-Ruining a memory-
With every step Debbie took towards Nick he felt the world around him seem to blur till she was the only thing in focus.
She heard! There is no way she missed it!
Nick took in a deep breath as he tried to maintain his composure. All his years as a con artist were now being put to the test. Hiding his emotions from Skye, who was still standing next to him, was one thing. Hiding them from Debbie was on another level entirely.
"Trouble?" Skye whispered through her teeth, her brow rising slightly.
It was obvious to Nick that Skye was somewhat concerned but with Debbie approaching there was little else she could do except stand there and wait with Nick.
"Hey there Slick," the way her voice sounded so pleased was like ice to Nick who resisted the urge to shiver.
"Debbie," Nick said simply with a nod.
She knows I can't do anything. Maybe if I am lucky one of the lights will fall on her…
Nick glanced at the ceiling and mentally cursed the lack of chandeliers in this corner of the lobby. He made a mental note to bring this up with Trisha who could probably annoy one of the maintenance mammals for him to have emergency lights installed for situations just like this.
Debbie glanced over at the lovely artic vixen in uniform next to Nick. Skye glanced from Debbie and then Nick, however, the tod didn't seem to take the hint, his green eyes staring right at Debbie.
Skye cleared her throat and extended a paw, "Head Ranger Skye Winters."
The way Skye spoke though was rather formal, the fact she gave her title was almost like she was warning Debbie to stay in line.
Nick was impressed with how so many of the ladies he worked with managed to pick up hints when he was in trouble. Sadly it seemed to be happening more and more since the arrival of a certain someone.
"Debbie, I am with the VIMs evaluating Fairfax's investment safety," Debbie said as her lips curled.
She too had picked up on Skye's tone and wanted to make sure the other vixen was aware of who she was dealing with.
The tension in the air was so thick that Nick felt like he could barely breathe.
"Well I hope everything has been to your liking so far," Skye said, trying not to sound too formal but failing.
"Oh, it has," Debbie said with sultry confidence. "Nick has been a very attentive tour guide so far. Can't wait to see what other romantic spots he has planned for us."
Debbie had clearly won this round. The fact she not only knew Nick's secret but also how important her position was during these trying times meant she was in control at the moment.
"Well Ranger Wilde is one of our best rangers," Skye said as she glanced at Nick.
It was all she could do right now. Nick could tell that this situation was somewhat troubling to the artic vixen but without more information, she was at a loss for words. She obviously wanted to say more. To ask a question or two. To figure out why in the world Nick was worried.
A sudden garbled transmission on Skye's side broke the awkward silence that been forming around the three foxes.
"Well duty calls," Skye said calmly as she pulled the radio from her side. "Oh and Ranger Wilde I still need to have a word with you. So as soon as you are done here just give me a shout."
Nice Try Boss…
It was an obvious ploy to get Nick away from Debbie, so much so that Debbie even seemed to roll her eyes.
Nick was grateful none the less and gave his superior a nod as she excused herself.
"So, you and Judy huh?" Debbie began as she watched Skye strolled towards the entrance to the lobby.
Damn...
"Its none of your business Debbie," Nick said coldly.
The one advantage Nick now had was the fact that Debbie and he were virtually alone. No one else from the group was present or had heard about Nick and Judy's relationship. If he played his cards right he could have a chance to salvage something from all this. Or maybe even cut Debbie off to where she dropped the new gossip.
"Explains a lot really," Debbie said with a smirk.
"Really now?"
That's right, open-ended lines. Let her explain her position first.
"Well sure," Debbie said as she strolled over so she was next to Nick. She then did something that Nick had not been expecting. She turned and looped an arm through Nick's and began to slowly stroll through the lobby, leading the stunned fox with her.
Nick's legs continued to move alongside Debbie as the rest of his body demanded he stop.
The only reason he didn't rip his arm free was the fact that it would reveal way too much emotion. Which Debbie could use as ammo later. She was testing him, either that or she was toying.
Either way, Nick knew how important it was he remain calm and collective.
So, for now, he was forced to take this stroll through the lobby with his former bondmate. Something he had never even imagined would happen.
"I mean you left Zootopia," Debbie continued as they walked past a large fireplace. The flames inside roaring and warming several mammals who had taken seats nearby. "Then end up in this backwater town only to become a ranger. I mean let's face it Nick this is not Zootopia. This is the last place you want to be."
"Like you know where I want to be," Nick grumbled.
"Pretty sure it's away from me and curled up with a certain vixen."
"What?"
Nick closed his eyes and let out a sigh.
He had just slipped up and he could tell Debbie knew as well. The way the vixen whose arm was wrapped around his stopped and looked at him.
"I meant Judy," Debbie said as one of her brows raised. "But...she isn't a vixen is she?"
How had he forgotten so much so quickly? He used to be the king of the hustle and now he felt like the court jester.
"What does it matter to you?" Nick said as he continued with their rather unpleasant stroll.
"Oh wow," Debbie said as her eyes widened and she looked around the room. "So your one of those interspecies couples then?"
"Like I said, what does it matter?" Nick said in a low growl.
"Oh it really doesn't matter to me Slick," Debbie said as she gained her composure and smirked over at her escort. "I mean I like to think that we can date anyone."
"I am so glad to get your approval," Nick grumbled as he rolled his eyes.
"I mean there was this handsome wolf back in the city. Or that panther at the bar. Lots of strong mammals out there ya know."
Nick kept cool and collective as Debbie spoke. Fortunately for him, the vixen on his arm didn't pick anything else up.
Preds...all she has listed are preds.
What would she think when she saw Judy?
A small storm cloud colored doe in her little parks uniform.
Sure Judy was a great leader but she wasn't exactly dangerous. Neither was Trisha.
They both acted tough and strong, however, in the end, they were nothing like Debbie.
Nick glanced over at the lovely vixen next to him. His eyes going down her slender figure. He knew she had muscle underneath that fur. He had seen her tensed up before, how she would bare her teeth when angry, how she would sometimes lower herself to get a better angle, not even hesitant to slowly crawl on all fours, showing off her-
The Ranger blinked a few times before looking away. He had a feeling this might happen. Being so close to someone you were bonded too was hard. He had read up on it after their break up. One of the reasons he had taken the job as a firewatcher so long ago was to be away from a city in which Debbie lived. If they had run into each other on the street the slightest whiff of her scent could cause different reactions.
There were some examples where mammals would become angry and begin shouting or growling. Other cases where they broke down and wept.
However, on rare occasions, there would be a more carnal reaction. Afterall bonding normally happens in the most intimate of moments or settings. So the scent of a formally bonded mammal could sometimes cause more interesting desires.
Nick looked straight ahead and was relieved when he saw a large doorway that led into a bar just off the lobby. Now was as good a time as ever to getaway.
Nick stopped in his tracks and turned to Debbie, "The bar is just through the doorway there. If you excuse me I need to have a word with my supervisor."
He tried to sound casual but knew everything he had just said sounded rather robotic. Debbie, however, didn't seem to mind. In fact, she must have taken it as a victory.
"Will you be joining all of us for dinner?" The vixen asked sweetly as if she wasn't the biggest pain in Nick's behind.
Nick simply nodded before turning and walking away. He didn't dare look back which was probably for the best. The smile gracing Debbie's lips would have been too much.
Everything happened in a blur, so much so that Nick didn't even really remember how he ended up back at Judy and his cabin. He remembered starting his truck and driving through the rain-soaked forests back to Camp Currey but for the most part, it felt like he had just teleported to his safe haven in the woods.
His body was a wreck by the time he closed the front door behind him. He was soaked and not just from the rain. A cold sweat had formed all over his body and he felt his heart beating erratically.
Deep breathes Wilde. She isn't here.
He began to wonder what that meant though. Did he mean Judy or Debbie?
Before his mind could wander the fox began to strip off his uniform and tossed it on a chair near the bed as he hurried into the bathroom. He turned on the shower and waited for the warm water as he finished getting undressed.
Once inside the shower he closed his eyes and lowered his head, letting the warm water just pour over him and wrap him up in comfortable steam.
Judy isn't here right now. That's the only one that matters.
Nick took in a deep breath, the steamy air warming his lungs before he exhaled.
After a quick shower, the fox felt exhausted. He hadn't realized what kind of emotional rollercoaster he had been on all day and what it had done to him.
His body felt sore. He tried to blame all the hiking in the current crumby weather but he knew there was another factor.
Nick spent a few minutes drying is fur. He glanced over at his Ranger uniform which was now hanging off a chair. He was supposed to head back to the lodge and have dinner with the VIMs and Lily. The idea being to spend some time sharing stories he had as a Firewatcher and Ranger to try and pull at some heartstrings or maybe make them put a face to Fairfax.
Judy had come up with the idea. Let the visitors meet some of the mammals in town, hear their stories, and understand that it wasn't just a dusty little town in the forest. It was a family out here.
Nick remembered what Al had said during their hike. How so far things had been going better than they had thought.
After thinking it over Nick made a difficult decision. He needed a break. If that meant calling it an early night and skipping dinner he was fine with that. It wasn't like he had much of an appetite today anyways.
Nick reached into his pants pocket and produced his cellphone before tossing the clothing back on the chair near the bed.
He typed out a quick message to Lily. Apologizing but explaining how he wouldn't be making dinner.
A minute or two later a message came up on the screen and Nick couldn't help but let out a relieved sigh.
"No problem Nick. I will tell them a Ranger matter came up. Do you want anything from the Tree Top for Dinner? I could even drop something off if you like?"
Nick knew for a fact that Lily lived in the opposite direction of Camp Currey which meant she was willing to go out of her way to help. He made a mental note that when this was all done to talk to Judy about making this all up to Lily. The raccoon had been doing her best to run interference which was not her job but she had taken up the task with ease.
"No, I am good. Thanks, Lil. I will see you tomorrow."
With that, Nick set the phone on a little bedside table and scooped up his walkie talkie. He fell onto the bed and landed with a muffled thump on his back. After staring up at the ceiling he for a few seconds he keyed up the mic.
"Hey there Wewa, how is the weather?"
It took a second or two but Judy's voice finally came over the frequency.
"Gray, wet, and perfect for cuddling."
Nick chuckled as the knot in his stomach vanished and his muscles no longer ached. Just hearing her voice was like a medicine to the poor ranger.
"Good thing you brought Trisha."
"While a pro at cuddling," Judy began. "She doesn't have a big floofy tail."
"Is that the only reason you date me?" Nick asked with a chuckle.
"Pretty much," Judy responded playfully.
"Not my charm or good looks?"
"Meh," Judy shot back.
Nick closed his eyes and began to shake in bed as he tried not to laugh.
"So you about to head to dinner? You're at the Tree Top tonight right?" Judy transmitted.
The fox let out a long sigh before keying up his microphone. He knew that it was probably best he come clean and tell her he had changed plans.
"Actually I called it an early night. Just messaged Lil and she seems fine with it. Sorry Carrots… I just needed to get away for a bit."
He was worried Judy may be a little upset that Nick had bailed on the plans that she had already laid out.
"I completely understand Nick," Judy said softly. "I know how strong you are but everyone needs a break now and then."
Nick closed his eyes as he prepared for the next bit of exciting news.
"She found out about us Carrots," Nick said with a sad sigh. He didn't want to exactly explain how though. Afterall it really wasn't Chris's fault. He didn't know about the situation and was just being nice. Nick hadn't blamed the old wolf for even a second.
The seconds it took for Judy to respond felt like hours as Nick waited for his mate's transmission.
He began to wonder what questions might come first.
How? Did you tell her? What did she say? Why didn't you wait?
No question came though. Instead, a very Judy response did.
"Good."
Nick blinked his eyes opened and stared at the walkie in his paws as if it were the one who had said that word.
"Good?" Nick asked in slight confusion.
"She knows now to stay away from my floof," Judy came back confidently.
Nick rolled his eyes, "Fox. You mean fox."
"I know what I said."
Nick shook his head as he chuckled to himself.
That bunny.
The thought had caused Nick to remember something though. While Debbie now knew Nick and Judy were an item she didn't know Judy's species.
"She doesn't know everything though," Nick admitted. "She thought you were a vixen at first."
"Ah," Judy said, sounding hesitant.
"Yeah," Nick couldn't think of much else to say.
"So what does she think I am?"
"Well, she still doesn't know."
"And when we meet here at Wewa?"
Nick remained silent for a few seconds. Trying to think about what would happen when they finally made it to Wewa.
"She is going to be very surprised," Nick said with a smirk.
"I like that idea," Judy admitted.
"So enough about what's going on with your fox who is currently curled up in our bed in a warm cabin," Nick began. He could almost see Judy's annoyed expression in his mind. "How is Wewa?"
"Keep talking Two Forks," Judy shot back. "You realize I am not the only one up here right? Everything you say I mention to Trisha."
Nick laughed once more before clicking down the button on his walkie, "Well you can mention to her that it's so toasty in the cabin right now I don't think I will need a blanket."
There was a pause before Judy transmitted once more, "Hey Trisha! Wanna hear how Nick is digging himself deeper into a hole?"
Little did Judy and Nick know though, the Ranger was actually in quite the hole.
The next day Nick rose with the sun. Grumbling the whole time but still able to get ready for the day at a reasonable pace. His morning transmission with Judy was like a fresh cup of coffee. The bunny sounding like her regular eager self, even making a joke about pulling Trisha's sleeping bag out into the rain to wake the lazy bunny.
Nick felt rather excited when he exited his cabin and looked out at the gray skies. Sure there was cloud cover but at least-
With a flash of lightning and a sudden clap of thunder, the heavens opened up once more. Nick wanted to make a comment about how the rain didn't seem too heavy but didn't want to jinx it.
There was another reason Nick was excited about today. It was tour day. Well, every day had been like tour day but today was different. The plan was to visit some of the locale museums and businesses where the owners would give fun little tours to the VIMs. Since most of the businesses had been around for decades each of them had a unique history.
This meant that three certain mammals would be rather busy today.
Nick arrived at the lodge early and messaged Lily. The two met in the lobby before getting the others. The ranger waiting for the lovely raccoon, a coffee in each of his paws.
As Lily approached Nick raised one of the coffees and wiggled it slightly. The raccoon cracked a warm smile as she approached.
"Thank you Ranger Wilde," Lily said professionally as she took the cup and sipped at its warm contents.
"Least I could do," Nick said with a smile. "Thanks again for covering last night."
"Oh no problem at all," Lily said warmly. "Was probably for the best. Our friends really embraced the vacation spirit and had a few extra drinks."
"Ah," Nick said hesitantly.
"Yeah," Lily said but still kept a smile on her lips. "Clive is a real party animal. Al and I had to pry him from the bar."
"And Debbie?" Nick asked, noticing how his friend had been skirting the subject.
"She was a little trouble but I got her settled in the end."
"What kind of trouble?"
Lily took a sip of her coffee as she looked out across the lobby which was slowly filling with mammals. Some of them were new arrivals, others checking out, some there to visit what few trails and activities were open.
Lily seemed to be searching for the words before she finally gave up with being strategic, "She wanted to know where you lived up here."
Nick closed his eyes and let out a sigh.
"She is easily distracted though and I managed to get her to drop the subject."
"Thanks, Lil, the last thing I need is a drunk vixen at my door," Nick grumbled.
"Think that's the last thing we all need," Lily pointed out which made Nick chuckle.
After spending a few minutes chatting with Lily they received a message from a member of the hotel staff that their VIMs had already checked in for breakfast at the restaurant just off the lobby and that they would probably be finished soon.
Nick let out a sigh that caught Lily's attention. The raccoon raising a brow.
The fox looked down into his nearly empty cup of coffee before speaking.
"Should have put something in this to help with the day," He said with a chuckle.
"Didn't think Jack liked you lot drinking on the job," Lily pointed out. Before Nick could speak though the raccoon continued with. "Which is funny because he keeps a bottle of whiskey in his desk which is replaced regularly."
"Really now," Nick asked as he glanced over at the raccoon who was sipping at her own coffee. "He wouldn't happen to leave his office unlocked would he?"
Lily broke her normal suave and collected character and nearly spat out her coffee as she let out a loud guffaw.
Nick would have loved to just stay in this moment a little longer. Enjoying a nice coffee with his friend from the parks department but he knew if they waited too long they would be neglecting their duties as tour guides.
"Shall we?" Lily finally asked as she began to stroll towards the other side of the lodge's lobby.
"Guess we have to," Nick grumbled as he tossed his empty cup in a nearby trash bin.
They arrived at the restaurant just off the lobby. Several groups of mammals were seated throughout the lovely room.
A series of floor to ceiling windows sat on one side of the restaurant revealing the rain covered forest outside. A roaring fireplace in the far corner though kept the occupants nice and warm. It was actually a pleasant and calming atmosphere...well almost.
"Well hey there Slick," Debbie said as she waved Lily and Nick over. A playful look on her lovely muzzle. "Where did you disappear off to last night?"
"Had to handle some other duties and by the time I was done it was a bit late," Nick lied but he was confident he had the group fooled from the looks and nods of understanding.
"That's alright, a certain someone was a real pawful," Al said as he spread some jam on his toast, nodding over at a certain armadillo who was currently sipping at a glass filled with thick red liquid, a cellary stick sticking out of the top.
"I heard," Nick said with a smile as he glanced over at Clive who winced.
"Nick do me a favor and just put me out of my misery will you?" The old armadillo grumbled.
Al pointed his butter knife at Nick with a grin, "Don't you dare Ranger Wilde, I want him to suffer through this."
Fortunately, breakfast was not that awkward. Mainly because Lily and Nick had arrived just as their VIMs were finishing up. Clive insisted that he treat their gracious hosts to something but Nick and Lily kindly turned down the offer. Al suggested it was just Clive's way of trying to sit still a little longer.
They eventually managed to get everyone up from breakfast and headed towards the main lobby entrance.
"Nick, please.." Clive began as he hobbled alongside the ranger. "Tell me we are done with hiking for now."
Nick chuckled as he glanced down at the poor hungover creature next to him and nodded, "Hope you don't mind some tours of the local shops."
"Will there be chairs?" Clive begged.
Nick nodded.
"And you promise the sun won't come out right?"
Lily and Nick looked at one another and chuckled.
"Well looks like mother nature will be helping out with that one Clive," Nick said as they trotted down the stone front steps of the lodge's entrance.
While Nick enjoyed the moment chatting with the armadillo his mood immediately changed as he held the door open to the SUV and Debbie placed a paw on Nick's. Her touch lingered as she glanced at Nick and gave him a wink.
Sadly that was just the start of things to come.
Debbie had not forgotten their last conversation and intended to continue it immediately.
While the tours themselves were supposed to save Nick from a certain vixen that didn't seem to stop her from breaking away when she could.
It started at the Fairfax historical society museum. The building had originally been a general store when Fairfax was a frontier town. It had since been turned into a quaint little museum. Complete with a model of Fairfax when it was a train hub.
As their tour guide, a kind middle-aged gazelle who had put on her best dress for their visitors explained a little bit about the town's unique history Debbie started her little game.
"So did you check in with Judy this morning at Wewa? How is the lovely wolf doing?"
Nick gave Debbie a sideways glance before looking back at the tour guide.
Maybe if I ignore her she will go away. Might not work on Trisha but Debbie could get bored.
She didn't….
"Oh Nick, check out this outfit," Debbie said at their next stop, one of the old frontier museums that sold clothing that looked like it belonged in a different time. The vixen held up a lovely dress that was a size or two too small for her. "Bet a certain red panda would look adorable in this."
Nick felt his heart stop before kicking back into overdrive. It pained him with every guess.
"How is that lovely painted dog of yours?"
"Oh Nick, check this out, you should bring that panther of yours here!"
"Nick, have you seen this? Judy taken you here yet? Heard those dholes love this stuff."
Guess after guess was like a punch in the stomach to him.
Mainly because it would make his mind drift back to his days as a firewatcher.
One of the games he and Judy had played when Nick had first arrived was a silly guessing game. He would try to ascertain clues from Judy who really didn't give him much help.
Every time Debbie guessed Nick's mind would go back to the time he made a similar guess. How Judy would let out a playful laugh or maybe play along with Nick's guess. Pretending to be that type of mammal for the day.
While it had been fun at the time Nick felt his stomach knot with every attempt Debbie made. It was like she was invading one of his fondest memories and making it into her own. Destroying what had been some of his favorite times with his little firewatcher from the Thorofare tower.
He finally managed to shake the annoying vixen at the moonshine distillery tour.
The VIMs were fascinated with the state-of-the-art facility that was housed inside what looked like an old barn that was just one steady gust of wind away from collapsing. The inside though revealed a pristine operation.
Nick glanced over as Debbie, Al, and Clive all sipped at some glasses with a clear liquid as a kindly spoken raccoon explained the process of creating the strong concoction.
The ranger made his way around a corner and scooped up his radio. Clicking down on a button on the small device as he let out a sigh.
"Hey, Judy…"
He couldn't hide his drained state at the moment. He felt like he was filled with poison and just needed to let it all out.
"Hey Nick," Judy responded seconds later. "Give me 30 seconds ok?"
Nick closed his eyes and nodded before transmitting, "You got it Carrots."
A moment or two later Judy finally responded.
"Sorry about that Nick, had to handle some issues with organizing flood warning signs to put out around the trails."
"Has it gotten that bad?" Nick asked hesitantly.
"Nothing to worry about, this is just standard procedure. We already had signs in place but thought it would be good to put some new ones up."
"Always prepared," Nick chuckled.
"How are you doing? How are the tours?"
"Well, I wish I could say they are keeping everyone busy…but a certain someone seems to find time to ask questions."
"What type of questions?"
"She is obsessed with learning more about you," Nick admitted but immediately regretted it, knowing he shouldn't put this kind of burden on Judy right now.
"Sounds like a certain Firewatcher."
While the comment was supposed to be sweet it had the opposite effect at the moment. Nick felt a cold pang inside him.
"I am nothing like her," Nick grumbled over the radio.
There was a pause and Nick closed his eyes. Before he could apologize Judy responded.
"I shouldn't have said it like that. I am sorry Two Forks," Judy responded. "You played that game for the right reason. She is just…. I don't know."
"She is doing this to get to me."
"But why? What is her obsession with all this? So what if you have a new mate. She made the mistake of leaving you and now you are mine."
Nick couldn't explain it but hearing Judy taking ownership of him made his chest swell. Knowing that she cared so much to claim him meant a great deal more than she probably knew. After all, he had been abandoned by his first bond mate.
To most foxes that meant they were worthless which would cause problems later on. However to find a new mate that still wanted him built up the fox's confidence.
"I can't explain it, Judy," Nick said with a sigh. "It's just how she operates."
"Can't wait to meet her."
"Well, that day is right around the corner."
"Can't get here fast enough," Judy shot back with a little fire in her words.
"Any idea what you're going to say?" Nick asked as his lips curled into a smile.
Even though they were talking about his ex he couldn't help but grin when talking to Judy. Just hearing her sweet voice made his days a little brighter.
"Say? No idea," Judy shot back. "What I am going to do though is remind her you are spoken for. And if she doesn't like it then I will sick Trisha on her."
Nick let out a snort. If any bunny had a chance of taking on a fox it was Trisha.
"How is everyone's favorite trouble maker?"
"She is good. She is getting ready to head back to Fairfax to pick you all up soon."
Nick let out a happy sigh before he heard Judy continue.
"She has been really helpful through all this. Just know that while she enjoys terrorizing you...she really cares. She keeps asking what she could do to help with all this."
"Maybe lay off the pinecones?" Nick suggested.
"Have you met Ranger Rose before?"
The two shared a laugh before Nick heard someone clearing their throat. He glanced over to see Lily who had obviously been looking for the missing ranger. She gave him a friendly wave and then nodded over her shoulder.
Nick took the hint and gave her a wave.
"Have to continue with the tour for now Carrots."
"Ok Nick, just remember we aren't far now. Soon you will be here at Wewa."
"Hope you don't mind sharing a sleeping bag."
"Oh please, like that was even a question."
Nick placed his radio back on his belt and reluctantly returned to the rest of the group.
The tour of the distillery actually took longer than expected. Mainly because Al and Clive were extremely interested in the process of making the strong spirits and had many questions. The tour guide was impressed with their enthusiasm and was more than happy to answer the many inquiries coming from the group.
Lily didn't want to rush things, knowing how important it was to maintain interest with the VIMs. When they arrived at the Distillery gift shop she excused herself and stood outside the shop, doing her best to rearrange their tour schedule.
Nick busied himself at a large display that had all sorts of brightly colored jars organized into rows so it looked like a rainbow. Upon closer inspection, he realized the colored liquids were all the same moonshine, only with different fruits inside. The spirits in the mason jars had sucked the color right out of the fruits only to turn into a bright color itself.
Nick picked up a bright red one and realized the jar was filled with cherries. A thought crossed his mind as he inspected the jar.
Trisha likes this stuff and she has been taking care of Judy.
Nick checked the price of the spirit. While a little pricey it was still within his budget and he did want to thank Trisha for helping with...well...everything.
The little fluff ball of chaos had helped Nick in more ways than he could count, so it only made sense to buy her something nice.
Apparently Nick wasn't the only one shopping for gifts.
When Lily returned the VIMs were just finishing up their purchases.
"Looks like we will have to cancel a tour or two, called some folks and we are moving other tours to tomorrow," Lily explained.
"Thought tomorrow was a day off for us," Nick pointed out.
He had a point. Judy and Lily had placed a few days throughout the VIMs visit to be days off. To allow their visitors the chance to rest or maybe explore on their own. It would also let Nick and Lily have some time off which Nick had been looking forward to since the arrival of a certain someone.
"It still is for you," Lily said with a warm smile.
"I can't make you work while I am off," Nick shot back. "That wouldn't exactly be fair."
"We will discuss it later," Lily said as the VIMs strolled up, some mischievous expressions on their lips. "Well, what are you lot up to?"
Al and Debbie, who had their paws behind their backs when they approached, both produced a brightly colored jar and held it towards Nick and Lily.
"We wanted to buy some thank you presents for being such wonderful hosts," Clive explained as Al held a bright orange jar towards Lily who looked pleasantly surprised.
"Oh you didn't have to," Lily said as she looked at the jar and smiled.
"Oh we insist," Al said with a smile. "I remember you enjoying that orange drink last night and thought you would get a kick out of this."
"And I remember how a certain someone loved blueberries," Debbie said as she held a bright blue jar towards Nick.
The ranger was suddenly full of conflict. He absolutely hated this. To receive a gift was one thing. To get one from her though was a bit much. On top of that, she was playing a certain card by reminding him that she knew his preferences.
"Thanks," Nick said, using all his concentration to muster a smile.
"Maybe you can share it with Judy on date night," Debbie said as her muzzle curled into a smile.
All eyes suddenly went to Nick and Debbie.
That bitch!
"Well now," Al began with a laugh. "You and Judy?"
Nick's mind raced as he tried to figure out the best course of action. Lying wouldn't get him anywhere. The only thing he could do was own up to it.
"Yes," Nick said with a chuckle, masking his anger with Debbie perfectly. "When she isn't out setting up camps for you all she is putting up with me."
"They are a lovely couple," Lily said sweetly. "When Judy came up with this plan for you all to visit Nick stepped up and offered to help in any way he could. It was very admirable. Speaking of plans we are actually a little behind-"
Nice try Lil...that's not going to work though.
"Well looks like you lot will have lots to drink," Clive explained as he hefted up a bag and produced a jar filled with red liquid. "I bought this for her as a thank you."
"Oh party at Nick and Judy's," Debbie teased.
Nick began to wonder though just how serious the vixen was.
Can today get any worse?
"I have been looking forward to meeting Judy," Clive continued. "She looked like such a sweet young doe when I saw her picture."
Now all eyes went to Clive. The old armadillo completely oblivious to what he had just done.
"Doe?" Al asked in some confusion.
Nick looked over at Debbie, the broadest of smiles gracing her lips as she glanced at Nick.
Her eyes stared into his as she mouthed a question, "Doe?"
Pinecone….
Well, the pinecone is out of the bag.
I hope you are all staying safe during these trying times. Writing has kind of slowed down for me but hopefully, we will break through this little block soon.
Till then,
Pinecone!
-Blue