happening!”
“So where am I going?”
Vivian raised her brows and smiled, amused by Nick’s confused expression. He just stared at her until the answer dawned on him. “No.” She laughed again. “Mom! NO!”
“Sorry, baby,” was her reply, not sounding sorry at all. “But you’re crazy if you think I’m leaving you alone in my house.”
“Mom!” He whined as she left his room still smiling, with him right on her heels. “Skye can be worse than Greg. And she always wants to paint my claws and mess with my fur. I don’t like staying with her.”
“I thought you loved your sister.”
“I do, but there’s a limit to how much a glitter a mammal can take. And she never paints them the colors I want!”
Opening the fridge and pulling out lunch supplies, the vixen just laughed again.
“Yes, yes, sweetheart. Your life is so hard, being surrounded by mammals who love you.” She smirked as she pulled an apron over her head as she gestured to the veggies on the counter. “Wash these, please.”
With a groan, he obliged, rolling his eyes as he brought them to the kitchen sink. His mom accepted each veggie piece by piece, Nick silently fuming until he realized a very important fact: Skye had Jack and work to distract her. Meaning he would have more time to spend with Judy. There would have to be nights Skye would have to stay late and he and Judy would be free from helping, leaving them unsupervised…
“And whatever you’re thinking, stop thinking it.”
Ears flushed hot as they laid back against his head. Looking over to him mom, who smirked at him with a knowing look in her eyes, he felt himself blush harder.
“Your sister is under strict instructions to chaperone you and Judy the entire time you’re together.” Her smirk turned into a grin as Nick huffed and shut off the water. “And I plan on meeting her soon, by the way.”
“How soon?” he asked nervously.
“Like this afternoon soon. I’m walking you to the cafe for your shift.”
A sudden thought kept the terror of that statement from forming.
“You haven’t met Jack yet, have you?”
“Your sister’s boss? Not yet.” Nick stared at his mother in surprise. Feeling his eyes on her, Vivian looked up in confusion. “What?”
With a shake of his head, he smiled at her. “Nothing.”
Eyes now suspicious, the vixen went back to making lunch for the two of them. And as he helped her, Nick felt a strange glee. Skye hadn’t told their mother about her favorite part of her new job yet. There had been no mistaking either of their intentions towards each other. That information would be very useful…
With a calculating smile, the todd spent the rest of his time imagining being close to his bunny for a week. And what a great week it was going to be.
……………
“Gid, touch the dial again and you’re walkin’.”
The todd scowled at his sister in the driver’s seat before slumping against his own. He had already been trapped in this car for an hour. Daisy had kept the music poppy and obnoxious, singing in her horrible singing voice and dancing in her seat because she knew it would annoy him.
“I’m tryin’ to remember a time in my life I hated you more,” he grumbled. His sister just laughed and turned the music up more. “Dais, we listened to this song four times already! Can we PLEASE change it up?”
“Sorry!” Daisy continued to dance and drive, one claw pointed to her ear as she shook her head. “Can’t hear you, Gid! Music’s too loud!”
“Then turn it down!”
“TURN DOWN FOR WHAT!”
Gideon groaned again, tugging his ears some to try and block out some of the sound.
Just think of Sharla, he thought. Just think of Sharla…
After watching the pretty ewe get the highest score on Free Throw, they decided the next best thing was to race each other on the motorcycle game. She was the victor once more, something he found he didn’t mind at all. His consolation prize was a long, tight hug from the pretty black sheep that filled his nose with the scent of fresh, sweet hay. It was then Gideon came up with the plan to lose to her as often as possible.
He wasn’t thrilled to be leaving Bunnyburrow so far ahead of schedule. His visit to Zootopia was supposed to be for the coming weekend, but his sister had the opportunity to meet some of her professors at ZSU and their parents capitalized on that. It was decided that the two of them would go to the city and stay with their aunt, while Daisy ran around her new campus and Gideon got to see his best friend.
As excited as he was to follow Judy’s brother Jack and explore Zootopia, he was just as eager to stay back and spend as much time with Sharla as possible. Especially considering she would be leaving for camp the day after he got back. Life could get really unfair sometimes.
The music being lowered caused him to snap back from reality. A peek out the window saw them pulling into a gas station and stopping at a pump.
“Hungry?” Daisy asked as she unbuckled. “My treat.”
With a smile, Gideon followed, thinking maybe his sister wasn’t all that bad. Daisy got out of the car, still dancing and singing under her breath. Stretching before following her lead, the young todd pulled his phone out as he crossed the station towards the mini mart attached to it. He was so engrossed in responding Sharla’s latest text, Gideon didn’t even notice the other car blaring music as it sped up to one of the pumps.
The screech of tires made the todd jump in alarm, his fur on end and eyes wide as the car full of older males laughed.
“Hey, watch where you’re going little buddy!” called a heavy-set badger from the driver’s seat.
A meerkat, ferret, and fox slowly filed out of the car while the badger popped the gas tank. Gideon glared at the group, though he was slightly surprise to see the other red fox todd smirking over at him.
“Yo, Wilde!” The fox looked over to the badger pumping gas, catching the wallet tossed at him. “Peanut butter cups and the largest soda they got.”
Wilde winked and gave a lazy salute before continuing to the mart. Gideon shook his head at the situation and followed after them. A quick scan around store saw Daisy missing from the aisles. With a shrug at the restroom door, he headed for the candy, and, to his irritation, the other todd was there.
He grinned over at younger fox, his eyes a lighter blue than Gideon’s. “Sorry for scaring you, fox.” Wilde snatched a pack of peanut butter cups and coconut almond candies. “We were never going to hit you, so don’t be mad at us.”
Gideon turned his attention to the selection with a frown. “I don’t know why y’all had to speed up like that,” he grumbled.
“Oh c’mon!” the older todd argued with laugh. “It was a harmless, little joke! I have a brother your age who would have laughed at it.”
“He would have laughed at almost gettin’ run over?”
“Who almost got ran over?” Daisy danced up and smiled at her little brother, a new pair of sunglasses propped on her top of her head and can of sweet tea in her paw. A pack of gummies were grabbed from the shelf before she danced past, her paw ruffling Gideon’s head as she did. “Shake a leg, Gid. We’re burnin’ daylight. Travis, darlin’!” she called to the weasel behind the counter. “I need ten on pump two, please.”
Rolling his eyes, a pack of sour strings were chosen before deciding to add a soda to his order. Wilde gave a low whistle, his own sunglasses pulled down as he eyed Daisy’s retreating form.
Gideon scowled at him, feeling offended on Daisy’s behalf.
“You know her, kit?”
The teen scoffed. “And they say you city mammals are smart.”
Wilde didn’t even acknowledge the comment. “Damn! They grow ‘em nice in the country.”
Gideon looked at him in disgust before leaving for his drink. Wilde, on the other paw, smoothed the fur on his head, brushed his shirt out, tucked his sunglasses into his collar, and sauntered up to Daisy. She stood off to the side as his friends paid, chatting with Travis while she waited for her brother. His friends wagged their eyebrows at Wilde as he leaned up on the counter. With a wink to them, he schooled his face in his most winning and dashing smile.
It was not without a little envy that Gideon watched him approach his sister with such confidence. He couldn't help but wonder where every other todd in the world learned to charm those that caught their attention.
And not just todds. Daisy herself was a natural flirt. Travis was one of many males who fell under her spell, so Gideon didn’t blame Wilde for giving it a shot. His sister never went further than just few honied words and a batting of her lashes, but it was enough for way more males than should be allowed. And more often than not, it helped her get her way. Most of the time, Gid wondered if his sister was a bunny in a fox coat.
Daisy and Travis paused their conversation when they realized Wilde was leaning against the counter, watching her as he waited patiently to be noticed. Frowning, the vixen met his eyes.
“Can I help you?” she asked.
“I sure do hope so.” A paw was held out to her, the smile on his muzzle bright as he made his voice drop to what she was sure he thought of as a seductive drawl. “I’m not from around here and I was hoping to find something pretty enough to keep me coming back. I was positive I was gonna to be let down... Until now.”
The paw he had been shaking was gripped a bit tighter, the vixen gently pulled towards him. Her eyes widened in surprise.
“I’m Greg. Greg Wilde.” He gave her a wink and looked her up and down. Her eyebrows raised, unimpressed at his attempt. “And you are?”
Daisy simply sighed and moved away, tugging her paw free. Using it to pull her wallet out, some bills were tossed on the counter to Travis.
“Keep the change, darlin’.” She pushed off the counter and beckoned towards Gideon walking to the register. “C’mon, Gid, honey. Aunt Marian is expecting us and we’ve dawdled long enough.”
Without another word or glance to Wilde, the two foxes left for their car. He watched Gideon hop into the passenger seat while the vixen headed for the pump. Her sunglasses were flipped over her eyes as she selected her fuel.
With a grin, he tossed money onto the counter and took off after her.
“Hey!” he called out as she finished filling the tank. Looking over her glasses, her blue eyes watched him run up, coming to a stop just a few steps away from the car. “I didn’t get your name.”
She gave him a mockingly sad look and clicked her teeth. “That’s ‘cause I never gave it to you, sugah.” The sunglasses were lowered a bit further and a wink was tipped at him. “Ciao!”
Gideon guffawed as she took her place in the driver’s seat. Music blasting as the car was turned on, the vixen peeled out of the gas station, making Wilde jump back in surprise; one paw was laying on the horn as the two foxes whooped and hollered out the open windows. The noise was cut as a perfect, fiery red paw shot out the window in a wave to him as they vanished into the distance.
Eyes wide open and heart racing, Greg stared after them. He had been turned down plenty of times, but never with such style.
“Ha-ha, Wilde!” The meerkat in the passenger’s seat hung out the window as the badger laughed and pounded the steering wheel.
“Greg got dismissed!” All three mammals cackled as he climbed into the back seat.
The fox reclined back, passing the badger his candy. “I still get more tail than any of you assholes.” He pulled his sunglasses on and propped his arm out the opened window. “Besides, plenty of fish in the sea.”
“Hey, Greg?” He looked over to his friend in the driver’s seat. “My soda?”
“What soda?” was Greg’s response as he fished the wallet from his pocket and tossed it up to him.
With a grumble, the badger started the car and continued on to their campsite. Greg smiled as he thought about the vixen. They really did grow them nice in the country.
……………..
Jack was humming to himself as he piped the edge work on his latest cake.
The grin wouldn’t leave his face and his good mood was oddly contagious. Judy was bouncing around, the pair of them singing random bits of songs. It was still busy, thanks to Fru Fru Big making sure everyone in Zootopia knew where to go for the best coffee and desserts in the city. And through it all the buck had never felt happier.
But even he knew Skye needed a break. So, today she was free from work - though it took everything Jack had in him to not call her in. Skye had been working from opening till close nearly every day that week. As much as she liked him, the rabbit was fairly certain she would snap if not given some breathing room. Though, the fact that they hadn’t stopped texting each other all day said a lot.
She was keeping him updated throughout her day, sending him pictures of the various activities that kept her preoccupied. It was huge consolation to know he would be seeing her that night for the Small Business Seminar. Not quite the first date he wanted to have with her, but he was still excited about it.
“There!” He stepped away from the cake and gave the side he’d just worked on a critical look over. Turning the cake stand it was on, his eyes scanned for mistakes and flaws. Satisfied it was as close to perfect as it could get, he and Jon lifted it onto the larger bottom piece and packaged it away.
“Ok,” began the buck as he massaged his stiff paws, “I gotta do a lap. You gonna be ok if I step out for a minute, Jonny?”
“You know I will be, boss!” The raccoon grinned before picking up the pile of orders and leafing through them.
With another sigh of relief, Jack headed out of the kitchen, stretching his back out, not noticing the truck pulling up in front.
The buck was making a pass over the lobby when he spotted a familiar face walking up to the door. Having arranged for a delivery of produce from his parents while he was in Bunnyburrow, he had naturally assumed Tom would be the one to drop them off. He was a bit more open minded and tended to try to get along with everyone. Next to Jack, he was the more adventurous one out of the older Hopps kits. Even if he never wanted to leave the farm.
Jack wasn't expecting Maple to be the one to drop off his supplies. And he wasn’t expecting her to storm in, proverbial guns blazing, her hazel eyes narrowed in on him. The doe stomped up to Jack, not acknowledging the hellos from Lucian and Sandra, and smacked him across the face. A collective gasp came from the customers sitting or waiting to order. Jack dropped his towel, and reached up to clutch at his cheek.
“What the FUCK, Maple?” he shouted in anger, only to receive another painful slap in reply across the other side of his face.
“What the hell is wrong with you?” she demanded.
Seeing their boss in trouble, Sandra and Kari rushed to him with Lucian, Bobby, and Jon not far behind. The three predators snarled, causing the doe to jump back a few paces. Maple eyed them with distrust before her gaze moved to Judy. Her little sister had her attention on Jack as she gently pushed past the vixen. With a cry of alarm, the older doe hopped towards her and snatched Judy up in her arms.
“Stay away from her!” snarled Maple as she dragged her little sister away.
The look of hurt that crossed Kari’s face just made Jack even angrier. Judy was struggling to free herself while Maple tugged her towards the door.
“Maple, will you please stop being such a fucking speciesist idiot?” he demanded as he straightened up and waved away help. “You have a better chance at becoming SpiderBun than any of the predators here hurting you or Judy.”
He met his sister’s angry gaze and stepped towards her. “And right now, you should be more worried about a rabbit attacking you than a predator.”
Judy finally tugged free and darted into Jack’s arms as Maple tried to regain her grip on her.
“Are you ok?” asked the younger doe, looking up at him in worry.
“Of course, I am!” he assured with a laugh and kiss to her forehead. “Maple hits like a bunny.”
“Judy Hopps! You get over here right now!” their sister demanded.
Jack tightened his grip and shielded her from Maple’s view. “Judy, sweetheart head upstairs for me please. I need to have a talk with our sister. Kari, will you go with her, please?”
Reluctantly, the two females broke away from the group while Maple glared at them. Kari wrapped her arms around the small bunny, using her tail to block her from view. Maple’s cold stare followed them as they went up the stairs and vanished into the apartment. She was suddenly jerked from her glowering as Jack stomped over to grab her by the arm and drag her to the back door.
“Jon, will you set up a tray and start offering everyone in the shop a cookie. Use whatever we have in stock. Sandra, pair it with iced tea, coffee, or lemonade, customer's choice. Lucian, unload the truck, please. I'll be there to help in a moment." Jack's voice was clipped and cold, not sparing his workers a glance as the rabbits vanished into the alley.
Once the back door closed, he practically threw his sister from him in anger and disgust. She faced the buck, her own eyes blazing, matching Jack temper for temper.
“What the fuck is wrong with you?” he demanded.
“Me? What the fuck is wrong with you?” she countered. “Have you gone completely insane?”
“Asks the bunny who storms into my workplace, assaults me, and insults my workers in front of a room full of customers? What the hell are you doing here anyway?”
“I’m here because I wanted to know how your date with Emma went. I thought I would surprise you two and maybe spend some quality time with my brother and sister and drop off your order. So, when the cafe was closed and no-one answered the intercom, I figured I would treat myself to a drink and just see you two in the morning.” Her eyes narrowed at him. “Imagine my surprise when I walk into the bar, only to see you locking lips with some vixen!”
Jack froze and his expression went blank. “Who I choose to get involved with is none of your business, Maple.”
“But it becomes my business when my baby sister gets involved. How the hell could you have dangerous predators around Judy, Jack? And you went and convinced Sandra to spend all day around them too! You must be out of your gods damn mind!”
“Well excuse me for being more open minded than you! For being able to see past the species and into the mammal that’s underneath.” Jack turned from her and brought his paws up to his face. After a frustrated groan into them, he moved to massage his temples. “You don’t even know her, May.”
Maple frowned at the hint of pleading in his tone. And she couldn’t contain her flinch when he turned to give her a tired look.
“She’s… complicated and funny. And smarter than anyone else I’ve ever met and she makes me feel like I’m the only mammal worth talking to.” He smiled to himself as Skye filled his mind’s eye again. “I really, really like her.”
The bunny doe digested his words with a nod. Sighing she looked him the eye. “That’s exactly what she wants you to think. And to feel. She’s a fox, Jack. Tricking good, honest mammals like you is what she was born for. Don't be so naive to think she's being genuine.”
A step was taken towards her stricken brother, her eyes softening in sympathy.
“Jack, I know it’s hard to hear. But that vixen is using you. And I don’t
want to see you hurt.” Maple felt satisfaction as she watched her brother’s face fall, happy that she got through to him. Only to have him shake his head and turn his back to her.
“You’re wrong, Maple.” He walked to the back door and tugged it open. One last glance was given to the doe. “She’s everything I’ve been waiting for. And you don’t have to like it. Or accept it.” He started to step through before a thought occurred to him. “Go around to the front. Lucien and I will have the truck unloaded in a moment and I’ll let Mom and Dad know I’ll quick pay them their money online.”
“I’m telling them this,” she threatened. He only raised his eyebrows and smirked.
“And I’ll tell them how you earned your spending money in college.” And with another flick of his eyebrows, he vanished, leaving his fuming sister standing alone in the alley.
Jack paused for moment to gather his thoughts when the door closed behind him. Panting, he pinched the bridge of his muzzle and squeezed his eyes shut, trying to ignore his anger and hurt. Breathing deep, he shook his head to clear it and opened his eyes. Walking briskly to the front of the shop, he forced a smile on his muzzle.
“Jack?” came the quiet voice of Judy. He paused and looked up to see her sitting at the top of the stairs.
“I thought I told you to go into the apartment,” he said with a smile.
“You said go upstairs. I’m upstairs,” she replied with a smile of her own. It fell as brother and sister held each other’s gaze. “Are you ok?”
Rounding the railing, he walked up to where she sat and kneeled in front of her. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
Judy looked at her paws folded in her lap. “I like Skye,” she whispered.
Looking back up at him, she gave a shy smile at his happy expression. “She’s good for you and she respects you. I don’t want you to stop seeing her because of Maple.”
“Hey.” His paws went to frame her face. “No power in this universe can keep me from being with her. Because I like her, too.”
The apartment door opened and Kari poked her head out, looking frantic. “Sorry, boss! I had to use the bathroom and when I came out, she was gone.”
“Don’t worry about that, Kari.” Jack pulled Judy to her feet. “Let’s go get some work done. Sandra is going to need you at the register, Kari. And Judy, help wherever they need you.”
Kari gave a nod as she bounded past the two bunnies, though Judy looked at her brother in curiosity.
“What did Maple do in college?” she asked as Jack turned to follow the vixen.
He paused and grimaced at her. “It’s a really long… disgusting story that you're way too young to hear.” He grabbed her paw and pulled her along. “Now back to work, Bun-Bun.”
Maple stood off to the side as the buck and grey squirrel unloaded the truck. Though Jack’s ears twitched every few moments as she huffed. It made calling out a greeting to every predator who entered The Perk all the better. Anything to let her know he could care less about her opinion.
The buck smiled his thanks as Lucian accepted the last box from him, watching the grey squirrel vanish through the propped open cafe door.
Though he rolled his eyes at the bratty grunt from his sister. Jaw clenched, Jack turned to face her, finding a sour expression on her pretty face and her arms crossed.
"Thanks for driving all the way up here, Maple," he began coolly, "I really appreciate it."
"And when she breaks your heart and leaves you high and dry with nothing to show for it, don't come crying to me." He shook his head at her expression of stubborn malice. "I'll be too busy laughing."
"Yeah," retorted the buck, "a small army of brothers and sisters and I'm going to run to the one sibling who makes Pop-Pop seem progressive."
Maple studied him for a moment before huffing. "You're an idiot. You really should have just stayed on the farm. No doe is going to want anything to do with you after that slut is done bleeding you dry."
Narrowing his eyes in anger, Jack watched as she turned on her heel and climbed into the cab of the truck. His jaw ached from being clenched as he watched his sister drive away.
"Bitch," he spat out, still glaring at the spot where the family truck had vanished.
There was an abrupt pause in activity when Jack re-entered the cafe. Kicking the door stop aside and sealing the cafe against the hot outside air, everyone stopped what they were doing to glance at him. Realizing he was the center of attention, Jack gave a nervous smile and wave to his audience.
"Bunnies," he said with a shrug. "We're so emotional."
Sandra and Judy giggled, the sound loud enough to break the tension. And it was all anyone needed for the cafe to start moving again. Judy went from customer to customer with a tray of cookies. Kari followed, her own tray loaded with drinks. Jon and Bobby gave their boss concerned glances as the buck accepted his apron back. Watching him retie it with a thoughtful expression, both exchanged concerned looks as he literally wandered back into the kitchen. Jack was silent as he picked his work back up, his thoughts on both his sisters' words.
She likes me, Jack thought as he shuffled through a stack of orders. I know she does…
……………..
“Okay, so what are the rules?” Vivian and Nick were paused at a street light, waiting to walk. Her son huffed and rolled his eyes as his paws adjusted the straps of his backpack.
“Mind my manners, be respectful, no summoning spirits, clean up after myself, don’t tell mammals I’m so happy my sister was able to get herself out of her coffin or that she kicked her drug habit, and don’t advertise tarot readings.”
“Unless…”
“Unless they offer me stupid amounts of money.”
“That’s my todd.” The vixen smiled as they approached the cafe, stepping back to let Nick push the door open. “So, Skye said she’ll meet you at the cafe after your shift, so don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
"Yes, Mom," Nick grumbled as they approached the cafe door.
"And, actually…" she added as he pulled the door open, "don't do anything I would."
Vivian was pleasantly surprised by the cafe. It was busy, but not overwhelmingly so, the line consisting of only three mammals as the rest of the patrons enjoyed their orders. She had expected her daughter to be the only vixen employed so the sight of the pretty corsac on the register was surprise. The cashier gave a quick wave to the two of them before she went back to her customer.
“That’s Kari,” explained Nick as he led her to the counter. “She and Bobby, the bobcat, go to ZSU.”
“And is that Judy?” she asked uncertainly as cream colored bunny doe passed drinks to those waiting. If it was, Vivian was going to have a serious talk with that rabbit about going after someone her own age!
But Nick just laughed. “No, that’s Sandra. She goes the Zootopia School of Technology.”
“‘Bout time you showed up, Slick!”
Both foxes turned to the greeting, the vixen noting how her son’s tail started to happily wag behind him. And she was pleasantly surprised by the sight that greeted her. Standing at least a head shorter than Nick, with big, pretty purple eyes that seemed to light up on him, Vivian accurately deduced the doe was the famous Judy.
“For a second, I though you forgot all about us.” The bunny smiled at Nick, who took a step closer to her.
“Oh, I could never forget you, Carrots.” He gave a shrug and stuffed his paws in his pockets. “I can’t have a cu- sweet little bunny like you get bored.”
“And I’m Vivian, Nick’s mother.” The vixen extended a paw to her, enjoying the way both kits blushed. Her grin grew as the bunny accepted her paw and smiled up at her shyly.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Wilde,” she greeted politely.
“Oh, please, sweetheart, just call me Vivian.” Pulling her paw free, it went to her purse to tug her wallet free. “And I have something I want to show you.”
Both teens exchanged glances as a picture was pulled from her wallet and passed to Judy. The doe’s face split into a grin when she saw what it was. Her son tensed, before groaning in embarrassment.
“This is Nicky when he was a year old,” Vivian explained moving to stand next to Judy. The little fox kit in the photo sat in just his diaper, facing the camera with one little fist rubbing his eye. “He started walking early, and as soon as he did, decided he wasn’t going to wear his diapers anymore.” Judy burst into laughter as Nick groaned again.
“Mom, please stop!”
Vivian simply smirked at him before turning back to the rabbit. “Every time I turned around, he managed to get out of them. He would run around the house completely naked, laughing and babbling. Took us hours to catch him.”
“Mom!” Nick’s ears were flat against his head as he glared daggers at her. Vivian tucked the photo away and pulled the todd into her arms. “Did you really have to show her that?”
“Did I have to share an embarrassing photo and story of my son with the female he likes?” She pretended to think about it before smiling down at him. “Yes. Yes, I did. And besides,” Vivian leaned towards his ear and lowered her voice to keep Judy from hearing her, “if it keeps you a virgin for the next few years, I’ll be telling that story every time I see her.”
Nick looked up in alarm but his mother merely winked and pulled away.
“Hey!” came a new voice. The vixen turned to see a striped rabbit buck walking from behind the counter. “There you are! I was wondering when you’d get here.”
The buck smiled at the teens before noticing Vivian. “Oh! You must be Mrs. Wilde! Jack Hopps. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
He stepped forward with his paw out to shake and a friendly smile on his muzzle.
“And you, too, Mr. Hopps. But please, call me Vivian.”
“Only if you call me Jack,” he countered with a grin.
She shook his paw, thrilled that her daughter found a job with such a friendly mammal. It made her breathe a sigh of relief. And that had her pausing when she smelled something far too familiar. Or rather, someone. Leaning into his space a bit, she sniffed again. Jack’s face became puzzled as she inhaled deeply before she realized who it was she smelled.
“Something tells me we’re going to have a long talk soon, Jack,” she said finally, pulling back with a smile. The buck’s ears drooped as he gulped.
“Right. Yes, ma’am.” He gave a strained smile as the vixen flashed every tooth she had at him.
“All right, baby.” She started turning to Nick. “Have a good week and don’t get into trouble. Judy, I’m counting on you.”
“No pressure or anything,” the doe joked, earning a little nudge from the todd.
Laughing, Vivian marked her son’s ears, causing him to grumble in embarrassment, before heading out with a final wave. Judy was still giggling, though while both males watched the vixen disappear, Nick glaring and Jack with a hint of fear. Giving the doe a slightly annoyed look, the todd looked to her brother and sniffed.
“Yeah,” he began, his expression morphing into a smug smile, “real subtle, Jack.”
Alarmed, the buck looked down at himself and began to sniff. “What? I don’t smell anything!”
Kari, who had a small respite from customers, laughed at that along with Nick and Bobby. Jack frowned as he made his way back to the kitchen, the teens close behind him.
“What is so funny?” he demanded.
“You don’t smell anything because you’re used to it!” Kari explained. “But you smell like Skye.”
“No, I don’t!” Jack argued. Judy leaned forward and gave a curious sniff. He looked at her expectantly and shook his head as she shrugged.
“You totally do,” Nick said gleefully. “You smell just like my sister and you met our mother, completely reeking of her.”
There was an odd stillness that came over Jack as he looked to the young fox. His expression was blank in response to the look of pure joy on Nick’s face.
“Oh, fuck me…” he muttered finally, closing his eyes in mortification.
“I think that’s my sister’s job,” came the cheeky response. He laughed as Jack opened his eyes to scowl at him. “Speaking of, where is she?”
“I gave her the day off.” The buck walked back into the kitchen, pausing at the apron hooks. One was tossed to the todd who was still grinning at him. “Start on the dishes, please, and then see what Jonny needs from you. And Judy-”
“GIDEON!”
Everyone in the cafe jumped up in alarm as a grey blur darted past them, heading to the front door. Jack, Nick, and Jon rushed to the kitchen entrance just in time to see Judy tackle the pudgy fox todd who walked through the door.
Nick’s fur bunched in alarm as the newcomer wrapped his arms around the bunny in a tight hug. The pair laughed and exclaimed in pure delight as he felt jealousy pull a low growl from him. Jack’s ears twitched and he grinned at the todd scowling at Gideon. Still beaming, the new todd set Judy down and playfully winced when she punched him on the arm.
“You jerk!” she teased with a smile. “You didn’t tell me you were going to be here so early!”
“I did so!” came Gideon’s argument. A paw vanished into his pocket and a cell phone was pulled free. Flicking through the messages he turned it to her with a patient look. “See? I messaged you Friday lettin’ you know.” His smile suddenly dropped and his arms crossed as he surveyed her accusingly. “And you never responded.”
Ears dropped as she looked over her shoulder to Nick, who was still eyeing Gideon suspiciously. Realizing she was looking at him, Nick blushed and busied himself with tying his apron on.
“I’ve been…” Nick’s eyes met hers briefly, his heart fluttering as a small smile curled her muzzle and a blush swept her face, “… busy.”
Smirking, Gideon looked from her to Nick. “Busy or distracted?”
“Both,” came Jack’s response. The buck grinned and rolled his eyes at Judy before giving the new todd a hug in greeting. “And you aren’t in the city by yourself, are you?”
All three looked to the door as the bells jingled again. “Naw, Mama and
Daddy ain’t that trustin’.” The vixen who entered ruffled the fur on
Gideon’s head before being tackled by Judy. “Nice to see you too, darlin’!”
“I’ll be darned!” Jack exclaimed with a happy grin. “If it isn’t little Daisy Grey!” Jack brought his paw to his chin as a thoughtful look took over him. “Let’s see… Bunnyburrow High graduated on Monday… My brother, Marco, told me you made valedictorian and got a full ride to ZSU… Which means you’re touring the college this week!”
“Yes, sir, I am.” Daisy smiled as she draped her arm around Judy. “My folks made me take Gid. We’re staying with Aunt Marian while we’re here.”
“You’re here a whole week!” Judy bounced with excitement as she grinned from the vixen to the todd.
“Yay…” came a less than enthusiastic response.
Everyone looked to Nick, who stood just off to the side, paws in his pockets and frowning in discontent. Gideon looked to Judy and smirked again before marching to him with an outstretched paw.
“Gideon Grey.” Cautiously, he shook the offered paw. “And you must be Nick.”
Nick’s eyebrows shot up in surprise as he looked from the friendly todd to the now furiously blushing bunny doe.
“Judy wouldn’t shut up about you,” the new todd explained. “I tell ya, it was the most adorable thing. I ain’t never seen her smitten with anyone before.”
“Gideon!” Judy groaned, tugging her ears over her eyes as Nick looked over at her.
Daisy laughed while Jack rolled his eyes. Gideon released Nick's paw and joined his sister in her laughter.
“You talked about me?” came Nick’s breathless reply.
“She wouldn’t shut up about ya.” Gideon laughed as Judy gave him a death glare from behind her ears.
“Well, I’m glad you both came in today.” Jack interrupted as he turned to Daisy. “Wanna earn some cash tonight? My sitter fell through and I need someone to keep an eye on these two tonight.”
Both Nick and Judy looked at him in alarm.
“What do you mean you need someone to keep an eye on us?” demanded Nick
“We’re not babies, Jack! Where are you going that’s so important?” added Judy.
“Skye and I have a business thing tonight and last time we left you unsupervised, you both got arrested,” the buck explained, making his way back to the kitchen. “Daisy, I can pay you if you can babysit.”
“Love to, Jack, but Aunt Marian has a thing planned for us.” Daisy looked apologetically at the rabbit. "Sorry."
“No worries!" Jack said with a grin. "I can ask Clawhauser. And Gideon, my assistant and I need some help in the kitchen if you’re up for it.” The rabbit winked at the fox, who turned to his sister with pleading eyes. Daisy smiled at her brother and nodded.
“Works for me.” She was about to turn and walk away when she paused and her ears shot. Eyes snapping over to the bunny doe, she pointed a paw at her. “What do you mean, ‘you both got arrested’? Little miss goody two-paws Judy was arrested for somethin’?”
Nick stepped forward and nodded vigorously. “She attacked me. Viciously, too, I might add. Seriously, it should be a crime for how cute it was. That’s why they had to arrest her. Better safe than sorr- OW!”
The todd grinned down at the bunny, rubbing the spot on his arm where her fist had landed.
"I wouldn't have attacked you if you hadn't provoked me," Judy said with a smirk.
"Aww, but you're so cu- adorable when you're provoked." Nick grinned as he took a step closure to her.
Crossing her arms, the bunny doe laughed as Gideon and Daisy looking on with interest.
"Careful, Slick. We both remember what happened in the park." Tilting her head, she gave him a playful wink. "And at camp."
Copying her pose, the todd's tail wagged happily. "Bring it, Carrots." Quick as a flash, his paws shot out to pull her against him as he tickled her sides. Judy exploded into laughter, both teens oblivious to the trio watching.
"Ha! Not so tough now, are you?" demanded Nick with a grin as he hauled Judy closer to him.
"You're cheating!" the bunny cried through laughter, tears streaming down her face as she tried to pull free. "Th-this is no fair!"
"WILDE IS THE VICTOR!" Nick was laughing with her as he continued his assault. Though their mirth petered out at the sound of a throat being cleared.
Still laughing, they pulled apart and blushed as they faced Jack again. The buck eyed them with a bland look, before shaking his head and turning to a stunned Gideon and Daisy.
"And they wonder why I won't let them hang out without a sitter." With a sigh, Jack jerked his head towards the kitchen. "Whenever you're ready, Gid, I got some pretty exciting projects waiting. Nick, dishes please. And Judy, will you go see what Kari and Sandra need? I'm going to head upstairs really quick to grab my other set of fondant tools for you, Gideon. Head to the kitchen and wait for me there. I'll see you later, Daisy!"
Daisy's eyes narrowed on Nick, a thoughtful look crossing her face as she absently waved good-bye to the buck walking towards the stairs.
"I'll see you later, Gid. We have to meet back up with Aunt Marian at six." Daisy's eyes moved from Nick to her brother, who was looking at him with as much curious speculation as his sister.
"Later, Daisy."
Shifting uncomfortably, Nick did as he was told, Gideon falling into step beside him.
"So," Gideon began, "Wilde, huh?"
Furrowing his brow, Nick looked over at him suspiciously. "Yeah, what of it?"
"Nothin'," was the hurried response as the new todd accepted an apron from Kari and followed Nick through the kitchen entrance. Jon looked up from the order stack and gave his normal cheerful wave.
"Have fun, Gideon!" called Judy from the lobby, sparking another flare of jealousy from Nick.
Gideon laughed at Nick's reaction. "Calm down, lover todd. I'm seein' someone. And if I ever wanted to be with Judy, I'd be with her by now. That bunny only has eyes for you."
A flush spread across his body at the statement. Looking at Gideon briefly, Nick looked over his shoulder towards the lobby, pausing in his step. His eyes sought out Judy, smiling as he watched her bounce through the lobby, cleaning and gathering used dishes.
His tail started to wag as he watched her move, dancing to whatever song she had in her head. The doe paused as Jack came back into view and muttered something Nick couldn't quite hear. Both bunnies laughed, Jack's eyes meeting Nick's through the order window, causing the todd to blush and look away. Jack merely smiled and shook his head before continuing to the kitchen.
The buck adjusted his apron and held the fondant tools out for Nick to wash when he realized the kit's attention was back out in the lobby. With the fox's body tense and ears splayed, Jack felt his nose twitch in nervousness.
"You ok, kit?" he asked, Jon and Gideon looking from the order pile up in curiosity.
When Nick didn't answer, everyone followed his gaze.
Judy stood next to a table talking to another todd, this one not much older than Nick, his fur an attractive combination of white, grey, and black. The other three males gave slight winces at the stranger's obvious interest in Judy and looked back at Nick who was growling slightly. Though all signs of aggression were exchanged for obvious shock as they turned back just in time to see the new todd lean over the table, pen in paw. Whatever he had written (and everyone had a good idea of what it was) was passed to her with a charmingly bashful shrug and shy smile.
Turning pink and ears falling down her back, Judy looked down before giving a hesitant nod and small smile of her own.
"Wow…" Gideon whistled, as he watched the new todd shrug (smile still intact) before turning to leave. "Who's that?"
Seeming to sense he was being watched, the stranger scanned the cafe as he leaned against the front door. Smug, golden brown met hostile green, which widened when the other todd grinned and winked at Nick.
"Kody," Nick growled.
He watched Judy look at the paper Kody had given her before crumbling it in her paw. His ears perked a bit as she tossed it into an empty coffee cup still on the table before looking up. Their eyes met before Nick felt himself blush and turn away. Taking a full bus tub to the back, the teen refused to make eye contact with anyone while he prepped the sinks.
But the gentle clatter of dishes had him jolting out of his temporary daze. Forcing a smile, he looked at her.
"Dish delivery," she joked, setting the new tub next to him on the floor.
With a laugh, he nodded at her attempt to lighten the mood. "Thanks. I'll get to it."
Turning back to his task, Nick waited for her to leave, very aware that everyone in the kitchen had also paused to watch. Looking back up, he noticed she hadn't moved.
"What?" he asked, watching her gnaw her lip.
Looking over at her brother, Gideon, and Jon, she looked back at him, opening her mouth to speak only to close it again.
"Good talk," Jon muttered, earning a glare from the doe.
Nick gave a small laugh as she turned to meet his eyes again. Quick as a flash, she jumped up and caught his lips, a paw moving to his cheek to keep him from pulling away. Like that first kiss at the party, the world fell away.
Jack's displeased grumble, Gideon and Jon's teasing whoops, the rapidly filling sinks…
His world was melted and floated away. All there was, was Judy. Giving him his first, real, un-hustled, better-than-fantasy, all-encompassing kiss. But she pulled away much too soon, leaving him so dazed that he fell forward a bit when she did.
With a dreamy mutter, he opened his eyes (never realizing they’d closed) and gave a dopy smile which she returned.
"What was that for?" he asked softly.
Judy shrugged. "No reason."
Both teens blushed at the sound of a clearing throat, turning to see Jack glaring at Nick.
"Not at work, ok, kits?" he said with a roll of his eyes. Passing some fondant to Gideon, he and Jon set about teaching him the basics. "Let's keep this a 'no make out zone'."
"Yeah, Jack." Jon piped up with a grin, looking over at his boss. "No making out at work.”
He was ignored as Judy gave Nick one last shy smile before bouncing back to the lobby. Nick smiled after her, catching Gideon's proud grin before their work resumed. Shutting off the water and sorting through the stack, Nick's eyes landed on a piece of crumpled paper tucked into a coffee mug. Plucking it free and smoothing it out, jealousy didn't rise as he read the note.
**'Call me, gorgeous! Kody 443-737-4821'**
And it was with no small amount of smug, he balled it up and threw it away.
Mine, he thought, grinning as it landed in the trash.
…………..
Emma loved her life.
She had a great job she loved and was kicking tail in. Her family was doing better and learning to talk things out instead of starting wars. She was meeting more mammals and expanding her client base, as well as making new friends.
Sure, her ego stung a bit at Jack's rejection. And it was shocking to see the sort of female he had picked for himself. But this Skye lady seemed smart and nice enough. Something told the doe Jack had met his mate. And for all of her flaws, Emma was big enough to step back and admit she had lost.
Plenty of rabbits in the burrow, she thought wistfully to herself as she walked down the hall to her team meeting.
"Excuse me!" came a slightly harassed voice. Emma turned to see a moving filing cabinet rushing towards her. Amber eyes, watery with exertion, were peeking out from a gap between binders and two black ears stuck up straight from the pile. The cabinet stumbled closer, a few binders and pages coming free falling to the floor. "Oh, dear! Now I've done it."
"Here, let me help you." Emma kneeled to scoop up the things, ignoring how the pile of books and papers lowered themselves so they could be replaced.
Instead, she gingerly removed more of them, stacking them neatly against her hip. A surprisingly handsome face beamed at her in thanks as the now manageable pile was shifted in his paws. Now able to see him better, the doe took in his rumpled white shirt and black tie, paired with nicely pressed black slacks. A pair of wire framed glasses were perched on his head, where a thicker patch of his sleek, black fur grew longer than the rest.
Sighing with relief, the rabbit buck's look turned bashful. "You don't happen to know where conference room A is, do you? I just started and I can't seem to get my bearings."
Still off kilter, courtesy of her new companion, Emma nodded and smiled back. "Follow me. I'm heading there myself."
"Thanks! I think I've been circling this hall, like, five times." He obediently followed her. "I'm Milo. Milo Harreson."
"Emma Longrass." She felt a smile grow larger as he held out an elbow to tap against her own. "Welcome to Paddington Marketing."
"Thanks, Emma." For a moment, the pair walked in silence, until Milo stumbled to a stop with an annoyed expression on his face. "Oh, no. I think I left my glasses in my office."
Laughing, Emma's free paw reached over to knock them from the top of his head to over his eyes.
"Oh!" he exclaimed in surprise. Grinning at her, he nodded. "I like you."
Holding the door open for him, she laughed again as he moved his foot to keep it from closing.
I think I'm going to like you, too, she thought.
