-Christmas Tree War-
"Mom I'm home," Nick announced as he closed the front door behind him. The young fox took a moment to unravel the red scarf that had been wrapped around his neck and place it on the coat hanger next to the front door, his jacket was quick to follow. Though it wasn't freezing out Nick had been talked into wearing the outfit by his mother who like all mothers worried about their young one catching some kind of cold.
"Did you have fun?" Nick heard his mother ask from the living room.
"Yeah," Nick answered excitedly.
The past month had been actually a somewhat pleasant one in Zootopia. Nick had managed to make some friends in the city again and had steadily been breaking out of his shell. While still somewhat hesitant the young tod was taking the right steps.
Before Nick could go into detail about his days' adventures he froze and slowly tilted his muzzle upwards. While growing up young foxes would go through changes they had to adapt to. One such change was his sense of smell would occasionally grow stronger, allowing him to pick up new scents. The scent Nick had picked up was familiar and had a sweetness to it. His bright green eyes widened when he recognized it and hurried into the living room where a pleasant sight was waiting for him.
"Aunt Peggy!" The young fox exclaimed as he noticed the light brown doe sitting on the couch near his mother.
"Hello Nick," The doe said as she stood up and opened her arms wide.
Nick scampered over and in his excitement nearly tripped on the carpet. He closed his eyes when he reached Peggy and was wrapped up in a caring hug. Though he was nearly the same size as the small bunny he felt enveloped in her arms as she reached up and gave him a gentle peck on the cheek.
"How have you been sweetie?" Peggy asked as she looked up at Nick whose tail swished back and forth.
"I have been really good," Nick said honestly. "Just got home from my friend Ray's house. How are you? What are you doing in Zootopia?"
Peggy beamed at the fox, her nose wiggling with joy at the sound of the happy fox. Little did Nick know but Peggy and his mother had become close friends and had been keeping in touch since their visit to Train Town. Vivienne couldn't get over how invested the bunny had become with Nick, showing concern when she heard about the rough times he had faced but happiness as well when she heard about the fox's new friends in the city.
"Well we are in town visiting some old friends of mine that needed some help with numbers," Peggy explained as she hopped up back onto the couch and smiled down at the young vulpine.
Nick remembered how Trisha had once mentioned her mother used to be a brilliant accountant but took a step back to raise her kits. She apparently still had a pawful of clients though she looked after in her free time. Well, that wasn't exactly how Trisha described, the doe throwing in a tale about pirates and robots. Nick, however, managed to piece together the truth over time.
"Wait…" Nick said slowly as he tilted his head. "We?"
The fox had been so focused on the sweet bunny on the couch he hadn't been very aware of his surroundings. His ears raised in time to hear something moving in the air just behind him. That was the only warning he had before he felt something small and fluffy collide with his back, a pair of brown paws wrapping around his shoulders as he lost his balance and fell to the floor with a light thud.
"I have played with like all your toys," Trisha cooed into the fox's ear as she nuzzled into the back of his head, laying right on top of Nick's back.
"Oh gosh, Trisha not so rough!" Peggy began to berate her overzealous daughter.
"Nick we need to practice on your awareness if you ever intend to become a ninja master," Vivienne teased her son, the pair having recently been getting into watching cheesy kung fu movies.
"Not fair, the Pumpkin Queen has stealth abilities," Nick chuckled from the floor.
"Awwww, that's right minion and don't you forget it," Trisha giggled as she sat cross-legged on Nick's back with no real intention of moving.
It took some convincing but eventually, they managed to pry Trisha off of Nick when Peggy picked up a cookie from a small plate in front of her and tossed it onto the other side of the room. The small brown bunny scrambling on all fours after the sweet treat.
Trisha came trotting back with the cookie in her mouth, a smug look on her adorable face. The bunny sat down right on the floor next to Nick and began to munch on the cookie, smiling up at the adults who chuckled at her antics.
Peggy and Vivienne spent a few minutes chatting with Nick and Trisha before Vivienne suggested Nick give Trisha a tour of their home.
"Show her all the toys she was already playing with," The vixen teased as she gave the mischievous doe a wink.
Trisha wiggled happily and grabbed Nick by the paw, leading the young tod down the hallway as if she lived in the small apartment herself.
When they arrived at Nick's room the fox was surprised at the lack of destruction. He could tell the doe had wandered into the room at one point. For the most part, though she had probably just been exploring. Her scent lingered in the room and the occasional item was out of place.
Nick showed Trisha around the somewhat cramped room. Showing off some of the trinkets he had collected through the years.
Trisha was ecstatic when she found a pile of postcards on the dresser near Nick's bed.
"You kept them all?" Trisha asked as she scooped up the stack of letters and waddled over to Nick's bed, taking a seat as she flipped through the various cards she had sent him.
"Well you kept all mine," Nick grumbled, sounding somewhat embarrassed.
"Of course I did," Trisha said as she scrunched her nose. When she finished flipping through the postcards she looked up at Nick with a knowing smirk, "Where are the others?"
"Others?"
"From you know who," Trisha said as her lips curled.
Nick's eyes widened and he suddenly had a hard time maintaining eye contact with the bunny sitting on his bed.
"I don't know who you are-"
"Your girlfriend."
Nick felt a warm feeling course through his small frame and he now definitely couldn't look at Trisha.
Girlfriend?!
"Come on Nick," Trisha said as she hopped off of the bed and placed the postcards back where she found them. "I know you two have been writing one another."
"Maybe," Nick grumbled. "How would you know anyway?"
Trisha grinned as she wiggled in place.
"Has….has she said anything?" Nick asked bashfully.
"Maaaaaaybe," Trisha said as she rolled on the balls of her feet.
"What did she say?" Nick asked rather quickly.
"Well-" Trisha began with a rather smug tone before they both heard Vivienne calling them from the living room.
"Trisha, Nick, come on out we have some news," The sweet vixens voice echoed through the apartment.
"Coming," Trisha said eagerly as she gave Nick a wink.
"Oh come on Pumpkin Queen," Nick pleaded.
Trisha however simply skipped out of the room, "You will just have to ask her in a few days."
"Few more days?" Nick asked as he followed the bunny down the hall. "What do you know?"
"Nothing," Trisha said as she turned to give the tod a sweet smile as she held out her paw, grabbing Nick's with her own before giving it a squeeze, "Except for where you are going to be celebrating Christmas."
Before Nick could continue his question Trisha turned, Nick's paw wrapped up in her own and skipped down the hallway. Nick had grown used to the kind of affection to expect from Trisha rather quickly. While foxes were not exactly the most physical creatures when it came to dealing with others, he had grown accustomed to Trisha and her constant insistence to some kind of fur on fur contact,
When the young bunny and fox duo made it into the living room they were met by a pair of smiles from their mothers. Peggy patted the spot on the couch next to her which was enough for Trisha. The doe released Nick's paw and scrambled up onto the couch, having a little trouble due to the height difference. With help from her mother though Trisha managed to get up on the cushion. The small brown bunny crawled so she sat right next to her mother, resting her head against the older bunny and closing her eyes as she nuzzled.
They sure do enjoy cuddling….wonder if Judy cuddles too?
Thoughts of a certain small gray bunny curled up on the couch as she rested her head against Nick invaded the young fox's mind. So much so that he stood in front of the couch with a rather goofy look on his muzzle.
"Has he been doing that a lot lately?" Trisha asked as she opened her eyes and stared at the fox.
"You know what now that I think about it he has," Vivienne mumbled as she stared at her young tod.
"Delta does the same thing sometimes," Trisha giggled. "Boys are weird."
"Especially this one," Vivienne chuckled as she snapped her digits together, bringing Nick back to reality.
"What? Sorry was just….ummm…"
"Anyways," Peggy smirked and gave Nick a wink, saving the fox the need to think of an excuse. "Vivienne and I have been talking."
"Annnd?" Trisha asked excitedly as she looked at her mother.
"About the plans for winter break."
"Annnnd?" Trisha repeated.
Nick's tail flicked as he started to put everything together.
Originally the plan was to spend Christmas in Zootopia. While not a terrible aspect Nick had been a little down knowing he wouldn't see his friends from Manta Bay. Vivienne's sister Jean had told them a week or so ago that they would be spending their holiday break out of Manta Bay with her husband Rob's family.
When Nick had heard the news he felt a little down. With their family in Manta Bay out of town, there wasn't much of a point for them to visit the seaside city.
"Well as you know your Crazy Aunt Jean will be out of town," Vivienne repeated the information they already knew. "So we had originally planned to just stay here in Zootopia."
Nick nodded, trying to be patient.
Trisha, however, did not possess such patience.
"Annnnnd?!" The doe asked as she climbed off her mother and waddled over to Vivienne, crawling up onto the vixen's lap before Peggy could intervene. Trisha crawled right up so her face was inches from the Viv's.
Vivienne closed her muzzle and tried to keep a straight face but everyone could tell this was a losing battle as the occasional snicker would escape her lips.
"Don't make me put on the extra cute," Trisha whispered.
"What's the extra cute?" Vivienne asked with a chuckle.
Trisha's eyes widened and began to water, her lower lip quivering as her ears went right up.
"Oh my gosh that is adorable," Vivienne snorted.
"She tries to use it around bedtime," Peggy grumbled as she glanced at Nick. "So far it hasn't worked on me….my gullible husband though? Not so much."
"Are you all coming to Manta Bay or what?!" Trisha finally lost it, which was good because Nick didn't know how much more anticipation he could take.
"Are we going to Manta Bay for Christmas break?" Vivienne asked as she looked past Trisha who was still in her face and right at her son who stood there with an eager look. "Yes, yes we are."
Plans were made, bags were packed, and Nick was bundled up and shipped off to Manta Bay.
Vivienne would be staying in Zootopia for an extra few days while she finished somethings up at her new job. The vixen had landed a position as a kind of assistant to an owner of a warehouse and shipping business. She had been so grateful for the opportunity for the job that she always did her best to make sure her boss was happy with her work. Which he was, the hyena had given Viv a chance and from the sounds of it had been very pleased with the results. It was rare for a fox to be given such an opportunity in the city.
With the new job, Vivienne had managed to leave her others. No more pulling a double at one job only to get a few hours sleep before it was time to wake up and rush out the door to her next job.
She now had more time to spend with Nick and could afford to buy him the things she felt he deserved.
One of the other perks of the job was the time off during the holidays. Apparently, the hyena was a bit of a family mammal and closed the doors to his business for over a week so his employees could spend time with their loved ones.
From the looks of it, Vivienne would be spending her time off in Manta Bay with her son and friends. While Vivienne stayed back in the city to finish some things up Nick would be spending a night or two at the Rose's home. Trisha was ecstatic and kept listing off things they could do during their sleepover. Once Vivienne arrived in Manta Bay though she would pick up Nick so they could stay at their family's place. Jean and Rob had insisted that if Nick and Vivienne were staying in Manta Bay that they stay at their home and use the car if they needed.
Trisha, however, had suggested that they just build a fort in the living room where Vivienne and Nick could sleep. Which while tempting was kindly turned down. Trisha didn't seem upset though, simply saying more room for her in the fort of pumpkiny doom.
Nick quickly packed his bags, with a little help from Trisha who kept trying to stuff random objects into his backpack and was soon ready and standing at the front door with the others. His train pass gripped in his paws as he stood in front of his mother who fussed over him.
Stay at his cousin Emily's home was one thing. They were family after all. Staying over at Trisha's home was another.
"Now remember you be a good house guest," Vivienne instructed the tod as she took a knee in front of her son and adjusted his scarf.
"Yes mom," Nick said as he rolled his bright green eyes.
"Clean your spot at the table," Vivienne continued. "And don't make a big mess."
"Yeah because that's my job," Trisha giggled before earning a flick of her ear from her mother who was gathering their things.
"We will swing by the supermarket when we get to Manta Bay to pick up some food Nick can enjoy," Peggy said sweetly.
"Oh that would be amazing," Vivienne said as she stood up, "Let me get you some money for that."
"No no no," Peggy insisted.
"Yes yes yes," Vivienne shot back.
As the two adults bickered over paying for groceries Trisha leaned over to Nick.
"You excited?"
"Uh….yeah!" Nick chuckled.
"Good," Trisha grinned. "On an unrelated note, do you have stage fright?"
Nick's ears fell back as he looked down at the doe nervously, "Why?"
"No reason," Trisha said with a mischievous smirk as she watched her mother playfully argue with Vivienne. "No reason at all."
A few days later Nick found himself huddled behind a large red curtain at the Manta Bay's local performing arts theater. A look of utter annoyance on his face as he looked down at his hastily written script, trying his best to memorize his lines.
He glanced up and looked over at Trisha who currently had her head stuck out the other side of the curtain so she could survey the crowds. When the doe finally his behind the curtain once more she looked over at Nick and beamed.
"Looks like a full house," The doe said as her tail flicked excitedly.
"This was your plan all along…" Nick grumbled.
Trisha nodded quickly, her ears flopping slightly.
"That and I like spending Christmas with my favorite fox from the big city," The doe said sweetly.
Nick looked down at his costume which had been modified to fit him, he had a feeling it had originally been his cousin Emily's, her scent had been lingering on it when he got it.
"So because Emily was out of town," Nick began.
"I convinced mom to convince your mom for you two to come and spend time in Manta Bay," Trisha finished the fox's sentence.
"Not going to lie….kinda impressed."
"Your mom is going to love it," Trisha said as she skipped over and helped adjust something on Nick's costume.
"She is here?" Nick asked in surprise.
They had all been in such a hurry to get to the local theater that he didn't know if his mother would make it in time. He didn't really know if he wanted her to see the play but had a feeling if she missed it she would be somewhat upset.
"Yeah she just got into her seat," Trisha said excitedly. "Right behind Judy's row."
Nick's ears shot right up at the last words.
"Judy's row?" Nick asked, his throat suddenly going dry.
Nick had never seen such a smug yet pleased bunny in his whole life. Trisha simply nodded over to the curtain as she skipped away to make sure the other actors were ready.
The young tod watched the bunny scurry off before tiptoeing towards the curtain. He reached out and found the center and ever so gently moved it aside. The young fox moved slowly as not to give himself away against the sea of red fabric. He looked through the small slit in the curtain, his eyes moving quickly.
He saw his mother and his eyes dilated in both shock and embarrassment. The lovely vixen had taken a seat right next to Trisha's mom. The two ladies seemed to be chatting and catching up. Something changed though in their conversation as Vivienne leaned closer to Peggy and began to whisper something. The bunny giggled and nodded quickly before pointing at a small gray bunny sitting directly in front of them…..
Judy is here?! And she is sitting directly in front of my mom?!
There she was. Even at this distance, Nick recognized the adorable bunny who had been scurrying in and out of his dreams. The lovely gray doe and her bright purple eyes were all Nick could think of sometimes.
Judy wasn't alone, however. The whole row had been occupied by her family. Bunnies of various sizes and fur patterns sat in the cushioned seats. Chatting, laughing, or getting berated by their parents to calm down.
Nick recognized Judy's little sister Sarah. The young doe was sharing the seat with Judy, both of them chatting, unaware of the fox directly behind them.
Vivienne seemed to study Judy for a moment or two before leaning down and whispering something to Peggy which caused the bunny to burst out laughing.
This is all Trisha's fault...
"Ready?" Trisha asked as she came skipping up behind Nick.
The fox pulled his head away from the curtain and looked down at the bunny.
"Why?" Nick asked, not sure if he should be mad or happy this was all happening.
"Why what?"
"Why is SHE here?"
"To see you of course," Trisha said as she wiggled her nose. "They were in town after all and looking for something to do. When I mentioned you were in the play with me she got all sorts of excited."
"She….she did?"
"Oh yeah," Trisha said as she turned and sauntered away. "Why do you think you got the lead role?"
When the lights in the theater dimmed the audience fell silent. A kind of excited energy coming from all the mammals sitting in the low lights.
"And now," A young voice came from the speakers, "Please enjoy this years Christmas play written and directed by Trisha Rose."
Both Trisha's parent's eyes went wide as their ears fell back behind their heads.
"Written and directed?!" Trisha's father said in a hushed panic. "I thought after last year they wouldn't let this happen again?"
"Oh no," Peggy whispered. "Is that why they were handing out ponchos for the first 2 rows?"
Several other mammals seemed to become somewhat hesitant at the announcement, one family got up and moved back several rows, seeking cover behind an elephant who looked equally hesitantly.
Vivienne was somewhat oblivious to all this as she settled into her set and put her paws together in gentle applause like some of the other unsuspecting mammals.
The curtain slowly rose up and the show began with a small black bunny standing in a spotlight. It was hard to see her face with the robe over her head. When the bunny looked up she scanned the audience with a pair of bright orange eyes.
"DOOM!" The bunny shouted, her voice echoing in the theater, several more mammals took cover. "Doom and chaos. That was all we knew ages ago before the great Christmas tree war."
"Oh no….this is all your mother's idea isn't it," Peggy whispered to her husband who already put a paw on his face.
"I told her no more warrior stories for bedtime when she visits. Especially after the last Christmas when Trisha attacked the tree with a gold club."
"Shhhh!" Vivienne hushed her bunny friends quickly, not wanting to miss a line of dialogue.
"There was once a peaceful warrior clan who wandered the earth," The small bunny continued as she slowly stepped to the side of the stage.
Right on cue, several mammals clambered out from stage left. Most of them in makeshift battle armor that looked like it had been pieced together from various objects one would find around the home.
Several flashes came from the audience as parents snapped pictures of their little ones.
"These brave heroes were lead by a fierce warrior queen," The narrator continued.
Trisha took several steps forward and held up a small plastic sword. She was adorned in what looked like cardboard armor spray painted silver and a green kilt, a small pumpkin plushie stapped to her side.
"So adorable," Vivienne whispered to Peggy.
"Just wait….she will find a way to cause trouble," Peggy grumbled.
"She is so pretty Judy," Sarah whispered to her sister as the two does sat in the row just in front of the two gossiping mothers.
"She looks like she is ready for a fight," Judy whispered huskily as she stared at her silly friend.
"Do you think she will like my sweater?" Sarah whispered back as she wiggled in her seat and looked down at her Christmas sweater. One of their aunts had knitted all the kits different sweaters. Sarah had a special request, a Christmas tree with pumpkin ornaments.
"Bet she will," Judy chuckled as she held her little sister closer and continued to watch the show.
"With her best friend at her side," The narrator continued as Nick stepped beside Trisha and struck a heroic pose. "They were an unstable army."
Judy's mouth fell open slightly and she lowered her head so she could hide her blush behind Sarah's head. Nick was wearing what looked like a bathrobe which had been hastily wrapped up so he looked like a samurai. Even in front of the audience of total strangers, the fox carried with him an essence of confidence. While he had been told to keep his pose so he was looking skyward he couldn't help but look down at the audience. His eyes falling on his mother at first who was fighting with a disposable camera. He tried his best not to look embarrassed.
That's when he did it….he chanced a glance at Judy.
His emerald eyes met her own purple ones and just like that, the world fell silent around them. The two were floating in a sea of darkness, staring at one another. Judy felt her ears warm up and her whole body shiver with excitement. She squeezed Sarah close and tried to hide her feelings. The smallest of sweet smiles, however, graced her lips which was enough to drive the young fox up the wall.
So much so that he almost missed his cue.
"What say you my 2nd in command?" Trisha said in a husky voice as she glanced at Nick.
Oh gosh almost forgot.
"It is time for our enemies to face their piney doom, my queen," Nick said in a deep voice which was met by several awws from the crowd for some reason.
The tone in some of the awws didn't go unnoticed by Judy whose ears shot up. She glanced down the row and suddenly noticed one or two of her sisters making goo-goo eyes at the handsome tod on stage.
Note to self, Jessica, Veranda, and Rachael are not allowed near Nick….ever!
The play continued for several more minutes. The different warriors discussing amongst themselves or monologuing for the captivated audience.
There were tales of sorrow and woe spun by the warriors. A young skunk in a pilots outfit stepped forward and spoke about how his sister had been carried off by one of the Christmas trees when he was younger. A lovely female skunk in the audience stood up and applauded her son's lines before being hushed by her husband.
Suddenly the ambient music that had been playing changed. The mood in the play taking a drastic turn.
Several Christmas trees came hopping from the other side of the stage. They came to a halt near the center of the stage as all the warriors struck dramatic poses, preparing for battle.
"Queen of the warriors," Came Delta's voice from behind one of the trees as it shook. "You have no chance of defeating us. Submit to your pine tree scented fate."
Judy giggled when she recognized the painted dog's voice and noticed how Sarah wiggled excitedly.
"That's one of my knights," The multi-colored doe whispered to Judy happily.
"Wonder where the other one is?" Judy giggled.
The doe's question was answered when a pair of painted paws popped out from behind one of the tree. A few paw gestures were made before the paws disappeared. All eyes that had been on the paws looked over at the other tree, waiting for a translation.
"That wasn't your line," Delta whispered from behind the tree. "You skipped a part."
The paws appeared once more and made another set of paw gestures before popping back into the tree.
"He said that no matter how many warriors you bring it will never be enough for we the mighty pine tree have grown strong and will cover you in a fine green needle curtain of pokiness."
"Please don't go overboard, please don't go overboard, please don't go overboard," Peggy continued a silent mantra.
"Enough words," Nick said as he pulled a papier-mache sword from his belt.
"Attack!" Trisha yelled as she pounced on one of the trees, wapping it with her own battle ax.
The next few minutes was a chaotic storm of warrior shouts, thuds from toy weapons, and pine needles flying through the air.
At least the show was entertaining though. Several of the audience members really got into it, letting out Ohs and Ahs as the battle was played out on stage.
Judy was standing on her seat and throwing imaginary punches as she mumbled to herself, "That's right! Get it, Nick. Watch out Trisha that one is sneaking up on you."
Sarah said wheezing in her seat as she watched the show. She wasn't alone.
Right behind them, Vivienne was laughing hysterically as she watched her son chase a Christmas tree around the stage, his sword held over his head as he gave off a battle cry. The vixen glanced at the bunny sitting in front of them and beamed.
She is adorable! Good choice Nicky.
"If we sneak out now we may have a chance to get out of town before the neighbors grab their pitchforks," Trisha's father whispered to Peggy who was watching the battle ensue in a kind of shocked state.
Trisha flew through the air and landed on top of one of the trees, causing the mammal holding it to lose control. The tree toppled over with the bunny shrieking a battle cry as she hopped off and did a flip, landing on her feet before charging at another tree. Judy noticed Delta, who had been standing behind the tree Trisha had just taken out, stand there nervously.
The painted dog looked at the audience, then at his tree, then just fell to the floor and crawled to the fallen tree as he tried to hide. The whole scene was rather amusing which made Judy chuckle.
"Oh no! Its the Christmas tree king!" The narrator announced.
The battle continued to ensue. Young mammals shouting and yelling around the stage, paying little attention to what was going on around them.
A large papier-mache tree was wheeled out on a red wagon by a stage mammal dressed in all black. The cheetah looked at the audience, waved, then put her paws to her ears as she hurried backstage.
"That's not a good sign," Peggy mumbled.
"Bazooka!" Trisha shouted as she was tossed a large green pip with the word 'Bazooka' hastily written on it.
The bunny took a knee and aimed at the tree.
"Merry Christmas Tree King," Trisha said as she pulled a trigger which caused the pipe to make a pop, confetti shooting at the tree.
"That wasn't so bad-" Peggy heard her husband say before he was cut off.
The papier-mache Christmas tree king suddenly exploded. Bright green and red confetti showered down on the audience who sat in shock, a silence falling in the theater.
As one everyone stood up and began to put their paws together. The applause was thunderous as mammals cheered, cried, and laughed at what they had just witnessed.
The young actors all hurried to the front of the stage and held paws. Nick and Trisha in the middle. As one they all bowed as the cheers continued.
Judy was practically bouncing off her seat as she put her paws together. She never looked away from Nick and when he glanced up at her she nearly fell to the floor as her legs turned to jelly. Fortunately for her, a pair of large black paws grabbed her before she toppled over.
"You ok Judy?" A lovely vixen behind the doe asked.
"Yes ma'am," Judy said with a blush, "Sorry about that."
"Its ok sweetie, he is quite the actor isn't he," The lovely female fox said. A pair of familiar green eyes looking down at the bunny with a kind of knowing warmth.
Nick watched from the stage as the curtain slowly slid in front of them. The last thing he saw was Judy being helped up by his mother. The two sharing a few words, Peggy was beaming right next to them.
Nick's eyes went wide as he watched his mother and Judy start to chat, both of them beaming before looking back at Nick just before the curtain hid him from view.
Oh, no….
When the play was done all the kits met with their parents in the large atrium. Parents were gushing over their children about how each of them had been the star of the show. Cheeks were squeezed, pictures were taken, the occasional young kit trying to escape the grasp of some overly excited parent.
It was all rather foreign to Nick who had never been in a school play before. He had never been invited to help out in one and would mostly keep to himself. Now though he was standing in a lobby surrounded by different families, all of whom seemed very proud of him.
"Way to go foxy samurai."
"Such a handsome tod."
"You and Trisha taught those trees a lesson."
Praise and kind words were sent Nick's way. He was a little timid at first but soon got out of his shell and thanked everyone who passed by.
"There he is!" Nick heard his mother, his ears flicking up as he looked over at the gushing vixen.
Before Nick could react he was scooped up into a loving hug as his mother pressed her muzzle to his cheek.
"You were fantastic sweetie," Vivienne said happily.
"Thanks, Mom," Nick said, trying his best to contain his excitement.
"A certain bunny thought so too."
"MOM!" Nick blurted out as his eyes popped open.
"Where is she anyway?" Vivienne asked, neglecting to put her struggling tod down as she twirled around the room, looking for a certain bunny.
"Mom please!" Nick pleaded with his mom. To get a hug from her was one thing but for her to be gushing like this in front of everyone was a bit much for the young tod.
"Nick!" Trisha shouted through the throng of well-wishers as she scurried between mammal's legs.
The fox looked over at the bunny, giving her a pleading look.
"Auntie Viv he needs air," Trisha exclaimed with a laugh as she reached the two foxes.
"Oh, and the director," Vivienne said happily as she set Nick down, the fox trying to catch his breath.
Trisha wiggled in place and beamed, "Did you like the show?"
"Very much dear," Vivienne said as she took a knee and reached out, gently placing a paw on Trisha's shoulder. "You fought beautifully."
"Thank you," Trisha said bashfully. "Are you all coming to the after party?"
"Oh look at you, big theater director has an after party too?" Vivienne chuckled.
"Well, its actually our Christmas party, but you two are coming right?"
"Anyone else going?" Vivienne asked with a smirk as she looked over at Nick.
Trisha looked over at Nick with an equally smug smirk, "Maaaaaaybe"
It took a little while to make it to the parking lot. The crowd had yet to dissipate and when some of the parents saw Nick they made a point to introduce themselves. A few of them had felt worried that they didn't recognize Nick from the local school. When it was found out Vivienne and Nick were from Zootopia the atmosphere changed. Nick had thought he was a celebrity before but now he was the center of attention.
Some of the younger mammals he had been in the play began to ask questions about the city. Some of their parents were interested as well.
By the time Vivienne and Nick made it to their car, they must have had 6 new sets of phone numbers and several lunch plans for the next time they were in the seaside city.
"Well look at you Mr. Popular," Vivienne chuckled as she put their car into drive.
"Glad some folks finally see it," Nick chuckled which earned a laugh from his mother.
After swinging by their families home to change Nick and his mother hopped into the car once more and headed a few blocks over to the Rose home. Vivienne took a wrong turn at one point and had to reroute. Nick glanced out the window and noticed the park that they had visited during one of his previous visits.
His heart skipped a beat as he remembered sitting on the swings next to Judy, their paws intertwined as they talked. Nick didn't notice it but his tail began to flick back and forth thanks to the memories. It wasn't until Vivienne asked him what was up that he realized what he was doing.
What saved the fox from a series of embarrassing questions from his mother was their arrival at the Rose's home. The tod nearly darted out of the car when his mom put it into park.
The outside of the bunny's home was adorned with various Christmas decorations. Multi-colored lights were strung around the roof and a series of small snow mammals had been sculpted in the snow in the front yard.
Nick laughed as he noticed several of the snow mammals had arrows sticking out of them. He had a feeling a certain bunny had been using the snow creatures for target practice of some kind.
When they reached the front door Nick reached up and pressed his paw to the doorbell. They could hear the voices of many different mammals inside and Nick smiled excitedly. He looked up at his mother who gave him a loving smile in return.
"Wait till you meet everyone Mom," Nick said happily. "They are all really nice here."
The door swung open and they were met with a stern looking painted dog in a police uniform.
"Well well well," The painted officer said as he crossed his arms. "What do we have here?"
Nick's ears fell flat against his head as he looked up hesitantly at the officer.
He recognized Delta's father Larry but apparently so much time had passed that the painted mammal had forgotten who Nick was.
"Up high Samurai," Larry said as he held a paw up and gave Nick a friendly wink.
Nick had to jump into the air to get his paw high enough. The painted dog then reached down and gave the fox a rub on the head between the ears. He then turned to Vivienne and extended his paw.
"Name's Larry, I am Delta and Echo's father," The painted dog said kindly. "Friends of your sons."
"Pleasure to meet you, officer-"
"Ah ah ah, its Larry, ma'am," The officer said kindly.
"Well, its Vivienne or Viv, none of this ma'am stuff," Vivienne said sweetly as she gave the painted dog a confident smile.
"Well come on in out of the cold," Larry said as he took a step aside.
Once inside Larry took Nick and Vivienne's coats and set them in the closet next to the entryway.
"Now let's see if we can find Peg and get you hooked up with some punch," Larry said as he guided Vivienne through the hall around several other mammals who gave the new arrivals warm greetings. "I am sure Trisha will be around to collect your son in just a-"
Larry didn't even finish his sentence as a brown fluff ball collided with Nick and wrapped her arms around the surprised tod. She didn't even say a word as she grabbed Nick by the paw and dragged him away.
"Don't worry, I'm sure she will return him in one piece," The painted dog teased.
"He is young and bruises heal," Vivienne shot back as she wandered into the kitchen where she was greeted by Peggy and several friends.
Down the hallway, Trisha had stopped just shy of her own room and turned to look at Nick. The doe was no longer in her warrior queen attire. Having changed it out for a baggy green Christmas sweater with a candy cane in the center. She had a red ribbon tied around one of her ears and a sneaky smile on her lips.
"So everyone has already arrived and we are hanging out in my room, for now, moved the bean bag chairs from my brother room," Trisha explained as she reached up and adjusted Nick's dark blue sweater.
"Ok," Nick said as he tilted his head in confusion.
"Sorry, just trying to make you look nice, which is actually kinda hard."
"Har Har."
Trisha winked at Nick then opened the door to her room and pushed the fox inside.
Three mammals were waiting for them. Delta and Atom were sitting on Trisha's bed with a series of cards in front of them. Sarah was sitting between Atom's legs, holding some cards in her paws.
"Nick!" Sarah exclaimed as she nearly leaped off the bed and scrambled over to the fox.
"Hey Sarah," Nick said as he opened his arms and wrapped them around the small multi-colored doe who purred into the fox's chest.
"You kicked so much butt in the show today," The doe exclaimed as she looked up at Nick with her bright pink eyes.
"Glad you liked it, Trisha wrote it all," Nick said as he gently ran a paw down the bunny's black ear.
Sarah closed her eyes and let out a pleased cooing noise as she gently buried her face into the fox.
"Don't remember a part in the script where my tree gets tackled to the ground," Delta grumbled.
"I improvised, it just felt right in the heat of the moment," Trisha giggled as she climbed up onto the bed and crawled over towards Delta.
The painted dog remained focused on his card game with Atom, which proved to be easier said than done. Trisha gently rubbed her head against the young mammal's shoulder before slowly climbing up onto his lap, her bright blue eyes looking right at Delta's. Try as he might he was unable to avoid the bunny's playful glance.
Something jingled just over the canine's head. Both Trisha and Delta looked up, their eyes going wide as they realized Atom was holding over a piece of mistletoe with a small bell. The tan painted dog snickering as he jingled the small festive plant.
Trisha didn't even hesitate as she turned to Delta and gently pressed her lips to the fur on the predator's cheek. Her lips lingered for a second or two before pulling away.
Everyone in the room fell silent and stared at the bunny painted dog pair.
"Me next!" Sarah exclaimed as she scrambled away from Nick and towards the bed.
Trisha chuckled as she helped Sarah up onto the bed. The brown bunny began to peck at Sarah's cheek which caused the multi-colored doe to giggle.
As Nick watched he detected someone sneaking up behind him. The young fox glanced over his shoulder in time to see a ball of gray leap up towards him. He felt his whole world become warmer as a pair of gray arms wrapped around his shoulders.
"Hi there Samurai," Judy whispered playfully into Nick's ears.
"Officer Hopps," Nick responded. He felt the doe holding onto his back shake suddenly with excitement.
Nick couldn't help himself as he placed his paws on top of Judy's arms so she wouldn't let go. He leaned his head to the side and felt his cheek brush against hers. To his joy, he felt her nuzzle into his fur and let out a soft breath of happiness.
"Glad you made it to Manta Baya again this year," Nick whispered as he let go of Judy's arms. The bunny slid off his back, knowing what the fox had planned.
Nick turned and smiled down at the doe who was in an outfit similar to Trisha's. Judy's sweater, however, was bright red with a Christmas tree on the center. The ribbon wrapped around her ear was green. The two does must have coordinated outfits for the little get together. While Trisha was rather adorable in her outfit Nick couldn't even fathom the words to describe how beautiful Judy looked.
"Well Trisha said there was going to be a special guest for her play," Judy said with a wink as she tilted her head.
The two stood staring at one another for another moment or two before they both reached out and embraced one another once more. Nick wrapped Judy up into a hug, the doe closing her eyes as she buried her face in the young tod's chest and giggled.
To say that the two were rather giddy around one another was a bit of an understatement. A pair of happy smirks were on their lips and Nick doubted anyone could ruin his happy mood.
A jingling just above the fox's head caught his attention. Nick looked upward and noticed the mistletoe in Atom's paw was now hanging directly over Nick and Judy. He glanced over his shoulder and found that the others were all staring right at the fox and bunny pair.
Trisha was sitting on the edge of the bed, her legs crossed as she looked right at Nick who rolled his eyes. The brown bunny wiggled in place excitedly as she watched.
"Well?" Judy asked which got Nick's attention.
The fox looked down at noticed how Judy's eyes were shining as she stared up at him. She tilted her head slightly to show off the lovely storm gray fur mixed with white.
Nick's heart was racing as he leaned down, gently pressing his muzzle to the bunny's fur.
To his surprise, he felt a slight pressure as Judy leaned against him.
"Me next!" Sarah suddenly blurted out as she hopped off the bed.
Everyone let out a laugh, Judy included, as the small doe scurried over to Nick and stood next to the fox. The multi-colored bunny bounced in place as Atom jingled the mistletoe overhead.
Nick looked at Judy who beamed at the fox and nodded. He slowly leaned down and gave the smaller bunny a gentle kiss on the cheeks. The doe giggling happily before darting away.
Delta suddenly leapt at Atom and to everyone's surprise, quickly grabbed the mistletoe from his painted friend. Atom squirmed at first and tilted his head in confusion as he sat up. Delta cleared his throat and held the small holiday plant over Atom's head, giving it a gentle flick causing the bell to ring.
Atom's eyes went wide and his pupils dilated as he realized what Delta had just done. He slowly looked over at the three bunnies in the room, all of them were smiling mischievously at the poor painted pup.
Seconds later the door to Trisha's room burst open as Atom came scrambling out of the room, running on all fours as he tried to escape the gaggle of bunnies that chased after him, threats of kisses on the cheek tossed at the panic-stricken dog.
Delta and Nick came strolling out of the room a moment later, both of them with smug looks on their muzzles as they watched Atom hurry away.
"Feel like some snacks?" Delta asked as he strolled down the hall towards the kitchen.
"Oh yeah, I can eat," Nick said casually as he followed the painted dog.
A crash somewhere in the house followed by a thud told them the chase was still on for Atom.
"Around the corner Sarah! Get on that side of the couch! Don't let him escape," Came Trishas voice from in the living room.
The rest of the evening was a festive affair. There was sweets, drinks, and some singing.
Vivienne and Nick had been welcomed with open arms and treated like a member of the family. Nick's mother was actually somewhat surprised with how many different species were attending the little get together. Predators and prey species alike were chatting and enjoying one another's company.
That, however, was not Vivienne's favorite part of the party. Nor was it all the free food, kind words, or even when she was given a present from Peggy which she gushed over.
No the vixen's favorite moment, the one she would cherish for days to come, was when she made her way into the living room later in the evening. The kits had been running all over the house. Playing games, chasing one another, or finding snacks to munch on. It wasn't long before all their energy had been spent and they all found some spot in the home to rest.
Vivienne noticed a young painted dog named Atom was curled up in the corner by the tree. An adorable multi-colored doe laying right on top of him.
Trisha and her own painted dog were chatting in hushed voices across from the Christmas tree. The bunny mentioning something about the library. The young painted dog next to her suddenly looking rather embarrassed.
Something caught Vivienne's eye near the fireplace. She tiptoed over and had to put a paw to her mouth to keep the "awww" from escaping and waking her tod.
Curled up on a large lazy chair near the roaring fire was her son. The young fox was holding onto something small and gray which Vivienne had thought to be a small pillow at first. When she got closer she realized it was a bunny in a red sweater with a green ribbon around one of her ears.
Happy Holidays Everyone!
Wow really coming under the wire for this one.
Managed to find a little extra time here and there though to get our holiday special of sorts completed! Which is good because I am going to be super busy the next few days. My birthday is tomorrow, then Christmas Eve, then the big day! So busy busy busy. :D
Hope you all enjoyed another fluff filled chapter. Think I went overboard again but is that a bad thing?
Thank you all for the continued support and patience for this story.
Till next time.
Cya in Manta Bay!