Chapter 2

Getting closer

Goliath took Talia to the clock tower. They went inside. She sat in the recliner. The trio were still out for the night. Goliath, Hudson, and Elisa were listening to her tell them about the new bodyguard.

"I saw her running after Goliath and she looked pretty fast. Although, she said something weird at the arcade." Talia remembered.

"What did she say?" Elisa asked, passing a soda to Talia.

"Something about being political neutrality. Well, there was this man there, I think they knew each other, and he whispered something to her. 'Ain't my fault if people can't accept my political neutrality.' That's what she said." Talia opened the soda. It hissed.

Elisa frowned and rubbed her chin. "Political neutrality...Maybe since she's a bodyguard, she could've worked for a politician. Goliath, did you see this woman when you went to get Talia?"

"Yes, I did. There is something strange about her. I don't know what. She was very pale and wore odd colored glasses." Goliath thought.

"Mmh...maybe we should keep an eye on her. Just to make sure that she doesn't have bad intentions, maybe Demona sent her."

"I don't think Demona would. But something's fishy." Talia said.

"We'll keep an eye on both of you, lass." Hudson told her.

Roxanne got out of Xanatos's office and sighed. She wasn't exactly shocked at the fact that Gargoyles existed, but she was angry that Xanatos didn't tell her sooner. She must've looked like an idiot, but how could she know?

Roxanne looked at the watch and decided to have a nice shower before going to bed; she was clear with Xanatos and Owen about never disturbing her during the day, so she hoped that they would keep their word. She locked the door behind her and went to wash herself.

A long, warm shower later, Roxanne felt much better: it was still pretty early, and she wasn't feeling sleepy yet. Besides, she still needed to give Owen the plush bunny. The woman smirked. She put on a tight, dark red turtleneck and wandered around the castle in search of Burnett.

Owen was in his office, typing on his computer. Two lamps lit the green tile walls. Small circular light dotted the ceiling. His desk was toward the back of the room and a large cabinet on filled the wall behind it. Mister Xanatos needed the report done before noon. The door opened.

"I hope I'm not interrupting anything important." Roxanne said as she entered the office and closed the door.

"Hello, Miss Roxanne. I'm just working on a report for tomorrow. Do you need anything?" He looked at her.

"Weeeeellll...since I'm going to live and work here, I was wondering if maybe we could...know each other better." She gave him a toothy grin, getting closer to the desk and holding out the plush in front of him. "I won this for you at the arcade where I brought Talia."

Owen took the lop-eared rabbit and looked at it. It was white and holding a carrot in its paws. He set it on his desk. "I suppose I could take a small break."

"I could make a nice cup of tea for you, if you liked. My family had British origins, so I know how to prepare tea properly." She offered.

"Lead the way." He smirked.

They both went to the kitchen. Owen showed Roxanne where everything was so she could make tea; it was late, so Roxie chose a more delicate blend before filling the teapot of water and placed it on the burner. She hesitated for a few moments before pressing the push-button and turning it; the blue flame lighted up and she immediately backed away.

"Is everything alright?" Owen asked.

"Oh, sure, sure...It's just that I'm a bit skittish around fire. I got a bad burn when I was younger, so..."She cleared her throat and sat at the counter, waiting for the water to boil. "So, tell me: how long have you worked for Mr. Xanatos?"

"I've worked with him for few years now. We met at Cyberbiotics. He left to start Xanatos Enterprises and I went with him." He explained.

"Nice. You seem very loyal to him...would you consider him a friend?" She asked.

"Xantos caught my intrigue. He's earned my loyalty." Owen said cryptically.

"I see what you mean...yes, he's very handsome and cunning, with excellent skills and a brilliant mind. Who wouldn't like to get closer to him?" Roxanne turned off the fire and put a spoonful of grounded tea leaves inside the teapot. "Men envy him, women adore him. Personally, I've got different tastes."

"And what might those be, if you're willing to share?" He asked, tacking on the last part as an afterthought, realizing it might be impolite.

Roxanne's smile tightened slightly as she poured the tea over a strainer and into a cup. "I like guys who can ground me to reality when I lose control."

Which unfortunately happened much too often.

"I understand." Owen took a plate of tea biscuits to the table and sat down.

"We all need anchors in our lives. Talia as well." Roxanne offered the cup to Owen and sat closer to him. "She said that she wants to go home. That her biological parents are there."

Owen paused. "I didn't realize she still thought that her parents were alive."

"So they're dead...poor kid." She sighed. "What happened exactly? I asked Talia,but she seems to suffer from amnesia."

"There was a house fire. She went missing afterward. Xanatos decided to take her in. Does she remember how she got here?" He sipped his tea. It had a nice flavor. He drank a bit more.

"No. She said that she was at her parents' house, then something happened and she found herself in Manhattan." Roxanne crossed her arms. "He took an orphan teenager in...And here I thought that Xanatos was a selfish guy. And manipulative." She raised an eyebrow.

"Talia was confused and upset. I'll make sure to set things right." He told Roxanne.

"Mh..."Roxanne remained silent for a few moments, before removing her glasses and looking at Owen. "Do you care about her?"

"She is my employer's daughter. I care for her as I am asked to." He dodged the question, eating a biscuit.

"I see." She nodded. "Caring deeply about someone is always a double edged weapon: if you get too close, you risk to cut yourself." The woman stood up and paced a bit around the kitchen. "I usually keep my distance to avoid any troubles. But Talia is a good kid. I don't seem able to be cold with her."

"I knew you would be a good match for her." Owen said.

"I thought you chose me for my beautiful personality." She chuckled.

"Perhaps I chose you for both." He smiled lightly.

Roxanne smiled back, but then became serious all of a sudden. "Promise me something."

"It depends on what you ask." Owen furrowed his brow.

"There will be times when I'll lose control. When I'll risk floating away from the land. Keep me grounded...be my anchor." She gently took his hands into hers.

"Sometimes I feel like I'm the double edged blade. I don't want to hurt anyone, but there is a part of me, deep in my soul..." Roxanne bit her lips. She was saying too much. "Nevermind."

Owen lightly squeezed her hand. "I'll be your anchor. And I'll remind as much you need me to."

"I know you own me nothing. I just work for Xanatos. But you seem an extremely reliable man, and there aren't many out there. You're a rare pearl." She kissed his hand delicately. "A beautiful, rare pearl..."

Her eyes had a shade of pink for a few moments, but it passed quickly. Owen's eyes widened. His cheeks were a light rose.

"Yes-" He cleared his throat. "Would you mind staying for my break?"

"You should go and have some rest now. It's quite late." Roxanne caressed his knuckles with her thumb. "You've worked enough, don't you think?"

"I suppose I have... Have a good night, Miss Roxanne." He got up and left.

The woman observed Owen getting out of the kitchen, before cleaning up the counter and heading to her own bedroom. She shut the door, closed the window and pulled the curtains. After taking off her clothes, she laid in her bed and sighed softly: she was getting too close.

Again.