It’s been nearly a week since Judy, Nick, and Finnick moved to Judy’s parent’s farm at Bunny Burrows to serve out Finnick’s rehabilitation. The new ‘toddler’ was slowly starting to adjust to country living and big bunny family life. The farm was in the middle of nowhere. With no wallet, phone, transportation his size, anything other than toddler clothes, and at least 20 miles from the nearest train station, Finnick had no means of escape and very slowly started making the best of his new life.
The first shock came in meeting Stu and Bonnie Hopps, and their at least two dozen bunny children in tow. The seemingly uncountable little rabbits ranged from what seemed to be toddler aged to preteen and were too preoccupied with causing chaos behind their parents. An apparent somehow organized, non-destructive, and good behavior type of chaos, but chaos nonetheless. While the kids seemed to pay no mind to the adult aged fennec fox in a sailor top and diaper, it was a bit uncomfortable for all adult parties however. Judy had a long conversation with her folks over the phone prior to coming out to their farm though. It took a lot of convincing, but Finnick was a danger to no one and what was one more kiddo amongst the sea of bunnies? It would also be nice for have their eldest daughter, her boyfriend, and their quasi child in their life for a month. No to mention the 2.5 extra bodies to help around the farm. So with all of the considered, Stu and Bonnie accepted their role as ‘Grandpa’ and ‘Grandma’ to Finnick.
“Hey there big guy. I’m Stu-“ knelt down Stu to get to Finnick’s level (who was currently clinging to Judy’s leg) only to realize that Finnick is supposed to be calling him Grandpa, “-Oh, I’m mean. Grandpa.”
“…And I’m your Grandma Bonnie. Welcome to Bunny Burrows and the family.” Sweetly introduced Bonnie as Finnick smiled but suddenly remembered that he didn’t want to show that he was enjoying the situation and immediately crossed his arms and pouted.
“…Awww…Someone’s grumpy from a long day and journey.” Cooed Judy.
“Can’t hide that tail wag champ. Even with that diaper.” Commented Finnick who grabbed his own tail and grumpily blushed.
“Well lets get you all settled at the farm now. We have everything set up for you two and little Finnick.” Said Stu as he grabbed some bags and started towards the truck, “Nick and Judy will be in the guest room and Finnick has a crib all to himself in the toddler nursery with the twelve other little ones.”
“Fourteen hun.” Corrected Bonnie as she and the guests followed behind.
“Ally, Braxton, Charlie, Cotton…” whispered Stu to himself as he counted the young ones, “…Yep! You’re right hun. It’s fourteen- Well fifteen now with this little diaper blaster.”
All of the luggage was loaded into the truck and they were just about ready to leave the station for the farm.
“OK, now that we have everything packed up, lets have you meet the rest of the family.” Decided Stu as he took a deep breath and shouted, “KIDS! COME OVER HERE AND MEET YOUR NEW COUSIN!”
Suddenly a stampede of rabbit kiddos came hopping over towards Finnick. The little fennec fox was overrun with new cousins. The older cousins oo’d and ah’d at his cuteness while the younger ones all wanted to play with him. Finnick let the kids be kids and allowed himself to be pulled in all directions for few minutes. While he saw himself as a hardened street gang member, he had a soft spot for kids and would never lash out or hurt them.
“How are you going to fit everyone in the truck Stu?” asked Nick inquisitively.
“Easy. We don’t.” laughed Stu as he slapped the back of Nick.
“We have a system Nick honey.” Started Bonnie, “When we take everyone out somewhere we take multiple trips. The kids are divided up into multiple groups with a couple older kids to keep things calm and babysit them while we ferry the groups back one by one.”
“Yep! And we’re going to start now. The littles need all need a bath and it’s almost dinner time. Nick, Judy, and Finnick go ahead and squeeze in the cab. You’ll have to sit on your papa’s lap for the ride Finnick.” Instructed Stu before turning to the crowd of little bunnies, “TIME TO GO HOPPS FAMILY. GROUP A! HOP IN THE BACK. GROUPS B THROUGH E, WE’LL BE BACK SOON…..BEHAVE!”
With that, the new family headed for the farm. The next few shocks to Finnick came in the form of toddler-hood mixed with somewhat grown-up labor. Finnick had to deal with all the things any toddler normally would. In the Hopps family that included naptimes, earlier bedtimes, diaper changes whenever and wherever, sippy cups, cribs, spankings for misbehavior, baths, etc. It was a learning curve for all involved for sure. During the first week and a half for Finnick, every event was met with huge protest and borderline tantrums. The poor new tot found himself over his ma’s or grandparent’s laps on a near daily basis as a result. He even lost his pants privileges for the WHOLE sentence on account of him being caught taking off his diaper multiple times. An offence that his fennec fox bun’s paid for every time. It wasn’t just hard times for Finnick though. Nick was also having a hard time. The whole responsible parenting thing was not easy for him. Every diaper change and bath time was a drama filled show, but the fox was slowly improving. Though Nick wouldn’t, or at least wasn’t comfortable, disciplining his new son and left that to the other grown-ups. Finnick also couldn’t be left to his own devices or be watched by the Hopps children, so he also got roped into random farm labor. That included helping with planting/harvesting crops, moving equipment, cleaning, tending to other household chores, etc.
At the near two week point of his sentence, Finnick was starting to calm down and accept his new reality. This was also the time for harvesting the carrots from the field. Something what Stu always did and, by extension, would be good for Finnick to help with. Unfortunately for the new tot, the process started very early in the morning on account of the heat and amount of work it took. Even earlier than the little Hopps children would normally wake. Stu quietly entered the toddler room and made his way over to Finnick’s crib and gently tapped the sleepy fennec.
“Hey sleepy head. Time to get up. We have to start the carrot harvest.” Whispered Stu as Finnick sat up groggily and rubbed his eyes, “C’mon. Let’s get your diaper changed and you dressed.”
Stu picked up the sleepy tot and laid him on the changing table. Stu removed the sleeper that Finnick was wearing and left him just wearing the soaked diaper. The grandpa bunny felt around in the dark for Finnick’s diapers and finally found them in one of the cubbies In the changing table. Finnick had to have his own special brand of Foxy Cut Diapers as the Bunny Pamps just didn’t quite fit. When Stu pulled the diaper up he noticed the word ‘Nick’ written on the diaper and a sticky note stuck to the diaper. It read:
‘You might wear the diapers around here, but I own those buns…so behave! Love, Papa Nick’
“*Chuckles* Rascal.” Quietly chuckled Stu quietly as he quickly changed Finnick’s diaper and put a flannel shirt on him, “Ok, lets get going.”
They two headed off and hopped in the tractor to ride to the fields. While on the road there, Finnick was pouting. The only things worse than the toddler stuff were early wake-ups and manual labor.
“Hey grumpy butt. I was rummaging around the shed earlier and got you something.” Teased Stu as he reached into the back and grabbed a sun hat and placed it on Finnick’s head, “It’s my old hat! It seems to fit you perfectly too.”
“Oh, uh, thanks…” said a puzzled, yet thankful, Finnick as he took off the hat to admire it before putting it back on his head.
“….So….how are you settling in here sport?” asked Stu trying to break the awkward silence.
“How am I settling in….?” started Finnick irritated, “How do YOU think it’s going STU?! I’m stuck in this damn diaper, I’m constantly monitored, I get my ass beat for everything….Yeah, it’s great. Just GREAT.”
“Ok, it’s very early in the morning and we aren’t in earshot of anyone else…” started Stu as he took a deep breath, “I’ll let you off this time, but that’s your FIRST and LAST warning for the day. I know you’re frustrated, but you WILL NOT use that kind of language or disrespect at me, the missus, your parents, or the kiddos. You will also refer to me as ‘Grandpa’. Don’t think I won’t pull this over and find a switch to fix you right up either. Understand?”
“Y-yes St- I mean Grandpa…” apologized Finnick as he was shocked that he didn’t find himself over Stu’s knee for that outburst.
“Good boy.” Replied Stu as he ruffled the hat on Finnick’s head.
The two sat in silence the rest of the way until they pulled up to the plot that was ready for harvest.
“Woah. These are the carrots that we’re going to harvest?” asked Finnick in awe as he climbed out of the tractor, “The plants look so much taller now.”
“Yep. The carrots tops are the perfect size for harvesting now.” Answered Stu as he handed Finnick a basket, “These carrots are going to be a good size for sure. Probably bigger than you are used to seeing at the grocery store in Zootopia on account our carrots are 100% organic, and the soil and weather is perfect for them. Now watch you can watch me harvest a couple and then you can work on your own row.”
Finnick nodded and watched his grandfather.
“First you firmly grasp the base of the plant and then give it a firm tug upwards with maybe a little twist if they’re being stubborn….and….*POP* there!” instructed Stu as he pulled a large carrot from the ground, “…Now we just need to do that 200-300 more times…today…and a LOT more over the coming week.”
“Easy peasy…I got this Gramps.” Cockily said Finnick as he started on the row next to Stu.
Finnick followed Stu’s instructions, but failed to recognize that he’s a little smaller in size than Stu. After a solid minute of tugging the tot finally got one.
“*Pant**Pant* See!...Easy peasy…” announced Finnick with carrot in hand to Stu who was halfway down the row already.
“Good job kiddo! Keep it up!” shouted Stu.
Time went on and Finnick got about 10 carrots in before plopping down for a breather. Meanwhile, Stu had finished with his row and went to start on the row next to Finnick. He saw a sweaty Finnick taking a break and just smiled at him and started on his side.
“H-hey, Grandpa Stu….can I ask you something?” stammered Finnick as he tugged on Stu’s overalls.
“Sure bud. Do ya need your sippy cup?” asked Stu as he stopped harvesting and turned to the little fennec.
“No. I- Well actually yes, but that’s not what I wanted to ask…” said Finnick as his hat and head were ruffled by Stu again.
“Sure bud. Lets take a break by the tractor in the shade and you can ask me there.” Decided Stu as they walked over to the tractor.
Stu grabbed Finnick’s sippy cup of water out of the diaper bag and handed it to the tot who had plopped himself on the ground and nodded ‘thank you’.
Stu as he grabbed himself some water and plopped down next to Finnick. The two sat in silence again for an uncomfortable amount of time.
Stu cleared his throat.
"You know, son, if you're gonna sit there looking that miserable, you're at least obligated to tell an old rabbit why." Said Stu finally.
"Maybe I just like being miserable." Finnick snorted softly.
"Don't buy it." Chuckled Stu.
Finnick looked down at his paws. Neither did he. The silence stretched again. Then Finnick spoke.
"You ever look back at your life and just..." He swallowed. "Wish you could erase parts of it?"
Stu's expression softened as the conversation turned serious.
"Sometimes…" He replied softly
"Yeah, but I bet your mistakes weren't fraud schemes." Laughed Finnick bitterly as Stu didn't answer immediately, "I spent years helping Nick run scams. Tricking people. Lying to them. Taking their money."
Finnick took his hat off and threw it on the ground and his ears flattened.
"And the worst part is that I was good at it." Continued the fennec tot as the words seemed to hurt coming out, "I wasn't forced into it. Nobody made me do it. I chose it."
Stu listened quietly as Finnick shook his head.
"Everybody talks about Nick changing. Becoming a cop. Turning his life around…" His voice dropped with a small sob, "…But me?..."
"I'm still the little con artist everybody remembers." Squeaked Finnick as he wiped a tear and gazed out towards the field.
"Is that what you think people see when they look at you?" asked Stu as he leaned towards Finnick.
"What else would they see?", sniffled Finnick
Stu considered the question for a moment before presenting a smirk.
"A stubborn baby fox." Teased the rabbit as he put his paw on his shoulder.
Finnick rolled his eyes.
"A gwumpy fox…." Continued Stu as he teased a little more.
"Accurate." Said Finnick firmly as he shrugged the bunny paw off of his shoulder
"How about fox who decided that hopping on a train to the country to get away from all that negative stuff instead or rotting away in prison?” suggested grandpa.
"Well jail wasn’t going to solve any of my problems..." Mumbled Finnick as he crossed his arms and glanced away.
"…Or a fox who spends half the day helping me in the field and Bonnie in the kitchen." Continued Stu.
"I didn’t have a real choice this morning and she bribes me with pie and cookies!" countered Finnick.
"Well kinda. Your hiney is undoubtfully grateful that you made the right choice. So still counts." Answered Stu.
Finnick's mouth twitched slightly. Stu let the moment settle before speaking again.
"Son, let me ask you something." Started Stu again as he fiddled with some hay.
"What?" asked Finnick grumpily again.
"If you were really a bad fox, would you feel guilty about any of this?" asked Stu
"What kind of question is that?" scowled Finnick.
"A serious one." Replied Stu with a serious yet gently look on his face.
Finnick thought about it for a moment before replying, "I guess not."
"Exactly.” Stu folded his paws together, "Bad people usually spend their time justifying what they've done. They don't sit in fields or in a diaper wondering whether they're worthy of forgiveness."
Finnick stared at the dirt in front of him as he grabbed a stick and started doodling in it.
"But I hurt people." Chirped the tot.
"You did.” Answered Stu as the direct answer surprised the fennec. Stu wasn't sugarcoating it, "You made mistakes. Real ones."
Finnick nodded.
"Then why are you defending me?" asked Finnick defiantly.
"I'm not defending what you did." Replied Stu gently as Finnick looked up and Stu met his gaze, "I'm defending who you are. Those are two different things."
The fox said nothing.
"You know what I see?" Stu asked, "I see a fellow who's spent years carrying around every bad decision he's ever made."
Finnick's eyes lowered again.
"And I think you've convinced yourself that because you did bad things, you must be a bad fox." Continued Stu.
The words landed harder than Finnick expected because that was exactly what he believed.
Stu sighed.
"When Judy was little, she'd come running into the house every time she made a mistake. Thought every mistake meant she'd failed." Explained Stu with a fond smile crossed his face, "Took her years to understand that mistakes tell you where you've been. Not where you're going."
Finnick sat quietly still. The fields rustled in the morning breeze.
"What if people never forget?" Asked Finnick finally.
"Oh, they won't." Chuckled Stu.
"What?" Blinked Finnick.
"They won't forget." Said Stu as he shrugged, "Folks remember things. That's life."
"Well, that's encouraging…." Complained Finnick.
"But that's not the important part." Said Stu as he pointed a paw toward him, "The important part is giving them something new to remember too."
Finnick thought about that. Something new to remember. Not the scams. Not the lies. Not the fox in the stroller or diapers. The fox helping around the farm. The fox showing up when friends needed him. The fox trying. Really trying. His chest tightened unexpectedly.
"You really think I can move past it?" sniffled Finnick.
"I think you already are." Stu smiled warmly.
For the first time in the las few weeks, Finnick didn't have a comeback.
"Come on." Said the old rabbit as he stood and stretched.
"Where?” asked Finnick as he too stood up.
"Inside. The house for an extended break." Replied Stu.
"Why? We’re not done.” Asked the fennec fox confused.
"Bonnie made blackberry pie last night and we didn’t get much in the way of breakfast…" suggested Stu.
"You're manipulating me." Said Finnick with narrow eyes.
"Absolutely. Unless you don’t want pie…” agreed Stu.
"No, no. I do want pie, manipulation like that is a crime ya know." Teased Finnick.
"Good thing I know a reformed criminal who won't report me." Grinned Stu as he loaded his haul of carrots in the bed of the tractor.
A reluctant laugh escaped Finnick. A real one. The weight he'd been carrying wasn't gone. Maybe it never would be. But for the first time in a long while, it felt lighter. Finnick then grabbed his haul of carrots and presented them to Stu.
“Great haul big guy! Thanks for your help.” Praised Stu as he loaded the four or so carrots into the back as well.
“OK, let’s get going then. Before we go, do you need you diaper changed?” asked Stu seemingly knowing the answer to that question.
“N-no…” lied Finnick as he blushed.
“Uh huh, tell you what. There’s a lot of manure out here so it may be just that. I’ll give you until we get to the house to give me your real answer. I want you to think real hard about it too. Wouldn’t want to ruin this good morning with a paddling for fibbing now would we?” winked Stu as he picked up Finnick and placed him in the tractor seat, “That and maybe your ma or Grandma can change ya instead of me *chuckles*”
And as the tractor turned on and they headed for the house and toward the warm lights of the Burrow, Finnick found himself wondering if maybe—just maybe—the old rabbit was right. A fox's worst mistakes didn't have to be the whole story.
