Chapter Text
Fox was leaning over to check the floor for any marks following the bookshelf. Lucy gave her father one of those disappointed looks. This propelled Rabbit to get his enemy’s attention. A yellow paw reluctantly tapped the formally dressed shoulder that slowly turned along with the rest of Fox. “I told you the games were under the television as is the proper way to organize one’s gaming sta.. You insufferable twat!” Amidst their jabber, the small rabbit made a realization. “Where’s Terrapin?” Lucy turned to Rabbit as if he would telepathically know. Lucy rolled her eyes when her father shrugged. “Of course he ran off at a time like this. It doesn’t matter, it’s you two that have an issue anyways!” Rabbit shut his trap, Fox replaced his snarl with a knowing smirk, and opened it yet again. “You want to fix something Lucy dear? Then how about the rug your father so carelessly tarnished! How about the foolish mistake he made of believing that I was in the wrong? You never question a class above you, that’s just the laws of nature.”
“Close that entitled maw of yours.”
“Or what, Bunny?” He spat the name to a now fuming rabbit.
“Would the two of you just hush for one moment!” Getting stubborn adults to pipe down was the hardest part. Lucy took a deep breath and played with her orange locs for a moment. “Both of you have done questionable things, I’ll admit.” They shot looks at each other. She directly addressed Fox. “But you can still coexist. I think the reason you and my dad have been fighting is because you’re deadset on filling in this caricature built by our townspeople. You aren’t allowed to be friends with someone different from you- so you fight each other. Whether it’s your stupid stuck-up classism or something deeply tied with your culture, there is this apparent stigma.” Fox interjected. “At least I’m still seeking an interaction, but Bunny has been ignoring my monologues and brushing me off. Why is this?”
Rabbit crossed his arms with a huff, “Because that’s all you ever do! It gets boring after a while.” Lucy is proud of her work. Just like that one show The Parent Trap- except the twins are at home. Wait. The twins! By the time her attention is given back to the others, they’ve set up one of those long chairs and Fox has comically large glasses along with a clipboard. “I meant stop betting food on each other’s flaws. Not to start a therapy session! Dad, we’ve got to find Terrapin and take care of the twins.”
“Do I have to?” He slithered off the seat with a pout. “You know what happened last time Terrapin was alone. He couldn’t find his way back home if there was a flashing sign!” Fox realized the rabbit family was heading out, so he quickly set the glasses down and followed them. I must prepare an excuse… Right! “I’ll walk you home. You know, to ensure Bear forgives you.” The rabbit smiled at the kind thought. Fox’s features had softened, and he now tilted his head in interest rather than judgement for Rabbit. “I’m glad we reconciled. Would you like to meet for brunch tomorrow?” Rabbit would’ve jumped on the offer, but he was as equally stoked as he was alarmed. “Do you promise not to skin me?” Fox laughed with a nod. The door clicked open. “I solemnly swear that I will do no harm again-” All Lucy and her dad could see was an orange blur and flying leaves.
“On second thought, I will not stop until I have you on my dinner plate with a side of berries.” Lucy groaned and led her heartbroken father to a window so they could hop back home. But home wasn’t as calm as they thought it’d be. Bear seemed to barely hold the fort down, what with the entire house in shambles. “Did someone redecorate?” Rabbit looked around to admire the artistry. “It’s giving… uhm… Modern?” The girl facepalmed. “The twins got into the paint.” Rabbit froze and sighed. “They’re so talented!” He checked his bedroom, and with a twitch of his eye Lucy knew they got in that room too. “Hi Bear!” She gave her friend a hug. Rabbit jumped when he turned. “Sorry to intrude, but your door was open and Lucy’s siblings were crying.” Rabbit sighed, and put his hand on his temple, “Of course Terrapin didn’t remember. I should’ve known. Well, thank you Ms. Bear for…” Lucy finally let go of the pacifist. “Babysitting? How did you even handle that?”
“I followed my nature, I guess. I think you need to do the same, Rabbit.” Lucy’s eyes prompted her father to make up with yet another anthropomorphic. “I should’ve given this back from the start.” As soon as the green leaves rested in her hands, Bear’s smile grew. “Thank you. I need these to keep my diet strictly plants.” Before Rabbit could say ‘oh’, a turtle with scuba gear crashed from the ceiling. “Where in this ridiculous world were you!” Lucy stomped her foot, and the twins hid behind her after she yelled. Terra painfully mumbled out “Yoga?”
Rabbit turned and scratched his head. “At least we don’t have to deal with any more rabbit-munchers anytime soon, right?” The sound of a heavy vehicle backing up reached them from inside the wrecked home. Lucy had an empathetic expression, and kept squishing her mouth shut awkwardly. The bear scratched her fur. “I’d recommend you don’t look outside.” Rabbit and Terrapin did the exact opposite to find a moving truck backing into the FOR SALE sign, which was crumpled and fell underneath the weight. Rabbit said an expletive, but the truck backed up one more time.