Instert standard disclaimer here. Everyone should know that I don't own these characters. Except, of course, the original ones. Also chopped the story up into chapters. Sorry if the transitions are rough. If you want to read it without chapters, head over to vejiitasei.com.
Absolution- Part 1, Chapter 24
by the Prime Minister
The next morning she awoke to an empty bed, a brief moment of alarm overtaking her. she said sharply, looking around. Suddenly worried, she clamped her hand over the ring around her neck, then heaved a sigh of relief as she realized he was still nearby. She slide out of bed and into a robe, walking down the stately hallways to the kitchen, where she found a shirtless Xellos standing next to the counter, Lecia attached to his leg.
What's that? the child asked, pointing up at the counter.
You know what that is. It's a potato, Xellos replied gently, his face in its usual mild expression.
Why are you cutting it?
Because that's the way Mommy likes them.
Lecia stood up on her tiptoes and reached for the potato. I want some.
I don't want you to get cut, Xellos replied firmly. Please be careful.
But I want some!
You'll get some in a bit. Please be patient.
I'm hungry! I want potato!
Xellos smiled and set down the knife, scratching the back of his head with his opposite hand. Very well, but remember that I warned you. He took a slice of the raw vegetable and handed it to her. Lecia immediately popped it in her mouth and made a face.
It's icky! she moaned, spitting it out into her hand.
I told you it would be, Xellos replied. Don't spit things out into your hand. It's rude. You should always swallow what you chew, unless you realize it's poisonous. Then you should spit it out as discreetly as possible, such as into your napkin, but never into your bare hand. Go clean up.
Lecia frowned, staring at the half-chewed slice of raw potato in her hand, then happened to spy Lina standing in the doorway. she cried, flinging the bit of potato aside and running over to Lina, attaching herself to her mother's knees.
Good morning, Lina said, awkwardly stroking the child's hair.
Xellos sighed and went over to where the potato scrap lay and picked it up, wiping the floor with a damp cloth and throwing the potato in the rubbish bin. You're up a tad early, he said softly, washing his hands under the pump in the sink.
That a crime?
Let's play, Lecia urged, tugging on her mother's legs.
Not now, little one, Xellos said to her, then redirected his attention to Lina. No, there's nothing wrong with you rising a bit earlier than usual. I just hope that you are rested well.
I'm fine, she mumbled, prying Lecia off her. Go bug your Dad.
Daddy says he's busy, and that if he doesn't hurry and finish breakfast you'll bop him on the head with a pan.
Lina felt her eye twitch and she looked at Xellos, nostrils flared. He said that, did he?
Lecia said, wandering back over to the counter and trying to reach the potatoes.
Xellos, why do you tell her things like that? Lina growled. She'll grow up thinking I'm some sort of violent lunatic!
Xellos opened his eyes and raised an eyebrow, then returned to his cooking without saying a word. He gently moved the potatoes out of Lecia's grasp and began working on breakfast again. Lina clenched her teeth and walked over to him, grabbing him by the waistband of the pants and forcing him to turn and face her. he asked.
Why do you say those sort of things to her? she snarled.
Isn't it a bit early to be getting so angry? he asked, eyebrows raised as he brought his hands up in front of him. Besides, Miss Lina, you are an angry lunatic.
Lina cried, anger racing through her, and she grabbed the nearest thing she could find and brought it against Xellos' skull as hard as she could. It was only after he staggered to the side that she realized she had picked up a frying pan.
Xellos said, holding his head with a hand and looking at his daughter. That's why you shouldn't make Mommy angry.
Mommy, are you a loony tick? Lecia asked, small face grave.
Lina felt the blood rush to her face and she hid the frying pan behind her back, smiling sweetly at her daughter and waving her free hand in the air in a gesture of dismissal. Sidling over to Xellos, she used his body as cover while she placed the pan back on the counter, then wrapped her arms around Xellos' bare torso. Of course not, Lina cooed. Xellos, dear, is your head okay?
Xellos sighed and shook his head. Only because I'm immortal. That would have killed anyone else.
Oh, hush. Gourry never complained, and he's fine.
Xellos tilted his head to the side as if thinking. Actually, he complained on numerous occasions. You just never listened to him, and the only reason he hasn't sustained brain damage is because his skull is six inches thick and he didn't have that many brains to begin with.
she said through her clenched teeth, face frozen in a false grin. Don't say those sorts of things in front of the kid. She took some of Xellos' skin between her fingers and pinched as hard as she could, twisting and wishing she could actually hurt him.
There you go again, he sighed.
Mommy, are you trying to hurt Daddy? Lecia asked, a scowl on her face.
Lina snapped, blushing and letting go of Xellos' skin.
Don't you like him?
I like him fine.
She's lying, Xellos said with a smile.
You shouldn't lie, Lecia scolded.
Lina's eyes nearly bugged out of her head. Tell that to your father!
Lecia blinked her large, amethyst eyes.
Lina groaned and shook her head. Listen, let's back up. She took a step away from Xellos and straightened her robe, taking a deep breath. Good morning! she said brightly. What's for breakfast?
It's a secret, Lecia piped.
Lina's jaw dropped open. Oh no, you taught her that?
Xellos turned and grinned by way of response.
It's a secret, it's a secret! Lecia shouted, prancing around the table as Lina took her seat.
Can I go back to bed and forget today ever happened? Lina groaned, putting her head on the table. Will you wake me up tomorrow?
Suddenly little hands were on her shoulders. Are you sick?
No, just tired, Lina muttered. Go play with Daddy.
But he's busy, and I always play with Daddy. I want to play with you.
Lecia, leave her alone, Xellos said. Here, come help me.
Lecia left her small, warm hand on Lina's shoulder as she turned to look at her father. she muttered, dragging herself over to the counter. She handed Xellos this and that, and before long breakfast was ready. Lecia helped set the table, and then they all sat down. Lina immediately began to shovel her food away, and Lecia moved to follow suit when Xellos shot her a look.
he said softly. That's not how civilized people eat.
Lecia mumbled, awkwardly positioning her silverware.
What's that supposed to mean? Lina growled through her food.
Lina, as precious as you can be, I will not have our daughter imitating your eating habits.
She's only three!
She's nearly four, and she already has better table manners than you do. I won't see my hard work undone.
Lina wanted to argue, but realized it would be pointless. She almost never won arguments with Xellos. Then something odd occurred to her, and it was so shocking that she sat up straight, simply staring at her plate of food.
There was silence for a few moments, and then Lecia craned her neck to look Lina in the face. she asked. Did you eat a bug?
Lina looked at Lecia blankly for a moment, then stared at Xellos. A few seconds later she broke out into chuckles. Is something wrong? Xellos asked, rising partway out of his chair.
Lina laughed. I just realized that we've turned into my family. This is exactly how meals at my house used to be.
Xellos frowned, confusion written all over his face. Very well, he said slowly.
My mom used to get after my dad for the way he ate all the time, and Luna would just jump right in. You wouldn't know, because you've never had a family before, but it's really funny sometimes.
I'm glad, Xellos said, and the meal resumed.