SEQUEL TO "SOMETHING NEW." READ THAT FIRST IF YOU WISH FOR FULL CONTEXT AND UNDERSTANDING!
Babs Bunny stood in the Looniversity kitchen daydreaming, feeling lost. It had been weeks since Buster had failed to attend the Halloween party, and it was upsetting her greatly by now.
School was hectic, she was passionately infatuated with her new girlfriend, Sweetie, and finals before winter break had been killing her.
When she'd finished her test, she'd found the time to return to her kitchen duties, and so, had been excited at the prospect of finally seeing Buster again.
Unfortunately, like the Halloween party, he didn't show…. To say she was despondent was an understatement, but she also felt angry.
Was this his way of getting back at her for spending all her time with Sweetie?
Surely, he knew about them, and she hoped his jealousy would not sour their holiday together.
Quietly looking around, Babs exhaled, then used the low lunch traffic of finals week to pull out her cell phone.
"…."
Speed dialing his number from her contacts, she felt extreme guilt when recognizing she hadn't bothered to call him all this time, but still, it wasn't like he reached out to her either….
When there was a noise on the other end, Buster spoke in a somewhat timid and reserved manner. "Uhh, hey… Babsie…."
Babs blinked and then responded. "Buster, what's up? It has been weeks, and we haven't spoken."
Babs hid her displeasure over this, but Buster merely apologized nervously. "We-well, sorry, Babs… Everything has been busy, and I have my final today with Merlin, so…."
Buster was acting really different, but perhaps it was his stress.
"Well, yeah… I have been busy with schoolwork and with… uhm… Sweetie…" Babs responded.
Buster was quiet for a second, and Babs thought she detected animosity but was caught off guard by his positive acceptance of it. "Well… I heard, and that's good. I am happy for you…."
Babs was speechless and, after some thought, just spoke to him directly. "Well, we must ride back home together since my final has been done since yesterday, and yours ends today. What time shall we meet up?"
Buster became anxious and then responded. "Oh, today? You want to leave already?"
Babs pulled the phone away from her ear and stared at it in a perplexed manner.
What was going on?
She placed it back to her ear and confronted him. "Buster, why are you acting so weird…? Look, if you are upse…."
Buster quickly cut her off before she could go on. "No-no… It is nothing like that…. My final ends at one p.m., so we can meet at the car around two…."
Babs sighed and then confirmed. "Two it is…."
"Hey, Babs?" Buster said.
Babs was becoming put off by his weirdness, but at the very least, let him finish his sentiment.
"Yes?"
"Well, I was wondering if I could talk to you about something…. It's not an emergency or anything, I just…."
Babs did as Buster did earlier and cut him off when she noticed some students were choosing to get lunch.
"Look, Buster, if it isn't an emergency, just tell me at the car…. I have to go…. Since you didn't show, I am the only one here to serve the food."
Her voice was bitter, but she didn't take it further. She merely hung up the phone and returned to serving the sparse few that came.
After this, she would spend her last few hours with Sweetie. Two could play that game if Buster wanted to be distant and odd.
"…."
…
…
…
…
Buster sighed and then lowered his phone. He felt awful for not helping Babs or speaking to her.
He knew she was busy with classes and Sweetie, but the truth was, he was busy with more than just school.
Fifi….
She had consumed his life after the night they spent together, and indeed, it was a matter of unadulterated passion, as well as what he believed to be "love."
He fell hard and fast and was almost sure it was the same for Fifi.
They weren't overt with the love affair in front of other students, but when they were alone… He could only say that Fifi raised his grade in kissing from a D- to an A+ in mere weeks.
He felt no shame for liking her so much, and truth be told, their pseudo-secrecy with it made it an excitingly playful game that they both joked and teasingly flirted with one another about.
"…."
Just thinking about it made him hot, but he knew it was no time to get lost in that type of thing. He had intended to do something special today, but Babs was too against him to speak to him about it.
Usually, he would reconsider his plans without Babs' consent, but when it came to Fifi, he decided to move forward without her blessing.
"…."
Raising up his phone again, he thumbed through his contacts. After a moment's search, he found one labeled "Mom."
Pressing it, the phone began ringing, and he placed it up to his ear.
…
…
…
"Hey, if it isn't my little Buster~!?" His mom answered jovially, already knowing it was him from the caller ID.
Buster scratched the back of his head and then responded. "Hey, Mom…. Uhm, I am sorry to bother you, but…"
"Oh! You are never a bother to me, honey…." She interrupted.
Buster gulped slightly and then spoke. "I know, Mom. I mean to say, " I need to ask you something."
"Well, go on, shoot." His mom said as she waited patiently.
"Uhm… Well," Buster began. "I am calling to ask if it would be ok with you if we had a… well… a guest come stay with us for the Christmas holidays."
His mom was quiet for a moment, then, when she responded, she had a deviously playful tone. "Oh, Buster, does it happen to be a young lady, by chance?"
Buster's face was so hot and red that if his mother could see it, she would laugh.
"Well, uhm…. yeah…."
His mom became excited, and she spoke enthusiastically. "Of course, she can come! Anyone my son adores is certainly welcome in this burrow~!"
Buster felt relief hearing it out loud but could already see his mom's excessive teasing would be the cost he would pay to accomplish this.
With appreciation, he responded. "Thanks, mom… You don't know what this will mean for her…."
"Anytime, sweetheart! You know when you, Babs, and your little girlfriend will be arriving here?"
Buster thought and then responded. "Likely before dinner. I have my final to do first."
His mother smiled to herself. "Well, good, I will get things ready by then."
"Thanks again, mom… I need to go…."
"Hold it, young man… You can't leave until you tell me her name~!"
Buster felt ever more embarrassed and sheepishly grumbled her name. "Fifi…"
"Ohhh, what a lovely name. I am so thrilled! Love you, sweetheart, byeee."
"Love you too, mom." Buster finished the call and hung up the phone.
It went as well as he expected when it came to his mom.
With his final approaching, he knew he had one chance to get Fifi to come with him, and he would take it as soon as his final was done.
"…."
…
…
…
…
Buster wandered through a mostly empty campus and made it to the magical antics building where all manner of prestidigitation, voodoo, and spells were taught.
He moved through the hallways towards the auditorium's backstage door, where he readied for his final. He was stopped in his tracks entirely when he saw Fifi was there waiting for him beside it.
"Ohhh! Mon chéri~! There you are to be being!"
Buster was initially excited but became worried when he stopped staring at her lovely face long enough to see she was dressed to leave.
Donning her rose haute couture trench coat and a matching beret with her suitcase by her side, the ensemble perfectly complimented her purple fur.
"Fifi, Uhm… What's up?" His voice came out fearful and less passionate than usual.
Fifi frowned but then let out a sad sigh. "I am here to catch you, so to say au revoir before I go to my home for the winters break. The snow is really coming down, and I worry I will be very stuck here if I do not to be leaving soon…."
Buster's heart froze, and he glanced up at the clock. There was no time to talk to her how he wished and needed to with the final beginning in moments.
Looking back, he could see Fifi was hurt by his lack of excitement to see her, but it was also apparent that neither wanted to leave the other.
"…"
When Buster failed to speak, Fifi did so instead. "What is to be troubling you, Bustair…? It is only to be several weeks…."
It was apparent that Fifi was trying to convince herself of that just as much as him so that her depression wouldn't take over.
With another glance up at the clock, Buster saw it was already time, so he blurted out a lie in a desperate attempt to try and keep her there.
"I… Well, it is my final!"
"Ohhh, Oui! I am understanding, do not to worry, you will certainly be fine. After all, you helped me raise my prank grade to the A, and I cannot thank you enough!" Fifi encouraged him.
Buster thought again and then frowned. "No, I… I know a way to ace my final, but… Well…"
When he trailed off, Fifi raised an eyebrow. "Well? What is it that you are needing? Perhaps I can be helping?"
Buster put on his best act and gave it his all. "Well, if I had an assistant, I could do grander tricks."
Fifi giggled and then put on a sly smile. "Oui, and you are not just saying this to spend more time with Moi~?"
Buster had been seen through, but he merely doubled down. "What if I am? Sides, I have a car. Anywhere you need to be dropped off, I can arrange."
Fifi was amused by his candor, but truthfully, spending more time with Buster made her feel relieved. "Oui… Then, on to the magics!"
With that, Buster walked towards the door and opened it. Once on the other side, he pointed Fifi towards a wardrobe room.
"You can find an outfit in there... I already have mine ready."
Fifi looked at the clothes hanging, and upon examining them all, she eventually pulled out a sultry and shimmering magician's assistant outfit that was clearly designed to accentuate the feminine form.
"Ohh, now I see why you really wanted me to help. Shame on you, Bustair Bunny!" She said exceptionally assertively and playfully.
Buster pulled his wand from his ear, and with a tap to himself, he poofed into a sleek, black uniform befitting of a professional magician.
After he was ready, he responded. "Not really, because you look stunning no matter what you wear."
Fifi's heart skipped a beat, and she looked down over the compliment. It was unlike her to get flustered, but Buster knew how to charm her in a way no one else did.
"…"
"Ok, get ready. You have seen the tricks I do often, so just follow my lead and ques."
Fifi began undoing her coat and then nodded. "But, of course, you can count on Moi."
…
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…
…
When Buster walked out from backstage onto centerstage, he felt intimidated when he saw Merlin sitting there waiting. He had a pencil in his hand and a notepad in the other.
The second he noticed Buster, he began to scribble something down and then spoke. "You are late, Buster. You know how I feel about tardiness."
Buster nodded and then bowed. "I am sorry, professor. I was just readying my assistant."
Merlin raised an eyebrow but then got a smirk on his face. "Taking this very seriously, are you?"
Buster nodded and then pulled off his hat. "Very…"
After he said that, he reached into it and began to rummage.
Merlin watched and began to write something down. After that, Buster appeared to struggle to pull anything from the hat.
When Buster pulled nothing, Merlin frowned and shook his head. As he was about to begin writing, Buster threw the hat up, and then it landed on the floor in the correct, upright position.
Merlin paused, and Buster began tapping the hat with his wand.
"I would like to introduce you to my wonderful assistant…. Fifi~!"
Buster lifted the hat rim, grabbing it, and every inch he did revealed another part of a person from her feet until it popped off of her head.
Fifi grinned, and she stood shimmering in the show lights. Her tight uniform accentuated her beautiful curves, and she merely reached above her head to take the hat as it was removed.
Pulling it down, it fit her nicely, and Buster held out his hands to present her. "Voilà!"
Merlin couldn't help but smile as he wrote, and Fifi herself clapped to his use of French.
Once Merlin was attentive again, Buster went into a whole act with Fifi following his lead. She was as elegant as she was competent and proved a valuable asset to his show.
…
…
…
Both were tired when they rounded down to the last trick. However, Merlin looked highly content with the whole affair.
"I am impressed, especially with how well you two worked together. I am giving you an A, and I, well, I hope you consider joining me for intermediate magics next semester. You and your lovely assistant that is."
Buster and Fifi gave a bow, and with that concluded, they bid farewell to Merlin. Now utterly free from school, the two entered the empty backstage area.
Once there, Fifi grabbed Buster into a tight hug and spoke to him. "Congratulations, Mon amour!"
Buster instinctively wrapped his arms around her, and as he was about to speak, Fifi kissed him to keep him quiet.
The kissing was slow initially but really picked up as their feelings intensified. With nobody back there, the two just kissed passionately until their mouths were sore.
Both gasped once the long kisses broke, and Fifi wiped her mouth. "Très satisfaisant…."
After that, Fifi disappeared into the dressing area while Buster flicked his wrist to poof to his everyday attire. When she eventually returned, she was once again in her going-away outfit.
Moving towards the wall, she grabbed her suitcase and turned to Buster.
"Oui…. I must be off if the snow hasn't gotten to being worse. If so, I am deciding that I will let you go on your way to your home for safety. A ride is not necessary if I am to be staying here an extra night."
Buster pulled out his phone to look at it and saw it was thirty minutes to two. Now that he had time to speak to her intimately, he did so.
"Hey, uh, Fifi….?"
Fifi could see his expression, and it worried her. She quietly put down her suitcase and then responded.
"Oui, Bustair?"
Buster breathed out and then admitted the truth. "Look, I… really didn't need an assistant, though appreciate you helped, regardless…. I had another reason I tried to get you to stay here with me. I, well… I was deceptive because I needed time to speak with you like this."
Fifi felt anxious, but she allowed him to continue without protest or misunderstanding.
"I know you said you like being home…. It makes you feel safe because it is the one thing that's been there for you… but I, well, I don't think that it's right you be alone for the holidays."
Fifi was now wide-eyed and frozen in place, unable to speak on what she now knew was about to come.
"…."
"Anyway, I wanted to ask you to spen…."
!
Before Buster could finish the request, Fifi slammed herself into his body hard. So hard, in fact, that he nearly toppled over.
Buster held firm but could now feel Fifi shaking against his body. When he wrapped his arms around her, she quivered, and her voice came out broken between half-sobs as tears wet her cheekfur and ran off until they splashed onto his hoodie.
"I… I am to being overwhelmed…. I… this can't to be happening. I…"
She rubbed her face against Buster's warm hoodie and inhaled his scent. Then, she heard Buster speak gently to her.
"Hey, it's ok…. I already asked my mom. She's excited…. I am sorry I didn't ask ahead of time, but…."
Fifi shook her head, and as she looked up, she sniffled and gave him a genuine, loving smile. "Yo… you are to being certain you are wanting this?"
Buster just smiled back as he raised his hand to her damp cheek and rubbed it.
"Of course…." He said as he bent in.
Fifi slowly bent upwards towards him, and the two kissed in a reserved but still meaningful manner.
"…."
Eventually, the two broke the hug, and Fifi lifted her suitcase again. In truth, she was terrified…. This was something she'd never known before, but she'd be damned if she let it pass her by.
Once Buster reached out his hand. She grasped it tightly, and with that, the two were off to spend the holiday together.
…
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…
…
Walking through the campus to the parking lot was calm. The dark grey sky blanketed the heavens and sprinkled numerous shimmering snowflakes down upon the two as they went.
The walkway lights had come on earlier, and their glow against the undisturbed, harder snow made it shimmer as if glitter were dumped atop it.
Further still, the two walked, and now, they could see it was primarily vacant in the parking lot.
People had left early, as Fifi intended to do, and the deep snow seemed to make Fifi somewhat uneasy.
"Uhm, Bustair? How will we be getting to your homes with this? I do not want you to be rushing on my account… We can stay here where it is safe for the night."
Buster eyed her as he walked up to an older, box-shaped Sedan. Once by it, he let go of her hand and responded.
"Don't worry about it. I am used to this weather and like to drive, so it'll be easy."
Fifi was unsure but trusted his word nonetheless. Buster pulled out the key and unlocked the passenger side door for her, and once she got in, he grabbed hold of her suitcase.
Moving to the back, he opened the trunk, which revealed Babs and his already thrown-in stuff from days prior. Moving some of his to the side, he crammed Fifi's in and slammed the trunk shut.
With an exhale, steam came out of his nose, and he walked to the driver's side. Opening it, he put the key in the ignition and turned it on. Shutting the door again, he returned to the passenger side door.
Fifi just looked up at him, and he pointed to a button in front of her. "Just push that in a few minutes and set it as high as you want. This hunk of junk is old, but the one thing it does have is good heat."
Fifi grinned while keeping the door open and responded. "Merci, Bustair."
As she watched him, she realized he was waiting for someone, and it was clear to her who. "So, are you and Babs to sharing the car?"
Buster smiled and nodded. "Yep, we both have a set of keys. She hates driving long distances, so it usually falls on me to do it."
Fifi turned her head and then pushed the heat button, after which she pushed the up arrow multiple times. "Oui, that sounds nice…. I do not drive because to be affording a car is out of the question, especially when there are the clothes to buy."
When hearing that, Buster sympathetically leaned in and rubbed her cheek as he did before. "Thanks for coming…. I just…. I really wanted to give you the holiday you deserve."
Fifi nuzzled his hand and shut her eyes. "I know…. I am being scared…. To act is something I do not know how…. Still, I am beside myself with the excitments."
Buster laughed and then pushed the door closer to her so it could be easily shut. "Well, keep warm, pretty soon you will be with your new family…."
Fifi stared up as Buster shut the door gently. They had only known each other for a few months, and already it was this serious?
Was it?
….
Did it even matter?
If it felt this right, then it was worth seeing what it led to.
"…."
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…
…
Babs walked somberly as Sweetie kept talking her ear off, though, in truth, she was not listening. Her mind was preoccupied, and it became ever more evident to her girlfriend as time passed.
"Babs?"
When she heard her name spoken by Sweetie, she responded weakly. "Yes?"
Sweetie stared at her as she floated there and then called her out. "Where are you at, babe? You have been inattentive all day…. Did I do something wrong?"
Babs immediately tried to deny it, though it was unconvincing. "No… Nothing is wrong, honey… I just…"
Sweetie seemed upset and interrupted Babs to speak her mind. "You can talk to me… We are supposed to be close, and this is hurting my feelings."
Babs eventually looked at her and gave in. "Yeah, I am sorry…. It is just, Buster…. He is acting weird, and I am worried about him. I feel like I got carried away with spending time with you, no offense."
Sweetie understood and shook her head. "Well, let him be jealous…. I get you two are close and stuff, but it doesn't mean you can't live your own life. Sides, everyone has been busy and acting weird lately. Shirly is always gone, helping Hamton with his anxiety. Fifi is either glued to her phone or not around at all…. So, just enjoy the holiday. Catch up, spend time together."
Sweetie's long speech made her sweat, as she felt like an idiot doing this mushy stuff. A tough girl like her didn't like to show this soft side of herself.
Babs had absorbed the words, and it truly brought her comfort. Everyone was preoccupied, and this was the perfect time to catch up with Buster….
Like the old days….
"Thanks' Sweetie… I, that made me feel much better."
"No problem!" Sweetie responded, surprised it actually worked.
Eventually, the two stopped traveling, and Babs could see Sweetie's family was there to pick her up in the distance.
"Well, it's time to have some space, I guess…." Babs grumbled.
Sweetie moved in and rubbed her face against Babs'. "It will be brief…. I will text you every day, I promise."
"I… I promise, too." Babs moved in and kissed Sweetie on the head. "I… love you."
"I love you too, girl~!" Sweetie winked and then turned to fly off.
"Bye…" Babs trailed off as she began to trudge through the thick snow towards her and Buster's car.
…
…
…
…
As Buster waited, he could now see Babs at the end of the parking lot. She was rushing now that she was in the final stretch.
Once in front of Buster, she spoke. "Well, it's been a while, stranger."
Buster looked unamused and just responded. "Knock it off, Babs…"
Babs could see the car was running, and the windows were all completely obscured by ice and fog. When she moved towards the passenger door, Buster blocked her. "Sorry, Babs. The back seat is the only place with room."
Babs scowled and was confident Buster was doing this purposefully, so she just walked towards the back door and swung it open.
Pulling herself in, she slammed it as hard as possible and then nearly had a heart attack when she saw someone in the front seat.
"Hello, Babs, it is nice to have seeing you," Fifi said as she beamed.
Babs stared in disbelief and winced when scraping was heard as Buster removed the ice from the windows with a scraper.
"I…. Fifi. Er… well, I guess it is too cold out. It was nice of Buster to give you a ride."
Fifi held her smile not really understanding Babs, and then spoke. "Oh, yes. It will be a ride, certainly!"
The interaction between them was highly awkward, and when Buster got into the driver's seat, he fixed the mirror and put the car in drive.
"Everybody, buckle up!"
Fifi was already securely in, so Babs begrudgingly put her belt on as asked. Once everyone was ready, Buster slowly reversed and then hit the road.
…
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…
…
Babs was staring out the window at the storm and felt lost. Even as they left town, she was perplexed why Fifi was still with them.
Moving her eyes forward, she could see Fifi speaking to Buster, but their words were muted to Babs' ears. It was as if the moment of realization was upon her, and she needed to stop it.
"So, uhm…" Babs began abruptly, interrupting the two. "Where do we need to take Fifi?"
Fifi looked startled and stared at Buster for help. She thought she was welcome, but Babs' recent demeanor made her feel different.
When Buster turned onto the main road, he glanced back at Babs and spoke bluntly. "She's staying with us. Mom already said she could."
"…."
Babs was utterly silent and felt really hurt. As she returned to shrinking inward, she saw Fifi placing her hands against Buster's arm.
It all made sense….
Fifi disappearing constantly….
Whenever she was there with the girls, she was too busy texting and laughing to herself….
Buster trying to talk to her earlier….
As it came crashing down on Babs, she found herself inside a pit of anger and despair. All the things she'd thought Buster had felt for her and Sweetie, she was now feeling towards Fifi.
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…
After about an hour's drive, where Babs didn't converse, and ignored Fifi and Buster while they did. Buster pulled into a gas station by the side of the road.
Once they were stopped, he turned off the car and spoke to everyone. "Alright, I am going to get gas and hit the store, if you girls want or need anything, help yourself."
As Buster opened his door, Fifi leaned in, and Babs felt alienated when her brother was kissed right before her. She was just a third wheel now, during her family holiday….
…
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…
With Buster gone, Fifi fidgeted. Babs' subtle animosity was not lost on her, and she felt terrible for being here. Eventually, she tried to open a dialog with Babs to ease herself.
"It has been some time since we have been hanging out, no? It is good to finally have it."
Babs was distant but still willing to converse, though not as nicely as she had intended. "Yeah…. We've all been busy, especially you, as it turns out."
Fifi's expression turned to a frown, and she fearlessly confronted Babs. "Oh, and what is that supposed to be meaning?"
Babs became more confrontational and then responded. "You are always leering at boys, and now I find you are hooking up with my brother. You didn't even have the courtesy to tell me…."
Fifi scowled and answered back in a mockingly haughty manner. "Oh, sure, then I shall remember the next time to be asking petite princesse Babs for permission, yes?"
Babs was now full-blown angry and spit back at Fifi's mocking tone. "Just shut up! You forced your way here, so keep your ignorance in check, will ya'…. This is my family, not yours!"
Fifi was crushed but would not be talked down to. She glared and then spoke bluntly. "The only thing ignorant in this cars is you and your sense of fashion. I am finding it to be as hideous as your personality, now…."
Babs just stared, and the beyond-hurt look on Fifi's face was getting to her. Before she could speak, though, Fifi opened the car door, got out, and slammed it.
"…."
Now truly alone, Babs felt a sense of shame. Fifi and she were never "that" close, but she did like her. Now, to be told she had a horrible personality and ugly clothes, even from an acquaintance, hurt.
…
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…
…
When Buster returned to the car from the rest stop store with a paper bag in his arm, he was surprised to see Fifi out in the freezing cold. She seemed reserved, and he immediately opened a dialog with her.
"What's up, Fifi? You, ok?"
Fifi half-heartedly smiled when she saw him and then straightened her posture. "Oh, nothing, Bustair…. I, well, I needed a breath of the fresh air."
Buster could sense she was lying and pressed further. "Is it Babs? Look, I am sorry. Since I talked to her this morning, she has been a real Grinch."
Fifi looked frightened but then shook her head. "Non, Babs has to been great… We, uhm, well, we were having the nice conversation before I needed air."
Buster smiled slightly, hearing that. "Good, it is nice to hear Babs is finally coming around."
He pulled open the door for Fifi, and she got in quietly. Babs stared at her from the back seat, and she was ready for the lecture from Buster once he got in.
…
…
…
When Buster sat, he pulled open the paper bag and handed Fifi a paper cup that was extremely warm to the touch. Pulling another one free, he handed it back to Babs.
"Here, sis."
His voice was pleasant, and he was unaware of what had transpired. Babs took the cup into her hands with a pang of intense guilt and stared at it.
!
Abruptly, Fifi's voice rang out with delight as she sipped from the cup. "Le chocolat chaud est ma boisson préférée, Merci Bustair~!"
Buster laughed joyously and then drank some from his own cup. "Yep, I figured it would help for the home stretch."
He started the car and was quickly driving again. They then turned onto a backroad that looked like it was made of dirt and began moving along with the sleeping forest surrounding them.
It was getting dark and foreboding, but Buster was diligently keeping them safe.
Babs was sipping her hot chocolate and staring at Fifi from behind, still having mixed feelings about this affair.
Fifi was admiring the scenery in front of them in the headlights. The thing that had happened earlier still bothered her, but she managed it by ignoring Babs' existence.
"…"
…
…
…
…
After another thirty minutes, Buster pulled up to what appeared to be an electric lantern light on a post. It illuminated the now-black forest surrounding them, and once he shut off the car, he spoke to Fifi.
"Well, we're here."
Fifi was staring at the pretty light in a sea of utter darkness. It was like a beacon of salvation in the nothingness. Taking a moment to gather her thoughts, she was abruptly startled by Babs opening the back door and shutting it roughly.
The bang caused both of them to watch as she was seen walking towards the light. With a kick of her rabbit foot, the snow was brushed aside, revealing a wooden door. With a pull on the handle, she revealed a hole with a light coming from it.
Without looking back, she disappeared into it and shut the door behind herself.
"…."
Fifi looked at Buster, and he merely shrugged. After that, she spoke in a way that was riddled with trepidation.
"Well… Uhm, I am not to being sure how to handle this. This is your family, and I am…."
Buster reached out abruptly and touched her hand, which made her stop talking. He then spoke gently. "Fifi, it's fine…. Just be yourself. Heck, my mother would appreciate it if you did."
When Fifi timidly looked at his face, she uttered the only word that came to mind. "Pourquoi?" ("Why?")
Buster smiled. Having been around her constantly, he was picking this up a little. "She loves dresses and fashion, so I think you two could have a good time."
Fifi's eyes became bright, and her grin appeared in full force. "Ohhh, C'est incroyable."
After learning that, she felt her spirit's lift. This could be a dream come true to talk to a mom about things she adored.
Buster opened his door and shut it, opening Fifi's side so she could step out.
"Merci."
Buster then looked at the exposed burrow door and spoke. "Why don't you go in and introduce yourself…. I will bring your stuff in."
Fifi was intimidated, but she merely nodded. If it was his wish, then she would.
Quietly walking to the door, the pleasant smell of burning firewood wafted through the winter's air. Once she stood by a small metal pipe sticking out from the ground with smoke wafting up from it, she pulled up the front door to reveal the burrow hole.
After that, it was only a matter of traversing down the cramped steps made of sturdy dirt.
…
…
…
…
Immediately, Fifi was taken aback by how warm and quaint it was. The décor was to her liking, and the place, even of hard dirt, was clean.
The lamps in the room were bright and inviting, and the Christmas decorations, as well as the tree, were set. In all her years, this was an experience she had only ever had in movies.
"…."
Standing in a daze, she was surprised when Buster's mom spoke from behind her.
"Welllll, you must be Fifi! Welcome!"
Fifi turned and quietly bowed politely, though forgetting she might not be understood by how she responded. "Oui, je suis Fifi."
Buster's mom grinned happily and nodded. "Well, you have such an adorable accent. You may call me Shara or even 'mom' if you prefer to."
Fifi could only stare in disbelief that this was happening. When she failed to respond, Shara continued on.
"Why don't you remove those damp clothes and give them here? I will hang them."
Fifi sheepishly unbuttoned her rather nice coat and removed her beret, after which she handed them off.
"…."
Shara examined them as she took hold and couldn't help but comment. "My, my… haute couture. I am jealous."
Fifi nearly exploded when hearing that and couldn't help but respond. "Oui, c'est haute couture…. I, er…. Well, I am happy you are to be liking it."
Shara just shut her eyes and gave a big grin, after which she took the clothes and hung them by the fireplace set into the wall. Comprised of compact stones, it was what funneled smoke through the ground to the pipe outside.
Shara turned and then blinked. "My, I got carried away with the introductions…. I forgot all about poor Buster."
Fifi giggled spontaneously and then shook her head. "Non, Bustair is not to be forgotten. He is getting things from the car."
Shara laughed and then nodded. "Oh, well, make yourself at home, dear. The couch is right there if you are thirsty. The fridge is that way…. Dinner is going to be ready in another hour or so."
Fifi continued to stand but nodded to show that she had heard what was said. Despite feeling more at ease, she was still utterly unable to act like a guest here.
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…
After several minutes of waiting, Buster appeared, carrying his and her things. He was overwhelmed, so Fifi came and took some of it off of him.
"Thanks', Fifi…."
"Not to being a problem." She said sweetly.
Buster's presence made her feel utter comfort, which allowed her to not feel so alien here.
Buster looked over, then moved his head to the side to bid her to follow. "C'mon, I will show you to the guest room."
Fifi merely followed with her suitcase in her hands, but as the two passed the kitchen, Shara rang out when she caught them.
"There's my little man~!"
Buster froze and felt utterly humiliated, mainly because he heard Fifi laugh at his expense.
When his mom came over, she grinned deviously and placed her hands on her hips. "Well, nothing to say to your poor, old mom?"
Buster held his things and tried to escape the humiliation. "Ma… Come on, I need to show Fifi to the guest room, and I am carrying a lot of stuff."
Shara seemed delighted by his torture, so she continued on. "Oh, come now, Hunny Bunny…."
Fifi snorted when she heard that, and Buster became exasperated.
"MOM!"
His mom only laughed alongside Fifi, then decided to give him a break…. for now. "I already readied your room for her to stay in. It only needed a bit of dusting."
Fifi and Buster stared at one another, and then Buster timidly spoke to his mom. "My room…? but I thought…."
Shara took her hands off her hips and then turned towards the kitchen. "Buster, you are nineteen, not fourteen. Go spend time unpacking."
With that, she walked away, releasing him from his humiliation. However, despite that grueling treatment, he felt a deep sense of respect that he was being treated his age when it came to Fifi.
"Let's go, Fifi…. This way to my room…."
Fifi only smirked and responded mockingly. "Oui, lead the way, Monsieur Hunny Bunny."
Buster rolled his eyes as Fifi entertained herself at his expense, and then he led her through the burrow halls.
"…."
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It took only a scant few moments until they found themselves at a wooden door nestled tightly against a stone frame in the dirt wall.
Moving his hand while trying not to drop everything, Buster turned the knob and thrust it open. Walking in, he messily dropped his things on the floor and turned on a lamp to illuminate the room.
Fifi walked in and shut the door quietly behind herself. The second she saw everything gave her a real sense of who Buster was while growing up.
Trophies adorned a row of shelves along the right wall, and there was a vast collection of VHSs and DVDs along several massive shelves. All of which had to do with classic Loony Tunes and Bugs Bunny.
Above his TV was a framed and signed poster of Bugs with Michael Jorden, kept utterly pristine. Moving her eyes to the left sat his bed, which was less a bed and more like a fat mattress on the floor without a frame.
Above that were dozens of pictures of Babs, himself, and his mother. All depicting various ages and events in their lives.
As Fifi scrutinized everything, Buster came over and commented on her examination. "Yep, Babsie and I did everything together…. It is…. Well, it is just a shame that going to college together brought distance between us…."
Fifi eyed him and frowned. She could tell how hurt he was by Babs' behavior truly angered her. Still, she didn't criticize and merely thought about everything absent in her own life.
It was in the story of the pictures that Fifi noticed something odd and, without thinking, commented on it. "Oh, I am seeing you are not having a dad?"
The second she said that he stared at her, and she immediately felt scummy for having said something so careless. "Non…. I am to being sorry, Bustair. I did not mean it in that way…. I just…."
Buster just shrugged and responded bluntly. "He abandoned us when Babs and I were babies. Don't really know why…. Can't say I care too much."
Fifi looked him over, and unlike what she expected, he did not care genuinely. "I… I am surprised. Not having the family is so hard…."
Buster placed his hand on her back and rubbed it. "You have it far worse than I ever could, Fifi. I had years to think about it and decided that if he didn't want to be my dad, the feeling is mutual because I don't want to be his son."
"…."
Fifi looked down and then eventually responded. "Well, even so, I understand how you are to feel about it at one point."
Buster smiled and just responded sweetly. "I know you do. That's why you are here. You deserve to feel the same way I do and not worry about what you don't have."
Fifi was sheepish and merely murmured her immediate fears. "But… Babs…."
Buster raised an eyebrow and then sighed. "I knew you lied to me at the gas station…."
Fifi was about to try to convince him otherwise, but he spoke again before she could.
"Look, forget, Babs, ok? If she is willing to treat you poorly, like because of me…. Then, I guess…. Well, I guess she was never the person I thought she was."
The pain-filled sadness of Buster's tone was distressing to Fifi, mostly because she knew it was the opposite. Babs was a laid-back sweetheart.
"…."
Before she could defend Babs, Buster turned away and then spoke. "Make yourself comfortable. I am going to go help Mom set up for dinner. I will come get you when it is ready."
Fifi watched as he left and returned to the pictures of Buster and his family.
No matter how happy she could feel, she knew deep down it was her fault for getting between Babs and Buster.
It hurt so deeply to feel like she was tearing them apart that she contemplated leaving before she could even settle in.
"…."
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Babs lay in her bed and stared at the ceiling. Her mind ran through everything that had happened and changed. In the time since, she'd realized that she was acting out of line.
"…."
Though, she felt as if she was caught. She was too ashamed to apologize after so much antagonism, and even if she did, she feared it would not change a thing, given how far it had gone.
Even after hearing her mom calling for dinner, Babs stayed put with the door locked. Her phone buzzed through vibrate mode constantly.
She knew it was Sweetie, but a deep part felt she didn't deserve to talk to her. The way she let negative emotions take hold of her was so unlike her that it scared her.
"…."
Inevitably, she just shut her eyes and thought that perhaps sleeping would do her good. Turning away from her phone, she stared at the wall that connected her room to Buster's.
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Late into the night, Fifi sat in Buster's bed while he slept soundly beside her. Dinner had been spectacular, and Buster's mom truly made her feel like she belonged with the family.
Still, a tense and sickening feeling had wracked her since bedtime. Try as she might, she couldn't sleep, and the more she got into her own head, the sadder she became.
"…."
Watching Buster sleep was usually so relaxing, but she was a ball of nerves tonight. Stuck in an alien place while the shadows danced by way of the dimply lit candle on his table.
After doing everything possible to try and sleep, she inevitably slid off the end of the mattress and stood up. Looking down at Buster, she felt her heart shatter.
It was a mistake to come here….
She longed for her small, cramped, trashy car. She longed to be away from this overwhelming sense of togetherness. Deep down, she felt she did not deserve it, and hiding that fact was becoming ever more demanding.
Sauntering quietly towards the room door, she looked back, and when she saw Buster was still zonked out. She opened it and left him behind.
"…."
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Moving through the quiet burrow, the dim cracking of the fireplace burned its final embers. The tree was alight with beautiful decorations, and the sense of Christmas was beginning to make Fifi hyperventilate.
She became dizzy, and memories of empty homes and loveless holidays assaulted her. She began to feel tears streaming down her cheeks.
She choked back her sobs and rubbed her eyes furiously. Not wanting to bawl out her deepest emotions, she stumbled into the dimly lit kitchen.
On the table sat a giant candle that made it easy for late-night snackers to find their way. Fifi, on the other hand, just pulled out a wooden chair and plopped down into it.
Her dejection had come on full force, and despite how hard she struggled against it, her tears just began to flow out of her eyes and dot the tablecloth.
Deep heaves and sputtering gasps and moans accompanied them, and she could only think to keep herself quiet to not wake anybody.
"…."
Sitting there, she cried, and as she wept, she felt emotional pain. There was no catharsis to this, only a festering wound that had revealed itself the second she let the shambling wall she had built crumble.
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Babs stood outside and was rummaging through the trunk of the car. She'd found sleep impossible, as well as talking to Sweetie. So, to get her mind off the bad feelings, she figured she'd unpack under the safety of the twilight hours.
The snow kept pouring, and it was so deep and freezing outside that Bab's heavy coat was not enough. Still, she determinedly pulled her bags out and slammed the trunk shut.
With an exhale of steam wafting out of her mouth, she watched it dance in the lanternlight provided out front. With a few steps more, she opened the door to the burrow and quietly made her way to the living room, shutting it behind herself as she went.
With her being so quiet, she knew she'd not be waking anybody up, but a soft noise startled her to the point that she nearly dropped her things.
Looking briefly around, she could see Fifi in front of the kitchen candle in the distance. However, any sensible person could tell she was currently under incredible distress.
Silently, Babs placed her things down and tossed off her unbuttoned wool coat. In the time it took her to reach the kitchen doorframe, Fifi was so preoccupied with sobbing to herself that she hadn't even noticed.
Standing there, watching. Babs' heart only sank further and further into her own stomach acid the longer the agonized emotions were expelled.
After long enough, Babs could take no more and spoke out gently into the kitchen. "Fifi….?"
Fifi was startled and stared wide-eyed as Babs caught her in such a vulnerable state. She quickly rubbed her eyes and stammered, but her fur was so wet that it was a pointless attempt.
"I… h-hello, Babs…. I am to being sorry…. I just was eating the late-night snack…."
Babs quietly walked in, and Fifi stared frightenedly at her, but all she ended up doing was sitting across from her.
"…."
"Fifi…. Are you ok?"
Fifi tried to compose herself further, and Babs' direct confrontation only made her resigned to her fate. With a few quivering heaves, she merely answered honestly.
"Non…. I…. I am to not…."
Babs stared and then rubbed the back of her head. Afterward, she said what she should have said to Fifi long ago.
"Look…. Fifi, I am sorry…. I didn't mean to make you feel this way. I just…. I guess I am just afraid of losing my brother…. Then, I realized after a lot of thought tonight that I was ok with losing him if it meant I was the one happy with someone…. I just…. I am a terrible person, like you said."
Fifi sniffled and then shook her head before speaking through partial sobs. "Non…. it… is…. not…. you…."
Babs didn't understand, so she reached out and placed her hand on Fifi's shoulder. Fifi couldn't smile, but the act had eased her crying slightly.
After a while of silent crying on and off, Fifi felt strong enough to speak, and so she did.
"I am to being very sorry…. I never wanted to come between you and your brother. I just…. Bustair really wanted me to come, so I did."
Babs nodded and eventually responded. "Yeah, I figured that out a bit ago…."
With another deep heave, Fifi had enough comfort to speak to Babs about what was occurring.
"I…. It is so hard for me to being here…. You all are wonderful, but Christmas has never been something for me…. I feel to be so weird and out of place. When all you know is alone, how can you find comfort with others?"
Babs was unsure precisely what Fifi was talking about but was getting the gist that she knew very little about her new friend.
Thinking on it, Babs removed her hand and smiled at her earnestly. "Well…. With help…. I know Buster has been doing his part…. I have been slacking, though."
Fifi wiped her eyes and smiled for the first time in a while, after which she sucked in her snot. Something completely out of character for her to do, but nonetheless, important. It showed she trusted Babs.
Eventually, Fifi sighed and continued speaking. "This is the first of a lot of things for me…. I have never been to Christmas in such a way, nor have I ever loved a boy as much as this…."
Babs smiled, and seeing her deep love for her brother made her feel good. Ultimately, she wanted Buster to be happy, and if Fifi was sincere, she knew that it would be the result.
Standing up, Babs moved to the fridge and pulled out two drinks. Walking back to the table, she placed one of the colas before Fifi and spoke. "Well, neither of us will sleep for a while after being so worked up…."
Fifi merely nodded and pulled the tab on the can, making it hiss.
"…."
As Babs did the same, she took a sip, then coyly made an offer to Fifi. "So, whata' ya' say, sis? Wanna watch a late-night movie?"
Fifi seemed shocked, but they both put on the same genuine smile after their eyes met. "O-Oui, soeurette. J'aimerais bien."
Babs didn't understand, but she really didn't need to. When Fifi stood to follow her, she quietly led the way to her room, leaving her bags and animosity at the door.
"…."
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After spending hours together up through the morning, Fifi and Babs watched a stupid Christmas movie, and as the clock drew to 3 AM, Fifi finally yawned and spoke tiredly.
"I am to being sleepy…. It is perhaps the time that I can sleep…."
Babs let out her own yawn and then responded to Fifi. "Yeah…. You sure you will be ok?"
Fifi thought, but Babs' time with her had calmed her substantially. Standing, she stretched and looked down at the rabbit sitting on the floor.
"Oui, I will be doing ok…. I am going to head back to Bustair…."
Her voice was timid, but Babs merely grinned and then laughed. "Don't let his snoring keep you up longer."
Fifi only laughed, though Buster didn't snore. She enjoyed the playful teasing at Buster's expense.
With little more than a good night, the two parted ways. Less weighed down, Babs grabbed her phone and read the texts she had ignored from Sweetie.
After that, she began to type a text that began with her newfound feelings of excitement.
"Sorry, Sweetie, I was busy… You won't believe this, but it looks like I have a "new sister" who came to visit with Buster…. You'll never guess who…."
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…
As Fifi snuck back into Buster's room, she felt lighter. Babs' acceptance and apology had raised her spirit, and the playful pseudo-sisterhood they shared tonight felt like it was only the beginning of new and exciting experiences for Fifi.
Sliding back under the covers and beside Buster, she wrapped her arms around him as he slumbered peacefully. With a gentle kiss on his lips, she whispered to him.
"Bustair…. It is only to being days until Christmas…. I am…. Well, I am wanting you to know this is the best present I have ever gotten…. You're the best present I have ever gotten…."
With her heart aflame with passion and her eyes barely able to stay open, she quickly fell into a deep sleep. Leaving the loneliness of her old life behind and embracing this newfound family without hesitation or shame for the first time.
"…."
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Christmas had come rapidly, too rapidly for Fifi. With the dynamic changed. She and Babs began to bond in a way that drove Buster up the wall.
Now, with two girls to torture and tease him, it became all antics. Fifi and Shara bonded over clothes, and it only forced both women to show off some of their collections.
Of course, trades were made, and affection was shared. Then, as quickly as it came, everything had reached its inevitable end.
The gifts were being unwrapped, and the small family was sharing in on the festivities. Deep inside, Fifi was sad, but only because Christmas was finally here, and once it was gone, so too would Fifi.
"…."
As the group sat, Shara got up and set a camera atop the wooden dining table. "Alright, guys, it's time for the family photo~!"
Quickly and without warning. Buster and Babs got on both sides of Fifi, and then Shara pushed a button on the camera.
Standing behind the three, Shara sputtered. "Ok, Fifi, you're the guest. Pick the word to lead the way into the picture!"
Fifi glanced about as the timer ticked, but she didn't hesitate to do as asked, finally comfortable with her place in this family.
"Joyeux noël~!" Fifi cried out with a bright smile.
"Joyeux noël~!" Everybody emulated her as the flash finally went off.
Once Shara left for the camera, Fifi looked at Buster and spoke. "Well, this has been the best time I have ever been to having…. I am sorry that it is to be going away now…."
Buster looked perplexed and then glanced at Babs and his mom, who had just nodded their silent permission.
"Fifi, when we invited you to Christmas, we meant Christmas break, not just the specific holiday…. Well, unless you want to go sooner, that is."
Fifi looked around at the smiles and acceptance she was receiving, so she spontaneously hugged Buster. "Oui~! I am wanting to stay until school is to start again!"
Everyone laughed at the contagious happiness, and Shara quietly walked over and handed Fifi the picture that was taken.
"Here, Sweetie…. We have so many pictures, it is only fair you take this one…."
Fifi took the picture and stared at it, and the world around her seemed to melt. The family hugged her from every angle, and her bright smile was the centerpiece.
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It was something she could never forget….
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"Fifi?"
?
Fifi looked up from the picture that sat by her dorm room bed and saw Babs staring at her happily.
"Did you hear me, sis?"
Fifi placed the frame down and then responded. "I… Non, I am to being sorry…."
Babs just held her grin and repeated herself. "I asked if you wanted to spend summer break with us~! My mom said Sweetie can also come, so we will hit the beach and BBQ!"
Sweetie became excited and fist-pumped while floating there with her one wing. "Heck, ya~! I can't wait!"
Fifi looked at the photo one more time and then just nodded. "Oui…. After this semester, let us go to the beaches and lay in the sun."
Babs jumped for joy, but then Fifi spoke once more, albeit timidly.
"Just to be promising me…. I will get another pictures…."
Babs nodded and then responded. "This and every other family picture we take."
Fifi smiled appreciatively and then sighed. Not one of sorrow or dejection but of contentment.
She no longer needed her abandoned car. She finally had a place to call home and a family to share it with.
…
