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Chapter Text

Peter stood on his hind legs as the girl followed Thomas and Bea into the house. He felt his sisters come to one side of him, his cousin to the other. “Who’s she?”

“I don’t know.” Benjamin said. “She must have been who they’d gone to get. That’s why we weren’t allowed to go.”

“Oh…” Peter had been a bit upset at that rebuff. They were always allowed to go with Bea and Thomas. But not this time.

The girl’s face was suddenly pressed against the window and Peter, his sisters, and cousin fell back in shock. “Pwetty bunnies!”

“She’s so cute!” Flopsy sat up, and stared. “Isn’t she just, Mopsy?”

“Y-yes…b-but what is she doing here?” As they all watched, Bea, Thomas, and the newcomer came back out of the house. Bea came over to the bunnies, and knelt in the grass. Thomas brought the girl over, and they both knelt, too. “Guys… this is Moira. She’s going to be living with us now.”

Moira reached for Peter. “Pee?”

Peter backed up but he sniffed her little fingers. He had some experience with children, and it wasn’t the greatest. “Pee? What is she calling me that for?”

“Because she can’t talk yet…not well, anyway.”

Peter nodded quietly and studied the girl. She copied all of his head movements. “She’s…cute.”

“She’s going to be your little sister.” Thomas said. “You’re going to have to be a good example for her. And I mean you, Peter.”

Peter frowned. “Me?”

“We’ll teach her everything we know.” Cotton Tail said. The youngest of his triplet sisters smiled and hopped closer to the little girl. “Hello. I’m Cotton Tail. I’ll be your friend. These are my sisters, Flopsy and Mopsy. And that’s our older brother, Peter, and our older cousin, Benjamin. Do you have jelly beans?”

“Jelwy beans are yummy.” Moira said. She reached and stroked Cotton Tail’s nose softly. “You sof’… can hold you?”

“Okay, but gently.” Cotton Tail agreed.

Peter watched as Moira gently picked Cotton Tail up and hugged her close, turning her so that she was holding her like a human infant. “You alright, Cotton Tail?”

“Yeah, oh she’s not hurting me a bit.” Cotton tail nudged the little girls fingers with her nose. “You’re a precious one, Moira. Peter’s gonna grow to love you.”

“He sure is.” Benjamin put in. He came closer. He lowered his head as the child reached out a free hand. She touched his head. “That feels rather nice.”

“Now Moira, these guys stay mostly outside…”

“Cot-tail ‘tay wif me?”

“Aww, that’s so sweet. She likes me.” Cotton-tail cooed. “But I should probably stay out here at night…but tell you what. If Bea and Thomas says it’s alright, I’ll come play in the house with you… and we’ll bring my sisters, and brother and cousin, too.”

“Alright, but remember, you guys go back outside when she goes to bed.” Thomas reiterated.

“Yay!” Peter watched as his three sisters pile into the house. He followed a little slower with Benjamin. “How is this going to work?”

“What?” Benjamin asked. “She’ll be fine…”

“It’s not her I’m worried about. It’s me.”

“Of course it’s about you.” Benjamin said with a roll of his eyes. He sighed. “What about you?”

“What if I steer her wrong?”

“Please. They’re not asking you to raise her. That’s what the humans are for. Bea and Thomas are her Mum and Dad. We’re just her brother and cousin. The girls are her sisters.” Benjamin patted Peter on the back. “Come on. If anyone’s gonna be a strange influence it’s gonna be Cotton Tail.” His cousin hopped inside and Peter followed.

#

Moira watched the bunnies with interest, careful as she petted each one. Her new mummy sat in a chair in the room with her. She had a pad of paper and a pencil in hand on her lap. They talked. She tried to tell her new mummy, but she just commented about what a great imagination she had. The girl bunnies giggled, and said it could be their little secret and she agreed, before scooping them all up or trying to. “Too manies.” She pouted.

“S’alright, little one. We don’t’ mind taking turns. I’ve already had mine. You can hold Flopsy or Mopsy next.” Cotton Tail told her. She was digging in Moira’s small backpack. “Hey, what’s this?” She held up a blanket with their pictures on it.

“It’s wabbit banket.” Moira took it, and showed it to her new Mummy. “Dese you wabbits?”

“W-why yes… yes they are… oh, this is so perfect. I didn’t know the merchandising had gotten so far… Thomas! Come and see!” Thomas, her new Daddy, came into the room and looked. “Isn’t it wonderful? Peter and his sisters and Benjamin are getting well known everywhere.”

“Well, that’s fantastic!” Thomas said with a smile. “Where did you get to the blanket?”

“Our Moira had it.” She returned the blanket to Moira. “It seems they’re meant to be friends.” She reached down petted the bunnies’ heads. “Let’s start lunch.” She said to Thomas. “I’m sure they’ll be fine.” Thomas nodded, and followed her out.

Moira hugged Flopsy gently. “You sof’ bunnies…”

“We brush our fur a lot and groom.” Mopsy said. She nuzzled her gently, and Moira giggled. “You don’t mind having bunnies for big sisters, do you?”

“No mind.” She set Flopsy down, and scooped up Mopsy and hugged her. She turned to two male rabbits. “I pet you bof toos…”

“We’d love that.” Peter said. He moved closer. “So you’ve heard of us, huh?”

“You got ‘tuck in Gwegor gawden.” Moira told him. “and wosted you coat.”

“Yeah, but I got it back, see?” He tugged on the lapels. “and now that farmer is your Daddy…and mine, apparently.” He chuckled softly. “Don’t worry. It was just a story. I don’t do anything that dangerous anymore.” I can’t, since I gotta take care of these three.” He gestured to the triplets.

“Hey, who takes care of who now?” Benjamin chimed in. “Do those books talk about me any, Moira?”

“whole book.” Moira grinned. “Did mummy Bea no tell?”

“Well, she might have…” Benjamin tilted his head. “I’ll have to go see the shelf.”

“We can go see it.” Peter said.

Moira stood. “Can show us, Pee?”

“Yes, come on.” Peter said. He turned and hopped out of the room.

“Perhaps we should have her ask first?” Benjamin suggested.

“No way. She has to get used to her new home. Bea won’t mind a look at the books, I’m sure.” Peter paused. “Come on, Moira. Let big brother Peter show you ‘round, alright?”

Moira giggled and followed after the rabbits. She was still a little unsteady on her own legs, but she managed. She noted how Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cotton-Tail kept an eye on her in case she should fall. It was fun. She stopped when peter did, and pulled the books off the shelves. “Where Benmin?” She asked.

“Oh no no no, Moira, sweetie…” She suddenly found herself scooped up in Bea’s arms. “What are  you doing, hm?”

“Show Benmin bunny him book…? Pee sayed habe it.” Moira pointed to the rabbits.

“Oh! You wanted to see Benjamin’s book. Okay. Well, next time you’ve got to ask Mummy, okay?” She bent over and picked up some of the books. She put them back on the shelf. “Here we are!” She carried Moira back to her bedroom.

“Come on, Pee and bunnies.”

“You like them, don’t you? They seem to like you a lot, too.” Bea sat her in her lap and opened Benjamin’s book. “See? Does this look like him?”

Moira studied the pictures, and then looked at Benjamin. “Uh huh. Can show him?”

Bea giggled, and showed the bunnies. “What do you think, Benjamin? How did I do?”

Benjamin nudged her hand with his head. “She did great.”

“Him wike.” Moira said softly.

“I see.” Bea continued to read the book, and show her and the bunnies the pictures. They were just finishing when Thomas poked his head into the bedroom. “Lunch?” Bea asked, closing the book, and setting it aside.

“Yep. Come on guys. I got you something too.”

Moira watched the bunnies go, and let her new mother carry her out to lunch. Any nerves she’d had were gone. This was not the type of family she’d been expecting.

Chapter Text

“We’ve got a press conference in two days. I almost forgot all about it. Do you think they’ll let us bring Moira? I don’t want to leave her with a babysitter when we’ve just brought her home…” Bea spoke into the telephone frantically.

“What’s going on, Peter?” Benjamin came up to Peter. “Is it bad? Bea doesn’t look too happy. Is it Thomas? Has something happened to Moira?”

“No. Sh. I can’t hear. It sounds like they forgot about a press conference… I wonder if it’s about that new collection she’s been working on day and night since before they brought Moira home.” Peter turned from the window. Currently, the little girl was playing with his sisters, jumping over them and doing an impressive imitation of their hop. “You know, I caught Cotton Tail sneaking out of her window this morning? I think she’s been sleeping with the little one at night.”

“You don’t say?” Benjamin said. “I noticed that on night one. She’s rather protective of her. Ready to fight with anyone who makes her cry. Even Thomas when he denied her a cookie yesterday before dinner!”

“Really. One cookie wouldn’t have hurt anything…” Peter could never understand humans and their need to have such structured eating habits.

“It would’ve spoiled her appetite, Peter. She’s only a small girl yet. She needs to fill up on things that will help her grow strong and smart.” Benjamin replied.

“Moira! Come inside, lovie. Time for a bath and some lunch.”

“Can Cot-tail come wif me? We pwaying a game of weap fog.”

“I’m afraid Cotton Tail’s gonna have to stay out here for now. But maybe after lunch, alright?” Bea scooped her daughter up and carried her inside. Before closing the door, she turned to the rabbits. “We’re going on a little trip. You guys should get ready.” She turned and closed the door behind her.

Peter looked at his sisters and cousin. “Yes! Another publication tour. I was hoping for that. Come on. Now let’s not pack like last time. We don’t need the entire burrow!”

“If I hadn’t had my basket with me, you wouldn’t have had an extra  nice shirt to wear, Peter!” Mopsy called, chasing after him as they all headed towards their burrow.

#

Moira didn’t like the train. It was loud and crowded. She cried a lot. Peter stuck Brussel sprouts in his ears to keep the noise to a minimum. But he watched as Benjamin, Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cotton-Tail tried to comfort her. It looked as though only Benjamin and Cotton-Tail were having minimal luck. Cotton-tail was standing on her hinds, gently licking her nose, and talking softly with her.

“Come on. It’ll be okay. Look, we get treats.” She held out a pawful of nuts. “See?”

“Do you want some, Moira? I can make them smaller for you.” Thomas took some and began to break them up. He offered a couple to the little girl.

Moira tried the nuts. “Dese good…wabbits eat dem?”

“Well….” Benjamin shrugged. “We can adapt. We like to try different things. But mostly fruits and vegetables.” He smiled. “See? Is it better now?”

“it no bad…” Moira glanced out the window. “What a pess confence?”

“Mummy’s going to talk to some important people about her new book collection about your friends here.” Bea told her. In the last week, Peter noticed that Bea and Thomas were watching Moira’s interactions with them more closely. He wondered if they believed her beyond using “her imagination” when it came to talking to them. After all even though they’d talked to Peter themselves, they were still in denial about it.

The rest of the train ride was uneventful. Moira was asleep by the time they pulled into Gloucester. Bea tenderly carried the little girl through the hotel lobby. Thomas checked all of them in. Peter watched with his family. The place wasn’t as swanky as the one they’d stayed in before. But if Peter understood Bea’s phone call correctly, they weren’t going to be there long anyway.

When they were all settled, Bea set Moira down, and she toddled off after Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cotton-Tail, who started hopping around happily on the furniture especially the beds.”Dis fun…”

“It is! Whoohoo!” Mopsy grinned. “Your legs are getting stronger. That’s great!” She leaped into Moira’s little arms. “Let’s hop!”

“Hop, hop, hop!” Moira giggled. “Benmin, Pee! Hop wif us!”

Peter and Benjamin looked at each other. “I will if you will.” He said to his older cousin.

“Oh this is so humiliating. Alright, alright…” Benjamin climbed onto the bed, and hopped. First a little bit then more vigorously.

Peter hopped on the bed too. And even let Moira hold him. He becoming more and more fond of the little girl and wanted to spend more time with her. He nuzzled her gently. “You’re so precious.” He told her softly.

“You cute and sof’.” Moira told him with a giggle. “I wike you, Pee.”

“Moira…” Thomas sighed. “Guys, what kind of example are you setting. C’mon.” He shook his head.

Moira got down off the bed and giggled. “Daddy? Wead Pee wabbit..”

“Read Peter Rabbit? Okay.” Thomas rummaged in one of the suitcases and found the copy they kept on hand. “Come here.” He pulled Moira into his lap and smiled. “You love the rabbits, huh?”

“Dey bes’ fwien’, Daddy.” Moira reached over and gently put Cotton-Tail in her lap. “Dis Cotton-tail. Her wove me.”

“Oh I know she does. That’s why she’s been sneaking in out of your room at night.” Thomas sounded more amused than upset, thankfully. “I guess we should’ve seen that coming.” He smiled softly.

Moira kissed the top of Cotton-tail’s head. Cotton-tail leaned into it. “Wove you, Cot-tail.”

“Aren’t you a sweetheart…” Cotton-Tail said.

“Time to lay down.” Bea said. “We’ll be meeting with the agent in a couple of hours, so taking a quick nap would be good for you, little miss.”

“Mum’s right.” Thomas said. “Now you guys make sure she rests.” He said as he laid Moira down and tucked her in. Bea dropped her blanket with the bunnies on it over her. Cotton-Tail nuzzled her way under the blanket and let the little girl snuggle her gently like a stuffed animal.

Chapter Text

“I did see them.” Sam Whiskers said. “And it looks like the humans have increased by one.”

“Oh? Bet that’s annoying Peter like crazy.” Barnabas chuckled darkly. “They’ve got a lot of guts coming back here after what they did to us. Took a lot of time and effort to get out of captivity, and I’m not sure about you lads but I am definitely not keen on going back.”

“Definitely not. But we need his skills.” Tom Kitten said.

“That girl they call her Moira. The rabbits are protective of her. We can use that.” Sam said. “We take her, and make them pay attention.”

“Hm. I like it…he’s very “family” oriented, that’s true…” Barnabas said. “We’ll do that.” He got up. “I’ll set things into motion.” It’d been a long time since he’d conned anyone. Conning a human child would be as easy taking candy from a baby, he suspected. Barnabas was looking forward to this.

#

Cotton-Tail followed closely at Moira’s heels. “I don’t think we should’ve let her sneak out. I know she was bored, but…”

“We’ll have her back in no time.” Peter said. “She should experience the city.” Cotton-Tail noticed how he kept a look out each way as they walked. He moved closer to the girl as they passed allies, taking her hand at one point in his paw. “What do you think Moira. Do you like it?”

‘It ‘kay. Want go back home.”

“Yeah, I get it. It’s kinda loud and crowded here, huh?” Peter said quietly. “Not so fond of the city myself anymore…” His ears twitched suddenly. “Cotton-Tail. Take her back to the hotel, okay?”

“Peter?” Cotton-Tail sensed trouble. “You alright?”

“Oh yeah, I’m fine. Just get her back okay?”

“Sure… come on, Moira. Peter will get himself back…” Cotton-Tail tossed a glance at her elder brother, worried. She hopped ahead of the little girl, keeping a sharp eye out. Something had spooked her usually care-free brother. And now she was on her guard, too.

“Bunny?” Moira’s little voice said suddenly. Cotton-tail turned and she gasped.

“S’right, I’m a bunny.” Barnabas Bunny was standing close to the child, holding out a pawful of candy. “You want to try some of this? I bet it’s different for you.”

“Moira, no!” Cotton-Tail began, but suddenly, she paused as a paw came down hard on her small shoulder. Claws extended, digging into her. “I thought you lot were locked up!” She spat to her captor.

“Times change, and we got out.” Tom Kitten said with a chuckle. Now he had her by both shoulders, pinning her against him. “Now you just come quietly with me.”

“Forget it.” Cotton-Tail tried for a kick, but couldn’t get a good one in. “Peter!” She winced as Tom Kitten’s claws dug in. “O-ow…”

“Sam. Here gimme the rope.” Cotton-Tail winced as her paws were bound behind her. Tom Kitten snickered, and tugged hard, causing Cotton-Tail to fall backwards. He began to drag her behind him.

“Moira, run! Don’t listen to that bunny. He’s a bad bunny. Bad. Bunny.” She choked out, trying to get out of her bindings. She winced as Tom tugged harder on the rope.

#

Barnabas scoffed at Cotton-Tail’s accusation, gently turning Moira’s face away from the chaos of the other bunny’s capture. “Don’t listen to her. She’s just angry because I cut her out of a deal.” He held out the dehydrated fruit again to her. “Try a piece.”

Moira took a small piece of dehydrated carrot and tried it. “Dis good…” She said with a small grin. “Mores?”

“Oh, I have tons more where that came from. Would you like some?” Barnabas grinned wickedly at her.

“Mhm… I bwing some home to Mummy and Daddy.”

“Uh, of course you can.” Barnabas crossed his claws behisn his back. He gave her his paw. “Come. It’s about to rain.”

“Where Cot-Tail? Cot-Tail?” She looked around.

“Don’t worry. I’m sure Cotton-Tail is just fine. She’ll meet us there.” He began to usher the child farther down the street and towards their hideout before any other humans saw her.

#

Peter woke up grunting. He hurt in every part of his body. But. He was alive. He winced. His face felt swollen. He looked around It was empty and dark on the streets. He tried to remember what had happened. What was the last thing he remembered? Sam…Sam Wiskers… the gang…. Cotton-Tail…Moira…. He sat up, wincing. He rushed towards the hotel, hoping. Hoping he was wrong. He didn’t want to be right about this one thing. He rushed into the suite. “Cotton-Tail? Cotton-Tail, are you here?”

“No… she isn’t… Where’s Moira?” Benjamin asked. “Peter? What happened to you? You look awful… were you in a fight?”

“Ambush… Barnabas’s gang.” Peter said quietly, limping to a corner before Bea or Thomas could see. “Cotton-Tail?”

“Not here.” Benjamin frowned. “What would they want with either of them?”

“Sam… he asked me… he said he wanted us back, all of us. Slim pickings, I guess, he said.” Peter said. His memory was starting to return. “When I said no, he said Barnabas had a way to change my mind. And he mentioned…” Peter swallowed. “He said that Moira was absolutely adorable…”

“Where’s Cotton-Tail?” Flopsy and Mopsy asked suddenly in unison. Both his sisters came over. Mopsy began to apply cold water bottles to Peter’s face with Benjamin’s help. “Did they use her as bait?”

“Probably took her to make Moira complacent. That’s what I would’ve done.” Benjamin said. “I mean, if I was a villain.”

“I’m afraid you might be right.” Peter groaned. “Ugh, we’ve got to get them back…”

“What are we going to do, Peter?” Flopsy asked.

“I don’t know yet…” Peter said. “It can’t be anything that’s going to get either of them hurt…” He knew it was likely that someone would get hurt. He just didn’t want it to be Cotton-Tail or Moira.

“We better do something soon. Bea and Thomas won’t be distracted forever. They’re going to notice their daughter’s missing.” Benjamin pointed out.

“You think I don’t know that already?” Peter groused. Alright. This is what we’re going to do. We’re going to have to have a reprisal of our last ambush. But more carefully. Barnabas will probably expect that.”

“So? How do we take him by surprise?” Benjamin asked.

“We’re going undercover.” Peter said. “At least this way she will see us. And know we are close by.”

“How long do you think this is going to take? I don’t think this trip is supposed to be more than two days…” Flopsy pointed out.

“I’m afraid we might be gone longer than that…” Peter said. “But maybe we can find a way to stall Bea and Thomas…”

Benjamin thought for a minute. “The press conference included announcements of a book tour starting. Maybe we can find a way to convince them to start sooner…”

“How? I know we joke about me talking as being a radio thing, but..” Peter was becoming impatient. He didn’t want to think about what Barnabas might be doing to Moira or Cotton-tail the longer they waited.

“Maybe just us leavin’ will do it.” Mopsy suggested. “They’d never leave without us.”

“She’s on to something.” Benjamin agreed. “C’mon. We better hurry. It’s gonna take a while to get there because it’s raining.”

Chapter Text

Barnabas watched as Cotton-Tail gently brushed hair out of Moira’s eyes. The girl was shivering. He was a dastardly thief, this was true, but the rabbit wasn’t going to be cruel to the girl. Besides, she’d serve no purpose for them if she was dead. “Tom, bring another burlap sack. She needs warmth.”

“You have me. You could let her go.” Cotton-Tail suggested.

“I think not.” Barnabas narrowed his eyes.

Cotton-tail folded her paws and scowled. “Fine.” She nuzzled Moira with her forehead. “S’alright, little one. Big brother Peter will come. He has to.”

“He better show if he wants either of you back safely.” Samuel said.

Barnabas shook his head. “Probably got held up by the rain at this point. Well, we’ll just keep these two on ice until he gets here. No doubt he won’t come alone.”

“Isn’t that what we want?” Kitten asked.

“Yes.” Barnabas moved closer to Moira, and stroked her face with a paw. “I had a little girl adopt me once… was kinda cute. Almost broke my heart knowing I wasn’t gonna stay there.  Turns out she got a new bunny the next day as if I hadn’t even mattered. Now the human children just come to you guys.” He scowled at Cotton-Tail. “Maybe I won’t give this one back. I can make her love me instead.”

“You just try it…” Cotton-Tail glared at him. “You’re not gonna hurt this little girl’s feeling the way you did to Peter.”

“Only time will tell.” Barnabas said. He kicked some dirt in their faces with a back foot and turned. He hopped up the cellar steps and slammed the door shut. That would pour more salt in the wound. If I got that brat on my side, Peter would really lose it. Below, he heard Moira start crying again. Oh well. They had bigger plans to make. She was Cotton-Tail’s problem now.

#

Peter groaned. He hated most of all being wet and gross. But they finally made it to the Tailor’s shop. “Okay. We’re here.” He said.

“Now what? If we just barge in…” Benjamin began.

“I know, I know…” Peter waved his cousin off. “Give me a minute…”

“Your minute is up, Peter.” Barnabas’ nasty voice called.

He glanced over to see the nefarious rabbit poking out of the secret entrance to the thieves’ lair. “Get down here. I’ve been patient enough.”

Peter scowled. “You girls stay behind me. I don’t want you getting hurt.”

“Oh now, is that anyway to talk to an old friend?” Barnabas asked with a sneer.

“Old friend? You kidnapped my sisters.” Peter scowled. “Where are they?” He heard a low whistle and glanced up. There suspended in a cargo net were Moira and Cotton-Tail. Samuel whiskers sat on the knot binding the net to the rafter. “Alright, you win.

“Let them loose!” Flopsy demanded. “Right now.”

“Oh, you won’t be giving us the orders.” Sam called down. “You’re going to listen and listen well.”

“You guys alright?” Benjamin called up.

“Pee!” Moira cried out, her little hands trying to go through the net. “You heres…”

“Yeah, I’m here…” He said before turning back to Barnabas. “At least let them out of the net. We’re not going to leave, and they won’t leave as long we’re here.”

Cotton-Tail nodded her head from inside the net. She was trying her best to comfort the tearful Moira. “Please, Barnabas.”

“Fine. Cut ‘em loose. Gently, or you’ll hurt the girl.”

Tom Kitten, and Mittens shoved bags of feathers under the net. “Go ahead, Sam.”

When the net came down, Cotton-tail bounced on her feet, but Moira crashed into the bags of feathers, which weren’t as soft as Peter thought they’d be. She began to scream in pain. Her little wrist looked really wrong. Peter was quick to rush to her. “Oh Moira, I’m so sorry…” He nuzzled her with his forehead as the toddler tried to pet him with her broken limb. “N-no, little one. Use your other hand…”

“Alright they’re free. Down to business.” Barnabas cleared his throat.

“Are you serious? The child broke her wrist. She needs medical attention and not when you feel like it.” Cotton-Tail snapped.

“She can have ice and a wrap until you lot have filled your end of the bargain. If you don’t like it, I can have Sam here knock her out with more of that cold medicine I found. Hell, I might do that anyway, if she doesn’t stop with that infernal screaming!”

“You’re a monster. She’s hurt, and she’s scared. She’s just a wee baby and you’ve taken her away from the ones who love her!”

Peter had to admit that he was incredibly proud of Cotton-Tail. She’d always been the wild one of the triplets, but with Moira that wild side came off as protective and ruthless to anyone who proved dangerous. He couldn’t imagine how this whole thing was affecting her. “Cotton-tail has a point.” He watched Cotton-tail gently settled into the little girl’s lap, and let her pet her. “Get the ice and the cold medicine. I’ll give it to her.” He said softly. “And something to wrap her wrist with. I’ll need some popsicle sticks.”

“Well, get on with it.” Barnabas snapped at the two cats. “I’m no one’s father. You go and get what she needs. We’ve got much more important things to deal with.” He turned to Cotton-Tail. “and you. Your job is to take care of that one.”

“Fine by me. I don’t want anything to do with whatever you’re trying to force my family into.” Cotton-tail glared at him, before softening her features for Moira again.

“Cotton… you’re still a part of it.” Mopsy muttered. “You just get the cushy job.”

“Actually, I think you should let all three of them stay here with her, and let me and Benjamin help you.” Peter said thoughtfully. “They’ll just slow us down anyway.”

“Hey! What’s that then? If I remember last time, we didn’t do that bad!” Flopsy defended.

“Well, for the most part, anyway.” Mopsy conceded. She inched closer to Benjamin. “Is he doing that “protective olderSh brother” thing again?” Peter heard her ask.

“I think so, and doing it much better.” Benjamin drew himself up a bit. “Now listen. We’re here. You’ve got our attention. You let the girls take care of Moira. Peter and I will do whatever you want.” To his surprise, his cousin’s voice didn’t stutter once.

“Good. Because if you don’t, I do have a back up plan.” Barnabas said gruffly. He glanced up as Tom kitten and Mittens came back in with the supplies Peter asked for. “Get her taken care of and meet us you know where, Peter. Samuel. You supervise. If they make one move to take off with that girl, you stop them.”

“She can barely move.” Peter snapped. He turned to the task at hand, and with his sisters helping him, they put ice in a smaller sack. He put it against Moira’s wrist. She tried to pull away. “Shh, shh, I know, I know. It hurts, huh? We’ll get you feeling better as best we can…” He turned to Cotton-Tail. “Come sit with her. This part is gonna hurt…”

“Poor baby…” Cotton-tail said softly. “Peter, I’m so sorry. I tried so hard to get her away…” She whispered.

“Barnabas is crafty and manipulative. I’m not entirely surprised he was able to sway her. She’s pure of heart and love. She didn’t see him coming. Not to mention she’s little and didn’t know any better.” Peter said quietly. He began to clumsily wrap Moira’s wrist. He only had a vague idea how to do it from when Benjamin had sprained his ankle once when they were smaller. He winced every time she cried out. “I know, I know, I’m sorry.”  He said softly. “How’s it look, Benjamin?” He asked.

“Looks good enough to me…” Benjamin said. “Just don’t let her move it around too much.”

“Gotcha.” Flopsy said. “You two better go. Don’t want him getting antsy and hurting anyone.”

Peter felt Benjamin tug on his arm gently. “Alright.” He was furious with himself for ever letting Moira out of the hotel. He was even more furious with Barnabas for putting Moira in the middle of his revenge plot because clearly that was exactly what this was. “I’m sorry, Moira. Big brother Peter is going to get you home, I promise.”

“Cotton-tail, give her this syrup, and make sure she sleeps.” Peter handed her the small bottle. “Just only wee bit.”

“I understand, Peter. Go ahead you guys.”

Peter followed Benjamin back the way Barnabas had gone, pausing to glance back one last time. Moira was alternating between sucking her fingers and petting the triplets. If they minded the wet pets, he didn’t hear any protests. He shook his head. They had to get out, and soon.

Chapter Text

Peter studied the maps that Barnabas presented. “Three markets…” He said.

“Three different ones. We’re too well-known at the other one now. I’m not about to go back to a pet store.” Barnabas said. “It’s going to be a big score, and it’s going take more than one night.”

Benjamin looked over his shoulder. “Is it more dehydrated food?”

“Yeah. More than you will ever see in one life time after this.” Samuel said. “We’d cut you in, but….we’re not.”

“No thanks.” Peter said. “You forced my hand, I’m not here because I want to be.”

“You’d better change that attitude real quick.” Barnabas snapped. “You think I can’t change my mind or the terms of her release?”

“We’re happy to help! Peter’s just kidding, aren’t you, Peter?” Benjamin nudged him hard.

“O-oh yeah..” Peter forced out a laugh. “Of course I am. Whatever you need, boys, we got your back.” He hated saying the words, but he knew he’d hate it more if Barnabas pulled something. He didn’t trust him not to do that anyway. “So when are we supposed to do this?”

“We need another day to prepare.” Barnabas said. “But tomorrow night is the first one.” He turned to Peter and Benjamin. “I’m warning you both. If either of you pulls anything behind my back, you will regret it.”

“No one’s going to pull anything.” Benjamin said easily. “We’re here, aren’t we? As long as no one gets hurt, we’re good.” He wrapped an around Peter’s neck as if he sensed his strong urge object. “If we’re through here, I think we’ll go check on Moira.”

“I’ll do that. You boys get re-familiarized with the others.” Barnabas pushed past them roughly.

Peter started to protest, but Benjamin squeezed him and shook his head. “I don’t trust him alone with her.. or the girls.”

“The girls can handle themselves. They’ll protect Moira too…” Benjamin said softly.

“Ahem.” Tom Kitten spoke up. “Let’s talk strategy, you two.”

Peter nodded as he and Benjamin moved closer to the table. He tried his best to pay attention as Samuel and Tom Kitten took turns talking, but he couldn’t help be concerned about what Barnabas might be doing upstairs with the girls and Moira.

#

Barnabas had sent the three girls downstairs to make sure that the rest of the gang didn’t need anything. While they were there, they might as well be made useful was his thinking. As soon as they were gone, he wandered over to the pallet they’d constructed for the small human child. She was curled up, sucking her fingers. Her wrist was wrapped, though badly. He shook his head, and began to undo it. He paused when she stirred. “S’alright, little one. I am fixing the mess your brother made of this wrap.”

He unwound the bandage. Carefully, he began to splint it again. Moira cried, tears streaming. Barnabas held his tongue. There was nothing he could say that was going to make it hurt less. When he was finished, the girl couldn’t move it, which was she needed. “Much better.” He said as much to himself as to her. He dug in his pocket. “You’re so brave, Moira. Dealing with an old crotchety rabbit like me.” He found what he was looking for. “Your bravery deserves a reward, little one.” He held out a small wrapped candy.

“Pee say no take fwom you again…”

“Well, let me tell you a little a secret, Moira. Peter ain’t the big brother around here. I’m the big brother. And you’ve my word. Nothing I’m ever gonna give you will hurt you.” He held out the candy again. “It’s peppermint.”

“Pep’mint?” Moira took the candy in her small fingers, and looked it over. “When go home?”

“In a couple of days. Your brother and cousin have to help me do a bit of shopping first.” Barnabas stroked her cheek. “Besides, it ain’t that bad here is it? You need anything, you let me know.” Barnabas flopped down next to her, and feigned not being able to reach his ear. “Ugh…Moira, can you…?”

Moira took the hint, and scratched his ear gently. Then she began to pet him delicately. “You sof’ but no sof’ as Pee and Cot-tail….”

Barnabas cringed. That’s was all he needed: another reminder of the rejection he’d been suffering for the last few years while the younger, cuter rabbits got adopted. “Yes, well, livin’ on the streets is hard, kiddo. We don’t have no one taking care of us like you or your brothers and sisters and cousin.” Barnabas was about to turn to go when he suddenly gaped. Moira had scooped him into her lap.

“I take care you.” Moira said softly. “But you got be nice bunny.”

Nice? Is this kid serious? I haven’t been nice in….a long time! Instead of protesting openly, he remembered his plan to get even with Peter. He would make this kid love him. “Sure thing. You know that shopping we’re doing? We’re gonna donate it to the animal shelter.”  And your brother and cousin too.  Now he just had to figure out what to do with the triplets… they weren’t nearly as stupid.

#

Cotton-tail ducked back down, gasping. She tugged on her sisters’ dresses. “We’ve got a problem, girls. I think Moira wants to be friends with Barnabas, and I think Barnabas is going to use it.” She said in a whisper.

“What? After he kidnapped her and made her get hurt? What is wrong with that girl?” Flopsy demanded. “I’m going to have a stern  talking to with her.”

“No no no. You can’t yell at her. She doesn’t know any better. To her he’s just another soft cuddly bunny. We’ve got to show her the truth.” Mopsy said.

“Look, I gotta try and stay with her next time he calls us away. I need to keep a better on him.” Cotton-Tail said.

“Right…” Mopsy said. “One of us should have an eye on him at all times.”

“Definitely.” Cotton-Tail turned. It had suddenly gotten quiet.

“We had a deal. My sisters aren’t going.” Peter’s voice rose suddenly in the quiet.

Cotton-tail turned to Flopsy and Mopsy. “You guys go. I’ll check on Moira. I want to make sure she’s alright. And you tell Barnabas I’m stayin’ right here with her.” She climbed to where Moira was.

#

Moira looked over as Cotton-Tail came to her. “Cot-tail. Wook. Barnbas gibed me.”  She showed her big sister bunny the candies.

“I see that, precious…” Cotton-Tail pushed the candies to the side and sat by her, taking her small hand in her paws. “Moira, remember when I said Barnabas was a bad bunny, sweetie? It’s true. I know he doesn’t look it, right? He looks a lot like big brother Peter?”

“Uh huh. Him fur sof’…”

Cotton-Tail nodded. “I just bet it is. But Moira, he’s not a good bunny. He hurt you, remember? He won’t let you go home to your Mummy and Daddy. Does that sound like a nice bunny to you?”

“He sayed he be nice now. He pwomise.”

“Oh did he? What else did he tell you?” Cotton-tail climbed into her lap, and Moira petted her gently.

“Sayed he gibing food to selter aminals.”

Cotton-tail raised her head. “Shelter animals? What food, Moira?”

“Da food Pee, Benmin and hims getting.”

“That’s what he said they were doing? Moira, that’s not…”

“The only thing we’re doing. We’re going to give some to the strays out there, too.” Barnabas spoke up over her sister. “There has been a change of plans, Cotton-Tail. You and your sisters are going in my place. My old bones would get us caught way too quickly.”

“Who do you think you’re foolin’, Barnabas?” Cotton-Tail asked. She moved out of Moira’s lap, though she made sure to stay in range where she could be petted. “You just want more time alone with her to manipulate her. Well, guess what? I’m wise to you.”

“Is that right? Well, I suggest you keep it to yourself, and not interfere. I like your moxie, Cotton-tail. I’d hate to bring it to an end due to an unfortunate “accident”.

“Do you hear him, Moira? He’s a very bad bunny.” Cotton-tail didn’t flinch as Barnabas growled under his breath. “He just threatened to hurt me.”

“I did nothing of the sort. I merely suggested caution on your part in case of an accident.” Barnabas said waving a dismissive paw. “You can choose whom you wish to believe, little one. Just remember this. I’m the one who let you have candies for breakfast. Not your Mummy, Daddy or even Peter, and that is saying something, now isn’t it?” Barnabas suddenly turned and grabbed Cotton-tail hard by the arm.

“Cot-tail!”

“No worries, Moira. I just need to borrow her a moment.”

“I’ll be alright, Moira. Save me a sweet, alright?” Cotton-tail called. She yanked her arm free of Barnabas, and walked ahead of him down the ladder.

Chapter Text

The first job was to begin the next night, and Peter would be lying to himself if he said he wasn’t at least a little bit nervous. It was out of character for him. But he did realize it wasn’t nervousness over completing the job. He was worried about the girls’ roles in it. He had been unable to negotiate Barnabas back down from his crazy idea of staying behind. The old codger had made Peter the leader. For once this was not a badge he wanted to wear.

As he gazed over the large fairgrounds, he felt his heart speed up. Part excitement, part terror. They had to execute this just right. Barnabas was back at the hideout alone with Moira doing he didn’t wanna know what to convince her to stay with him. It wasn’t just him and his sisters, Peter realized. Well, at least not just his rabbit sisters. There was a human child at stake now.

“Peter?” Flopsy’s voice was soft. “Is there a way out?”

“Yeah…” Mopsy said. The two were standing close enough they could whisper in a lower volume. “This doesn’t feel right. You know?”

“Of course it isn’t right, Mop. It’s stealin’.” Flopsy said.

“Let me think.” Peter said quietly. Luckily the cats and Samuel had already moved to get into their positions. “We’ll do this one, and then figure out the rest before tomorrow night.” He said.

“You heard what I told you this mornin’ right?” Cotton-Tail asked him as she moved to get to where she needed to be. “He is using her innocence to manipulate her.”

“I heard, Cotton-Tail, and I’m not happy about it. But there is not a lot we can do right now. With him threatening you, I’d much rather you be here than anywhere near him.”

“But what about Moira? She doesn’t deserve this.” Flopsy asked.

Benjamin frowned. “Look, y’don’t really need me. I can sneak back there and check things out. Will that make you three happy?”

Peter looked at his sisters. They really need to get moving if they were going to stay on schedule, and not start causing Samuel and the cats to become suspicious of them. “Guys?”

“Fine. But I’d really rather go myself.” Cotton-Tail conceded. “Come on, girls.” The three hopped off.

Benjamin looked at Peter, worried. “I’m only going because  someone needs to speak up for that little girl. She doesn’t know any better, and we do. We can’t let Barnabas manipulate her that way, Peter.”

“Go, Benjamin, and be careful.” Peter didn’t watch his cousin go, or he was afraid he’d try and join him. He needed to stay behind and see this job through, to protect his other sisters. Benjamin would protect Moira. Which was how he was able to get into place just in time.

#

Barnabas brushed down the hem of the dress so that it wasn’t sticking up. “There. You look great.” He smiled softly as the small girl gave a small curtsey. “That’s alright.” He said gently. His ears perked up suddenly. They couldn’t be back already. “Go back to your pallet now, Moira.” He said in a firm voice. “Just gotta check something…” HE went down to the entrance and groaned. “Oh it’s just you. What are you doing here? The job going wrong? What?” He asked Peter’s cousin. For a long time , Benjamin just stared at him, as if he was tongue tied. Good. “Well? Spit it out boy.”

“Oh, Job’s fine. I just wasn’t needed is all. I was slowing them down. They sent me home.”  He started for the ladder. “Can I check in on Moira?”

Pft. Did Peter think he was stupid? This was spying job. And he knew exactly who’d set it up. These rabbits and especially Cotton-Tail needed to go. “Be my guest. We were just playing a bit of dress up.”

Benjamin ignored that, and went up the ladder to where they were keeping Moira. “Heya, Moira…”

“Benmin!” Barnabas scowled and listened to the little girl. He didn’t bother to go up after Benjamin. For now, he’d let it be. There were two more jobs. He’d be going on both and getting rid of the rabbits himself.

#

Benjamin sniffed Moira, and then let the child gently pet his head. “Is everything  okay here? Cotton-Tail’s worried about you.”

“I ‘kay. Barnbas gibed me dis dwess. It pwetty, wight?”

Benjamin nodded. He withheld a groan. Cotton-Tail was right. Barnabas was slowly turning her towards him. The more time she spent alone away from Peter and the rest of the family, the more the other rabbit would gain influence over her. “How about I sit up here with you for a while tonight?”  He’d like to see Barnabas argue.  “Just till Cotton-Tail comes back. I’m sure she’ll want to be all motherly with you by then.” Benjamin chuckled softly to himself at that thought. He and Peter had been joking about how maternal the youngest triplet had become towards Moira over the last few months since the girl had come into their lives.

“Cot-Tail wove me. Dat not wong.”

“O-oh of course it’s not wrong, sweetie.” Benjamin said. He nuzzled her gently with his forehead in an apology. “It’s just cute for her is all.” He said. He laid down at the girl’s feet and was not at all surprised when she picked him up and pulled him into her lap. She did it often with the rabbits without permission, and they’d all learned to deal with it. He nuzzled her small fingers.  “S’all right now. I’m here.” He said softly. He glanced towards the trap door. “You know, we should do something about the draft from that door, hm?” He hopped out of her lap. He used his back legs to shove a heavy sack over it. “There. Now we can get some privacy.”

“What pivacy?”

“It means Barnabas can’t bother us.”  Benjamin smiled broadly as the older rabbit began to knock hard on the trap door. “Have you had some air recently? I know he’s kept you well and truly locked up since he took you.” Benjamin struggled to push open a window. “Come on. Get a whiff of that. I know it’s not as fresh as the country back home, but it’s gotta be better than smelling all this the last couple of days…”

Moira joined him at the window, and giggled. “He going be weal mads. He sayed ‘tay ‘way fwom window.”

“Oh he did, huh? Did he tell you to stay up here, too? And not go outside?” Benjamin crawled out on to the ledge and carefully reached in. “C’mon.”

“No… I get twouble… he hurt Cot-tail if I bads…” Moira backed up.

“It’s alright, Moira, love. I’m taking you to see Cotton-Tail, and Flopsy, and Mopsy, and Peter.” Benjamin heard the hinges of the trapdoor rattle. “Moira, hurry now…”

Suddenly she was screeching, and Benjamin lost sight of her. He climbed back into the window in time to see Barnabas not so gently shoving her into a crate just big enough for her to fit, but not anywhere large enough for her to be comfortable. Benjamin used all of his strength and launched himself at Barnabas. “Leave her be! You can’t treat her that way! She’s not an animal, she’s a human child!”

“Benmin, tareful!” Moira cried out.

Barnabas fell back, shock registering on his face before he schooled his features. He brushed off his coat. “She’s just in time out. She disobeyed me. As did you, Benjamin. And that was a very stupid thing to do. You broke your word, didn’t you?  And now? I have no reason to keep mine.” He picked Benjamin up. And tossed him out the open window.

When he landed, Benjamin groaned, but thankfully he found that he wasn’t hurt too badly. He could hear Moira crying for him. And Barnabas banging on something… he hoped it wasn’t the crate. That girl would be terrified enough without his extra terror.  “Moira… hang in there, little cousin. We will get you out.” It was the last thing he said to himself before he felt a net come down.

Chapter Text

**Weeks Later**

Cotton-Tail cheered in victory as the last of her bottom squeezed under the gate. She shook herself off. She was in some discomfort but it wasn’t anything she couldn’t handle. She turned to face her relatives. “I’m going after Moira. Barnabas isn’t going to win this. I won’t let him. Not after what we saw  last night. Those posters. Bea and Thomas must have been posting those for weeks by now.”

“They got my fur all wrong.” Benjamin muttered.

“Focus, Benjamin. First we get our baby sister, then we get rid of Barnabas. For good.” Cotton-Tail said.  She narrowed her eyes. Caging her had taken it’s toll. She hated him. There was going to be no mercy, especially now that she knew he was capable of being a monster to a child that was barely out of infancy.

“Care to let us out first?” Peter asked. “We can work on amassing an army to take out his gang.”

Cotton-Tail made quick work of all the pens and cages. “Gotta hop!” She made a beeline towards the first busstop she could find. Getting back to Gloucester would take some time but it would be the time she’d need to decide how horribly she was going to punish that Barnabas when she saw him.

“You didn’t really think we’d let you go off alone, did you?” Flopsy’s voice said. “We’re a team, triplets!”

“Right!” Mopsy agreed.

“Okay, but you let me deal with Barnabas. He put my baby sister in a cage, and I’m not going to let him get away with that!”

“Not if I don’t let him get away with it first.” Peter’s voice spoke up behind her. “Sorry, couldn’t resist. Looked like the perfect time to interrupt and be the big brother again.”

Cotton-tail face palmed. “Seriously?”

“Hey, for once, this plan makes the most sense. We’re family. We’re going to save her like a family.” Benjamin chimed in. “Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-tail, just be careful. I don’t know how long it’s actually been, but she was pretty attached to him before he tossed me out on my bum. Who knows how much worse it’s gotten. Probably told her we weren’t coming back and everything.”

“Boy is he in for a rude awakening!” Peter said. “and I mean that. I’m gonna wind one of those old fashioned clocks to just before it’s time to set off, and it’s gonna go off right in his ears!”

Cotton-Tail just shook her head. Her main concern was getting Moira away from the hide out and to somewhere safe where someone could contact Bea and Thomas. Then they’d be able to go home.

#

“Hey, that’s a good girl…” The rat named Samuel took the bundle from Moira. Tom Kitten helped her down from the dumpster. “Barnabas will love it.”

“I wanna twy.” She reached for some of the fish she’d gotten.

“Uh, no. I don’t think you can eat that, kid. You’d get sick.” Tom said, taking her hand in his paw. “Let’s go home.”

“Fink Barnbas wike my new toys?”

“Oh, he’ll love them.” Sam said. “He’ll love them cause they make you happy.” He patted her back very gently.

Moira nodded. It had been weeks since she’d seen Benjamin, Peter, or the triplets. Barnabas had promised her they’d be back at first. But as the days passed, he changed his tune. The promise became that he’d take care of her from now on. And so far he had. She had new clothes whenever she’d grow, and his friends had taught her how to speak better. Now they were taking her on jobs with them. Games, they called them, but Moira wasn’t a stupid child. She knew some of the “games” were stealing and she didn’t feel very good about it, despite Barnabas’ insistence that the world owed it to them.

“In y’go.” Sam said, breaking the little girl out of her thoughts as they reached the hide out again.

Moira carefully climbed down the ladder. “Hi hi, Barnbas. We gotted good food, and I finded new toys.”

“Very good. Go on to your room now. I’ve got to talk to the boys.” He patted her head affectionately.

Moira went to her room with her treasures. She was sorting them out on the bed when she heard a tapping at the window. The little girl glanced up and saw a familiar white faced rabbit. “Cotton-Tail?” She whispered to herself. It didn’t occur to her it was the first time she’d said the name correctly. She pushed open the window.

The female rabbit hugged her. “Oh Moira… are you alright? Look how you’ve grown! How long has it been? It couldn’t have really been so long?”

“Not now, Cotton-Tail. We gotta get her out…” Peter’s voice came from the window sill. He waved a paw. “Hey…come on, we’re getting out of here.”

Moira studied the rabbits. There were four now on the window sill. Peter, the other two triplets, and Benjamin. She recognized them from the books she found in Barnabas’ stash. The child got up, and walked away from them. “No going wif you.”

“What do you mean you’re not going with us? You don’t belong here, Moira…” Cotton-Tail said. “No matter what that fiend told you.” She felt the rabbit put a paw in her hand. “Moira, please. Your Mum and Dad must really miss you…look what we’ve found..” She held up a piece of paper, and Moira looked at it.

“That’s me…” Moira said softly.

“Yes. They’re looking for all of us. They want us to come home. And we’re not leavin’ without you.” Peter said. His ears perked. “You guys get her out. I’ve got some unfinished business to handle.” He hopped into the room and down the trap door to the main living space.

“Where him going?” Moira asked. She winced when she heard crashing below. “Barnbas!”

“Don’t worry. I’m sure Peter won’t hurt him…” Benjamin said softly. “C’mon. Let’s get out of here.” He gently wrapped his paw around her hand. “Come on…”

“No!” Moira rushed to the trap door and started to yank it open, but it wouldn’t open. Had Peter locked her up there so she couldn’t help her new friends?! “Peter! No hurt dem!”  She stomped her foot on the trap door. There was more crashing from below. “Barnbas?!”

“You stay up there, Moira. Safer.” Samuel Whiskers called. He sounded out of breath. “Alright, rabbit, you asked for it!”

“This isn’t good.” Benjamin said. He came to stand in front of Moira, and he put his paws on either side of her face. “Moira…they’re not your family. We are. They lied to you. We never meant for you to stay here. We didn’t abandon you on purpose. He set us up to be taken away, just like he did last time. You remember, don’t you? The night I came to get you. He tossed me out the window.”

“We’ve got to go. Now. Before they realize the rest of us are here.” Flopsy said.

Moira found herself in tears but she wasn’t sure if it was because Barnabas had lied or because she was so happy to see her animal siblings again. She buried her face in Benjamin’s fur, tears streaming. The older rabbit ran a paw over her back and stroked her hair gently.

“It’s alright, Moira.” He said softly. “It’s all gonna be okay.” He took her hand again. “Come on. Let’s get you out of here.

Moira nodded, and this time let Benjamin lead her to the window. The triplets helped her down even though she could have gotten down on her own. Tom Kitten and Mittens had taught her excellent scaling skills over the time she’d been there.

When they were all safely on the ground, Cotton-Tail hopped into her arms, nuzzled her close, and she nuzzled the rabbit’s hand herself. “Missed you, Cotton-tail…” she said softly. “Wanna wead book?”

“When we’re safely home, yes.” Cotton-tail said. “Let’s find someone to help.”

“You girls go ahead. I’m going to make sure Peter doesn’t get himself killed.” Benjamin said.

“No need.” Peter’s voice sounded winded.

“Where’s Barnbas?” Moira asked.

“Who cares.” Peter replied. “Won’t be seeing him anymore. We’re leaving.”

“Peter…” Benjamin said harshly. “You didn’t…”

“What? No! This isn’t that kind of story. Come on.” Peter frowned. “Anyway. Barnabas has decided he’s done being a parental figure, and he’s letting you go.” He told Moira.

“Moira, it’ll be okay…” Flopsy said softly. “It’s better this way. Your Mummy and Daddy would really like you to come home…and I’d like to go back to our farm burrow.”

Moira nodded, and after another moment let Peter and Benjamin lead her away from the hideout. Cotton-Tail rested her head on her chest, gently patting her arm as they walked. “No can walk too fars, Cotton-tail…”

“That’s alright. We’re going to get someone’s attention anytime now, and they’ll help you and us. Now listen, when they approach, we’re just your pets.” Benjamin said. “So we’re all going to act like regular rabbits.”

“’kay, Benamin…” Moira glanced up as a young woman walked out of a store. She began to cry. It wasn’t so hard. This was a con she and Mittens had worked many times. But this time, it would get them home.