((Ok guys, this is a warm-up for me and Xav. I have no clue where it is going to go, but if at any time there seems to be an opening, feel free to join in. :) ))
The harshness of winter was gone, the first buds of spring had begun to show on the trees. Ginny had caught a glimpse of some early spring flowers, and such buds filled her with such hope. Such happiness.
Winter inspired nothing but stillness to Ginny.
Spring inspired life, anew.
It was still chilly out, and so Ginny sat in her living room, at a desk she often worked at, her feet propped up, her body facing the glass doors that led into the back yard. It was very early, too early for her children to wake up. Not too early for Xav, but he had been to bed much later than she.
Ginny thought back to finding him in that hospital on America. Scary.
He had said Xences was dead.
She still felt relief from that.
She could recall when she was pregnant with Meliody and Xences had touched her belly. She had gotten sick almost instantly. To this day she doubted it had been in her head, but so far there had been no repercussions.
Thankfully.
Deep in thought, Ginny closed her eyes against the warm spring sun, the silence of the house helping her think clearly.
It was the first slivers of morning light that woke him, slithering through the slightly parted shades and stealing across the sheets. Xaver stirred with a soft moan, his arm shifting up slightly to the now cooled pillow where Ginny's pretty head usually was. His eyes slid open, his brow furrowed as he drew in a breath, then let it out in a yawn, stretching his arms above his head and gently pulling the tensed muscles of his abdomen, hips, then legs. He gave a muffled grunt and relaxed as pain simmered throughout his figure - remnants of his trip to the States not more than a few weeks or so ago.
"Mmfh."
His tones were little more than a whisper as he swung his legs over the side of the bed with a patient and well-controlled grace, bare feet hitting the new carpet. Gripping the bed-side table for support as he rose, Xaver's tall, lean form made an impressive shadow over the dresser as he made to it in all his naked and still-recovering glory. He dressed slowly, shuffling on simple briefs and sweatpants that sagged comfortably to sit at his hips, foregoing all else and turning toward the door. He didn't feel the chill of the morning, yet a shudder still traced through him, goosebumps springing up over a fresh pink scar that trailed from his left hip and up like mangled barbed-wire to his right shoulder. He had spattering of train track staples here and there, holding together not yet healed injuries. The bruises littered about him were paling, however, and there hadn't been any sign of infection for days.
He padded easily, quietly, across the carpet of his home, the tips of his rough fingers grazing the wall of the hallway as he went. Emerging soundlessly into the living room, he paused, a smile tipping his handsome features.
Ginny.
Xaver truly loved his wife, and the sight of her, morning light brightening up her gorgeous face and the tints of her shockingly red hair, had him forgetting the morning scruples with his recovering form. Nabbing a blanket from arm of the nearest couch, he moved toward her, making some noise now purposefully, as to not surprise her. He stopped near her extended knees, gently draping the cover over her feet and slender legs and bending to brush a kiss over the corner of her mouth.
"Good morning, beautiful."
Her husband padded into the room, she could hear his soft footsteps. Just the thought of him made a smile appear on her face, and by the time he had reached to kiss her, her eyes opened and she was looking directly into his deep blue eyes.
"Morning, handsome."
She reached up and before he could escape she wrapped her arms around him, pulling him closer so she could kiss him lightly.
"How'd you sleep? Still seem a bit bruised up, babe."
He did look like he hurt, but not as much as he had. Still a little roughed up, it seemed.
Her thoughts of Xences faded quickly as she looked at Xaver. Yes, the two were twins, but there couldn't have been to unlike people in the universe. All in the eyes.
Xaver had just began to pull away when her arms encircled him and pulled him closer. He smiled warmly at her welcome and kissed her back, lovingly, tenderly. After a moment he withdrew and planted another kiss upon her nose before moving to draw up a chair and sit beside her.
"How'd you sleep? Still seem a bit bruised up, babe."
He nodded, tilting his head to the side just slightly as he considered her question.
"Well as always, beside you."
Xaver passed her a smile and shifted to a more comfortable position on his chair, slouching slightly.
"It's not so bad, in the scheme of things. I am as well off as I possibly could be, now."
Ginny shifted in her seat so her upper body faced him better, so she could view him much better. She liked what she saw. The black hair, pale skin, chiseled features. All of it coming together with his eyes.
Ginny was a big believer that the eyes always told the truth.
"I'm glad you feel better, Xaver." She smiled slightly.
Ginny watched him for a moment, "Tell me, my love...what of your brother?"
She needed to know. there was something in the back of her mind that felt dark, and she knew it had something to do with Xaver's worse half.
Ginny shifted to better look at him and he let his eyes trail over her figure appreciatively.
"I'm glad you feel better, Xaver," she said.
Xaver nodded, knowing well enough himself that he was lucky to have even made it back to England.
"Tell me, my love...what of your brother?"
Xences.
A subject both he and Ginny had escaped since he'd been home, Xaver felt his heart cringe. His twin brother had never been the subject of joy or any sort of enlightenment - he was his other half and had been the sole figure in their younger sister's death and on many occasions almost Xaver's own.
Ginny's eyes probed at his soul, and there was naught Xaver could do to avoid them. Not that he would particularly choose to, anyway. There wasn't much to be in the way of secrets between them and their marriage.
Xaver settled back into his chair as he met her gaze.
"What do you want to know, baby?" he returned, ready to answer any of her inquiries and worries.
Her feet dropped from the desk so that now her entire body faced him. She reached out for his hand, taking it within her own. The touch thrilled her and comforted her. Simple pleasures like that made her days worthwhile.
"Is he honestly, truly..dead?"
She was afraid he's be unsure. She wanted to make sure. Something itched at her.
She faced him now and took his hand within her own, and Xaver's raging heart slowed, easing into a gentler, more familiar rythm even as his nerves wound tighter. He knew the question that was coming.
"Is he honestly, truly..dead?"
It was the eyes that haunted Xaver most.
Dark eyes that were so like his own.
"Yes."
Ginny knew that she shouldn't feel such relief at the death of her brother-in-law. But she did. She visably relaxed and a smile touched her lips. She squeezed his hand as she let out a breath of relief. But that nagging feeling was still there.
The last time she had seen him...
"What of your necklace?"
Something about the last time she had seen Xences.
"A little of this, a little of that, a droplet of blood, and a feather of Black," Xaver murmed almost automatically.
His eyes met hers as he squeezed her hand, shaking off the image that had taken over him.
"My necklace?"
His gentle gaze was as questions as it was curious.
"The day I spoke with...him." She paused, recalling dangling the necklace over Xence's hands and calling him pathetic. She shouldn't have done that.
"He gave me the information I wanted in exchange for your necklace, the one that shows your feelings." Ginny flushed slightly, "If there is anyway to get it...I'd like to have it back. I never liked giving it up."
Xaver had never hid his love for her. He had never hid anything from her...for long. She wanted the necklace though. Call her sentimental. She was.
But perhaps it was the source of the icky feeling.
So that was how she'd gotten Xences to cooperate. There was hardly another way. The only thing the other Xian heir had ever responded to was corruption or treachery or bribes. The necklace had been enough.
Xaver chewed his lower lip for a moment, rubbing his thumb over the top of her hand.
"There is a way."
[NOT FINISHED]
[I see that posties can no longer be modified after a while. Hmm.]
So that was how she'd gotten Xences to cooperate. There was hardly another way. The only thing the other Xian heir had ever responded to was corruption or treachery or bribes. The necklace had been enough.
Xaver chewed his lower lip for a moment, rubbing his thumb over the top of her hand.
"There is a way," he said quietly, though his dark eyes grew troubled at the thought. The lines in his handsome face grew deeper, and more tired, within the moments he sat there and mulled it over.
His gaze returned to hers.
"Though within me there is doubt would I be pleased or keen on the measure of your acceptance."
Ginny's face mirrored his, though she hadn't a clue where this was leading up to. Such was the married life, you became so much like your spouse that you could mimic them to a T, and if not careful, become scarily able to predict each and every move and reaction.
Although, Ginny could already do that, psychic as she was.
"My acceptance to what?" She asked him, puzzled. Xaver's world and it's ways were still a mystery to her, and it was very possible they always would be.
Xaver's gaze met Ginny's, his eyes dark oceans of untold emotion and severity, focused on his wife in both adoration and concern.
Almost knowing how her expression would change upon his answer.
"Baby."
He shook his head then, planting a kiss upon her forehead, and rising from where he had come to sit beside her. Xaver ran a hand through his thick hair, fingertips lightly grazing the train-track staples holding the edges of a large laceration vertically set in the back of his skull.
"No."
No... It.. No.
Xaver ground his teeth as his thoughts all but stuttered, focusing on bad images and unwelcome thoughts.
Ginny's eyes followed him, her confusion evident. She wasn't sure if Xaver had thought of something truly awful, or just something he didn't think Ginny was capable of.
"Why? I mean, it is just a necklace, but it is something I would like Cody or Meliody to someday have."
Playing dirty, a little. She knew Xaver hated to slight his children anything. But she also knew he wouldn't do something stupid because of it. She was just poking Papa Bear, as it were, in order to see her options.
She too stood up, gently wrapping her arms around his waist, facing him and smiling sweetly.
"If there is a way, love, I'd like to try it."
"Why? I mean, it is just a necklace, but it is something I would like Cody or Meliody to someday have."
Xaver chewed his lower lip, both thoughtful and stressed by the thoughts running rampant through his head, and the emotional gourde thumping within the cage of his chest. He loved his family, and held them all to the highest endearments a Fallen lord could create. Xaver wanted to always give them the best he could offer of soul and purchase, it was true, and Ginny of all people knew this. She was his lover, his wife, and his best friend - she knew him as thoroughly as he could possibly fathom anybody did; she was the epitome of a soul mate.
"It is not just a necklace," he said softly, as she wrapped her arms around his middle. He was comforted by the gesture almost as much as by the sweet, familiar smell of her. Wrapping an arm lightly around her shoulders, he let his blue eyes fall back to hers.
"It's what is called in my- the Fallen world, a 'soul sweep'. It is often translated as the soul 'sneak', because of the ..uncanny ability the necklace has to follow the moods and predicaments of the provider. My grandfather invented them years ago, and they have been somewhat of a family tradition.. heirloom?.. ever since in the Xian clan. A little of this, a little of that.. meaning a mix of a dying man's thoughts, a baby's tear, and a little irretrievable power. A droplet of blood, which is obvious, and a feather of Black. The Xian's are the only existing Fallen with black wings, or in their wings. Each family and heritage has its own colors and schemes, but we have long since had the darkest color. Darkest history, perhaps.."
Xaver shook his head, disconnecting from the tangent.
"It's not just a necklace.." he said again, gently.
"If there is a way, love, I'd like to try it."
Xaver knew that. Of course he knew. He just...
"It would require talking to him. Offering a little power, blood, and knowledge to spark whatever remains of his soul to free him temporarily. He buried his secrets with his ragged remains."
Ginny's first thought was the muggle zombie. She watched a lot of TV when she was bored. Her second thought was the very real Inferi. Animated corpses, used as armies once by the Dark Lord in the wars. She shuddered as she thought of such things. It took a dark person to raise the dead from rest. Dark feelings, strong feelings. It was a scary thing, necromancy.
"I don't like that very much," Ginny admitted. Not just because if the age-old adage to not tamper with human souls, but also because it was Xences. If Ginny had to choose whom she would bring back from the dead, Xences wasn't even on the list. Ever.
"Is there any other way? Such a thing could have great power against you..."
Kings weren't supposed to have feelings. Many believe feelings made one weak. Although Ginny often opposed this idea, she knew feelings could expose weakness, such as one's loved ones.
Xaver felt more than saw the disproving shudder that ran through Ginny's form, and he found himself nodding almost automatically.
"I don't like that very much."
He tipped his head slightly, "I didn't think you would."
His brother.. anything to do with him.. Xaver gritted his teeth against even his twins name.
"Is there any other way? Such a thing could have great power against you..."
Xaver shook his head, a shoulder raising slightly as good explanation failed him.
"It's tragic to be so old, and have not the answers to everything."
There was a hint of a smile behind the mask of concern that had overswept his features.
"Old man," Ginny gently teased, squeezing him gently before freeing him and stepping out of his reach. She glanced towards the hall, down which the children both still slept. She'd been having doubts about keeping her children here, not only in the muggle world (all of their neighbors were muggles) but in her world as well. However, Ginny had a strong feeling the children wouldn't be wholly accepted in Xaver's world either.
"I have another question, my love." Ginny paused, watching him. She didn't know very much about the Fallen world, there wasn't any place for her to find out except through Xaver. He could lie and she'd believe him. But she knew he'd never lie.
"Old man."
Ginny gave him a squeeze, and Xaver gave a low, bemused laugh. It was true after all - he was far older than even he could understand. He couldn't comprehend how he'd made it so far, or so long.. But it was obviously for a purpose - and she was glancing down the hall at that said purpose. His children were meant to be, as his love with Ginny had been meant to develop and bloom. Everything happened for a reason, the Fallen lord believed, even if there were some things he would never come to understand. Xaver had been meant to live for so long, so that he could live this life. Live, and love, and grow as a man with his family.
"I have another question, my love."
Xaver's head tilted to the side slightly, his arms folding over his bare chest as his gaze flickered appreciatively over her form.
"Yes?"
She wrapped her arms around her, giving him a thoughtful face, "What is the current condition of your homeland? Are you still at war?"
An idea had begun to form in her mind, one that would benefit her children greatly if it could be carried through. She hoped to somehow enable Xaver to spend more time presiding over his kingdom and yet to spend as much time with his children. She knew he was often torn.
"Stalemated, actually."
His tones deep and temperate, Xaver lifted a hand and brushed a gleaming red streak of hair behind her ear. The blue oceans of his gaze mused over her features, his head tilting slightly.
"How is it that some humans hate us bird-folk more than the kitties we have centuries long been a-war with?"
His amusement was plainly written in the handsome lines of his face. Thinking of himself as a small bird, and his enemies as normal house-cats.. It was all quite humorous if you could let it be.
Xaver loved his homeland with a patriotism and adoration one could only have for their birth-place. He had long ago ascended to the throne, and was humbled by the following and devotion of his people... he just wasn't sure anymore if that life is what he wanted for his family. Xaver had more scars and emotional wounds than he would ever allow to be inflicted upon his children. However, the Fallen realm would indefinitely be as much a part of them as it was him, someday.
"Why, dearest?"
He swept a red lock of her hair behind her ear, and Ginny received goosebumps. His touch had a habit of inciting pleasure.
"The children..."
She paused, her eyes showing a million emotions, predominantly worry. She worried for her son and daughter. They were still so young, though no doubt they were bright. She worried about having them keep a secret so huge as their own identities.
She'd had to do it once. It sucked.
Ginny sucked in a breath, "Do you think we could pick up and move?"
Her words came out in a rush, "Cody is picked on in school, the neighbors distrust us, every week something is going wrong. I don't want to keep them here. I'm afraid for them. I don't want them to hide in the shadows, Xaver. I want them to live."
"The children..."
It seemed like so very long ago that Xaver had wondered if he would ever have a family and children of his own. Now he had a pair of eyes to lose himself into, and two beautiful children to care for. It was such a glorious honor...
He wrapped an arm securely around her shoulders and brought the other hand to her chin, his fingers curling gently beneath it.
"You know, in my life I've been bestowed quite a few titles. None have been more humbling than husband and father."
His slow smile was as honest as the dark blues of his gaze, searching hers.
"And if you wish it, I can be those anywhere."
Xaver had been long unaccustomed to living in the human world, though he would for eternity to be with his family. For his children to grow up where he, himself, had as a boy... Xaver hadn't even really thought about it. He hadn't thought that Ginny would want to go there, especially after all that had happened with Xences... And Kylie.
"I bet Kylie would have gotten a chuckle out of Codium."
Ginny felt her stomach flip at mention of Xaver's little sister. Kylie had been a beautiful child, who if given the chance, would have been the most beautiful lady in all the land, in more ways than appearances. Xences had cut short her life to get at Xaver. To hurt him.
It had.
It had hurt Ginny too. In the short time she'd known Kylie she had fallen in love with the sweet child, had started to accept her as her own sister.
She gave Xaver a small smile back, "Kylie would have loved him. And he, her."
Their son took after his father, and his father had loved little Kylie. Cody would have loved his aunt with the ferocity he loved the rest of his family, a fierce loyalty that burned deep within him. Especially since his own little sister had been born.
Xaver simply smiled, knowingly. Kylie would have been loved, as she had always loved. Simple as that. Xaver's heart ached with a grief that he knew would never fade, missing her.
"How will we tell them?"
He began to grow excited at the thought, though he couldn't pinpoint exactly why.
"Cody, at least. I'm not sure Meliody will exactly care much yet."
"How will we tell them?"
Ginny gave a smirk. How else? They'd blurt it out over breakfast, surprising Cody beyond belief. he always wanted to go with his dad, always wanted to see the land of which he was supposed to be the prince of.
"We'll write it in the sky." Ginny said with heavy sarcasm, poking Xaver lightly in the side. She gave him a dazzeling smile and a swift kiss on the cheek.
"The problem is, how will we tell my mum?"
Cody would be excited, Meliody was still too young to really care, but Ginny's mother would be irate. She would hate not having her grandchildren in the spoiling area.
"We'll write it in the sky."
At her nudge, Xaver poked his tongue out at her and gave a slight 'hmph'. He grinned at the pretty smile that enveloped her features, and made to the counter to pour some cereal with a slight rouge to his kiss-laden cheek. He grabbed the sugar-filled kind out of the cupboard, and chuckled at her over his shoulder.
"Your mother? Aye, that is a scary forte' innit?"
The wink passed over his shoulder was devious, as he grabbed the milk.
"Tell her I'll give her the ability to spoil the kids in whatever means she desires. After all, didn't you marry me for my money?"
With a wolfish grin he ducked behind the counter, giggling, wary of her attack.
"Tell her I'll give her the ability to spoil the kids in whatever means she desires."
Ginny was about to respond with a laugh.
"After all, didn't you marry me for my money?"
Her mouth dropped open, but she quickly recovered.
"What money?" She said sarcastically, starting towards him. "You belong in the poor house, mister. I already took it all!"
She glanced back the hall, making sure the kids weren't there and slid over the counter quickly so she was right in front of him.
"You bird-brain." She said in an almost whisper, poking him repeatedly in the chest. She reached up and lightly tapped his cheek with the palm of her hand, a soft barely touching slap.
"Bird-brain." She said again, smiling.
"You belong in the poor house, mister. I already took it all!"
Xaver laughed softly, the grin stealing across his features honest and warm. She slid over the counter and poked him.
"Bird brain?"
His grin widened.
"Bird brain, huhm? Might as well peck the hell out of you for that one.."
He nuzzled his face into the crook of her neck, tickling and nibbling, and laughing all the while. Wrapping his arms around her he drew her close then lowered the two of them to the floor, bringing her atop his lap amidst all the tickling, poking her in her sides as retribution.
Ginny snuggled into his lap, into the circle of his arms, giggling softly. She didn't want to wake either child up right now.
She enjoyed mornings like this, evenings. Any time the two could be together was perfect. She loved her children, but she had had Cody at such a young age, and while Xaver was away, and she never really got to just hang out with him.
Sure, they'd technically been dating for a while before Xaver disappeared, but those had been turbulent years. War in the magical world, war in Xaver's homeland, Xences...things had been difficult. They'd been friends for a good bit before that fateful first kiss as well, but they were still fairly new to each other. they knew each other better than anyone, but they didn't know everything.
"What a life." Ginny said softly, leaning back into his chest.
"Do you think things will ever become normal?"
She leaned back into him and Xaver murmured gratitude, sinking into the cupboards of the counter and wrapping his arms more snugly about her. He dropped kisses over the back of her head and the slope of her neck. They had had years of life officially together, but not enough actually side by side. Kissing the back of her ear, Xaver planned to remedy that.
"What a life."
He murmured agreeably, resting his strong jaw on the soft roundness of her shoulder.
"Do you think things will ever become normal?"
Xaver sat quietly, rocking her side to side within the circle of his arms as he thought about it. Normal?
"I'm not sure I know what that word means... But at peace? I believe so. With a goddess for a wife and two brilliant children I don't believe we will ever be.. normal.. but I believe we are working towards things slowing down, and us being at peace. Which I have heard should be nice. I'd like to have many more moments, just like this.."
He tilted his head and kissed her cheek.
"Peace sounds fantastic. And the kids won't have to hide."
Ginny had already had a million discussions with Cody on why he had to hide his wings while attending a muggle school. There had been twice as many discussions about not astonishing his teachers with his absolute genius. She had a feeling that Meliody would have the same smarts and same stubborn attitude. After all, until she'd met Xaver, Ginny had been the most stubborn person she knew.
"Do you think the kingdom will accept them? I mean, they are half human..."
"They are part you, there's a difference."
Xaver held her close, and honestly thought about it. Would his children be patronized for being half Fallen?
"In truth, many Fallen have never encountered humans. We stick to our realm and away from humans.. the stories are enough to make us wary of racism and judgment for our differences. Well, they were. I came because I wanted to know the truth.. and while there is a lot of that, there are also people like you, and your family."
His gaze turned to her, thoughtful.
"They are our children. Children of the crown or not, I would think they would get their fair chance at acceptance, just like the rest of us. Though he was vile in sense of a parent, my father forbade racism in our realm as I have after him. Hell, even the cat-folk are okay so long as they're not dedicated to their religion of wiping us out. And if they don't have fleas..."
"Fleas."
It got another giggle out of Ginny. Cody had informed her of the cat-people who hated the Fallen. He still had nightmares, and disliked some large house cats who looked at him sideways. But Ginny had faith in her son, she knew he would accept those who had no ill will against him or his family.
"I guess we just have to decided when to move everything."
Not that they had a lot. There were few things that Ginny would feel the need to take with them. A few trinkets, memorabilia, some of the kids' toys. She owned few material possessions that she could not take with her.
Her giggle brought a warm smile to his lips.
"First we'll have to visit there and pick out where in the castle we'll be staying. Bedrooms, whatnot. I think the children should visit, anyway, before we go head over toes into this. You never know.. they might not like it."
There was a bit of uncertainty in his tones.
Perhaps the kids, perhaps Ginny, wouldn't like his realm too much? Perhaps they'd like to visit, but to stay?.. Xaver didn't know how they'd take to it. After all, the last time Xaver remembered Ginny going there it was to bury Kylie.
Xaver's heart lurched.
"Xaver, it's a part of them."
She gave him a small smile, guessing he was thinking of the last time she had been there. It had been sad, but she had been fascinated by the place, and she knew her children would be as well.
"But a visit is a good idea. It'd be a good time to talk about the rules and stuff. Like not bothering you when you are working. They are used to you going away to work, they won't realize that you still have things to do."
Xaver traveled to and from his realm when pressing matters needed attended to. When he was home, it was usually like a vacation.
"Xaver, it's a part of them."
He knew it always would be, too. They were as much from his world as this one, and they would want to see that world, if not want to live in it.
"Aye, rules."
His mouth pursed at the thought. Another element his children had never experienced - seeing their father in his working environment. So far, they had only known him at home. It was an environment Cody or Meliody might themselves take over, someday.
"When do you want to go, love?"
The excitement was barely restrained.
Ginny could hear the excitement in his voice and smiled.
Well, today was as good as any, wasn't it?
"Let's go when they wake up." She suggested, twisting so she could see his face and plant a kiss upon his cheek.
"I know Cody will be so excited!"
Cody had long been begging to be allowed to go to his fathers land, to be able to see it, to experience it. He'd had many a tantrum over the subject, for Ginny refused to allow him to go without them both. It wasn't that she didn't trust Xaver, but rather she didn't trust Cody. It would have been like him to sneak past his dad and get lost or into trouble.
"Let's go when they wake up... I know Cody will be so excited!"
She planted a kiss on his cheek and Xaver beamed.
"I know they will be... Ah, and the surprises I have in store for them.. For all of you."
He winked at her, then drew his hand to the back of her head and pulled her to him, catching her lips with his own. After a long moment, he broke away, though not too far, their lips still slightly touching.
"I wonder if-"
"DAAAAAAAAAAAAADDDDDDDDD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Xaver almost laughed aloud, his sons voice hollering through the hallway almost as if on cue.
"Well, there you have it," Xaver laughed softly.
Following Cody's interesting yell, Meliody apparently needed to demonstrate her awakedness too. Judging by the sounds, she was standing in her crib shaking the bars and yelling nonsense, as one year olds are wont to do.
Ginny laughed, standing up and offering Xaver her hand.
"You get him, I'll get her. Breakfast in 10, ok?"
Such was the life of parenthood.
Xaver laughed aloud, taking Ginny's hand and standing, then drawing it up to his lips and planting a kiss over her knuckles.
"See you in ten, my love."
He swept in for another kiss at her mouth, then turned and raised his hands like a monster, roaring aloud and charging down the hallway like the charmingly dorky father he was. He bellowed straight into Cody's room where the boy, sitting on his bed, shrieked giddily and went hiding again under the covers. Xaver dove in after him, snorting and chuckling and reaching out to tickle. Grabbing his prize around the waist, Xaver drew the wiggling boy to him and slung him over his shoulder upside down. Turning and making toward the kitchen, he roared.
"BEAST HUNGRY!!!!"
Cody screamed a giggle and tried to tickle his father's sides as he was carried like a potato-sack back down the hallway and toward the front room..
Ginny laughed hilariously as Xaver charged down the hallway. She followed at a much more greaceful pace, gliding into Meliody's room. Meliody stopped her screaming upon the sight of her mother, reaching her arms up in the universal up sign. Ginny picked the one year old up, holding her close in her soft pajamas before taking her to the changing table.
She changed Meliody quickly, with the skill of someone who has no ill will about diapers. Again she picked her daughter up, kissing the fuzz of red hair as she walked into the kitchen, following her husband and son.
"Ghaderia," Meliody babbled, as Ginny plopped her down in her highchair.
Xaver was sitting on Cody at the dining table when Ginny and Meliody came in. Cody was giggling wildly and punching Xaver's sides in a play-wrestle. Both stopped and stood up, smiling sweetly and innocently when they saw Ginny.
"Hiya Mom!" Cody chirped, clambering back onto his chair and plopping his bottom onto it, cheeks flushed brilliantly. He waved at Meliody. "What's Ghaderia?"
Xaver, grinning ear to ear, made into the kitchen to whip up some breakfast, planting a kiss on his daughter's cheek along the way.
"Good morning, Cody." Ginny said. He had changed so much from the sober toddler he had been before Xaver appeared. The presence of his father had really loosened him up.
"Ghaderia might be the way Meliody says good morning." She suggested, walking over to ruffle his hair and give him a quick good morning kiss on the cheek.
She contemplated her son for a moment more, then grinned, "We have a surprise today!"
She couldn't help it.
"We have a surprise today!"
Xaver found himself giggling over his Cheerios. Pouring the milk in, he had a though that he would look much different to the people of the Fallen realm from when he had left. Sure he had visited, but this time, coming back with his family... He would look like a new man. One happy bird.
He could almost see the excitement on his son's face when Cody began his endless stream of "Whaaatsss?"
He looked over his shoulder, winking proudly at Ginny.
"Well if I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise, would it?"
She knew she would get nothing but whining from Cody now, but she loved teasing him just a little. He knew that.
She caught Xaver's wink and gave him a sly smile back.
"All I can say is that after breakfast I need you to get dressed in some nice clothes and help me get your sister ready. No whining, right?"
Cody gave a melodramatic sigh as Xaver plopped a bowl of cheerios in front of him. He nodded then, which made Xaver laugh over a mouthful of his own cereal. He set a bowl for Ginny beside Cody then, coughing, he sat next to Meliody, offering her some of his cheerios and a wink. The little girl made a huge grin and a squeal, reaching for the O's.
"It's going to be a good one," Xaver said between bites, not able to resist.
Cody gave him a glare over his pursed lips, determined to listen.
((I have a child on my lap :D ))
Ginny suppressed a laugh as Xaver teased Cody as well. It wasn't any wonder Cody was often sarcastic with people.
She munched on her cereal, enjoying the family moment. Breakfast during her childhood had been loud, though loving. Ginny loved her small family. She loved that Xaver was such a good dad.
(yay!!)
Xaver grinned at his family, watching them eat. He and Meliody shared and finished off his bowl, then began making faces at each other. When Cody had finished, he began to squirm to join in.
"Whaddya think, Melly, should we play with Codium just a little more? Make him wait for his surprise?"
Meliody clapped her chubby hands together, and Xaver laughed, planting a big kiss on her forehead.
"DAaaaaaaaadduuhh..."
Cody sighed heavily.
Xaver grinned at his exasperated son.
"Go on, you get the both of you ready, I'll take care of all of this."
Cody grinned and nearly flew off his chair toward Meliody. He took his care getting her out of her seat (with Xaver's help), and held her hand as they made toward their rooms, whispering giggly words of childish excitement to one another.
Ginny laughed as her children wandered down the hallway. She knew Cody would do fine getting his sister ready, he often helped out. She helped Xaver clear the table, and smiled.
"Do we need to take anything with us?"
She didn't know what to take if anything.
Take anything?
Xaver looked around them, but nothing in particular stuck out.
"I don't believe so."
He rinsed the dishes, running the back of his hand over his forehead out of brief fatigue. No matter how much fun it was to play, beneath his tattered, comfy shirt were still a healing array of bruises. His stapled belly didn't even hurt much today... it just wore him out a little.
At the thought, Xaver dried his hands on his sweatpants and lifted his shirt, displaying the railroad track of staples that went like a cross across his once gorgeous stomach. They had been put in place not too long ago by the mortal doctors who had both saved him and that he'd had to be saved from by Ginny. Looking down at it, he frowned, then tucked his shirt beneath his chin and gripped the highest staple between his thumb and index finger. It didn't hurt to touch. Xaver bit his tongue, then pulled it out. The flesh stung, but didn't bleed, the now small holes sealing closed.
It was a good sign.
He began pulling them out amidst hisses and curses, feeling more and more like himself as he did so. It was natural to heal quickly, for him..
Ginny heard the hisses and curses, surprised by them. Making sure her children were still getting dressed, she went to see what Xaver was doing that was caing so many swears.
"You could have asked me to do that..." She said, a touch of resignation in her voice. She knew he wouldn't have, ever. But she had been trained in healing, and would have been able to help a little bit.
She watched the holes heal quickly, and she nodded. She knew how quickly he healed and was relieved to see the holes disappearing.
"You could have asked me to do that..."
Xaver smiled over at her, placing the last of the staples into the hand now full of them. He shook his head.
"You know I wouldn't."
He tossed the staples into the trash, then ran his hands over his belly. It was flat, and muscular as ever, but now more scarred and ugly as it had ever been.
"Pretty ugly, huh?"
He traced his fingers down his still multicolored side, smiling slightly. It hadn't been too long ago that he'd looked like he'd been chewed up and spit out. He was doing pretty well, all things considered. Much better than the one who'd inflicted all that onto him.
Xaver winced at the thought.
No matter how right it was, it was still wrong to kill your family. Especially a twin that would have forever had a mental and soulful connection.
Xaver shook his head. Xences had no soul left to speak of.
Reaching for Ginny's hand, he let the shirt fall.
"Let's go change."
"Let's." She agreed, not liking to dwell on his scars. Scars meant pain, and she hated to think of him in pain. She took his hand and they went to their shared bedroom, Ginny peeking in on Cody as he helped Meliody get dressed.
He was currently trying to find an outfit he felt was appropriate for the surprise. Not knowing what the surprise was was making his task difficult.
Ginny chuckled and went to change.
After a quick five minute shower, Xaver tossed his pajamas in the laundry and donned more suitable attire for their visit. His hair was the mess it always was, but the rest of him portrayed the King he so very competently was. Black, pressed slacks, nice shoes, and a fitted, navy shirt that accentuated the dark oceans of his eyes, tucked beneath a floor-length black dress-coat.
He ran a hand through his dark hair, slicking the wet strands back over his handsome head, and made his way to Cody's room to see how he'd come about.
Ginny had pulled on a bright yellow dress, which cause her to look very much like a moving flame. She was currently in Meliody's room, adjusting the outfit Cody had picked out. A cute white and blue dress with tiny blue shoes, she looked picture perfect. Ginny knew it wouldn't last long. The toddler liked to throw food.
She picked her daughter up and ventured to Cody's room, where she had heard Xaver go to a few minutes ago.
"You boys ready?"
"YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!"
Cody was in nice black pants, shoes, and halfway into his white dress shirt. Arms up in the air, his head somewhere in between, he was doing circles in the room. Xaver was more or less trying to catch him.
"Just about, baby."
He caught the hyper youngster by a belt-loop and tugged the shirt the rest of the way down.
"There."
He grinned up at Ginny, then went to them, picking up Meliody from her arms and bringing her close, resting her on his side.
"Hey, there, pretty lady."
"Hey yourself." Ginny smiled and went to Cody, smoothing his hair with that trick all mothers have and all young boys hate. She patted his cheek, knowing he was excited.
"I will tell you the surprise now, so you can settle a little."
She smiled at him.
"We are going to your dad's land, sweetie. We want to think about maybe moving there. Living there. What do you think?"
Cody's jaw dropped, and he looked from Xaver to Ginny, and back again. For once in his life, he was speechless. Xaver laughed aloud, Meliody smiling at his side, and nodded.
"Indeed we are, buddy."
Xaver flashed Cody a grin, then opened his remaining arm to his family, preparing to leave.
Ginny clasped her sons hand and led him to Xaver, taking Xaver's other hand in her's. She let him do the traveling thing, he knew better than her where they were headed.
Cody was so excited her was practically jumping up and down, and Ginny didn't bother suppressing a smile now.
She was excited too. She couldn't wait to have that peace Xaver had spoken of. No more worries about the turbulent life affecting her family.