There is one thing everybody has to know about Adrian Bogo, and that thing is that he doesn't like time-wasting.
This was one of those situations, where it wasn't a possibility, he either did it as soon as possible, or he will have to face his own Deputy Chief's wrath. The Painted dog may be smaller and weaker than him, but Bogo has already learned that if a usually calm and collected mammal gets pissed off, no size difference can stop them. Aaron was a prefect example for that. The combination of being a wolf, being a calm and collected mammal, the inmammal reflexes and the police training could result in not one, not two, but at least 50 mammals' death, without Aaron getting a single scar. And if someone dares to hurt Wilde, Bogo was positive Aaron could take down half the city if needed. Pictus wasn't that dangerous, but he was not to be underestimated either.
And Bogo wasn't about to test his boundaries.
He was currently driving in his car with one address in mind, that he will make a surprise visit to, and hopefully, he will make ends meet there to avoid further complications with time. But he wasn't alone in the car, he had two of his officers on his backseat, that were essential for his goal; Officer Clawhauser and Officer Snarlof.
Officer Benjamin Clawhauser was one of the closest mammal to Wilde and Hopps, so he was probably the one who knew the most about the duo, especially Wilde. Him being a feline did only strengthen Bogo's choice of him, since every feline, no matter how overweight or how many donuts they eat on a daily basis, had incredible monitoring capabilities, so if he could get insight by someone of the Vulpine's behaviour, it could be only the fat cheetah.
Benji was holding a big and heavy document in his paws. It was the record of all the arrests Hopps and Wilde made since Aaron joined their team. To say the least, Bogo has never seen any team accomplish over 150 arrests within 2 and a half days, and it is shown by the size of the document. Bogo brought it with them, so if someone from where he is about to visit questions their efficiency as a team, he could just put it before the mammal and make him/her read through it.
He brought the white timber wolf, Officer Richard Snarlof aswell. Bogo already had a great perspective of Wilde and Hopps, but he needed someone who could vouch for Aaron aswell, and as far as he knew, the two timber wolves were close enough for Snarlof to be the perfect mammal for the job.
As the Chief, he had to know about everything his officers did, so Bogo knew about Snarlof's rampage on some of the social media sites, where the white timber wolf continuously defended Wilde and Aaron, by either vouching for them or, and Bogo actually thought that, literally destroy any opposition verbally. Some of his comments were so on point and well-written, that even Bogo was amused by them, and the fact that no mammal could write back at him just made it all the better.
So, since it seemed that Snarlof and Clawhauser were the two mammals from the precinct that knew at least one of the lovebirds very well, they probably could tell the difference in their behaviour since they got together, and Bogo was sure that both of his officers would defend their fellow colleagues pretty harshly if needed. And don't forget, that Bogo will be there too, so who ever dares to question anything about his detectives, he has some tricks in his sleeves aswell.
''Chief, where are we going exactly?" asked Clawhauser worriedly. He was pretty surprised when he heard the chief taking a vacation, and was even more surprised when the chief told him that him and Snarlof will have to come with Bogo to an address, and help the buffalo. He had ideas, but when he got ordered to bring the document of all the arrests of his favourite trio, he was really clueless.
Snarlof looked at the chief expectantly, since he had no idea either of why was he called into this journey.
''You both will see, but let's just be enough that it is connected to Wilde and Aaron." Replied Bogo gruffly.
''By the way, could someone tell me what is going on these days?" asked Snarlof looking between Benji and Bogo.
''What do you mean, officer?" asked Bogo, stealing a glance at the wolf through the rear-view mirror.
''I mean, the weak starts of calmly, nothing out of the ordinary. Then suddenly everyone is talking about pictures and couples, then Nick, Aaron and Judy gets promoted, the former two kiss in front of everybody, and suddenly they are mates now. Then, Aaron is disowned from nowhere, Nick gets kitnapped, and now you, sir, are taking a vacation off out of the blue. This all seems like a clown fiesta to me, that has connections with each other." Replied Snarlof making Benji nod, signaling that even though he was more informed than his wolf companion was, he still was missing parts from the story.
Bogo just sighed. The way Snarlof put it, it would be very confusing, and since they were about to help him get Aaron back into his family, them knowing about everything that happened would definitely help, no matter how much Bogo did not want to share yet another missjudgment of his.
''It all started with that damned hedgehog some days before, I'm sure you all heard about that. That's when I noticed signs of Wilde and Wolford having some kind of deeper connection, so I tried to put them together for entirely selfish reasons, that seemed harmless at the time. The promotion was a necessity to the plan, but I would have promoted all three of them in a month anyway, so it came in handy. Then I made a greedy mistake, and managed to basically expose their newfound relationship. I forgot to count in Wolford having a strict peer family, so i did not think of anything going wrong. The deputy chief somehow managed to puzzle it together, and caught me red handed, told me what my little plan did, and gave me an ultimatum. Now I'm erasing my mistake, and I need both of your help in it. Is that enough?" asked Bogo. He saw the shocked faces he was getting from behind.
''And the kitnapping?" asked Snarlof hesitantly. After an information bomb like this, he wasn't sure if he wanted to hear more.
''The kitnapper was a she-wolf, Jessica Clawson, who managed to escape from an asylum for the insane. She was the childhood bully of Wolford, and it turned out that she had romantic feelings for him the whole time, but she went insane in denial. When she saw Wolford and Wilde at the Canine Festival, jealousy got the better of her, and kitnapped Wilde. He was rescued by Wolford, Hopps and Pictus, the latter two happened to be there aswell." Told Bogo, while he turned to the street of their final location.
''Woah… That's pretty messed up." Mumbled Snarlof in shock. He had a feeling that the whole fiasco was pretty complex, but that is just ridiculous. It's like a damn reality show, where everyone has some kind of hate/love relationship with someone, thus attracting more viewers.
''But now, it all ends. We are here."
The feline and the canine looked out of the window and what they saw made them react very differently.
It was the Wolford Family Mansion, where the head of the family, Monica Wolford lived. Clawhauser got a bit worried, now knowing what they needed to do. If what he heard from wolves are true, they are in for a long discussion, unless Bogo pulls out an Ace from his sleeve.
Snarlof on the other hand froze upon seeing which wolf family estate they were about to step in.
The Wolford family was one of the, if not the most famous wolf families in Zootopia. Young wolves learn about all their accomplishments in history class, and they are always told to respect them. Snarlof was not an exception, he might have known their history better than Aaron himself.
When Snarlof was first assigned to precinct one, and found out that one of the Wolfords were working there, he thought that he is in for a ride; noble wolves tend to look down on wolves from families that had no peer blood inside them. The Snarlofs were always a part of the middle class, never were part of the Peer families, that's why at first he tried to avoid Aaron, thinking that he was just an other snob and arrogant noble kid. Turned out, that Aaron never really gave a damn, and he was actually one of the coolest mammals Richard could ever meet. They quickly became good friends after clarifying.
But now, he was about to enter the base of the Wolfords, and if he puzzled everything together correctly, he was about to meet the Alpha, Monica Wolford. He could just stare and gulp nervously at the huge symbol of the Wolfords positioned on the top of their gate.
I. AM. OFFICIALLY. DONE.
''Snarlof, you coming?" asked Bogo impatiently from in front of the huge gate. Richard shook himself and exited Bogo's car.
''Certainly, sir." hesitantly obeyed the white wolf.
Bogo grunted and turned to the gate bell and pressed the button, which made a little electronic voice. After 10 or so seconds a feminine voice was heard.
''Who is it?" asked the voice.
''I'm the chief of the police, Adrian Bogo, and I would like to talk to Monica Wolford." Replied Bogo. His answer was silence, but he saw the huge gate slowly open.
''Please, do step in." Said the voice again. So now Bogo, Benji and Richard were walking towards the front door of the mansion, where a pretty serious looking she-wolf in a fancy dress was standing.
''Welcome to the Wolford Family Mansion Officers, what can I help you with?" asked the she-wolf. Richard could already see that she did not like that he was there.
''I came here to talk with Monica Wolford about one of their sons, Aaron Wolford." Replied Bogo in a professional tone while he put his hooves behind his back. The she-wolf looked visibly annoyed after hearing the reason why they came, but she recomposed herself quickly.
''It would be me you are searching for then. Please, do come in." Said Monica, while opening the door for the three officers. She let Bogo and Benji in but stood in the doorway when Richard tried to enter, crossing her arms and looked at the him with eyes that were screaming distrust.
''And who are you?" asked Monica eyeing the white timber wolf. Bogo looked back at the scene and was not amused.
''He is one of my officers, let him in." Said Bogo sternly, but the she-wolf didn't even pay him attention.
Richard quickly did what he was taught to in school, that they had to kneel before wolves above their rank. So he did so, head lowered in submission.
''My name is Richard Snarlof, Ma'am." Said the white timber wolf in a serious, but nervous tone. Bogo and Benji looked at each other in confusion.
''A child of the Snarlofs, huh?"mused Monice with a seriues expression. Soon it softened and a ghost smile appeared on Monica's snout.
"Not nobles, but they are famous for their hospitality and generally being nice. Ease up and Come in." Said Monica, finally letting Richard go. The white wolf stood up and entered the house.
Monica closed the door behind them and started walking down the hall that was behind the door.
''Follow me. Me and my other children are about to start a discussion about him aswell, you can join us." Said Monica, while walking down the hall, behind her were the three officers.
They soon entered a huge and fancy living room. There were 4 sofas in the middle of the room, that even the stupid knew were worth more than an officer's monthly salary. They were positioned in a rectangle, and in the middle there was a big table with food and tea on it. On one sofa, there were three she-wolves sitting and chatting, while on an other one was two male ones, making hand gestures to each other. Their attention snapped to the entrance of the living room, when they heard their mother walk in.
''Pups, welcome our new guests. Please officers, take a seat and introduce yourselves." Said Monica while sitting on a third couch. The three officers looked at each other and shrugged. They sat down on the fourth one. Richard could not notice how all three of the she-wolves were watching him with great interest and a hint of excitement, and they were murmuring between each other, making Richard nervous, and blushing.
''Good morning, my name is Adrian Bogo, the chief of the police, head of Precinct 1." Introduced himself Bogo. In the mean time, Monica was making hand gestures towards one of the male wolves, who the officers thought must be deaf, so she was telling him what they said.
''Good morning, I'm Officer Benjamin Clawhauser, officer and the receptionist of Precinct 1." introduced Clawhauser offering a friendly smile at the Wolfords. With the exception of Monica, who was gesturing what he said aswell, everyone smiled back, easing the cheetah's nervousness. Being a feline in a house full of canines somehow made him a bit anxious.
Now all the eyes were on Richard, who gulped audibly.
''G-good morning, my name is Officer Richard Snarlof." Said the white timber wolf really nervously, making the three she-wolves murmur again. The male ones just nodded and offered a reassuring smile.
Maybe it won't be so bad
''Rufus, your time to signal, while I introduce you. So, the two male wolves are Rufus Wolford and Hughes Wolford, latter is born deaf and mute, so one of us will always signal him our conversations. Any of you know sign language?" asked Monica looking at the three officers.
''I do." Said shyly Richard. He signaled a short greeting to Hughes, who looked surprised but greeted back. Now even Monica looked at him with interested eyes.
''Splendid. Makes things easier. The three murmuring she-wolves are Victoria, Caroline and Patricia Wolford, from left to right. Girls, could you stay quiet for a moment?" asked Monica in a scolding tone. The she-wolves nodded and separated.
(Author's note: From here, every sentences in italics are said by sign language. Rufus is translating what Hughes says for Bogo and Clawhauser, and he translates everything to Hughes aswell)
''Now that all of you are here, we can start. Officers, did Aaron do something or is it about him not being a Wolford anymore, since I disowned him?" asked Monica. Her five children looked at him mouth agape.
''You did what?" asked Victoria completely shocked.
''Why?!" said Hughes with an angry expression.
''Mother!" shouted Rufus completely outraged.
''Sh! Not anymore. What is done is done, he is no longer a part of this family for not following traditions and betraying his bloodline." Scolded Monica looking completely relaxed and confident.
The fact that her children reacted so badly to the news told the officers that they must be hearing about it for the first time.
''But mother! He did nothing wrong!" said Patricia.
''You didn't even let him explain!" argued Hughes.
''I didn't, because it is unexplainable." Retorted Monica looking as stern as ever, seemingly not caring of her children's opinions.
''Aaron did not commit any crime, we are here to persuade you about the disownment of him. I guess you can figure out which side the police is on." Said Bogo looking at the older she-wolf scoldingly. The she-wolf didn't even flinch.
''That would take a bit of an effort. But whatever, say what you have to." Sighed Monica looking absolutely unbothered by all the killing glares she was getting.
Bogo thought about a way to present his argument. He had to make this she-wolf see reason, but she was stubborn, so it will take some work.
''Mrs. Wolford, from what I heard, you disowned Aaron Wolford, because of his sexuality and his relationship with his fellow colleague, Nicholas Wilde. Is that true?" asked Bogo.
''Yes, he was openly kissing that fox. After I called him out, he did not deny anything, he even admitted so." Replied Monica looking deep into the buffalo's eyes. But Bogo was not that easy to catch of guard or scare, there are only 4 mammals that were able to do one of the following, and currently he is fighting for one of them.
''So you admit that you don't support their relationship and your son?" asked Bogo.
''Yes, I don't like anything about it. A Wolford does not humiliate its family like this." stated Monica.
''Humiliate?!" asked Caroline absolutely infuriated.
''Aaron did not humiliate us!" argued Rufus.
''How dare you!" scolded Victoria.
''I said silence! He tainted the name of Wolford, he had to go." Shouted Monica.
The three officers finally found a way to counter her arguments.
''I wouldn't call it 'tainting' missus, more like made it famous, but in a pleasant way." Cut in Snarlof hesitantly. Monica looked at him.
''Is that so? I hope you have evidence to back up your claim, 'cause so far I've only seen destruction." Said the older she-wolf, now she was visibly furious. Bogo knew he could call out on the destruction part, but he knew that arguing will not lead to what he wanted.
''As you wish. Clawhauser, the document." Ordered Bogo looking at the cheetah expectantly. The cheetah nodded, and put the thick document on the table. It landed in a big thud, shaking the table shake under its weight.
''What's this?" asked Monica while eyeing the folder. Hughes took it in his paws, opened it and started reading some pages of it.
''This is all the arrests your son, Hopps and Wilde made since I made them into a team." Informed Bogo.
''And that should convince me?" mocked Monica while crossing her arms in front of her. Although when she looked at Hughes, she saw him wide-eyed.
''Mother, there are at least 125 arrests in this, and if what the Chief says is true, they managed to do it withing the last 2 and a half days!" said Hughes making all his siblings and Monica wide-eyed.
''Yes, their trio managed to break records after records within the prectinct. Two days ago, I even promoted all three of them to detectives, and since then, they single handedly managed to lower the crime rate by 5% in the city." Explained Bogo. The older she-wolf looked a bit shocked, maybe even impressed a bit. 5% crime rate withing two days was a tremendously big achievement, especially by one police team.
''As impressive as that sounds, I still see reason to believe that he didn't taint our name." Said stubbornly Monica.
''In that case, Snarlof, show her the Snarl from David Howlington." Commanded Bogo. Now that caught Monica's attention.
A little known fact, that next to the Wolfords, the Howlingtons were just as big of a names. They were continuously rivaling each other in every aspect of life, but around the early 1900s, they made peace and started working together. Since then, they were the most famous families among wolves, and they were continuously supporting the other. David Howlington is currently the Alpha there, since the only she-wolf there is his daughter, who is 3 years old, and unable to wear the Alpha rank.
''What does the Alpha of the Howlington family has to do anything with it?" asked Monica. Richard found the Snarl in question.
''Well, and I read it from here: 'Love is a wonderful thing. What the first son of Wolford did was a brave and honest move. I think we should all support him and have them know that the way he choose is the right way. Our society needs to learn from him.' He posted this on Snarler last night." Said Richard while showing the Snarl to the wolves. The five children looked at their mother expectantly. If the approval of the Howlington Alpha is not enough conviction, than nothing is.
Bogo was thinking the same aswell. He got really lucky yesterday when he stumbled upon this Snarl from Howlington. He didn't know how influential they were in wolf culture, but if their super successful tech company, Howlington Electronics, that specialised in making computer pieces and parts, is anything to go by, than this might win this argument with the she-wolf.
When he saw Monica getting silent, meaning that she still did not want to recognize this as a fact, but now she was uncertain, he knew that telling her about the influence Wilde had on Wolford is completely useless now, and the only way to win her over, is empathy. So, he decided to tell everyone in the room his biggest secret, and he knew he will hear it back, since Clawhauser was sitting right next to him. But he knew that it's either him getting imprisoned for abuse of power and bribing, or his secret will get out.
''Listen Ma'am, I know exactly what you feel and think right now." Admitted Bogo with a heavy sigh. Everybody looked at him curiously.
''How so? Do you have a son who betrayed your entire family?" asked Monica with a bit of accusing in her voice.
''Actually? Yes I do. Or more like did." And there, it was for everyone. He saw Monica's posture and face soften.
Getting there
''What do you mean?" asked Monica now uncertainly. Bogo sighed.
''I had a son, his name was Robin. He was one of the smartest buffalos in Zootopia, maybe ever. He knew every bit from physics, math and Biology. He was a little genious. He was continuously winning competition after competition, and I was just so proud of him. Then it all changed one day. One day, he came home, hand in hand with another male buffalo, around his age, and it was just so obvious that they were head over heels each other. But I couldn't look past my bigotry, and lashed out on him. I called him a disgrace, a disappointment, I called him basically everything no parent should. Then I told him to leave the house and never to be seen again." Told Bogo looking distressed and shameful. Everyone in the room listened with great interest.
''What happened?" asked Monica in a sad tone.
''Next day, his boyfriend came over. I did not want to see him, but he was so infuriated and depressed that he did not listen to me, and kept on breaking stuff in my house and push me around. Then he told me that Robin committed suicide immediately after he left... That's when I started listening to him. He told me that he jumped off the roof of his dorm, and his last words were: Tell my father, I love him and that I am sorry. That's when I realized that my own blindness caused my only child's death. Even till his last breath, he didn't hate me, which he had all the right to do so. My bigotry, denial and pride caused him this immense sorrow, that I pursued him into killing himself. I could never tell him how proud I was of him, how great of a son he was. It was all my fault, but I have to live with the guilt, knowing that if only I could just try and listen to him, he would still be alive, and happy with the chosen of his heart." Told the buffalo.
Then came silence.
Everyone in the room, expect for Bogo was misty-eyed and restrained their sobs. The three she-wolves were holding each other's hand, Victoria was visibly shaking. Hughes was covering his eyes, which literally meant that he couldn't take anymore from what Rufus was signaling him. Not like Rufus was in a better shape, if he wasn't busy with soothing Hughes, he would have definitely cried. Clawhauser buried his face in his hands and his chubby cheeks. Snarlof was currently resting his head in the table in front of him, this was his way to restrain losing himself.
Bogo looked at Monica and saw how deeply she was thinking of something. The buffalo knew that he needed one more push, and he would win.
''So Monica, I told you this, to show you how easy it is to lose your son over your own expectations and beliefs. You are luckier than I am, since Aaron got Nick and his family as a safe place. Please, for every parent that made my mistake, don't became one of us. It's not worth losing your son over traditions. Because once you lose him, he might never come back." Pleaded Bogo.
And that's when Monica lost it and broke down crying.
Bogo knew what kind of cry this was; this was all those bottled up emotions the she-wolf managed to restrain. This was her side that always loved Aaron, and still loved it, but was overshadowed by her pride and what she was taught. That was good though; this meant that Bogo got through her stubborness and she would be open to ideas and proposals.
Although the fact that her breaking down seemed to show greenlight, and now he had 7 crying timber wolves and a cheetah aswell. As sad as he was at the moment, being in a room with 8 crying mammals made him a little bit annoyed. But he would let them get it all out.
The oldest she-wolf cried the most, but no one dared to come closer to her. It was now her letting out all the sorrow she collected in these days and probably her entire life, when she couldn't do things she wanted because of traditions and her parents.
After 10 minutes or so she finally stopped. She requested tissues, which her children brought immediately. She needed sometime to recompose herself, but after she did so, she finally smiled.
''You're right. I was wrong, I should have let him explain it to me…" admitted Monica still rubbing tears from her eyes, and the tension from the room was gone.
''What will you do now?" asked Hughes.
''I have ideas… but I think If I'm going to sleep on it. It is a bit too much for me, but don't worry, I think I know exactly what I have to do. Pups, are you with me?" asked Monica looking at her children
''Absolutely." Said Patricia.
''100%" said Rufus.
''You can count on us, mother." Said Caroline.
''Splendid. Now I think this is the end of our discussion, pups, could you please accompany the officers, and open the gate for them. I need some rest now, if you don't mind." Said Monica while standing up and shaking hands with all three police mammals. Her children nodded and so the groups of wolves, a cheetah and a buffalo left the house.
Monica just smiled as she watched them step out the door. She knew exactly how and when is she gonna make her own mistake right. She didn't know if making it as big as she was thinking of making it would be the right move, but she owned her pup that much.
After what the Chief told her, she of course realized her wrong doing. She realized that he and Lollypop was right, she might really lose one of her beloved pups, just because of some precious traditions. Don't get her wrong, Aaron still didn't act like she raised him, but in all reality, she loved her pups more than some written rules somewhere in a thick book. After the talk with Lollypop and now the Chief, she knew that poor Aaron's only crime, that he just loved somebody who wasn't a she-wolf. It was Monica who reacted badly, made assumptions without proof and actually believed them. Now that she was thinking about it, if the chief called her out on what kind of destruction Aaron caused, she couldn't have given a straight answer. She knew what will be first thing tomorrow morning.
But she had to think of another problem. And it was now the Wildes, all three of them now, individually. She had to apologize to Lollypop and talk it out with her. She, of course had to speak eye-to-eye to Aaron aswell, since he was considered as a Wilde now. The third Wilde was a bit of a headache for her.
Little Nicky. Now he was one she has never talked to and only knew about some things. She didn't know what kind of mammal he was, or how did he take all of this. Since she knew about his past hustler life, she guessed that he wasn't an emotional mammal, so he must be taking it a bit better than Aaron. Although, foreseeing their meeting was impossible for her. She really hoped that she could erase her first impression.
In the mean time the group were walking towards the gate. Bogo was silent and alone, seemingly deep in thoughts, while Rufus and Clawhauser was chatting together about the two things they both loved; pastries and Nick and Judy.
What would catch one's attention is that Hughes and the three she-wolves were openly bombarding poor Snarlof with questions. Richard was trying to answer most of them, but they kept on cutting each other out. They seemed really excited.
''How is it to be a colleague of Aaron?"
''How hard the police life really is? Aaron never tells us."
''Do you have any brothers?"
''Are you free tomorrow night?"
These were just some of the questions he was asked, and he was sure he accidenttaly agreed on a date with at least two of them. The she-wolves were pretty, he will give them that, but if they ever want a significant other, they have to tone it down on the excitement. They were basically Clawhausers with less donuts and less Gazelle.
After they were let out, they waved towards the five wolves. After that they entered Bogo's car.
''Geez, and I thought you were bad Benji. Suddenly, I want to hear about what happened with Gazelle in the last 2 hours." Said Richard. Bogo Looked back at him with wide-eyes.
''Officer, you just doomed us, i hope you know that right." Said Bogo, making Richard realize that he had a point, especially when he stole a glance at the very excited cheetah next to him, and knew that he was really about to hear everything Gazelle did non-stop.
Me and my never shutting mouth. Sometimes a bliss, sometimes a curse.
The car ride was enough hell for Bogo and Richard to forget all the sadness, and keep on groaning in annoyance.
In the mean time the five Wolford children watched how the three officers' car left the street. They were so shocked when they heard that their brother got disowned, but now they were relieved. Losing Aaron from the family would do immense amount of harm to everybody both emotionally and psyhically. They were so relieved, that the three she-wolves put everything back deep into their minds, and gave place to something else. Something, that has the same form as Richard Snarlof.
''That wolf was so handsome, i think I'm in love!" exclaimed Patricia.
''Paws off, I saw him first!" retorted Victoria.
''Too bad losers, he is all mine." Cut in Caroline.
And so the three she-wolves started to audibly fight. It was not an unfamiliar sight for the two male wolves who were watching the commotion with amused smirks.
''We have crazy sisters, you know that?" asked Hughes. He couldn't know what the three were talking about, but even he knew that it is probably that police officer, and now they are fighting over him.
''In other news, the sky is blue" snorted Rufus. Hughes chuckled.
''What do you think mom will do?" asked Hughes.
''Honestly? She will actually do something for once, I have never seen her cry like that since Pa went missing all those years ago. I think we will have Aaron back soon." Replied confidently Rufus.
''Should we do something in the mean time?"
''Well, since Aaron is most definitely will be part of the family again, I think we can pay him visit if we want to. Maybe even tell him what happened. What do you think?" asked Rufus, making Hughes' face light up in excitement.
''That's wonderful! Let's go immediately. Should we bring those three?" asked Hughes while pointing at the three still arguing she-wolves.
''Nah, I think if the two of us would be enough. I don't think they would even notice us leaving." Chuckled Rufus. They started walking out of the gate and sure enough, none of the girls noticed their absence.
~In the mean time, at Aaron's apartment.
''DAD?!"
Now this was an unexpected turn of events. Aaron braking down in the middle of the precinct, them becoming mates and husbands, Bogo turning out to be a pretty good hustler, Nick getting kitnapped. Nothing of the listed things did come close second of this surprise. There he was, the one mammal that Aaron always wanted back in his life, standing in his door, looking at him with a mix of confusion, happiness and astonishment.
Aaron felt he had so much questions, but upon seeing his father after two decades, he couldn't deny his urges, so they started to run towards each other and collided in a father-son kind of hug, that they craved since the accident with the Junior Ranger Scouts.
''Dad!"
''Son!"
Nick spectated everything, and felt him getting happy and warm inside upon seeing their reunion. His cynical mind started to silently chuckle, knowing that they both have tons of questions for the other later, that could very well end up in a fight. He realized that his once useful and essential cynicism suddenly became a heavy burden for him, and he mentally scolded this side. Even though he can't enjoy the happiness of the reunion with his own father anymore, he felt really good just by seeing his husband being happy for himself aswell.
He found himself getting misty-eyed, but he stopped caring about showing this new, emotional side of his in the presence of Aaron.
You deserve all the happiness, my little Wolfie.
They soon separated. Aaron's dad looked at his son, and he wore the proudest look any mammal can make.
''I can't believe how manly you have grown up to be." Shook his head Mr. Wolford.
''You don't look half that bad either dad. You haven't aged a single bit." Replied Aaron with a happy smile. They chuckled a got at the remark, then came silence. They were just looking at each other warmly and a bit giddy.
Then suddenly, Mr. Wolford's nose started to twitch and he wore a 'Oh, right, I forgot' expression. He looked at Nick a bit suspiciously but it was more of a confused one.
''Son, I think we have some things to talk about." Said Mr. Wolford. Nick tried to detect any negative intention, but he couldn't, he only heard compassion, curiosity and a hint of happiness.
Aaron looked at his mate and nodded.
''Yeah, but first." Said Aaron and walked over to the fox who was curiously watching him.
''Dad, you have already met him, but nevertheless I would like to officially introduce you to my husband, Nick Wilde." Introduced Aaron. Nick looked at the older Lupine who eyed him confused, then he seemed to be in deep thought.
Then suddenly he took up a determined and warm expression that Nick knew was honest, and walked in front of the fox.
''Pleasure to meet you Mr. Wilde. You must be the same as the first fox police officer, or am I mistaken?" asked Aaron's dad.
''You are correct, and call me Nick." Said the fox offering a friendly smile, which was reciprocated.
''Only if you call me Harry." Replied Aaron's dad, getting a nod out of the fox. Aaron looked seemingly satisfied with how his husband and his father got along well.
''Now that we got out of the way, do you need any drink dad?" said Aaron while walking into the kitchen.
''No son, I'm fine I just have to sit down, old bones are not getting any younger." Grunted Mr. Wolford while stretching and crunching some of his joints.
They all came into the living room, while Aaron brought himself and Nick a blueberry shake. Aaron was not joking when he said that he craved for Blueberries, he did that a lot since they got together with Nick. He had to admit that it didn't taste half that bad.
''So, son, you are playing for the other field, huh?" asked Aaron's father looking at his son.
''Yes, and before you ask, I only discovered it this week…" said Aaron, making his father raise an eyebrow.
''But you said you were husbands. If you only discovered it this week, how does that work?" said Aaron's father, making both Nick and Aaron a bit nervous.
''Well, father, turns out we seemed to be specialised in rushing things. And it's not a real marriage it's just The Howler's cliff one." Admitted Aaron.
''I have never thought you would be one to follow traditions son." Commented Harry seemingly surprised
''I don't, but it just felt like I needed to do this with Nick. He quickly became my everything, and I just felt I had to make this bond with him." Admitted Aaron while looking at his mate, who wrapped his tail around the wolf, which did not go unnoticed by Harry.
''You love him that much, do you?" asked his father.
''I love him more than anything else in this planet, father." Said Aaron confidently and seriously, while embracing the fox next to him. Mr. Wolford seemed to be taken aback by his son's sudden change in tone, but he just smiled. He was satisfied with his answer.
''In this case you have my blessings, for your mother… well this is one the reasons i searched you up." Admitted Mr. Wolford making the fox and the younger wolf look at him.
''I heard you got disowned from your family, and that was the last straw. After hearing that I threw all my fears and uncertainties out of the window, packed my things and came here as fast as I could." Said Harry looking down to the ground in shame. He knew what questions were about to come, and his son did not disappoint him.
''But why didn't you come sooner? You were missing for two decades, Everybody said that you got imprisoned after the Scout incident. What happened?" asked Aaron with a bit of plead in his tone. Nick upon hearing his tone change immediately went to work, and planted a soothing kiss on the underside of his muzzle, that got the desired reaction. Aaron smiled and visibly relaxed.
''I guess I don't have to tell you what happened in that house, right?" asked Harry. He expected Aaron to shook his head, but the fact that Nick did aswell surprised him a bit.
I guess he knows everything then.
''After that, I had to leave town. You have to understand that I wouldn't have loved anything more than to stay by your side, but I just couldn't take the guilt when I looked into your eyes and saw fear in them. I looked at my bloody clothes and knew that you feared me. I could not make you watch me getting arrested, I jus couldn't. So I left town and went to the your grandparents. I told them everything and they understood." Told Harry looking distressed and filled with shame.
''But we were regularly making visits to grandpa and grandma. How did you manage to go unnoticed?" Asked Aaron tilting his head in confusion.
''You probably don't know since you never found it, but they actually have a pretty spacious attic where I lived until I could afford to rent a house in the village."
''But Wolfie here wasn't afraid of you. He was a 9 year old pup, who saw his father being in a state he has never seen before. Aaron was just worried about you, not feared you. He feared whether you were okay or not…" cut in Nick. Harry seemed surprised and looked up at his son for confirmation. Aaron nodded.
''Well, nevertheless the guilt was too much. I did not intend to leave you or the whole family for that matter, but I could not look into any of your eyes anymore after what I have done. But year after year, i missed you guys more and more, and hearing you get disowned was the last drop in the glass." Told Harry. He thought that he was in for a fight, and that his son would be furious of him for abandoning the pack for two decades, but he seemed… Happy and relieved.
He saw Nick whispering something to his ear which made the Aaron snort and nod. Next thing Harry knew is that the fox sat in his son's lap, and Aaron put his muzzle on top of Nick's head. They were both smiling at him, which gave a funny feeling to the older fox.
''You did nothing wrong dad, I'm not pissed of you. I love you." Said Aaron and Nick at the same time, making Harry wide-eyed. He could not comprehend that his son was not mad at him at all. He did not care that the fox called him dad, he actually felt somehow good knowing that his son's husband did not want to persuade Aaron to reject Harry. And the aura they are having somehow makes the older Lupine happy.
They are so made for the other.
Harry wanted to rush over and hug his son and his son-in-law, but he was stopped by a loud creak coming from the front door. They became wary, thinking that someone might have broken inside Aaron's apartment. They stoop up silently and readied their bodies for a fight.
But when the mammal, or more like mammals showed themself, they all froze.
