tw: child abuse in this one, there isn't any graphic content but like heavily implied
A little later, in the privacy of his own bedroom, he admits that there was another reason why he let her stay. A selfish rebellious reason, that he buries inside his grace never to think about again.
Because some days ago, the little urchin defaces her own doll to demand another.
He wants to congratulate her, it's a clever, sneaky plan, worthy of the Devil himself, even if it's a little crude. The girl is still just a little human; she has time to learn.
But no matter how proud he is, how angry he is at the Detective and Douche for not giving her what she wants, there is a split second he can feel fear too. Becauseā¦
Because what if they punish her way worse than she apparently deserves, what if they end up hurting her. She is only a child, one he is kind of fond of, and he can't let that happen.
It's just a split second insecurity, but the Detective picks up on it, and for a moment he is sure she will be mad. For even assuming something like this. She isn't. Instead of anger there is understanding in her eyes and she invites him to have dinner with them.
Which what?
He goes, of course he goes. It's the Detective, and every little window into her life is a blessing. Sure, she keeps showing up in his penthouse more and more, but this is the first time she invited him.
She cooks, and he brings the wine, and the little human is still pouting but there isn't an ounce of hesitation in her voice when she asks for a bedtime story. She moves past her punishment like it's not a big deal. Sure she is grounded for a week, but she never even considers that her parents will love her any less. That it's the last time she can look them in the eye before they abandon her.
And oh, this was for him. To reassure him that everything is alright, that no one is getting hurt. That sure sometimes they need to be stern, but that doesn't equal pain and abandonment.
So he lets Mother stay, because she did what she had to do, to protect him; and for once he knows his Father was in the wrong when he made him fall and burn.
Because children shouldn't be afraid of their own parents, and parents shouldn't make their children scream.
