Chapter 9

Family

The next morning Xanatos walked down the hallway, yawning. He had worked on his and Demona's project all night, and they were close to their objective. He had slept in, because strangely enough, Owen didn't come to wake him up and bring him breakfast as usual. And he wouldn't answer his phone, which was rare.

He searched for him in the living room, kitchen, garden and then decided to go to his own office; maybe the blond was there. When he opened the door, his eyes became as big as saucers...when he saw his personal assistant sleeping peacefully on his desk.

Naked. With only his jacket to barely cover him.

Xanatos walked out of the room to then walk back in. Nope, still there. He wasn't hallucinating. David walked up to his desk carefully, and saw a small post-it note on it.

"He's mine now, bitch ;) "

Xanatos pinched the bridge of his nose and cursed. " Owen. Owen, wake up."

Owen's eyes opened slowly. He saw Xanatos there. He was unhappy. Well, they had made a mess of his office...

"Good morning, sir. I didn't realize I fell asleep here." He grinned as he sat up; the jacket still covering him. "I was hesitant, but Roxanne was very persuasive."

"I'll say..." He raised an eyebrow and showed the note to Owen.

"You'll have to ask her about that. Let me get dressed then we'll begin work." He picked up his glasses.

Xanatos observed Owen for a few moments before observing the note once again. He rubbed his chin, pensive.

"Sir? Are you staying or going?" He asked.

"Dress up quickly, call for the cleaning service and then I'll update you on my newest project with Demona." He said as he tore the note apart and threw it away.

"Alright. And sir... Don't look so angry. You and Fox have done worse." Owen said, smiling cheekily.

"Yes, but I've never left you a note calling you a bitch." Xanatos huffed.

"I had nothing to do with the note. Do not get upset with me." He warned.

"Then it seems that I'll have to deal with dear Miss Roxanne. And clarify a couple of things." He narrowed his eyes and left.

Owen got dressed then called the cleaning service. He gathered what he thought Xanatos would need and carried it out. They met in the conference room. David explained him in detail what he and Demona were planning.

"Only a gargoyle can defeat a gargoyle. So why not have my own? Demona is sure to control him...or her. There are different parts of different gargoyles that I managed to save." Xanatos explained.

"Are you sure it's wise to trust Demona to control it?" Owen asked.

"If the gargoyle won't cooperate or Demona will use it against me, I'll destroy it. She's wants to get rid of Goliath, and as of now we're her only allys." He told him.

"Very well, sir. Do you need me to do anything?" He decided it wasn't worth it to argue, especially when the project was this far along.

"Just keep Talia and Roxanne away from it. They could go and warn the clan of our plan." Xanatos warned.

"Understood." He nodded curtly.

Talia rolled over as she tried to ignore her body's insistence that she get up. Her nose twitched. Talia's eyes opened suddenly. Roxanne...? She wasn't there. Then why did her room smell like her? She got up and looked for the source. A jacket was stuffed near her air vent. Talia growled. She ripped it into tiny pieces.

Owen opened the door. He sighed. "Oh, Talia..."

She spat out a piece of jacket.

After sunset, Xanatos was working on his computer, waiting for Roxanne to wake up: he wasn't going to let her treat him like that, he was still her employer and he wouldn't have tolerated her attitude.

His personal phone rang and he picked it up. "Xanatos speaking."

...

"Are you sure you're alright, Tai? Are they treating you well?" Elisa asked through the phone.

"Hey, Elisa. I'm ok. Yesterday, we made up. David said we would compromise." Talia told her.

"Mmh...I hope for him that he's sincere about that." She hummed.

"He gave me a super old book then we ate outside. After my doctor's appointment, we went to the park and got cookies. The sun hurt my eyes so we went shopping. I even got to go to the bookstore."

"Okay...maybe he is trying." Elisa said, still suspicious. "Just let me know if you need anything or even if you just want to talk."

"Actually, something weird happened with Roxanne last night. She walked in the living room and then I don't remember much." Talia wiggled on her seat.

The detective frowned. "Did she attack you?"

"I dunno. Owen was in the room too. I thought she was going to eat him. When I woke up, her jacket was in my room." She frowned.

"But you and Owen are alright...right?" Elisa asked a little forcefully.

"I think so." Talia said, unsure.

"Okay, good. Look I gotta go, my shift is about to start. Take care, okay?" She reluctantly sighed.

"Ok, bye." She hung up.

Roxanne was walking around the gardens, watching the lights of the city from the parapet. It all seemed so small from up there, and much more pretty than it really was.

"Roxanne." Owen called.

"Mh?" She turned around.

"Did Mister Xanatos talk to you yet? He seemed displeased by the note you left." He caught up to her.

Roxanne laughed. "Hah! That's good, it's exactly the reaction I wanted. But nope, I haven't seen him around."

"Perhaps he is busy with something..." Owen thought.

"Sooo...how did he react when he saw you all naked on his desk?" She smirked.

"He was shocked." He said.

"Good." Roxanne purred, walking closer to Owen and nuzzling him. "We could shock him even more...but I'll give you a break."

"How kind of you." He smiled lightly.

"Right?" She chuckled, before becoming serious. "How's Talia?"

"She tore up your jacket with her teeth. I had thought that maybe I was the cause of her behavior. But it seems instinctual." He sighed, shaking his head. "I really don't want to reach for any spells just yet. I'm hoping they'll calm down on their own."

"And what am I supposed to do in the meantime? Xanatos hired me to be her bodyguard, if he doesn't see me with her, he'll fire me." She pointed out.

"He doesn't expect you to be with her all the time around the house. Maybe we could work Puck's to our advantage. Leave her an offering." Owen hummed.

"An offering? What offering?" Roxanne asked.

"Things like bread and milk. They both like those things." Owen explained.

"Sure, okay, I'll pretend I understand magic." She groaned.

They both went to the kitchen and took a few chocolate chip cookies (Talia's favorites) and a mug of warm milk, before going to the teen's bedroom.

"Are you sure this will work?" She looked at him.

"Yes, but we mustn't linger. She will reject it. I will tell housekeeping to leave it be." He said.

Roxanne left the plate and mug on the floor in front of the door and they walked away. They met Xanatos in the hallway, with a slight grin on his face.

"There you are. Owen, I've decided that I'll organize a masquerade ball for high society members next month, after Halloween. And after I've proposed to Fox." He stopped in front of them.

"Who?" Roxanne furrowed her brow.

"Right, you've never met her. She's my fiancée, and she'll come to dinner tomorrow evening. You'll have the chance to meet her."

"Oh, uhm...dinner. You know my-" She started.

"Strict diet, I know. You can meet her right after. I also want you to come to the ball, since Talia will be with us. One never knows." Xanatos continued. Roxanne raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. "I think after making a mess of my office, you owe me. And let's not forget about your note...that wasn't very polite."

"No. But I wanted to make things clear." Roxanne said curtly.

Xanatos had a strange light in his eyes as he observed Roxanne. He smirked. "Believe me: things have never been more clear."

"Sir, isn't it a bit late to plan a ball right before Halloween?" Owen asked.

"Nonsense, Owen. One month is more than enough. You will make sure to send all the invitations to the people on this list." David gave him a sheet of paper; there were all the names of New York's most important and richest people. Owen knew most of them, but some were unknown.

"Are these new business partners?" He pointed to a particular name.

"Yes. And very interesting, too. So I want this ball to be perfect, which means that we'll all have to search for great costumes."

"Very well, sir. What theme are you thinking of?" Owen straightened.

David smirked wickedly. "Vampires."

Roxanne tensed slightly, but didn't show her emotions. "Isn't that a little cliche?"

"Maybe, but it's elegant and easy to do. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to call Fox for tomorrow's dinner." Xanatos began to move on.

"Sir! Don't move the tray in front of Talia's room." Owen said with a bit of urgency.

"What tray?" He asked raising an eyebrow.

"Her dessert." Owen tried to silently convey that this was important.

David blinked a couple of times. "Okay...I will leave it there if I see it."

And with that, he left.

"Great...I can't wait to stand around a group of spoiled assholes all night." She huffed. "Do I have to wear a costume too?"

"I'll see what I can do. Although, I am a bit worried about Talia." He frowned.

"She'll need to get those powers under control. Same goes for her temper, we don't want to risk her attacking someone at the ball." Roxanne said.

"No, we do not. It doesn't give you a lot of time either. If Xanatos suspects that something is off..." He trailed off.

"Don't worry about that. Let's focus on the organization of the ball, I'll need to see the security exits, just in case." She went into work mode.

"Follow me." He led her away.

The next morning, Talia was told about the ball and dinner with Fox. Talia knew who Fox was so she was fine with it. She had reservations about the ball. Breakfast was smoothies and waffles. They had an appointment at the tailor's. Owen drove them. The tailor's was a high end store with expensive décor.

"Why can't I go trick or treating?" Talia whined.

"Because trick or treating can be extremely dangerous here in New York. You'll have some candy, and we'll be sure that you're not going to have a stomachache." Xanatos said while the tailor took the measurements.

"But that's not fun..." She pouted.

"But it's safe." He told her.

"I don't wanna go to the stupid ball." She growled.

"Talia, behave." Owen warned her.

"Please Talia, I wish for you to be there with me. Many of my business partners have kept asking me about my lovely daughter, where was she... They'll start thinking that you don't even exist if you keep not showing up at social events." Xanatos said smoothly.

"Let them. They're all old and gross and creepy." She made a face.

Xanatos looked at Owen, clearly desperate.

"I'm sure there will younger people there. Talia, if you feel uncomfortable, we'll make sure they won't go near you." Owen soothed.

"Fine, I guess." She muttered.

"Excellent. Just please be polite to everyone, even if you don't like them." He grinned.

"We'll see." She tried to cross her arms, but the tailor stopped her. "But I don't like it."

They went home after they chose the color; the fabric and the tailor took all the necessary measurements for the costume. Talia and Owen went to the classroom and started the day's lesson. They worked on algebra until lunch. Talia was glad for the meal. During lunch, Xanatos told them both how he wanted dinner to go, smooth and nice. Talia grunted, too hungry to care. She had piano lessons in afternoon then Owen went back to work.

The evening arrived quickly. Xanatos was wearing his black tuxedo, while Owen was busy in the kitchen, checking on the food their chefs were preparing. Talia was trying to find where Xanatos was. In one hand was the evening gown he had chosen for her. It was a light purple dress with white accents.

"Have you seen my father?" Talia asked a passers-by.

"He's in his bedroom, miss." The chef commented while carrying a silver tray to the kitchen.

Talia went to his room and knocked on the door.

"Come in." Xanatos called. She opened the door. His room was fairly large and he had hand crafted furniture around the room.

"This dress doesn't fit. It's too tight." She held it up.

"Let me see." Xanatos took the dress carefully. "Strange. A couple of days ago it fit."

"Do I have to wear a dress? It's just Fox." She added.

"It would be nice. You always wear jeans or trousers." He said.

"They're comfy... But some of them are getting tight around my butt." Talia thought.

"Then I'd suggest you to stop eating cookies for a while." Xanatos joked, smirking.

"But I just got them back. And I'm hungry all day..." She complained.

"Then you better start exercising. Instead of piano lessons, I could give you judo ones, if you prefer. Fox is even better than me at teaching." He smiled when he mentioned Fox.

"But I like piano." She pursed her lips.

"You could do both, one day piano lessons, the other judo." He suggested.

"... I'll think about it. What do I wear now?" She asked.

"Something decent that can fit." Xanatos waved dismissively while brushing his ponytail.

"Ok." She left. All her new clothes still fit, although they weren't elegant.

Owen found Talia walking toward her bedroom. She still hadn't gotten ready, wearing her normal clothes.

"Talia, why aren't you dressed yet?" He asked.

"My dress is too tight. David said I could wear something else." She said.

Owen narrowed his eyes. "That's strange."

"He said that too. Now, if you'll just let me by..." Talia tried to slip by.

Owen grabbed her wrist. "You may have been able to fool him, but I know your magic when I see it. Come with me."

When they all met up with Xanatos in the Great Hall, he was surprised to see Talia's outfit.

"I thought you said it was too tight."

"I made some alterations." Owen told him, getting closer. "I would like check Talia's measurements after dinner. I think she's growing."

"A growth spurt...do you think it's because of her magic?" Xantos asked.

"Possibly. Magic affects every halfling differently." He answered.

"When's Fox going to get here?" Talia looked at them.

"In a few minutes. Roxanne will join us later."

"Ok." Talia nodded.

They waited, chatting about their day, until Fox walked in.

"Good evening, everyone." Fox smiled as she walked towards David, kissing him on the lips. She was wearing a long, blue dress and her hair was slightly wavy. Talia made a face. Owen glared at her to behave.

"Hi, Fox." Talia said, disinterested.

"You are astonishing, my dear." David smiled, sliding a finger along Fox's cheek.

"Nothing less for the great Mr. Xanatos." She smirked and turned towards Owen and Talia. "How are you? It's been some time since I saw you two. Talia, did you get used to your new home?"

"Uh, it's fine." Talia said.

"Good evening, Fox. I'm well." Owen told her.

They migrated to the dining room. Talia could smell the food from the hall. David opened the door. They were having pot roast for dinner. Everything was plated up fancy and nice. Owen stopped her from rushing over.

"Everything looks delicious as always, Owen." Fox smiled, sitting down next to David.

"I hope you enjoy your meal, Fox." He stood off to the side.

Talia filled her plate. She had already waited long enough.

Xanatos rolled his eyes, but Fox chuckled. "Let her eat, growing girls need food."

"Talia, eat some vegetables." Owen told her. She made a show of putting some greens on her plate.

"So, why am I here? I thought this was a date." Talia asked.

"Actually, this is a family dinner." He corrected.

"Uh, ok." Talia furrowed her brow. They ate dinner, quietly chatting about general things.

"I couldn't wait to get out of jail and see all of you again. It's been difficult; these months never seemed to pass." Fox sighed.

"The important thing is that you're home now." Xanatos told her.

Talia knew from Lexington that Fox had been in jail for awhile. He really hated the Pack. What did her comment about 'all of you' mean? She must have meant Owen. Come to think of it, David had been jail too. The adoption had been put on hold until this year because of it. But in the end, the court decided it was fine since his crime didn't involve children. Talia sighed. She missed the days when she could see the gargoyles whenever she wanted.

"David told me about the masquerade ball next month: I think it's a great idea. And the castle is a perfect location." She said after sipping some red wine.

"I guess. I don't wanna go, but he's making me." Talia pouted.

"Well, I think it's a good thing: it's about time you get out of your shell and have some fun. I can't wait to see your costume, I bet you're going to look lovely in it." Fox grinned.

"It's vampire themed. Everyone there is gonna be all old and boring. I'd rather go play with the stuff I found in the basement." Talia ate another bite of pot roast.

"What...stuff in the basement?" Xanatos asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Chill out. I didn't touch your tools. I meant the little robot dolls. I found a shiny rock one time, but I thought you would look for it." She scoffed.

"In any case, it would do you some good to learn how to interact with high society members. You're a Xanatos now, after all." David said, while cutting his roast.

"As you keep saying." She mumbled.

"More juice, Talia?" Owen asked.

"Why can't I have wine like them?" She asked him.

"Talia, you're underage. You can't drink alcohol." Xanatos replied.

"Whatever." She huffed.

Owen poured more juice for her. Talia saw a conflicting shimmer in his eyes. She picked her glass up and sipped it. It was bitter and tart. She wrinkled her nose.

"David dear, you told me that Talia's bodyguard would be joining us. I'm curious to meet her." Fox ate some meat.

"She'll be here soon. Roxanne needs to rest during the day if she wants to have enough energy to keep an eye on our Talia during the night." He explained.

Owen realized a problem with this plan. Talia still wasn't accepting Roxanne. She'd likely attack her. Puck did the only thing he could think of. He dumped Talia's food onto her lap. Fox and David turned their heads towards her, blinking. Talia looked at her lap. The remains of her pot roast and potatoes weighted her dress down. The salad dressing dripped to the floor.

"I don't know what happened." She said in a daze.

"It's alright, go get changed. Owen, would you clean everything up, please?" David of Form

"Of course, sir." He said.

Talia got up and went to her room. Owen cleaned up the food. He would make it up to her later. It all happened just in time it seemed, because Roxanne knocked on the dining room's door in that moment.

"Come in." Owen called.

Roxanne entered the living room and nodded at Owen. She seemed to be more tense and rigid than usual, wearing a black suit with a dark red turtleneck. Her hair was tied in a simple low ponytail, similar to Xanatos's.

"Good evening, Mr. Xanatos." She greeted.

David nodded at the woman and turned towards Fox. "This is Roxanne, Talia's personal bodyguard."

"Hello, Roxanne." Fox smiled. "Talia is getting changed. She spilt her food."

She gave the redhead a tight smile and took a seat across the table.

"So, Roxanne: did you think about your costume for the ball?" Xanatos asked her.

"Not yet, sir. Elegant clothing isn't my cup of tea, I'm afraid." She admitted.

"How are you liking it here? Talia's not giving you too much trouble, is she?" Fox asked.

"Just the right amount of trouble that any teenager her age would give." Roxanne smiled.

Owen paused in relief. Keeping Talia away would be easier since no one suspected anything was wrong. Although, it was only a temporary solution. He would have to think hard for a better one.

"Yes, she's a little escape artist." Fox laughed a little. "I hated going to Daddy's events when I was her age. Of course, things got much more interesting when I met David."

"You seem to be a golden couple. I heard that you used to be in that tv show, The Pack...where did you learn to fight? 'Cause I had a few glimpses of you doing some combat moves." Roxanne watched her.

"Oh, you know, here and there. Mother allowed me to take karate lessons as a child. I worked as a mercenary before I joined the Pack." She said, sipping her wine.

"A mercenary?" She repeated.

"Yes, I was. I learned how to fly helicopters then too." She looked at David.

"Which she does wonderfully." Xanatos took Fox's hand and kissed it.

Roxanne's eyes shifted on Owen briefly. She stood up. "It was nice to meet you, Miss Fox, but I need to check the perimeter around Talia's bedroom. I want to make sure that the cameras are working properly, and I should also check on her. Owen, would you accompany me?"

"Give me a moment to wash up and I will meet you in the hall." Owen threw the ruined meal in the trash.

Roxanne got out of the dining room and waited for Owen, her senses on alert in case Talia was around.

Owen washed his hands in the nearest bathroom. Puck gazed into the mirror. Owen looked stressed, bags forming under his eyes. They loved Talia, but this whole situation reminded him why he usually left his chicks after they grew too old. Owen grit his teeth at the thought.

He left the bathroom and found Roxanne. "Talia is probably still in her room."

"You look tired..." Roxanne bit her lower lip, caressing his face.

"I've been trying to think of a way to help Talia. I'm... not used to raising a child. Puck usually plays with children when they're young and leaves. The answer keeps slipping away from me." He sighed.

Roxanne closed her eyes to think.

An image, like a long- forgotten dream flashed into his mind: a child, weeping into the darkness. Roxanne, wearing strange clothes, lied next to her and held her close.

The child calmed down and hugged her back.

Roxanne's eyes snapped open. "...You said that Talia is convinced that I don't want her. That I refused her."

"It was a slip of the tongue, Roxanne. It happens to everyone. But... Talia is very sensitive about her personal relationships. Her birth parents argued a lot. I think Puck felt bad for her; that's why he visited her so much." Owen explained.

"Then the answer is easy: we just need to show her some love." She smiled. "After dinner, we could meet in your bedroom and just cuddle, chat a bit, relax...show her that she is loved."

"We'll see how she reacts to you first." He said pensively.

"Go enjoy your dinner. I'll be preparing your bedroom: I'll go get snacks, books and blankets. Talia needs to spend time with someone who actually cares about her."

"Alright, I'll see you soon." He left.

Owen went to the kitchen and made himself a sandwich and bowl of soup. He lingered after he was finished. Having your daughter try to maim your new lover whenever they met was an awful predicament to be in. Maybe this night would go better? He put his dishes in the sink and went to get Talia.

Talia was in her room, having changed out of her dress and into her short sleeved pajamas. It was a white tunic with pink trim. The pants were pink too. She was feeling pretty good tonight. She didn't even mind the twin scars on her arms. There was a knock on the door.

"Talia, would you like to watch a movie with me?" Owen asked.

"A movie?" She repeated.

"Yes, for father daughter time." He waited with baited breath.

"Ok." She nodded.

Roxanne made sure to pick all of Talia's favorite snacks, both sweet and salty. She brought some adventure and fantasy books and a couple of pastel colored blankets. She turned off all the lights, except for the two on the bedside tables, before quickly putting on a set of pajamas and wait for Talia and Owen. For some reason, Roxanne felt like this was the right way to go.

Owen led Talia to his apartment and subtly knocked on the door to warn Roxanne. Talia was confused when they walked past the living room. Owen opened the door to his bedroom.

Roxanne was sitting on the bed, smiling gently and looking directly at Talia. "Hello, Tai."

Talia noticed that Owen's room was set up like a slumber party with snacks and blankets before she was overtaken by the smell. Her eyes glowed red again and she stepped in front of Owen. She growled at Roxanne and tried to make herself look bigger.

Xanatos and Fox were sitting in the garden. The moonlight bathed them and the flower bushes below. It was a romantic scene. But the couple had confused looks on their faces.

"Where is Talia?" Fox asked.

"If she didn't come back for dinner, then maybe she wasn't feeling well. I'm sure Owen and Roxanne are taking good care of her, anyway." David said, wrapping an arm around Fox.

Meanwhile, Roxanne was observing Talia, thinking about the best way to approach her.

She looked at the package of chocolate chip cookies and grinned. "Hey, kiddo, relax...look, your favorite cookies. Would you like some?"

Talia warily watched Roxanne. She was holding something out. It crinkled and slowly some food appeared. Talia sniffed the air. It was sweet. But she paused.

"It's ok, Talia. You can have some." Owen encouraged.

Talia darted in and took the whole package. She went to the corner of the room and started scarfing it down.

"Talia, no! You don't get the whole thing." Owen scolded. He took away the package, leaving a few for her. She growled and guarded her prized treats.

"We just don't want you to have a stomachache. And besides, there are other snacks in here, if you want." Roxanne said, showing her a couple of different packages.

She laid down on the bed, under the sheets and patted the mattress. "Come, Owen. If Talia wants, she can lay down with us, in the middle."

Owen paused before starting towards the bed. Talia didn't notice until the mattress squeaked. She looked up. Her eyes bulged out. Talia leapt onto the bed.

"Maybe this was slightly fast." Owen said as she landed on him.

"No, no, let's keep going." Roxanne shifted slightly closer to both. "Here, why don't you get under the covers with daddy, Tai? You'll be more comfortable."

Owen let out a labored breath as Talia shifted her weight to swipe at Roxanne. She missed. Owen grabbed her and held her close. Stroking her hair, he hummed a lullaby. Talia quieted down, nuzzling him. Now that the danger passed, they managed to get Talia under the covers.

"Are you wearing perfume?" Owen asked Roxanne.

"Mh? Oh, yes. I usually don't wear it to avoid any enemies finding me easily, but tonight...you said that Talia has higher senses, so I thought that a more pleasant smell would help. Do you like it? It's made with orange blossoms, bergamot, rosemary, pink pepper and sandalwood."

"Yes, it's a nice scent. It reminds me of some place, but I don't know where." Owen thought. "I'll teach you Talia's lullaby another time."

"You really have a nice voice..." She smiled, taking one book in hand. "It's a story book about fairies I found in the library. I guess it's for little children, but maybe it will be more relaxing."

"That's fine. We just need her to get used to you." He moved Talia so she was facing Roxanne. She tried to roll over, but Owen stopped her.

"Ssshh, Tai, it's okay...I won't hurt you." Roxanne whispered.

Talia whined. Why was the bad smell there? Why wouldn't Daddy let her leave?

"You're ok, Sweetheart." Puck reassured.

Roxanne opened the book and cleared her throat. "Once upon a time, in a beautiful garden, near a quiet stream, there lived a group of fairies. Each of them had a very special and unique task: the flowers fairies were in charge of making the flowers bloom and then close them up at sunset..."

Talia didn't understand what it was saying, but it kept its mouth away from Daddy. He rubbed her back in soothing motions. Talia's magic slowly became sweet.

"Is it working?" She paused.

"Yes. After you finish the book, we'll see if she allows you to touch her." Owen said softly.

"Fingers crossed." Roxanne resumed her reading, and she finished the book half an hour later with the fairies having a tea party all together.

Talia blinked sleepily. It didn't eat them? Her nose picked up the perfume. That wasn't there before. Roxanne slowly shifted closer to both, her head laying on the pillow.

"Let's see if she's fine with me touching her..." The woman carefully placed her hand on Talia's hair, caressing it delicately.

Talia felt a hand in her hair. It wasn't Daddy's. She snarled.

"Try somewhere else. She might be touchy about her hair like Puck is." Owen said.

Roxanne nodded and put her and on the girl's back instead, patting it gently. The hand moved down to her back. She was conflicted. Glancing at the bad smell, she furrowed her brow.

"Oh, she's looking at you! That's good." Puck cheered.

"Hello, sweetie. It's me, Roxanne, remember?" She smiled. "Isn't it nice here? You, me, your daddy...do you want another cookie?"

Talia let out a confused noise.

"Here." Roxanne reached for the package and took one cookie, giving it to Talia.

Talia ate the cookie quickly. Then whined for more.

"Go easy on the cookies, Roxanne. She doesn't have the self-control she normally does." Puck told her. "Sweets were a rare thing for her."

"Just one more, Tai." The woman gave the teen one last cookie. "I was thinking...Talia behaved the same way animals behave around vampires...they either run away or attack."

"That must be a gargoyle trait. Puck has no problem with you." Owen thought.

"Mh." Roxanne hummed, then remained silent for a while. "You know, it's strange: I'm not used to this, and yet...it's like I already did something similar...it's familiar."

"Something similar? You mean befriending a child?" He asked.

"No, I mean...being like this. Holding a child near me, cuddling with my loved ones..." She sighed. "It's comforting."

"Ah." Owen hummed. "Perhaps you had a family once. Or was part of one. Most single people don't usually miss holding a child near."

"Heh...what a great mother I am...can't even remember if I was one...can't remember if I had any children or a husband..." Roxanne murmured, sadly.

"That's not your fault. We forget things over time." Puck's lips twisted into a grimace. "It can't be helped."

"Puck...I shouldn't even be alive. Vampires are unnatural...we live outside of the life cycle. That's why animals hate us or fear us...That's why Talia was nervous around me." Roxanne sighed, frowning.

"I'm much older than you, Roxanne. There are more things in heaven and earth than you know. Tell me I'm wrong." Puck challenged. "Things will be easier once you accept your situation. It doesn't always have to be doom and gloom."

"I've long learned to accept my situation. But it doesn't mean it's a positive thing." She said.

"Yes, I agree with that, but it's far too easy for us immortals to dwell on the negative." He pointed out.

Roxanne curled up, and sighed wistfully. "All I know is that right now...I'm content."

She nuzzled Talia and relaxed. Talia felt tension leave the room. She relaxed again. Her magic swelled as Daddy and... Food giver cuddled her.

"Puck...sing her lullaby, so she can sleep." Roxanne whispered.

"You got it." Puck smiled.

He sang in a light, easy tone whereas Owen's was more steady and low. Talia noticed the change, but didn't react. It was still Daddy. She yawned.

"That's it sweetheart, sleep..." The vampire smelled a sweet scent coming from Talia, of apple spice and flowers.

"Now that's a lovely perfume, much better than mine." She chuckled.

"That's not perfume, that's Talia's magic. I think she accepted you." He smiled at Talia.

"Oh, thank goodness. Do you...think she would be okay with me kissing you?" She asked him.

"Just a peck." He answered. "It's too soon to push it."

Roxanne grinned and gave Puck a soft kiss on the cheek.

He sighed contently. "You want to talk or just cuddle tonight?"

"Both. Would you like to tell me about where you come from? It must be beautiful..." She trailed off.

"Avalon... Green hills, sparkling water. I like the forest the best." He laid on the pillow. "The castle is nice, I suppose. I don't care too much about buildings."

"What did you do all day?" Roxanne wondered.

Puck grinned. "Well, we fucked for one. We also often drank and made merry. Sometimes we played games. Me and the other tricksters would pull pranks."

"Seemed like lots of fun. I once found myself in a Bacchanal, a Toreador organized one in his private villa in Louisiana and invited me. He was an eccentric guy, but with lots of enthusiasm and good taste." Roxanne remembered.

"How was it?" He looked at her curiously.

"Well, uh...very fun. Instead of wine, there was blood, but the humans there were treated well, no one was killed or hurt. Did you know that there are some humans that become addicted to a vampire's bite? They like the ecstasy so much, they always ask for more." She explained.

"Really?" Puck made a face. "Promise me you won't let Owen get like that."

"I won't take blood from Owen unless I really need it. Besides, he has great self control, he wouldn't fall for that." She insisted.

"This is more of a 'to protect us both' kind of thing. It felt very good." Puck said.

"Protect us both?" She repeated.

"If he dies, I die." Puck explained. "If I'm caught off guard, I can't change back in time to save us."

Roxanne frowned. "Then I'll be much more careful. I didn't know that..."

"I'll stop you before you go too far." He paused. "Hey, do you know why vampires get loopy on my blood? I met a guy in Spain, no idea he was a vampire, he got so damn high. I took care of him for a bit and we became buddies. Not sure what happened to him."

"Wait, fairy blood gets us high?" Roxanne asked.

"You didn't know?!" Puck exclaimed.

"You're the only fairy I've ever met. I only have heard stories about your kind from other, older vampires, but nothing certain." Roxanne said.

"Oh well. For another time then." He shrugged.

"Yeah, another time. Now, I think Owen should rest too. I bet he woke up very early, as usual." She looked him.

"Alright, fine. Just go to your room when you're done here. Talia, I can explain; you I cannot." He touched her cheek.

Roxanne took his hand and kissed it. "You're a good father."

She waited until Talia was deep asleep, before getting out of the bed and walking back to her bedroom.

Happy Father's Day