-The Birthday Bun-
Vivienne had her eyes closed as she let the cool water from the faucet pour over her paws. It was odd that this was such a calming thing to her but sometimes just taking things slow and enjoying the smallest of sensations was exactly what the vixen needed before she got ready for work.
"Viv?" Came a voice from the phone currently pressed to the side of the fox's head. Vivienne blinked and suddenly realized she may have just spaced out on her phone call with her sister.
"Sorry Jean just lost myself in thought," The tired vixen muttered as she resumed cleaning the many dishes in the sink.
"That's the third time," Jean pointed out. "Sis you are working too much again…"
"Well you know how bills can be," Vivienne pointed out.
"Price ya pay for living in that fancy city high-rise of yours" Jean shot back.
"Oh yeah, Nick and I sure are living in the lap of luxury."
To be fair they could be much worse off. They lived in a small apartment in the Central district next to the Sahara Square region, it was one of the more affordable neighborhoods. It wasn't exactly the ritziest part of town but it wasn't a dump either. In order for Vivienne to afford such a place though she did have to work a lot of overtime.
"You are doing an amazing job Viv, don't you dare forget that," Jean said encouragingly.
"I know, just wish I could give him more," Vivienne muttered as she looked over at the fridge near the sink.
Posted on the center of the fridge was a large picture that Nick had brought home from his most recent visit to Manta Bay. It was a group picture from the aquarium science camp. Nick was in the center with his cousin Emily. A multi-colored bunny was on the young tod's shoulder as he held her up. A broad smile on both their faces. Emily was hefting up a brown bunny on her own shoulder, their smiles equally bright. A gray bunny had her arms around Nick's waist as two painted dogs stood on either side of the group waving happily, their arms around each of the fox's shoulders. The group was all wearing the same science camp shirts, happy expressions and each of their faces.
Nick not only returned to Zootopia with the picture but happy little stories about his friends there. It always brought a smile to Vivienne's muzzle when she looked at the picture. She couldn't be happier for her son or more proud. Even for all the hardships, the young fox had faced from other species he was so open-minded and willing to make friends with any mammal whether they be prey or pred.
"Every mother wishes that for her pup," Jean cooed. "It's only natural."
"I know," The vixen sighed as she returned to cleaning the dishes. "You know he has been raising money for train tickets again?"
"Really? How is that going?"
"Well on a paper mammal's salary…" Vivienne drifted off.
Nick had been working so hard, picking up paper routes, doing the odd job around the neighborhood. While very proud of her little fox she did miss the time they had together. Nick would normally return from school, give his mother a kiss on the cheek, and then hurry out the door. Or in the mornings he would wake up early so he could deliver the morning papers. He wasn't working himself to exhaustion but Vivienne felt bad, a tod his age should be out with the other neighborhood mammals having fun and enjoying their younger years.
"When it comes to the train tickets you know Rob and I would be happy to help out. He is our nephew after all," Jean offered.
"I don't want to burden you two," Vivienne said proudly. While the offer was very kind she didn't want to have her child burden her sister.
"Oh please sis. You are family and we love having both of you here."
"I know but it's just…." Vivienne trailed off.
"How dad raised us?"
"Exactly. Paw outs must always be returned and I'm already too indebted to you all for looking after Nick over the spring break, and the holidays and Halloween…listing them off like this isn't exactly a good thing is it?"
"Are you kitting Viv? You're just helping me make a tab."
The two vixens shared a laugh before Vivienne steered the conversation back to what they had been on before she had drifted off.
"So is Emily excited about the vacation?"
There was a somewhat sad sigh on the other end and Vivienne could tell something was up.
"Well, she was till we realized when it takes place…"
"Oh?"
"Well I'm sure you are familiar with her best friend Trisha," Jean began.
Vivienne chuckled, "Oh I have heard a lot about that bunny. Is it true she went swimming in the touch tank at the aquarium?"
Upon his return from Manta Bay Nick always had a story that involved a rather energetic bunny. Each one was crazier than the last and she began to wonder if this bunny even existed in this plane of reality. It wasn't until the Science Camp that Vivienne finally saw a picture of this doe. Several pictures from Manta Bay came back with the tod and he happily told his mother the story behind each one.
It was at this point the vixen realized something. Every time she pointed out a certain gray bunny in the pictures, her brilliant purple eyes shining at the camera, her son would grow nervous and change the subject.
His first crush! My sweet tod has his first crush with a bunny! Such a cute young girl too!
"Oh no she just dunked her head in this time," Jean said as if this was perfectly normal.
"Oh that makes sense," Vivienne chuckled.
"Well as it turns out our trip is during Trisha's birthday….right in the middle of it too. So we can't necessarily delay it this late in the game."
"Oh no," Vivienne sighed as she finished washing the dishes and began to dry her paws. "What about the others? Those painted dog brothers?"
"Delta and Atom?"
"Yes," Vivienne said, holding back a laugh about the names. Of course, she had met a few painted dogs in Zootopia, some of them with their own odd series of names.
"Those two aren't actually brothers," Jean corrected.
Vivienne closed her eyes and made the mental note, "Sorry, I am still trying to learn everything about Nick's friends."
Nick's friends.
The vixen felt her heart swell when she said the words, knowing full well the difficulties Nick had been facing through the years thanks to speciest mindsets.
"They might as well be, never really find one without the other."
"Isn't one of them mute?"
"Atom is," Jean said with a hint of sadness. "Lost his voice after an accident."
"Oh the poor pup," Vivienne said as she put a paw to her chest.
"Yes but the thing about painted dogs is they really look after their own. When Atom showed up to a specialist to start learning paw language Delta was waiting there and wanted to learn it all too so Atom would have someone to talk to."
"Oh gosh where is a tissue?" Vivienne sighed as she wiped a tear from her eyes.
"Oh, I still tear up, such sweet pups. They both helped Trisha raise the money to help get Nick over here for the Spring Camp."
"So they are going to be out of town for Trisha's birthday as well?" Vivienne asked, returning to the previous topic.
"Yes, they are at a summer camp with some other painted dogs. A kind of community retreat will have to ask Larry more about it next time I see him."
"What about the rest of the city? The way Nick goes on about Trisha she makes friends very easily," Vivienne teased.
Jean laughed and took a moment, "That she does. I do love that little bun of energy and I am glad Emily has a friend like her. But sadly it being summer a lot of folks are out of town for vacation or busy with events. It just so happens her birthday this year got so booked up that well…"
"Oh no," Vivienne began, a sudden feeling of dread filling her as she realized what this might mean for the young bunny's birthday.
"Yeah….no one is able to make it."
Vivienne looked back at the fridge with the picture of her Nick surrounded by friends. Her gaze going to the bunny with brilliant blue eyes. The one who had taken it upon herself to raise money and do something nice for Nick and the others.
"Jean?"
"Yeah, Viv?"
"Can I have Mrs. Rose's phone number?"
June 17th rolled around and the summer was in full swing. Many young mammals loved this time of year because it meant summer camps, adventures, but most importantly no school. To a certain brown bunny, though it was an extra special day, it was Trisha's birthday.
While Trisha wasn't able to have a big party that day with all her friends they had all made plans to get together as a group when they all returned from their various trips and camps. Trisha saying she wanted to go play laser tag and how all of them had to stand in a line and let her get a free point since they were abandoning her this summer. The gang had all felt terrible about not being there for their friend's birthday until she gave them each a hug and told them it was just a day on a calendar and that she was more than ok rescheduling. She also reminded them that her presents had to be extra epic that year.
While the brown bunny had put on a brave face Trisha's mother had seen the way her little bunny's ears would droop whenever she was reminded about her birthday.
Peggy, however, knew exactly how to shoo the droopy ears away. She had told Trisha that they had a fun surprise for Trisha's birthday planned. That did the trick. Trisha was terrible at surprises, always wanting to know what was up no matter how casual she acted about it. The doe filled her days trying to guess what was planned or sneak around the house to find clues. Much to her annoyance, she hadn't figured anything out.
When the big day came Trisha was surprised when her mother woke her up early in the morning. The bunny felt a gentle paw rubbing the fur on her cheek.
"Hey there my big birthday girl," Peggy cooed softly.
"Mmmmm….mom?"
"Time to wake up sweetie," Peggy whispered as she leaned down and pressed her lips to her daughter's forehead.
"It's so early though. Summer is for noon wake-ups," Trisha moaned.
"Well, we have some big plans today. Besides, 9 am is not early."
"It is in the summer," Trisha moaned as she turned over in bed and nuzzled her pillow.
Peggy chuckled as she rubbed the base of Trisha's ear and earned a purr from the sleeping bun.
"Well I guess Grammy Rose will just have to eat all those chocolate pancakes herself," Peggy suggested.
She waited a minute and watched as Trisha's ears started to grow firmer, she had a feeling mentioning both pancakes and Trisha's grandmother would get her going.
"Grammy Rose was let out of jail?!" Trisha asked as she rolled over in bed, her bright blue eyes wide with excitement.
"She wasn't in jail in the first place!"
After getting dressed and ready Trisha skipped down the hallway to the kitchen. The sweet scents wafting in the homemade Trisha excited for what was waiting for her. When she turned the corner to the kitchen she saw her family was already present.
"There's the birthday bun," Peggy announced.
Everyone turned to look at Trisha who began to wiggle with excitement.
"Oh gosh she is doing the thing again," Trisha's eldest brother Brandon grumbled.
Trisha remained in the doorway and simply raised her arms upward, waiting as she wiggled.
"Go hug your sister boys," Trisha's father ordered with a laugh.
Three young bucks all rose from the table and walked over to their sister who giggled happily. Each of them giving their sister a hug, she even got a kiss on the cheek from her youngest brother. She cooed and nuzzled each of her siblings. Her brothers were all older than her and had reached that age where such affection was sometimes annoying but having Trisha as a sister meant they had to deal with it since she enjoyed it so much.
An elder doe was sitting at the table. Her teal colored eyes looking at Trisha as she smiled at the young doe who squealed happily and scurried over.
"There is my little partner in crime," The brown bunny with graying fur said as she opened her arms and let her granddaughter climb right onto her lap.
"Morning Grammy," Trisha said softly as she rubbed her cheek against her grandmother's. "Glad you broke out of prison for this."
"The guards were sleeping but I still had to put on the charm to woo the warden," Grammy Rose chuckled.
"Mom! Really? Don't give her ideas," Trisha's father shot from the stove as he looked over at his mother still holding the purring Trisha.
"Did you do the thing with the ears?"
"Oh you bet, makes the boys go wild," The elder doe said with a wink.
Trisha giggled and practiced the wink herself which earned her a laugh from her grandmother who gave her another hug.
The rest of the morning was spent enjoying one of Trisha's breakfast choices. Her father's homemade chocolate pancake special. Each time he placed a pancake on her plate he would give his daughter a kiss on the cheek which had her giggling excitedly.
Trisha was allowed to put on her own whip cream only one day each year and the reason became clear.
"That's it, sweetie! Go go go," Grammy Rose cheered Trisha on as the bunny had to stand on her hind paws, having made a whip cream mountain nearly as tall as her on just one pancake.
"Oh gosh she is gonna have a sugar rush all day," Trisha's father groaned.
"She is always on a sugar rush dear," Peggy said as she sipped at her morning tea and watched Trisha use half a can of whip cream. "Don't forget the cherry, Trisha."
After a rather messy breakfast, the Rose family clambered into the family van. Trisha was allowed to pick where she wanted to sit and decided to have the middle row with her grandmother while the "riff-raff" sat in the back seat area. Trisha's brothers all grumbled as they climbed into the back row. The youngest, a gray buck named Gabe, reached up and gave one of Trisha's ears a rub on the tip which tickled the small doe causing her to giggle and turn to give her brother a look.
"It's your birthday ear rub," He tried to say innocently, knowing full well Trisha was ticklish in that spot.
"Enough chit-chat from the slums!" Trisha teased as she stuck out her tongue.
Gabe stuck out his own tongue but gave his sister a playful smirk as well. Trisha being the youngest meant she had to learn early on to stand her ground with the older bucks. She was rather lucky though that none of them really bullied her. There was the occasional time she was picked on but it wasn't exactly mean. Trisha being a bit of an odd bun meant she didn't hesitate to go after her brothers, occasionally pranking them before scurrying away.
Her parents always made sure that any issues were quickly resolved amongst their children, stating they didn't have time for silly little squabbles when there were so many adventures and fun times to be had.
Once underway Trisha began to try and get some information out of her grandmother, hoping the older doe would let slip where they were going.
"What about a boat ride on the bay?" Trisha asked as they passed a billboard that was advertising a local ferry service.
"Boring," Grandma Rose said as she waved her paw about. "Come on think of something better."
Trisha put a paw to her chin as a pensive look formed.
"What about…a boat ride but we also have to fight off some pirates in order to get their booty?"
"We already have enough booty," Trisha's grandma teased as she wiggled her rump into the seat which caused her granddaughter to snort and wiggle her own rear.
"Mom! Grandma Rose and Trisha are being weird again!" Came a groan from the very back row.
"It's your sister's birthday dear, she is allowed to be weird," Peggy said absentmindedly as she studied a map in the front seat.
"Wait does that mean every day is her birthday?"
"Darn straight!" Trisha barked and grinned evilly. "Which means I am older than you and now I get to pick the TV channels in the morning."
"You do that anyways or else you start licking whoever has the remote."
"You lick your brothers to get your way?" Grandma Rose asked a now nervous looking Trisha. "That's my girl, show them who is boss."
The rest of the car ride was just as weird as the start. Trisha had a favorite game with her grandmother on long car rides. She would point at some random object or sign outside the window and right on cue Grandma Rose would make up some story about said object.
"That telephone pole was actually put there by the very first settlers to Manta Bay," Grandma Rose began.
"Wasn't Manta Bay founded like years before telephone poles even existed?" Came a question from the slums.
"Yes, but this telephone pole was the very first one. They put it there and then started to invent the telephone so it had a purpose. It was originally used to keep an eye out for herds of redwood trees, they sometimes migrate here for the winter."
"Yeah Brandon, didn't you know that?" Gabe teased as he looked at his grandmother who gave the young buck a wink.
Eventually, the van passed by a sign welcoming passing vehicles to a town called Samoa. That's when Trisha lost it.
"Samoa?!" The bunny nearly burst from her seat.
"Told you she remembered the name of the town…." Trisha's father said with a smirk in the front seat.
"No way! No Way! Are we going there?" Trisha asked as she bounced up and down in her seat.
"Wait whats in Samoa again?" Gabe asked as he looked at his brothers in the slum part of the van.
Trisha turned around and had to wiggle herself up in order to look over the seat.
"You don't remember?!" Trisha asked as her bright blue eyes shined with excitement.
"Here we go…"Brandon began.
"Get ready for the squeak," Jeff said as he covered his ears.
At that exact moment, the van made a turn around a small forest which brought into view a giant red sign that had been carved into the shape of a locomotive.
Trisha didn't have to see the sign to know what it said. She looked right at her brothers and opened her mouth in a broad grin.
"Train Town!"
Even though Trisha had only just figured out where they were going it didn't take long for her impatience to get the best of her as she wriggled in her seat.
"Easy there my little firecracker," Grandma Rose cooed as she ran a paw down her granddaughters head, pressing the thick black tipped ears against Trisha's back.
"Grandma this is so amazing! Have you ever been?"
"I can't say I have sweetie, why don't you tell me about it," Grandma Rose chuckled, trying to find a way to keep Trisha from bursting right out her seatbelt.
"Oh my gosh, Grammy it's the best!" Trisha shouted. "They have all these mini trains but they aren't mini, they are just small, but they are also big enough for us to ride in them!"
Trisha spoke so quickly that it would just take her a second to explain one part of Train Town before moving onto the next.
From what Grandma Rose could gather though that Train Town was like a theme park of sorts. Large model trains would take guests around the park to a small western village, a nearby stream, or a lake where mammals could enjoy picnics.
Trisha being somewhat of a train nut meant that this was like heaven to her. Since Train Town was so far from Manta Bay though it was rare for them to get a chance to visit. She had been on several occasions, one time all her friends had managed to join her and they made a day trip out of it. The distance though made it so this was a unique treat.
Once parked in the dirt parking lot in front of the park the family exited the vehicle and took a moment or two to stretch. Peggy busied herself at the back of the van and called her husband over to help carry their picnic supplies.
Trisha was hopping up and down excitedly, sometimes even spinning around, as she looked ahead at the large red sign above the park entrance.
"We are at Train Town, this is the best, oh I hope they have the steam train running today, that one is my favorite," Trisha continued to gush about where they were as her family got ready for their day at the park.
Several other families were in the parking lot, casually strolling up to a ticket booth nearby. Train Town wasn't exactly the busiest of tiny theme parks but it still saw enough guests to keep it in operation all year round.
A friendly looking beaver was in the ticket booth which was made from an old caboose. He greeted the Rose family when they approached and Trisha's father took care of purchasing the tickets.
"Been to Train Town before?" The beaver asked as he began to get the tickets squared away.
"Several times," Dave said as he leaned against the counter. "My little girl loves this place so we thought it would be a treat for her birthday."
"Whose birthday is it?" The beaver asked excitedly.
Trisha being somewhat short meant that only hear ears could pop up over the counter. Her father leaned down and scooped up his little bun and lifted her up so she could smile and wave excitedly at the beaver.
"Mine! Oh my gosh, I love Train Town!"
"Well since it's your birthday would you like to be out junior conductor-" The beaver began but was cut off by the explosion of happiness that was Trisha.
"YES! Oh my gosh super yes!" Trisha said as she squirmed in her father's arms.
Trisha was given a special button that had the Train Town Logo on it. Underneath in red writing were the words 'Junior Conductor'.
Trisha wore the button with pride and puffed out her chest as she showed her brothers.
"Tickets please?" Trisha asked as she held out her paws to the bucks.
"We don't have any yet," Jeff chuckled.
"Then I'm gonna have to toss you off the moving train into the lake," Trisha said evilly.
The brothers all looked at one another hesitantly.
"We also accept hugs," Trisha suggested as she held up her arms, wiggling her digits.
The three bucks suddenly tried to scatter. Unfortunately for them, they couldn't exactly run very far or their parents would order them back. Trisha managed to get two of them pretty quickly. Once she released Jeff she looked around for her youngest brother Gabe. Her eyes brightened as she noticed Grandma Rose had grabbed Gabe by the nape of the neck and was holding him so he would be easy prey for the smaller doe who hurried over.
Trisha wrapped her arms around her tan colored brother and nuzzled her cheek against his shoulder.
"See not so bad," Grandma Rose began.
Trisha suddenly leapt up and dragged her tongue across her brother's cheek which caused him to groan.
"That is the most adorable thing I have seen all day," The beaver chuckled as he counted out their tickets.
"Yeah tends to happen when you have a goofball like her around," Dave said with a laugh.
Once the tickets were paid for the gang headed into the park, following a wide dirt path that had train rails on either side.
"Thank you so much," Trisha exclaimed as she skipped ahead of her family and practically danced with excitement. "This is the best surprise ever!"
"Well this is actually only part of the surprise," Peggy explained as the group strolled past the main entrance gate.
Trisha had been so distracted by being in one of her favorite places that she had almost missed what her mother said. Her large ears twitched though and she looked back at her mom, a questioning look on her face.
Peggy simply smirked at Trisha before pointing to something just ahead of the group. Trisha turned and scanned their surroundings. Her eyes fell on a bench underneath a yellow umbrella. That's when she saw them.
Two mammals with russet fur and black paws sat patiently on the bench. Looking at all the mammals passing by. The young tod with emerald eyes glanced over at Trisha and beamed as he suddenly sat up and waved.
Trisha was frozen with excitement as her tail flicked. Eventually, her bottom began to wiggle, followed by her legs until the doe was shaking with excitement.
"Nick!" Trisha yelled as she threw her arms up and scurried over to her friend.
She took a running leap and propelled herself into the air right at the tod whose eyes went wide. Having not prepared for such a greeting Nick was tackled to the ground as Trisha wrapped her arms around the fox.
"Hi Trisha," Nick managed to groan as he wrapped his arms around the eager doe.
Trisha purred as she nuzzled her head against Nick's chin.
"Nick I am so glad to see you, what are you doing here?!"
"Well Samoa is between Zootopia and Manta Bay," Nick began.
"And we also wanted to come for your birthday," The vixen who had been sitting next to Nick said sweetly.
Trisha opened her eyes as she realized who this must be. The doe looked up and studied the lovely female fox, neglecting to get off Nick who was still on the ground beneath her.
Vivienne was wearing a lovely purple blouse that went well with her long green skirt. She carried with her a purse that was large and most likely held some kind of snack in case her tod got hungry. Her outfit was the definition of a mom clothing.
The two stared at one another for a minute before Vivienne held her arms open and smiled at Trisha who squealed with happiness as she clambered on up and received a hug.
"Happy Birthday Trisha," Vivienne whispered before planting a tender kiss on the bunny's forehead. "And thank you for looking after my Nick."
"The pumpkin queen looks after all her subjects," Trisha purred as she closed her eyes.
Nick watched from his spot in the dirt before he slowly got up and brushed his shorts clean and fixed his green shirt. It was actually a kind of touching sight to Nick, to see Trisha held by his mother. How the two acted like they had known one another for some time.
"Trisha, are you hugging strangers again?" Came Grandma Rose who waddled up along with the rest of Trisha's family.
"No…well not right now," Trisha giggled as she was set down by Vivienne. "Grandma this is the fox I told you about and his mom!"
"Oh, the handsome tod from Zootopia?" Grandma Rose asked playfully as she approached.
Nick looked over at Trisha with a smug look.
"Oh shut up, those are Judy's words, not mine."
This caused Nick's tail to swish, a goofy grin crossing his face.
"You must be Vivienne," Peggy said as she looked up at the vixen who gave the approaching bunnies a warm smile.
"Oh yes," Vivienne said with some hesitation, realizing how awkward this might be. Here she was, an adult fox picking up and hugging a small bunny. In Zootopia she wouldn't be surprised if the ZPD was barreling down the street in an attempt to rescue the poor doe. "I um-"
"It is so nice to finally meet you," Peggy said as she opened her arms and walked right up to Vivienne.
To Vivienne's surprise, she received a warm hug from Peggy who gushed about finally meeting. Trisha's father Dave came up after Peggy and extended a paw, insisting that Vivienne drop the Mr. Rose and call him by his first name. She agreed but only if he used hers as well.
When it came time to meet Grandma Rose Vivienne was somewhat nervous, having met several older bunnies before in Zootopia. They normally harbored some ill thoughts about foxes. Much to the vixens surprise though the older doe was rather eager to make her acquaintance.
"You are the spitting image of this beautiful vixen my mother used to work with when she lived in Fairfax," Grandma Rose began. "She had this picture of the two of them and go on and on about the adventures they had together."
"That's interesting," Vivienne began, a slightly shocked look on her lovely face. "My family used to live in Fairfax."
While the adults caught up Nick was being introduced to Trisha's brothers. Nick was a little surprised at first just how unfazed they all seemed about Trisha introducing the fox as her friend. It wasn't until he remembered where they were all from that he understood why they were so accepting.
"So your Emily's cousin?" Brandon asked.
"From Zootopia? Awesome! You ever get a chance to check out the baseball stadium in the Beach district?" Jeff asked.
"What about ice hockey? I heard they have a whole region covered in snow, must be so cool," Gabe exclaimed.
Trisha stood next to Nick during the series of questions and smiled up at the fox who seemed more than happy to entertain the brothers and their inquiries about the city he called home.
After spending some time getting to know one another and catching up it was time to visit the rest of the park. As much as Trisha was happy for the surprise visit from the Wildes she was currently in her favorite park and if she didn't get on a train soon she may explode.
Vivienne watched with amusement as Trisha climbed up on Nick's back, wrapping her arms around his neck. Nick didn't even hesitate to loop his arms so he could hold Trisha up better.
"Trisha what have we talked about using other mammals as transportation?" Peggy groaned.
Trisha's ears raised up and her tail flicked as she pointed forward and shouted, "Onward to battle!"
"Nick you don't have to carry her," Peggy said but Nick happily started hurrying down the dirt path towards a small train station.
"Your son has a lot of patience," Dave chuckled as he watched the fox and doe laughing and hurrying off.
"He actually enjoys it I think, "Vivienne said as she walked alongside the adults noticing how her son's tail swished happily as he carried the small brown bunny. Trisha's brothers hurried off after Trisha and Nick. "He has been talking non stop about his last visit to Manta Bay."
"Oh, the aquarium camp?" Dave asked. "Glad he enjoyed his time. Some of the kits think it's kind of boring but Trisha can't get enough of it."
"Nick loved it and I love hearing about it."
"Did you enjoy the pictures?" Peggy asked as she smiled up at Vivienne.
"Loved them, I especially like the one from the little picnic at Jean's. The one with that sweet Judy girl."
"Oh, that one is adorable. I had to wait for them not to notice me. Don't think they would want me taking pictures of them sitting so close."
Vivienne laughed and looked at Peggy," Thank you again for snapping that one."
Ahead of the adults Nick and Trisha were already waiting on a small train platform with several other kits. A nervous-looking raccoon looked over at the bunny currently holding onto the young fox's back.
Trisha noticed the gaze and looked down, "Sup?"
The raccoon took a step to the side and before Trisha could try and pounce on him and ask what was wrong a loud whistle came from down the tracks.
Nick felt the bunny on his back suddenly tense up, as one they looked down the track at the approaching train. Nick had to hold back his laughs as he felt Trisha begin to wiggle excitedly.
"Its one of the steam ones! I love the steam ones!" Trisha nearly shouted with joy.
The trains at Train Town weren't actual trains but scale models of the various locomotives of old. Some of them looked like they came right out of a western movie while others had a more modern design. The park boasted over 10 different models but luckily for them today one of Trisha's favorites was on the tracks.
The Lilly Belle was named after one of the founder's wives as a way of an apology from her husband for spending so much time and hard earned money on what was first a hobby but soon turned into a full-fledged park. It was designed after the old Mogul series of locomotive that could be found in the southern regions. Her stack was thinner than most but nicely rounded at the top. The green paint that graced the engine looked like it was polished daily as it gleamed in the afternoon sun. A lovely looking black fox was sitting behind the controls, wearing the old denim coveralls and hat combo that train engineers would wear in the old days and now in the movies.
"It's so cool!" Trisha giggled as she leaned down and pressed her cheek to Nick's so she could get a closer look at the train as it pulled into the station.
Nick having never been to Train Town before was still amazed at how realistic the train looked even though it was a quarter scale of what normal trains were.
The staff at Train Town prided themselves on how realistic their models actually were. Every part had a purpose and worked just like a real steam train.
"Next stop Grizzly Flats station!" Shouted a raccoon in an old blue conductor's uniform.
"Get us in the front," Trisha instructed.
Nick followed the bunny's request and scrambled into what looked like an old flatbed car with seats welded on.
"Two tails per seat please," The conductor instructed as he passed Nick and Trisha.
Trisha quickly scrambled off of Nick's back and sat next to the fox, wiggling until she was leaning right against the tod who looked around excitedly.
Several younger kits and pups climbed onboard. All of them with eager looks on their faces. Most of the adults were loading into the back.
"We are gonna go set up lunch," Peggy said as she walked by Nick and Trisha.
"Do you need any help?" Vivienne asked but was ushered towards the train.
"Yes Viv, by keeping an eye on Trisha, Dave is gonna have his paws full watching the boys as it is," Peggy teased.
Vivienne chuckled and boarded the train and took a seat next to Dave who rolled his eyes, "You laugh now but we are currently in her favorite park and she had a whole can of whip cream this morning so I am fully expecting some kind of craziness."
The vixen chuckled at the buck's comments and looked up the train towards her little one. Nick turned around and the biggest of smiles was on his muzzle as he waved at his mother. Trisha's ears twitched and she turned. Her bright blue eyes shined with such happiness as she waved at Vivienne who couldn't help but wave back at the two goofballs at the front of the train.
"Now departing to Grizzly Flats station!" The raccoon shouted from the rear of the train. "All Aboard!"
With that, the train lumbered into life and began to pull the cars down the track. Everyone onboard was jostled slightly at first but soon sat back and enjoyed the smooth ride through the park.
Trisha would occasionally point out landmarks to Nick, explaining what they all were.
"That is Gold Gulch, it's said to have gold from the gold rush era still buried in the sand," Trisha explained as they passed a babbling brook.
"Over there is old Thunder mine," Trisha squeaked as she leaned across Nick's lap and pointed at a small mine shaft with a water tower sitting next to it. "That's where the bandits hang out and keep their treasure."
"Is that an Indian village?" Nick asked as they passed a series of tents.
"Yeah! They are friendly though, especially since they know this train is currently carrying the Pumpkin Queen."
The train soon pulled into a small makeshift western village. The engineer brought the steam engine to a halt and allowed the passengers to disembark. The buildings were all to a certain scale. Nick realized rather quickly he wouldn't have been able to fit into any of them even if he tried. The small town only seemed to excite Trisha who began to hurry around, laughing maniacally as she pretended to be some kind of giant causing trouble in the small village.
Just beyond the western town was a ropes course and jungle gym which many of the kits hurried to. Each of them trying to climb higher than the others. Nick started climbing up one side only to feel something brush past him. Glancing around he was surprised to see Trisha hopping from one spot to the other as she scaled the structure with ease. Once on the top she looked down at Nick and wiggled her nose. Reaching down she helped Nick the rest of the way up so they could sit together.
Even though the structure was barely two stories in the air to the young kits climbing all over it was quite the accomplishment to brave the heights.
"Is that a train?" Nick asked as he looked over at a large structure through the trees. He glanced at Trisha who had a deadpan look on her face.
"Nick we are in a place called Train Town, the chances of it being a train are really high."
The two shared a laugh and descended the jungle gym and hurried through the trees towards a full-scale steam train. A lot of parts had been removed for safety but it still kept its more memorable parts. It had been turned into its own makeshift playground which many kits enjoyed. Trisha lead Nick into the main cab and started spouting out little facts about all the levers and gears inside. They even pretended to be barreling down an old track towards some unknown destination.
Nick watched as Trisha leaned out the window, the happiest of smiles on her lips. When she looked back at Nick her tail flicked.
The fox walked over and stood behind Trisha, wrapping his arms around her waist and giving her a hug which caused her to squeal happily.
"What was that for?"
"Just wanted to…ya, know…well….thanks Trisha…for-" Nick began as he looked down at the smiling bun.
Trisha simply nodded and leaned against her friend. No words were really needed.
The day was a kind of a blur to Nick who was led around by Trisha, the bunny was more than happy to act as a tour guide to the young fox. Occasionally Trisha would stop mid-step and turn around suddenly, wrapping her arms around the surprised fox as she gushed about how happy she was to have him there.
After a few more train rides, climbing adventures, and a generous amount of hugs from the excited bunny it was time for everyone to meet up back at the main section of the park for some food.
Lunch was a pleasant affair. Once back in the main part of the park the gang headed towards a small lake that was surrounded by large trees that were shading the many benches and picnic tables. Peggy had taken the time to set up a bright teal tablecloth with balloons tied to the bench.
"Oh Peggy this looks wonderful," Vivienne complimented as they approached and admired the setup.
"Thanks, Viv," Peggy said as she finished setting out some sandwiches and snacks. "Pressed Beetle sandwiches ok for you and Nick? I called Jean and she gave me the recipe."
"That is so very sweet of you Peg," Vivienne said in surprise as she noticed the sandwiches made just for Nick and her sitting on their own plates, she was rather humbled that Peggy had taken the time to prepare some food just for the predators. She and Nick had been prepared for just a simple vegetarian meal since the hosts were all bunnies but to see the kindness from the Rose family made Vivienne's heart swell.
The gang settled in for lunch. Nick and Trisha sitting next to one another, the bunny braving a bite of Nick's sandwich at one point which made her gag and quickly search for a napkin. Nick roaring with laughter at his friend before receiving a series of playful slaps on the arm from the brown bunny who still looked like she may be sick.
Peggy, Vivienne, and Grandma Rose all gossiped at the other end of the table while Dave kept the boys in line.
"They still send us the occasional box of vegetables from their farm too," Peggy said as she took a sip from a soda can. "They are very kind mammals that's for sure."
The current topic was one that Vivienne had wanted to discuss in a little more detail with Peggy. Wanting to know more about a certain bunny that made her tod act suddenly silent and goofy whenever she was mentioned.
"So Judy is older than Sarah correct?" Vivienne asked as she munched on some chips.
"Yes, Judy is older. Just a little younger than Nick" Peggy smirked in a mischievous manner, "She is also the one that is quite taken with your tod."
"Was I that obvious?"
"I mean at least you didn't have a banner," Grandma Rose teased which caused all three ladies to share a laugh.
"Oh sweet!" Gabe said from beside the table as he looked inside one of the picnic baskets.
"Hey you little nosey troublemaker," Peggy said as she got up and hurried over and grabbed her son by the waist and hefted him away from the picnic basket.
"What's up?" Dave asked as he looked over at his wife who had an annoyed look on her face.
"Mom brought cake!" Gabe shouted excitedly.
"Hush!" Peggy said but it was too late as she looked over at Trisha who suddenly stood up, her ears erect.
"No!" Trisha groaned as she looked up at the sky then slowly back to her mom. "Why not cupcakes?!"
"Because we can't do the tradition on cupcakes," Dave said simply.
"Tradition?" Nick asked as he looked up at the bunny standing on the bench seat next to him.
"Moooooom," Trisha said as she closed her eyes before looking at her mother. Though she sounded slightly annoyed her lips couldn't help but curl in a smile.
"What's the tradition?" Vivienne asked as she leaned close to Grandma Rose who giggled.
"Oh just wait and see."
"Should we do cake then presents? That way a certain someone doesn't decide to run off before we can enjoy the tradition?" Peggy suggested to Dave, giving him a wink.
"I think…" Dave said calmly as he slowly got up. "That we…." He continued as he took a few slow steps around the table.
Trisha looked over at her father, her eyes going wide as she realized what he was up to. The bunny tried to jump off the table and escape but her father was too quick and managed to scoop the squirming doe up and hold her around the waist.
"Ok got her," Dave said with a laugh as he sat down next to Nick, holding Trisha down on his lap.
"Alright everyone time for the birthday song," Peggy explained as she set Gabe down and retrieved two cakes from the picnic basket.
Nick and his mother exchanged confused looks, Nick shrugging before looking back at Trisha who looked rather grumpy all of the sudden.
"Oh come on now my little blueberry," Dave said as he gave his daughter a squeeze, "You don't complain when it's your brother's birthday and they have to do the tradition."
"That's different," Trisha grumbled as she tried to squirm free.
"How?"
"Because it's funny when it's not me," Trisha said simply before letting out a laugh as her father gave her side a playful rub, tickling the small doe.
Peggy set a square cake at one end of the table. The white and blue frosting looking rather appetizing. She then set a circular one in front of Trisha. Nick grinned at the image on the cake. Peggy had drawn a train with frosting. A big smile on the front of the engine as it had "Happy Birthday Trisha" written in the smoke coming from its stack.
"The cakes look great Peggy," Vivienne said as she eyed the food.
"Sure does Aunty Peggy," Nick joined in.
"Well thanks you two," Peggy said as she retrieved a camera and took a picture before smiling at her husband.
"Ok, ready everyone?" The older buck asked before taking a breath.
As one the group began to sing happy birthday to the young doe whose mood changed to one of bashfulness, a nervous smile on her lips.
"Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Trisha," Trisha looked over at Nick whose emerald eyes were bright with happiness while a curious look crossed the fox's face, the tod still wondering why Trisha wasn't excited to be having cake.
"Happy Birthday to you!"
Once the song was finished Trisha took a deep breath before closing her eyes and suddenly Nick realized why Trisha had been hesitant to see the cake.
Dave reached behind Trisha's head and brushed her ears so they wouldn't get in the way. He then pressed his daughters face right into the cake as her brother's and grandmother cheered and laughed.
It was only for a second but that was plenty of time for Trisha's face to be covered in frosting.
Vivienne had to put her paws to her mouth as she stifled a laugh as Nick let loose and burst out laughing.
Trisha smacked her lips and slowly opened her eyes, frosting dripping from her fur as she remained sitting in her father's lap.
Dave then looked down at Nick, "Now Nick I want to apologize for this and hope you have no hard feelings."
Nick tilted his head in confusion before Dave suddenly raised his paws up. It took Nick a second to realize what all this meant and then it hit him.
Trisha was free….
"Laugh at me will ya?!" Trisha shouted and she leapt off her father's lap and dived right for Nick who tried in vain to scurry away but felt Trisha grab him around the neck and suddenly rub her face against Nick's cheek.
"Ah, Trisha!" Nick shouted with laughter.
"Revenge is sweet!" Trisha laughed.
"Oh goodness, Sorry Vivienne," Peggy began as she turned to look at the vixen but was pleased when she saw Nick's mother laughing so hard tears rolled down her cheeks.
"Get him, Trisha!" Vivienne cheered as the doe continued to rub frosting on Nick's fur. "I think I found a new tradition for your next birthday, Nick."
The tod tensed up as he looked at his mother who nodded evilly.
"Ha! Next time it's gonna be your turn, Wilde!" Trisha said as she stood up triumphantly.
"I like having Nick here," Trisha's brother Brandon began.
"Yeah, looks like he got all the frosting this time," Jeff pointed out.
Trisha's ears went up and she slowly turned to her siblings.
"I'm the young one and even I know that was stupid to say," Gabe groaned as he started to get up out of his seat.
Trisha jumped up on the table and to everyone's surprise, she smashed her head back into her own cake once more. She looked up from the cake, her face freshly covered in more frosting and cake bits, an evil grin on her face as she suddenly leaped at her brothers.
After Trisha felt she had gotten enough cake on her siblings and Nick it was time to open presents. She had gotten some action figures from her brothers and a new blue hoodie from her parents.
"What's wrong with my other hoodie?" Trisha asked as she put the new one on, her ears poking out before her head managed to find its way through.
"Sweetie it's got so many holes in it," Peggy explained.
"You say holes I say authentic battle damage," Trisha said as she wiggled her tail but beamed at her parents none the less, appreciating the gift.
"She loves baggy clothing for some reason," Grandma Rose explained to Vivienne, "Only problem is she is so adventurous that she tears them up pretty quick."
"Oh Gosh Nick is the same way with some of his shirts, can't keep them clean at all," Vivienne chuckled.
"Next one is from Nick and his mother," Peggy explained as she looked at the tag.
Vivienne suddenly became somewhat nervous about what they had gotten Trisha. She had wanted to try and get the young doe something nice or maybe a kind of toy. Money, however, was tight but Nick saved the day when he came up with a present idea.
Trisha tore the wrapping paper open and her paw froze as she put her paw against a small wooden case with her initials engraved on its smoothed surface. She tilted her head slightly as she studied the object.
"Open it up," Nick said excitedly.
Trisha smirked as she looked over at Nick and then back at the case which she slowly opened.
Inside was an old fashion ink pen made just for the bunny. Along with some envelopes, paper, and a stick of wax.
"It's an old fashion writing kit," Nick explained as Trisha slowly grasped the pen and lifted it up.
Vivienne prepared for some kind of halfhearted thanks but the way Trisha looked at the pen before a broad smile appeared told the vixen the doe actually enjoyed the present.
"Oh my gosh! This feels so smooth!" Trisha exclaimed as she twirled the pen around.
"It's an old ink pen so you can refill it," Nick explained as he scooted closer and showed the bunny the replacement ink jar.
"What's with the wax?"
"That's for sealing letters," Vivienne explained.
Grandma Rose let out a pleased sigh, "Oh I remember when mammals used to seal letters with wax. It was so formal. They just don't teach that skill anymore."
"Grandma, can you show me how?" Trisha ask excitedly as she began to wiggle in place.
"Of course dear, you can write a nice thank you letter to the Wildes here and I will show you how to seal it."
"I'm gonna have to write more formal like," Trisha mumbled as she rummaged in the case, noticing that there was something else inside. The doe produced a small green book and opened it up. Inside the pages were filled with odd symbols and translations.
"It's a codebook. I have a book too so we can-"
Trisha nearly leapt out of her seat as she grabbed Nick by the collar, her eyes going wide.
"NICK! WE CAN WRITE IN CODE!" The doe was so excited she nearly tackled Nick to the ground when she hugged him. "The Pumpkin Queen can now give secret orders to her minions!"
Trisha set the case down on the table and hurried over to Vivienne who was happily surprised when she received a thank you hug followed by a cheek nuzzle.
"Thank you so much Aunty V!" The doe cooed.
"Of course Trisha," Vivienne said happily as she hugged the small bunny. "Happy birthday."
-A few days later-
"Trisha!" Peggy shouted from the kitchen, "You have some mail!"
The telltale scurrying from down the hall signaled the bundle of energy as she made her rapid approach to the kitchen.
Trisha hopped up onto the table and sat down, crossing her legs as she began to look at the pile of mail she had received. Several of them were from her pen pals from around the world. Most of them wishing her a happy birthday. The occasional gift here and there.
"Anything go- How is there a tear in your hoodie already?!" Peggy shouted as she turned to see her daughter wearing the new hoodie she had just gotten, a small tear on one of the shoulders showed some brown fur from underneath.
"Authentic battle damage," Trisha mumbled as she flipped through the postcards.
"Well, maybe all that birthday money you got from your grandmother could go to buying supplies for me to fix your battle armor."
"Pumpkin Queens don't pay for repairs, they simply raid neighboring villages for supplies."
Her mother rolled her eyes as she came over to inspect the hoodie more closely, "I swear Trisha..."
"Swearing is bad mom," Trisha giggled before getting a flick on one of her ears. "Ouch! Ok Sorry, I'll be more careful next- Something from Bunny Burrow? Judy and Sarah sent me something!"
While the topic of Trisha and how she took care of her clothing was not over Peggy was interested to see what Trisha had gotten from their friends in Bunny Burrow.
The large envelope had a series of carrots paw drawn in crayon all over. Trisha looked at the envelope and giggled, careful not to tear it too much when she opened it because she fully intended to keep the envelope and put it on her corkboard.
Trisha reached a paw into the envelope and produced a postcard with the image of a Ferris wheel and rollercoaster on one side. Flipping the card over the bunny read the message from her friends. Much to her surprise, the writing was in a more graceful paw than Judy or Sarah could produce, it was then she realized the card was from Bonnie.
Dear Trisha,
We all wanted to wish you a very Happy Birthday. The girls have talked non-stop about their wonderful time at the spring camp and now all their siblings wish to meet the Pumpkin Queen. You are truly a wonderful young bunny and I am so happy that you are part of my girl's lives. Hope to see you soon.
Love,
Bonnie, Stu, Judy, Sarah, and the rest of the Hopps clan.
Trisha wiggled in her sport as she read the postcard over once more before reaching into the large envelope and finding what appeared to be a book waiting for her. When she produced the book her eyes widened in surprise at what was in her paws.
"The adventures of the Pumpkin Queen?!" Trisha read aloud as she looked at the paw drawn cover. The words were bold and colored an array of different colors by crayon.
A crudely drawn version of Trisha in her pumpkin outfit was on the front of the book, striking a heroic pose. At the bottom of the page were several more words in bright green.
Written by Judy Hopps.
Drawn by Sarah Hopps.
The sisters from Bunny Burrow had taken the time to create a large comic book based off of Trisha. The bunny said speechless at first as she looked at the cover.
"That is so sweet," Peggy said as she took a moment to look over her daughter's shoulder at the book. After a few moments of silence, Peggy nudged Trisha to make sure she was still aware of her surroundings, "Sweetie?"
"I have my own comic book," Trisha said as she let out a sniffle, her nose wiggling. "It's all I ever wanted!"
"Awww sweetie-"
"That and world domination."
"Oh gosh Trisha," Peggy chuckled as she gave her daughter an ear rub.
The rest of the afternoon was spent with Trisha sitting on the couch in the living room munching on some freshly baked cookies her mother had made her. The comic book open before her as she read about the different adventures the Hopps girls had thought up for her. One chapter was how she defeated a large sentient pile of beets.
Another chapter sent the Pumpkin Queen into space where she made friends with the moon princess who looked suspiciously like Sarah. The bunny having put herself into the story. Trisha especially liked how the multi-colored bunny had the power of healing by giving out hugs and kisses.
Trisha spent hours reading the comic book over and over again, a constant grin on her lips.
-A few days later-
Rebecca was enjoying a somewhat slow period in her day. The skunk normally saw a busy schedule in the mornings at the Manta Bay Train station. Many mammals catching early trains to Zootopia or other cities in distant regions. By the time the afternoon rolled around though the mammal behind the ticket counter found herself with plenty of free time. She would occasionally purchase a magazine from the nearby newsstand or maybe gossip with one of the other ticket tellers.
She was fidgeting with her nametag which was stuck to her dark navy blue vest when she heard several small paws approach her counter. She looked up in time to see a familiar young painted dog with bright yellow eyes standing in front of her counter, an open mouth grin on his face.
Next to the smiling canine was a pair of brown bunny ears, both of them had thick black tips on the end. Rebecca noticed Atom's mother was standing nearby, watching the two with a smirk. The female painted dog would visit the train station regularly these days to check in on her pup. Many of the staff would report how Atom had become a bit of a staple at the station. Atom's mother had gotten to know many employees as of late. Especially the females who had a running joke about being one of Atom's many girlfriends.
"Well hello Atom, how is business?" Rebecca asked sweetly, causing the painted pup to wag his tail excitedly.
Everyone at the train station knew Atom by now. Some of the ladies making it a kind of morning ritual to swing by and get a hug from the canine who had recently started giving hugs away for free.
Somewhere on the other side of the counter, someone cleared their throat. The painted dog looked down and then grinned.
Rebecca watched as the canine reached down and scooped up a small brown bunny, lifting her up so her head was level with the counter. A pair of bright blue eyes met Rebecca's purple ones and she gave the doe a sweet smile.
"Well good afternoon sweetie, what can we do for you today?"
"Do you still all sell those annual train passes?" The bunny asked excitedly.
"Why yes we do," Rebecca began as she tilted her head in curiosity. "They are pretty expensive."
Atom let out a snort which caused Trisha to giggle as the fur on the back of her neck was tickled.
"Do you offer employee discounts?"
Rebecca let out a laugh, "Well I am sure we can arrange something for one of the transit authority's favorite merchants." The skunk gave Atom a sweet smile which made the canine shake with excitement. "I mean only if he throws in a few extra hugs."
"Oh I am sure he won't mind," Trisha chuckled.
"Just so ya know sweetie they are still very expensive."
"I know," Trisha said and without hesitation set a series of bills on the counter. "It was my birthday recently, managed to save up."
"Oh wow," Rebecca said in surprise as she helped straighten some of the bills. "You and Atom planning on some adventures?"
"They aren't for me ma'am," Trisha said with a smug smirk. "But we do plan on having a lot of adventures with our friends soon."
Hey all!
So its been a while.
Sorry for the long delay. The real world sure can be hectic. This chapter was suppose to come out in June and look where we are. :P
Hope you all enjoyed this fun birthday chapter. Now that the gang have train passes I can't wait for more adventures soon!
Till next time.
Cya in Manta Bay!
-Blue