Chapter Text
Pawbert never really fit in with the rest of his family, and everyone in the house knew it. On good days, he would be left to fend for himself in the massive manor. Sure, he had the occasional brief conversation with a member of the house staff, but when his father was around, Pawbert was practically blacklisted. Nobody wanted the slightest hint of association with him, afraid to catch the eye of the elder twin lynxes, who were always by their father’s side, eager to do whatever it took to get in his good graces, even if it was less than truthful.
On bad days, well… Da– Father always said that pain is what makes animals stronger. Success won’t just be handed to you, so you need to know how to deal with the consequences of a failed plan. The punishments were just an extension of that. Father often said that if nobody was there to put him in his place, then he would just go on to keep making the same mistakes. Cattrick and Kitty were more than happy to point out Pawbert’s mistakes, so that Milton could deal with the problem before it could get out to anyone outside of the family. He still can’t forget the first time it truly registered to him, no matter how much he ignores it.
…
‘Does somebody mind explaining to me why I had to come all the way down here to stop this incessant babbling from all over the house? I was in a very important business meeting, so there had better be a good explanation,’ his father had asked him and his brother.
Cattrick was quick on the offense. ‘He started it! I was just trying to get a look at that stupid doll he keeps hiding from us, but he wouldn’t share!’ his older brother pointed at him.
‘You were just going to ruin it like you did with my Growler Ranger figures! Blue can’t even stand on his own now! Momma gave me Mr. Lynx! He’s mine, not yours! I don’t have to share him with you!’ Pawbert shot back.
‘You’re just a puny runt who doesn’t know when–’
‘Enough!’
The boys quickly quieted, but Pawbert could still feel Cattrick glaring at the side of his head.
‘This kind of behavior is unbecoming for our family. Cattrick, you disappoint me. How many times do I have to tell you that a real Lynlex takes what he wants and has the strength to keep it that way? People who hesitate have no place in this family.’
Cattrick scoffed under his breath. ‘Understood, Father. I won’t make the same mistake again.’
‘See to it, then. You’re free to go now.’ At his disappearance, Milton turned to Pawbert, eyes sharp.
‘And you… When will you learn to grow up, Pawbert?’ he asked, as a small sigh escaped him. ‘Nobody in life is going to love you if you can’t do a single thing right. Whenever something goes wrong, all you ever do is cry. Crying,’ he continued, eying his son, ‘is a weakness, and a Lynxley is never weak; a Lynxley fights back and leaves their enemies crying instead. If you aren’t going to fix yourself, then just stay out of your siblings’ way. They are starting to show signs of proper Lynxleys, and I won’t have you ruining that.’ He grabbed Pawbert’s wrist tightly.
‘Do you understand?’ Milton finished, leaving no room for argument.
‘...Yes, Daddy,’ Pawbert replied quietly, eyes downcast.
‘Good,’ he said, letting go of the boy. ‘Your little mess has caused me to fall far behind on my work. I do not want to hear anything more about you for the rest of the day as I try to make up for the time I’ve lost. Go, now.’
…
If there’s one thing Pawbert wishes he could tell his 6-year-old self, it’s that he should’ve tried harder to stay out of everyone’s way. To try to avoid causing any bad days despite how often they seemed to find him.
Truthfully, Pawbert had started to doubt the effectiveness of these ‘lessons.’ They didn’t seem to fix anything wrong with him. He kept making the same mistakes, and when he didn’t, something new would come up. But this was the only way to become a proper Lynxley, and Pawbert had a long way left to go...
…Even so, certain appearances had to be met for the brief moments when Pawbert would have to be present in the public eye at the Lynxleys’ many galas or parties. Every time, Pawbert needed to prove to his family and the world that he was just as Lynxley as the rest of his family.
Tonight was the annual winter holiday ball, and he knew the routine well at this point. Put on the uncomfortable tuxedo set that never seemed to fit quite right, stand close but not too close to his father, speak only when spoken to, and above all else, try not to be even more of a disgrace to the great Lynxley name.
He was planning on sitting this one out like most of the others, but at one of Milton’s public events, some nosy reporter commented that there was no public announcement of Pawbert’s 21st birthday earlier in the year, and wondered if he would be present for the upcoming festivities. Mr. Lynxley had no choice but to reply that the birthday was a private affair (there wasn’t one), but that the youngest Lynxley would proudly attend the party with the rest of the family (he wasn’t supposed to).
Pawbert was stuck staring at his bowtie, silently hoping that nothing would go wrong tonight. This was the first time he had been deliberately called to the limelight; he couldn’t afford to mess it up. Just stay calm; you’ll only have to be present for the opening ceremony, lurk in the shadows for a while, and then you can go back to your r–
“Pawbert, why haven't you finished dressing?” someone hissed. “The party is in a few hours, and unluckily for us all, you’re the apparent star of the show.”
Pawbert was shocked out of his thoughts and turned to see Kitty in the doorway. She was in one of her typical pantsuits (something the tabloids claimed was taking the fashion scene by storm), although this one was a deep sparkly red for the season. Armed with matching nails, black heels, gold jewelry, and a faux fur boa draped over her shoulders, she truly lived up to her name as one of Zootopia’s top models for the past 4 years.
Pawbert heard her clear her throat; she was glaring at him. He was taking too long to answer.
“O-oh, w-well, I was about to put on my bowtie, but I, uh…” He looked at the tie as he trailed off. Like usual, he could feel the shame crawling up his spine as icy daggers pelted into his back.
“You can’t be serious. Don’t tell me you still haven’t figured out how to tie that thing correctly?” She gave him a look that said she wasn’t in the mood for whatever joke he was playing at.
He stood silently, head still turned.
“You’ve got to be–” she started, deadpan, before closing her eyes and shaking her head. “Come over here, and bring the damn thing with you.” Pawbert noticed that her words, strangely, sounded more tired than angry. He did what he was told.
Both lynxes were quiet as Kitty started fixing his tie and collar for him. Pawbert felt like he could slice the tension with a claw.
“...So, uh… Kitty! You look…” he racked his anxiety-riddled brain for an adjective that would please her, “…nice?” He could practically feel the way her eyebrow raised. Shit. It’s not over just yet, Pawbert. You can still fix this! “I-I mean, you don’t look nice,” he said, trying to backpedal. And then the realization hit him. “Fuck! T-that came out wrong! What I meant to say–”
“Pawbert.”
He gulped. “...Yeah?”
“...Your tie is fixed.” She moved around to face him as she started smoothing out any stray wrinkles. “And while I appreciate the gesture,” she paused for effect, “I always look nice.” Her voice was filled with confidence and pride. At her brother’s poorly hidden awe, she quickly turned away, trying not to let any sliver of fondness slip through her cracks.
Pawbert moved to his mirror to inspect her handiwork. “Thanks, Kitty, for helping me with my tie, I mean. Who knows what Dad would’ve done if he found me without it,” he chuckled lightly, missing the way she tensed at the mention of their father.
Kitty turned back around, smirking with an air of superiority. “Well, at least one of Dad’s heirs was able to do their job properly. Everyone else worked hard to make this night perfect, and I can’t let you ruin it all before the party has even started,” she condescended.
Pawbert flinched at her sudden switch-up. “O-oh…” His ears flattened, and he looked away. “Y-yeah, you’re probably right…”
Soon after, Cattrick had found his way into his room. “Kitty, I’ve been looking for you all over this damn house!” he seethed. “Dad wants to talk to you in his office. I overheard him muttering about some ‘fine young gentleman he wants you to meet.’ Do I hear wedding bells ringing?” he teased, hopping to get a reaction out of her neutral expression.
“Tell him I’ll be with him soon. I’ve got something to finish up here,” voice not betraying any emotion.
Cattrick glanced at his brother before walking down the hallway. “Have fun,” he chuckled, “try not to catch his stupidity, but you may already be too far gone!”
Kitty's eyes lingered in the doorway.
“...You, uh, good?...” Pawbert tried.
“Unlike you, Pawbert, I’ve still got important work to do. Just play your part, and then we all can forget this night ever happened.” As she crossed the doorway, she looked back briefly. “And for the sake of this family, don’t even dare mess anything up.”
…
Pawbert was left alone with his thoughts as he turned to the mirror; an anxious lynx stared back. He looked out the window as he could hear the first signs of guests arriving. “Alright, Pawbert, showtime.” He forced on a not quite confident smile. “Time to prove to the world that you are a Lynxley.”