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Hoppy rubbed her ear nervously. She was currently right outside a certain bear critter’s home, hoping to ask her for something really important. Her nose twitched rapidly as she thought about what she was about to do.
She was going to ask her friend, fellow Smiling Critter, and current crush, Bobby Bearhug, to be her plus-one to her aunt and uncle’s Scenting Reveal. Hoppy’s mother had called her the day after the Summer Solstice Festival to inform her that her aunt and uncle were hosting a party the upcoming weekend to reveal their baby's critter scent.
Hoppy had been thrilled to hear this. She had been even more thrilled when her mother told her she could invite a friend or two. She thanked her mother for letting her know and had to wonder who she could invite. She was sure any of her friends would be excited and honored to be invited. This was a pretty big deal.
But while she was thinking of who to invite, she realized something. Something really important. A while ago, she had asked Bobby if she wanted to hang out together. Just the two of them. But they had never really made any plans for what that hang out would be or when it would be. But now…
Hoppy now had the perfect opportunity to spend time with Bobby. She could spend the entire day with her. No one else.
Hoppy's face warmed up at the thought of spending the day with the bear. But for that to happen, she would have to ask her first.
Hoppy shook herself off her nerves and brought a paw up to knock. She knocked rapidly three separate times. A few moments later, the door opened, revealing Bobby.
“Hoppy, good morning.” The bear smiled warmly. “What are you doing here? Do you need something?”
Hoppy nodded rapidly. “ Yes, I uh came here to a…a…ask you if you LIKE to come with me to my baby cousin's Scenting Reveal.”
“Scenting… Reveal…?” Bobby tilted her head, finger on her chin.
“Yes! My, um, my aunt and uncle's baby is going to be 2 months old this weekend. So they're… they're doing a party so that the family can see what its scent will be.”
Hoppy gulp. Paw tapping on the ground. “My mom told me and said I could invite a friend or two. So…” Her face got warmer. “So do you want to be my plus one… to the party…” Hoppy was sure her face was a complete flush now.
Bobby stared at Hoppy. Hoppy got nervous. After a few moments…
“Sure, Hoppy. I'd be delighted to join you.” She said with a sweet smile.
Hoppy beamed. “Really?!”
Bobby nodded. “Yes. I was… just trying to remember if I had anything planned. For the weekend, but no. I'm free.”
“Oh, ok. No problem, Bobs,” Hoppy said, giving her a thumbs up. “I mean, it is a pretty last-minute type of thing; I only found out not too long ago.”
Bobby giggled; she supposed that was fair. After a few more minutes of talking, Hoppy let Bobby know that she would pick her up early around midday so they could head back into town. Bobby nodded, waving Hoppy goodbye as she left the beehive house with a big smile on her face.
Hoppy stared at herself in the mirror. She looked well put together, more so than she usually did. She properly groomed her fur, brushing it meticulously, getting rid of any knots, and smoothing out any cowlick she may have.
Her fur sparkled and shimmered. She had also picked out a nice outfit for the occasion. Giving herself one more quick check in the mirror, she confidently nodded to herself. She was ready.
Hoppy knocked on the door and waited for Bobby. Her paw thumped on the ground rapidly, as she did.
Her ears perked up, and she straightened herself when the door creaked open. From the depths of the comfy home came Bobby.
Hoppy felt her face flush. The red bear was wearing a pretty yellow sundress with a bow on the waist and a matching sun hat. Around her neck was a cute pearl necklace. And in the center, shining brightly, was her heart pendant.
“Pretty~” Hoppy said quietly.
“Hehe, thank you, Hoppy.”
But not too quietly.
“You look very pretty yourself, Hoppy.” Bobby complimented.
Hoppy looked at herself. “I, uh, thanks.” She said, smiling bashfully.
Hoppy herself was wearing a simple white collar blouse with a dark green vest over it. She was wearing her pendant as a pin on her vest.
“You um ready?” she asked.
Bobby nodded, and the two went on their merry way.
On their way to town, Bobby ended up learning a few things about Hoppy that she didn't know about.
For one, the green rabbit actually enjoys dressing up. A surprise to her. Hoppy never struck her as the type to enjoy those kinds of things.
She always came off as someone who preferred much more casual or sporting attire. Hoppy told her that while she did prefer those types of style, she also enjoyed wearing fancy clothes.
She just didn't like wearing anything that was too accessorized or overly fancy. Like big dresses with lots of sparkle and layers or tuxedos with overcomplicated designs on them. Casual fancy is what she liked.
Another thing was, while they were walking, a bit of wind blew. While Bobby was fine, Hoppy ended up pretty ruffled. Her fur was sticking out at different angles.
Bobby let out small giggles. Hoppy let out something between a chuckle and a groan. With a flick of her paw, Hoppy began smoothing out any fur that was out of place.
“Gosh, I hate when this happens.”
“I take it you're not a fan of messy, ruffled fur, are you, Hoppy?”
Hoppy shook her head. “Not one bit.” She continued to groom her fur. “I don't like it when my fur is messy.”
Bobby hummed. “Even though you do a lot of sports. You don't like being dirty.”
Hoppy was cleaning her ear as she spoke, “I mean, I don't mind it. I know I'll get messy and dirty when I do sports or just exercise in general, but I prefer having a clean coat.”
She moved to clean the other. “ I don't like the feel of dry dirt or mud on me. It sticks too easily and makes it feel all sticky and stiff.”
Bobby agreed, nodding her head slowly. It was a terrible feeling. Once Hoppy had gotten her fur unruffled, they continued to where the party would be held.
When they arrived at Hoppy's family home, Bobby was incredibly surprised to see so many critters. “ There are so many critters.”
Hoppy laughed at her expression. “Yep. Rabbit critter families are pretty big.”
Bobby shook her head. “Oh no, no, that’s not what I—” It took Bobby a moment to understand Hoppy's words.
“Hoppy!” she exclaimed, feeling hot under her fur.
Hoppy continued to laugh. “I'm just messing with you, B.”
Bobby huffed, crossing her arms. Still…looking around, there were more critters than she expected. There were also other non-critters around, most likely friends of the parents, but she hadn't expected this many guests.
“It really is a big deal, huh?” she said.
“Well, of course it is, Bobby; it’s a Scenting Reveal,” Hoppy responded.
Bobby jumped. Oh no, did I say that out loud?
She nervously laughed it off. “I know that. I just…uh, didn’t know how many people would be here, that's all. This is an important event in a critter's life, right? So the more the merrier, right? Haha.”
Hoppy stared at her, confused. “Yeah, it is. We’re the ones in your family, small or big?”
“Oh! I…uh, I don’t know. All the cubs… in my family were my age or close. So I…um don’t remember.” Bobby said, twiddling her thumbs.
A voice calling Hoppy's name caught their attention. Looking around, she spotted her parents calling out to her. “Hey, um, let’s go say hi to my mom and dad, yeah?”
Bobby nodded, mentally thanking Hoppy's parents for the interruption.
Hoppy waved to her parents as the two walked over. Hoppy's mom was a fluffy, darker green rabbit critter with light blue spots, while her dad was a round purple light purple rabbit with green splotches. And unlike his wife and daughter, his ears were flopped, not standing straight up.
Cute~ They’re so cute and huggable. Bobby’s arm muscles twitched.
Both of them were wearing some sort of fancy casual outfit. They each wore their pendant on one of their ears.
“Heya, Dad. Hi, Mom.” Hoppy greeted them as her parents pulled her into a hug. They both happily returned the greeting, nuzzling their daughter with their noses.
“Oh, my little kit, look at how much you've grown.” Hoppy’s mom said, cooing at her.
Hoppy looked away, embarrassed. “Mooooom, it's only been a year since I moved out. And I visit often.”
“That may be true, but it’s not the same for your mom.”
Hoppy’s dad laughed. “Now, now, dear, I know you miss her, but don't wanna embarrass her in front of her friend, do ya.”
“Oh?” Turning to Bobby, Hoppy’s mom let out a soft smile. “Oh dear, where are my manners.” Giving a little curtsy, she introduced herself. “Hello there, dear, my name is Holly, and this right here,” she said, gesturing to her husband, “ is my husband, Hopper. It's a pleasure to meet you.”
“Yes. It's nice to meet you, miss. Are you a friend of our daughter?” Hopper asked.
Bobby nodded eagerly. “Yes, sir. My name is Bobby BearHug. It's a pleasure to meet you.” Bobby clenched and uncleched her paws.
“Bobby here is in the same critter group as me,” Hoppy added.
“Oh, is that so. Well, I’m glad that you are…” Holly's voice trailed off as Bobby fidgeted in place with strain smile. “Oh~ I can't take it anymore!” she yelled out. The three rabbit critters all turned to her. Hoppy was about to ask what was wrong when Bobby pulled both her parents into a big, lovable, and tight hug. Bobby giggled to herself. “I am so excited to meet my friend's family. And you two are so cute.” She squeezed even harder.
Hoppy’s mom let out a strained laugh. “As are… we, dear.”
“Yes,” Hoppy's dad gasped. “And is that a rose scent I smell?”
This brought Bobby back. Oh my stars, I forgot.
Putting the two rabbits down, Bobby backed away. “Yes, and uh…” Taking a quick sniff in the air, “You, Miss Holly, have a watermint scent, and… you, Mister Hopper, have a spearmint smell.”
They nodded, still trying to catch their breath. “ Hehe, a lovable and energetic one she is. You chose well, Hoppy, dear.” Holly teased. “Will you be switching pendants soon?”
“MOOOOM!” Her face was red once again.
Switching pendants? Bobby wondered what she meant.
After that, Hoppy pulled Bobby away from her parents and continued ot show her around the place. She greeted and introduced Bobby to her aunt and uncle. Hoppy's aunt had a fresh, zesty, tropical smell like mojito mint, and her uncle had a bright, fresh, sweet smell like oranges. She also noticed that her uncle was a lot taller than any of them and had little green leaves behind one of his ears and small oranges growing out of his neck fluff
After the introduction, Hoppy pulled her away to just start having some fun at the party. They ate, danced, and Hoppy introduced some of her cousins to Bobby as well. They played games, and even participated in the fun guessing game of what the scent of the baby would be. Bobby was having so much fun talking and spending time with Hoppy and her family. It reminded her of her own family… in a way.
(She smiled. The feeling of melancholy, nostalgia, and yearning washed over her.)
Then came the time. The ding-ding sound caught everyone's attention. Standing in front of a large screen were Hoppy's aunt and uncle, with her aunt carrying her baby cousin. The little bubby was wrapped in a special blanket, one that hid her critter scent. Once the blanket was removed, they would be able to smell it.
Hoppy bounced in her seat. Bobby, who sat next to her, smiled at her excitement. She was excited too. Hoppy’s aunt removed the blanket, revealing the baby’s head, and a sweet, bright, refreshing, cool smell filled the air. A perfect blend of both her parents.
Everyone awed, cooed, and clapped. The little one had an orange mint scent. Such a wonderful smell. The image on the screen showed a small, cute orange with mint leaves next to it.
After the reveal. Immediate family and friends went to congratulate the couple and properly greet the baby. Hoppy jumped out of her seat, grabbing Bobby. “Come on, come on, we have to go and see the baby.”
“Wait, is it really ok for me to go?”
“Well, duh, you're my friend. No, let's go.”
Bobby felt herself smile as Hoppy pulled her to where everyone else was.
After the festivities were over, most people ended up going home. The only ones left were the couple, Hoppy's parents, a cousin or two, Bobby and herself.
Hoppy told Bobby they were staying in her old room. This earned her a mischievous giggle from her mom. Hoppy felt herself burn up. She was quick to pull Bobby upstairs, ignoring the playful look her mom was sending as she waved them goodnight.
In her room, Hoppy was surprised nothing had changed. Everything was still in the same place she had left it. Her trophies were off the shelves, next to some old toys she had. Her favorite jump rope was still hanging on the same hook by her closet. Her basketball and soccer ball were laid out by a small desk by the window. And a chest filled with some sports equipment.
She took a deep breath. “Even after a whole year, this still smells like me.” Hoppy turned her attention to Bobby, who was looking at a picture she had on her desk. Clearing her throat, she informed the bear that the bathroom was down the hall if she wanted to get ready for bed.
Bobby thanked her and left the room. Hoppy sat on her bed. Spiraling. Bobby was in her room. Her childhood room with her. Just them. They were basically having a sleepover without any of the others. They were alone.
What was she supposed to do? What would the others do if they were sleeping in the same room with their crush? She thought. Kickin would probably try to act all cool and nonchalant about it. Maybe she should do that. But then again, he would also be freaking out on the inside. I'm already freaking out, so not helpful, she thought.
What about Picky? The pig probably would just act like nothing. She seems pretty confident in herself, and probably would think nothing of it. The same went with Bubba. Neither seems to be the type to be all flustered or think too much of it. Ugh, but I don't want her to think I don’t care.
What about Crafty, or CatNap? She thinks they both would be too shy and nervous. Especially Crafty. CatNap might be a bit more bold, and she could follow his example, but then again… she doesn't think she has it in her to confess just yet.
Ok, then how about DogDay? Hoppy groaned. DogDay would be the same as Bubba and Picky but a whole lot worse. He was already incredibly touchy and love-dovey with CatNap, and CatNap was just his best friend. She doesn't even know what to think about what he would be like with his cru— wait, no, scratch that. She knew how he would be.
She'd seen how he was with his previous partner. A lovable, goofy critter. Completely smitten. The definition of a critter in love. Yeah, not happening. Hoppy doesn't have it in her to be a lovable, goofy critter. The thought was too embarrassing, and her pride wouldn't allow it. No, all she could really do is… just be herself. And talk to Bobby like she normally did. Right? That was the correct move.
Hoppy wasn't able to think more of it, as the sound of the door opening caught her attention. Bobby came in, fur slightly still wet, but looking other wise refresh. Hoppy looked away. Bobby sighed, feeling good after a long bath. She was no longer wearing her outfit, and her pendant rested on its chain once again.
“Well, I'm done. Why don't you go now, Hoppy?”
“Um, yeah. I'll… go do that…now…”
When Hoppy returned to her room, she found Bobby on the floor with a futon and blankets. “Oh, your mom brought these over for me,” Bobby responded after the confused look Hoppy threw in her direction.
Hoppy nodded, turning off the light and hopping onto her own. She was tired from all the running and playing of the day and wanted nothing more than to rest. They said their goodnight and went to sleep.
For perhaps an hour or so, Hoppy was woken up by some gentle shaking. Blinking her eyes tiredly, she woke up to find Bobby’s form leaning over her.
“Hehe, sorry to wake you, Hoppy, but I, uh, can’t sleep.”
Hoppy sat up, rubbing her eyes. “You can’t…sleep?”
Bobby shook her head. “No. I guess I…” Bobby played with her fingers. “I didn't realize how reliant I’ve become on CatNap’s help.” She let out a sheepish giggle.
“But during girl-only sleepovers, he doesn’t help us sleep.”
Bobby rubbed her arm. “I know, but it’s not like I’m alone; we’re all sleeping next to each other, and I can bring my stuff so I don’t feel… lonely.” She said, looking down.
Hoppy looked at Bobby, then around her room. There had to be a way for her to help. But how? “Um, Bobby,” the bear raised her head to look at Hoppy, “ How does… how does CatNap usually help you?”
Bobby's eyes brighten up a bit. “CatNap got me these weighted blankets and stuffed animals; that way I’m always bundled up, all tight and cozy. The plushies can even wrap around you, “ she said, hugging herself, “ that way I always have someone to hug and someone who returns the hug.”
Ok, I can work with that, Hoppy thought.
“But I have none of that, so it’s been difficult for me to sleep.”
Hoppy got out of bed and made her way to one of her shelves. She grabbed one of the plushies and handed it over to Bobby. “It’s probably not the same, but… you could sleep with this. It might help.”
Bobby's eyes widened; she smiled gently, asking the plush animal. She held it tight to her chest, thanking Hoppy. Hoppy waved it off, blushing. They were friends, and what kind of friend would she be if she didn't try to help? Especially since Hoppy invited her.
Hoppy climbed back into her bed, watching Bobby pull the cover over herself. “…it’s not like I’m alone; we’re all sleeping next to each other…” Bobby’s words rang in her head. Bobby was having trouble sleeping because she was used to the feeling of there being someone with her.
In group sleepovers, they always all slept next to or around each other; they were all pretty close, and it wasn’t uncommon to wake up cuddling or snuggling up to each other.
An idea came to mind, but she hesitated. Should she say it? She gripped her sheets. Screw it. “Bobby, wait…” Bobby turned to look at her. “ If you want…” No backing out now. “If you want, you can sleep…up here… with…me…”
Bobby didn’t respond. She just stared at Hoppy. Oh great. She probably thinks this is weird. We slept next to each other, but it’s not like we ever shared a bed. What was I thinking?
“You know what, forget about it. Sorry it was a weird thing to say—”
“No, no, it’s fine. I appreciate the offer, but are you sure?” Bobby gripped the plush tighter. “I’m a big hugger and cuddler. You might not sleep very comfortably.”
Hoppy laughed. She was a rabbit, and rabbits loved sleeping all close and tight, plus she could handle it. No problem. Bobby laughed at this. She got up, pulling the blankets over her, lying next to Hoppy, face to face. “Thank you, Hoppy,” Bobby said, smiling sweetly at her. Hoppy blushed. “Like I said, we’re friends, so it’s no problem at all.”
Bobby giggled and pulled Hoppy into her arms, cuddling her. Hoppy's breath hitched, but she let herself relax after a few moments. Bobby yawned, eyes starting to feel heavy, as sleep finally came to her.
Hoppy stared for a moment. “Bobby, there's something I want to tell you.” Bobby looked at Hoppy, sleepily, nodding for her to continue. “The thing is, I…I…” She couldn’t do it. It wasn’t the right time. She wasn't ready. “I’m really glad you came with me today; it was a lot of fun.”
"Me…too…I had… a lot of fun…” Her voice trailed off as she fell asleep. Hoppy sigh. Another time. Like Picky said, nothing too big for now, baby steps. She snuggled closer to Bobby, hugging her back, before falling into a peaceful slumber herself.