Wow, already at chapter ten! And to think, I wasn't sure if I could mold a fic out of a oneshot. Hot damn, anyway, so, Gideon Grey has made his appearance!
Guys, thank you so much for the reviews and PMs, this has meant more to me than anything and I really appreciate it. It tells me you like the fic, for one, and two, it's helping me better myself as a writer. I'm so glad you think I'm keeping everyone in character, because I'm doing my utmost to keep it that way!
Chapter Ten- Something's Awry
There stood Gideon Grey in flour covered overalls, looking rather unlike she had last seen him and Judy was unsure what to think. Rather than a lump, he looked more, built, and defined. Olivia, Clara, and Vivian swooned in the doorway; even young Warner joined his sisters. Although some couldn't help but glance between Gideon and Nick to compare two handsome fellers stand on their porch.
The house itself was massive, and just enough to fit the handsome family of bunnies. The porch was a wrap around, the paneling old, but sturdy. It was always uncertain which type of wood had been used to build the house and it was often a fun game to guess which, but the foundation was exceptional for a house centuries old. A swing rested on the left hand side and a bench with a table on the other. Beyond the right hand side of the porch railing, one could catch a glimpse of a tractor and part of the farm. Stalks of corn rose high along with wheat, rows of carrots and bushels of blueberries.
On the opposite side were the vines of grapes that were freshly planted last year. Potatoes, tomatoes, Nick had never seen such a garden before. Lettuce and spinach, there was acres of land Nick would have to explore. Sadly, however, there was no apple orchard.
"Well, well, if it ain't there Judy herself. Welcome home!" Gideon opened his arms and Judy fell into them, giving Gideon a warm hug. Since they had rekindled last, Judy had felt no need to be wary of her former enemy.
"It's good to see you again, Gideon."
This reconnection snapped Nick out of his desire to scout the property and returned his focus to his woman who was in the arms of another fox. Nick cleared his throat and Judy stepped back from Gideon, smiling up at him before turning to Nick.
"Gideon, this is my significant other, Nick." So formal, and yet so awkward.
"So, we finally meet the fox the kids won't stop blabbering about. Nice to meet ya. Good to see another fox in these parts." Gideon shook the paw of Nick and let go just as quickly. Bonnie intervened and cautiously slid between the two foxes. She'd have to have a firm word with her husband when no one else was around to listen. She had the odd feeling this was going to be a competition of dominance and it was going to come about quickly.
"Why don't we go inside now? I'm sure Clara and Vivian have prepared a lovely breakfast." She urged both boys inside before shooting a look at her husband, which made his ears flatten against his head and swallow a lump in his throat.
Stu placed a paw against his daughter's back and ushered his daughter inside. Warner closed the door after his family had entered, licking his lips nervously. As they entered the large accommodating dining room, the very small young were placed in high chairs at the oblong table, others sat at a children's table, and the older ones were placed at the table with their adolescent siblings and the adults.
Judy rubbed Nick's back softly as he appeared on edge, right up until he caught sight of the table and the food placed on it. Nick blinked in awe, letting the scent of biscuits and honey flood his nostrils. Porridge topped with blueberries, grits with freshly churned butter. Judy felt him relax as she guided him over to a seat beside her mother. Gideon sat beside Stu and across from Judy as she took her seat beside Nick.
Vivian glanced to her father, and then Clara, pouring them each carrot juice as her eyes finally rested on Nick.
"Poor bastard," she muttered. "Has no idea what he walked into."
So much for underestimating bunnies, they may have seemed meek, but they packed a punch together. Wearing a yellow sun dress, Vivian rolled her eyes and went around the table to serve the pitcher of carrot juice. She began pouring her mother a glass as she whispered into her ear.
"Are you sure this is a good idea having Gideon here?"
"Just wait till I get your father," Bonnie replied and tapped her paw atop her daughters.
"This is a beautiful home you have, Mrs. Hopps," Nick piped out, unsure of what else to say, trying to at least be on his best behavior while being himself.
"That's sweet of you to say, Nick."
"So, do you shoot any bad guys!?" Trent asked abruptly. The loudness in his question nearly caused Nick to choke and drop his honeyed biscuit.
"Trent, that's rude," Bonnie intervened.
"No, no, that's alright," Nick laughed, wiping off stray crumbs. "Well, it just so happens I do take down the bad guys, to make sure they don't hurt you guys."
"Do you hurt them badly?" Warner asked.
"Nah, unless they look to really hurt me or your sister. And, well, do you want your sister getting hurt?" Nick asked.
"Gosh, no," Warner replied.
"Kids, violence is never the answer," Stu said firmly. Nick looked up at him and nodded.
"That's right, it's not."
Nick felt like he was between a rock and a hard place. The cold reality of the scenario was that violence was necessary if the bad guy in question was looking to hurt them. Protect yourself first, that's what he was taught. If you're hurt, you can't help the innocent. So, if he had to shoot a poor bastard in the leg, then he would if it immobilized them and stopped them from hurting someone else. He didn't want to lie to the children, however, it was obvious that Mr. Hopps didn't want his children learning violence, so, he decided to step back and agree, for now.
"But," Judy peeped. "But, if the bad guy is going to hurt a good guy, the bad guy needs to at least be stunned."
Stu hung his head in defeat as the children swooned in awe. Nick smiled at Judy as she came to his defense and she gave him a short nod in reply. Step one in any good relationship: defend your partner when absolutely necessary. Right now was absolutely necessary.
"Sounds mighty violent," Gideon chimed.
"It can get messy when it has to," Judy replied.
Judy killed in simulation, but never on the force. She knew how to aim and shoot a gun, but was fortunate she never had to really use it in real life. She hoped she would never have to.
"Being a cop sounds so cool," Clara said, dabbing her mouth with her napkin, Judy almost detected some sarcasm, however. She and Clara never really saw eye to eye, sadly. There was always one, or in her case, one dozen, who didn't agree with her decision in occupation. Those select few decided to follow tradition and be carrot farmers and yield soil and unearth the terrain.
"Being a "cop" is very important," Nick answered, returning Judy's defense. "We risk our lives every day so you could nibble on that carrot as cutely as you are now."
Clara bristled in irritation as she was, indeed, nibbling. She set the carrot down and turned her head away from Nick and Judy.
"So, mom tells me you guys have that new dance routine down," Judy wrestled within her for a new subject to discuss. The girls babbled together, talking all at once as Judy laughed, catching bits of new costumes, ballet, and jazz, contemporary.
"You'll have to show us later then."
An assortment of topics were catered to them buffet style, as though it were a list to openly choose from. Topics in the news, what they saw in the paper, and yes, even Gazelle was addressed at the table. There was no escaping the pop princess who was hot for listening ears.
Gideon watched Judy as she had a habit of talking with her hands and the way she would sneak the occasional glance at Nick, who was trying to absorb the largeness of the family. Stu had him called to try to steal Judy away from Nick, as Gideon did have a hint of feelings for her. He admired her work and her determination and only could appreciate that when he became older, around the time he opened up the bakery.
Each of them grew up with talents no one else had in their little town. Judy's talent was to serve and protect something so unheard of and what Gideon didn't know scared him and what scared Gideon made him mad and caused him to go into protective mode of himself. It was unfair to Judy, and words alone weren't enough despite the fact she accepted his apology initially.
As much as Gideon could provide Judy a comfortable life, she wouldn't be happy. He may be a simple country boy, but he knew a free spirit when he saw one. He didn't know this Nick, but what he did see for himself was that this one made her happy. Her eyes read volumes what her mouth couldn't catch up to. Sometimes you didn't need words to express how you felt, and Judy had that mastered. Her eyes said she loved this fox wholeheartedly and there was nothing he could do to break that.
He could offer his friendship and to be someone she could rely on. He'd be happy that way. Now seeing this for himself, he could move on. He hadn't fallen too deeply into his feelings, although his constant questioning to her parents probably said otherwise. There was little Gideon could do about that but just mosey on about and find someone else. Besides, he wasn't even sure Judy knew how he felt. She was always a shade oblivious when it came to crushes and feelings
"I could show you the bakery," Gideon voiced. All heads turned in his direction, his eyes widening softly as he wasn't expecting all the attention to fall on him. "We've added some table and chairs now."
"You're opening up your own franchise?" Judy asked. "That's really cool, Gideon." She smiled and his ears drooped gently, only able to nod in reply.
"Oh yeah, I have my own stand for the fair this year, too."
"We made it in time for the fair?" She asked, hope glistening in her eyes.
Nick was uneasy about this Gideon. Why was he here? What did he want with Judy? He'd be damned if he'd allow another male to have Judy alone. He had to put the brakes on that train of thought and remind himself that Judy was her own woman and she could do as she pleased, that was all about trust in any relationship. He couldn't act like the jealous significant other. And he did trust Judy with his life.
"Did you hear that Nick?" Judy surfaced him from his thoughts.
"The fair is tomorrow. So, after breakfast, I should probably get started on those pies. I know Mrs. Ringwald will be wonderin' where I went off to."
"The fair is one of Bunnyburrow's biggest events. Like our Strawberry Festival at the end of the summer. The Wakerton Fair is in honor of Father Thomas Wakerton who passed several summers ago, but he made Bunnyburrow a better place. Father Troy has since taken his place, but it's not the same," Stu explained. "Gideon here's won the bake off for the past three summers." He beamed proudly.
Gideon blushed at that and rose from the table. "I should head out. The contest is tomorrow, after all. But thanks for having me, Mr. and Mrs. Hopps. I'll take the delivery with me and get ready for the bake off."
"Vivian, go help Gideon, will you?" Bonnie added.
Vivian nodded and rose from the table, taking her place at Gideon's side. Gideon smiled at Judy and his eyes traveled to Nick before nodding. If he had a hat, he'd tip it.
"It was nice seeing you again, Judy. Nice meeting you, Nick."
"Likewise." He even included a salute. It was nice, short, and simple; Nick liked it. And with that, Gideon took his leave, saying goodbye to the bunnies that acknowledged him.
Vivian walked around back and helped Gideon load up the crates, attempting to take the brunt of the load off of her, but she wanted to show she could handle it. Just because she was a lady bunny didn't mean she was helpless. She could understand now where Judy got her spirit from; it was the stereotyping she hated. But, it was going to happen, because that's what folk were used to. Something had to change, but Vivian was glad Judy had started it.
"You don't have to do that, Viv," Gideon attempted, but her actions cut him short.
"I've got it, really." She grunted and slid the last crate into the van. "That should be it. Six crates of blueberries and you're getting the apples from Dr. Sheeva's orchard, right? And the pears, too, yes? Your apple turnovers were the hit of last season."
"You remember that?" Gideon chuckled and leaned against the back of the van.
"Certainly do. You've got a gift, and I'm glad you discovered it before you lost it. I'm sorry about my dad back there. I…you know how father's are."
"Well, I reckon I'd be the same if I had a daughter, too. But Judy, she really cares for that Nick."
"We can change, and I'm glad he changed for the better. I actually never thought he was bad to begin with," Vivian said with a smile. "I really feel some have it in them. Just because you're labeled something doesn't make it so. You're not bad because you're a fox. You're bad for acting on the stereotypes."
Vivian caught herself rambling and she ceased, biting her bottom lip in embarrassment. Gideon softened at that and turned his head over his shoulder to see the position of the sun.
"You're certainly right about that, Viv. I'd better get these back to the shop. I'll see you tomorrow, right?" Vivian waved him goodbye, and Gideon watched her back into the house before he rounded to the driver's side and started up the van. Vivian had a point, and things certainly were changing and seemingly for the better.
Vivian entered the house to hear Bonnie lashing at Stu as the children were distracted with cleaning up. It was a grey assembly line of largest to smallest, each carrying a plate and a bowl towards their parents at the sink.
"I don't believe you, inviting Gideon to distract Judy? What were you thinking? Sure glad it backfired!"
"I wasn't, Bon. I wasn't thinking. You happy!?"
"Stu, just let. It. Happen. If this is going to pan out for Judy, it's going to happen whether we like it or not. We can't hassle her forever. We're her parents, we can guide her, but we have to cut the cord at some point." Bonnie tossed dishes in the sink, hearing the clang as she seethed. If she broke a dish, she'd be even more furious, and so, she leaned against the sink.
She never managed a daughter having a significant other before. But, she remembered being Judy's age and bringing boys (before Stu) home to her parents. She recalled, unpleasantly, the hard time her parents gave her. Always nitpicking about something or the other they didn't like and Bonnie vowed she would never be that mother.
"Please, Stu, no more interfering, okay? Poor Gideon doesn't know what to think, you're having an alpha content with Nick. Let's not cause chaos and have a nice dinner tonight, okay? Show Nick around town, make him feel welcome."
"I don't know what came over me, Bon-" He paused, unable to process any other excuses. "I'm sorry."
"She's your little girl, I get it. But, she's not so little anymore. Remember when you met my parents?"
"And your four hundred siblings?"
"At least none of the boys can throw Nick in the watering hole yet."
"Warner can."
"But he won't."
The couple broke out into laughter then, and Vivian smiled to herself as she passed the kitchen entryway towards the back of the house. Her parents would be alright. She sat down on the back of the porch, eyeing her sister as she walked with Nick hand in hand. There was a cobblestone path between the garden patches her mother had installed last year and it came out nicely. The young bunny leaned against the wooden railing. She had to remind herself to tend to the grapes and check on the wine in the cellar for the evening ceremony at the fair.
"Well, that went well," Nick uttered sarcastically as he walked with Judy towards the blossom tree.
Judy leaned against him, wondering why her father couldn't just give things a chance rather than live in fear and skepticism. As much as he tried, it still crept up. She was his daughter, she got that, but she was also an adult who could pass judgment for herself. Her parents had always wanted the best for her and if/when Judy became a mother, she was fairly certain she'd want the same. She would just have a different approach.
She squeezed his arm gently and closed her eyes. "It's going to get better. Don't things get worse before they get better?"
'They have to,' She thought
"Such an optimistic bunny you are," Nick gazed down at her, kissing her head gently.
Nick slid down against the trunk of the tree, situating Judy between his legs so she rested against his stomach. She slid up into his lap so she could hug him to her. She was always at peace with him like this, and her parents loved her, they'd have to see that he made her happy.
"What was that all about with that Gideon guy?"
"My dad," she groaned before lifting her eyes to take him in. "You're not Gideon."
"Damn right I'm not him. Your siblings seem to like me, though. Except the one with the carrot up her butt. Was it extra long this morning?"
Judy laughed and covered her mouth to stifle the sound, but it was no use. "Clara has had a crush on Gideon for ages. She can't stand it he won't even look at her." Clara was also jealous of the fact Judy had earned her life. Clara was a little more…entitled; a ballerina who wanted golden slippers.
"Because he's too distracted with the carrot up her butt, it's truly intimidating. Really, I was trembling."
She laughed harder at that, which caused him to smile. He loved making her laugh, making her happy. He placed his paws at her hips and drew a digit beneath her chin, drawing her to him before he kissed her. No matter what, even if they were the only two in their little world, that was fine with Nick. Not everyone needed to accept them, that's actually what made things interesting.