Chapter 13
Xanatos' wedding
A few days later, Xanatos woke up at sunrise. It was his wedding day. He felt excited, not only for the ceremony, but also because his plan to impress his father had already started; in fact, the night before, he asked Goliath to be his best man and hold the ring for him. Just an excuse so he and Demona could be in one place together, and he made sure to tell the clan leader that she was going to be there as well. He grinned: everything was going just as planned, he was sure of it.
The man stood up, washed himself and was about to put on his clothes...but then he thought that his father would've been even more impressed if he wore his exo suit instead, something he designed and built completely on his own. So he just put on his black, long-sleeved unitard. Fox woke up very early to go get pops with the helicopter, quite a journey since he lived in a small town in Maine.
Talia and Owen were eating breakfast. She and Owen had talked about their feelings about the family situation. How bad Owen felt for hurting her and upset it made her. Talia shouted at him at some points, but they were all better now.
"Good morning, everyone." David hummed, entering the kitchen after putting on his suit. "My father should be here soon. And Judge Roebling too."
"Morning." Owen told him.
"Why are you wearing that?" Talia asked.
"So I can show it to my father. I bet he never saw something like this in his entire life." He grinned.
"What happens if you get food in it?" She asked him.
"Nothing. Because I'm too excited to have breakfast. I bet the plan is going to work perfectly." David told her.
"I don't like you using Goliath for the Phoenix Gate. He is my friend. And your plan also involves Demona." Talia pouted.
"I know, but it's a necessary risk. Besides, Goliath doesn't risk anything. Has he ever lost against Demona?" He asked.
"No..." She said.
"Exactly. So don't worry, and go prepare yourself to meet your grandfather. I already told him about you. Well, not everything, just your name, age and that I adopted you last year." David explained.
"How did he react?" Talia looked at him.
"He was surprised. He always thought I was too selfish to do things like these. I think he's happy to have a granddaughter." He added.
"That's good." Talia nodded. She left the kitchen. Owen cleaned up the table.
Half an hour later, Xanatos was waiting outside of the castle, near one of the towers; Talia joined him, and soon they both saw the helicopter getting closer and then landing. A man got out of the flying vehicle, narrowing his eyes at David, who simply smiled back. "Hello, father."
Fox walked over to David and kissed him.
"Don't you know it's bad luck to see the bride before the wedding?" Petros asked, walking towards them.
"Me and Fox make our own luck." David grinned, before kissing her again.
Talia was behind the couple. She looked at her grandfather. He wore a brown suit and had gray hair and a mustache. He looked like Poppa, but old.
"I'll go change for tonight." Fox said before leaving.
David put his hands on Talia's shoulders. "Pop, this is Talia. Your granddaughter."
Petros fixed his gaze on the girl for a few moments, analyzing her. Then he smiled kindly. "Hello, Talia. My name is Petros."
"Hi, Grandpa." She smiled.
"How have you been, living with my degenerate son?" He asked, walking next to her.
"It... was rough at first, but Poppa is trying to be better. He loves me." Talia defended him.
Petros looked skeptical. David cleared his throat. "What do you think of the place?"
"Why do you need all this?" Petros asked.
"Oh, reason not the need, father. I wanted it, so I took it." He dismissed.
"And the armor?" He questioned.
"I assure you, it's purely defensive." They started walking towards the castle.
"Against what? What kind of life do you lead? You would've been better off as a poor fisherman like me." Petros grunted. "If I ever get my hands on the man who sent you that coin, I'll teach him not to meddle with my family!"
"You go fishing?" Talia asked.
Petros smiled at Talia and nodded. "Yes, my dear, I'm a fisherman. And one of the best around, heh."
David rolled his eyes. "Anyway, that's ancient history, pop. Besides, that coin was worth about twenty grand. I'm now worth, well...considerably more."
"An anonymous stranger sent you a museum piece worth a fortune, all of this came from that." Petros scoffed. "You didn't earn any of it, boy."
David gritted his teeth. Tension could be felt between them. "Someday I'll prove to you that I'm a self-made man."
If Talia had Puck's ears, they would have been drooping. This was going terrible. "Grandpa, I wanna show you the music room. I learned how to play piano."
"In a moment Talia, first there's a video your grandfather and the judge need to see." David said as he greeted Judge Roebling.
"My son is a bit egocentric, but don't worry, Talia: once the video is over, I will gladly come to the music room with you. I like music very much, and I bet you're very good at playing the piano." Petros told her, patting her back. Talia wasn't sure what was on the video. He hadn't mentioned it.
Time passed, and as promised, Petros went to the music room with Talia. She sat at the piano and began playing. She started out with the songs Owen taught her, but she got bored of it and added her own flare. A playful tune echoed through the room.
"Now, that's good music! Not like the noise I hear around these days." Petros grinned, clapping his hands when Talia was done. "Very good, my child. I'm happy to see that my son actually did something good for once, by adopting you."
Talia smiled. "Thanks, Grandpa."
"David told me you like being in nature." He said.
"Yeah, it's pretty." She nodded.
"Where I live, there is a huge natural park, Acadia forest. And there are lakes, and the ocean too. It's beautiful in the autumn." He grinned. "If you'll ever come visit, I could teach you how to fish if you want."
"That sounds fun." Talia beamed. "Poppa has a garden and there's a willow tree... I like that spot."
"David used to like nature too when he was very little..." He sighed. "Then I don't know what happened. He started being interested in machines, and robots and computers..."
"Poppa still likes nature. He took me to the park and we fed ducks. He... He just likes using his brain, I guess." Talia shrugged. She probably shouldn't mention all the schemes.
"Well, I'd prefer if he used his heart a bit more. I was so ashamed when he ended up in jail..." Petros grumbled. "But perhaps with you here, he will get better...maybe."
"He will." Talia hugged him.
"Aw, you're so affectionate and sweet...whatever possessed my son to adopt a sweet kid like you? He really doesn't seem the type." He asked.
"I dunno." Talia hoped he had a lie prepared.
"Talia, Mr. Xanatos senior." Owen came in. "It's lunch time."
They stood up and followed Owen, Petros holding Talia by the hand. "In any case, I'm happy he did."
The afternoon passed. Talia showed Petros all her favorite spots in the castle. Soon, everyone got ready for the wedding. Talia was standing with Owen and Roxanne.
"Are you excited, Tai? Mama and poppa are going to get married soon." Roxanne whispered.
"Yeah, but why do I have to wear a dress every time they do something?" Talia tugged at her skirt. It was a powder blue dress.
"Because Poppa likes to see you dress up. You look very cute." Owen told her.
"You can't wear jeans at a wedding. It's an important occasion, I'm wearing something elegant too." Roxanne was in fact wearing a blue tailleur and she tied up her hair.
"I could if he let me." Talia grumbled.
Owen sneaked a glance at the others. No one was looking. He kissed the top of her head. "None of that tonight, little trickster."
"Oh, so she gets a kiss and I don't?" Roxanne pouted and crossed her arms, faking annoyance.
Owen kissed her cheek. "There's enough for both of my girls."
"Awww, you're so sweet." She giggled.
Xanatos entered with Goliath. Then Demona made her entrance. The judge and Petros gasped in seeing them; they said something to each other, but Roxanne couldn't hear from where she was standing.
The judge cleared his throat. "We are here today to join David Xanatos and, uh... what is your real name, my dear?"
"Fox is my real name, legally." She told him.
"Uh, join David Xanatos and Fox in matrimony. The rings, please." Both gargoyles gave the ring to Fox and David. The couple put them on.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may-" Before the judge could finish, Demona left and Goliath followed her.
"Now the fun begins." David said, winking at Fox.
Petros grabbed him by the shoulder. "This is your wedding! Have you no respect for anything?!"
"Sorry, pop I'm in a bit of a hurry." David went outside with his wife.
Petros grumbled, but followed them nonetheless. "Unacceptable..."
"Bye bye." Talia waved.
"What do you mean, 'bye bye'? Where are they going?" Roxanne asked, tilting her head.
"They're gonna go time travel. I'm going to change now." Talia left.
She wandered into the hall. She had intended to go to her room, but she had found David's exo suit just sitting around. She put the helmet on. She decided to go change before they came back.
"Time travel?" Roxanne asked, but Owen followed everyone outside with Judge Roebling. There was a flash of light and the small group was gone.
"What the?!" Roebling exclaimed.
"It seems that the honeymoon has begun sooner than expected." Owen said.
"Well, pop, did you have a good time at the wedding?" David said expectantly.
Petros said nothing. He searched into his pocket and threw a coin at David, who caught it.
"What's this?" He frowned, confused.
"A simple American penny. It's not worth much now, but in one thousand years, who knows? It's my wedding present for you...because it's all you seem to care about." And with that bitter comment, Petros left the gardens.
David remained in silence, his gaze fixed on the penny in his hand. His jaw was clenched, and could feel tears pricking at the corners of his eyes.
Talia walked out as Petros came in. "Poppa?"
"Ouch. Not exactly a great way to end your own wedding..." Roxanne whispered to Owen. David remained still and did not reply.
Talia hugged him. "You're a good Poppa."
Xanatos sighed. "It's never enough...whatever I do is never enough for him." He hugged her back. "At least I have you. All of you." David picked Talia up easily and walked up to Fox. "My plan failed...and for the first time, I didn't gain anything at all..."
"Grandpa wants you to use your heart more. He likes it when you're genuine. He misses you." Talia reached out to Fox. Fox kissed her cheek.
"We're home now, sweetie." She reassured.
"And I wish that he could appreciate more of what I do...a few years and I bought him a new house, not too far from Bar Harbor...when I told him, he looked at me in disgust...he might as well could've spit at me..." He lowered his gaze.
"David, remember what we said about talking to us? That applies to your father as well. I know you want him to be proud of you, but it must have come off as flaunting your wealth. He misunderstood your intention." Fox held his chin.
"He always misunderstands my intentions." David gritted his teeth, putting Talia down gently. "He's never happy with me. And at this point, I just give up."
Xanatos walked away, angry and bitter, deciding to go to his office. It was the place that more than anything represented what he gained and made him feel powerful, invincible. He sat at his desk and took his mother's photo from a drawer. "I'm sorry, mom..."
Talia followed him. She had explored the castle so much she knew the quickest way to his office. She hid in the little secret room. He was looking at a photo.
"I wish you were here...Things would be much better with you around..." He held the picture to his chest and turned the chair towards the window, looking at the night sky. "I miss you...you used to tell me so many fairytales when I was little. Pop didn't like it, he thought that my head was in the clouds enough...what's wrong about dreaming? About wanting a better life?" A few tears fell down his cheeks, his jaw clenched. "If only I had found a way to immortality before you died...I could've saved you."
Talia pushed the door open. "Poppa, no. It's not your fault."
"Talia!" David quickly wiped away his tears, hiding the picture. "What are you doing here?"
"You were upset. I know you come here a lot. I wanted to tell you not to give up on Grandpa." She moved closer. "He values family. Did you talk about me or Fox after the wedding started?"
"Trust me, it's useless. I've been trying my whole life. I've had enough, he'll never be proud of me..." He frowned.
Talia straightened. "You were both hurt, I understand that, but Grandma wouldn't want her death to get in between you two. You don't want lose the only family you have left." She sniffled toward the end.
"Oh Talia..." He sighed, opening his arms. "Come here, my darling."
She walked into his arms, bumping into his chest. "I made myself sad."
"My poor sweetheart..." David sat her in his lap, hugging her tight and kissing her head. "It should've been a happy time for everyone...instead I ruined everything once again. I'm sorry, Tai."
"Poppa, don't give up on him. He only has us. It was a good time. Grandpa was just mean." She leaned into his touch.
"I'll think about it, Tai. But I can't promise you anything. Things have been like this since my mother died." He showed her the photo.
"She looks like you." Talia said.
"You mean I look like her, honey." He chuckled, nuzzling her.
"What was she like?" She asked.
"Her name was Mira: she was fun, sweet, kind and generous. She loved cooking sweets and tell fairytales, she always played with me in our garden." He smiled at the memories, feeling nostalgic. "She taught me to always dream and believe. In fact, she believed in fairies and everything supernatural. Pop didn't approve much, he wanted his son to be pragmatic and down to earth like him."
"I believe that." Talia said. "Grandma sounds nice."
"She was the best." Xanatos held Talia for a long time, telling her stories about his mother and his childhood. When it was time for bed, he accompanied her to her bedroom and bid goodnight.
Owen laced up his boots. He had suggested another date for Roxanne to unwind. She happily agreed. Talia would be watched by Xanatos and was a knock on the door and Roxanne entered the room.
"Hello, handsome." She eyed him from head to toe and whistled.
He wore a comfy green shirt, jeans, a brown leather jacket and black boots. "You look beautiful, Roxie."
She was wearing black leather jacket, pants and boots, along with her usual red lenses glasses. "Thank you, darling."
"Are you ready to go?" He asked.
"Couldn't wait any longer." The vampire purred and held his elbow. "Finally, just the two of us out on the town."
"It's been too long." They walked out.
"And maybe we could get a little bit naughty in Central Park later..." She giggled.
Owen felt his blood heat up at the suggestion. "It's going to be an easy hike so I think I can pencil your request in."
"Why, thank you Mr. Burnett..." They got out of the building and started walking down Fifth Avenue, looking at shop Windows from time to time. They also passed in front of a wedded clothing shop.
Owen smirked. "Wedding attire after we already went to a wedding. What dress do you like?"
"Uh?" Roxanne barely noticed the atelier, tilting her head when she saw it. "Well, I...don't know. They're all so...white. And pompous." She shrugged.
"We can find something better for you." Owen continued walking.
"What…?" She blinked.
"I... I didn't mean right now, but... someday?" Owen blushed.
Roxanne smiled softly, and then kissed his cheek. "I'll be waiting for that day. Well, night."
"Of course." He said.
They walked for a good while, chatting quietly. Owen enjoyed her company. They talked about their favorite music and amusing things that happened at work. The couple arrived in Central Park and sat on a bench.
"Were you being serious before? About marrying me?..." Roxanne asked, trailing off.
"Yes, I was." Owen turned to face her.
"You...do realize that I'm dead, right? Are you sure you want to spend the rest of your life...with me?" She hesitated.
"Roxanne, I haven't felt this strongly about a woman the way I've felt about you. I love you and I would gladly spend the rest of our lives with you." Owen wasn't sure who was speaking, but he agreed with all of it.
Roxanne took off her glasses and remained silent for a whole minute, a tight line on her lips. "Vampires cannot love. That's what everyone has told me since I became one...but my Sire doesn't agree. She told me that some Cainites may very well feel love, if they manage to find balance between the Beast and the humanity they still have. The more ancient a vampire becomes...the more alien they get. They start to think themselves superior to human beings, detaching completely from their humanity and dominate their Beast."
"Roxanne, I had that superior problem at one point in time. You said you were willing to fight for love, did you not mean for yourself as well?" Puck asked her.
She remained silent again, before turning towards Owen: Her hand went to caress his cheek and she placed her forehead on his own.
"Of course I did. I'm always willing to fight for a good cause." She smiled.
Owen kissed her lightly on the lips. "That's my Roxie."
"How did someone so smooth and elegant like you, ended up with a knucklehead like me?" She asked him.
"I'd say we could thank Mister Xanatos for hiring you, but you were the one to convince me." He said.
Roxanne smirked and proceeded to kiss Owen roughly, nibbling his lower lip. He scooted closer until their thighs were touching. His hand threaded its way into hair as he opened his mouth.
"God, Owen, I want you to fuck me so bad..." She moaned while her hand slithered inside his pants, feeling his erection.
He moaned as she groped him. "N-not so close to the walkway."
"I know a spot...come with me." Roxanne took him by the hand, pulling Owen deeper into the park, among the bushes, near the lake. Most of the street lamps were broken, so it was very dark.
"Unbelievable...I broke those lights three months ago, and they still haven't replaced them. What do people pay the taxes for?" She shook her head.
"You broke them?" Owen asked, taking off his clothes.
"Central Park is one of the best places to feed, but there are too many damn lights." She explained.
"Oh." He said dumbly.
"Well, I have to feed from time to time, you know?" She shrugged, taking off her jacket and shirt.
Owen stumbled as he tried to his pants off, forgetting about his boots. Roxanne chuckled.
"Here, let me help." She knelt down and unlaced his boots.
"Thank you, Roxanne." He smiled.
Once their clothes were off, Roxanne put herself on four, bending slightly forward so that her ass stuck out. She wiggled it playfully. "Come on, stud, show me what you got."
Owen grinned. "You asked for it."
Owen walked up to her and knelt, draping his body over hers. His cock slid into her and he teased her with long, slow thrusts. He kissed and nipped her neck.
"OooOOOooh...Oh, no, babe you can't do that..." Roxanne moaned, closing her eyes and trying to feel as much as possible.
Owen, despite his lust filled mind, moved up to her mouth and turned her head. He stuck his tongue in as he decided to go faster.
"Mmmmph!" Her tongue danced into his, guiding one of his hands to her right breast.
He groped and squeezed it. Her nipple scrapped against his palm. Owen backed out to the tip of his head before slamming into her. Roxanne moaned louder, uncaring if someone would hear her or not.
"Roxanne..." He groaned. His hips slapped against hers as he continued the brutal pace. She felt so good around him. Beads of sweat rolled down his forehead.
"Oh, God-fucking- nnnngh!" She bent her back more, letting him thrust into her. The new angle was too much for him to bare. His thrusts became sloppy as he focused on pleasing Roxanne.
"I'm gonna- Ah!" Owen buried himself in her, coming hard.
"OoOoOoOOooh! AAH!" Roxanne, even though she couldn't physically reach the climax, felt an indescribable pleasure just to know that Owen was so passionate about making love to her.
"Ooh, mmmh...oh, Owen..." She sighed, laying down on the grass.
Owen laid on top of her, panting. His chest rose and fell as he tried to catch his breath. He nuzzled her hair lovingly.
They stayed like that, unmoving; Roxanne was just happy to feel Owen's heartbeat on her back. "And people think you have no emotions..."
"Those people don't deserve to see them. You do." Owen mumbled.
"Aawww..." She cooed, taking his hand and kissing it. "Although, I have to admit, it was your stoic, cold appearance that attracted me at first. The first thing I thought when I met you, was that I wanted to snap every single button of your jacket and shirt." Roxanne whispered.
"Really?" He smirked.
"Mh-mh..." She smirked. "And what did you think of me the first time you saw me?"
"I wanted to kiss you so much." Owen wrapped his arms around her.
"Talia, it's past your bedtime. No more games." Fox shouted.
"Catch me!" Talia scampered down the hall.
"I've got this." David smirked and started to run after Talia.
Talia was delighted that Poppa wanted to play. Her magic brewed as climbing structure grew from the ground. She scrambled up it.
"Woah!" Even though David wasn't as young as Talia, his reflexes were quick and he managed to climb up the structure.
"I'm going to get you, Tai." He chuckled.
"What's this?" Fox asked, having followed behind. Talia was swinging from the monkey bars she made next. There was a pit of feathers below it.
"Talia made it. Isn't it incredible?" David grinned, trying to follow Tai on the monkey bars, but falling among the feathers. "Oof!"
They tickled him.
"Ah! No! Ahahhaha! Fox-ahaha! -help!" He laughed uncontrollably.
Fox wrapped her legs over the bars, bending down. "Grab my hand."
David jumped and grabbed Fox's hands, knowing very well how strong his wife was. "Thank you, darling."
She swung him to the other side before crossing herself. Talia watched them, making some mushroom like stairs leading to a slide. They wobbled as she jumped on them.
"Come on, Tai, it's time for bed. Don't you want poppa and mama to cuddle with you and tell you a story?" Xanatos was keeping the balance well, trying to go after Talia.
Talia thought. "It's play time."
"Is she always like this?" Fox asked.
"Well, actually...this is the first time I've ever seen her so active...and happy." He chuckled, before turning towards Talia. "No, sweet pea, it's bed time. There will be enough time to play tomorrow."
Talia pouted, going down the slide in protest.
"Talia, come here. Be a good girl and obey your father." David scolded lightly as he went down the slide as well.
Talia paused. What would happen if she continued? But she still wanted to play...
"One more?" She asked in a sweet voice.
Xanatos was about to say no, that it was late and she needed to rest...but he couldn't do that. Not while looking at those puppy eyes.
"Well...alright." He smiled.
Owen and Roxanne had gotten dressed and, after making out a bit, left Central Park. Roxanne brought Owen to a Rock club, where a Billy Idol impersonator was playing and singing 'White Wedding'. They danced and Roxie managed to make Owen drink something, but making sure that he wouldn't get drunk.
"That was fun, right?" She asked grinning as they left the place.
"Yes, it was. What time is it?" He asked, having forgotten to wear a watch.
"Too early to go back?" Roxanne said, chuckling. "Aww, come on! The night is young...let's do something crazy! Something...Brujah." Her attention was caught by a motorcycle parked near the club and her eyes twinkled.
"Brujah?" He asked, looking where she was."What are you thinking?"
Roxanne looked behind the club, in an alley, where the owner of the bike was making out with his companion, both helmets left on the ground.
She smirked at Owen. "Let's end this wild night with a bang."
Elisa sipped her cup of coffee. They had been put on speeding patrol. Hours of waiting in the car for a brief break in the monotony. A motorcycle whizzed by.
"Matt, we gotta go." Elisa put her car in gear.
"And to think this night was being so quiet..." Matt muttered before putting the siren and light on. They peeled out of their parking space and sped after the motorcycle.
Owen looked back. "Fuck, that's Elisa's car."
"You don't say..." Roxanne laughed and sped up, zigzaging her way through the traffic.
Owen clung to her. "Woah!"
More police cars were after them now. Luckily, both their faces were hidden thanks to the helmets. They weaved and bobbed out of the city and onto the highway. The other cars noticed all the police and tried to pull over.
"Hang on!" Roxanne accelerated, until she noticed that one of the freeway exits was blocked for roadworks and she chose to make a sudden turn towards it.
"DAMN IT!" Elisa hit the brake and the other cars did the same.
Owen felt his heart pound in his chest as they got closer to the exit. He shut his eyes.
The road ended and the motorcycle remained in the air for a few moments...before ending on the other side, safe and sound.
"WOOOOHOOO!" Roxanne howled.
"We made it? We made it!" Owen began laughing.
She stopped a few miles later, taking off her helmet and turning towards Owen. "How do you like the Brujah life, sweetheart?"
Owen took off his helmet and dropped it roughly on the ground.
"You and me, one more round." He said huskily.
"Aw, babe, I'd love to...but not only we're surrounded by police officers, it's also late. We could continue at home, if you want..."
"Yes, let's go home. I want you so bad." He nodded. Roxanne grinned and picked Owen in her arms.
"I know a faster way to get home." She started running at a high speed towards Manhattan.
"Talia, are you happy now? You're stuck in the exo suit and the hallway is a mess." Fox scolded. Talia was face down on the floor.
"Get me out!" She shouted.
"Alright, David, you hold the suit and I'll get Talia out." She told him.
"I don't understand why on earth you would try to wear my armor." Xanatos huffed as he lifted the exo suit.
"I was curious." Talia admitted reluctantly.
"Okay, 1... 2... 3!" Fox tugged Talia out. "You need to cool it on the cookies, missy. They go straight to your butt."
"Never." Talia shook her head.
Xanatos sighed. "I better take this back to the lab...and change the password."
"Go to bed, Talia. I mean it." Fox told her.
"We'll come tuck you in soon, but I want to see you in bed." Xanatos added.
Talia left, fixing the hallway as she went. Her magic drained and she became quite tired, not realizing that her arms felt wet.
"David, I was trying to make a point. No tucking her in because she disobeyed you." Fox turned to him.
"Come on, Fox, no need to be so severe. I'm sure she learned her lesson." He smiled, kissing her cheek.
Fox huffed. "Go put that thing away."
She walked out. Luckily, Talia fixed everything. She saw Owen and Roxanne making out near the Great Hall.
Roxanne stopped kissing Owen when she heard someone clear her throat. "Oh, hey Fox."
"Guess what your daughter did today, Owen." Fox frowned.
Owen groaned.
"She made us stay up all night playing with her. When we tried to put her bed, she turned the hallway into a playground and made us catch her. Then she got stuck in David's exo suit. We got her out, no need to worry or anything." She crossed her arms.
Roxanne couldn't help but laugh. "Alright, alright, we get it: next time, you'll go out and we'll stay with her. Where's the rascal now?"
"I sent her to bed." Fox sighed.
"Let's go to say goodnight at least. And tell her to not misbehave anymore." Roxie chuckled, taking Owen by the hand and walking towards Talia's bedroom. They met David in the hallway.
"Hello, you two. Had fun?" He asked.
"Yes, it was a lovely night." Owen answered.
"Good. I was about to tuck Talia in for the night." David said opening the door.
Talia was laying in bed at an odd angle, she hadn't change into her pajamas. Blood stained the sheets. The room smelt rotten.
"Talia!" Owen rushed to her side.
Roxanne and David gasped, hurrying next to Owen. "What's wrong with her?!"
"Owen, what is going on?" He looked at him.
"She used too much and drained her magic." Owen turned into Puck. His hands glowed as he healed her.
Talia opened her eyes. "Daddy?"
"Oh my God, oh my God..." Roxanne bit her bottom lip, holding one of her hands.
"Sweetie, honey, how do you feel?" Xanatos asked softly, caressing her black hair.
"Sleepy." Talia yawned.
"Talia, look at me. Let me see your eyes." Puck turned her head. They were their normal vibrant green again. Not drained of magic.
"Is she ok?" Fox asked from the doorway.
"Yes, but I'd rather stay with her for a bit." Puck said.
"I think it's better if we all stay." Roxanne suggested, taking a pillow and sitting on the floor next to the bed. David sat on the armchair. Fox sat in front of David. Puck stroked Talia's hair.
"I'm going to start daily magic lessons so you know your limits, Tai." He told her.
"Ok." Talia snuggled her pillow.
Puck turned to the adults. "Talia needs some amount of magic to live while it heals her. I told you her wounds were bad. I... erased her memory of her suicide attempt because I couldn't handle the guilt." He cried. "She needed me and I wasn't there."
"She...she did what?" David was shocked.
"Puck..." Roxanne frowned, hugging him. "Tell us what she needs. How can we help?"
"Talia was depressed because of her home life. Just keep being good to her. We already put her on medicine. It's helping now that dosage is right." He explained, wiping his eyes.
"Alright, love. Now calm down, she's fine..." Roxie rubbed his slender back, rocking him a bit. David sat closer to Talia and kept caressing her hair.
"Puck..." Fox frowned sadly.
"I don't like to talk about it; it's one of worst things that happened to my chick. Baby." Puck crawled onto the bed and held Talia.
The small family remained together that night: Puck fell asleep next to Talia, while Fox and Xanatos quietly talked to each other.
"You two should go to bed now. I can stay up until dawn and watch over her." Roxanne whispered. "I'm sure you had a tiring night."
"Yeah, it was. The maze was no joke." Fox stretched. "But Talia and David were having fun."
"Talia and David?" Roxanne smirked at Xanatos.
He shrugged. "It was fun."
"Oh I bet...was it making you feel young again?" She snickered.
"Ha-ha-ha, very funny..." He stared at her, deadpan.
Fox kissed his cheek. "Let's go to bed, dear."
They left and went to bed. Roxanne sat on the now vacant armchair, holding Talia's hand; so many things were happening all at once in her unlife...one moment she thinks that immortality is becoming boring, the other she finds herself a family. And what a family. Things were becoming more and more complicated, and any other vampire would've already fled and disappeared from the scene...not her.
Finally, after centuries, she had the chance to be herself with someone who wasn't a vampire, trying either to kill her or to gain something from her. Honesty and generosity aren't exactly the top priority for a Cainite: if you're not strong enough, malicious enough...you die. Naive and kind vampires don't last long. Roxanne grimaced, disgusted. That was exactly why she chose to be on her own for so long, far away from the hypocrisy of the Camarilla and the fanaticism of the Sabbat, but now she couldn't hide no more.
Her portable phone shook her out of her thoughts and she answered. Not many had her number. "Yes?"
"Good evening, Miss Roxanne." The voice greeted.
She groaned. "Bennett. Where did you get my number?"
"The Sheriff kindly provided it to me." Roxanne swore she could feel him smirk on the other side of the phone, and that unnerved her.
"I called to personally invite you to a private soiree at the Elysium on the fifth of December. Needless to say that your presence would be appreciate." Bennett told her.
"Fine. Fine. Will we discuss how to-" She started to ask.
"We will discuss about that face to face. It's better not talk too much on the phone. The night of the soiree, the Sheriff will come and collect you, driving you to the site of the Elysium. All in perfect safety." He cut her off, explaining what he expected of her.
"I'm the last person to need safety, Bennett." Roxanne couldn't help but point out.
"One never knows. Goodnight." And with that, he ended the phone call. Roxanne growled and huffed: the fifth of December was going to be an interesting night.
