The Hustle of Love

Chapter 21: A Son's Return

Nick woke even earlier than usually the next morning. As he began his morning routine, trying not to wake Finnick, he looked at the calendar. He hadn't noticed that his birthday was coming up.

"Wow, 34 in three day. Shit time flies."

Nick had never thought about his age till he had met Judy. Last year was the first time since he was seventeen that he had celebrated it. Infact his age had been one of the factors that made him hesitant to ask Judy out. Judy was only 28 more than 5 years younger than him. He then began to think what to get Judy in 4 months for her birthday. Also his birthday would be the first one of either of theirs celebrated as a couple. He left his apartment with a cup of coffee at 5:30, the time he usually woke up. Not only did he have to be to work early to face Bogo. He also had decide to face his father this morning. He walked for a few blocks running through his head what to say. Every memory of his dad began to flash in his mind. His Birthday, family dinners, all kinds of wonderful memories. He could tell he was getting close to where his dad was. Maybe he should turn back, but he also knew he had to do this. He was a block away from his father now, he didn't want this, but at the same time this was long overdue. He had began a new life, am honest life. Make peace with his old man would complete that change. He saw his dad, he began to sweat as he approached. He stopped just inches from him.

"Hey dad."

The pale and weathered grave stone that read the words "Abraham P. Wilde" stared back at him. Underneath the name in small lettering read "It's called a hustle sweetheart." Nick kneeled on the ground as the sun began to rise.

"It's been a long time."

Nick picked a few stray weeds that grew around the headstone as he admired the flowers his mother had brought the day before.

"Mom says I need to talk to you, she's right you know. I might have gotten my tricks from you, but my stubbornness is all hers."

He felt a cool breeze blow as he waited, almost expecting a response from the headstone.

"As you can see from the uniform I'm a cop now. Finally did something you'd be proud of. Finnicks still doing good, but there's someone else as well dad. Her names Judy and I love her. I'm going to bring her here tonight so be looking your best okay."

A single tear began to roll down Nick's cheek.

"She umm, she's not a fox dad, she's actually a bunny believe it or not. I was too young when you died to know what interspecies was let alone how you felt about it. But I hope you would approve. God knows her father doesn't, he thinks I'm a no good fox, honestly I don't blame him. For the last 27 years I've been pissed at you dad, angry beyond belief. An I'm here to say, I'm sorry about that. You made a choice, but what happened because of that choice wasn't your fault."

Nick looked at his watch and saw he had to leave soon.

"Listen dad I have to go, duty calls and all. But I'll be back later with Judy, remember to look good."

He ran his fingers across his dad's name as his tears hit the grass. Before getting up and leaving he said something he hadn't said in years.

"I love you dad."

Judy was waiting outside Bogo's office when Nick arrived at ZPD.

"Hey Carrots, ready for judgement day." Nick Said taking a drink from his cup.

"Not the time Nick."

Nick new that this wasn't a joking matter, but humor just came out naturally. It was how he coped with hard situations.

"Sorry Carrots."

"It's ok Nick, just come here."

Judy jumped off her chair and wrapped Nick in hug. He hugged her back knowing she was worried. After a few more moments of waiting Bogo called them in. They sat in the same chair again and waited. Finally Bogo spoke.