Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"Hello, Master Proxy. Can you put one videotape aside for me?"

Wise's phone vibrated insistently on the counter. In the open chat, a message glowed from a new acquaintance — a phantom thief with whom he had unexpectedly quickly become good friends. 

"Of course. Do you know name or the plot?" 

A few minutes passed before the phone rang again with a notification. 

"It's about the Bangboo family. It's supposed to be a comedy. Do you have anything like that?" 

Wise quickly scanned the shelf of family films and found a videotape that perfectly matched Hugo's description. «The Carls Family» was a relatively new comedy that he had picked up on a walk with Lucy. Most likely, this was what the leader of "Mockingbirds" was looking for. 

"Yes, I already found it. I put it aside for you, you can pick it up anytime." 

The answer came almost instantly. 

 "Oh, great! I'm just outside the rental shop. Just a few minutes." 

And indeed very soon the video store door opened with a quiet rustle, and Hugo appeared on the threshold. Wise, who noticed him out of the corner of his eye, immediately reached for the videotape. The denny was carefully placed on the counter, but due to an awkward movement, several coins scattered. Wise immediately bent down to pick them up. Strange... Hugo usually doesn't drop money. Another trick? 

"You're absent-minded today, aren't you? Or is it your..." He began, raising his head. 

And froze. His gaze met a pair of familiar red eyes. But they did not belong to Hugo. In the thief's arms sat a small thiren girl with white hair that darkened towards the ends. Her face, slightly sharp, resembled Hugo's. Her hair was neatly braided into two braids with ribbons. And the eyes... red, but not like Hugo's — more like reddish, with round, not cat-like pupils. The girl looked at the owner of the rental with undisguised interest. Her white ears pricked up warily, and her tail, decorated with a cute bow, briskly wagged from side to side. This tail was painfully familiar to Wise. 

"Oh, I'm sorry" Hugo justified himself, his voice sounding a little more tense than usual "It's just that Lizzie wanted to pay for the cartoon herself, but her hands can't hold her entire wallet yet. If they caused any inconvenience, I..."

Wise shook his head, interrupting him. 

"No, no, it's fine. Here's your videotape. And is Lizzie your..." He couldn't take his eyes off the girl. 

"My daughter. Elizabeth" Hugo introduced his daughter, taking the cartoon from the counter and handing it to the child. She carefully hid it in a small backpack with bat wings. Then the girl hugged her father and reached for his hair, weaving a ribbon into his perfect braid. Now Hugo looked a little disheveled. "She wanted to see this cartoon for a long time, but I didn’t have time to take her to the premiere because of... You know. So I’m trying to improve."

Daughter?.. Hugo has a daughter?.. But why does she look like... 

"If that’s all then we’ll go. Goodbye, Wise. Thanks for found this cartoon for us~"

"Bye-bye, mister!" Lizzie shouted loudly, already hanging on her father’s shoulder and waving her hand to the stunned Proxy. 

Hugo was about to open the door, but someone did it first. Hugo stopped abruptly, instantly throwing the hood over Elizabeth’s head. The unexpected gesture made the girl squeal, the hood ruffling her braids, but she felt the sudden tension in her father's hands and clutched the collar of his jacket tighter. 

"Daddy? Is something wrong?" She whispered, trying to see who was blocking their path. 

Opposite her stood only one shocked thiren, staring at her with his one red eye. His wolfish muzzle twitched nervously, making him look like the awkward dogs from the videos she and Vivian watched on the Interknot. But when the fleeting thoughts retreated, Lizzie was able to see him completely. He was tall, very tall, big and fluffy. His fur was styled with such elegance that she immediately wanted to ask how he took care of his luxurious tail. Her own tail involuntarily wagged in response. She had never seen such beautiful thiren much less wolves. Elizabeth was about to say hello, but a familiar, vague smell made her look in confusion first at her father, and then at the stranger in the doorway. 

“Daddy, this is...”

But Hugo didn’t let her finish. He only nodded briefly towards the exit, exchanged a quiet, icy glance with this thiren, and quickly walked past the frozen figure. Lizzie peering out from under the hood saw how the figure of a huge wolf remained standing in the doorway of the video store, following them with an unreadable gaze. She had no doubt why his heart seemed to fall right to his feet. 

“Lycaon, are you okay?” 

The videotape he had recently taken for Corin almost slipped from his weakened fingers when Hugo’s golden hair and the flashing white tail of the little thiren disappeared around the nearest turn.

Chapter Text

From that day on, Hugo disappeared. He did not contact Lycaon, no matter how desperately he tried to reach him. Hugo was not a fool. He understood everything perfectly well, and therefore tried to push Lycaon away again — away from his family, away from the truth. It was foolish to think that he could hide Lizzie from him for the rest of his life, especially when they were just beginning to build shaky bridges between the past and the present. The euphoria of recent events and the false sense of security that followed the story of the fake death made him careless. 

Lizzie spent a long time with Vivian — the only person to whom Hugo could trust his daughter unconditionally. Only Elizabeth seemed not to care at all about her father's plans. No, she was not initiated into them — under no circumstances! — but Hugo made it clear: everything would be fine with dad, he just needed to go away for a while on business. It was a good thing Vivian hadn't told her daughter about his supposed death. Hugo wanted to protect his loved ones, but most of all, he was afraid of leaving his little light traumatized. Vivian was strong, she would survive the loss him. But Lizzie... She had no one but him and Vivian. It was unpleasant to admit, but in case something really happened to him, Hugo left instructions for Robin: take Elizabeth to her father. Yes, to Lycaon. It would be better for her. Thiren would surely take care of her — at least out of a sense of duty, guilt, and maybe something more... Feelings that Hugo did not want to use, but was ready to do it for his daughter. Their daughter. Even if Lycaon did not truly love her, Lizzie would never know about it. He knew how to hide his true feelings.

Why was Hugo so sure that Lycaon would treat Lizzie badly? Because she was the child of the man he considered a murderer and a traitor? Or because Lycaon simply never wanted children? Okay. At least he never said so. Hugo didn't know. They never talked about it at all. All the questions arose after Lycaon had left. It wasn't that Hugo was happy about the news then — it seemed like a quiet horror, and he seriously considered getting rid of such a responsibility. But he couldn't. This child was all that was left to him of Lycaon. And Hugo swore to give her all the love he could no longer share with anyone. He was even glad that Lizzie looked almost nothing like him in appearance. No, he would have loved her any way, but the realization that she did not inherit those damned Ravenlock traits was a stone lifted from his soul. 

He loved it when she snuggled up to him, rustled her ears and gently hit him with her tail. He learned to braiding hair. He vowed to give her the best so that she would never be embarrassed by the absence of a second parent. His princess deserved only the best. 

But the princess always wanted to know who gave her those wolf ears and fluffy tail.

Hugo never answered her questions directly. If he allowed himself to say something about her father, it was only dry and stingy: 

"Sorry, dear. We parted a long time ago. I don't know where he is now." 

"Does he... know about me?" 

Elizabeth saw how pain and anxiety flashed in her father's eyes, and fell silent. This topic was always painful for him, and Lizzie hated to see her father upset. Too often he pretended that everything was fine when inside there was a sea of ​​pain that he didn't want to share. So Lizzie often responded by pretending to have nightmares so she could sleep with her dad and Robin. But she knows that nightmares has her dad. 

Hugo actually had nightmares, but he never told anyone about them. It became a habit, and Elizabeth almost managed to let go of the question of her origins.

And then Hugo took her to Phaeton's rental shop. And that's where she accidentally met her father.

Fuck. 

He spent the last six years trying to hide Lizzie from Lycaon, and then he brought her to Phaeton's shop, where Lycaon was most likely to be found. Idiot. IDIOT!

"Hugo, will you stop banging your head on the table?"

Hugo jumped up from the couch where he was lying in a pampered young ladies pose and banged his head on the coffee table. Vivian was standing next to the couch, holding a stack of children's coloring books and crayons. Her serious face looked extremely funny because of the bird drawn in marker on her cheek. On a good day, Hugo would have laughed at her appearance until a similar creation was drew on his face, but now he just dramatically fell back onto the pillows and placed one on his face. 

"Vivi, just choke me so I won't suffer anymore." Vivian's exasperated sigh was heard overhead, and then Hugo jumped up from the couch as Vivian poked him in the side with her nails. "Ouch, Vivian, can I have some sympathy?? I have a trouble!" 

"I'd sympathize, but most of the time you create them for yourself" — Vivian kicked Hugo in the thigh with her knee and he reluctantly threw his legs over the back of the couch, leaving his adopted sister place to sit. "Lizzie's asleep, so tell me, what kind of story did you get yourself into with her?" 

"Why with her?"

"Hugo, you were going to Lord Phaeton. WITHOUT ME, PLEASE NOTE, ALTHOUGH I ASKED YOU TO TAKE ME WITH YOU" — Vivian tried to pinch Hugo again, but he covered himself with a pillow in time. "Ahem, so. Ever since you came back, I've been seeing this picture in front of me. So go ahead and tell me what you got yourself into or who you met." 

Hugo frowned, weighing all the pros and cons in his head. Okay, in fact, he was pretty guilty before Vivian about this whole Ravenlock thing, so it was only fair to dedicate her to this moment of his life story. All that was left was to think about how. 

"Lycaon" 

Oh, brilliant, Hugo, you're a real master at starting an explanation. 

"What's wrong? You guys discussed your old conflicts and... O. Ohhh... Fuck" 

"Vivian, swearing is not elegant" 

"Yeah, this is coming from the guy who spent the last half hour banging his head on the table and whispering all the curse words he knew" 

Vivian rubbed her temples in irritation. Hugo had never mentioned who Lizzie was from, but it wasn't hard to put all the known facts together and draw the right conclusions. Honestly, Vivian was madder at Lycaon than ever right now. 

"Ugh, I thought you two had a misunderstanding, but it turns out he dumped her too? He is a really as-..!" 

"Um..."

"Hugo. He knows about Elizabeth, right?" 

"..." 

"Hugo" 

"Now he does" 

Ah. She was wrong. Her older brother was a stubborn idiot as always. She should have realized this a long time ago, when he stood his ground in any situation, even when he was clearly wrong. Maybe she should put this naive creature out of his misery and just beat him with a pillow? 

"So, what are you going to do about it?" 

"Mmm... Nothing." 

"Are you serious?!" 

"Quiet! You'll wake Lizzie!" 

Vivian threateningly fell on Hugo and really tried to smother him with a pillow a couple of times as quietly as possible so as not to wake Lizzie. She really thought he was hopeless. 

"Vivian, is that how you imagine it?" — Hugo clasped his hands and smiled falsely. "Oh, hello, Lycaon. Meet our daughter Elizabeth. Lizzie, this is Lycaon, your father. That's how it is~" 

"So his name is Lycaon?" 

Hugo and Vivian turned their heads in unison towards the voice. White wolf ears stuck out from behind the sofa, curiously pricked up, waiting to hear the rest of this story. 

Oh, Hugo, you screwed up again.

"It seems it's past one o'clock for young princesses to be asleep," — Hugo propped himself up on his elbows and draped himself over the back of the couch, picking up the little thiren in the nightgown Vivian had made for her. Hugo lay back down on the couch, his daughter lying on his chest. Her tail kept hitting Hugo's face as she tried to hide her pleased expression. 

"So, my dear, how much did you hear?" 

"I didn't hear anything" — she grabbed her wagging tail and turned away. "Okay. Maybe just a little..." 

Hugo leaned back on the armrest and rubbed his eyes. Plus another problem. Lycaon could be avoided or sent away, but it's not working with child. 

"Um, let's agree that we won't bring this up again and-.." 

Ring... Ring... Ring... 

Huh? Who could have come to him so late? 

"Vivian, did you order something?" — Vivian shook her head. Hugo didn't order anything either and wasn't waiting for anyone. "Then who could it have been?" 

"Hugo, it's me, please open the door. We need to talk." 

Fuck. Again. 

Hugo picked up Lizzie and jumped up from the couch, moving Lizzie to his place. For some reason, Hugo couldn't think of anything better than to make a "shh" gesture and not move, so as not to give away his location. Vivian also jumped up, not knowing whether to open the door or pretend, like Hugo, that no one was home. 

"Hugo, why are we standing there..?" — Vivian asked in a whisper. 

"So that the floor doesn't creak" 

"But we did the renovation last year, our floor simply can't creak" 

"According to Murphy's Law, it will creak at this very moment. Let's stand like this for a couple of minutes? He won't keep ringing the doorbell if no one opens it for him" 

At that moment, the door handle clicked and slowly creaked open. Hugo and Vivian slowly turned their heads towards the doorway, where a shocked Lycaon stood, looking at Elizabeth hanging on the door handle. She was too short to open the door, so she obviously jumped to the door handle and hung on it. Her tail touched the floor, wagging from side to side like a fluffy broom. 

"Welcome, Dad!"

Chapter Text

Okay, it could have been called their usual get-together over a cup of tea, if not for one significant irritating nuance: Lycaon, who was sitting in his living room and drinking tea with him and Lizzie. 

When his daughter, out of childish curiosity (who was he kidding? She smelled that damn mutt), opened the door, Hugo could no longer send Lycaon away. No, not because Hugo didn’t want to, but because Lizzie had already seen him and was too delighted by Lycaon’s appearance, so any attempts to take her away from there or drive Lycaon away could end in conflicts, if not with Lycaon, then with his daughter. And Hugo especially didn’t want that. He certainly wouldn’t be able to survive this normally after several days of stress, and Hugo also was too soft to argue with his daughter, especially forbidding the wolf cub something would be more expensive for him. 

The four of them sitting in the living room of Hugo’s apartment. Or rather, the three of them. Vivian was the only one besides Elizabeth who had spoken to Lycaon at all, but even she had hurried away from the awkward situation, saying she would make tea for everyone. Considering that she had been the one to let Lycaon in, supporting Lizzie's invitation, it could be perceived as an attempt to escape from the intense gaze of multi-colored eyes. She was even too friendly for Hugo's taste. 

Lycaon, like an obedient dog, awkwardly crowded between the armchairs and the sofa, considering it bad manners to sit down before the hosts. Even if he was a guest, he had still shown up without an invitation, and Hugo was happy that Lycaon understood this, although in some ways it was still annoying. However, Hugo chose not to offer him a seat, leaving the choice of the area to Lycaon's conscience. He himself fell into his favorite chair. Yes, stolen. But Lizzie liked it. Incidentally, she immediately climbed onto her father's lap when he began to glare Lycaon with a displeased look. His smart girl always understood the atmosphere and respected her father's feelings. 

"Why did you sit so far away from dad?" — Lizzie laid her head on Hugo's chest and motioned for Lycaon to sit on the edge of the couch, closer to Hugo. 

Ah, well, almost respected. 

Lycaon obediently sat where Elizabeth suggested he sit. On this couch, sitting all alone, Lycaon looked like an abandoned puppy, although with his dimensions he continued to occupy half of his designer sofa. Plus his long and fluffy tail, which Lizzie continued to examine with interest, took up all 2/3 of the couch. 

Judging by the expression on Lizzie's face, she was very interested in talking to Lycaon, getting to know him better, or at least sitting next to him, but she saw Hugo's displeased look at Lycaon and only sighed in disappointment. Even her ears drooped and remained pressed to her head. 

Oh, brilliant, now I have two upset puppies looking at me.

Hugo sighed in annoyance, lifting Lizzie into his arms and kicking Lycaon in the thigh to make him move aside and let Hugo sit next to him. Lycaon hesitated for only a second before quickly moving aside and letting Hugo and Lizzie sit next to him. Ugh, typical Thirens. They began to wag their tails in unison, hitting Hugo's side and thigh.

"Remind me, how do you know my address?" — Hugo propped his chin on his hand and glanced at Lycaon.

"You live on the second floor of your gallery. It would be strange not to start your search from here"

"Still suspicious. Have you been following me like a true mayoral bloodhound?"

"Not at all, a bird sang."

Lycaon has become too impudent. Does she really think that Elizabeth can protect him from Hugo's wrath?

"Proxies? Or..." — Hugo looked towards Vivian, who was making tea.

"Proxies have nothing to do with it, and Ms. Vivian's conscience is absolutely clear" — Lycaon watched with a warm smile as Lizzie tried to quietly get closer to Lycaon's tail to touch his soft snow-white fur. Which, in fact, he did not refuse her.

"So, definitely connections or... Wait. Robin, are you home?" — Hugo shouted into the hallway, but did not hear the sound of the little bangboo's footsteps.

"Oh, yes, I think I told him in secret that Butler wanted to send him a gift, but he had no idea where Robin lived."

That damn thiren deceived him bangboo?!

"Oh, and I take it my little bangboo is getting absolutely nothing. Apparently the Butler is not far removed from his master." 

"Not at all, it seems they are together now. The Butler was very keen to treat Robin to his soufflé." 

Oh, Robin is going to have a serious talk when he gets home. 

A few minutes later, the four of them were sitting at a coffee table. Vivian returned later, holding a set of cups and a teapot. Hugo carefully moved Lizzie off his lap to help Vivian carry the tray to the table, but Lycaon was ahead of him, helping Vivian prepare the cups and teapot, as well as carrying a tray of sweets and snacks. Ah, just like the best Victoria Housekeeping traditions. Lycaon also wanted to help pour the tea into the cups, but Vivian said she would do it herself. She didn't want to make the situation even more awkward, yes? 

Vivian poured aromatic melissa tea into cups — Hugo's favorite. Judging by her worried look, there was clearly something else in the tea. Hugo took a sip. A light taste of melissa remained on his tongue, a refreshing aftertaste of mint and... ah... A couple of drops of motherwort tincture. Hugo slowly turned his head towards Vivian, blinding her with his slight smile. 

"Ah, Vivian, your tea is especially incomparable today" — Vivian, I think I am quite sane. What kind of ridiculous attempts to calm me down with all possible sedatives in one cup? 

"I tried, Hugo, I'm glad you appreciated it" — If you behaved decently in front of Elizabeth, I would not try to calm you down with such cheap methods. Maybe I should also bring you some chamomile so that you cool your ardor? 

Vivian, remind me why I couldn't throw him out the door? — Hugo's silent question to Banshee. He raises his left eyebrow slightly and twitches his ear. 

Because you can't make a scene in front of Lizzie. At least wait until she falls asleep — Vivian stuck out her little finger as she drank from her cup. 

Oh, I wasn't even the one who opened the door for him to begin with. And anyway, I-...

"Are you staying with us tonight?" 

Lizzie settled down next to Hugo, tucking her legs under her, and kept her rapt gaze on Lycaon. He sat upright and prim, holding his cup and saucer with the unapproachable air of an aristocrat, but Hugo noticed how he was furtively, as if hypnotized, watching the smooth movements of Lizzie's tail. It was amazing how the unstable wolf Hugo knew suddenly became so neat and perfect, a real treat for the eyes. Although Hugo would rather call it dust in the eyes. 

The girl's innocent question for a second created a crack in the perfect image of Lycaon, as well as in Hugo's image. 

"I-..." 

"Absolutely not." 

Hugo realized that he sounded too loud and harsh, causing Elizabeth to press her ears to her head in disappointment. 

Ugh, Lycaon, because of you, I am losing my reputation as a perfect dad

"Ahem, I mean, Lycaon clearly has enough to do. Doesn't he?" 

"Ah... Yes... Yes. Sorry, Elizabeth." 

"Oh... I see." 

Lizzie, looking down, returned to her cup and Hugo felt another pang of guilt, especially when her tail fell sadly onto the pillows.

Elizabeth, still trying to imitate Lycaon's graceful pose, tried to take the cup by the handle with three fingers and stick out her little finger, but her small hands couldn't hold the cup and it began to bend over her knees. When the tea almost started to flow out of the cup, Lizzie quickly pressed her lips to it and took a big sip of tea. The hot liquid burned her lips and throat badly and she dropped the cup in surprise and coughed. Hugo quickly put his hand out and caught the hot cup with his hand. Half of the hot tea spilled on his trousers, the cup burned his hand, but he tried to ignore the pain and discomfort, quickly putting the cup away on the table. 

"Oh, my God, Lizzie, be careful. Are you badly burned?" 

Hugo instinctively reached for Lizzie so she could cough into his sleeve, but Lycaon was quicker, pulling a white handkerchief with the VHK emblem from his breast pocket and handing it to Lizzie so she could clear her throat and wipe her mouth. While Elizabeth wiped her mouth and the tears that had appeared, Hugo gently stroked her back. Vivian quickly tried to put the cup away and wipe the drops off the table. 

"Lizzie, dear, are you okay? Can you stick out your tongue? If it's still hot, let's rinse your mouth with cold water?" 

Lizzie sniffled and turned away from Hugo, burying her nose in Lycaon's tail. 

"I'm fine. Dad... Are you going to be gone for a long time again after today?" 

Lycaon froze, bending over Lizzie. Hugo also tensed up at what he heard. The question was clearly not addressed to him and he could not answer it, nor influence Lycaon's answer. Lycaon seemed to understand this and also remained silent. It was terrible. They, two adults, could not properly answer a child's question. The worst thing was that he was not alone. 

"Daddy... He said that you two broke up a long time ago... Is it because of me?" 

Oh no. 

"Oh, no, sweetie, no. I-... It's not because of you." 

Hugo fell to his knees next to Lizzie. His worried gaze darted between Lizzie's trembling back and Lycaon, who reached out his hands in an attempt to calm her, but stopped, searching Hugo's eyes for resolution, but there was only worry there. Hugo tried to hug her, but she only turned away from his attempts, continuing to squeeze Lycaon's tail. 

Hugo was completely confused. Any excuses he could make, any attempts to explain himself would now seem pathetic and selfish. He couldn't say what the reason for their breakup was, or why he hadn't told Lycaon about it. Hugo's pride was involved, his personal pain and mistrust was involved, his own fear that he would force Lycaon to do something he didn't want to do was involved. It was a personal tragedy that he had dragged his daughter into. 

"Lizzie... I-.." 

"Elizabeth." — Lycaon, who had been watching the scene unfold helplessly before, saw the fear and devastation in Hugo's eyes and carefully got up from the couch and sat down on his knees in front of Lizzie. — "Listen to me. It's not your fault. Don't ever think like that again." 

Elizabeth turned her head slightly, releasing Lycaon's tail a little from her grip. 

"Your dad..." — Lycaon swallowed hard and looked at Hugo, who was worried. — "We have a long history together, but I can promise you that our misunderstandings were not because of you. And he loves you very, very much. And he did this to protect you." 

Not a word about what happened. No blame towards Hugo. Not a hint of his own role in this conflict. 

"It's my fault, so please don't be mad at Hugo. Everything he does, he does for you." — Lycaon looked at Hugo with a hint of hope, asking for his permission. Hugo closed his eyes tiredly and nodded to Lycaon at this silent request. Only then could Lycaon allow himself to stroke Lizzie's head in a soothing gesture. She looked at Lycaon in confusion for a few seconds before bursting into tears and collapsing into Hugo's arms. 

Hugo let out a sigh of relief and wrapped his arms around her, closing his eyes. She whined softly into his shoulder as he stroked her hair gently. For a second, Hugo felt Lycaon's hand fall almost weightlessly on his back. For a second, Hugo allowed his shoulders to relax briefly.

______________________

"Come on, Lycaon, it seems you wanted to talk about something."

Hugo carefully got out of Lizzie's bed, adjusting her blanket. Vivian had long since gone to bed, having taken Hugo's promise to talk to Lycaon calmly and not make too much noise. She decided not to interfere in the conversation between Lycaon, Hugo and Elizabeth, so she stood aside, but was glad that she did not have to interfere.

Lycaon quietly watched as Hugo put Lizzie to bed, turning on a bat-shaped nightlight for her and kissing her head. He felt an unprecedented surge of tenderness when Hugo's video was so gentle, homely and absolutely calm. When Lizzie was already seeing her tenth dream, Hugo carefully left her room with Lycaon and invited him to talk in the living room.

Hugo opened the window a little to check the room. There was a light breeze outside and it got a little stronger, filling the room with the night coolness.

Hugo dropped into the chair opposite Lycaon and wrapped himself in his blanket, which he had been covering the chair with. 

"Okay, I'm listening to you." 

"First, I want to do this." — Lycaon came closer to Hugo and took his hand, which he had burned when he caught Lizzie's cup. Lycaon looked at the red spots on his pale skin and frowned. — "Still hurting?" 

"Probably? The second drawer in the dresser on the way out, since you want to play the gentleman so much." 

Lycaon sighed heavily, but said nothing, returning a few minutes later with a first aid kit. They sat in silence while Lycaon treated Hugo's burn and bandaged his hand. The cold ointment made the unpleasant sensation of the burns more bearable. 

"Better?" 

"Yeah, thanks, I'll write you a review." 

"Hugo..." 

"Never mind. Enjoy the fact that I'm listening to you for now." 

"I... We can put this conversation aside. You look... exhausted." 

"Oh? And whose fault is that?" 

Lycaon guiltily laid his ears back against his head and looked down at the floor. Hugo chuckled softly. Suddenly, memories of their youth came to mind, when Hugo would lie exhausted in bed and Lycaon would sit guiltily on his knees next to his bed. 

You're a fucking animal, Lycaon! And don't give me that puppy dog ​​look, it won't help! 

Sorry... 

Ugh! Get some ice from the fridge... And a cup of tea. Come on! 

Yeah, that was a good time. 

Lycaon turned his head towards Elizabeth's room and smiled softly. 

"She's incomparable, Hugo."

"I know."

"You raised her well"

"I... Thank you..."

Lycaon sat closer, right next to Hugo. He had long noticed the many photos of Lizzie and Vivian, as well as the small drawings on the walls that Hugo had not painted over. They were very dear to him.

"Hugo, I want to be a part of her life."

Hugo chuckled.

"Why?" Hugo leaned back in his chair without interest and closed his eyes, ignoring the shocked growl near his ear. Lycaon was probably angry at such an "obvious" question. From the outside, Hugo seemed cruel, but he didn't care. "Don't get me wrong, Lycaon, I just don't understand what feelings you're doing this for. Do you want to take responsibility? Don't, I don't need it. Are you gnawing at the guilt of abandoning not only me but her as well that day? Blame yourself only for the first part. Leaving that child was my decision. Do you want to play family? I'm sorry, but Elizabeth is not stupid and will understand the deception, and I don't want to deceive her. Again." 

"Hugo, I-..!" - Lycaon looked almost offended, although he was still trying to control himself. "I really want to fix this. Hugo, I know the truth now, and I know what really happened. I was a complete idiot to leave you." 

"We've already established that I played a role in your departure, too. I think we've settled this here." 

"But still..." Lycaon carefully knelt down in front of Hugo, gently extending his hand until he was sure Hugo was okay with it. He carefully took Hugo's healthy hand and clasped their fingers together. "Hugo, I've already lost your trust once, and I truly deserve to be called a traitor. But I want to fix it. For you, for Elizabeth, for us. I won't leave you again. Even if I have to defend your trust in me for the rest of my life." 

Hugo was silent. The silence between them was not awkward, but every second spent on this roof was unbearable. Lycaon did not know what else to say, because Hugo did not answer. He just looked down silently, either at Lycaon or somewhere past him. The anger and pain in his soul had not yet subsided, but now they were opposed by something new — a strong desire to trust again, responsibility for Lizzie's happiness, and, to be honest, he still had feelings for Lycaon. 

Confusion, fear — all this was reflected on his exhausted face. He wanted to answer, he wanted to say something. 

"Good night, Lycaon" 

But this escaped. 

"Oh... I see..." — the silence became deafening again, before Lycaon rose from his knees and headed for the exit. 

"Good night, Hugo" 

Chapter Text

Hugo lay curled up. He was unusually small on this large bed, and the other half of the bed was, unfortunately, unusually empty. Several months had passed, and he still could not get used to the cold and the absence of a large and warm back in front of him. He remembered only its retreating back among the red haze and the ubiquitous destruction. 

And Hugo did not try to stop it then. Did not try to justify himself. Did not think that he deserved to continue to exist. 

And then he found out what was left for him after Lycaon left. 

Then, sitting in the bathroom, which was huge for him, where he had barely fit before, because he was not alone, Hugo quietly sobbed, and when he had no strength left for this, he simply began to look somewhere ahead, either at the wall, or examining the joints in the tiles. It was some kind of evil joke. His whole life was some kind of evil joke. Or was it not only his now? He didn't know what to do. Everyone around him was doomed to suffer. He was the worst possible parent. He couldn't cope alone. What would Lycaon say if Hugo had told him then? Would he have left anyway? He couldn't forget that look of disappointment and anger. If he had known... Would he have been able to leave Hugo? Leave Mockingbird? That child... Would he have stayed out of duty? Would the only thing that united them was the child? And what if he was like Hugo? Would Lycaon never be able to truly love their child, remembering Hugo in him every time? 

No. Hugo didn't want to think about that. 

What he does? Does he even think about him sometimes? He definitely does. Hugo chuckled to himself. Perhaps he left the most vivid trace in Lycaon's memory. He would like to see his face when Hugo told him the latest news. If that night hadn't happened, Hugo would have walked up to Lycaon, quietly hugged him from behind, and reached out for a morning kiss. Lycaon would have made them breakfast, brewed their morning coffee, and Hugo would have pushed the glass away with a smile and calmly declared that he couldn't have caffeine anymore. Lycaon would have decided that his partner was kidding or demanded more sugar. 

And then Hugo would have told him what he had recently learned. 

Lycaon wouldn't have believed him. He would have thought that Hugo was joking, he would have started to grumble, and then his tail would have wagged. 

"Lycaon, it seems your fantasies have a way of coming true" 

Ah... Lycaon..! 

"This... Are you sure about this?" - Lycaon would have pricked up his ears excitedly and barely tried to hide his joy. "Maybe we should check again?" 

Lycaon, please, I want this! 

 "You're too happy, aren't you? Yes, I'm quite sure of it. And I've gained weight." 

Lycaon, I want your puppies! 

"Hugo, I... I don't know what to say." 

Hugo... Hugo, how much do you want? 

"Are you happy, or..." 

I'll give you whatever you want. I want us to have children. 

"Hugo, I'm happy, I'm so happy, you've made me the happiest thiren in the world." 

He covers the distance between them in a couple of steps and hugs him tightly. Hugo feels warm and safe, and also loved and happy. He wishes he could stretch this moment out for a few more minutes. 

But there was a cry next to him. 

Hugo opens his tired eyes and quickly rises up on his elbows. His hand involuntarily finds the light switch near the bedside table to get a better look at the source of the noise. His little wolf cub in the duvet had woken up in the middle of the night again. Hugo couldn't blame her, he knew that when her first baby teeth started to come through, he would only be able to dream about sleep. He had read a lot about raising children, and each time he turned paler, because you couldn't be prepared for any of this, no matter how hard he tried. But in reality, everything was a little simpler.

Somehow, instinctively, he managed to catch all the dangerous moments and adapt to the new pace of life with her. So when she started whining and screaming at night, Hugo was not at all afraid. His lifestyle did not allow for normal sleep, so spending the nights calming his dear daughter was not a problem. 

Hugo quietly got out of bed and went to the small crib next to the nightlight in the shape of the moon. His little daughter was kicking her arms and legs, throwing off the blanket and trying to scratch everything around. Hugo knew that the claws of thiren wolves grow too sharp, so every couple of days he trimmed them and bought Lizzy clothes only with closed palms, so that she would not accidentally scratch her face and hands. 

"My little princess, why aren't you sleeping? Is it because of your teeth again? I know, it's very frustrating. Especially knowing that they'll fall out when you're six years old," Hugo carefully takes Elizabeth out of the crib and holds her to his chest. Lizzie whines loudly and cries into his shoulder, hitting him with her palms in cute mittens and pressing her ears to her head. Ah, it seems that even thiren wolves can't listen to their own cries because of their good hearing. 

Hugo gently strokes Lizzie's trembling back and goes to the kitchen. He navigates in the dark based only on memory and knowledge of the area, but Lizzie definitely saw everything better. He quickly goes to the refrigerator and opens the freezer. The sudden light from the refrigerator briefly distracts Lizzie from the pain and she begins to look at the frozen foods with interest, while Hugo looks for something in the freezer. 

"Here, this should ease the pain."

Hugo hands Lizzie a frozen pacifier, which she clamps between her teeth. She whined a little for a while, but then the pain seemed to subside and she calmed down for a while. Hugo came back to bed with her. She sniffled and twitched occasionally as she lay on his chest, and he slowly stroked her from her ears to her ponytail. His hair had grown out considerably and fell to his collarbones, and Lizzie constantly reached for it, sometimes tugging Hugo's hair or chewing on it when her father was careless enough to doze off with her in his arms. Her sweet big red eyes of a beautiful reddish hue looked at Hugo's tired face with interest.

"I look unpresentable, don't I?" Hugo chuckled quietly as Lizzie tilted her head with interest, and then lay back down on Hugo's chest. Her tail wagged cutely from side to side and sometimes hit Hugo's hips. 

His little wolf cub, his joy, his princess, his sunshine, his meaning of life. 

He pressed her head closer and kissed the top of her head. He tried to hug her as gently as possible, but every time he caught himself thinking that he wanted to freeze in these embraces for a long time. But Lizzie always untangled herself from the ring of his arms or began to growl or sniffle discontentedly. Hugo thought her attempts to seem threatening were unimaginably cute. He wished that Lycaon could see her and be with him in these magical moments. But Hugo managed everything himself. Lizzie turned around in Hugo's arms and persistently began to twist her arms so that he would let her down on the mattress. 

Hugo thought he had everything under control, but when Lizzie slid out of his arms and lay quietly on the bed for a while, he allowed himself to doze off a little. Half asleep, he opened his eyes, watching Lizzie's actions. Here she was slowly fiddling with her hands, here she was looking somewhere into the distance, here she was crawling forward without looking down. 

He woke up at the moment when his daughter's small figure almost fell off the bed. 

Hugo made a dash for her in an instant, intercepting her in his arms. He squeezed her tightly in his arms, pressing her head to his chest and covering the back of her head from any accidental blow. They flew off the bed together, but Hugo tried to turn so that he would fall on his back and soften their fall. Instead of Lizzie, he fell off the bed, and at full speed, hitting his head on the edge of the chest of drawers. Unharmed. She was unharmed. Hugo felt his heart pounding and a slight ringing in his ears. His forehead was covered in cold sweat. For a few seconds. He didn't move for a few seconds before he began to examine Lizzie. Apparently startled by the sudden crash, she began to cry and howl loudly. Hugo, still in shock and whose relief was too sudden that he didn't know what to do, quietly got out of bed with the crying Lizzie and returned her to her crib. Automatically, he continued to rock and soothe her, but Lizzie continued to cry.

And then Hugo couldn't take it anymore.

The tears he hadn't allowed himself to show for a long time came to his throat. He fell silent and fell to his knees in front of Lizzie's crib, sobbing silently. The shadows of the past seemed to be looking at him from every crack, and helplessness was pressing down on him again, as if he were fourteen again.

"You see?" Hugo whispered somewhere to the floor, hearing helplessness and fatigue in his own voice. "You see everything. I can't cope. Why is she crying now? I don't know, I don't know anything. My hands are shaking when I hold her. I'm afraid to fall asleep. I don't remember the last time I slept. What if something happens to her?"

Hugo lifted the crying Lizzie out of the crib again and began to rock her in his arms, nervously humming something more for his own comfort, because his own voice was drowned out by Elizabeth's loud whining. He squeezed his fingers on Lizzie's shoulder and immediately unclenched them, frightened by his own strength, fearfully returning her to the crib. 

"God, darling, forgive me, forgive me" his plea was drowned in crying. "Why aren't you here? Why aren't you with us? Traitor, you damn traitor!" 

Her father's desperate cry made Lizzie fall silent for a while. She slowly turned her tear-stained eyes to her father's reddened eyes. 

Hugo was quietly sobbing, curled up near Lizzie's crib. The little wolf cub looked curiously at her father's new emotions. 

Realizing that he had not heard Elizabeth's crying for a long time, Hugo quickly stood up, examining his daughter's already peaceful face. Both of them had wet eyes and Hugo chuckled nervously, wiping away tears from Lizzie's cheeks with a handkerchief. 

"We look alike now, don't we? I'm sorry... You shouldn't have seen me like this." 

Hugo gently began to rock the crib and adjusted Elizabeth's blanket. 

"It's okay, honey. I can handle it. We can handle it. I'll give you everything. This world will be just for you. And he... He never knew what he was missing." 

Hugo carefully leaned down and kissed Lizzie on the top of her head. She tried to grab his hair again, but all the strands just slipped out of her mittens. 

"Let's try to go to sleep again, honey? Don't worry, Daddy will always be here." 

And he continued to rock her crib in silence until Lizzie fell asleep. Silence, full of sadness, pain, anger and love, which should have been enough for two. 

___________________________

Hugo was lying in his bed with a book of fairy tales that Vivian had recently brought him. For Hugo's taste, the stories on the pages were too boring and monotonous. When he needed to steal a licensed edition of the novel from the Old Capital, he worked for about two months as an editor of a weekly collection of stories in one publishing house. And, to be honest, he had the best stories in the weekly collections. At least he even received two salaries at once with a bonus for raising the rating among readers. And now? Now there is a continuous path of the hero from point "A" to point "B". No interesting heroes, no complex characters, no unexpected turns. Everything is too sterile. Elizabeth, too, seemed not particularly interested in the fairy tale, since she did not look at the beautiful pictures, but examined the thoughtful face of her father, fingering the fur on her tail. Hugo even started to fall asleep a little. Lately he had been especially sleepy after taking the pills.

"Daddy, why did you hide him from me?" 

Oh, and that's when Hugo woke up. 

"Hiding who, dear?" 

He was definitely not ready for this conversation. His pulse quickened sharply, as if his heart was beating in his ears. Lizzie definitely heard it and saw her father's blatant lie. Her gaze darkened and she herself frowned deeply. 

"You know who I'm talking about! Why did you never tell me about father?" 

Here it was. The question Hugo had been avoiding for years. Direct, without the opportunity to change the subject. 

"Lizzie... It's a complicated story... I haven't spoken to him for a long time and we... Well... We parted on a very difficult note. I wasn't even sure if he was alive or not." 

As always. He always told Lizzie the same thing about Lycaon, but this time it wasn't enough. At least Lizzie certainly looked almost offended. She was frowning deeply, her cute little nose wrinkled in undisguised displeasure. 

"Lies! Why are you lying to me again?" Lizzie screamed loudly and pulled herself out of Hugo's arms. "When I first met Father, he smelled so familiar... And then I remembered that you smelled like that just recently. It was after you told me you had to "go out on business". So you've met him before! You knew where he was! You've seen him! Even now, you have his scent on your clothes! You lied to me!" 

It was the ruthless directness of a child. Accusations that only children could hurl so openly and that were impossible to argue with. Hugo raised his arms, trying to hug Lizzie, but she just waved him off. 

"Sweetheart, I wasn't lying, I just wanted... I wanted to protect you..." 

"And from what?" — Lizzie's voice grew louder and more disappointed. "From him? He's a bad person? He hurt you?" 

"No, no! Oh... I mean, yes... but it's not that simple, Lizzie..." — no matter how much Hugo replayed this conversation in his head, he wasn't ready to face it for real. 

"If he's not bad, then why did you hide him? And if he is, then why didn't you kick him out? I don't understand!" 

"Lizzie, please..." — coming from Hugo's mouth, it sounded almost like a plea. "Adult relationships are very complicated. There were things that caused us... to break up. It was my fault, too. And I... It's complicated, honey. It's all very complicated." 

Elizabeth looked at him, clutching the pillow in her hands. Her eyes were no longer confused, but real disappointment. 

"You were afraid that I would only make things more difficult?" 

Hugo froze in place and his silence was her answer. 

"It's not fair! You asked me to trust you so many times and then you lie to me over and over again! Always! You don't care about me!" 

Hugo stared at his daughter in horror, almost dropping the book from his hands. She wasn't just upset and hurt at Hugo, she looked betrayed and it was Hugo's fault and his desire to shield her from the inconvenient truth, even if it was with the best of intentions. 

"Lizzie, I'm sorry. I just wanted to-..." 

"No, I don't want to listen! You'll start lying again!" Lizzie pushed Hugo's hand away and jumped off the bed, running to her room. "I don't want to hear your lies again!" 

Hugo watched his little daughter run away. Her tail dragged sadly on the floor. The door closed behind her with a quiet but deafening click. Hugo was left completely alone, listening to the quiet crack of his daughter's trust in him. The foundation on which he had built their little world had cracked, and Hugo had no idea what to do now. He wanted what was best for her, but he wasn't sure if that desire was dictated by his own comfort. 

The worst part was realizing that her resentment was completely justified. It wasn't fair.

Chapter Text

Time had dragged on criminally slowly since their last meeting. Even the daily routine of Victoria Housekeeping Co. couldn't save him; too much had piled up in the last few days. He had a daughter. He had a daughter with Hugo. And he couldn't see her. He was torn between the urge to howl in frustration, yet meekly accept his former partner's will, and the urge to finally meet Elizabeth, even if it ruined his relationship with Hugo. Again.

Hugo affectionately called her "Lizzie." Lycaon couldn't allow himself to address her that way, not even in his dreams.

On the one hand, he completely understood his former partner's position. He himself couldn't forgive himself for leaving Hugo, leaving the Mockingbirds. Especially when a child was a factor in all of this.

Fuck.

Lycaon clutched the ceramic vase he'd been cleaning until it cracked. He was an idiot, he was a goddamn idiot! He left Hugo alone, completely alone, in such a vulnerable state, and not alone. The shreds of self-control barely restrained his urge to slam his head against the wall, so as not to cause any more trouble.

She looked about seven years old, maybe even younger. Lycaon couldn't quite remember when he and Hugo had parted. Not because it wasn't important. After the loss of his legs and an eye, the rehabilitation process, and the help of numerous medications, time had slipped through his fingers, and he couldn't even fully comprehend when they had parted and how long it had taken him to recover. He only remembered starting work as head of the VHK, and when he came to his senses, he couldn't bring himself to get involved in this Ravenlock business again.

 "M-Mr. Lycaon! Your hand..."

Corin, who had been next to Lycaon the entire time, watched in confusion as her usually prim boss growled under his breath and then clutched the antique vase so tightly that shards of glass were embedded in his hand. Lycaon hadn't even noticed until Corin spoke up.

"It's all right, Corin. I'll clean up the shards, you can go."

The girl looked at him with disbelief and fear, but nevertheless obeyed the order and left. Lycaon returned to the room with a rag and a broom, cleaning up the sharp shards and making a mental note to buy a new vase to replace the damaged one. He hastily bandaged his hand, as he often did in his youth after accidental injuries. If memory serves, it was usually Hugo who dressed his wounds. Lycaon was usually the one who nagged Hugo for his carelessness and tended to him when he was ill. Lycaon was in better health, and wounds, pun intended, healed on him like a dog. However, this doesn't mean Lycaon never suffered wounds. This was often due to his wild nature and inability to wait for the right moment. Usually, Lycaon would simply bandage the wound with something that could pass for a bandage and keep going. Hugo initially complained that he found this sight unpleasant, but then simply began tending to his wounds himself. And Lycaon would be a liar if he said he didn't enjoy it. The sight of Hugo carefully bandaging his wounds evoked a special warmth in his heart. Maybe he even sometimes intentionally wounded himself so he could be alone with Hugo in their room in that old attic, silently watching as his caring hands carefully bandaged every wound on Lycaon's body. He could watch his searching features, the thoughtful gaze of his beautiful eyes, listen to his heartbeat, and resist the urge to kiss the two moles under his eye.

He missed him. He missed him so much.

Lizzie, sweet Lizzie. She looked like Lycaon, the same snow-white wolf cub with dark tips and a fluffy tail, but her features were so similar to Hugo's. In that way, she definitely took after him. He never got a good look at Lizzie's face. Did she have the same moles under her eye as Hugo? When she laughed, did her eyes sparkle the same way? Did Hugo sing to her at night? Did he read her stories? Lycaon wants to know what Hugo looks like at home, hugging little Lizzie. Does she braid his hair? Does he braid it for hers? If Lycaon hadn't left then... what kind of family would they have been? Did he even have the right to dream of that now?

Now Elizabeth knew about him. Had Hugo told her why they'd broken up? Would he have shared his life story with Lycaon? No, Hugo certainly wouldn't have done that. But he could tell to her about Lycaon had hurt Hugo a lot. Lizzie loved her father; that would be enough for her to cut Lycaon out of her life, and Lycaon couldn't argue with that, because it was true. Damn, but she was looking at him as if she expected them to be one big family now, with Hugo. Maybe all children want to grow up in two-parent families?

"Sometimes family is worse than enemies, Lycaon."

Or maybe not...

His thoughts were interrupted by a ringing phone. During work hours, it was usually either the proxy or the Mayor who would text him, but this time the number belonged to... Hugo? Lycaon answered almost immediately, as soon as he saw the caller's name. Most likely, Hugo hadn't even gotten through the first few rings.

"Hello, yes, Hugo?" Lycaon's voice was overly excited, filled with almost undisguised joy at Hugo's call. It gave him a chance and at least some hope.

But Hugo remained stubbornly silent.

Or rather, Lycaon heard the noise on the line, the cursing, Vivian's disgruntled voice, and Hugo's cursing, but no one had yet answered his questions. Perhaps he was the least of his concerns right now.

"HUGO, I TOLD YOU TO PICK UP THE PHONE AND TALK TO HIM!"

 "VIVIAN, I WON'T DO THIS, I DON'T-..."

"I ALREADY CALLED HIM, ANSWER."

"VIVIAN, I DON'T-... Hello, Lycaon." For a second, Lycaon thought Hugo had indeed been switched, but the background noise remained.

"Hugo, what happened?"

"Nothing that concerns you-... OUCH, Vivian!"

"Hugo, stop being childish and do it!"

"Ugh, OKAY. Lycaon, are you busy?" Lycaon distinctly heard the sound of a police siren in the background. "If you're busy, that's okay. I'm signing off."

"Wait, Hugo! No, I'm free! What happened? Where are you now?" Lycaon distinctly heard the sound of a siren and the sound of wind in the speaker. Hugo and Vivian were definitely... somewhere they shouldn't have been, according to the law. "Hugo, are the police there?"

Hugo's grunts and curses, and Vivian's complaints, came over the line. At one point, Lycaon heard the sound of a gunshot all too clearly, a brief silence, and only then Hugo's tense voice, trying to maintain some semblance of composure and expectation that he had everything under control.

"Small squad, no point in worrying. So, what was I saying?" — Hugo grumbles for a second, and in the background, he hears Vivian's scream and the sounds of gunshots. "Vivian, be careful! I don't need any more holes in my body! Now, Lycaon, can you run to the mall now? Lizzie's having a crafts class there right now. I wanted to pick her up today, but as you can imagine, I've run into a few complications. Can you pick her up and take her to your work for a bit? I'll try to pick her up as quickly as possible later this afternoon."

Lycaon stopped breathing for a second, and then his tail started wagging so hard it blew several things off the table. Is Hugo letting him pick up Lizzie from daycare? Like her dad?

"Lycaon, stop wagging your tail so much. I'm picking her up today. Don't you dare say anything untoward to her, understand?"

 "Yes"

"Aren't you imagining things?"

"How dare I?"

"Ugh, I hope so. Okay, I'm hanging up. Don't you dare keep her waiting!"

The line rang, and only then did Lycaon allow himself a soft smile. He would have the opportunity to pick up his daughter from kindergarten as her father. He checked his image in the mirror several times to look as flawless as possible. He quickly handed over all the details to Rina, Corin, and Ellen. The girls didn't ask their boss many questions, but his happy expression certainly reassured them. At least Lycaon had stopped looking sullen, and that suited them.

Lycaon practically ran to the mall. Hugo sent him the floor, the name of the teacher, and what time Lizzie's classes ended. Lycaon figured he should arrive 15 minutes before the end of the event. His colleagues promised to cover for him if necessary, so Lycaon could stop by with Lizzie for a bite to eat if she missed lunch. Hugo didn't specify what time he could pick her up, meaning there was a good chance she'd be with Lycaon until the evening. He'd have to explain her identity to the VHK staff somehow. In any case, he had to be there with her because Hugo would pick her up from there.

1:45 pm. Lycaon made it just in time. The place he'd arrived at was a rented craft center for children. The office was designed like an aquarium, with transparent walls covered in acrylic animals and flowers. Lycaon peered through the glass to see what was going on in the room. There was a low, round table in the hall, around which sat a multitude of children. They were clearly making something out of paper, but with varying degrees of success, so Lycaon couldn't figure out what they were trying to make. Apparently, it was some kind of appliqué on plastic plates, and everyone was creating and drawing whatever they liked with minimal assistance from the teachers.

"Um, excuse me, sir, are you expecting your child?" a sudden female voice interrupted Lycaon from his attempts to find Lizzie among the crowd of children. When he turned around, a short, thiren rabbit girl with long black ears stood before him. She looked slightly nervous, clearly tense in the presence of an unfamiliar thiren wolf, about whom she hadn't been warned.

"Ah, yes, I'm here for Lizzie... Elizabeth."

Lycaon sheepishly covered his face with his hand while the girl processed the information. After a few seconds, she lost her wary expression and smiled at Lycaon, nodding her head sharply.

"Oh, I see, I see, you're Elizabeth's father. Now I can see the resemblance! Sorry I didn't recognize you right away. I completely forgot Mr. Hugo mentioned he wasn't the one picking her up today." The girl gestured toward another hall, where there was some kind of waiting room. "We'll be done in about ten minutes. Could you please wait for your daughter in the parents' lounge for now, okay?"

Lycaon agreed to wait for Lizzie in the parents' lounge and entered the hall. The room was also decorated in the same style as the main hall, even the furniture here was mostly children's. Many mothers and fathers sat hunched over on small, mushroom-shaped chairs, while others simply stretched out their legs, looking absolutely comical in their serious suits, but sitting on small chairs. Lycaon's arrival replaced the calm atmosphere with loud whispers. Lycaon hadn't intended to speak to anyone, standing aloofly in the corner of the room, but apparently his appearance was attracting too much attention. Two women, previously standing in the circle of parents, approached Lycaon, hiding their smiles with their hands.

"Ah, are you Elizabeth's father?"

Lycaon tried to calm his tail, which, despite the heavy straps, still swung back and forth at the mention of his daughter. Still, Lycaon tried to keep his expression calm.

"Yes, that's true."

"Wow! I thought Mr. Vlad's beauty alone would last for generations, but my god, Elizabeth was so lucky with her fathers, such good genes! Now it's clear who she takes after!"

"Oh, don't even mention it. I'm so envious of Mr. Hugo! He's married to such a handsome man!"

"Hey, but Mr. Hugo himself looks like a model who just escaped from a magazine cover! We visited his gallery once. The man looked like just another work of art in a place filled with masterpieces. Mr.... Um..."

"Lycaon. Thank you so much for speaking so highly of my-…" Lycaon closed his eyes, not believing he was actually saying the word — "husband."

A tall man with a thick mustache shook Lycaon's hand and smiled. Many of those present had known Hugo and Elizabeth for a long time. Apparently, Hugo often invited them to his gallery so Lizzie could play with her peers. Thanks to their high opinion of Hugo, Lycaon was also well-regarded. Once the formal introductions were over, many of the parents returned to ordinary conversation, discussing where they had taken their children, how much it cost many to get their children ready for school, what classes they enrolled their children in, and so on. The atmosphere was surprisingly calm. A couple of women jokingly mentioned that Lycaon's arrival had broken many hearts, as they had hoped to win Hugo for themselves. To be honest, this statement made Lycaon smile sheepishly to himself and press himself into the corner just tight enough that his tail wouldn't move.

A couple of minutes later, children began to scurry into the room. Each one ran to their parent, eager to show off their handiwork. A few seconds later, Lizzie appeared, confusedly searching the crowd for Hugo. Then her ears perked up and she began sniffing something before turning her surprised gaze to Lycaon. Almost immediately, her tail began wagging.

"Daddy?"

Lycaon knelt down and extended his hand to Lizzie. As if waiting for this signal, she leaped up and jumped into Lycaon's arms. It was a long, long-awaited embrace, uninterrupted. Lizzie clung to his neck. Something creaked near his ear, and Lycaon belatedly realized it was her handiwork. He carefully scooped Lizzie up and headed toward the exit.

"How did you spend your time? Did you enjoy the lessons?"

Lizzie hesitantly clutched the fur at the back of his head before starting to tangle the tangles in Lycaon's fur.

"Yes, but... where's Daddy? He said he'd come back for me..."

Lycaon smiled and lifted Lizzie onto his shoulders.

"He had some urgent business at work. He's picking you up today. You don't mind spending the day with me, do you?"

"What? Really? Daddy said yes?"

She tried to climb over Lycaon's shoulder, but would have almost fallen off his back if Lycaon hadn't held her back. He helped Lizzie down.

"Yes, really. If you want, I can record our conversation." 

Lizzie shook her head.

"No, no need. Just... Never mind. Are we going to your place of work?"

Lycaon nodded, and he and Lizzie went down to the subway. On the subway, she told him about what they'd done in class that day, and what she'd drawn on her plate. From time to time, the names of other children and teachers came up in conversation. However, she tried to avoid mentioning Hugo in conversation, but readily talked about Vivian. This struck Lycaon as odd, but he decided not to press the issue. Who knows what kind of conversations they'd had after Lycaon's arrival. As they exited the subway, Lycaon spotted a small restaurant and invited Elizabeth to go in for a bite, but she declined, citing lack of appetite. Okay, that was already odd. Lycaon didn't know what Lizzie's personality was like, whether she was prone to melancholy or whether something had truly happened between her and Hugo, but he certainly wouldn't interrogate her, not now. At least maybe she'd feel calmer and more cheerful in Ellen and Corin's company? Rina worked with children more than he did; maybe she could talk to her somehow?

Wait, how would he explain Lizzie to his colleagues?

"Boss, why are you standing there in the doorway? Oh, and who's that with you?"

Lycaon was so lost in his thoughts as he walked to VHK headquarters that he didn't even notice he'd already entered with Lizzie in his arms. They were met at the door by Ellen, who was somewhat surprised to see her boss return with the child.

"Daddy, is this your colleague?" Lizzie turned to Ellen, tilting her head inquisitively.

"Daddy...?" Ellen looked shocked, slowly turning her gaze to Lycaon, who was clearly embarrassed but didn't deny his relationship with the child in his arms. Corin, standing near the door, dropped her bucket and mop at Lizzie's question.

"Daddy??? Mr. Lycaon, do you have a daughter?!"

Lycaon nodded affirmatively, hiding a smile behind his hand. Lizzie, realizing there was no threat and these people were harmless, turned fully to face them and asked Lycaon to let her go. But as soon as her feet touched the ground, she was lifted into the air by Rina, who had silently arrived and immediately began to cuddle Lycaon's daughter.

 "Oh, she's so cute! Mr. Lycaon, how could you hide such a treasure from us?" Rina's bangboo flew around Lizzie, repeating after their owner, "Cutie! Cutie!" and "Hiding treasure! Villain! Bad wolf!" "Little one, what's your name?"

"Waaah! Elizabeth!" Lizzie was surprised at first, but as they began to spin her through the air, she relaxed and spread her arms, enjoying the feeling of flight. Rina's sardonic bangboo only mocked Lycaon this time, while Lizzie allowed herself to be hugged, just as she usually hugged Robin. "How do you fly like that? Are you a wizard, too, like Daddy?"

"A wizard? Oh, Mr. Hugo can fly too?" Rina smiled slyly at Lycaon.

Has she figured it out yet?

"Do you know my dad? No, he can't fly like that, but he can make things disappear, even the biggest ones, and then they appear in his gallery or at our house."

Oh, Lycaon can imagine that. Hugo's quite the magician in that regard.

"Do you have a lot of things at home?" Lycaon takes Lizzie from Rina's arms. He carefully brushes a strand of hair from her braid away from her face. "Was there a black horse statue there by any chance?"

"Oh, a lot! Dad even has a separate room for his beautiful things. And I recently broke the horse figurine." Lizzie clasped her hands and pouted in disappointment. "Dad said everything was fine and that it wasn't that expensive. He said he got it for one coin, so I don't have to worry about the price."

Mmm, Lycaon should tell the client he won't be able to find that figurine at private auctions or from resellers. Well, at least Hugo wasn't lying about the coin, except it was taken to NEPS as evidence in the Mockingbird theft case. Well, that client had still been terribly rude to the VHK staff, so Lycaon was actually glad that the figurine had been a nice toy for his daughter and had ended up being broken by her.

VHK staff aren't supposed to do that, but when everyone in the room was told that the annoying figurine had been broken, everyone except Corin smiled triumphantly, and Ellen offered Lizzie some candy.

"Did Daddy really need this figurine? Was it that expensive?"

Lycaon smiled and patted Lizzie on the head.

"Don't worry about it, it's just a trinket, not worth worrying about."

Lycaon walked with Elizabeth to his office, wondering what to do with her while they waited for Hugo. He supposed, since she was in crafts class, she must like drawing. While Lizzie was trying to climb onto his chair, Lycaon quickly brought her some colored pencils and paper. High-quality ones, naturally. The Victoria Agency couldn't afford to lose face, especially in front of such an important guest.

"Wow, is this chair made specifically for Thiren? Is it to make it more comfortable to sit with a tail? How about you show me how you sit in this chair?"

Lycaon smiled, looking at Lizzie's delighted expression. It was indeed a chair made to make it more comfortable to sit on, preventing her tail from bending unnaturally. It was custom-made for Lycaon, but he actually had plenty of furniture like that. Since Lizzie wasn't going to school, Hugo probably hadn't thought about how to decorate her desk. Should he show him some ideas for comfortable chairs for Thiren, so Lizzie wouldn't have any problems with her posture?

As soon as he sat down, Lizzie climbed onto his lap and reached for her pencils and paper. Oh, Lycaon hadn't considered the table would be too high for her. He should have prepared a drawing area on the coffee table.

"Want me to move everything to that table?"

"Nah, I'm comfortable as is."

"Oh, good."

 While Lizzie was drawing something resembling flowers and birds, Rina came into the room to leave some tea and sweets. Lycaon thanked her for her resourcefulness. From time to time, he asked Lizzie what she was drawing, and at her request, he drew something next to hers, unable to understand why she was dissatisfied with what he was drawing.

"That doesn't look like a bird! I wanted you to draw a bird! What is this?"

"But it's a bird. This type of bird is called a seagull."

"But Daddy always draws a different bird! It doesn't look like that!"

"What does your daddy's bird look like?"

"I can't draw one like that, I thought you could. Daddy always draws one like that in his letters to someone."

Hm? In his letters?

Lycaon opened his desk drawer and pulled out a beautiful, scented envelope containing a letter. The scent made Lizzie's ears perk up and her tail wag. Lycaon opened the letter and pointed to Hugo's signature, where the bird was.

"Is that the bird Hugo draws?"

Lizzie nodded and began squinting, trying to make something out, then frowned.

"Something wrong?"

"I can't read this letter. What does it say?"

"Didn't Hugo teach you to read?"

"He did, but not these letters. Is this Dad's handwriting? He always writes these weird scribbles. They look like just searching lines, not letters."

Licaon chuckled softly. Hugo had always been very proud of his beautiful handwriting. Lizzie's words would probably have embarrassed him.

"But to me, he writes very beautiful letters. And here it says, um..."

How do you explain this to a child?

 "You can't read this yourself, can you?"

Okay, she was quite sarcastic. Now it's clear this is Hugo's child too.

"No, I can, it's just that this is a slightly personal letter from Hugo to me. I'm embarrassed to read it out loud."

"Ahh... I see..."

She didn't believe it. Clearly she thought Lycaon couldn't read Hugo's handwriting either.

"By the way, you're a little thoughtful today. Is something wrong?"

Lizzie flattened her ears.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

Well, you're definitely a carbon copy of Hugo.

"You know... When I was younger and sad, I often found relief in the stress of doing something or being with someone I loved."

"Hmm... Were you often in a bad mood?"

"It seems like it happened very often after the fight with your father. And it happened because instead of talking, we chose to make a bunch of mistakes."

"Both?"

"Both... Me more..."

"And what did you do?"

"I... I didn't try to understand the situation or get to the truth, and your father didn't have the strength or desire to reveal it. Perhaps if I had looked further back then, if I had stayed and taken his side no matter what... Maybe everything would have been different."

Lizzie looked uncertainly at Lycaon before resting her head on his shoulder.

"Does this 'truth' somehow concern me? I think Daddy is a big liar... Why did he hide you? Am I the problem? Would you still be together if it weren't for me?"

Lycaon interrupted her before her thoughts could go any further and head in the wrong direction.

"No, no, it's not your fault. Our fight happened for completely different reasons."

"How?"

"I can't say."

"So I was right... He's been lying to me this whole time! Every time I asked about you, he says he doesn't know where you are, but he smells like you! He talked to you! He knew where you were! Why did he hide it then, if you're good? Was he afraid to tell the truth because he thought I wouldn't understand? I understand everything! What kind of trust can he possibly be talking about?"

Apparently about the kind he expected from me...

Now Lycaon understood everything. Lizzie was upset with Hugo for keeping Lycaon's existence a secret. He found himself in the middle of an argument and didn't even know it. He needed to be very careful right now.

"I... I'm sorry you had to find out this way. Sometimes, when adults don't know what will happen if the truth comes out, they hide it. It's just to keep things in order. You never know how things will turn out. I think he just didn't want you to be more upset if his worst fears came true."

"But they didn't, so why does he keep pretending nothing happened?"

"Elizabeth, I—... Wait, what are you doing?"

Lycaon saw his daughter slip his phone out of his pocket and search for something. Lycaon didn't know if he should have taken it away, but when he heard the beeping sound, he knew he should have. She was calling Hugo, who answered surprisingly quickly.

"Lycaon, did something happen to Elizabeth?"

"Dad."

"Lizzie? What happened? Is everything okay?"

Hugo's voice immediately changed when he realized it was Lizzie calling, but that seemed to be the only problem in this situation.

"You're terrible! You only care about yourself! Nothing bad has happened, and you're already taking away my right to know my father! I'd rather be hurt than not know anything! I don't want to see you!"

Lycaon saw tears streaming down Lizzie's cheeks, and Hugo seemed too shocked to answer right away. Elizabeth handed the phone to Lycaon and covered her face with her hands. When her sobs faded, Hugo apparently realized the person he was talking to was no longer his daughter.

"Lycaon," Hugo said, his voice cold and threatening. "What did you tell her?"

"Hugo, I..."

Lycaon didn't even know what to say. Whatever he said, Hugo could misinterpret it now.

 "Are you turning my daughter against me? Are you out of your mind?"

The background noise was still loud. Hugo clearly still hadn't finished dealing with the sudden business. Vivian's voice was also in the background, unable to understand what Hugo was angry about.

"No, Hugo, I swear, that's not what I meant. I'll explain everything!"

"Shut up. I don't want to listen. I'll be there soon. And don't you dare tell her anything else that will make her cry!"

The ringing of the phone was deafening. Lycaon swallowed nervously and turned to face the crying Lizzie. She stopped crying, shocked by her father's angry and loud voice. Her resentment gave way to fear.

"Is he... Is he really angry?"

Lycaon nodded.

"Yeah..."

Lycaon leaned back in his chair and covered his unbroken eye with his hand.

"I can understand why. He has every right to. We both made a mistake now. You by not letting me fully explain, and I by misrepresenting the situation from Hugo's perspective. Your father was wrong to keep the truth from you until the very end. But he didn't do it for himself, he did it to keep you from getting upset. You can never predict another person's actions," Lycaon hugged Lizzie, "Even when it seems like you've known each other for a long time. His actions weren't dictated by a desire to live comfortably for himself. Hugo would never put his desires above yours. He simply didn't want you to be broken-hearted like his was. I'm not trying to make excuses for him; I just want you to understand his point of view."

"I... I didn't mean to... I was just so angry... It all seemed so unfair and I..."

She cried into Lycaon's shoulder. He hugged her and stroked her back soothingly as she whispered that she didn't mean to break her father's heart.

"Shh, I know, it's okay." Lycaon poured her a glass of water when she stopped sobbing and continued. "We all make mistakes. It's important to know when to stop and admit our mistakes."

"What if he hates me now?"

"No, Lizzie," Lycaon patted her head and hugged her. "He may be sad, upset, and hurt, but it's all towards me. He will never direct those emotions at you. And he will never stop loving you. That's impossible. I promise you, when he arrives, we'll explain everything to him together and apologize. I'll be there. At worst, you can say it's all my fault and your dad will scold me. Deal?"

Lizzie nodded, sobbing. Lycaon continued to hug her until she calmed down completely. He knew they would have a very difficult conversation soon. He just had to figure out how to explain it to Hugo before he tried to kill him. Well, that was a problem for future Lycaon. The current Lycaon decided to do something else with his daughter to distract her from unpleasant thoughts.

They drew some more. And talked for just as long. Lycaon learned a lot about Lizzie. Her birthday was March 23rd. She liked the color blue. Her favorite food was tomato paste, which Hugo made. She had hypoglycemia, like Hugo, but she said she was glad because she actually liked sweets, even though Hugo, she says, told her it wasn't anything to be happy about. Hmm, Hugo must be taking very good care of her, since she's never had a bad case of low blood sugar before and doesn't realize how serious it is. A couple of minutes later, all sorts of sweets were laid out on the table, and Lycaon handed her his cup of tea after she drank hers along with the delicious cakes.

When their impromptu tea party came to an end, Lizzie climbed onto the table with a serious expression and pulled out Hugo's letter, which Lycaon had put aside.

"Okay, so this letter was written by Dad?"

Lycaon nodded. Elizabeth peered thoughtfully into his eyes before continuing.

"So, everything is okay? Will you get back together?"

"Um... That's a bit of a difficult question..."

And how should Lycaon answer that?

"Okay, do you love my dad?"

"Yes."

Lycaon didn't hesitate for a second when answering that question. Because he loved him, he always had, and he never doubted his own feelings. He'd broken his promise to Jack because he couldn't live in a world without Hugo. He certainly couldn't take his life. Ever. Lizzie was clearly surprised by such a quick and confident answer, and frowned again, considering something.

"If you love him, why don't you ask him out? Take him to a restaurant, watch a movie together, stroll through Proxy Park at night!"

 "Um, what does this have to do with proxies?"

"Vivian always says we should go to park with "proxy" and that she can win their hearts there because it's beautiful, the atmosphere is perfect, and the moonlight shines romantically at night."

"I don't think that's it..."

Lizzie frowned again and leaned back against Lycaon's shoulder, her ears drooping thoughtfully. She wouldn't try to play matchmaker, would she? Lycaon thought it would be a miracle just to sort out their encounters, and then there's the matter of rebuilding his relationship with Hugo, which would also be good to work on.

"Boss, your... You know. He's really angry and out of breath. Should I make him some tea?"

If, of course, Lycaon survives until the next morning.

"Yes, thank you, Ellen. I'm counting on you."

The sound of men's shoes approached Lycaon's office. Lycaon and Lizzie instinctively swallowed and braced themselves for a difficult conversation, because they both knew one thing: Hugo was extremely stubborn.

The office door swung open with such force that it almost slammed against the wall. Hugo stood there. His usually perfect hair was shaggy and out of place, his expression a mixture of rage, panic, and deadly fatigue. His breathing was ragged, as if he'd run a marathon across the city in a matter of minutes. He quickly focused his gaze on Lycaon and Lizzie, who were sitting by the window at Lycaon's desk. Both looked terrified.

"Lizzie," Hugo said, almost instantly flying to the table, examining Elizabeth's tear-reddened cheeks and eyes. His voice was hoarse, but he tried to keep his composure. "Are you okay?"

He reached out to her, but she only leaned sadly closer to Lycaon. Hugo froze, his face frozen in confusion. He turned to Lycaon, and anger and displeasure flashed in his eyes.

"What did you say to her?"

"He didn't say anything bad! It was me! It's all my fault…"

Hugo seemed confused. Lycaon was about to defend Elizabeth, but she interrupted him, clutching the fabric of his jacket.

"Daddy, I yelled at you. I'm ashamed, so ashamed! I didn't mean it! I didn't mean it! I lied! I really want to see you."

Hugo remained silent. His terrible anger from moments earlier gave way to confusion.

Lycaon stood up with Elizabeth in his arms, moving closer to Hugo. It was his turn to explain.

"I wanted to know what happened between you and explain it to her from your perspective. I didn't express myself quite correctly, and it resulted in one big misunderstanding. Lizzie wanted to speak up, but I didn't want her anger directed at you. She should be yelling at me first. I'm sorry it happened."

Hugo stood stunned. All the anger, sadness, and resentment he'd brought with him had vanished. He looked from his daughter to Lycaon before sighing heavily and holding out his arms in a warm embrace for Lizzie. He pressed himself closer to Lycaon and brushed her hair to one side.

"Lizzie, my sunshine. I would never dare be angry with you. I was afraid you misunderstood. I'm sorry, did I scare you? You shouldn't have heard or seen me like this. I'm sorry I lied to you. Your dad is just very anxious and doesn't want you to grow up like that. However, I chose a terrible way to do it. It's my fault. You had every right to be angry with me."

Lizzie pushed away from Lycaon and jumped onto Hugo's neck. He immediately caught her in his arms and sat on Lycaon's desk for comfort. Hugo held her close, carefully watching her back. Over her shoulder, he looked at Lycaon. His face expressed silent gratitude for this conversation with his daughter. Lycaon simply nodded in response. Hugo was grateful for this laconicism, too.

"Dad, you sme—..."

"Shall we go home, Lizzie? Vivian missed you. I think she called Phaeton and she's in a great mood. Maybe you want to go for a walk in the park or..."

"Dad, can I play with Ellen, Corin, and Rina some more? When am I coming back here in the next time?"

Hugo looked at her in surprise after this request, but he let her go and nodded.

"Yes, of course, you can play with the girls a little longer. I'll wait for you here."

Lizzie looked gratefully at her father, hugged him tightly, and ran after Ellen, who had just arrived and left the cups of tea on Lycaon's desk. Hugo and Lycaon were left alone in the study.

They stood in silence for a few seconds before Hugo sat down on the small sofa next to the coffee table and picked up his cup of tea. He looked... exhausted. Hugo usually didn't allow himself to appear in public looking anything less than perfect. Was it the argument with Elizabeth that had brought him down, or was he in too much of a hurry to get to Lycaon to sort this situation out?

Lycaon was at a loss again, just like last time at Hugo's house, only this time he didn't know where to sit in his own home.

"What happened to your hand?"

Hugo's sudden question surprised him. Lycaon didn't immediately understand what Hugo meant, but then he remembered that he'd cut himself on some shards of a vase that morning. Apparently, Hugo had noticed it, or rather, his hastily bandaged hand.

"Nothing serious."

"Aha, I see. Bring the first aid kit and sit with me."

Lycaon offered no resistance and, like an obedient dog, went to get the first aid kit for Hugo and sat down next to him.

"Lycaon, give me your paw."

Lycaon instinctively placed his hand on Hugo's outstretched palm and only a few seconds later realized it was another of Hugo's jokes, which had caught him off guard, because Mockingbird first stared at the hand in silence and then burst into loud laughter. Lycaon sheepishly flattened his ears and demanded that Hugo stop laughing, but his pleas were ignored. 

"Good boy! A truly exemplary dog! Hey, Lycaon, do you need a treat for completing your command?"

"Hugo, stop it," Lycaon frowned, his ears turning red, though his tail was wagging. Seeing Hugo smile was much better than seeing his disappointment, though the fact that Lycaon had fallen for that old trick was a little embarrassing. "Looks like you were about to do something."

Hugo laughed a little more before returning to Lycaon's arm. He carefully cut the old bandages with scissors (when had he managed to get those from the table?). Judging by Hugo's calm gaze, it wasn't too serious. At least Lycaon wasn't being lectured. Hugo took some cotton wool and hydrogen peroxide from the first aid kit, treated the wounds, and began carefully bandaging Lycaon's arm, occasionally asking if it was too tight or too flimsy. Even if something were wrong, Lycaon wouldn't have said anything, too captivated by Hugo's gaze. His handsome face, even exhausted, was beautiful. He wanted to hug him like before and fall onto the bed while Hugo grumbled and tried to escape Lycaon's embrace. He wanted to simply lift his chin and...

"Done. That's definitely better."

"Hm?"

"You didn't doze off there, did you, stupid dog?"

Lycaon didn't immediately return to reality, too lost in his thoughts. Hugo looked at him with a mixture of weariness and feigned irritation. Lycaon snatched his hand from his and covered his mouth with it.

"Sorry, I was too deep in thought."

"Oh, I see, you was staring at me, weren't I?"

"Hugo!"

"Then I'm right. Okay, mutt, put your tail away. It's time to pay for my medical services."

Before Lycaon could respond, Hugo had already tucked his tail aside and lay down on Lycaon's hips.

"Hugo, you-..."

"Just let me lie here. I'm actually pretty tired from running here."

"I was wondering if I should put a pillow under your feet."

Hugo turned his head at Lycaon in surprise and chuckled contentedly.

"No, I'm good"

And with that, he hugged Lycaon's tail, which had been wrapped around his waist.

 _____________________________

"Lizzie, I think it's time we went. Come on, say goodbye to the girls and let's go."

Hugo slowly placed his hat on his head and straightened his jacket before entering the hall, where he could hear Elizabeth's voice. Lycaon noted that, despite his rest and short nap, Hugo still didn't look particularly well, but he decided not to press the issue; there was a good chance Hugo would simply respond with a sarcasm or ignore his question altogether. So Lycaon had only one option: observe.

When they entered the hall, they were met with a somewhat... shocking sight. Lizzie was sitting at a table surrounded by Rina, Ellen, and Corin, but the latter two girls looked rather wary and pained.

Empty plates from Rina's food sat on the tables, and Lizzie was finishing something.

This scene sent Hugo and Lycaon into a panicked frenzy, which instantly showed on their faces. Lycaon knew from personal experience how dangerous Rina's food was; Hugo had once tasted her pastry, and it hadn't ended well. Lizzie hadn't eaten everything Rina had brought her, had she?

"Lizzie, dear, how are you feeling? Are you okay? Should we go to the hospital?"

Hugo immediately rushed over to Lizzie and began examining her for poisoning. The little girl looked surprised and couldn't understand why her father was so frightened. Lycaon, meanwhile, began asking what Elizabeth had eaten. If he hadn't been a white wolf, his hair would have turned gray instantly. Hearing her boss's question, Rina merely clapped her hands with a smile.  

"Oh, would you like to try this dish too? Sorry, it's still in the oven. I asked our little guest to wait and offered her the desserts we already had," Rina looked thoughtfully at the kitchen, then at Ellen and Corin. "Sorry, if you wanted your daughter to try my food. For some reason, Ellen said she was suddenly very hungry and ate the pie I brought. Ah, I had to treat Miss Elizabeth to some pastries from the bakery across the street. If you'll wait, I'll serve my pastries with tea!"

After Rina's words, Hugo and Lycaon turned their gaze to Ellen. She looked as if she'd been through a difficult ordeal, and Hugo mentally promised her he'd grant her any wish for saving his daughter. When Rina left, Lycaon hurried to Ellen.

"Oh, Ellen, are you okay? I'll get the medicine right away and-..."

"Ew," Ellen spat everything in her mouth into a pastry bag, turning away first, of course, so as not to startle Elizabeth. Hugo patted her back reassuringly. "It's okay, boss, I didn't swallow that food. Phew, but I definitely deserve a day off..."

"Oh, thank you for saving my daughter... I'll write a check for your full workday plus extra... You're a hero, young miss."

Ellen waved her hand at Hugo, who had arrived just in time, and collapsed onto the sofa. Only Lizzie, sitting in her father's arms, didn't understand what had just happened.

"But I loved the desserts Miss Rina brought..."

Ellen, half-asleep, gave her a thumbs-up.

"Um, would you be okay if I left you for a moment to take Hugo and Elizabeth home?"

Lycaon looked guilty about leaving his subordinates in such a situation again, but Hugo placed a hand on his shoulder and shook his head.

"No need, Lycaon, we'll get home on our own. Thanks for picking up Lizzie today and looking after her," Hugo turned toward the exit and stepped forward. He looked tired but calm. Hugo hesitated for a second, looking away, and then exhaled deeply. "And for helping us sort this out."

Lizzie, slightly drowsy from the desire to go to bed, suddenly reached over Hugo's shoulder to hug Lycaon goodbye. Hugo turned back to help Lizzie reach Lycaon, but he himself remained standing with his back turned. Lycaon hugged them both, which embarrassed Hugo, causing him to hide his blush and slap Lycaon's arm, exclaiming, "You're overdoing it, pompous mutt!"

"Bye-bye, Father, thank you for today!"

Lycaon, still not fully accustomed to being addressed this way, cautiously hugged her back.

"Thank you too, Lizzie."

Lycaon smiled warmly at his daughter and turned his gaze to Hugo. A mental exchange of silent questions, simple pleasantries, and promises that such encounters would happen again. Hugo nodded to Lycaon and walked out of the mansion with Lizzie, disappearing into the evening twilight. Lycaon stood in the doorway for a moment, watching their figures, before returning to the house. He had business to attend to, the office to clean, and, oh, Rina's food...

__________________________

Several hours passed. Lycaon had already managed to tidy up his office, clearing up the aftermath of his tea party with Lizzie. He'd put all the drawings she'd made that day in a folder, along with Hugo's letter. Lycaon hoped he'd have another chance to fill that folder with more mementos. Lycaon managed to sneak Rina's baked pie into the hands of several hollow raiders, then sent them to NEPS. Afterward, he was about to get ready for bed when his phone rang. It had been ringing almost at night, so it was clearly urgent. Hugo's name appeared on the phone screen, and Lycaon was a little surprised. Why would he call at this hour? Despite his confusion, Lycaon picked up the phone.

"Hugo? What happened?"

But instead of Hugo's voice, he heard Lizzie's quiet, intermittent sobs.

"Daddy passed out..."