Growing Up

The Barbics, Glens and any other Disney characters are copyrighted to Disney and we claim no ownership. However, any new characters are copyrighted to Ulisa, Silver Fox and Cheetah the Furry. This plot is a collaboration of Ulisa, Silver Fox, and Cheetah the Furry.

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            With a big "Nyaaa!", Cubbi stuck out his tongue and dashed off. Buddi sighed.

            "Sometimes, ya just wanna smack him. I know. He gets on my nerves, too, but I kinda see his point. I mean, he used to be able to go wherever he wanted in the forest and now, with the Glen gone, you're both stuck in this new lifestyle. He may not be adapting to it as well as us."

            Sunni's eyes fell to her shoes, fighting any guilt at yelling at Cubbi and her yearnings for the Glen.  A new lifestyle...

            "Hey, you okay?"

            Her gaze wandered up to Buddi. "I miss it. The Glen. Grammi has this huge kitchen now, and Gruffi's happy with all the new gadgets and broken things. Zummi... well, since he could repair the ancient books in the library using the Great Book, he hasn't been seen much. Gusto... I wish he'd visit sometimes."

            Buddi's fists clenched. He didn't like the way Sunni talked about Gusto. Sometimes, he was sure the blue bear was as feather-brained as his toucan friend when it came to responding to others. Buddi was glad he _rarely_ saw Gusto. Prob'ly couldn't even throw a spear right...

            "...so it _can_ be hard sometimes, I guess. I'm just afraid that if I get too wrapped up in stuff here, I'll lose the Glen in my head. I don't want to forget."

            Buddi's attention snapped back just in time for a response. "Yeah. I know whatcha mean. It was hard for us Barbics, when we had to leave."

            "That's why you hate humans so much?"

            "Yeah. But I--"

            A knock at the door interrupted them. Tummi opened the door without getting a reply, Cubbi tagging along behind him.

            "Gruffi says you gotta watch Cubbi. He's gettin' into too much trouble."

            Sunni and Buddi groaned in unison.

            "If _you_ take him, I'll bake you a nice, big--"

            "Uh... Sorry, Sunni." the large bear interrupted her sugar-laced offer,_really_ sorry that he couldn't be paid to take Cubbi off their hands. "Gruffi said he needs me. Now."

            "Hmph!" was Cubbi's reply. "I don't wanna hang out with _you_ two." The cub crossed his arms stubbornly, still hurt over being rejected before.

            "Well... Bye!" Tummi zipped out faster than one would think a bear of his bulk could go.

            Buddi plopped down on the bench, his quiet time with Sunni shot to heck.

            "Just great..."

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