Hey, everyone. Okay, so if you guys read my first "While We're Young" story, you already know that I like to do chapters that have quite a bit of tense drama. If you are not much of a drama read, well... sorry. I know I just did a tearjerking chapter. But you can't expect this to always be a fluff piece. There's also nothing that says drama like a two-parter. Soooo... when I was doing my old story, I came up with a lot of headcanons for Bunnyburrow. In the movie, they made Bunnyburrow seem like this happy place were bunnies can be bunnies. Yet, like Zootopia, it should also have a dark side. What happens to bunny children that lose their parents? How can some bunny family stay stable with so many kids? What happens to the bunny kids when their parents get divorced? These were a few things that came to mind. So it goes without saying that, one of those is gonna be the main subject for this chapter. Alright. Let's get to it.
Walking down the streets of Zootopia were Nick and Judy, looking pretty happy. The two had finished hanging out with the others today and are currently walking together, holding paws as boyfriends and girlfriends do.
"No way!" Judy said to Nick.
"Yes, way!" Nick replied to Judy. "You know I wouldn't lie to you, Carrots."
"Well then, you will have to take me to try these cupcakes." Judy said smiling.
"Promise. I will." Nick told Judy.
As the two went on about cupcakes, they walked nearby a back alley. As they did, Nick noticed something behind a dumpster. He could have sworn he saw a figure.
"Huh?" Nick said as he halted.
"What's up, Nick?" Judy asked.
"I... think I saw something from behind that dumpster." Nick stated as he pointed at the dumpster.
"Like what, exactly?" Judy asked.
"Not... sure..." Nick said as walks up and tries to get a better look.
Judy followed Nick into the alley. As they look at the side of the dumpster, they see the ears of a bunny. Then they happen to see a whole bunny. The bunny was a young doe around the age of 7. She had golden brown fur with a brown muzzle and blue eyes. She had a grey shirt and blue jeans, but they look dirty and worn out. Nick and Judy look concerned for the little bunny.
"Hey, little bunny?" Nick asked trying to get her attention. "Are you okay?"
The bunny turned to Nick and looked totally frightened. A sign of this was her nose twitching and her body shaken.
"Hey now, don't be afraid. I won't hurt you." Nick said in a calming voice.
"Hey! Stay away from my sister, fox!" A young male voice from behind the shouted out
Nick and Judy turned around to see a young brown bunny with blue eyes around the age of 8. He had on a blue and black striped shirt with torn up jeans. His clothes were pretty dirty and worn out like the other girl.
"Another one?" Nick said surprised to see another young bunny.
"Did he said 'sister'?" Judy asked.
"Huh? Another bunny?" The young buck said noticing Judy. "What? Are you holding her against her will?"
"What?" Judy said stunned to hear the buck think that.
"Oh great. A bunny who think the negative about foxes. Haven't had that in a while." Nick said with a straight-face. "Still not a fan."
"Look, whatever you're thinking, he means no harm." Judy said defending Nick.
"Likely story." The young buck said not believing Judy's words.
Then, the voice of a female spoke to them.
"Stand down, little bro." The voice said
The four turn to see who it was. It was another young girl bunny. This bunny was dark brown fur, extra fur that shook out of her forehead, and blue eyes. She had on a black vest over a blue shirt and torn jeans. Like the other two, her clothes seemed dirty. But unlike the other two, she was around Nick and Judy's age.
"Look, whatever reason you're here, we don't want any trouble." The older doe said.
"And trouble you won't get." Nick said.
"We just saw the little bunny here and we were a bit concerned." Judy said.
"From you, I believe. But the fox, I find it hard to bel..."The older doe said. She then paused when she looked at Judy. She sees her grey fur and purple eyes and she thought that she was... familiar. "Judy?"
Judy was surprised that the bunny knew her name. Then she took a good look at the bunny and realized that she was familiar too.
"May?" Judy asked.
"Oh my gosh. It IS you." The bunny replied as she started to smile.
"Wait? You know her, Carrots?" Nick asked.
"Yeah. This is May. We were friends when we were little. I haven't seen her in years." Judy stated to Nick.
"I'm surprise that you still remember me." May said. "But can I ask, who's this fox with you?"
"First off, he's not just a fox. His name is Nick." Judy said introducing him.
"What, is he your boyfriend or something?" May asked.
"Yes, he is." Judy answered.
The answered stunned May and her two siblings.
"Seriously?" May said still stunned by Judy's answer.
"Seriously. Nick Wilde, Judy's loyal boyfriend, at your service." Nick said politely as he bowed.
"Do... your parents even know about this?" May asked.
"My whole family knows about this." Judy stated. "Nick and I have known each other for years. He came to my house and asked if I wanted to be his girlfriend."
"That's... really is surprising." May said still a bit stunned by the information.
"Feel like that's an insults." Nick said.
"If it sounds like it, then I apologize." May said to Nick. "As Judy said, I'm May. Over there is my little brother, Linc, and my little sister, Ivy." She then pointed at the other two bunnies.
"Hello." Nick said waving at the little bunnies.
"Still don't trust you." Linc said firmly as he crossed his arms. Ivy responded by nodding her head agreeing with her brother.
"Guess I'll just have to earn their trust." Nick said to May as he shrugged.
"So May, why are you and your brother and sister here in Zootopia instead of Bunnyburrow?" Judy asked.
"It's... a long story." May said not wanting to talk about it.
For Nick, May didn't need to talk about it. He looked at her and her siblings' clothes and took a wild guess.
"Hmmm. Judging by your clothes, the dirt on it, the tears, and the fact that you are all around an alleyway. You guys are runaways." Nick stated.
May, Linc, and Ivy didn't say anything. They all just looked away from Nick which pretty much gave him their answer.
"So, you ARE runaways?" Judy asked.
May sighed before she responded to Judy. "Follow me." She said to Nick and Judy.
May started walking farther down the alley with Linc and Ivy following her. Nick and Judy decided to follow. May led Nick and Judy to a back corner where a bunch of boxes and rags forming a shelter.
"This... is our home." May told them.
Nick and Judy were beyond words at the sight of this. These three kids were living in a bunch of boxes put together? A sad sight to see.
"Looks... cozy." Nick said trying to sound positive.
"Nick!" Judy whispered thinking that Nick's comment was not the right thing to say.
"It's not much, but it's nice for us." May stated.
"It's like a Super Fort." Linc said sounding happy.
"This... is a lot to take in." Judy said feeling overwhelmed by this. "How did this happened? Why are you living with your parents?"
"That's a subject we don't want to talk about." May said firmly.
"How do you even get by?" Nick asked.
"We get by fine." May said as she paces a bit. "We scavenge what we need from dumpers near restaurants. You would be surprised at how much food gets wasted every day in this city."
"We can usually get the good stuff. Some restaurant owners would even give us food if we ask after they close." Linc stated.
"We have enough covers and sheets to keep us warm on cold nights, tarps to cover our shelter when it rains, and clothes and other supplies to help us get by." May said.
"This is how you been living this whole time? All three of you?" Nick asked.
"Like I said, we get by fine." May said firmly.
Looking at the three rabbits, Nick and Judy could tell that they have been through a lot to end up like this. I mean, box shelter or not, they were basically homeless. What could have happened to them that force them to live out on their own? Judy then tugged at Nick.
"May, do you mind if Nick and I talk for a bit?" Judy asked.
"Sure. But it's not like I won't know what you are gonna talk about." May said.
Nick and Judy took a few steps away from the 3 and talked.
"What should we do, Nick?" Judy asked.
"What can we do? I mean, I knew that some kids in the world have to live out on the streets. But the idea of it is still..." Nick said.
"I know. It bothers me even more since she's someone I've known." Judy said looking concerned. "Ummm... maybe we should take them to my sister. Gwen will know what to do with them."
"You sure that they want help?" Nick asked.
"Whether they admit it or not, they can't just keep living the way that they are now. We got to help them out. Even a little bit." Judy said.
Nick would often agree with Judy and today was no different. Living in boxes alone with no parents? It was no real way for children to live.
"Alright, Judy. If they are willing to, then let's take them to Gwen." Nick said.
In agreement, Nick and Judy then walked back to May, Linc, and Ivy.
"May, you remember my big sister, Gwen, right?" Judy asked.
"One of the sisters that I actually DO remember, yes." May answered.
"Gwen is why I staying in Zootopia for the Summer. You and your siblings should come and pay her a visit." Judy suggested.
"Thanks for the offer, but we'll decline." May said.
"Sis already told you. We're fine. We don't need any handouts." Linc stated.
"It's not a handout. It's just visiting an old friend." Judy stated. "Come on. Gwen would to see you and... it's not like really look like you got any other plans, right?"
"Wouldn't you at least like spending some time NOT in a box?" Nick asked. "It doesn't have to be too long. Just a few minutes."
While May and Linc didn't seem to want to, their little sister was their main concern. They could handle things the way things were, but Ivy, she was still younger than them. Besides, it wasn't like it was something big. It was meeting a friend's big sister. So, they agreed to see Gwen at her and Judy's apartment. A few minutes later, they were all already in Gwen and Judy's apartment. Judy had explained their situation to her sister.
"Can't believe that it's really you, May." Gwen said looking at the young bunny. "I remember when you and Judy used to play in the mud. By looking at you, I would think you still do."
"Comes with the territory." May stated.
"Gwen, anyway we can help these three out?" Judy asked.
"Unfortunately, even with the way their situation is, I can't really help them." Gwen said.
"But Gwen..." Judy said hoping she could make her sister change her mind.
"Jude, we're living in a tiny apartment. There isn't enough room for all of us. Not only that, I have to save my money for us and my stuff for college." Gwen stated.
"But..." Judy said.
"How many times do I have to tell you, Judy? We get by fine. We don't need help." May stated.
"Hold on! While I can't help you, that doesn't mean you 3 don't need any help at all." Gwen said to May. "You three are still just kids and you shouldn't have to live the way you do."
"We have been handling it for over a year. So we're fine." Linc stated.
"A YEAR?!" Nick, Judy, and Gwen said stunned to hear this.
"So... you haven't slept in a nice bed, took a decent bath or shower, or even had a nice hot meal in over a year?" Nick asked.
"Longer than that? Closer to two years, actually." May stated.
"Oh my god." Gwen said stunned by this information. "Okay, now we REALLY need to find some way to help you. Seriously, what happened with you and your parents?"
"Not. Telling." May said still standing her ground around the subject. "We don't want to talk about it, so just respect our choice."
"Jeez. You really don't want to talk about it, huh?" Nick asked as he scratches the back of his head. Nick then looked down at Ivy. "Can you tell us anything, sweetie?"
Ivy just shook her head no. Nick and Judy then realized something. Ivy hasn't said anything at all since meeting her.
"Why doesn't Ivy say anything?" Judy asked.
"She's... mute." May stated.
"Mute? She can't talk?" Judy asked.
"Not 'can't' talk. 'Won't' talk." Linc said. "She hasn't spoken in a long time."
"Really? You won't speak?" Nick asked Ivy.
She responded by nodding. So, three homeless rabbits that don't want to talk about why they are living on their own and one of them doesn't speak at all. Nick could definitely tell whatever happened to them, it must have been something big.
"Look, it was nice seeing you again, Judy and Gwen, but we should go." May said thinking they should leave.
"Wait!" Judy said halting them from leaving. "We can't just let you go just yet. At least let us help you in some way."
"You still like to help out whoever's in need, do you?" May asked knowing it was one of Judy's traits. "Thanks, but we don't need help."
"At least let us do something for you." Judy said.
"What can you actually do?" May asked.
"Well..." Judy said trying to think of something.
"You can stay at my place." Nick suggested. "My house has plenty of room."
"WHAT?!" May and Linc said looking shocked.
"Yeah. That's not a bad idea." Judy said with a smile.
"Stay at a fox's home? That IS a bad idea." Linc stated. "We're not spending a night in a fox family's home."
"I'll call them to see if it's okay." Nick said as he ignores Linc's comment and takes out his cellphone. He then walks out the door and makes the call in the hall.
"We're NOT spending a night in a house of foxes!" Linc shouted out as Nick left.
"You don't have to worry about Nick's parents." Judy said to the bunnies.
"Mr. and Mrs. Wilde are the kindest and honest foxes that you will ever meet." Gwen added. "Their family has been friends with our family for years."
"We're willing to slightly trust your boyfriend. But a WHOLE family of foxes?" May said looking unsure about this. "Besides, I don't think they would..."
Before May could finish what she was saying, Nick came back into the room.
"We're good. Mom and Pop said that it's okay." Nick said smiling.
"See? There you go." Judy said happily.
May, Linc, and Ivy's ears all drooped down. Guess the thought about spending a night at the Wildes home, a family of foxes' home, didn't sit well with them.
"Wh... we... we're not..."
"Just spend one night at my house. A bed, a bath or shower, and a nice warm meal." Nick said to them. "What do you got to lose?"
"Our lives?" Linc replied. May then slapped him on the back of his head. "Owww! What? We were all thinking the same thing?"
"I told you, Mr. and Wilde are very kind and honest." Gwen stated. "You will all be fine. Besides, we're gonna head over their anyway."
"We... tend to have dinner at their house every night." Judy stated smiling awkwardly.
"They're the siblings that don't know how to cook." Nick said with a sly grin.
"We know how to use a microwave." Judy said looking a bit peeved.
"Doesn't count." Nick said with a sly grin. Nick then looked at May and her siblings. "Alright. Dinner at my place. You're gonna like my parents."
"They don't plan to eat us, do they?" Linc asked raising an eyebrow.
"They're not gonna eat you." Gwen stated.
"Besides, if they WERE gonna eat bunnies, don't you think they would have eaten us by now?" Judy asked.
While it wasn't the first time someone brought up the whole 'foxes eat bunnies' thing in a way and while Nick would never even think about eating Judy, he did want to joke around a bit.
"Maybe... it was all an act?" Nick said sounding all sinister-like. He then grabbed Judy and held her tight. "Now that I have you, I can feast upon you."
Judy played along with Nick's 'sinister' act.
"Eeek! Oh, noes!" Jud says as she faints in Nick's arm and being overdramatic. "How could I have been deceived after 4 years of trust? Oh woe! Oh, woe is me!"
"Okaaaaay. You're milking it again." Nick stated to Judy.
Gwen laughed a bit, but May, Linc, and Ivy felt weird about Nick and Judy's relationship.
"Is this normal for these two? Cause it's gross." Linc said.
"Is it because they're fox and rabbit or because it's what couples do?" Gwen asked.
"The second one." Linc said.
"Oh. That's okay then." Gwen said. "You're probably still on the 'cootie' phase."
A few minutes later, everyone headed over to the Wilde's home. Since Nick already told his parents about their guests, they were already preparing for them. Nick opened the front door with his key. They all head inside and are greeted by John and Frankie.
"Hey, mom. Hey, pop!" Nick said to his parents.
"Hey, Mr. and Mrs. Wilde." Judy and Gwen said waving at the two foxes.
"Hey, everyone." John said in his usual friendly matter.
John and Frankie then notice the 3 bunnies, May, Linc, and Ivy.
"Oh? These must be the three you talked about." Frankie said. She then waved at them. "Hello."
"These are my parents. Johnathan and Francine Wilde." Nick said introducing them to May and her sibings.
"Nick told us about your situation. So we hope you are willing to spend the night with us." John said with a smile.
May didn't really seem too scared of them. Just looking at them, she could tell that both John and Frankie had a very kind nature. Linc and Ivy, however, they didn't seem too fond of them yet.
"Ivy and I are still not okay with this whole thing." Linc said trying to sound. "Right, Ivy?"
Ivy simply nodded her head.
"Let us guess. You think we're untrustworthy and that we might 'eat' you because we are foxes, right?" Frankie asked raising an eyebrow.
"Seems like forever since a rabbit has judged us. Guess we're too used to having the Hopps family around." John stated. "Well then, we hope to earn your trust later on. For now, just make yourselves at home."
May and her siblings looked around the Wildes house. It was better then they expected. They originally that the house was gonna look old, rundown, and scary. But it was actually very nice. It sure beats staying in a bunch of boxes.
John and Frankie then both looked at the 3 bunnies clothing. Pacifically, all the dirt and tears on it. With Frankie's maternal instinct, she hated seeing dirty clothes. With John's tailor instinct, he hated seeing torn up clothes.
"Mmmmmmm..." Both John and Frankie grunted.
"Wha... what?" May said feeling a bit scared of the grunting.
"Your clothes..." John uttered.
"Your scent..." Frankie said. "You all need baths, stat."
"And I need to fix up your clothes. But not before they get a good washing." John said.
"I'll draw a bath." Frankie said already making his way to the bathroom. "The young ones can go first, then the older one."
"Guess I'll prep for dinner." John said as he headed to the kitchen.
"Uh... wai..." May said feeling a bit overwhelmed by how much John and Frankie want to do for them.
"Don't bother." Nick said. "Once they're like this, they are in their own zones."
May, Linc, and Ivy weren't used to such hospitality from foxes. But they were willing to accept it. A couple of minutes later, Frankie had already filled up the bathtub hot water and soap. Once that was finished, she called in Linc and Ivy.
"Okay, you two. Hop in." Frankie told them. "The tub's big enough for both of you."
"Uhhhhhh..." Linc went sounding unsure that he wanted to take a bath with his little sister.
"Come on. You can't tell me you two haven't bathe together before." Frankie said. "Now, be sure to wash behind your ears, and put your clothes outside of the door, so I can wash them. I have some of Nick's old clothes for you that should fit both of you with no problem."
"Okay..." Linc said. Linc then looked over the tub. He was worried if the bath wasn't what it seemed. "Exactly what's in this... bath?"
"Oh, the usual. Water at 350 degrees, a few herbs and spices, as well as some other ingredients." Frankie said with a smirk. "Should make your bodies nice and tender."
What Frankie was describing was practically bunny stew. Both Linc and Ivy's nose twitched from that comment. Frankie then started laughing.
"I'm joking. I'm joking." Frankie responded. "It's just hot water that's not too hot and soap. Should make you both nice and clean. So, I'll leave you to it."
Frankie then left the bathroom. Ivy seemed willing to take the bath. Linc, however, didn't seem to WANT to take a bath.
"Pssh! Let's pretend to take the bath." Linc whispered to Ivy. "I mean, she won't notice, right?"
"I don't hear any splashing in there!" Frankie shouted from outside the door.
"We... uhhh... just got in!" Linc shouted back as he splashes his paw into the water a bit.
"Nicky used to do the same thing when we didn't want to take a bath! So I know fake splashing when I hear it!" Frankie shouted out. "Now get in the tub! Don't let me come in there."
"You wouldn't dare!" Linc shouted back.
She dared. Frankie put both Linc and Ivy in the tub and started scrubbing them with a loofah. Ivy seemed okay with it, but Linc pouted in total defeat.
"Arms up." Frankie said to Linc.
Linc put his arms up and Frankie scrubbed underneath them. Then scrubbed beside his head.
"See? Doesn't it feel nice to get clean?" Frankie asked Linc.
"No. I hate baths." Linc said still looking pouty.
"Haha! You sound like Nick when he was a little younger than you." Frankie said smiling a bit. Frankie then started to scrub Ivy a bit. Ivy seemed to pretty happy to be clean. "Your sister seems okay with a bath. You should be a bit more like her."
Ivy then stuck her tongue at Linc.
"I WILL splash you." Linc said to his sister.
"No, you won't." Frankie said with a firm tone.
"Yes, ma'am." Linc said not wanting to upset Frankie.
Meanwhile, May was looking around the Wilde house. She stopped to look at a wall that was filled with pictures hanging from it. May sees that Judy and the other Hopps members were in several of these pictures. As well as Nick and Judy with a few of their friends at their younger years. As she looks at the pictures, Judy and Gwen come from behind her.
"It's not as impressive as the wall at our house, but it's a close second." Judy said to May.
"Judy, you're in a lot of these pictures." May said.
"I like to believe so. I would be upset if I wasn't." Judy said.
"So, how close are you and your family to the Wildes?" May asked.
"Very, very close." Judy and Gwen replied.
"The Wildes have been there for us more times then we could think of. It's not just Nick and Judy that best friends. It's pretty much our whole family." Gwen stated.
"It's because of them, everyone has decided to do more than what bunnies usually do." Judy stated.
"And because of Judy, Nick was able to stay true to himself and ultimately form his own pack and make a whole bunch of friends." Gwen said.
"Wow." May said impressed. "What made you think you could trust them? You know, since their foxes and you're rabbits?"
"Once we met and got to know them, we realized that all the things were heard about foxes wasn't as true as we thought they were. Also, many of it was... pretty dumb." Judy said.
"The Wildes may have their sly side, but they are nothing like what we expected to believe about foxes." Gwen said. "There some of the best people in the whole city."
"That's why our family is willing to do anything for the Wildes and why the Wildes are willing to do anything for us." Judy said proudly.
May admired Judy and Gwen's words. They really did trust the family of foxes. It made her felt more comfortable being here. She then looks at a picture of Nick and Judy as kids. Nick was in his scout uniform and Judy was in her police costume. The two were holding each other close. This really showed that they cared about each other and May smiled.
A few seconds later, out came Linc and Ivy. They were both clean from their bath and wearing different clothes. Linc had a blue shirt and grey shorts while Ivy has a green shirt with blue shorts.
"Oh? You're done with your bath?" May asked.
"Uh huh." Linc said while nodding. Ivy nodded too.
"I'm surprised Mrs. Wilde got you to take a bath." May said.
"She was... forceful." Linc said looking a bit scared.
"Yeah. She's like that, sometimes." Judy and Gwen both stated.
"Well, if you two are done, guess I'm up next." May said as she makes her way upstairs.
May went up to the bathroom. Frankie was already near the door. Since she was much older than her brother and sister, she was more likely not to make a fuss. But she wanted to take a shower instead of a bath. She then left her clothes outside of the door for Frankie to pick up and put in the wash. Frankie had already put out some new clothes for her to change into.
During her shower, Nick offered Linc the opportunity to play some video games off his console. Linc jumped at the change stating that he hadn't played video games before. It showed cause of his lack of skill. Nick and Judy were willing to give him a few pointers.
Not really interested in gaming, Ivy went out on her own to look around the house. She then spots the stairway to the basement, AKA John's workshop. Curiously about it, the little bunny walked down the stairs. Already down there was John. It looked he was doing some stitchwork to one of his suits. Ivy took one extra step and a squeaky noise came from the stairs. John hears the noise and notices Ivy.
"Oh! Hello, sweetie." John said in his usual friendly matter. Ivy looked scared and felt that she wasn't supposed to be here. But John didn't seem to mind. "Don't be shy. Come here."
John seemed nice enough to Ivy, so she walked over to him.
"Ivy, right?" John asked wanting to make sure he got her name right. The little bunny nodded. "Nick and Judy said that you won't talk, correct?" Ivy shook her head. "I see. Well, you know what they say? Actions speak louder than words."
Ivy looked around and noticed all the suits and fabric around. She also sees John working some blue fabric. She pointed at the fabric curious on what it is for.
"Oh, this?" John said as he lifted up the fabric. "It just for a suit I'm making. I'm a tailor. Do you know what a tailor is?" Ivy shook her head. "Well... a tailor is some who makes clothes and also repairs them. I consider myself to be really good, it not the best in the city. But I'm not one to boast."
John then picked up Ivy and let her sit on his lap.
"Now, I got my start with Wilde and Son's. But later opened my dream store, Wilde and Family's Suitopia. But it wasn't easy. Many rejected my idea for the store. It... was mainly cause I was a fox. Most didn't believe a fox wanted to do a simple and honest business. But I didn't let it stop me. Eventually, after getting more business and making enough money, I was finally able to open up my dream store." John said happily. "It was a LOT of hard work, with many rough patches, but it was all worth it.
Ivy looked at John with awe. She had never met someone so bold, honest, and determined. Let alone someone who was a fox.
"Little Ivy, do you have any big dreams?" John asked. Ivy shrugged. She wasn't sure if she had a dream or not. "Well, you're still young. You can have whatever dream you like. You just need to have hard work to make it happen."
John then patted Ivy's head. Ivy smiled at John. To her, it was the first time in a while that she's actually smiling and had comfort from someone. Even with the smile, John couldn't help but think 'What could have happened to her?'.
After taking her shower, May felt fully cleansed. She had on an orange and white striped shirt and grey sweatpants. A couple of minutes later, it was time for dinner. Nick and Judy were setting up the table while John put the food out. Frankie came down from upstairs holding both Todd and Vicky.
"Look who's up from their nap?" Frankie said happily holding her babies.
"Wait? There's MORE of you?" Linc asked surprised to see the two babies foxes.
"This is the twins, Todrick and Victoria. They're my baby brother and sister." Nick stated to Linc.
"Aren't they adorable?" Gwen asked.
"Uhhh... is it true that baby foxes are given their first taste of bunny blood at birth?" Linc asked.
"Eww! Gross!" Judy said disgusted by that.
"That's a new one." Nick said never hearing anything like that about foxes.
"Dear, that's very untrue." Frankie stated. "My babies wouldn't hurt anyone."
"Toddy's get bitey sometimes, but it's just him teething. It's actually very gentle." John stated.
May looks at the twins. Both Todd and Vicky were sucking their thumbs with very innocent looks in their eyes.
"Well, they are very cute." May said with a smile. "Wait, can you call foxes 'cute'?"
"You can. Unless you bunnies, we foxes are willing to embrace our cuteness." Nick stated proudly as he bumped Judy with his elbow.
"Can we eat now?" Judy asked feeling annoyed.
"Yes. Food's ready." Frankie said.
On the table was a big spread of food. Mashed potatoes and gravy, bread rolls, corn on a cob, and some steamed and glazed carrots. Plenty of food, even with the extra guest. After everyone clapped their paws together, they shouted out "Time to eat!". They each picked up some food and put it on their plates. Linc pretty much wolfed the food down like he hadn't eaten in days.
"Now now. Eat slowly." Frankie said being motherly to Linc.
"Sorry!" Linc said with his mouthful and before swallowing. "Your food's really good."
"Why, thank you." Frankie said happily. "There's plenty, so eat your fill."
"Okay." Linc said.
During dinner, the Wildes were telling some funny stories about their lives. As they tell stories, there was some laughter. Even Ivy laughed a bit, which surprised everyone. But even with the good food and laughter, May didn't even touch her food yet. Everyone noticed.
"Is something wrong?" Frankie asked.
"It's not poisoned if that's what you're worried about." Nick said as he eat some corn.
"I know." May said.
"You better eat your food before it gets cold." Judy said to May.
It had been a very long time since May had a nice and hot meal. So she felt a bit conflicted to eat. But her brother and sister liked the food enough and she WAS hungry. She took a spoonful of the mashed potatoes and tried it. Her eyes widen after eating it. The mashed potatoes were warm and had a fluffy texture. The gravy was very flavorful. It was simple, but May was feeling emotional.
"It... really good." May said. A tear then fell from her eye.
"Hey. Are you okay?" Nick asked looking concern since May was crying.
"Is something wrong?" Judy asked also worried.
"Sorry." May said wiping the tear from her eye. "Guess it's really been a long time since I've had a real meal."
May then continued eating her food. It was clear she liked it, but her single tear said something else. Later, everyone's plates were clear and the food was eaten.
"Thank you for the meal, Mr. and Mrs. Wilde." May said being thankful. "Everything was so good."
"Glad you liked it." Frankie said with a worried looked on her face.
"You guys aren't any of the things that we heard about foxes. You showed us more kindness than anyone has in this city." May stated.
"We did tell you that." Gwen stated.
"Yeah. You did." May said looking down at her plate.
As great is it was to help them, they still wanted to know their story. Why were they all in Zootopia and leaving on the streets?
"May, can you tell us what happened to you and your siblings that has you living in the streets?" Nick asked. "Please? We need to know."
"Ummm..."May went still unsure if she should say anything.
"If it's too much for you, you don't have to." John said.
"Can we tell them, sis?" Linc asked.
"Do you really want them to know?" May asked her little brother.
"I do." Linc said.
"What about you, Ivy?" May asked her little sister. Ivy nodded. After taking a deep breathe, May was ready to talk. "Okay. You all have treated us so nicely, it's only fair we tell you what happened. But... it's not a happy story."
Nick, Judy, Gwen, John, and Frankie all mentally prepared themselves for the story they were about to hear.
"It all started a few years ago when we were still living in Bunnyburrow. Like most bunny families, our family runs a farm. It was our mom, dad, and 106 of us kids. Things were... only okay with our farm. Actually, to be honest, things weren't that good at the farm." May said.
"What do you mean?" Nick asked.
"Farming is a very cutthroat job in Bunnyburrow. With so many rival farms, it hard for a few to even get to the top. And our family farm... was pretty much at the bottom." May stated. "Our products were lacking and we didn't get many sales. Our dad wasn't too happy it and mom didn't like the angry side of him."
"What happened?" John asked.
"Eventually, mom and dad's marriage was on thin ice and... they soon got divorced." May stated.
"DIVORCED?!" Judy and Gwen shouted out in shock.
Now, while not uncommon, divorce was very, very rare when it came to rabbit couples. Most rabbit couples stay together, even if their marriage is rocky. It's also mainly because of the kids. So to hear the word was a big shock for Judy and Gwen.
"Yeah. Once the papers were signed, mom moved out of the house and all of us kids stayed with our dad." May stated. She then looked at Judy. "Judy, do you remember when we stopped seeing each other?"
"Uhh... yeah. One day, I realized that you stopped going to school." Judy said. "I thought your family just moved or something."
"Our dad made everyone drop out of school." May stated. "He said 'There's no point in you kids going to school anymore. Just work on the farm and you won't have to learn anything.'."
"No school isn't as fun as it sounds." Nick said. "Without school, you can't learn new things or make friends."
"I wish we knew that sooner." May stated. "Our dad would just make us work on the farm day in and day out. It didn't matter if we were tired, he'd force us to work if he had to."
"What do you mean by... force?" John asked. "He didn't... hit you kids, did he?"
"I... can't say." May said shaking a bit.
"That's the same as saying yes." John said starting to look a bit mad.
"It's... kinda of the reason Ivy doesn't talk." May stated.
"What?" John and Frankie said shocked by this information. They then look at Ivy who just nodded admitting that it was true.
"If things are so bad with your dad, why didn't you just live with your mom?" Nick asked.
"It's not that simple for bunnies, Nick." Judy said.
"For bunnies families, the husband and wife are two things. The provider and the caretaker. The provider being the husband and the caretaker being the wife." Gwen stated. "However, when the couple gets divorced, the provider gets custody."
"No 50/50?" Nick asked.
"When families are as big as the ones in Bunnyburrow, the 50/50 rule doesn't apply." Gwen said.
"They're right. The farm was in dad's name and mom didn't have any other job at the time." May stated. "Heck, we haven't even seen her in years."
"That's... so sad." Frankie said looking sad herself.
"A few years after their divorce, our dad just got worst. Always so filled with rage and anger. It scared us as kids. One day, I had enough and wanted to just leave the farm." May said.
"Ivy and I tagged along too because we didn't want to deal with dad anymore either." Linc said.
"Yeah. The three of us packed what we could and ran away. Far... far... away." May said. "We ran and constantly stopped at any places we could spend the night at. Abandon barns, the usual. Then one day, we snuck into a train leading to Zootopia. At first, we were happy about coming here. If you can make it in Zootopia, you can make it anywhere, right? Except, when you are just little bunny kids. Too young to work, barely had any money, and only had the clothes behind our backs. All we could do... was live off the streets and what we could get. It's tough, but it beat the way we were living before." May then drank her glass of water and sipped it before putting the glass back down. "That's our story."
"That's... one of the saddest stories I've ever heard. And I've heard a lot of sad stories." Nick said looking down.
"You three... have been through a lot." John said as he rubs his forehead.
"In the end, it's all about surviving. That's all we can really do." May stated.
Surviving or not, this still wasn't a way for kids to live. John and Frankie were still in disbelief with all they had heard.
"Mrs. Wilde, if it's not too much to ask, do you have any dessert?" Linc asked wanting something sweet.
"Huh? Oh. Right." Frankie said getting back to reality. "I hope blueberry cobbler and ice cream is okay."
They all lightly nodded their heads. Even with Frankie getting dessert, it didn't make things any sweeter after hearing that story.
Hours later, Judy and Gwen went back to their apartment. Nearly everyone in the Wilde house was in bed. Frankie looked at the twin's room and sees Todd and Vicky peacefully sleeping in their crib. Frankie then goes downstairs to check on their guest. Linc and Ivy both slept on the pull-out couch. Frankie sees that Ivy was getting enough of the sheet, so she got another sheet for her and covered her with it. Frankie smiled a bit but still felt sorry for them. Lastly, Frankie went to Nick's room and slightly opened the door. She sees May sleeping on Nick's bed while Nick is sleeping on a futon. Nick must have offered to let May sleep in his bed for the night. With everyone asleep, Frankie gently closes the door and then goes to her room.
In their room, John and Frankie were still up in their bed. They just couldn't get the thought of May and her siblings out of their head.
"I don't think I'm gonna get much sleep, dear." John said as he rubbed his forehead.
"Me neither. Those poor kids have been through a lot." Frankie said.
"What kind of father would abuse his own kids?" John said.
"We have to do something about this." Frankie said.
John then picked up his cellphone and started dialing numbers.
"Who are you calling, Johnathan?" Frankie asked.
"Who do you think, Francine?" John replied.
John held the phone in his ear and waited for a response. After 4 rings, someone speaks.
"Hello?"
"Stu, it's John. We need to talk."
That's the end of part 1. So yeah, we got quite a bit of drama in this first part. Trust me on this, there's only gonna be more drama in the next part. Sorry in advance. Getting more motivated to do more chapters for this story. So let's hope I can keep the flow going. Until next time, I'll keep you in suspense.