Alright, it's now time for Chapter 4 of this story. So, after my last chapter, some people gave me some ideas in the comments. Honestly, some of them were close to the ideas I already had planned. Not completely, but one or two points. This isn't one of them, but I felt that it needed to be done. Before I talk about what the focus of this story is, let's talk about the twins, Todd and Vixey. As some of you read from the last story, the idea of John and Frankie wanting to have more kids came up more than once. Honestly, I was never planning for Nick to have siblings in the first place. But after comments and suggestions, I decided that the idea could really work. Besides, who knows? Other characters in the movie may actually have siblings we don't know about. We don't know their full backstories. The twins were created cause I wanted Nick to have both a brother and a sister. That and I'm actually a twin in real life. But we're the brother/brother kind of twins. But enough about that. The main focus is on Nick and Finnick. In the movie, they were basically hustling buds. But I also felt that they had a bit of a brotherhood. But brotherhoods get difficult when one of the brothers has actual siblings to look after plus a girlfriend. How does Finnick feel about being second to third fiddle? Let's find out.
Still in his bed, was Nick. The light from the sun is what finally woke him up. Nick got out of his bed moaning and groaning. He walks up to his mirror and notices his bedhead. He really didn't put an effort to fix it. It was one of those mornings.
Nick came downstairs to the dinner table. His mom, dad, brother, and sister, were already up and having breakfast. Todd and Vicky were drinking from their bottles.
"Morning, son." John said greeting Nick.
"Morning, Nicky." Frankie said also greeting Nick.
"Morning..." Nick said still sounding groggy as he walks. He then pats the heads of Todd and Vicky. "Morning, minis." Nick then sat down on the table. Frankie put a plate in front as he sits down. Nick's breakfast was tofu scrambled eggs, toast, and hashbrowns.
"So, any plans for today?" Frankie asked her son.
"Honestly, I got nothing." Nick said as he pours orange juice into his cup.
"Nothing?" John said surprise to hear that. "I thought you and your friends would have a bunch of plans for the Summer."
"That was the plan." Nick said to his old man. "After Judy and I met up with the others the day she came back, we all agreed to come up with plans for our Endless Summer. But... uh... we met up yesterday and... well..."
Yesterday, Nick, Judy, and the others met up again at the Juice Bar. They all wanted to make a list of things to for the Summer. Each day would be filled with an activity they wanted to do. On the table was a piece of paper titled "Plans for the Summer". But besides that... the list was completely empty. Everyone was silent before shouting out "WE. GOT. NOTHING!". Nick also throw the list in the air.
Back with Nick and his family...
"Apparently, it's hard to figure out what you want to do during Summer vacation." Nick said to his parents. "So for now, we're just gonna do what comes naturally. Hang out a few days or do our own things. If something comes up, we'll do it then."
"I see." John said getting what his son means. "Do you have any plans for today?"
"I was thinking I would just get together with Judy. You know, the whole 'boyfriend-girlfriend' thing." Nick said as he ate some of his hashbrowns.
"That sounds nice." John said to Nick.
"I just hope we can figure out what we should do before the Summer ends." Nick said looking a bit concern.
"I'm sure you will come up with something. Give it some time." John said smiling. His smile then went away when he saw the clock on the microwave say 8:48. "Oh jeez! I'm late. I got to get ready to open up the store. John quickly drank the rest of his coffee and then walked up to Todd and Vicky. "Alright, kids. Daddy's got to go to work. So I'll see you later."
"Buh buh." Todd said.
"Buh buh, dada." Vicky said.
John then kissed both Todd and Vicky on their foreheads. After that, John walked over to Nick and patted his head.
"See ya, champ." John said to Nick.
"Later, pop." Nick said to his old man.
Lastly, he walked back to Frankie.
"Have a good day, sweetie." Frankie said to her husband cheerfully.
"You too, honey." John said before giving Frankie a kiss on her cheek.
"Ewww!" Todd responded as he stuck out his tongue.
"Yucky!" Vicky said also disgusted by the site of her parents' romance.
"I know, right? Parents are gross." Nick said to his baby siblings.
With that said, John said goodbye to his family and made his way to his shop. After breakfast, Nick decided to watch some TV with the twins. Since Todd and Vicky were still babies, he had to watch something that was... appropriate for them. Just an educational show that involved puppets.
"I can't believe that Mr. Roarly's Puppet Friends is still on the air." Nick said. "I think this show's been on since mom and pop were your two's age."
"Uab bo abab." Todd babbled.
"Yeah. Parents are old." Nick stated. Nick's ears then perked up as he hears the doorbell ring. "Oh. That must be Judy."
Getting up from the couch, he walks over to the front door and opens it. As expected, it really was Judy.
"Girlfriend." Nick said greeting Judy.
"Boyfriend." Judy said looking happy to see Nick.
"Please come in, Carrots." Nick said allowing Judy to step in.
"Gladly." Judy said happily as she walks into the house.
As Judy goes into the living room, she sees the twins already sitting on the couch. Of course, Judy loves to see the twins every chance she gets.
"Hey, Toddy and Vicky." Judy said greeting the two fox pups. She then lifted up Vicky from the couch. "How are you today?"
"Juju! Ahh gee gah." Vicky said happily.
"A bit happier now that you're here." Nick stated.
"So, still got nothing planned?" Judy asked while still holding Vicky.
"Just hanging out with you and the minis." Nick said with a smile. "Unless you have anything in mind."
"Not really. Remember, I'm still pretty much just coming back to the city. I barely know what's going on these days." Judy stated.
"Man, hope we can find some way to fill up our Summer with some activities soon." Nick said looking a bit worried.
"Don't worry. I'm sure we'll come up with something." Judy said while patting Nick's back.
"Yeah." Nick said nodding in agreement.
As they said that, Frankie came into the room. But now she had on some blue nurse scrubs on over white clothes.
"Oh. Hello, Judy." Frankie said greeting the young doe.
"Hey, Mrs. Wilde." Judy said with a wave. "What's with the outfit? You look like a nurse."
"That's because I am one." Frankie stated as she fixed her shirt a bit.
"That's right. I forgot to tell you." Nick said as he slaps his forehead. "Mom recently got a new job at a hospital. A nursing home, actually."
"Really? That's amazing." Judy said impressed.
"I don't think I've ever told you dearly, but I used to do quite a bit of nursing before I married Mr. Wilde." Frankie stated. "A few years after we had Nick, I had to leave to become a stay-at-home mom and help Johnny around the shop. But now Johnny has his new shop with employees to help him, as well as Nick being old enough to take care of himself, I thought it was a good time for me to get back into nursing." Frankie then walked up to the couch and lifted up Todd. "With two more mouths to feed, we need all the money we can make."
"Makes sense." Judy said understanding.
Frankie then handed Todd for Nick to hold him. "Now Nicky, I want you to take good care of Toddy and Vicky while I'm gone." Frankie told Nick.
"Relax, mom. You know I got this." Nick said to his mom to let her know she has nothing to worry about. "Why would you have more kids if you didn't want the oldest kid to look after them?"
"Why does that sound like something the older kids in my family would say?" Judy asked herself.
"Besides, this isn't the first time I watched them and you know that." Nick stated.
"Just watch over them." Frankie said.
"I will, mom." Nick said with a smile.
"Alright then." Frankie said. She then looked at Todd and Vicky as Nick and Judy still held them. "Toddy, Vicky, be good to your big brother while mommy's away for the day." She then kissed both Toddy and Vicky's foreheads. She then looked up at Nick. "You be good too, Nick." She then kissed Nick on the forehead. This embarrassed Nick a bit.
"Mom! Not in front of Judy." Nick said looking red-faced.
"Heeheehee!" Judy giggled.
With that, Frankie said goodbye and made her way out. So now Nick and Judy were left with the twins. Nick and Judy then went back to watching the TV and sitting on the couch. Todd was on Nick's lap, while Vicky was on Judy's.
"Can't believe this show still going on. I remember this being on when I was a baby." Judy stated to Nick.
"Right? It's like some old shows don't end." Nick stated to Judy.
Once again, the doorbell rang.
"Yo Nicky, you in there?" The voice from outside of the door was Finnick's.
"Finn?" Nick said knowing that was his voice.
Nick takes Todd off his lap on puts him on the couch cushion. He then makes his way to the door. He opens up and sees that it really is Finnick. Behind him was a cooler filled with pawpsicles. A red frozen popsicle treat that Nick and Finnick made before.
"Sup?" Finnick said while tilting his head up.
"Sup?" Nick said doing the same. As Nick lets Finnick in, he then noticed all the pawpsicles Finnick brought. "You made a lot of pawpsicles. You planning on selling them today?"
"WE are selling them today." Finnick stated. "It's Summer and today's the perfect day to sell these babies to people who want to beat the heat."
"Speaking of babies, I'm... kinda watching the minis now." Nick stated as he scratches the back of his head.
"Again?!" Finnick said not sounding too happy. "Come on. Can't you get someone else to look after them? Like Carrots' sister?"
"She's busy with apartment stuff. Also, speaking of Carrots, she's actually here." Nick said pointing at Judy on the couch.
"Hey, Finnick." Judy said waving at the fennec.
"Of course she's already here." Finnick said not surprised to see Judy.
"Are those pawpsicles? Like the one we sold when we were little kids?" Judy asked.
"Oh yeah. Something else I forgot to tell you." Nick said recalling something he didn't tell Judy yet. "Finnick and I started to sell pawpsicles again about a year ago. We have also been making a LOT of cash from it."
"What about last time?" Judy asked recalling the last time they sold pawpsicles, they almost got in trouble. It was because they didn't have a permit.
"Ahh. That's why we got these." Nick said as he goes to one of his drawers, opens it up, and takes out a permit sheet. "Permits! Now we can sell the pawpsicles legally."
"Nick and I have been making tons of cash since we started selling them." Finnick said proudly. "Like 200 smackers a day. Divided by the two of us, we each get about 100 bucks. Not including days we don't sell pawpsicles or days we sell more than 100 of them."
"Yeah. So you can guess that we've been making quite a business after this. Best part, it's totally legit and legal." Nick stated proudly.
"What about taxes?" Judy asked raising an eyebrow.
Nick and Finnick eyes drooped down as they look at Judy with a total shock of realization. Judy had a major point. What about taxes?
"Taxes? Come on. They don't tax kids." Nick said trying not to sound worried. He then leaned down to Finnick to whispered to him. "Right?"
"I... I don't know." Finnick whispered back to Nick. He then faced Judy and spoke normally. "Well, what they don't know, won't hurt them. Or us."
"I suppose it's fine. It's not like I'm gonna say anything." Judy said telling the boys she will keep this to herself.
"Thanks." Nick and Finnick said relieved.
"Alright. Let's go, Nick. While the sicles are still cool and not melted." Finnick said wanting to get going.
"I told you. I got to watch Todrick and Victoria." Nick stated.
"Ugh! Can't you just bring the twins with us?" Finnick suggested.
"Hmm. Guess they could use some time outside." Nick said thinking about it. "Alright then."
"Yes!" Finnick said pumping his fist.
"I just need to get a few things. Give me a couple of minutes." Nick said as he runs off.
"Couple of minutes?" Finnick said despondently.
"They're babies, remember?" Judy asked. "There are gonna need a few things."
"Fiiiiiiiine." Finnick said tapping his foot on the floor rapidly.
After a couple of minutes, Nick came back with a huge baby bag and a black twin baby carriage. He and Judy then put the twins into the seats of the carriage. Todd on the left and Vicky on the right.
"There you two go." Judy said as she buckles them in.
"Okay. Everything we need for the minis is right in here." Nick said showing off the baby bag. "Diapers, bottles, baby food, their binkies..."
"Their... binkies?" Judy said confused on what a binky is.
"Their pacifiers." Nick replied.
"Oh." Judy said knowing what a pacifier is.
"We also have baby wipes, sunblock, rattles, and their two favorite items." Nick said. He then took out a white toy ring. "Toddy's teething ring..." Nick gave it to Todd and he was already happily chewing on it. "... and... " Nick then dug into the bag again and this time took out a tiny sky blue blanket. "... Vicky's Nug-Nug."
"Nug-Nug!" Vicky shouted out happily.
"Nug-Nug?" Judy said feeling that the name sounded familiar. She then started to ponder about the name more and realized where she heard it from and looked at Nick with a big grin. "*gasp* Nug-Nug!"
"Carrots, whatever you're thinking, stop." Nick said firmly and looking a little embarrassed.
"But you..." Judy said.
"Stop. Thinking." Nick said firmly while gritting his teeth while pointing at Judy's face.
Nug-Nug was the name of Nick's baby blanket that he had until he was 6. The fact that Vicky has it now meant that he kept the blanket all this time. Judy was the only one Nick told about Nug-Nug and he wanted to keep it that way. Judy still couldn't help but grin at Nick.
"Nick..." Judy said to Nick with a big smile. "You're such a great brother."
"Don't I know it." Nick said proudly as he gave the blanket to Vicky, who happily cuddled it.
As warm as it was to see this, Finnick was really losing his patience with everyone. Not only that, it seems that part of him felt... angry with Nick.
"Can we go now?" Finnick asked sounding a bit angry. "We got pawpsicles to sell and time is money."
"Alright. Keep your cool, little buddy." Nick said to Finnick.
"I always keep my cool. But these pawpsicles won't." Finnick stated as he takes the cooler and started move. "Now move those furry butts of yours."
Finnick made his way out the door in a bit of a rude matter for Nick and Judy. They felt off about this. Finnick has always had a short temper, but he wasn't always this angry. But even so, Finnick was right about the pawpsicles. So they just ignored it for now.
A few minutes later, Nick, Judy, Finnick, and the twins were now at a spot Downtown selling pawpsicles for $2. Finnick was the one being the front seller while Nick and Judy kept an eye on Todd and Vicky. The two babies currently had pacifiers in their mouths. They were doing pretty okay for a start. They sold about 10 pawpsicles so far. However, Finnick felt they could do better.
"Pawpsicles! Get your pawpsicles here. Beat the Summer heat... with a nice and frosty treat." Finnick said in an upbeat matter while holding up a pawpsicle.
Normally, the pawpsicles would sell pretty quickly. But today looked like a slow day. The streets weren't even too packed with people.
"Looks like business is gonna be slow today even with your catchy rhyme." Nick stated to Finnick.
"Uggh! The city's usually filled with people coming and going. Why is it that barely anyone is out now?" Finnick asked looking peeved.
"Maybe it's just the spot." Judy stated.
"Nick and I used this spot all the time. Most of the times, we get a lot of buyers." Finnick stated. "But we will move to one of the upper parts... for better business."
"Sounds like a plan." Nick said agreeing with the idea.
So they moved to another spot in the Downtown part of the city. They picked a spot near some park. Business for them was actually much better. Selling a few more pops. Since that seemed to be the case, Judy helped herself to one of the pawpsicles. She started recalling the first time she got to try a pawpsicle. It tasted the same as the first one she had one. Cold, fruity, and surprisingly didn't taste feet. Finnick saw Judy eating one of the pawpsicles and made a bit of a fuss.
"Hey! Bunny Girl, don't just go eating our product." Finnick said angrily.
"Come on, I just took one." Judy stated not understanding why Finnick was making such a fuss.
"Yeah... and that will be 2 bucks." Finnick said with his paw out.
"2 bucks?! You're really gonna charge me?" Judy asked surprised.
"Yes." Finnick replied.
"Finn, it's fine." Nick said to the fennec. "Let Judy have one."
"Come on! That's $2 unclaimed." Finnick said.
"Psst! It's only 2 little dollars. Besides, girlfriends get permission." Nick said.
"Thank you, Nicky." Judy said happily as he licked her pawpsicle.
"No prob, Carrots." Nick said smiling back at Judy.
"Ugh! You're always taking her side." Finnick said angrily.
"What's that suppose to mean?" Nick said not liking Finnick's tone.
"Does it even matter if I tell you? I'm pretty sure you already know the answer." Finnick said as he turns away Nick and Judy.
Nick and Judy could definitely tell something were up with Finnick. He was acting very weird for him. But for now, the two decided to ignore it and focus on selling the pawpsicles.
As they sell a few more pawpsicles, Judy was still eating hers while watching the twins. Judy couldn't help but notice the way the twins were glaring at the pawpsicle with curiosity. Judy stopped eating the pawpsicle for a second and wanted to test something. She moved her pawpsicle to her right and both Todd and Vicky looked right. She then moved her pawpsicle to her left and the twins looked left. She then lifted it up and down 3 times and the little pups still had their eyes on it.
"Hey, Nick?" Judy said calling out to her boyfriend.
"What's up?" Nick asked he walks to Judy.
"Look at Toddy and Vicky." Judy said as she moved her pawpsicle around in a circle. The twins still followed it. "They keep eyeing my pawpsicle."
Nick noticed too and saw the way the twins awe it. When they usually give those look, it's their way of saying that they want something.
"Pretty sure they want one for themselves." Nick stated. Nick then took two pawpsicles from the cooler and walked back to his siblings. "Toddy, Vicky, want one? Want a pop?"
"Pop! Pop!" Todd and Vicky said as they joyfully reached out their arm for the pawpsicle.
"Alright. I guess I can give you each one." Nick said about to hand a pawpsicle over to them.
"Freeze!" Finnick shouted out at Nick and halting him. "Bunny girl's one thing, but not the minis. They don't get a popsicle."
"Oh, come on. Why not?" Nick asked. "Can't you see that they want one?"
"Can't you see that you can't just keep giving away our products all willy-nilly?" Finnick said to Nick all strict and firmly.
"Products?" Nick said confused why Finnick would call their pawpsicles products.
"Who still says willy-nilly?" Judy asked as she tilted her head a bit.
"Finn, it's just a pawpsicle. We still got plenty more than these two." Nick stated as he handed his brother and sister the pawpsicles. Todd and Vicky had joyful looks on their faces as they held the paws and licked them. "See, they like 'em."
"They're babies. They would put anything in their mouths at least once." Finnick stated with his arms crossed.
"That's a bit of a clique thing to say." Judy said.
"Clique or not, now we're down 4 more dollars. Including the one you had, the total is 6 dollars." Finnick calculated.
"Dude, it's just money. No need to be so critical about it." Nick said to Finnick. We always make extras and always make plenty of money. So stop sweating about a few bucks."
"Hmpt!" Finnick grunted. "Whatever." Finnick then went back to work.
"What's with him today?" Nick asked Judy. "He's acting differently than he usually does."
"I know. He's usually grouchy and cares about money a lot, but not like this." Judy said agreeing with Nick.
Nick and Judy now became more concern about Finnick's behavior. Even though they didn't want to pull any of his strings, they knew they had to talk to him. A couple of minutes later, Finnick was looking grouchier than before. It also didn't help that customers weren't really coming. But the low amount of customers gave Judy the golden opportunity to talk to Finnick.
Judy slowly walks to Finnick's back and says "Ummm... Finnick?" to the little fox.
"What?" Finnick asked sounding a bit annoyed.
"Are you okay?" Judy asked with a worried look on her face.
"Oh, I'm fine." Finnick answered as he frails his right paw around. "You got your popsicle, the minis got their popsicles, everybody's happy. Right?"
"You don't sound too happy." Judy said noticing Finnick's unhappy tone. "Finnick, if it bothers you THAT much, then I'll pay for the 3 popsicles, alright?" Judy then got out her wallet.
"Keep your money. Last thing I want is your 'boyfriend' to go off on me." Finnick said firmly.
"What's that mean?" Judy asked starting to look mad.
"Not... hing." Finnick said gritting his teeth.
"Clearly, it's not." Judy said getting madder. She then walks closer to Finnick's face and leans her head down a bit. "If somethings bother you, just tell me straight. Did I do something wrong?"
"I said I'm fine. So back off, Bunny Girl." Finnick said before growling.
Nick was thinking things were getting too serious. So he had to intervene.
"Hey! Finn, ease up." Nick said trying to calm the fennec down and keeping a possible fight from happening. "Judy just wants to help lose some of that anger."
"If she wanted to help me, then she should leave me alone. Better yet, how about she just leaves and takes the babies with her." Finnick said.
"Hey!" Nick said now starting to lose his temper. "It's one thing to talk bad about Judy, but don't bring my brother and sister into this."
"Of course we would take their side." Finnick said angrily.
"Side? I'm not taking sides." Nick stated firmly.
"Wrong! As long as your girlfriend's around or minis, I'm always gonna come up short. No pun intended." Finnick shouted out in anger. He then slammed his paw on the pawpsicle cooler hard enough to make a bunch of them fall to the ground. This made Finnick panic. "Ah! No no no!"
All the pawpsicles that fell to the ground fell apart, got dirty, or both. 20 or so pawpsicles were now wasted.
"No..." Finnick said looking sad. "Now we won't be able to make our usual amount."
"Finnick, it's okay." Nick said trying to comfort him. "It's just popsicles and money."
"Just popsicles? Just money?" Finnick said as he gets up from the ground. It really bothers him that Nick would think that. Finnick's body started trembling. He then quickly ran off.
"Finnick! Wait!" Nick shouted out wanting the little fox to stop.
It was no use. Finnick just kept running away from the others. As he then, Todd started to cry loudly. Vicky started crying a second after. It was likely they are sad because of the tension from Finnick.
"Oh no. The twins seem pretty upset." Judy said with a worried look on her face.
"Uhhh... but... Finnick..." Nick said as he looked at the twins and then looking at the direction Finnick ran off to. He was feeling conflicted.
"Go." Judy said to Nick telling him to go after Finnick. "I'll look after Todd and Vicky. As well as clean up."
"Thanks." Nick said before running.
With Judy took care of the twins, Nick put his focus on finding Finnick. Even if Finnick was known to be quick on his feet, Nick knew Finnick couldn't have gotten too far. But he had to really rush.
Meanwhile, Finnick made it to a park, climbed up a big and tall tree, and sat on one of its branches. Finnick had a sad look on his face as he started to recall the day he first met Nick.
It was about 4 years ago. It was just a usual day for Finnick. He walks around the streets of Downtown and would often listen to music from his headphones. He used his headphones as a way to block out the outside world. Currently, he had a popsicle stick in his mouth. As he walked by the playground, he stopped when he noticed a sad red fox by himself in the swings. This fox was Nick and it was after the day he got muzzled by the Junior Ranger Scouts.
"Huh? That kid..." Finnick thought as he looked at the depressed fox. Finnick was all too familiar with that look. At first, Finnick thought "Eh. It's not my problem." and started walking away. But then, he couldn't help but get this itching feeling in his chest. He didn't know why, but he felt that he needed to talk to the boy because of it. So he decided to go to the young fox.
He walks over to the front of Nick, who was currently looking at the ground. Finnick then made his presence noticeable.
"Yo!" Finnick said greeting Nick.
"Huh?" Nick said as he looks up to see who was yo-ing him. He's surprised to see the tiny fox. "Oh. Ummm... hello?"
"I saw you from the distance. What's up with that sad mug?" Finnick asked.
"Hmm? What makes you think I'm sad?" Nick asked.
"Cause I can tell when someone is sad about something." Finnick stated. "Clearly, that's the case for you."
"So? Maybe I am sad." Nick admitted.
"What are you sad about?" Finnick asked.
"I... rather not say." Nick told him looking away from Finnick.
"Talking about it might make you feel better. I'm probably the only one who will listen to you. So you might as well talk to me." Finnick said before sitting on the swing next to Nick.
Nick decided that he might as well talk to Finnick about it. "Well... you see..."
Nick talked to Finnick about what happened to him with the Junior Ranger Scouts. Even after wanting to join them so badly, they wouldn't let him because he was not only a predator, but a fox. He even talked about how they put a muzzle on him.
"... And that's what happened." Nick said finishing telling his story.
"Tch! What a bunch of heartless punk." Finnick said angrily as he took his popsicle stick from his mouth. "It's one thing to judge you for being a fox, but a muzzle?"
"Tell me about it. They judge me before they even got to know me." Nick said looking sad again.
Finnick was always the kind of kid that got judged by others. Whether it was them thinking he was bad or picking fights with him. So in many ways, he could relate to Nick.
"Listen, people are gonna find a reason to think the worst of you. You're a fox like me, so you're gonna have people talk bad about you more than one. But the thing is, you can't let them get to you." Finnick said to Nick. "Forget what others have to say about you and just focus on yourself. Cause odds are... they might be even worse than a so-called 'sneaky' fox."
Finnick's words actually made Nick feel a bit better.
"Don't let them get to me." Nick said to himself.
"Right. Be strong and don't show any sign of weakness." Finnick said.
"I'll remember that." Nick said starting to smile.
"By the way, what's your name, man?" Finnick asked.
"It's Nick." Nick answered.
"Nick, huh? Heh. Our names even sound alike. Mine's Finnick." Finnick said.
"Fin-nick? Haha! Our names do sound alike." Nick said laughing a bit at the coincidence.
"What's weird is that my folks actually named me closer to the species of fox I am. I'm a fennec fox named Finnick Fawks." Finnick said in a joking matter.
"Psssh! Hahaha! Seriously?! You can't be serious." Nick said bursting into laughter.
"Sadly, no." Finnick admitted. "My parents couldn't think of a better name. They have a lack of creativity."
"Hahaha!" Nick laughed.
The two had already gotten along quite well with each other. It was because they were foxes, they could understand each other.
"Hey, you busy?" Finnick asked Nick.
"Not really." Nick replied.
Finnick then jumped off from the swing and said. "Follow me.".
Nick didn't know where Finnick might take him, but he was willing to follow him. Him being a fox made it easier. A few minutes later, Finnick led Nick to a bus stop and they got on a bus. It's destination, Tundratown. Finnick led Nick an empty lot where he put his paws in the snow, pour some red juice, and added a stick. After a few minutes...
"Okay. Take it out now." Finnick said to Nick. Nick pulled the stick out to reveal a popsicle with a pawprint on it. "There you go. A pawprint popsicle."
"Kinda wordy. How about... a pawpsicle?" Nick suggested.
"Hmm. Simple and clever. I like it." Finnick said liking the name.
Nick then started sucking on the tip of the popsicle.
"Not bad. Surprise it doesn't taste like feet." Nick said to Finnick as he hs more of the pawpsicle.
"Thanks, I guess." Finnick said not sure if he should feel offended. "Anyway, I hope you're good now."
"A bit. But I'll get better once I get back at those scout of Troop 914." Nick said with a serious look on his face.
"Woah! You actually want to get revenge on those guys?" Finnick asked looking surprised.
"I have to." Nick said boldly. "But it's not really about revenge. It's about teaching them a lesson. I don't want them to pull the same stunt on anyone else... if they haven't already."
"You sure you want to do that?" Finnick asked.
"You see, I have this friend. Her name is Judy. We still haven't known each other for that long, but her friendship means a lot to me." Nick said. "She told me that I can't just give up on everything. I have to try and make things better for myself."
"It's gonna be close to impossible for you." Finnick stated. "Remember, we're foxes and..."
"I don't care." Nick said firmly. It nearly caught Finnick off guard. "I made a promise to Judy and I intend to keep it."
Finnick took one look at Nick and could tell that he took his words seriously. Most foxes that go through what Nick has usually quit. Finnick himself was one of them. But Nick seems really determined to better himself.
"Man, you're the first fox I have ever seen be so sure of himself." Finnick said with a smile. "This girl must be some fox to make you want to work so hard."
Nick started to blush and took about 3 seconds before he responds to Finnick. "She's... actually a bunny."
Finnick's eyes widen and now he took 3 seconds before responding to Nick. "You're lying."
"I'm not. Judy's really a bunny." Nick stated.
"But... bunnies barely want to get 2 feets close to us foxes." Finnick stated still shocked by the information.
"Judy's... different." Nick said still blushing a bit as he thinks about Judy. "She trusts me and I trust her."
"Huh. You're really surprised, Nick." Finnick said to Nick impressed that a bunny actually trusts him.
"You surprise me too, Finnick." Nick said happily to Finnick before taking a bite out of his pawpsicle. "For someone who's around my age, you're pretty wise. How old are you exactly? 8? 9?"
"I recently turned 11." Finnick said.
Nick nearly choked on his pawpsicle after hearing that. "WHAT?! You're 2 years older than me?! But you're so short!"
"HEY! NOT MY FAULT MY SPECIES IS SHORT!" Finnick shouted out angrily and shaking his fist.
As odd as it was, that's how Finnick and Nick met and how they became friends. They would meet again a week later. Finnick was walking down the streets of downtown by himself again with his headphones in his ears. As he walked, he felt someone tapped the top of his head. Finnick doesn't really like being head-tapped.
He takes his headphones off and turns around. "Alright, who's the wise guy that's..." Finnick said before looking at the culprit. He stopped when he noticed that it was Nick.
"Helloooooooo!" Nick said in a very cheery matter. "Thought it was you."
"Nick?" Finnick said surprised by the fox's happy demeanor.
"In the fur." Nick said happily.
Finnick felt that Nick took a complete 360 from a week ago.
"What's with that grin? He looks so... happy." Finnick though. "Like all the problems of the world couldn't bother him."
A few minutes later, Nick explained how he got even with the scouts of Troop 914 thanks to Judy as they walked.
"So... you actually got even with the boys that muzzled you." Finnick said. "That's why you seem so proud of yourself."
"It felt soooo good. Like, you wouldn't believe how good it felt." Nick said grinning.
"Heh! Guess you're one of the lucky foxes to actually get some justice. Nice work." Finnick said giving Nick a thumbs up.
"Thanks." Nick said smiling. "Can't believe I wasn't the only one they pull the stunt on."
"Goes to show you that it's not just predators that can be savage." Finnick said.
"That's what I told Judy." Nick said. "Anyway, we put a stop to them. They won't be doing that again if they know what's good for them."
"Bravo, man." Finnick said holding his paw out wanting to have a high paw.
"Thanks again." Nick said before giving him some paw. "So Finn, you busy?"
"Not really." Finnick answered.
"How about coming to my place?" Nick asked. "My house isn't too far and it's pretty close to dinner time."
"I think I'll pass." Finnick said declining the offer.
Even though Finnick said no, Nick had a sly grin on his face. He then got in front of Finnick and lean down to his level.
"Do you honestly believe I'll take no for an answer?" Nick asked Finnick.
Nick then lifted up Finnick and started carrying him on his shoulders.
"Hey! Put me down!" Finnick said getting a bit mad and flailing around a bit. "I do NOT like being carried."
Nick carried Finnick the entire way to his home. He opened up the door and announced himself.
"Mom, Pop, I'm home!" Nick shouted out.
"Welcome home, sweetie!" Frankie shouted from upstairs.
"Also, I brought a friend with me." Nick shouted.
"A friend!?" Frankie and John shouted out sounding surprised.
The two then rushed down the stairs to see Nick's new friend. He rarely brings anyone to their house. Actually, this would be the first time excluding Judy. The two make down the stairs and see their son's 'little' friend.
"Mom, Pop, this is my friend, Finnick." Nick said introducing Finnick. "Finnick, this is my pop, John, and my mom, Francine."
"Umm... hello." Finnick said trying to sound polite.
"Hello there." John said greeting the small fox.
"So nice to meet you." Frankie said also greeting Finnick with a warm smile.
"Finn here is staying for dinner. Is that okay?" Nick asked his parents.
"Hang on. I never said I'd..." Finnick said stating that he didn't ask to stay for dinner.
"Sure it's okay." John said happily. "Right, Frankie?"
"Of course. I'll be sure to put an extra plate on the table." Frankie said okay with the idea.
Finnick's eye widen as he hears that. He didn't expect Nick's parents to be so willing to allow him to stay for dinner so quickly. It made him felt uncomfortable.
"Ho... hold on. I don't even know if my folks are okay with this." Finnick stated with his paws up. "I should at least check with them first."
"Okay." Frankie said. "You can use our phone and call them."
"Umm... my parents are very strict. So don't expect an okay." Finnick stated.
So Finnick used the Wilde's house phone to call his dad. To his surprise...
"If they are offering you a free meal, then take it." Finnick's dad said.
"You... sure you and your ma are fine with this?" Finnick asked.
"Absolutely." Finnick's dad answered. "Just remember, be a good guest."
"Yes, sir." Finnick said to his dad.
"Just don't be gone too late and I'll see you at home." Finnick's dad said.
"Alright. See you at home, pops." Finnick said before putting the phone up.
As Finnick hanged up the phone, Frankie happened to be right behind him.
"Sounds like your parents are fine with the idea." Frankie said.
"BAAAAHHH!" Finnick shouted out. Frankie kind of scared her a bit.
"Oh. Sorry. Didn't mean to scare you, dearly." Frankie said apologizing.
"It's not really okay to listen to other people's call." Finnick stated.
"Sorry. Just want to know if you are fine with what we are serving tonight. Veggie Chili with beans, cornbread, and blueberry pie for dessert." Frankie said.
"That actually sounds pretty good." Finnick said.
"Good to hear." Frankie said smiling. "Just make yourself home until then. Okay, dear?"
Finnick's cheek turned slightly red. Nick's mom treated him so... nice. Not even his own mom seem as nice and warm as Frankie was. Actually, Finnick has never met anyone as nice as Frankie was to him.
"O... kay, ma'am." Finnick said looking a bit nervous. Frankie responded by giving Finnick another warm smile.
Later, Nick showed Finnick around the house. Including the parts around his dad's shop. Finnick was amazed by all the suits and fabrics around.
"So your old man's a tailor?" Finnick asked as he looked at one of the suits.
"Yup. Pop makes suits for a living." Nick replied. "Big or small, my dad has a suit for anyone."
"Why did he want to be a tailor?" Finnick asked.
"Pop believed with a nice suit on, a mammal can get a better image. You know, look more respectable." Nick stated.
"Hate to break it to ya, but a takes more than just a fancy suit to get another mammal to look respectable. And it can't be easy for your pops since he's a fox." Finnick said.
"Maybe you're right, but's that's what pop wants to do. He wants people to change the way people think about others." Nick said. "Unlike most people, pop is bold, determined, and honest."
"An honest fox? People will find that hard to believe." Finnick said with his arms crossed.
"Then maybe you should talk with him?" Nick said before pointing at his basement. "He's down at his workshop working on a suit. See if he's not how I described."
"Alright." Finnick said.
So Finnick went down the stair leading to the basement. AKA John's workshop. Finnick sees a bunch of fabric and unfinished suits that John has been working on. He then sees John on a desk sewing up one of his suits. Finnick had a strong feeling when he was talking with Frankie. Would he get the same from talking with John.
"Yo, Mr. Wilde?" Finnick said making himself known.
"Oh. It's you. Finnick, right?" John asked making sure he got his name right.
"Yep. That's it, sir." Finnick replied. "So, Nick tells me you're a tailor."
"You guessed it. I make suits for the big and small." John said proudly as he still stitches up his suit.
"Nick told me that too." Finnick stated. "No offense, but I think it's a bit odd that a fox wants to make being a tailor his main career."
"True." John answered. "But unfortunately, I'm too honest of a mammal to do the 'usual' fox careers."
John has an honest nature and that was rare for most mammals. Let alone a fox. This surprised Finnick quite a bit.
"Anywho, I should thank you for being friends with my boy." John said to Finnick. "Nick barely makes many friends. So it's good to know that he has one. Especially since you're also a fox."
"Umm... you're welcome, sir." Finnick said. Finnick started rubbing his left arm a bit. It felt weird that Finnick was so honest. It made him want to be a bit honest about himself too. "Mr. Wilde, you sure you want me to be friends with Nick? Cause I can tell you right now, I'm not exactly a 'good' influence."
"How so?" John asked.
"Umm... well... I get into trouble and fight with others." Finnick stated.
"Is that so?" John said as he stopped working on his suit. He then got out of his chair and walked toward Finnick. He leans down to speak with him properly. "Let me ask you three questions. One, do you get into trouble or does trouble find you?"
"Uhhhh..." Finnick went.
"Two, do you get into fights cause you started them or were forced to cause you needed to defend yourself?" John asked.
"Uhhhh..." Finnick went.
"Lastly three, if you were really bad kid, why would you tell me that you are one instead of hiding it?" John asked starting to smirk.
"Uhhh... well... you see..." Finnick went not knowing what to say at all.
"Listen." John said had he put his paw on top of Finnick's head. "Take it from someone who's been in your shoes."
"We don't wear shoes." Finnick stated since no shoes were on either of their feet.
"Figure of speech, son." John said. "Anyway, it doesn't matter what you are or who you think you are on the outside. What matters is who you are..." John then pointed at his chest where his heart is. "... right here. Nick isn't the kind of boy who becomes friends with anybody. He likes certain people that have a charm to them. So it doesn't matter what trouble you MAY get into. Just be a good friend to Nick and you see him anytime you want."
Finnick didn't know what it was about John, but it was like he had a certain 'glow' around him. The fennec fox looked at John with eyes of admiration. Never has he heard words from someone that sound so... honest. Finnick felt very respectful for John Wilde and the fact that he a fox made him respected him even more.
"Mr. Wilde, I... don't know if I can be a good friend to Nick. But I'll do my best to try." Finnick said boldly.
"Good. That's all I'm asking." John said with a smile as he gets back up. "Now, I got to help my wife with the chili for dinner. It's my family recipe and you're gonna love it."
"I'll take your word for it." Finnick said with a smile.
Later, dinner was served and Finnick ate with the Wildes. They talk about their day and tell some stories. Usual family dinner stuff. While Finnick liked his folks, he didn't often have a nice dinner where the three of them usually just sit together and talk. He's used to having frozen dinners or takeout. This was different for him, but it was nice. After dinner, it was time for Finnick to head home. Nick walked with Finnick outside to see him off.
"Tell your folks' thanks for the grub." Finnick said to Nick.
"It was no problem. They like to cook for others." Nick said happily. "So you are heading home?"
"Gotta. I live in Sahara Square, so I got to take the subway train home before it gets too late." Finnick stated.
"Well then, see ya." Nick said.
"Later." Finnick said giving Nick a finger gun.
As Finnick started walking off, Nick stopped him for one more thing.
"Hey, Finn?" Nick shouted out getting his attention. "I forgot to ask you. I'm forming my own pack with my friend, Judy. Would you like to be a part of it?"
"What? So it's like a pack that's the complete opposite that pack you tried to join." Finnick said.
"Yeah. It would be totally awesome if you join. What do you say?" Nick asked.
"I'll pass." Finnick replied. "It's not really my thing, you know?"
"Oh." Nick said as he ears droop down and he started looking sad. "Okay."
"But that doesn't mean we can't hang out, right?" Finnick asked looking back at Nick with a smile.
Nick's sadness quickly went away and he started to smile again. "Right!" He then had a sly smirk on his face. "But you should know, like I said before, I don't take no for an answer. I'll make sure you join the pack sooner or later."
Finnick didn't respond. He just gave out a smirk and then left. He didn't say it then, but he had always considered being part of the Zoo-Burrow Scouts, even before he officially joined. For the longest time, Finnick was close to Nick and his family. It was clear that Nick wasn't just Finnick's friend, but his best friend. It's probably why he's been acting the way he has.
As those memories left him, Finnick was still sitting on top of the tree. Slowly climbing up the tree was Nick, who was able to find him pretty quickly. Nick stopped at the branch Finnick was on and sat by Finnick on the branch. It was thick enough to hold both of them, so Nick didn't worry about falling.
"It's a good thing I'm good at climbing too. Otherwise, I probably wouldn't have come up here." Nick said to Finnick. He didn't respond back. Nick looked pretty sad, but he knew that Finnick was even sadder. "This isn't about the pawpsicles or the money, isn't it?"
"*sigh* You always have to figure things out, do ya?" Finnick said not sounding to surprise Nick had figured out what was wrong with him. "I was fine. I was fine where I was. Whether it was being alone or being friends with you, I would have been fine. But then... you became a big brother... and you and Judy getting together..."
Once Nick heard that he had completely understood what had been bothering Finnick this whole time.
"I knew that compared to Bunny Girl I was always your #2. But now, I don't even feel like I'm in your top 5." Finnick stated. "I'm not hating on any of them, yet... I can't help but feel..." Finnick waited a few seconds before saying the word. "... jealous. Things are so different now from when we were kids. It's hard to believe how so much has changed. Guess I'm not as used to it as I thought I was."
Finnick wasn't the kind of person to let jealous take over him, but that what seem to be the case. Nick knew what to say to his friend.
"Finnick, you're right. Things are different." Nick said agreeing with Finnick. "I just started dating Carrots and I got to look after the minis. But Finn, that doesn't mean I don't think of you any less."
"Sure feels like it." Finnick said crossing his arms.
"I will say this. You aren't my #2." Nick told him. "Because with you... you're... the first close thing to a brother that I have ever had."
Finnick's eyes widen when he hears Nick say those words.
"You... really think of me as a brother?" Finnick asked.
"Of course." Nick said nodding.
"You never told me that." Finnick said.
"Didn't think I had to." Nick said.
"Heh. Guess not." Finnick said as he scratching the back of his head.
The two foxes look at each other with a light smile. Seems like whatever tension was between the two boys was gone now.
"We good?" Nick asked with his right fist out.
"We good." Finnick said bumping Nick's fist back.
"Wanna head back?" Nick asked.
"Yeah." Finnick said nodding.
Working things out, the two foxes climb down the tree and make their way back to Judy and the twins. It took about a minute. Judy had already made the twins stop crying.
"Yo! We're back and we're all good now." Nick said to Judy.
"Already?" Judy asked surprised. "It's only been like... 6 minutes. You already patched things up?"
"Uh huh." Nick and Finnick said.
"How? Finnick was so steamed earlier." Judy stated.
"And after talking with Nick, I'm better." Finnick stated.
"Seriously? That soon?" Judy asked.
"Carrots, maybe you forgot one thing." Nick said.
"What's that?" Judy asked.
"We're guys." Nick and Finnick said firmly.
"Of course." Judy said with a straight face.
Now that Finnick was feeling better, he felt that he should apologize to Judy.
"Listen... Bunny G... you know, I should stop calling you that." Finnick said. He usually calls Judy, Bunny Girl. But was thinking he should put that to rest. "Carrots..." But that doesn't mean he wouldn't call Judy by her other nickname. "... I know I can be... difficult sometimes and have a short temper. So... sorry."
"It's fine." Judy said accepting Finnick's apology. "However, you also have to apology to Toddy and Vixey as well."
"Seriously? The twins?" Finnick asked a bit surprised he has to apology to babies.
"Trust me, they're smart babies. So you better apology to them too." Nick said to Finnick.
"Fine..." Finnick said not looking too happy.
Finnick walked over to the carrier holding the twins. Todd looked a bit mad as he crossed his little arms. Vicky looked sad as she sucked on her pacifier. Both of them still feel pretty upset with Finnick.
"Umm... Todd, Vix, I knew your brother before you two were even born. So when came along, it was kinda hard for us to hang out like we usually to. Anyway, I may have said something I didn't mean and I'm sorry." Finnick said apologetically.
After Finnick's apologized, the twins both seem less upset with Finnick. Vicky then took out her pacifier and tried giving it to Finnick. This confused the little fox.
"Ahh! Ahh" Vixey said with her pacifier in her paw.
'Uhhhhh..." Finnick went.
"Awwww! Vixey wants to give you her binky as a peace offering." Nick said think it was cute.
"What?! I'm not taking that!" Finnick said strictly.
"You better. Unless you want to upset her again." Nick asked with a smirk and raising an eyebrow. Judy was doing the same.
If there was one thing Finnick hold dear more than his respect, it was his dignity. Him putting a baby's pacifier in his mouth was definitely in that category. Yet... Finnick couldn't say no to Vicky's innocent face. So, he shallows his pride, took the pacifier and put it in his mouth. As he sucked on it, Toddy and Vicky seemed happy enough. Nick and Judy could barely hold in their laughter. If not because Finnick had a baby pacifier in his mouth, then because Finnick's height already made him look like a baby. Nick and Judy slowly reach in their pockets for their phone wanting to take a picture.
"DON'T... EVEN!" Finnick said showing his teeth as he still has the pacifier in his mouth.
"Alright. Alright." Nick said as he and Judy put their phones back in their pockets. Nick then looked at the cooler and noticed only one pawpsicle was left. "Only one left."
"It was the only one that didn't fell to the ground." Judy stated. "Better one than none, right?"
"Right." Finnick said no longer taking the pawpsicles too seriously anymore.
"Not losing your temper? Someone's growing." Nick said happily.
Finnick may not have grown in inches, but he did grow in humbleness. He was learning to control his temper and tolerate other better now. It was still minor, but it was a start.
A few seconds later, a female pig went over to Nick and the other. She notices the pawpsicle sign and the last popsicle.
"What do we have here?" The pig asked.
"Oh. We're just selling some pawpsicles, ma'am." Nick said. "That just happened to be our last one."
"Well, it is pretty h..." The pig said considering buying one. Her attention then went to Toddy, Vicky, and Finnick. "Oh my gosh! Who are they?"
"Those are my siblings." Nick answered. "That's baby Todrick, baby Victoria,... " Nick then had his grin on. "... and baby Finnick. He's adopted, by the way."
Finnick was caught off guard by Nick saying that. He was still wearing the pacifier after all. Finnick really wanted to let Nick have it, but... he was still trying to control himself. So... he went with it.
"Awwww! They're all so cute." The pig said with a smile.
"Yeah. I'm taking care of them since my mom is at the nursing hospital." Nick said.
"Oh." The pig said starting to look sad. "You poor boy."
"Huh?" Nick said confused why she would say that.
The pig then dug into her purse and took out a $20 bill to give to Nick. "Here, sweetie. You keep the change." The pig said to Nick.
"20 bucks?!" Nick shouted out. "Ma'am, the pawpsicle is only worth 2."
"It's fine. I mean, you taking care of your brothers and sisters while your mother is at the hospital getting treated..." It seems that the pig got the wrong idea. "... it shows how great of a big brother you are."
"Uhhh... actually ma'am..." Nick said about to explain the truth.
"No. Say nothing else. More boys need to be like you." The pig said. She then took her pawpsicle and left.
Nick was still feeling dumbfounded. Finnick took out the pacifier from his mouth.
"Dude, she thought when you said your mom as at the hospital, she was actually getting taken care off at the hospital. Not working at one. She also gave you 20 smackers cause of the twins." Finnick stated.
"She totally had the wrong id..." Nick said before Finnick shouted out something.
"I LOVE THIS TWO!" Finnick shouted out as he held the twins. "How would have guessed these two would be such cash cows? We're are bringing these two everytime we sell pawsicles for now on."
"Dude, you can't use my brother and sister as customer bait." Nick said firmly.
"Why not? They have all this cuteness. Add me the factor and we're golden." Finnick stated.
"Once again, old Finnick's back." Judy said with a straight face.
"Didn't take long, did it?" Nick asked Judy also with a straight face.
"You never do what I want." Finnick said looking grouchy. He then put the twins back into their carriage.
"Alright. We sold all our pops and with the 20, we even made your usual quota." Judy stated. "So what do we do now?"
"Let's head home and chill. Maybe play some video games." Nick suggested.
"Sounds good." Finnick said.
"Okay. Back to your house." Judy said.
After a productive day, the group decided to head on back to Nick's house. While there may have been some rough patches, it was an okay day. However, as they walk back, Finnick still had some... ideas.
"How about the minis and I put on costumes?" Finnick asked.
"No." Nick and Judy said.
"Not even of other animals?" Finnick asked.
"No." Nick and Judy said again.
"What about..." Finnick asked.
"No." Nick and Judy said not even letting him finish.
"Oh come on. I didn't even tell you what is was." Finnick said.
"Fine. What?" Nick asked afraid he would regret it.
"We get the minis to say a bunch cute baby words that pull on other people's heartstrings." Finnick suggested.
"Toddy, Vicky, do you got anything to say?" Nick asked his siblings.
"No." Todd and Vicky said.
"Good choice." Judy said.
"They're babies. What do they know?" Finnick asked.
"More than you think." Judy stated.
That's all for this chapter. Before I start working on the next one, let me say somethings. I know I keep people waiting sometimes. But know this, just because I don't post in a month, doesn't mean I stopped working on this story. I don't work exclusively on this story alone and I was in a bit of a writer's slump. So even if it takes 3 MONTHS for the next chapter, be patient. This isn't me trying to offend my readers. It's just so you can all understand. I do have others story I need to do as well as new ideas I want to do. With that said, see ya next chapter.