Disclaimer: I do not own the Caster Chronicles. I would like to dedicate this one shot series to Fogs of Gray (look her up, she's fantastic) and CelestiasFaithful. They write really amazing Caster Chronicles stories, especially Fogs, since her's are more Macon-centric. So, check out these two! They're gifts from God. Next to me, of course.

Summary: One stormy night, Macon realizes just how much he means to his young niece, Lena Duchannes.

Macon felt exhaustion pulling at his eyes. He should be sleeping. He hadn't slept in a long time. But Lena kept having nightmares. She would wake up, shrieking bloody murder, and Macon would run into her room to make sure she was all right. A yawn pulled at his mouth. Since his nights were preoccupied, he had to spend his days researching. This was posing a problem for his health. The wind and rain battered the windows of his study. Macon shook his head sadly. Lena was having another nightmare. Soon, she would wake up, calling for her mother or father. Macon would run up, and she would cling to him, but not before that flash of disappointment came to her eyes. Macon knew that he could never be her father. He didn't try to be. Lena knew he wasn't her father, and she didn't love him in the unconditional way a child loves their parent. Lightning flashed and thunder rumbled, and Lena screamed. Macon got up wearily, relenting to another sleepless night. But it was the words that came from his niece's mouth that made him stop cold.

"UNCLE MACON!" That was the first time she had ever called him by his name during the night. He rushed up to her room, and opened the door. Instantly, a tiny flannel bundle threw herself at him, hugging him tightly around his middle. "Is that you?" Macon hugged her back reassuringly, and nodded.

"It's me," he told her. "What happened?" Lena took a deep, shuddering breath.

"I had a nightmare," she began. "And I woke up, calling for you, but you never came." Macon scooped an arm under her knees and lifted her into his arms. She cuddled against his chest as he carried her to his bed.

"I'm here," he said, setting her down in her covers. "I'll always be here." Lena stared up at him.

"It was the worst nightmare ever," she cried passionately.

"I'm fairly certain that the one about the vampire gorilla was scarier," Macon commented dryly, tucking her in. Lena shook her head emphatically.

"It was scary because when I woke up, I thought you weren't going to come." Macon stared at his niece. Her eyes were wide, staring unblinkingly at him. Macon pressed his lips to her forehead.

"Well, I came," he said quietly. "And I'll stay for as long as you want." Lena yawned.

"Can you stay here?" She asked. "I don't want you to ever go." Macon sighed and lay down on the bed.

"Of course," he said, and put his arms around her.

"I love you Uncle M." Macon's throat tightened. He hadn't heard anyone say that in so long. He kissed her hair as she fell asleep in his arms.

"I love you too."

Xx

When Lena woke up, she was nestled in Macon's chest. Her uncle was breathing deeply. Lena planted a kiss on his cheek, and he woke up.

"Sorry," she said. "I didn't mean to wake you." Macon sat up and ran a hand through his hair.

"Nonsense," he said. "It was about time I woke up anyway." Lena looked at him.

"Can I ask you something?" Macon nodded.

"Of course."

"Can I stay at Ravenwood more often?" She asked. Macon's eyes widened, and then he smiled. Lena had never seen him smile before. He looked so much younger.

"I would like that very much, Lena," he murmured. Lena threw her arms around his neck. Without a moment's hesitation, her favorite uncle hugged her back.